An Amazing Sunday

 Since yesterday was a day of rest for me, there was a lot to do this morning, mainly dishes. Today I decided I would have a good attitude about doing them and went right to work with a song. Singing really does make the work fly. I just wish I could still sing but God doesn't care, the Bible just says make a joyful noise. We were a few minutes late getting to Rhonda's, Mark couldn't find the fob for the car, that turned out to be in his coat pocket, the one he was wearing. Isaac Funk was visiting from Peach Tree and had the morning message. To watch that message click HERE. We have the example of Zachariah and Elizabeth praying for a child, year after year then giving up when they were both well stricken in years only to have Gabriel arrive and tell him, "Zachariah, Your prayers have been heard and answered, you and Elizabeth will have a child." Knowing God IS listening to my prayer and knowing His timing is perfect gives me hope and peace. Craig Stickling had the afternoon message and that too was another perfect message for me. Craig talked of a miracle and when he was telling the story I agreed, it really was a miracle. This story begins with a student at the school Craig works at. The verse Isaiah 1 vs 18 was quoted to him by a student:  Come now, and let us settle the matter saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Craig asked him the next day, "what does that verse mean and the response was, "I think it means no matter how bad you've been God will forgive you when you acknowledge Him." How thankful I am our God is the God of mercy, His mercy is new every morning. I highly recommend listening to this message and you can by clicking HERE.  I really felt that both of today's messages were just for me, so sorry all you other people who had to listen to my messages. Once home the oven was turned on to 400 degrees and the potatoes were put in to bake. As I only had 7 large potatoes I also wrapped 5 sweet potatoes in aluminum foil and added those to the oven. While the oven was preheating the carrots were set to boil then I hauled the ham over to the barn and put that in the oven there. We also had the left over ribs and teriyaki chicken for the meal. David and Stephanie brought the salad as they had that left over from their last Christmas party. Below are a few pictures of after the supper and a little of the volleyball. 

Sarah and Nolan made it to Gatlinburg yesterday and sent back the pictures below.

That is a black bear below them.

Karin sent the picture below of mom playing with the cat.

John and Beth arrived with gifts for Nancy, her favorite is the pillow.

She could hardly wait to put it on her bed. Rhoda and Lee took her home tonight. She had 5 bags to take in with all her loot from today. She is loving this Christmas. 

Mike and Diane are leaving early in the morning. They are taking the 2 horse trailer on this trip and will drop Madiera's colt off at the new owner's farm a little north of Birmingham, AL then drive another hour and load that horse trailer up with 30 pool lounge chairs. When I left the barn I drove up to the paddocks, shut the back gate locking Oliver and Madiera's colt out of the field so in the morning they will be in the paddock then found a new halter and lead rope. I think they hope to load him around 4:00 am but will call me when they are ready to hook up the trailer. That is backed into the indoor so we will have lights for loading. All the paper work is on the kitchen table and I must remember to take that out with me. Praying their trip goes well.