Summer evening with friends

Summer flowers on the patio
Blueberries on our bushes

Amanda and Jennifer

Stan, Grace & Wyatt

Benjamin(husband of Tiara), Frances

Amanda and Frances

Tiara and Laura

Some good news

I've been meaning to share some good news I received from the doctor a few weeks ago. The hole in my right ear drum is finally starting to close after being there for 6 years! The doctor could hardly believe it and couldn't explain it. I was just as surprised, even though I have been praying about it off and on for 6 1/2 years. This means that I can put off reparation surgery. I still have the goal of snorkeling one day and that means I can't have a hole there to do that. Thank you everyone who has prayed for me all these years. God is good!

I hope everyone got to see it

I only put the video on temporarily this weekend because I didn't know how else to share it with everyone. Hope those who wanted to see it were able to do so before I removed it. If not, I will show it next time I see you. Spacebo

A mini high school reunion

A few weeks ago a friend from high school had some friends over with 2 of our former high school teachers. It was nice to see everyone after 21 years.

Black Rat Snake

Some friends came over yesterday to help move some furniture when the black snake appeared. We attempted to capture it but it got away. It is at least 3 feet long now.

My Russian party

To thank all who sponsored and supported my mission trip to Russia last year I had a Russian themed party last weekend. Only a few were able to come but we had a great time. My friend Sacha and I shared our experiences and showed pictures and video from St. Petersburg. We had tea with dessert. I managed to save a box of Russian chocolate from November (which was not expired) and some Russian tea that Marina had brought for me in February. Thanks again to all who supported me last year and made it possible for me to go and minister to the orphans.

Sacha and I at the end of the evening.

My niece with some new matroyshka dolls that Irina sent me via Sacha last March.

A morning prayer

I decided to worship God alone today and rest. I was playing He Leadeth Me on the piano this morning only to notice the hymn beside it. Thee Will I Love, My Strength. The words were written by Johann Scheffler back in the 1600s and translated by John Wesley in the 1700's. I just love the first two lines and felt they were a good prayer for me today. I especially like verse two.

Thee will I love, my strength, my tow'r,
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown!
Thee will I love with all my pow'r,
In all thy works, and thee alone
Thee will I love, till the pure fire
Fills all my soul with chaste desire.

I thank thee, uncreated sun,
That thy bright beams on me have shined
I thank thee, who hast overthrown
My foes and healed my wounded mind
I thank thee, whose enliv'ning voice
Bids my freed heart in thee rejoice.