Weekend Blessings:1) our good friend, ski buddy and Dental Hygienist who is Japanese emailed everyone this morning. Very thankful that her 15.5 yr old niece and the older nephew are safe and home now. The niece was on a day trip with school to Disneyland Tokyo. The Park immediately closed and kept all school groups inside until they could be safely relocated to school facilities nearby and then eventually transported to their own communities. With cell services compromised and train service stopped, this was hard on families waiting to hear about their children. Her nephew was working in the city and was able to buy a bike and biked his way home - he normally takes the train - it was a very long bike ride.
I'm sure there are many stories out there of similar nature. And many people grieving as well. Praying for all those still waiting to hear where family and friends are, the humanitarian efforts, all military personnel and those trying to contain potential nuclear disasters. It's surreal.
2) Talked to my sister in Hawaii. So happy to hear that J's (one of the new twins) hearing loss has certainly not increased and may in fact be improving - no promises but things are going well!
3) My bro-in-law (HI) had some tests done too - brain is working great! We could have told the Dr's that! Anyway, many improvements are being made in the treatment of Parkinson's and we are very hopeful that he can proceed with a desired treatment course.
4) Showed the house for the 1st time. They are Swiss and would prefer to buy vs rent but, Hey, my house is clean so I can play. Or do the filing which I really need to tackle. Hmmm - Play and make chocolate chip cookies!
5) Rachel finished her Science project which included a model of an atom. Silly mom forgot to get a pic before she took it off to school this morning. During the process of making the model, we realized that one thing we will be thankful for in returning to the US is: all-in-one craft stores. Big ones! (Michael's, JoAnn's Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, etc....) As usual, we had to visit 2 stores to get the necessary supplies - this happens when sewing projects come up too, remember? One store to buy the fabric and then another to buy the thread and other notions.
6) Good friends. We had a lovely afternoon with friends at the Thermal Baths in Baden. And High Tea afterwards - substituting "Doppelrahm" from Gruyere for Clotted Cream on the scones - yummy. The baths are a kick! The indoor pool is about 35C and the outdoor pool about 38C. There are "jet" stations all around the pool at various heights (feet, calves, back, etc....) and there is a chime and lights which blink when it is time for everyone to move from the jet they're currently on to the next station. It's funny to see the whole pool "rotate" at the chime but you get to experience all the different jets - no jet hogs allowed!
7) Good husband and a good deal. I bought a piece of furniture, a sofa, last week. Yes, right before we move. I think I got a good deal. Anyway, on our way home from Baden last night we call to let the sellers know what time we'll be home so they can deliver. The wife says "oh, if you're close, you can come and your husband can help mine get it into our truck and then my husband can follow you home." See - she bought a new sofa for their TV room and the old sofa (antique that they were using in their TV room) was now in her atelier/studio. She wanted it OUT! and put it on the school website at a great price which included delivery. So I said "yes, we can swing by and help." So I now have a sofa sitting in my garage waiting for it's trip to the US. Thank you dear husband. I think Bart and the other husband maybe had some words together about their crazy wives but I haven't heard much so far. Not sure if that's good or......
Kids in Church
In January, we had an evening of delightful entertainment from our young people at church - Living Psalms of Praise. There were participants from ages 3 to about 16: singing, reading, violin, piano and dance/song. I think it surprised us all as to the willingness and talent that arrived that evening. Even my eldest surprised me.
A key lesson taken away from the evening for our church was the importance of letting the children have an avenue to display their talents at the church. Personally, I started at 6 years old! We had a small church and there was opportunity to share ones musical talents with the church. I speak primarily from the music side of church services - it's pretty much what I know.
Most of the musicians (vocal & instrumental) I've worked with over the past 10 years all have roots in small churches where they were able to develop their talents and presence in front of an audience at church. I would never have dreamed when I was my girls age that I would end up serving as a part-time Music Leader.
We don't know, of all those willing children in our church, who will be asked to serve as adults - or in what capacity. What a great opportunity to see them grow, learn, share and gain confidence before others.
I'll share a few pic's - I wasn't able to get a pic of Kendra at the piano but she also read Psalm 121:
Rachel played "Wonderous Love" with our friend D accompanying on piano:
Rachel and her friend G sang "Above All" :
So proud and blessed by all of the children at our church - including my own. "Then the little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:13-14
Peace be with you.
3 comments:
...At least you have stores you can go to to buy fabric and notions. None here. Tough for this sewer/quilter.
...I think it's great to get kids involved in church. Our kids have both been involved when they were in middle school and high school. When our oldest went to college and settled on a church, HE went to the worship pastor and asked if he could play his guitar. I asked him what spurred him on to do that and he said he just had to be involved. It was just second nature to him. Love that! Our daughter got involved right away too and is now singing on the worship team and plays the piano. SO neat to see.
No picture of the new couch? :)
Thanks for the update.
Proud of your girls and their desire to serve the Lord.
I should have posted a pic of Bart too - he was in the sound booth. Great thing about a small church is that there is always some way you can contribute. Come to think of it - worked that way in the 'big church' too. :) Praying about our next church already. Sigh.
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