This year we had a grand total of 32 people at our place celebrating Independence Day. They ranged in age from less than 1 year old to more than 70 years old. Great Fun! Great Food! Great Show! With all the comings and goings and chaos, we didn’t get a lot of pictures, but here are a couple. M’s brother and fiancé got some good shots on their camera. I’ll see if they’ll let me post a few here.

Celebrating Independence Day

We celebrated the 4th in style again this year! I think it must be my family’s favorite holiday. We spent the week prior reading about the unfolding events of the founding of our country, and finished up the week with a ‘BANG’ – literally!

One of the perks of living in a rural area is we are able to host our own fireworks show. Every year I ask them if anyone wants to go see a big, professional, REAL fireworks display. The answer is always a resounding “NO!” My poor deprived children. They just don’t know what they are missing – well, for those of you who did not get to join us, these pictures will give you a taste of what you missed. Anyone want to plan to join us next year?

Learning Hard Lessons

On Friday night, I was invited to join a friend on her weekly visit to a nearby Rehabilitation Unit. She and her daughter go in and have a Bible study with any of the women residents that want to join. They read a little, discuss a little, sing a little, pray a little, and listen a lot.

This is something a little out of my comfort zone, but I am very glad I went. Most of the women are probably there because of substance abuse. I expect a judge decided they were a danger to themselves, their families, or both.

Afterward, I was struck with the thought that I cannot change the circumstances for these women. Their physical needs are being met. The consequences of their actions are out of my control. But I can bring the hope of Christ to them. That is the one thing that will have an everlasting effect on their lives.

Since then, I have been talking with my children more about being content.

“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

This can be such a difficult lesson.

Graduated!

No, we don’t have another one graduating from our homeschool, yet – but C and I finished the 2nd Cake Decorating Course by Wilton. We took the 1st course in April and really enjoyed it, so decided to go ahead and improve our skills. We had a great time, and created some very pretty cakes. And the best part – they tasted as good as they looked! I think C will go on to take the next course. She’ll learn some of the fancier techniques they use in make wedding cakes and things. A friend will take it, too – so I think I’ll just sit at home and let her teach her old mom a few new tricks!