Lovely Lush White Azalea

Lovely Lush White Azalea

Fragrant Iris

This iris doesn't look like much but the perfume is excellent. Many of our iris don't have much smell but this one is just lovely. The blooms themselves don't have aesthetic value as some of the others do. But this one surely makes up for that in it's fragrance and hardiness.

The Truth War by John MacArthur

Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception

This book by John MacArthur is a must read for anyone who is concerned about where the church is headed today.

Here is what he addresses:

The pitfalls of postmodern thinking
Why the Emerging Church Movement is inherently flawed
Past skirmishes in the Truth War and their effect on the Church
The importance of truth and certainty in a postmodern society
How to identify and address the errors and false teachings smuggled into
the churches

Right now, truth is under attack, and much is at stake. Perhaps no one in America is more passionate than John MacArthur about exposing those who are mounting this attack--especially those bringing the assault right into the church.

Though it does get bogged down in the middle with some heavy history, for the most part this is an easy read for the layman. We highly recommend it.

Don't Stop Laughing Now! by many authors

This book is laugh out loud funny! And to top that off it is very inspirational and thoughtful. The stories are very short, but don't read this before bed. You will wake up the house with your laughter! It is good clean fun with a lot of wisdom. Enjoy!

Today was another "collision theory day." The incident involved two pickups going next to the walker, while a van came from the other direction traveling over the hill and around a bend. These three vehicles were among only half a dozen vehicles on the road during a 35 minute walk. The good news is that the pickups slowed way down and the walker was alert.

Unity agreement & future

Our last TT meeting was again agenda filled. First we took another look at a proposed unity agreement on the role of woman in leadership and the responses to that agreement. Then, we tried to decide how we should process our disagreement that remains. It looks like we will be voting.

Next on the agenda was looking at what God is saying about our future. But now the real challenge--laying out the path to get us from here to there. Much time on both of these issues was spent in small group discussions. Previously each group had chosen their own leaders, but this time our leaders were chosen ahead of time (to save time.)

One thing we are discovering about all these interactions is how little we think alike. Each one seems to see things in very different ways but still certain themes seem to be emerging if we want to grow as a church. Four things emerged from our discussion about the future:

1. We need dynamic leadership

2. We must be willing to change

3. We want to be welcoming

4. We should pray

That last theme is a hard one at times. Especially when things are not going the way one feels they should. We are trying to keep optimistic and hopeful. It is very difficult to see God working even in the midst of our disagreements.

Giving thanks in everything

This creeping Phlox is one of our favorites. There are mounds all over our gardens. It all came from a six inch pot from a sister. Very prolific!


A visit to the doctor about a hearing problem has prompted some medical intervention for high blood pressure. Now we are looking at some minor heart dysfunction.

This is a good example of being thankful for everything.

If there had been no hearing problem then these much more serious problems would not have been detected and treated. We are thankful that this was discovered and we are thankful for the problem with hearing.

That's why we should give thanks for everything.

Need to report two cases of the "collision theory" today, one being a near accident. The walker was day-dreaming and could have caused a problem. Keep in mind that these were almost the only vehicles on the road during a thirty minute walk!

Dogwood

Our dogwood tree is certainly magnificent this year! Last year we recall a very hard freeze just about this time in the spring. It ruined the dogwood and lilac blossoms. So the beauty of these lovely trees are a real treat this year.

Yesterday it was necessary to do some adjustments on our granddaughter's outfit. The skirt and shorts needed cinched in a little at the waste and the hook and eye closer was replaced on the top with a permanently sew together button. The opening is still large enough for her to put her head through and she won't have to fuss with the closer. We added a large eyelet ruffle and let out the hem of the top also. She seems to be shooting up through the middle right now. She really gave the shorts outfit a workout at her birthday party. It seemed to survive!

This afternoon the collision theory was in effect. A tractor with a wide load and a van met right where one of us was walking. There were no other vehicles in sight at the time.