Firm Foundation

You know, I don't even remember seeing the inscription on this downtown wall when I took this picture - it was the trump doyle [this is for Mama] that caught my eye at the time!  

But I love it--the inscription, I mean.

(And the cat...)

When we have a firm foundation, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, 

we're in great shape to weather all kinds of buffeting winds and storms, 

rain, heat, lightning--you name it!

One year ago today, we had our very first service here:

Mike warned us all that there would be some buffeting for a while 

(change is always a bit of a rough ride) 

but we'd get through it because our foundation was strong.

And sure enough, we did, and we're rejoicing and praising God 

for his faithfulness and goodness to us!

Here's to another year of serving, loving, growing, and building. 

What adventures await? Can't wait to find out!

A-Fishin' and a-Eatin'

Don't you just love a party?

Stick it outdoors on a gorgeous fall day, on the edge of a river, and you've got sheer bliss!

We ate, we laughed, and some of us fished.

I was not among the fishers, owing to a worm repulsion and a soft heart for carp and croaker. But old and young alike enjoyed themselves and didn't even mind swatting the no-see-ums NON-STOP.

This was more up my alley: 'Smores! Last time I bought ingredients for 'Smores, the chocolate bars didn't, um, quite make it to the barbecue. So I haven't had one in a long time. Chocolate with graham crackers and marshmallow is almost as good as chocolate. Yum!

Night descended and we drifted off to our own homes. 

A bit of a contrast, I must say. City living has its perks, but nothing beats the peace of sunset on a river and a 'Smore in the hand.

Life's a Game

...with cute little cars and pink and blue people and colored blocks and a bright snappy spinner. 

Once when I was a child (and not a very young one), I kept hearing a rattle in the house. My overactive imagination began to consider the possibilities of a rattlesnake. I crept from room to room with a croquet mallet, ears tuned to the persistent rattle. My keen hearing brought me upstairs to the bedroom I shared with my sister. Opening the door, I found...

...a game of Life in progress!

(Have I ever mentioned that I grew up in New Hampshire? I'd have been more likely to encounter a unicorn than a rattler. What a goofball. 

Glad I grew out of that.) 

We enjoyed a Game Night at the church on Friday. Here are a couple of the Victory Home ladies getting ready for some friendly competition.

I opted for Parcheesi. I have fond memories of this game - at my friend's grandma's camp, we played Parcheesi after supper in the evenings to determine who would wash the dishes. Good times!

Here's John square dancing with himself as part of the game he was playing - Quelf. Don't play that game if you have any self-respect or dignity. Fair warning.

And just 'cause I don't want the fun and games to end...

tune in this weekend for a Game Giveaway!

Life's a Blur

TOTAL blur. Mile-a-minute blur. 

But that's okay - focus is overrated.

We've been moving into our new "home" and doing our best to get settled.

My, it's big!

That's my piano in the lower half of this pic below, obscuring the first few pews. This was Sunday evening before the service. 

And here are the first three to be baptized in our new digs:

We had a terrific time fellowshipping and eating after yesterday morning's service

(these people can cook). 

Victory Home will be moving over very soon (the offices, classes and kitchen - they'll still reside at their current homes). The (male) residents are already eating there - there's a commercial kitchen and the few appliances with problems have been repaired.

We've used name tags for two weeks now, and we're getting to know each other. 

Hearing testimonies, singing together, sharing prayer needs, enjoying challenging messages

 - gotta love seeing God at work!