Friends & Family June 2021

Happy Summer everyone!

Summer for me means early morning walks because it’s too hot later in the day, staying on top of the weeds which grow too fast, picking blueberries and peaches, and making lots of BLT sandwiches with Arkansas tomatoes from farmers markets. Seasons do seem to be defined around favorite foods and activities, which gives life a satisfying rhythm.

Early June was very full for us. Week one was filled with the ongoing, still-unresolved situation we are in personally (which I can’t yet share but thank you for your prayers), followed by week two and an RV vacation with our son Samuel and his family. 

Dennis and I flew to blazing hot Phoenix, Arizona, arriving at sunset with the temp still 105 or more. We landed about the same time as Samuel and Stephanie’s three kids, all of us meeting at baggage claim. We loaded our bags in a rental car and drove to the hotel where Samuel and Stephanie were speaking at a Weekend to Remember.

Sunday morning Dennis and I delighted in listening to them speak and conclude the conference. They do such a great job! I know I’m biased. ☺

Then we got our rented RV and took off for Sedona, Arizona, followed by days at the Grand Canyon and other sites, and ending at Zion National Park where we met up with our daughter Ashley and her family in their rented RV. We had spaces in the same campsite, so the nine cousins had a great time playing games of all kinds and the six of us adults enjoyed our meals together and conversations by the campfire. We went on long hikes both days and enjoyed the beauty and glory of God’s creation. 

Everyone enjoyed it so much that plans are already being discussed for next summer! 

After we returned I began a project I’ve been anticipating for a while: sorting through all my product samples and product archives. Now that we have closed the Ever Thine Home store it was time to organize and simplify all that remained. Since I enjoy organizing and making sense out of piles of things it was a satisfying accomplishment. 

As June ends I’m looking at the rest of the summer as a time to refocus and hear from God about what He has for us. Dennis and I will be taking some time off to reconnect and be refreshed and to plan for the next year. In this season of life I’m more determined than ever to do only those things God clearly gives us to do.

The days ahead could be very short. No one knows God’s plans.

I’ve said before we need to be watching the sky … anticipating as never before the certain promised return of Jesus. I want to live ready to meet Him at any minute. Paul wrote to Timothy, “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

No doubt all will be surprised in the moment of His return. But some will not be ready and might wish they’d paid more attention to His command to watch. I want to be in the company of those who have been watching, eagerly waiting and who “have loved His appearing.” 

I hope you will be too!