Blessed Sunday

We had 2 excellent services today. So much to digest, I'll have to go into the Peoria AC website and listen again. Dave Obergfel had the morning service. In his first prayer he thanked Jesus so much for His sacrifice. Then he opened to Philippians 4 and brought out so lovingly how Stand Fast in the Lord and Rejoice in the Lord go hand in hand, like a bicycle having 2 wheels we must have both to get anywhere. He had so many references to Jesus, thanking him for His great love for us and how we need to worship Him. Craig Stickling had the afternoon service, opening to Ecclesiastes first, then St. John 4. The afternoon sermon was on the Samaritan woman at the well. Craig brought out verse 22, in a way I'd never dwelt on before, how God wants our worship. At the time Jesus was talking to her, the woman at the well, salvation was for the Israelite people. But then verse 23 goes on that a true worshipper shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the FATHER seeketh such to worship Him; opening up SALVATION for ALL.
Truly the Holy Spirit was speaking through both of these men. How blessed we are to be able to worship FREELY in America and have such a wonderful fellowship with our church family. Greg and Heather Rumbold gave lunch and wow what a lunch, the trays were filled with goodies, grapes, ham and cheese sandwiches, crescent rolls that could be filled with chicken salad, and many cookies, bars and donuts. Church is like a big family reunion every week and how thankful I am to be able to attend.
We just finished a Sunday 'tea' with Nancy, enjoying a small bowl of split pea soup and crackers. This will hold us off until later this evening when we will head to Avanti's for spaghetti, Nancy's favorite!
My sister Nancy was bitten by a mosquito that carried encephalitis when she was 2 1/2 years old. She became very ill and her brain was damaged pretty severely from the disease. She went from a very bright precocious little girl to one that only laid in a crib, she could not roll over or even cry. Nancy is such a happy girl now, loving to help, she likes the dogs and loves to pick flowers. Nancy lives in Morton, IL in a group home.
Here she is helping hold the Liliacs with Emma before putting them in a vase.

She is playing hide and seek with Emma.

Wow what a BIG smile. What a joy Nancy is to our family!