Hernan Visit

It was wonderful to meet Shari and Bob's family and friends. What a great visit we had. You can click below to see the rest of the pictures.
We weren't sure if we were going to be able to visit the Hernans on our trip home, so we waited until the day before to let them know we would be there on Sunday in the afternoon. They said that was great, so we parked for the night and went to bed. I began thinking about them, and could not sleep. I remember hearing about Garret Harper, the son of a long time friend who is suffering from cancer. Their church came to their home, quietly surrounded the house and prayed for the family and for Garrett. I wondered if we could pull that off for the Hernans. I could not sleep. I finally decided I needed to get up and figure out a way to let people know. I would have liked for it to be a surprise, but I had no idea who of Shari's Facebook friends lived nearby. I finally asked Shari if she could post it on Caring Bridge. She responded immediately. I think it was close to midnight on Saturday night. We did not know until the next day that they were having a very difficult night with Matthew. They didn't even get to bed that night until 3 in the morning. So, not knowing if anyone would show up, we headed to the Hernans. When we arrived, we found out5 that several people had responded, and were going to join us in prayer. Among them was Theresa, Nathan Akins mom, whom we had known in Tucson. She drove 2 1/2 hours to join us. About 20 people showed up and we decided to "surround" Matthew in his room and pray. Matthew lay there peacefully as we led in prayer. It was a great time.

Guthrie on Sad People, Safe Churches

Guthrie on Sad People, Safe Churches

It seems like I am constantly hearing about people who are sad, suffering and dealing with a severe trial of some sort. Just today, I jotted a short message on Facebook to a young man I have known since he was three years old. He just lost his mother tragically. I found myself writing words that probably have little meaning, but what else to say or do? Right now I am traveling across the country and unable to attend the memorial. I am thankful for memorial services because they give us the opportunity to look in the eyes of those who have lost and share from our heart. I think each of us wants to be comforting, helpful, encouraging to those we know who are sad or otherwise grieving. We feel compassion but sometimes cannot find the right words. We repeat what others have said. I remember sitting in a church service years ago when a young woman began to weep. Immediately, the ladies in the church surrounded her and asked her how they could help. She expressed her sorrow in losing her child three years before that. One of them said to her, "Well, you just need to trust God". I thought then how often our words are inadequate to express our compassion for someone such as this young mother. Perhaps these words from Nancy Guthrie will encourage each of us to better encourage those in our lives who are suffering just now.

A Mother's Prayer

Random thought about my mother today, who is 88 years old, soon to be 89. I read this on Girltalk, and thought of the memories I have of my mother praying for me. She still prays for me and thinks of me as her "little girl". I hope my own children and grandchildren will know and remember that I pray for them as well.  http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/a-mothers-prayers

Outdoorsy People Play Lewis and Clark

Finally, after a month with the kayaks on top of the truck, we took them off, put them in a Kentucky River, and paddled on down the tree lined brown waters. It was a beautiful morning, but the water was kind of disgusting. We didn't see much wildlife, but we did see these dragonflies. I did learn to shave my legs before taking close up pics.

Louisville, Kentucky Part II

We have thoroughly enjoyed the people and places of Kentucky. We have found the people of Kentucky to be warm and friendly. They love this place and would NEVER leave. When we say we are from Arizona, immigration issue always comes up.
We have enjoyed championship swim meets with our  grandchildren, visited historical sites and attended the Good Sam Club National Rally.  We have had many interesting and humorous comments about our kayaks on top of our truck ("Where'd you get them boats?") We have yet to use the kayaks. It is just too hot and humid. Today we attended a flea market, and met an interesting guy dressed in camo pants, a hawaiian shirt and a bright blue tiger hat. I asked him if I could take his picture. Denny said to him, "You must not be married, because your wife would never let you out of the house in that outfit!"

Today our friends, Gary and Wanda Lucht attended Sojourn Community Church with us to hear Brian speak. Later they called us to say they had "experienced" White Castle Hamburgers! 

Following Another Caring Bridge Friend

Recently when we were visiting Washington C.H., Ohio, we found out that the son of our longtime friend Jeff Harper was battling osteosarcoma. Garrett Harper is 15 years old. You can read his story on the Caring Bridge website . We knew Jeff when he was a young teenager.  Now many years later he is a husband and dad going through this ordeal.  Garrett keeps busy working in his garage. He wants to decorate his garage with license plates from all over. I have a Psalm 8 Arizona license plate hanging in my garage (AZ sent me two many years ago). So, it's going to Garrett. You can read Garrett's story by clicking here

Denny Bangs His Head Once Again

It is a wonder Denny doesn't have brain damage. This 6 foot 3 inch guy is constantly hitting his head........ HARD! It happens a lot while we are in the RV because he is ducking around under slide outs and awnings and open cabinets. The cabinet was open above the TV (my bad), and he slammed right into the corner. He hit it hard, and it was quite dramatic. Hence, the bandaged head. OK. I am not just the neatest bandager in the world....
He always says, "I should have had a hat on!" Of course he has split his head open many times WITH a hat on, so I am not sure it will help, but...........
I found him a hat I hope will work.....