Family Time

We have been here in Fort Smith, AR for a few days with our oldest daughter and her husband, Darrell. They have a large home, big enough for all sorts of company. On Saturday,our daughters got together at the restaurant Darrell and Chandra own for a family birthday celebration - Fred, our son-in-law Scott, and Brenda's significant other, Todd, all have birthdays within a few days of each other. It was a crew, because great granddaughter Harper was also there. A fun time for the family. Our daughter Connie from Wisconsin was not there, but she will be down Labor Day week-end - so another celebration is in the making. 

Bob and Wanda's - Darrell's family restaurant in Barling, AR - a amazing place to dine

Freed, satisfied after a filling breakfast

some happy customers - the cafe is always busy

great down home cooking in a family setting - wonderful servers too.

We sit and watch as the deer come out in the evening to graze in the field by their house  A fawn got on this side of the fence and cannot jump the fence yet, so was running around in the back yard, while mama was coaxing him down the fence line where there is an opening. Great granddaughter Harper was concerned because baby was separated from mama, but relieved when they got together again. Ruby, the resident horse, just watched the excitement with a bit of concern, too.

We will leave here Wednesday and travel about an hour to Prairie Grove to stay with our youngest daughter dnd to be able to reconnect with our amazing church family at Prairie Grove Christian Church It always feels like we have truly come home because of their love and support. I have made a couple of quilts for two of our daughters, so will have them quilted so I can finish them while we are here.  The girls are patiently waiting for them!!! We relish this family time and take advantage of the down time.

I had a pedicure this last week (one of my few vices) and engaged in a conversation with the lady next to me. She is recovering from chemo and radiation for her colon cancer and believes in the healing power of God. I had the opportunity to pray with her ( the Vietnamese lady doing our toes sort of just stared at us, probably wondering what was going on) and share our beliefs. Remember, you never know when the opportunity arises to share your faith without being pushy.

Sunday we attended Life Church in Fort Smith with our daughter, Chandra. A very unique church with an interesting concept. When the offering is passed, anyone who is in need of funds is invited to take out any loose cash in the bucket. The church is very contemporary in their music and teaching, but the message is still there. We watched a video of a young man from England,  determined to become an Olympicdkier despite all odds. He had a dream of winning a medal for his country and pushed forward despite all objections and road blocks. His coach said he would never be a champion skier which only made him more determined to follow his dream. He stayed focused, pushed forward, and accomplished his task. We all need to remember that through God all things are possible. Sort of a review of last week's sermon in Joshua, TX. Faith is a the major part of our everyday living, and we always need to keep strong and be determined to succeed, knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us.