Keeping Cool

My! This summer has been quite the heated oven! Or, the first part of summer, that is. Goodness, we're not even into July, much less {dun-dun-dun-dunnn}...August! Praise the Lord for air conditioning {and for allowing it to work!}. We hope you all are staying cool indoors, or at least are taking some time out to enjoy a pool, or lake, or ocean {whichever's nearby!}. Below are just a few of the many memories we've made this past month. Enjoy!

The lovely artist and cowgirl model - graciously taking time out of their busy schedule to pose for the press

Hot June days are for extra large, pink cowgirl hats, summer dresses, flip-flops and, oh! of course...swings!

Lovely post-dinner conversations...tummies are full, laughter is aplenty.

Saying "Hello!" from the artist's corner

She has this great system where she sits on a stool between the drawers and reaches for the silverware from the counter to put them away...impressive.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" {Colossians 3:23}

"Good afternoon, Grandma Junebug! I'm Johanna Joy and I will be giving you some shots today...won't that be fun??" (toy shots *grin*)

Ah, yes... our ever-faithful aerobics instructor is at it again!

"...She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong..."

{Proverbs 31:17}

Bella: Oh boy, oh boy! Just one nip at that deliciously cute button-nose...please! please!

On her way out the door for a fun night on the town!

Around these here parts, we have daily encounters with illusionary bandits and buccaneers. But never fear, folks! Ever since our hired hand came to keep up her steady post and look-out for danger, we most certainly have been safe from all theft and burglary.

Blessings, my friends!

Things Work Out

Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,

Because men do what they often shouldn't,

Because crops fail, and plans go wrong-

Some of us grumble all day long.

But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt,

It seems at last that things work out.

Because we lose where we hoped to gain,

Because we suffer a little pain,

Because we must work when we'd like to play-

Some of us whimper along life's way.

But somehow, as day always follows the night,

Most of our troubles work out all right.

Because we cannot forever smile,

Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,

Because we think that the way is long-

Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.

But somehow we live and our sky grows bright,

And everything seems to work out all right.

So bend to your trouble and meet your care,

For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.

Let the rain come down, as it must and will,

But keep on working and hoping still.

For in spite of the grumblers who stand about,

Somehow, it seems, all things work out.

"These things I have spoken to you,

so that in Me you may have peace.

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;

I have overcome the world."

{John 16:33}

Weeping may last for the night,

but a shout of joy comes in the morning.

{Psalm 30:5b}

{Poem by: Edgar Albert Guest}

{Photos by: Robert Doisneau}

Poem Credit: Things Work Out

Photo Credit: Le violoncelle sous la pluie, Paris

Photo Credit: Jacuqes Prevert Paris, 1955

Photo Credit: L'information scolaire, Paris

Photo Credit: Le Remorqueur du Champ de Mars

Summer days are for...

...swinging with Grandmas "D" and Junebug

...drawing with Grandma Lorry

...blackberry cobbler

...chopping off hair

...a lovely hairdresser

...hiding from the clippers

...cute Norman Rockwell poses

...flowers in your hair

...new clothing

...and of course, fruit smoothies!

The Wordsearchers

"...that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge..."

{Colossians 2:2&3}