End of an Era

It seems strange to write the title of today’s blog, but is indeed the end of the era of me organizing God’s Worthy Women. It has been an amazing 10 years from a small group of 24 women to our largest attendance ever (165) at Victoria Palms Ballroom.   It always is a stress the last week before the conference as all loose ends are trying to be tied up -but all went very well. All the ladies seemed pleased with the presenters - Walter Plant especially wooed the ladies! Chery Perkins presented great sessions, ladies came forward for prayer, and participation was at an all-time high. I have loved the past 10 years but it is now time to turn the reins over to a younger group hopefully with new ideas. We have no idea who these ladies are yet, but are leaving it all in Gods hands to fulfill His plan.

After we ended the conference at 3 PM, we headed over to Rio Grande Bible Institute for a fund raiser for Children’s Haven International. This is an annual fundraiser complete with a style show of the lovely donations to the resale store, a dinner, a silent auction, a regular auction, and many delicious baked items for sale. It is fun to watch the auction, as folks already know how much they are going to spend, so the bidding gets really crazy at times. The highest bid was for $1000 for an apple pie. After a long day at the retreat, we called it an early night and were home about 7:45.

On Tuesday, Little Miss Opal wanted to say “Thank you” to our workers here in the park by hosting a luncheon of wonderfully delicious chicken legs, salads, and a cake to honor them. As they only have a half an hour lunch, it was a quick time of fellowship but a chance to say thanks to them for all their hard work.

 As I mentioned before our granddaughter Katie, is getting married in September in Northern Wisconsin. If the weather co-operates nicely, it should be a beautiful time of the year. The leaves should be changing, the smell of fall should be in the air (that is if there isn’t an early snowstorm).  Just found out today that Katie is going to wear my Mother’s pearls – a beautiful set of Miki-Moto (1940 era) graduated pearls. One of the set is missing, as I heard tell that when I was a baby, I reached for them and broke them. They all were found except one.  I had them re-strung years ago with a note from the jeweler that one is missing. A few years ago I passed the pearls on down to one of our daughters – 3 of the other daughter received one of Mother’s rings, but Brenda does not wear extra rings, so she received the pearls. She is now passing them on to the oldest granddaughter, Katie. My mother would be truly pleased to see Katie wearing them on her wedding day – I wore them for my high school graduation picture.

We attended church his morning at Mission Bell along with the Lundquists and a few other friends. Our vehicle is out of commission due to a bad tire. We bought the tire from Wal-Mart with the rod hazard guarantee, so we need to take it back there. Because it is a Michelin tire it has to be ordered – so we are foot bound for a few days. Of course, we have a hair appointment tomorrow morning, and Fred has a doctor appointment Tuesday! Boy, does a person feel weird not having a vehicle. Anyway, we just praise the Lord that this do not happen out on the highway while we were traveling.

Pastor Jim’s message this morning focused on being almost a witness for Jesus; it is not good enough. If you are “almost persuaded” to be a follower of Christ you are lost. There is no half-way in Christianity. Many folks run from God’s calling, not towards it. Almost is not enough. We need to take our lives in Christ seriously – not half-hardy or casually. Every one has to decided for himself whether to follow Christ or not – you cannot do it or him. You witness to others but you cannot force them to believe. For some people this is an easy decision, for others it is harder. If you do not know Jesus you are in the shackles of sin.  In today’s world we are encouraged to abandon the truth and conform to today’s society. We have to remember to remain to be committed to Christ always -  almost is not enough!!!!

Please remember to keep all of the victims of the Florida shooting in your prayers – those who died at the hands of a shooter, those who are recovering from the physical wounds, and especially those who are recovering form the emotional wounds. If you are wondering why God allowed this to happen remember that God is not allowed in schools.