Saturday included going to the church for instructions on helping with Josh and Shelley's wedding decorations, and then in the afternoon, the first annual DGCC Summer Family Picnic! What a lot of fun we all had, all ages, all sizes, everyone, running the obstacle course, water on the head and dump into a bucket, and silly dress up races and more. And what an amazing spread of delicious food shared in the evening! After our meal, it was back to the field for the slip 'n slide for the little ones and speed volleyball for the big ones. So much laughter, lots of good time to sit under the shade canopies and visit, plenteous food, and sweet cooperation in pulling off a splendid picnic.
Sunday morning, I was so happy to sit between two Joel and Thomas at church and occasionally glance over at the sparkle of diamond on Kay's finger. Matthew played the piano and nephew, Kennan joined the worship team playing his ukulele. That was a first! Coty preached on the fifth commandment and gave us much to think about and discuss in our Wednesday small groups. We shared the Lord's Supper.
In the afternoon, we pushed back the furniture to make room and a crowd joined us to watch the World Cup final. A bit of friendly Spain/Netherlands rivalry in the room will result in someone who was pulling for the Dutch dancing a tango at the wedding this weekend. Or so I heard!
After the game people swam, nibbled at snacks, rested, and talked. At 9:00, the ones still here watched a new Poirot on Mystery.
At the end of the evening, a little cleaning in the kitchen and then I fell into bed. Happy. Tired. Full. Thankful for...
1092. Kay and Thomas and all that is ahead
1093. Thomas's friends who helped with the proposal
1094. I get another very special daughter-in-law
1095. Josh and Shelley
1096. Getting to spend time with them the last few weeks
1097. Sweet families planning a special wedding together
1098. Amy, amazing Amy! (everyone should have such a helpful, organized friend to plan their wedding)
1099. So much joy surrounding this upcoming day
1100. So many in our church family helping in various ways - makes me so heart happy to see it!
1101. Boys, excited about being ushers for their good friend, Josh
1102. Lori, the picnic mastermind!
1103. So many helpers - many hands truly made light work
1104. Little ones and big ones all playing together
1105. People being willing to look silly with water spilled over their heads and crazy costumes and all the laughter and cheering.
1106. So. Much. Good. Food!
1107. A church family that makes new folks and internationals feel so welcomed and loved
1108. Chinese young women throwing water balloons!
1109. Soccer chairs and sitting in the evening quiet with just a few to talk and relax
1110. Clean-up helpers
1111. Worship
1112. Scripture read aloud
1113. New faces
1114. Old friends
1115. Families with lots of children
1116. Singles welcomed into families
1117. Compassionate ones who care deeply and listen, rescue, and open their home to a hurting one
1118. A glimmer of a smile on a hurting one's face
1119. God's mysterious, sovereign purposes in an incidental meeting almost two years ago
1120. Singing
1121. Sharing the bread and wine
1122. Coffee time conversations all around
1123. Banter of good friends
1124. So many who just walk right in
1125. Treats shared
1126. True fellowship
Yes, it was a very full weekend. My heart is glad, rejoicing in so many good gifts. We have prayed for Thomas and Kay and God's leading in their lives. We have also prayed for greater closeness, bonds of friendship, sharing of burdens and laughter in our church family. God's answers to these prayers were so evident this weekend in so many different ways. I give thanks!
1 comment:
Oh, how I miss DGCC fellowship and time at your house when I read posts like this. What joy to be obedient to the Lord in hospitality- reaping from intimacy in relationships and lots of fun! Miss you.
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