Cloudy Day

Evening sky in Lexington

Morning Sky after the storm

This room smells like chocolate cake!

This afternoon, our church fellowship hall smelled like a chocolate cake.   As soon as you walk in the room, you can smell the sweet aroma of  cake.  Looking around the room, it seems like a birthday party.  A purple tablecloth, colorful napkins, and two large silver punch bowls decorate the refreshment table.  The reception  is part of our church's celebration of individuals who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and been baptized.  It is a birthday party. Family, friends, and co-workers  have been invited to be a part of this special day. We are celebrating their new life in Christ.

Summer Joys, Vacation Bible School, & Tree Houses

Neighborhood Tree House

Memories from childhood...Vacation Bible School... reading... lighting bugs... riding bikes... walking in cornfields... ..how did my dad build a tree house between two Sugar Maple trees?

I have such fond reflections of Vacation Bible School @ Eden United Methodist Church.  Bible stories,  songs in the sanctuary, and making crafts....The seeds planted many years ago are still bearing fruit in the lives of those who attended.


This evening, Vacation Bible School will end at our church.  Wow! What a week!  Acting out Bible stories, memorizing scriptures, laughter, tears, crafts, songs, Kool Aid, hot dogs, chip, cookies, fun...loving God...Loving people... telling others.

A flower from my garden

Living free of fear

Living free of fear allows you to trust God more fully, deepen your faith, and live in faith rather than fear.   Traveling to Kenya eight times, Nancy models her faith in God.  

Great conversation and wonderful dinner with Tom & Nancy

. 

"Help, Lord" Psalm 12:1

Mammy Salt Shaker

This morning, I prayed for God's help.  Too often, I  work in my own strength. When efforts fail, I look back and trace the trail of pride.  This morning, I remembered, to ask for help.

I was preparing for  a full day.  In the morning, I was responsible to lead the discussion of The Help by Kathryn Stockett.   Later today, our  church would launch our first day of Vacation Bible School from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

I was a little anxious about leading today's discussion.   On the table, I placed two salt and pepper shakers. Why?  Because these shakers represent  how African Americans were often portrayed early in the last century.   As we discussed the book, the group grappled with emotions and memories evoked by the characters. It was a rich discussion.

The evening ended with me teaching pre school children about love of God.  We looked at the scriptures in Matthew chapter 8 and how Jesus healed the centurion's helper.  We asked, how does Jesus help you?   These little ones... listed how they pray for help.  To me it was a perfect way to end the day.

Earlier in the day after our book discussion our group shared a meal at a local restaurant.

Book Club members @ lunch

Praying

"I pray because I can't help myself.  I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time - waking and sleeping.  It doesn't change  God, it changes me." 

C.S. Lewis

Women of a certain age

Tell the truth, should women of a certain age wear shoes like these?