As I pack up my bags (one for the week ahead, the others to go back to NJ) I think about the lovely day we had. What an amazing way to express my gratitude to above then to begin the Sabbath day in worship (even while away). We went to a lovely Church today... the kids and I were a little nervous (the entire way there, Mackenzie kept asking if Pastor Mary or Pastor Arnie or Robin, or Thomas, WILL ANY OF MY FRIENDS BE HERE?) until we arrived to see the Pastor and several teenagers dancing in front of the congregation. Mackenzie noticed right away no kneelers... (she usually sits on the kneeler to write in her books)... "Mommy we don't have to kneel here?!" I responded we shall see... Jordan liked the hanging screen (he didn't have to follow in the book). I enjoyed the tone, much like what we experience at HT... The youth had just come back from the youth summit and they showed videos and the Pastor talked about it briefly stating the youth would all like to talk next week. After a few things, the Pastor then invited the kids to go upfront (much like PM), both of mine stayed with me though. He then took a beach bucket that they titled message in a can... a child takes the bucket home and brings it back the following week with three items in it.. Then the Pastor finds meaning and the kids (and adults) love it. This week there was a green matchbox truck, a silver car and dinosaur.... VERY cute.. Although the service was an hour and a half (JORDAN kept checking to make sure I knew) Jordan gave it 5 out of 5 stars because they give the kids (A SINGLE) goldfish with their blessing... hysterical how my children are obsessed with getting food. I was grateful to receive Spiritual peace, communion with Lord Jesus, receive God's grace and forgiveness and allow the Holy Spirit into my "gummysack".
We then came home had lunch and while Mackenzie took a nice nap, Jordan and I put up my sister's gazebo. (She HATES doing it: and I thought it would be nice for her to have when she gets home. It was so calm and still until we raised it, then the wind started blowing and I was nervous it was going to snap... got it ALMOST up and lost my helper to the ice cream truck!!!!! I couldn't say no, he was a great help and it was REALLY hot... He ran and got his wallet (waking his sister up) he even bought her and I each ice cream... So sweet, reminded me of living in Cranford and us running to the truck ourselves to get what we wanted.. (I could see the entire thing but was stuck literally holding up my end of the gazebo until they were done eating). As soon as it was secure and I ate my melted ice cream :-), we left for the county water park to meet friends of my sisters. The kids all enjoyed playing together and my baby went under water, SEVERAL times... it was AWESOME... I even brought my iphone in to video her doing it. (Mackenzie does not like to get her face wet, let alone put it under the water!!!) It was REALLY refreshing and so much fun... I wish NJ had a place like this... an affordable fun place.... we got home in time for me to finish putting the screen on the gazebo before the rain came... dinner, laundry and a game of knock hockey in which MACKENZIE was beating Jordan and declared, "we are even better than Aunt Emmy..." I had to record it and post it, (last time we were here, NONE of us scored against her she beat each of us). Today was just a GREAT relaxing day. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I know this is long and I am sorry for anyone new reading... but those who know me well know how much a day like today was REALLY needed. Tomorrow as I awaken in the Lord's morning light, I will marvel at another Marvelous Monday and I will once again recite the prayer sent to me from Pastor Mary and head out for another long car ride, with an even greater end result.... to see a dear friend and enjoy a few more days hopefully like today... May the rest of this super spiritual Sunday provide you with some smiles...
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