August 1 – “Ninth time’s the charm”

Our Home Group party went really well the other night.  Wes took over on the grill, and his burgers and hot dogs were certainly a hit.  Seems he really enjoys cooking outdoors, but he rarely gets a chance to living in an apartment.  Happy to oblige, Wes. 

The kids (I lost count of how many) were running around outside, making up games and generally getting themselves royally tired (Always a plus).  And speaking of games … I’m not at all sure what the premise was, because we were watching the like an old silent movie.  But this one that really caught my attention.  It began with all but one or two of them making a mad dash up the stairs to the deck.  The one or two left behind sat inside the little playhouse out there.  Once they had scaled the peak, suddenly a barrages of … ready for this … shoes, giggles, and outright guffaws came crashing down from above.  And then the footsteps rumbled down the stairs to collect the shoes, decide who was next in the house, and back up again. 

Of course there were also the usual climb-the-palm-tree races.  Wes got involved in those.  No, not to climb the tree.  He managed to convince at least one of the boys to make the leap down into his arms.  Never did see a leap from the deck to the ground, though.  Micah still holds the distinction of the only one brave enough to try that exploit.  Oh, and the swings were rocking constantly.  They seemed to like the new one we put up, too. 

Jennifer and Bryan made an appearance in her first venture outside after surgery.  Eight days post-op and she looked really good.  She said it was the best she has ever felt after a surgery.  Ninth time’s the charm, I guess, Jennifer.  Great to see you here again, though.

Philippians 4:2 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Father, thank you for Jennifer’s recovery so far.  Please keep that ankle together for her this time.  Amen.