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Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 

1 Peter 2:11 (The Message)

Family Lunch

…and TFC’s entrance sign

Wednesday, October 28

It’s always fun to see which aunts, uncles, and cousins show up for the Sauder’s luncheon – four times a year. 

 Sisters Roxie and Resie visit while Uncle John listens to someone to his left.

Our cousin Reba, Cerwin’s sister Velda, and mother check out a photo. Reba was hoping someone could identify people on an old photo. 

No one recognized the photo or anybody on it.

 Uncle Luke and his nephew (our cousin) Larry place their order.  I think our waitress may be a Phillies fan.

 A wide shot of our table.

 My meal was a cranberry/almond/mandarin orange salad.

 After lunch we went to the International Office to prepare a bed for an overnight guest.  A bed was set up in the part’s room of the shop a few years ago for a volunteer who drove a distance and preferred staying two or three days at a time. 

There is CTS (Candidate Training School) next week, and Dwayne Johnson, TFC’s Vice President (from Michigan), suggested that he would stay there instead of spend money on a motel.  Now that is my kind of vice president!

When there I noticed that the shrubs and flowers surrounding the entrance sign were especially pretty.

 I wish the sky had been a bit prettier, but this still made an attractive picture.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

 This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1:19-20 (New Living Translation)

Our Pretty Leaves Are Getting Wet

Tuesday, October 27

I love the beauty of rain.

Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings.

James 3:17 (The Message)

A Beautiful Morning

…and Jared & Jesse

Monday, October 26

 I was out of the house early on Monday morning, and caught this pretty sunrise on the way home from Curves.

Jared

I was up early and finished my exercise routine so I could pick up Jared and Jesse by 7:15.

Jesse

They wanted to watch their favorite DVD – Seventh Brother. 

It is an old movie that has been a favorite of each of our grandchildren.

Before long they pulled out some of their favorite toys, while I finished laundry, checked my Monday morning emails, and prepared for another week in the office.

They were only here for a couple of hours – then it was on to a routine day in my office.

A Beautiful Morning

Monday, October 26

Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.

Matthew 6:20 (The Message)

A Sunny Afternoon

…and a beautiful, evening sky

Sunday, October 25

Shortly after Cerwin left the house on Sunday afternoon, he called to say there was a great photo op outside – because of the way the sun was shining on the trees in our yard.

I was glad that I took my camera outside.

This is about as pretty as our place will get this fall.

Toward evening I looked up from my seat in the living room and saw a beautiful sky. 

 This is not the western sky, but the reflection of the sunset on the southern clouds.  It was actually prettier than the sunset itself.

Somehow the moon…

…and the honking of Canada Geese overhead made it feel like autumn.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. 

Romans 12:2 (The Message)