Thanking God for the many blessings He provides.

I'm feeling a little like I need some remedial training this morning. I was here at the office for a few hours on the 4th, last Thursday, but left mid morning, and since then I have been celebrating the way Americans celebrate. That is, doing whatever it is we choose. It's Monday, July 8, 2013, and I actually find myself a little groggy this morning. I hope you enjoyed your time off in the way you chose to celebrate. We spent Thursday afternoon with our eldest son and his family. We had our style of traditional 4th festivities. Grilled hamburgers, barbecued brisket, all the trimmings, a patriotic decorated cake, and, of course, some ice cold watermelon. After all that we came back home in time to see on PBS the Capitol 4th celebration from the seat of our national government. We also watched the celebration from New York and the big one in our local area emanating from Houston. Fireworks galore. My wife does love the fireworks but she was catnapping here and there and I'm not sure how much of the actual displays she caught. But, it was our way of remembering and we did word a prayer for this one nation, under God, seeking God's providential direction and protection. It was a good day and we are thankful for it.

On Friday, the wife and I, traveled to Plano, Texas to visit my sister JoAnn. She has just completed her 4th round of chemo for a recently diagnosed chronic leukemia and I'm thankful for her demonstrated courage and determination all through these difficult treatments. We were able to spend some quality time with her, her sons, Tim and Todd, where we did what we all do quite well, talked up a storm. Friday evening we caught the NASCAR race where Todd and I could exchange our expert opinions and Tim very courteously endured us going on and on about cars traveling in circles on an oval track. On Saturday we met for breakfast and had another great time of feasting and fellowship. I thank God for the opportunity and the means to be able to go and enjoy this time of family connection. We now continue our prayers on her behalf as we await, in early August, the latest results on her disease.

We returned to our home Saturday afternoon and more or less did what my grandfather used to accuse us kids of doing: We were laid up in those recliners like a bunch of dogs. Sunday saw us back in our places at our local fellowship. It was a great service. We were sending off over 40 teen campers for a week of revival and renewal at Church camp in Arkansas. Our twins, Alesha and Amanda also left for their Church's teen camp yesterday. My prayer is always that these kiddos that go to camp will experience the presence of the Lord in a powerful way. And, that their time spent at camp will become life changing for each of them. Great worship and fellowship but we had not yet fully completed our holiday weekend. Sunday afternoon our eldest son and his family brought over his granddaughter to see us. That would be our only great grand, our little Madelyn Joy. We don't get to see her very often and that makes it so special when we do. That became the icing on the cake for a busy but blessed few days. (We do have photos but they have not been uploaded yet, so stay tuned.) Yes, we are blessed, and we pause to thank the One who does provide these blessings to us. Have a great Monday and may God bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.