John Adams

 

I've almost finished reading the book "John Adams" after dilly-dallying far too long (months and months!). I'm a David McCullough fan, so it's not lack of enjoyment or interest. I simply like reading various types of books at the same time:)

In honor of a Godly man & President, who cared deeply for and helped formulate the new republic of the United States of America, here are two excerpts from McCullough's book.
The first quote is written by John Adams to his beloved wife Abigail, and the second is "a benediction for the Capitol, the Federal District, and the city of Washington" (all newly built after moving the seat of government from Philadelphia to DC in 1800)

To Abigail from the new President's House:
"I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."

The benediction:
"It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and imploring His blessing.
May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose name (Washington) it bears, be forever held in veneration! Here,and throughout our country, may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever!"

Amen!

A Celebration of a Romance

 

Saturday, July 18th: A Wedding Shower for Kathy:)
My dear friend.
A lovely gathering of close friends & family.
A brunch at Carol's home--Carol, our mutual friend, with the gift of hospitality:)
Pretty flowers; pale pink glads & bright pink roses:)
Good food; breakfast casseroles, fruit, cakes, cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts, coffee, juices:)
Much visiting & chatting!
(Sad our friend Lisa did not make it:( Lack of communication I suspect)

Kathy sits & tells her & Alex's love story:)
She opens sweet cards.
Eventually she opens boxes of soft, lacy, lingerie:)
A precious time together celebrating answered prayer. A year ago Kathy asked her Community Bible Study to pray for a Godly husband.
And the Lord sent Alex:)

Our Peace Church Family rejoices!!
Friends rejoice:)
Family is joyful:)
Hallelujah!

Justice: dedicated to Michelle Muir, Justice Girl, & Cindy Corbin, Who Needs To See Justice

 

"Lookin' out across this town
Kinda makes me wonder how
All the things that make us great
Got left so hard behind

This used to be a peaceful place
Decent folks hard workin' ways
Now they hide behind locked doors
Afraid to speak their minds

I think we need a gunslinger
Somebody tough to tame this town
I think we need a gunslinger
There'll be justice all around

Someone let the fences go
Wild eyed bunch moved in you know
Shootin' up the streets shoutin' everybody down
Dogs all runnin' loose

Wrecked the papers, closed the school
Tired old judge got roughed up too
No one left to make a stand
They whisper, "What's the use?"

I think we need a gunslinger
Somebody tough to tame this town
I think we need a gunslinger
There'll be justice all around

I think we need a gunslinger
Somebody tough to tame this town
I think we need a gunslinger
There'll be justice all around

I think we need a gunslinger
Somebody tough to tame this town
I think we need a gunslinger
There'll be justice all around"

[John Fogerty]

Michelle, guess you might eventually need some boots & ammunition to go with that cape!
And Cindy, praying you will see justice, whatever shape it takes!
Heard this while listening to my iPod this morning--thought of you both:)

Am I Doing What I'm Called To Do?

 

A few weeks ago, at a wedding reception, a friend from way back asked if I was still doing any artwork. He had a miniature painting I had done twenty years ago, which he still admired.
A loaded question for me. I ponder it often. I have art supplies galore but take no time to paint or collage, or draw with my pastels, do a watercolor, or quilt. My energy these days goes toward working at Hallmark (and am involved in Stephen Ministry and Comfort & Care).

Now I love working at Hallmark, love my co-workers & my manager, love 98% of the customers:)
But...which is my calling, my God appointed calling as I look back on close (very close) to 60 years?

I have said often enough, and believe it, that if a person doesn't use a God-given talent, God will take it away. Then again, I believe being invested in people is the only lasting, eternal, thing we do here this side of Heaven. So, I try to evaluate my priorities every now & then.

Sunday, Andy preached on the 4th commandment, "Honor the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy. Six days shall you labor but on the Seventh day, you shall rest."
This week he focused on the labor part.
He said, in summary, "Work is a sacred activity, a holy, religious, activity.
Work enables us to be imitators of our Heavenly Father.
Work enables us to be producers, to be creative.
Work enables us to be givers.
Work is a way to love our neighbors."
I soaked it in.
Good stuff:)
True stuff:)

Andy quoted from Jacques Maritain of Christian Art: "If you want to make a Christian work, then be Christian, and simply try to make a beautiful work, into which your heart will pass; do not try to 'make Christian'".

So, work is an honor and a joy if we do it unto our Heavenly Father, and to bless our co-workers, friends, and neighbors.
And, if the Spirit nudges us to be creative, we better do it as well, for the work of art blesses God and those around us!

SO, to all my family & friends, encourage me to pick up those paintbrushes and pastels, or my needle and thread---on my days off.

The Bride To Be

 

My dear friend Kathy is getting married August 22nd, a month & a half from now:) To say she's happy & excited is an understatement!

About a month ago, she & I spent a morning looking for a wedding dress, one suitable for a second marriage. We found this beautiful aqua dress & jacket! It looked gorgeous on her:)

In her excitement, & surprise at finding one so quickly, Kathy didn't think of conferring with her daughter Robin, & placed an order for the dress:)
Robin was, rightly, disappointed. To rectify the situation, Kathy & Robin met the next afternoon at the same dress shop & chose another dress, somewhat similar in style yet a more traditional color.

So, I figure Kathy gave me the chance to take part, then Robin got to play the most important part--that of choosing THE DRESS:)

But, honestly, this dress looked so great on Kathy, I felt I had to share it:)
What a blessed time for a precious friend:)
Thank you, Kathy, for letting me share in your joy!