As I took my walk late this evening, I was contemplating my day. It was long and a little tough, dealing with things that were maybe harder than I’d like to deal with, and being disappointed in several things that were not going as expected.
I glanced at the sky above the hills and the light was almost luminous as it glowed with the pending sunset. I watched the patterns change as I walked and was caught up in the beauty and peace of the clouds. When the kids were little, we spent most of our vacation days visiting Mom, trekking across I-90 from Albion to Presque Isle, Erie. The sky was often the brightest blue with huge puffy clouds, like cotton batting scattered across the heavens. We adopted the concept and called any ‘amazing sky’ Presque Isle Clouds. It got to be our by-words: Look at the CLOUDS!
So I let the peace of the day’s end wash over me, and appreciated the gifts of beauty, ‘clouds’, freedom of choice, and health overtake the disappointments of the week. I am SO thankful for my family, my friends, and a God who often has to remind me: Be still, and Know that I AM GOD!
The West Alexander fair is always the week starting with Labor Day. This year my grandson Peyton entered a quilt project that he had worked on – either scouts or 4-H, I don’t remember. But I know he chose his own colors, material, and pattern, and worked on the quilt diligently. He’s eight years old!
I was so excited for him when I got the text message on Monday that his quilt had won first place! So here’s a big CONGRATULATIONS to Peyton and a job well done. I’m so proud of you, and crazy-happy for you! Love you!
Even though it wasn’t the best of circumstances that propelled us into a trip to Albion, we had a lovely and blessed visit with our mom and step-father. We were able to bring John home from the hospital on Monday afternoon and see that they were settled and comfortable before heading back down I-79 to Greensburg.
As a little bonus treat to ourselves, we took a minute before we left to have a garden photo-shoot with Mom. There was peace and comfort in standing there with Mom, enjoying the beautiful fruits of her labor and God’s gifts before making the three hour trip home.
We offer prayers on their behalf as we leave them in the care of the One who cares the most! Love you both!
My sister Kathy and I had a wonderful day yesterday in Smicksburg with my Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford at their farm. SUNFLOWERS! Dozens and dozens of them. UC picked a few for Kathy and I to carry home with us. Bright and cheerful and inviting.
We put up dozens of freezer bags of corn – fresh picked while we sat there! – and had a yummy garden lunch. Couldn’t have asked for more. Such a wonderful, loving family – one of God’s greatest blessings! Add to that little take-home containers of fresh green beans, chocolate from the Chocolate Shop down the road, cheese from Smicksburg Country Store, and it was a perfect day.
A special thanks for my dear family, so gracious to share their bounty, their time, and always —- their love! We love you back!
Today just a rising of prayers of thanksgiving and petition for my step-father, who was suddenly ill yesterday at his home in Albion. An ambulance trip to the ER thankfully eliminated the possibility of a heart attack (their first thought), but the staff are still doing tests to discover why he would have a little ‘spell’ just sitting on the porch steps.
When the emergency crew showed up at the house, they couldn’t understand where John was – he had gotten up and walked inside the house! No visible signs of any problems but wanted him to be checked out and monitored. Thankfully he is alert and in good spirits, and my mom is comforted by the prayers, support, and kind professional people surrounding them! Prayers HAVE BEEN answered already, and I am confident that John and Mom are surrounded by God’s grace, peace, and care.
This past weekend my son and his two daughters were in a wedding. The girls look so grown up – except for the fact that Chrissy ditched her bouquet and shoes the minute they said ‘I DO’! Autmn stayed in her dress all evening but Chrissy was back in shorts right after dinner. Chelsey told me they were wonderful and it was a fun day for all of them.
Here’s to wishing Josh and Chelsey many years of happiness together!
Meet my youngest fan – Laila. Her mom Jen works with me and just purchased Letters to Mary on Monday. Laila was fascinated by the cover and ‘wouldn’t put it down’!
I promised her that when she was old enough to read it the whole way through by herself she would get her own autographed copy. I think she’s four, so I’m hoping to keep the momentum going for the book so she’s still excited about it when she can actually read it!
Thanks, Laila, for sharing the excitement of LETTERS TO MARY!
Just a short note today – while we are on the subject of first days of school…. This is my first day of first grade, and my sister Kathy wanted to be part of the action. You may note that her dress is on backwards, as she was afraid she was going to get left out and hurried to dress herself! The buttons and the belt are in the front! And of course, bare feet! I probably shouldn’t mention the year. Let’s just say it was nineteen….. something!!! 🙂
Well the school year for 2014-2015 has started! The Hancher boys are settled into their routine, having started school on the 18th. Logan is in 2nd, Chase in kindergarten, and Peyton a big 3rd grader already! They will have an exciting year ahead of them in a new school – where Kelly is actually a classroom assistant this year.
Chrissy and Autmn started today – and Autmn is in 6th grade – her first year at the middle school! Chris is in 3rd grade, and for the first time in her school career, she doesn’t have her big sister there!
All five had great ‘first days’ and are excited to look forward to learning and growing and making friends. ‘Oh, the places you’ll go!’ as Dr. Seuss would say! What a wonderful future – do us proud, kiddos!!! Love you!
The West Alexander fair ended as it began: Winners! On Monday, Peyton won first place for his quilt, and we are all very proud and excited. Wednesday Peyton and Logan were showing their pigs. One was named Ham Bone (I don’t know the other one). 
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