Sunday musings

It's Sunday evening, a beautiful day. The sun is shining, it's not too hot and there is a very pleasant breeze blowing. But unfortunately, I'm not feeling well enough to enjoy it. All day my poor intestines have been crampy and unhappy. So I'm staying home trying to cheerfully enjoy the solitude. Andy went bowling with church people. He was tired, too, but couldn't stay home because he loves bowling so much. He's not sure he'll be able to bowl because of his finger, but knowing him, he'll find a way to have fun. His finger is healing nicely, thanks to all who've asked about it. It still looks pretty bad, but much better. He won't let me take another picture of it, however.A couple of weeks ago, after a wedding at the church, there were a lot of big beautiful bouquets left over. So one of the girls in the office took all the good flowers and made several beautiful arrangements, one of which I took home to enjoy.

I think I figured out the name of the flower I was unsure of. I've concluded it's veronica, white icicle. What do you think?
You've heard about food prices going up. I was interested to see what the price of flour was since Meggan mentioned on her blog several weeks ago about the drastic jump in prices. I thought Whole Foods was a more upscale food store with higher prices, but after some comparative shopping, I've changed my mind. Shop Rite had unbleached bread flour King Arthur's brand for $4.99 for 5 pounds; and Whole Foods had the very same flour for $3.19. Hmmm. I think I'll stick with Whole Foods.

Last night we went to a party for Tommy's 30th birthday. (Everyone's turning 30!) I made a Greek summer salad to take along. He loves this salad, but Dawn doesn't. So I won points with Tommy by making it and bringing it to his party. His mom hosted the party at her house.
Yesterday I treated myself by getting a pedicure. When I was telling Andy's mom that I was going out, I told her I was going to get a pedigree!!! We all laughed till our sides hurt over that slip. I really should have done it earlier in the season because my feet are in sandals all summer. It was so relaxing and now my feet look good. Ahhhhh!
Andy worked on the front porch. The concrete truck came on Thursday and poured the concrete for the footings. Then a load of blocks was delivered on Friday. He started laying the blocks, but it was so hot and humid on Saturday, he couldn't work outside all day. Besides he had to come in the house to get cleaned up to go to Tommy's party. But progress is being made.











And lastly, I wanted to share a few thoughts from the message this morning. Pastor Mark was preaching from Ephesians 4:31-32 about forgiveness. A great message to hear, but difficult to practice consistently. He referenced Luke 6:32-36 where Jesus is telling his disciples to love their enemies. He says that our reward will be great if we love, do good, and lend to sinners without expecting to get anything back. Why? Because God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked! Isn't that a stunning statement? God is kind to those who treat him contemptibly, and he is our example. He has forgiven us much, in fact, everything. So how can we not do the same toward others. Of course, we cannot in our own strength, for "apart from Me, you can do nothing." But I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

I'm so grateful for God's saving grace in the past, for the future, and in the present to help me live for His glory.