Warm at Last

We are back again in Arkansas after a couple of weeks in Wisconsin, where it was indeed chilly. Shortly after we got there, our daughter and I were in the car and saw a patch of snow on the ski hill. After a short trip to our sister-in-law Susan's (still in WI) last Sunday, we spent a few days just relaxing in the sort of warmth.

I attended Susan's quilting club meeting and received a great prize for being  a guest. It was fun seeing different quilting ideas from different areas - we had 2 short demonstrations on how to sew curves -  one with pins and one without. Most of the ladies had a show and tell time - showing items they had started or finished since the last meeting. So many very talented ladies. They also had a fat quarter drawing (quilters will know what that is). For every fat quarter a person donated, they had a  chance to win all the fat quarters. This month it was polka dots - I was flabbergasted with the many different patterns of polka dots there are!!!! Next meeting is tone on tone (sorry this is boring for non-sewers, I know). Another great idea - the chairman chose various paint swatches from Menards (the Northern version of Home Depot) and handed them to members. They have a few months to create a project using 4 or more  of the colors on her own paint swatch, plus a neutral, and 5" of  pop color, like red. One of the ladies had already finished hers - it was fabulous. Halfway through the meeting, one of the ladies asked me what my maiden name was - she recognized me from girl scout camp years ago!!!!

We visited a few other friends and relatives during our stay -  so many changes yet so many things things were unchanged. As we were on our way to visit a long time friend, we saw  huge rainbow over the barn and fields - so beautiful.

Wednesday we met with two other couples in my hometown, Waupaca for a brunch. One couple from Waupun, is in the park in the winter with us - Dean helps Fred with the food ministry. The other couple, from N Dakota, were in the park only one time 6 years ago. We had a great visit, a few laughs, and wonderful food.

We arrived back in Arkansas on Saturday afternoon, after taking our time and 2 days to get there (usually we drive it straight through, but we are getting a bit tired of that!). Susan had given us a few old farm tools, etc. for our daughter here to hang on their patio. We unloaded them, as well as a cooler of cheese, and other items and relaxed before  delicious meal of smoked ribs, cob corn with mayo, Parmesan cheese, and hot sauce (the Mexican way). Our son-in-law was smoking a ham and chicken for  family cook-out on the July 4th week-end - it looks so pretty!!! Can hardly wait to try it.

ham and chicken, ready to be frozen and served in a couple of weeks. Yum.

We attended services back at Prairie Grove Christian Church this morning - a place where I feel so connected to our Lord. Pastor Vance asked the question of us, "What are some of the challenges of living as a disciple of Jesus?". Staying closely connected to God is so important. Losing prospective and lacking faith are ways which we feel that disconnection. We need to keep praying. When we are disconnected we are like HALT: hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. It is truly hard to stay connected when things are going good. We also need to maintain a humble, teaching spirit. Be a servant - there is great freedom in it. The third challenge is loving those who don't love you back. John, one of the Sons of Thunder because of his quick temper, became John, the love apostle. He went from anger to love - and loved everyone around him and encouraged us to do so also. Let his love life be your guide. The last challenge is keeping Jesus at the center of your life. Too many things get in the way today of our Christianity - let some of them go and concentrate on Jesus.

Your life will be so much better if you don't have comfort over the cross, or commitment over convenience. Keep your eye on the goal (glory in heaven) and don't look back.