Monday, August 25, 2008

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.


8 comments:

Tracy said...

What a blessing you are to your friends. I'm sure Rachel's family will appreciate the meal. In her shoes, I know I would.

Congratulations to Autumn. I bet she did great!

Mmmmm I love honeysuckle. It smells divine!

Karen said...

I'll add Rachel and her family to my prayers today. And thank you, Tracy, for modeling hospitality so well. I love to make meals for people in my home, and over the past year or so I've been pushing myself to think of taking meals to people in their homes as well...God is so good to give us resources, time, and talents to share with others around us. We just need to make sure that we leave enough margin in our lives to be able to help in this way...Also, I just wanted to say that your daughter must have a real gift for music. I'm thrilled to hear about her first concert. Another gift from the Lord!

Jennifer said...

Thank you so much for sharing that "Long Cool Drink" from the Word -- I really needed that today.

We'll certainly be praying for your friend, and know that she is so very grateful for your love and friendship.

I'm so glad that Autumn had a great concert experience. I used to love playing in the band concerts - there's nothing like hearing beautifuls sounds from different instruments coming together to make music.

Short Stop said...

I LOVED this post.

Why? Because even though you are feeling weary, you still find time to serve others, cheer for your family, cook wonderful meals, savor the smell of flowers and goodness of rain, and your warmth came through in every word.

I will pray for Jeanette and Rachel and their families.

Anonymous said...

What a good friend you are!

And yay for Autumn!

I loved the pictures you shared--especially the rain drops on the deck. (o:

Abounding Treasures said...

Tracy,

Thanks for sharing the *long cool drink* as well as those wonderful pictures of rain!

How wonderful for Autumn ~ that must have been a tremendous experience for her!

I will remember your friends Jeanette and Rachel and their families during this time of trial. How fortunate they are to have you as their friend ... following the Lord's lead as you minister to them :o)

Blessings,
Dallas

Dianne said...

How great to know that your friends can depend on you to be a blessing to them. It is wonderful to read how Jeanette's sister, Rachel is taking care of her baby as well as her own family.

God seems to always provide just the help that we need and right on time. It is good of you to such a good help to them as well.

We got some rain as well and it surely is needed here. Things are drying out but at least it is not as bad as last year!

We will pray for Rachel and Jeanette.

Susan said...

That is really a productive day. I baked two loaves of what is called a Breakfast Bread. So wonderful of you to be meeting the needs of others.

I'm so proud of your daughter for already playing the cello in a production. That is wonderful.
Susan