Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 (New Living Translation)
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Do good to everyone. Isn’t that a challenge some days?
I’m back online. Some of our neighbors were without electric, but only our Internet was effected. We’re not sure what happened, but we had very heavy rain late last night.
Make-A-Wish Convoy
Sunday, May 8
Part 1
We arrived at Burle Industrial Park early so we wouldn’t have problems getting to our assigned parking spot.
Since the Myers were in our area, Lydia got a chance to go along and help set up the steps.
It didn’t take long until we had visitors.
We could see drivers everywhere putting finishes on their trucks.
Others were attaching banners.
My favorite signs on trucks are this kind.
Trucks continued to fill up our lot in preparation for the 1:30 p.m. convoy.
I like this oversize load.
Many of the trucks are loaded in preparation for delivery early in the week.
Lydia and Jane (Chaplain Jake’s wife) relaxing in the beautiful Sunday morning sunshine. It was one of the most beautiful Make-A-Wish days we can remember.
A Turkey Hill cow
This was in the main parking area where most of the activities were taking place.
A country band was playing when I was there.
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Fun for the children.
Chicken being grilled for lunch.
A large M & M visiting with everyone in his area.
I got back to the chapel just in time for the first service at 10:00 a.m.
It looks like we are going to have a full house.
Chaplain Jake Wise lead the fifteen-minute devotional.
One hour later Jake conducted the second service.
We spent the next two hours watching trucks, drivers, and talking to those who were interested in the chapel or the ministry of TFC.
The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (Amplified Bible)
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I love to be surrounded by everlasting arms
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 8
Our four children are good about letting me know they love and appreciate me throughout the year, and on Mother’s Day weekend each one usually calls, stops in with a gift, or sends a card.
My gift from Deb & Roy was the first to arrive when FedEx came on Thursday with these beautiful roses from Pro Flowers.
They are beautiful and smell fabulous.
There was also a small box of chocolates included.
My very practical daughter Diane, found a good deal on these six bottles of Wisk. I will sure appreciate this in the weeks to come.
By Saturday evening my table was full of pretty things.
Left to right: a beautiful photo from our oldest granddaughter Elizabeth. It was taken during her trip to Thailand last year. The Chrysanthemum was from Jere, the roses from Deb, another beautiful flower to plant outside – from Jeff (I’m not sure what it is called). In the front there is a dishcloth from Mark & Diane, and several very kind cards. I particularly liked the nice notes from our daughters-in-law Chris and Kristen.
Jere’s card (with the bear) was cute:
Mom, you’ve always given me good and sensible advice!
And believe me, one of these days I’m gonna use it!
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Thanks everyone. God has blessed me with a fabulous family.
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (New International Version)
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I desire and love the peace He gives
Nathaniel & Abby Opening Their Gifts
And Their Pretty Cakes
Friday, May 5 – Part 2
Pampered Chef aprons
Abby’s mom is a Pampered Chef consultant. Notice his apron says The Pampered Groom.
Abby’s sister Elizabeth (left) recorded the gifts, and Diana (Abby’s cousin) collected the bows.
She must have liked what was in this card.
Some of the guests
Two of Nathaniel’s aunts and his sister Melita
Jana and Gloria
Diane (mother of the bride) and Luanne (mother of the groom). Dale (Nathaniel’s dad) is behind Diane.
Nathaniel’s sister Adrielle in the background, the fathers (Mark and Dale) behind Diane and Luanne.
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A mailbox from his parents.
The Kitchen Aid was from us, our other three children, Mary Jane, Grandma High, and Grandma Hershey.
Nate’s mother made and decorated the ice cream cakes.
Abby said her cheeks were hurting from smiling.
Abby’s sister Hannah, Grandma High, and Mary Jane looking at gifts.
Cerwin signing Nate’s apron
Enjoying the cake
Nate’s aunt Jolie holding Carl and Ellen’s baby.
By the end of the evening they were a tired, happy couple.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. [Jesus]
Matthew 11:30 (The Message)
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Freely and lightly sounds good to me
Family Meal
And Surprise Shower for the Future Bride & Groom
Friday, May 6
But first – two bird photos. I just missed catching this Chipping Sparrow with bits of straw (left) in its beak. I was hoping it would pick it up again, but it was more interested in eating.
I caught a glimpse of this male Indigo Bunting one afternoon.
Our daughters Deb and Diane
Diane and her family arrived during the late afternoon on Friday, May 6. They came from Maine to attend the sixtieth wedding anniversary celebration for Mark’s parents on Saturday, and help surprise Nathaniel and Abby.
Diane visiting with Cerwin’s mother in our garage.
Abby received this chocolate L.L. Bean boot from a client of the restaurant where she worked in Maine. She brought it along so our family would help her eat it.
This was her last week of work. She wants to devote the next few weeks to preparing for her early July wedding and move to Pennsylvania.
Front: Cerwin’s mother and me
Back: Diane and Abigail
Cerwin’s mother and me in front and Diane and Deb behind us
Kristen (with back to my camera) and Abby. Each of our children and grandchildren were here, with the exception of Jere who was sick with strep throat.
Enjoying supper
Because I was intent on getting started on time, I forgot to take many pictures, but I did get a shot of someone’s meal. We had haystacks.
This makes a simple, delicious meal and consists of layering tortilla chips, mashed potatoes, chili con carne, lettuce, tomato, onion, grated cheese, and salsa.
It was especially easy for me as everyone brought something for the meal.
Our dessert was a fresh fruit tray.
Abby and Nathaniel listening intently to someone.
By this point I was getting a bit nervous, as I knew there were twenty-five people (friends and his family) just outside the door waiting to surprise them.
It took only a few seconds for their expressions to change to surprise.
We used the family meal to get them here – and it worked!
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Tomorrow night – the shower
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Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
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I love being a believer in Christ
Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner
A great way to visit with friends from church.
Sunday, May 1
After the baptismal service, we went home to get our molded salad out of the refrigerator, then headed to our host and hostess (Glenn & Rachel), who had no idea who was coming for lunch. They only knew there would be eight guests.
Previous to this day, there is a sign-up sheet at church where you offer to be a host (listing the number of guests you desire) or a guest (listing the number of guests who will be coming). There is a committee who then coordinates the arrangements with the hosts and guests.
Rachel’s mother putting ice in the water goblets.
The other family arrived shortly after us. Emily offered to fill the goblets with water.
Janet brought a chocolate cake. My molded salad is in the foreground.
Guests usually take a salad, cake, dessert, or anything the hostess suggests.
Our host and hostess – Glenn and Rachel. If you read my blog on a regular basis, you will see them now and then. Glenn helps Cerwin with chapel construction, both help us mail TFC’s Highway News every few months, and we have traveled with them to some chapel dedications.
Kraig and Janet and their family live in our neighborhood. If they go for a walk around our two-mile neighborhood block, they go by our house – and visa versa. In this photo you can se Erika, Emily, Janet, Kraig, Jonathan, Cerwin, Glenn, and Rachel.
Janet and Kraig
Their girls – Emily, Erika, and Elsie.
After our visit, Erika told her mom that she would like me to babysit her sometime. 
When I saw them the following Sunday (walking around the block), I told her I would love that, and would invite her friend Jesse (our grandson) to come at the same time.
