A Great Privilege

Isn't this a beautiful church? Drapers Valley Presbyterian Church in Southwest Virginia, built in the 1830s out in the most peaceful country setting. We had the privilege to visit last night and the even greater privilege to hear from the Rev. Iain H. Murray not once, but twice. He and his wife are in the states all the way from Scotland for a month or so. What a treat. He brought the Word to us so humbly, simply, and yet powerfully.

Not Impressed

Samuel was not impressed by the evening sunlight streaming in the window. I don't think he could really figure it out. Later, he realized there were dust particles in the air-made more noticeable by the sun- and he had the best time laughing and swinging Jack's swimming trucks at them.
He makes this face often- it's somewhat of a signature look for him. Makes me laugh. Don't you love the boots?

A Few Recent Shots

Samuel loves to get out on his bike. He especially likes to get to the top of the sidewalk, pick up his feet, and fly to the end. So far no major accidents.

Can you find him in there? Aside from the helmet, I think the camo does it's job well!

Kids Fishing Day at Pandapa's Pond: Kayla caught the one and only fish for the Waters!

Desperate for that last sip.

Free Cone Day!

Kayla said it was the best day of her life. Free ice cream from Ben and Jerry's!!! The kids were so excited about it when they heard, which is kind of funny to me because, really, do they ever pay for their ice cream? I have to admit, though, that we all got two cones. Shamelessly, we went back for more.

Grief. It's painful. It hits at the strangest times. It's draining. I hate to see people I care about grieving. I wish so much that it would just go away. That the hurt and sadness would be gone, without a trace. But that is not the way it works, is it? We go through the process and find healing somewhere in the midst of it.
But there is a great blessing in grief. How sad would it be to have nothing to grieve? To lose a friend, a family member and pay your respects but feel no loss. That might be the saddest of all. The pain and grief from the passing of a loved one points to the love and relationship that was there. And for that, I am grateful.

"O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be."

from "O Love that Will Not Let Me Go" by George Matheson, 1882

My Papa

My papa died this morning. One day after his 62nd wedding anniversary. He and my grandma had a great lunch out to celebrate yesterday.
It is a strange feeling to know that he is not here any longer. How does that happen? Some people say death is a natural part of life. I don't agree. It is very unnatural. It was never supposed to be like this. It is strange that the world goes on, even after the loss of someone so special. My papa was such a good, humble man.
He went around helping everybody. That's just who he was. He was a talker. Oh my was he a talker. Could talk about anything for as long as you would listen. And he seemed to know so much about nature. I've always remembered that. He and Grandma had beautiful gardens full of veggies. Grape vines, apple trees. He was actually headed up the hill to plant potatoes when he passed away. He was a hard worker, always. And he loved my Grandma.
I remember a conversation with him a couple years ago when he said he didn't know if he could be sure of his salvation. He knew his need and where it was met. It was sort of "I believe, help my unbelief." And through my tears this morning, I had joy for him because he knows now. He knows.
And this just after Easter, when we celebrate the risen Christ, in whom is all our hope.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully..." I Corinithians 13:12

Easter Weekend Pictures