Second Sunday in Lent

This morning we worshiped at Zion.  I didn't bring my camera along because we had already posted photos taken at Zion (January 2nd), but I should have.  Who pulled in to the parking lot right ahead of us but Melisa and Kari!  Kari is student teaching here in Anchorage and Melisa had brought Brad up to catch a flight to Houston.  It was great to see them!
At Funny River today they had an old-time Gospel hymn theme for their worship service followed by a Southern-style potluck with everything from baked grits to pulled pork to pecan pie and lots in between (so we heard).  So, in reminiscing about music, I am thinking of our music festivals where we have had some great Gospel songs along with lots of other great music.  I thought it would be fun to post a few photos from the festivals so that we can all reminisce.

 

 

"As long as we live, there is never enough singing."  Martin Luther   

                                                                                                              

Sunshine

We have sure been blessed with a lot of it lately!  Every day that we have been home from California it has been sunny!
And, speaking of California, remember the day we were coming home from Cloverdale and ran into snow?  Well, guess what?  Taby was born in Cloverdale!  Her dad was pastor at Grace Lutheran Church.  Small world.

Grace Lutheran Church, Cloverdale, California
Organized December 1952

"It was a busy week in Lake Wobegon" as Garrison Keillor would say.  Grandma and Marcia left on Tuesday, on Wednesday Grandma went in the hospital with pneumonia (a few days later 'downgraded' to having the flu), on Thursday George went to the doctor (he has bronchitis) and on Friday I got to meet our dear friends Jeff and Kathy for lunch when they were in Anchorage.  I did not have my camera along, but here is a favorite photo from this past winter.

It was wonderful to see them!  We hadn't seen them since the SeaTac airport chance meeting when they were on their way to the Mayo Clinic.  Jeff looks terrific!  Praise God!
And, also, we praise God that Mother is out of the hospital (yesterday afternoon) and is at my sister's home until she goes for a follow-up appointment with her doctor.
I am the 'blogger' this time and this pretty much summarizes our week here in Anchor-town.   Carolyn

Thankful

Today we are ever so thankful that our son-in-law, Joe, had a successful ride from Knik to McGrath (350 miles) in the Iditarod Invitational.  He got back to Anchorage yesterday and we had a family celebratory dinner,  took a look at his pictures and totally enjoyed his stories from the trail.  We know there will be more to follow..... what an experience!!!

We are also very thankful that Grandma's health is still good enough that she can travel and come to visit us.  She's only here for a short time this visit, but it has been great to have her here.

Also visiting us now is our dear friend, Marcia.  We first met her family in 1969 when we moved to Modesto.  She and her brother were in the Youth Group and her parents often helped on youth outtings, camping trips and retreats and any other ways they could.  Our friendship with the whole family spans not only a lot of years but also a lot of miles.

And so, on yet another day of sunshine, we thank God for Joe, for Mother, for Marcia and for all of our many blessings!  And, I am reminded of Shawn and the Doxology..... "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;  Praise Him above, O heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Amen."

DeeDee - ready to head to Nome