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Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

Philippians 4:23 (The Message)

Butterflies

Hummingbird Moth

The other day I went outside to check on a few of our pretty flowers.

When I looked toward our butterfly bush, I noticed that it was full of butterflies flitting from one flower to another.

They are so pretty.

Then to my surprise, I noticed a hummingbird moth.  I’m not sure that I ever saw one before.

It flies and acts so much like a hummingbird.

Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?

Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (The Message)

Abby Goes Home

&

A Visit With Great-Grandma

Monday, August 10

 After having Abby in our house for the past two weeks, we were rather sorry to see her go home (Maine).  However, I’m sure her parents are ready to have her back.

 It was shortly after 7:30 a.m. when we said goodbye.  This is not her car, but one she took to Maine for someone who purchased it through a family member in Pennsylvania.  Inside were things she packed for her visit to Pennsylvania, a few things that Lydia sent home, and SIX BUSHELS of green beans!

The green beans came from Ron and Brenda who raise many acres.  I expect several people canned or froze green beans on Tuesday.

Internet photo 

After Lydia and I went to Curves, and Cerwin went to physical therapy, I did some laundry and Monday morning cleanup before dealing with the SmartMailer CD that did not work on Saturday.  It was music to my ears when I heard the Pitney Bowes tech say they were aware of this problem, and that it is an easy fix.  She said she could tell me how to fix it, or do it by remote.

Internet photo 

I suggested that she do it by remote.  It is so amazing to go to remote and watch someone take “control” of my computer – and she was in Wisconsin. 

Within a few minutes the problem was solved, and I was able to get on with the mailing.  For some reason nothing went smoothly this time (jams and a printer on the blink), but I did get the entire mailing of 1,135 to the post office before closing time.   

 After supper we went to Landis Homes to visit Cerwin’s mother.  She was trying to thread a needle when we got there, and wasn’t being successful.  At almost ninety-two, her eyesight isn’t as good as it once was, so she gladly allowed Lydia to do it for her.

 Lydia, Mother, and Cerwin visited while I reconciled her checkbook.

Cerwin had an appointment with the surgeon this morning.  Dr. Westphal is pleased with his progress, and recommended therapy for another month – which is what we expected.  He now has almost full mobility in his shoulder, but not full strength.  His lifting is limited to five pounds.

 I asked Mother to tell Lydia what it was like when she was twelve years old.  Lydia liked her stories because most of them involved horses.  Mother loved working outdoors, and often took care of the horses and worked the fields when she was young. 

   I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches.

 Psalm 119:14 (The Message)

Our Weekend

It was like living in a rainforest on Saturday and Sunday – hot most of the time, sunny some of the time, and rainy several hours each day.

Remember how I was going to prepare a mailing on Saturday?  Well those plans changed when the August/September address upgrade from Pitney Bowes was defective.  It was a bit frustrating, and at first I thought I may have done something wrong.  This is the first time in all the years I’ve used SmartMailer that the CD did not upload.  I tried several times, but each time the screen told me that a file was corrupted.  So that went on hold until Monday.

I know most of you think I don’t go anywhere with out a camera.  However, I did not take it with me after church on Sunday when we went to Carl and Nancy’s house for lunch.  I thought maybe people get tired of me always taking pictures, and didn’t want to be intrusive. 

The Bible Conference speaker, Dan Lehigh, his wife Barb, and our friends Gerald and Joanne were there, as well as Joanne’s mother who is a good friend of Nancy’s mother.  (Nancy’s mother lives with Carl and Nancy.)

Oh, how I wish I had my camera.  Their dining room is pretty, the food was delicious, and they have beautiful flowers, trees, bird feeders and butterfly bushes.  I wish I could show you.  I think I learned my lesson. 

We weren’t home very long before we heard the rumble of thunder, and a windy thunderstorm came through.

One thing that was mentioned at our church’s Harvest Meeting on Saturday afternoon, is that it is easy to praise the Lord for the harvest this year, because the corn is tall, the grass is green, and crops are doing well.

It was a warm, relaxing, refreshing weekend.

 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! 

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Psalm 84:10 (New Living Translation)

Chuck E Cheese

Monday, August 3  – Part 2

After the girls spent all their tokens and redeemed their prizes, they asked if they could go through the tube before leaving.

Don’t you love Jana’s expression?

That’s better

Coming down the slide.

The only reason they were ready to leave is that our next stop was Park City mall.

Imagine what it was like for me to walk through the mall with these six giggly girls.

We had so much fun!

Gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal. 

Matthew 6:20 (Amplified Bible)

Chuck E Cheese

Monday, August 3

 Six granddaughters and Chuck E Cheese = a fun morning.

 Abigail playing my favorite game – Deal No Deal.

Gloria getting a photo sketch.

 Jana and Jenna racing cars.

 Jana

 Gloria flying a Super Hornet

 Diana was pleased to win a pack of Cotton Candy.

Diana shows Lydia how she won the cotton candy.

 After a few unsuccessful tries, Lydia decided to turn her back on the wheel…

 Then quickly turn around and hit the button.  I don’t think that worked for her either.

 Jana and Gloria were happy to win ice cream.

 More pictures tomorrow night.