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A Good Sunday

In Sunday school we were challenged to understand and use our spiritual gifts to honor the Lord.  In worship service we were challenged to accept who we are and where we are placed His kingdom.  Contentment is knowing that God is in control.

Following church we went to Jere and Kristen’s house where we had lunch and spent the afternoon with our Amish friends.

Anyone who came in Jere and Kristen’s driveway today, knew that children were expected.

I didn’t take many pictures – not wanting to offend anyone – but took a few of the children playing in the yard.

We have been visiting with the Smucker family since our oldest children (who are now in their forties) were the age of these boys.

It was cold outside, but the children enjoyed playing games in the yard.

Three of the Smucker grandchildren with one of ours (Diana) coming out of Jere and Kristen’s barn – where we ate and visited.

There were about thirty-five people there:  sixteen from our family, and the rest from the Smucker family – Eli & Martha and Omar & Priscilla and their families from north of Harrisburg, plus Amos & Linda (parents) and Alvin & Mary and their family from the New Holland area.

Tonight at church we studied the story of the prodigal son – and the amazing grace and forgiveness of God.

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I love a good Sunday.

Treat everyone you meet with dignity.

Love your spiritual family.

Revere God.

Respect the government.

I Peter 2:17  The Message

A Day in the Office

Our granddaughter, Hannah, arrived yesterday – after spending most of the day one the road – traveling from Maine.  It didn’t take her long to do one of her favorite things on one of my computers – update addresses in my database. 

She’s in the area to participate in a nearby Bible School next week.

Our daughter Deb, and niece Crystal and her new husband Jakey came shortly after lunch to order wedding pictures and create a wedding album.

We had lots of fun, but uploading 373 photos took a long time!

As it got close to supper time, Crystal and Jakey decided to take us out to eat.

We went to a local restaurant that is known for good food and specialty ice teas.  This is Roy’s orange cream tea.  Crystal got hot apple cider, while the rest of us tried pineapple coconut tea.  It was delicious.

I forget what set Deb off – but she couldn’t stop laughing!

And I was just trying to get a good picture.

Roy’s look says, “I’m really trying to pose for a good picture, but I’m not getting any cooperation!”

Finally!

Thanks, Deb, for teaching us how to do an online photo album.  I think I am hooked!

I want you to know about

the great and mighty power

that God has for us followers.

Ephesians 1:19 Contemporary English Version

Something to Think About

I saw this row of pretty trees today when entering the driveway of a local grocery store.

~~~

Our revival meetings started tonight, and as our evangelist, Eric Brubaker, reminded us that God is jealous for our affections and does not over look rebellion, one verse stood out to me.

“Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols”  (I Samuel 15:23 New Living Translation).

~~~

Most of us would never think about dabbling in witchcraft, nor do we have the slightest desire to worship an idol – but rebellion and stubborness come a little closer home. 

• Rebelling against God’s Word and refusing to submit to His will is no different than witchcraft and idol worship.
•  
• Rebelling against parents or a spouse is no different than witchcraft or idol worship.
•  
• Being stubborn in our house – against a spouse or child – is no different than witchcraft or idol worship.

That’s sobering.

Wisdom that comes from above leads us to be

pure

friendly

gentle

sensible

kind

helpful

genuine

sincere.

James 3:17  Contemporary English

Today

You don’t need future happiness ~ today.

Or strength to bear tomorrow’s stress ~ today.

You need not shed tomorrow’s tears ~ today

You need not bear tomorrow’s fears ~ today

You need not face the future years ~ today.

You only need to trust in God ~ today.

And faith to tread the path He trod ~ today.

You need not make the present sour

By dwelling on some future hour.

God never gives tomorrow’s pow’r – today.

You’re blessed

when you’re content with just who you are

—no more, no less.

That’s the moment you find yourselves

proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

Matthew 5:5 The Message

Go Phillies!

Another Entry About Family & Food