July 30, 2023 The not-cool version of Pickleball

 

One of the things we've really enjoyed while in the States this Summer is the free access to tennis courts.  While most of them have cracks, droopy nets or weeds growing on the courts, we've been able to eek out some play about once per week.  In the place where we live these days, you have to pay a fee to use the facilities and most are clay (read "cool but very messy") surfaces.  So it's been great to get out and whack that fuzzy, yellow ball....or at least to try to.   

July 23, 2023 Quickshot: Kindness Epitomized

 

Over and over the Scriptures point to the importance of being hospitable, so as followers of Christ we attempt to embrace and put into practice that concept.  It's one thing to give hospitality, it's another altogether to be recipients.  So that's a new spiritual muscle we're learning to flex.  The photo above is an illustration of recent kindness shown to us.  Today, a dear family allowed our motley crew to invade their home and look at those amazing American snacks left on the counter for us to chow down on (thank you G's!).  We're grateful for opportunities to give kindness but also so very thankful for the chance to receive it. 

July 22, 2023 International #A Day!

 

How do you celebrate #A turning 15?  Well you go to Walmart and take pics of yourself in the security monitors and you walk through a local flea market looking for albums and jibbtz (something you attach to your Crocs...apparently it's a thing again), of course.  We're so grateful for this amazing young man.  It's not too late to join in on the festivities.  Join us in celebrating international #A Day. 

July 21, 2023 L to Lego Camp

 

Speaking of camps, chalk this up to one of those cool, unexpected gifts that blesses your socks off.  Last week we received the kindest invitation (Thank you Mr. O!) for #L to attend a...LEGO CAMP! of all things.  We were able to drop in on the last day to see what the kids had constructed and were simply blown away.  Just look at all those bricks and just look at that big grin.  Another example of wonderful people loving on and investing in our kids.  We're so grateful! 

July 13, 2023 Camp life

A friend send us this pic today.  Oh how amazing to see your child studying the Truth and growing closer to the Author of his life.   We're so excited #M and #A were able to go to Summer camp this week.   Thank you #MrB and #MsK for making this a reality.   

July 4, 2023 Q beautiful for spacious skies...

It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so maybe it's that or maybe it's the reflective sentiment that seems to increase with age, or maybe it's simply the way it should be, but each time the Pledge of Allegiance is sworn or the Star Spangled Banner is sung, a lump forms in my throat and the corners of my eyes well up a bit. Living overseas has made us more appreciative of being from the US.  With all her faults and idiosyncrasies, America is our earthly home and we are grateful.  Tonight as we watched the scene above unfold, every able-bodied person standing at alert, hands over hearts, flags unfurling in the breeze and the beautiful words of the nation's anthem belted beautifully from home plate, we heartily joined along, a beautiful moment.  Thank You to the Power that hath made and perserved us a nation! 

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.