Hiking

It all started in Sunday School when Dan said, "I'm going hiking after church."

Someone else said, "Why don't we all go?"

"All" did not go...but six of us showed up. It was quite an adventure--hiking uphill steadily for 3 miles to Henninger Flats. On the way back, it was much easier, but walking down hill for one hour can do interesting things to your leg muscles. We hiked a total of 6 miles.

It was fun to do something together outside of the usual setting of church. We all had a wonderful time and got to know each other better. Mozart couldn't go, because he has bad knees.

Newsflashes:

My 18-year-old graduated high school 24 hours ago! (Picture is coming) Grandma and Grandpa drove up for the occasion. Grandpa had a run in with a police officer. More on that later!

This morning our oldest worked on cleaning up an oil slick under his parked car. (With paint thinner and kitty litter) His car has been parked in our driveway for a long time, and we hadn't noticed that the oil overflowed the shallow pan until it started seeping out to where we could see it. After that, he went somewhere, and now it is late at night...I'm hoping he'll be here for Father's Day.

I have good news. I have been hired to work summer school-5th and 6th grade. I'm going to be working with a teacher that I've never met before. My caregiving job will continue--3 afternoons per week. I'm thankful to be employed!

May you all have a good day honoring the Fathers in your life!

Checking In

I have the habit of not writing anything on my blog if I don't have anything to say. That's what the situation is.

And I'm all "written-out" as I just finished writing the minutes for my writing critique group.

It seems like it takes me a lot longer to do things that I once did quickly.

I went to a memorial service today for a dear 90-something friend who knew the Lord and always was an encouragement to everyone around her. She was a part of my writing critique group. She always had a scripture verse in her head and gently reminded us of God's promises when we were feeling weak.

I'm having to double my trust in the Lord these days as it seems I must place my son on the altar. Sort of like the Abraham and Isaac situation.

But my faith is growing strong. Or is it...that...my situation is drifting further from my ability to fix it with human hands. So I watch it bob around on the waves in the distance---and I have no choice but to trust God.

But it hurts. As the family is cracked and broken. And this is how we must live.

But there are blessings. My youngest is graduating High School in two weeks. And Mozart and I went together to the Saturday church service and stayed for the spaghetti dinner. And lately, the sky has been filled with all kinds of interesting clouds.

My dad's 80th birthday is coming up in July, and in October is our 30th wedding anniversary...and our trip to Hawaii.

So there are blessings to soften the storms.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage. All you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24