Thank you for the prayers on my behalf, I was able to enjoy the rest of the week with only some ear aches and some sinus trouble.
Bruce Noble from Owosso Michigan, gave a message Thursday night encouraging us to renew our first love in Christ. My dear husband Bruce gave an inspiring message Friday evening about these temporary dwellings(our bodies) and how they are not sufficient and there is no security to be found in them. He emphasised the importance of looking to the day when the mortal takes on immortality and this life is but a fading thing. Jeff Endicott from North Carolina gave a good message as well about "Biblical Positivism" and how it differs from the world views of self esteem and new age thinking. Robert Wertz wrapped up the speaking with an interactive message, having many in the group read aloud passages about Christ's imminent return. Heather, from Virginia, gave several inspiring vocal numbers and we really loved hearing from her! Heather and her husband also hosted a dinner at their home they rented for this week and it was delicious!
Kelsi and I worked hard at preparing a week long class for the children. It was entitled "The Jerusalem Market Place", it included 10 shops with crafts( making clay oil lamps and pots, weaving, food and spices, jewelry, harp making, etc.) and focused on what life was like when Jesus walked the earth as a young man. The children seemed to enjoy it and went home with lots of cool stuff to help them remember their lessons.
Sabbath evening was pleasant and bittersweet as we shared a meal together and said our good byes with promises to return next year.
Jim and Kathy Jobe who came from the west coast to be here, over came several obstacle to make their trip possible. Kathy needed to find a medical facility here that would provide dialysis almost every day of her stay and Jim is just recovering from a heart attack. We were so glad to have them with us!
Kelsi's parent's (Dennis and Kathy O'Banion) were able to make it as well, what a highlight that has been for her and us! We hope to share a meal together Monday either here or at a lake close by.
We loved seeing dear ones too, Staszaks, Yoos, Holmes and Angilo and Neraida and their children are just a few to mention! And we met some new brothers and sisters, as well and hope to see them again!
I spent the day, today cleaning and doing laundry. The house looked so bad because of my neglect these past two weeks. Then to add to the mess Anna and some of the little girls, who attended services, went to our garden last evening and with precious helpful hearts thought they would help me by harvesting much of our carrot and green pepper crop, bringing lots of mud and full stalks into the kitchen and heaping them on an already neglected bunch of dishes in the kitchen sink. So as you can see my work was cut out for me as I rolled up my sleeves and waded through the mess! ( I can laugh about now!)
I was able to spead some relaxing and fun time at the park this afternnon with Anna and it really helped my spirits!
I hope your week is filled with thoughts of Christ's return and how these deteriorating bodies are surely going to be replaced with something much better and we will LIVE without pain, sickness or death, and with a KING who is righteous and good. AMEN!