The birthday boy

 

Today is Andy's 58th birthday.  And he did get more than Charmin toilet paper.  Although, he did tell Amy that "mom never buys the good stuff," so...that's what he got!  But I caved.  I went out today and got him some new fun tools for his grill.  I couldn't find that cool grill cleaner he saw on tv.  Maybe next year.

Liz, his mom, & I took him out to dinner.  He chose to go eat at China Dynasty.  (On your birthday?  Really??)  Then we took his mom to Senior Adult Game Night at the church---and hung out with the senior adults for about an hour.  ha!  Then Andy had an elders' meeting, so it's been a pretty fun day, all in all!   (Senior Adult game night....elders' meeting...get it?  HA!!)

Isn't he cute?  Here's my sweetie with 2 of his cute, happy grandbabies---about a year ago.  I need new pictures!!

Aren't Sundays a Day of Rest?

When did Sundays QUIT being a day of rest? Is it like this for everyone---or just for church staff? Let me outline my day for you. The alarm went off at 7. I got up and put a breakfast casserole into the oven for our Sunday School breakfast for all the adult Sunday Schools. I also put on a crockpot full of green beans for the Deacon/Widow lunch after church. (Thanks for that idea, Sandra! Worked great!) I got to church at 8:30 and helped get the tables set up for the breakfast. Then I went and opened the library for 30 minutes. We ate breakfast, Andy taught, I cleaned up and we went to "big church." We had a great service, by the way. As soon as church was over, I went to see if the library was manned (it was), so I went to the fellowship hall to help set up for the lunch. We ate and I gathered my dishes and headed home. I came home and cleaned up my kitchen that I hadn't cleaned before I left this morning---and then made a batch of brownies for the Adopt-A-Student cookout tonight. Then I cleaned up more mess. I did get to lay down for 1 1/2 hours. I left the house at 3:30 to go to the church to fill the goodie bags for the college students. Then I drove the church van to the college and began setting up for the cookout. Donna M. & I decided the men hadn't gotten enough food, so I made a run to United for more of everything. Got back, helped serve food, greeted students, handed out goodie bags and came home. I got home at 8:30 p.m.!! I am EXHAUSTED!!! I know not every Sunday is like this....but come on! I'd like that day of rest that God promised!!

Found the Washing Soda

Check it out!

http://www.greatcleaners.com/ah-soda-booster.html

Andy's birthday

Monday is Andy's birthday. (yeah, Phil's too---7 minutes' difference) This morning Jodina called and wanted to have us and some other friends over tonight to christen their new outdoor kitchen, which is FABULOUS, by the way. I told her I'd bring a birthday cake for Andy. Now I'm up to my elbows with ice cream, too.
It's so funny the older you get, the less you care about birthdays! Some people stress over certain ages, but it's never bothered me. It's just another day, in my opinion. Plus...Andy is almost 6 years older than me (please don't tell me how shocked you are!), so by the time I get there, it just isn't as painful.
We don't even care about gifts anymore. (Although Andy did mention he saw some steam cleaner thing for grills that has piqued his interest!) I mean, I already have everything I want. In fact, I'm telling my kids this year that all I want for Christmas is an 8x10 photo of their family. I don't even care if it's one they've taken themselves! I am finally motivated to get my photo screen filled up!! (There's also a smaller space for each grandkid to have 2 photos each--hint, hint, Amy & Lindsey)
Anyway, happy 58th birthday, Andy. That age looks great on you, babe!! (I got him some Charmin---what more could he want?!?)

Patsy Steele

I heard from Patsy Steele this evening---on Facebook, no less! She told me that their area had been evacuated one evening as a precaution by the community leader. She said the military has set up a military presence in their town and helicopters are flying over their area looking for rebels continually. She asked us to be praying for them to have wisdom---but they've taken this opportunity to have the students examine their hearts and see if they trust God for their safety---and if they have a true burden for ministry. She said they've been studying Paul and all he endured for the sake of the gospel.
Please continue praying for their safety----and praise God Patsy hasn't been kidnapped---just evacuated by the community leader.

One thing I've learned....

I've learned, that for some reason, if you post more than one blog a day, the earliest one is the only one that shows up! So I've started clicking on the person's name, rather than on the blog post, so that I can see everything they've said that day.

The Steele's

I want to ask you to be praying for Scott & Patsy Steele. Patsy grew up in Borger at First Baptist Church (her family still goes here) and they are missionaries in the Philippines. They've started a seminary there. Scott recently came back to the states for his mother's 90th birthday. He got word that while he was gone, some terrorist Muslims attacked the compound where their home and seminary are located. They don't know if Patsy and the 20-50 students had time to flee or if they've been taken captive. Please pray that God protects them, comforts them and makes His presence very real to them!! And if they are in hiding, that they find a way to make contact with Scott. This is the same general area where Martin & Gracia Burnham were kidnapped in 2002. Scott & Patsy are about our age. Their children are grown and all live in the States. Please pass this prayer request on to all the prayer warriors you know! Thanks.