Into the New Year 2009

Well, as noted in my previous post at the end of December 2008, we did travel to Memphis for New Year's and enjoyed very much seeing the New Year in with the folks at Grace Chapel PBC. In addition, we had dinner out one night with dear and old friends, as well as "saying goodbye" to another elderly friend who has been "promoted to glory". We visited with her in Missouri in August last year, and she allowed me to take her photo several times. One of the photos turned out especially well, and I have a copy of it in my kitchen where I can see it often. She was "counting her blessings" the day we were there, and when I look at her smiling face, I'm reminded to "count my blessings", which are many.

Last week, we've endured an ice storm and some snow, and played host/hostess to our son and his family (he, his wife, and two boys)since they were without power. It's been a joy to have them here, and since they still haven't had power restored they may be here a little longer, but ice and snow is fast melting -- temps were in the 40s yesterday and today.

Our future plans include a trip to Minnesota in mid-February (weather permitting) for a Conference, which I'm very much looking forward to. The theme is "Proclaiming All God's Wonderous Works: Creation, Redemption, and Future Glory", and several of the workshops look particularly interesting, including "The Garden as Sacred Art" by a well-known (in Memphis) landscape designer.