Long Cool Drink

My parents have traveled safely back to their home in Pennsylvania, but before they left we enjoyed a Summer Pops Concert put on by the local orchestra in which Autumn has a part playing her cello. This was her first concert and she had a wonderful time. I was surprised that she wasn't a bit nervous. It was wonderful to see the broad grin on her face.

Yesterday we enjoyed being in the Lord's house for worship in the morning and Bible study in the evening. It's always a privilege to gather with the saints. God's word spoke to me especially during morning worship when we read Colossians 1:9-14. I've been feeling rather weary, and these particular verses felt like a long cool drink to my soul.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Today was a busy one, but I got much accomplished. I baked 6 loaves of zucchini bread and a loaf of banana bread. I also baked two chickens in the crockpot and then turned them into Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. LOTS of casserole. I actually baked the chicken in the crockpot outside on the deck overnight so as not to heat up the house. It worked beautifully despite my fears that a raccoon or some stray dogs would be all over my deck attempting to rip the crockpot open.

Why lots of casserole? Some for our family supper, and some for my friend Rachel's family supper as well. I'd love for you to join me in lifting her family up in prayer. Rachel's sister Jeannette gave birth to her 5th baby, Samuel, nearly two weeks ago but is extremely ill with Lyme and Addison's diseases . She's much too sick to care for the baby and Rachel has taken on his care. She's nursing him as well as her own 13 month old, and caring for her other three children. They all need prayer; Jeannette and her husband, Rob, along with Rachel and her husband, Patrick.

I added some Jello with pears to Rachel's dinner along with a loaf of zucchini bread. I was thankful to have just enough to also fill a small casserole dish for the freezer. I have a friend who is due with her second child in September, and this will make a great gift to them as well.


In lighter news, Abigail walked to the mailbox and came back with a fantastic bouquet of deliciously aromatic honeysuckle this afternoon. It's on the kitchen table, and smells delightful as the wind blows through the open windows.


The air is much cooler today than it has been and we received some much needed rain. What a treat!
I hope that you are having a good start to your week.