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Rain Paints a Canvas

That Sunshine Cannot

Mercy surrounds those who trust the Lord.

Psalm 32:10 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

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Those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.

Psalm 32:10 (Good News Translation)

Girls’ Night Out

Last night was our girls’ night out for their 2011 birthdays.

This yearly night out at a nail salon in Aunt Debbie’s area is a highlight for them.

Silliness, chatter, and giggles ruled the evening.

Life would be boring without granddaughters.

They love the pampering and massaging chairs when they get pedicures.

They also love being together.

…and I enjoy being with them.

One of them even told me that I’m doing pretty good for being sixty-seven years old!

The evening would not be complete without Aunt Deb, and it was made even better when Uncle Roy showed up.

He surprised each of us, and his timing was perfect – just as we were heading toward George’s Restaurant.

These pictures were taken while we were waiting for dessert.

Dessert has arrived!

I saw what was coming – but Diana did not. She was just acting silly.

Who could have pushed her face into the whipped cream?

Yep, it was Roy, and he got it back.

Then she forgave him with a whipped cream kiss.

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What a fun evening!

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Never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free.

God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.

James 1:25 (Contemporary English Version)

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Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

James 1:25 (New International Version)

Roy and Deb’s “Kids”

Skippi Rae was sleeping when we got there, but a quick drink soon revived her.

She came to live with Roy and Deb when her mom was killed, and was bottle-fed until she was able to eat on her own.

She doesn’t miss a thing – in the kitchen or outside on the patio where Roy and Deb feed outside birds and squirrels.

They have released eight squirrels so far this year, and some still come to their deck to eat.

Eating a nut

Then there is Ricki Raccoon.

Deb wanted us to see how she picks up M & M’s in her paws.

It was so much fun watching her.

Deb and Roy are fostering these animals until they are ready to be released. A veterinarian helps to oversee their health.

Ricki loves when Roy rubs her belly and teases her.

Skippi Rae relaxing on one of the hanging posts in her cage.

Licking Roy’s hand.

This is Ricki’s sister Rocki.

Both would have died after their mom was killed in late June had Deb not bottle-fed them day and night.  The were about four days old when someone brought them to Roy and Deb.  

They share this large cage.

Bailey is living with Roy and Deb on a temporary basis. They are looking for a good home for her. The person who had her was not able to continue caring for her.

She is cute and cuddly and would make a nice quiet pet.

It is better to depend on the Lord than to trust influential people.

Psalm 118:9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

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It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on human leaders.

Psalm 118:9 (Good News Translation)

Special Lunch

At Roy & Deb’s House

Driving through Lancaster.

Because we have an hour drive, we left shortly after church was over so we would be there by 12:30 p.m.

As we approached their house in southern Lancaster County, we met several Amish families and young people going home from church.

This was our Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversary, and birthday dinner. She made us feel quite special, and even had a menu.

Cerwin, and I chose sparkling grape juice before our meal and coffee between the meal and dessert.

Her names for the Main Entree and Veggie of the Day made me smile.

We asked if we could have a bit of all four. Porcupine Balls on White Fluff is on the bottom left – meat balls and mashed potatoes. Sloppy Pig on Bedding is on the bottom right – pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. Mexican Beans with Fluffy Snow is on the top left – chili on mashed potatoes and taco chips. The Green Beans with Pig Droppings is on the upper right – green beans and bacon.

Everything was DELICIOUS.

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We visited and enjoyed coffee as we watched birds and squirrels at the feeders outside on the patio, but the most entertaining squirrel was Skippi Rae whose home is a cage in their kitchen. (I will show you pictures of her tomorrow night.)

Mint Chocolate Delight – chosen by Roy. He declared it “delicious”.

Cerwin chose the Chocolate Turtle. I knew he would because he likes chocolate and caramel.

They all knew I would choose the Lemon Love. I thought she gave me too large a piece, but after the first bite I knew I would have no problem eating every bit of it. Yum!

Just before going home, we went to the garage to see their wrecked car.

They were driving home from Baltimore International Airport on Wednesday night, after flying in from Colorado, when a deer ran in front of them.

Both love animals and were upset to see it hobble off the road and die.

You can even see some deer hair next to the bumper.

We met one more buggy on the way home.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

1 Peter 3:11 (New Living Translation)

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When checking various translations I was fascinated with the words chosen by each translator and the value God places on maintainig a peaceful life:

Seek ~ Pursue ~ Look ~ Work ~ Run ~ Chase ~ Strive ~ Follow ~ Search ~ Desire

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Seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:11 (Today’s New International Version)

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Look for peace and work for it.

1 Peter 3:11 (New Century Version)

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Run after peace for all you’re worth.

1 Peter 3:11 (The Message)

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Strive for peace with all your heart.

1 Peter 3:11 (Good News Translation)

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Look for peace, and do all you can to help people live peacefully.

1 Peter 3:11 (Easy-to-Read Version)

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Follow the road that leads to peace.

1 Peter 3:11 (Contemporary English Version)

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Seek peace and chase after it.

1 Peter 3:11 (Common English Bible)

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Search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

1 Peter 3:11 (Amplified Bible)

Most of Our Leaves Are On the Ground

After working on photos and newsletters for most of the day, I decided that I needed some fresh air. Back in the woods the ground is almost totally covered with leaves. I love the crunching sound of walking over a bed of dried leaves.

The steps to our patio is also a place where leaves have gathered.

As I look up, I see very few leaves and several shellbarks.

I happened to be outside as the sun was setting, and enjoyed the view through our mostly bare trees.

The leaves that are left are a bit ragged and tattered.

Have your roots planted deep in Christ.

Grow in Him.

Get your strength from Him.

Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught.

Your life should be full of thanks to Him.

Colossians 2:7 (New Life Version)

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Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:7 (Good News Translation)