Shells

I love to collect shells. When we go to Bodega, Cayucos or San Diego, my favorite activity is seeking out a new shell. I did not find any of the pictured shells. A retired school teacher gave me a very large and beautiful collection.

My sil posted a picture on her blog that gave me the idea to take pictures of my treasured shells. Little did I know that I would receive my most valued shell just last night. Pastor returned from Israel last Saturday. Last nights' service was dedicated to him sharing the details of the trip with artifacts and photos. He was so thoughtful of his church family while being at the most amazing places. He said while he was on the shore of the Mediterranean sea, he scooped up as many shells as he could to bring back. The shells are from a spot just an eye-shot from Joppa (now called Jaffa). You may recall that Joppa is where Jonah fled from the Lord while trying to go to Tarshish. Pastor let us each take a shell. My new, beautiful shell will always remind me to praise God for his patience and grace. He stays with us even when we don't heed His will. The most perfect place to be is in the will of God.

My new treasure

As much sense as a goose

We see a lot of critters where we live. This guy was just out cruising around behind our back fence last March. I love to watch the geese fly in their perfect V- formation. They honk back and forth to one another. I always feel calm and happy when I hear or see them.

I was listening to a sermon on the radio today while driving home. I'm sorry I don't recall the pastor's name. The title was "If we had as much sense as a goose." I thought that sounded kind of funny. It didn't take long to understand where he was going with his point.

The pastor gave a few facts about geese and the connection to us helping each other. First, geese fly in the V formation to aid one another in flying. The pastor said a goose has 75% more flying power in a group than if flying on its own. They help lift one another with air from the wing flapping. A goose gets the power from the goose directly in front of it. If we work together for the good of God, we are more useful than working alone.
Second, when the lead goose gets tired, all the geese in the group rotate. We can help each other by taking on a bit more so someone else can re energize.
Third, the geese honk at each other to encourage. We can use our 'honking' to uplift and not discourage.
Finally, when one goose gets sick, two others stay with it until it is better or until it dies. We should care for one another at all times.
Our theme at church this year is Strengthen thy Brethren. I am thankful for the reminder God gave me today in that radio broadcast. I think the geese have a good thing going :)

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. - Luke 22:32

My perfect day

Three together now

A beautiful crisp outing

Swings and slides beware

Welcome 2008

A few days late with my New Years welcome! We lost power last Friday during the very windy rain storm. Our electricity was out for 29 hours. We have a gas fireplace and cook top so it wasn't bad. The gas hot water heater provided for relaxing bath times and we were all cozy inside. When it got dark, we found use for this gadget that Keith won at a golf tournament last summer. I didn't think we would ever have a use for it! I appreciated the radio coverage and the hand crank mechanism. Keith actually watched the news and a TV show in black and white. It was a very clear picture but very small. We were glad for the 'adventure' to end. My Internet service was just restored this morning. That is the first time that has ever happened. I took advantage of the down time from the computer to work on some projects .

We celebrated the 20Th anniversary of WVBC on Sunday. It was wonderful. There was a video of some of the early services and of the building of the church. It was strange to see the bare five acres of land. I am so thankful for the ministry of the Stonestreet family. Pastor's mom, grandmother, and two sisters came for membership as they are moving here next month. I am so excited. The girls will be attending the school too! I think they are in grades 7 and 11. Pastor left last night for Israel. What an exciting trip God has called him on. I will be in prayer for Mrs. Evertson as I know she is concerned.

Keith has been sick for a week now and has lovingly shared it with me. Madison had major tummy trouble tonight. Not sure if she will go to school tomorrow. Mia says her nose is stuffed on one side. I know what that means!!

The picture is of the last sunset we had here in 2007. God is so amazing!

All she wanted was her two ears pierced

Imagine the screams we heard from a girl, who has been asking for five years to get her ears pierced, as she opens her gift card from Clairs on Christmas morning. Madison looked at her dad and asked if she could do anything she wanted with the card, he gave an affirmative nod and then we all had an ear piercing of a deafening kind. Mia has been wanting to get her ears pierced too, she's just been more apprehensive about the pain. Of course we went the very next day. I was very happy to have my brother with me. I think it made it easier for Mia to be brave. Madison hopped right up on the chair and it was done. She smiled even though hers ears were stinging. Mia said, "No way, I'm not doing it" so we left. We went to Davis to run some more errands and the entire time Madison was admiring her sparkly earrings. Mia was trying to reason the reward she would get by enduring the pain. Madison never even told Mia that it hurt, she told her it wasn't bad at all. On the drive home Mia asked if she could give it another try. We drove to the mall and she went through with it. She was a little upset after the two ladies simultaneously punctured her little ears. She cried while she was looking at her pretty earrings. Madison then announced, "Finally I can say how much that hurt!"