Eyes of Wonder

Home Sweet Home

It's been an especially wonderful week with my dear mom and dad here, but, they'll be leaving early Thursday morn, and here and there throughout today I could feel that small rumbling of sadness that will grow and grow 'til their all-too-soon going, stirring in my heart. 

I've been "drinking them in" as best I've been able, each day that I've been blessed to have them here with me and mine. I'm sure they're more than a little tired, from the long trip, and the days overflowing with lots of activity, and I know it *always* feels so good to be back *home* when you get there, but, I sure will miss them when they go.

Claire and Wesley, have been here each day with Josie, Maggie, and Georgie. How sweet the fellowship, how good the food, the singing, the sewing, the stories and laughter, the simply being together, has been. But, tonight, we're here all by our lonesomes, as *Grandma and Grandpa* have made their way over to Claire and Wesley's, for supper.

Wesley and Claire, have been busy doing a lot of work on their wonderful home. They've put a huge porch on the front and are putting "adirondack" siding on the whole house. You know, that beautiful siding that when it's cut at the mill has the bark left on the edges. My favorite siding. so cozyish, hobbit house-like. They'll be topping it all off with a cheery red metal roof. 

Our Amish friend, Rudy, has been working on it all with Wesley, Joseph, and Chubb each day. James, has been over to work a number of days, too, (but is also busy with preparations for his own home for his lovely soon-to-be bride, Aslaug/Abbie/Austin/my friend).

I love watching them grow in their life, as a family. God is so good, indeed. How nice it will be when all is said and done. A lovely little homestead-about 13 acres of tucked-away country quiet. But, most special of all, is that Claire has always been so content, wherever they've been with whatever they've had. What a precious woman she is, always taking note of and grateful for, the many blessings that the Lord continually bestows upon them, in every way.

Rosie, kindly put together a gathering of photos from the week that I thought I'd share. A little bit of the visit with my mom and dad, so you could "meet them". Stan and Judy, two of the very most wonderful people in the entire universe (warm and friendly, open-hearted mid-westerners, hailing from Wisconsin). I am so blessed to be able to call them *my very own*.

Oil lamp-light, throughout rainy day, after rainy day.

A stack of Uncle Wiggily's.

A nice-and-old cook book that Grandma gifted to Rosie. Dated 1915. She can't wait to try out the recipes.

Dinner table, set with the gift of my grandma's dishes, and streams of sunlight that made a wondrous showing the day my folks arrived. Actually, both of my grandmothers had these very same Currier and Ive's dishes. They had bit-by-bit collected them at the grocery store. I remember well the many meals that were shared around both of their tables, using these old friendly dishes. How thankful I am to have them. We use them nearly every day for a meal or two.

Another day, another meal, and Celeisa, waiting for supper.

Claire, making chocolate chip cookies with the little gals,while over for a visit with grandma and grandpa. How about that littlest curly-haired, cutie-popper on her back :o)

Josie-Licka.

I could eat *him* up!

This handsome bird (and storyteller extraordinare) is my dear, loving dad.

Josie, and Auntie Celeisa :o)

Rosie, at the piano.

Julia, at rainy-day reading.

"Curly McDimple", eating Auntie's cornbread. 

This sweet, gentle, beautiful (inside and out) woman--yes, I'm proud and thankful to be able to say--is my mama :o)

Jude, with the girlies.

And, Stan-the Man. They're also known as, Jude and the Dude :o)

Claire, dubbin' on Grandma, lovingly massaging her shoulders and back. Grandma did hers, too. Man, two real sweeties, hunh.

Wesley, kindly took us bowling. My mom is a really great bowler, who has bowled on a league for years and years. We, on the other hand, were a total disgraceful shame to the sport. We *were* sport. My dad, said that he'd never seen any guys get as excited about gutter balls as my guys did. It was a blast.

The boys (Chubb, James, Joseph, and Wesley, with little tiny Grandma sandwiched in-between) getting advice from the expert, who was very patient, and not at all condescending,  considering the *gigantic* challenges she was being faced with!

Joseph. Is that the ball *landing* half-way down the lane? Nope, it's (landed half-way down the lane and headed and went straight) in the gutter :o)

Chubb. Whose style was uniquely *different*, er-um, I mean *different from Joseph's* ;o)

Grandma, knew just which ball to use. We, just made sure we could lift it, and our fingers didn't get stuck in the holes!

There she is, in action, with all eyes on her !

*Then*, after.....Wesley, likewise treated us to the best burger place around, Five Guys. Unbelievably good burgers and fries! I know, I know, you're (secretly) wishin' that Wesley was one of *your* children or grand children. Mmmmm....yeah (wait 'til those little ones grow up. I'm tellin' you, it just gets better and better and better. It's true), big huge heart, bowling, *and* burgers!

Wonderful reviews; newspaper and magazine write-ups all over the walls.

Joseph and Big Papa, loading up on the condiments, waitin' for the spuds and the beef.

The boys, wowing over the mile-long receipt (at Wesley's big-hearted expense. Love that guy/and his gal)!.

Then, in the end, home again, home again, jiggety-jig. Because, as I said in that far-off-and-long-ago beginning of this post, wonderful as it can be to journey away, for hours, a week, for a day, in the end, and in the words of Dorothy, 

"there's no place like home", is there. 

I do hope this note finds you and yours doing very well.

 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:  The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Thanks again for sharing in our joy of soon welcoming precious Aslaug (back) into our family, and for praying for me--it meant/and means a great deal to me.

Thinking of each dear ones that comes by, and praying for you and yours too. Thanks again, most sincerely, for praying for me and mine.

Lovingly, Jewels

Guess What!

We are such *kindred spirits* (I loved her way before James had ever even *met* her, I did ;o) that I know that dear Aslaug will not mind (one teeny-weeny-tiny bit) me swooping on her post from her blog, and sharing their joy here--straight from "the horse's" mouth :o) She hasn't been here, in the US, for nearly a year (and a year's a long time when you're in love, is it not?), and we have missed her so much. 

As she shares in her post, the wait isn't entirely over yet, *but* this is the big news that they have been waiting for, and the beginning of, the end and a whole new beginning.

Many, many  thanks to all of you that prayed for and encouraged them, during this long time of waiting for the visa to come through. It was, and is, kind of you to care. 

lovingly, Jewels

 

 

No, we didn't have a baby, (this is my adorable little cousin, about ten days old in this photo) * * Yes, WE GOT THE VISA!!! * * * DID ANYONE MISS THAT?? * * * We Got The Visa!!! * * * Not that this means the waiting is over. We still have to wait for it to be sent to the NVC and for them to send it to the Embassy and for the Embassy to send me a big heavy letter with information I'll have to get appointments and tests done, I have to contact the Embassy, they have to schedule an interview, I have to go to the interview, and THEN, we're ALMOST THERE.... * * But who cares about all that? I'm SO SO SO EXCITED at the thought of being there *soon*. * The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7 * * It came through on August 17, six months to the day from the application was accepted. However, I wasn't aware of it till last night... Wow, thank you all of you for your prayers, for your sweet, kind notes. I am so very thankful. I'll keep you updated, and Raquel, I WILL tell that story, soon, stay tuned =) =) * * åslaug abigail

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

"Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast.

There by His love o'ershadowed, Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, 

Safe from the world's temptations, Sin cannot harm me there.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o'ershadowed, Sweetly my soul shall rest."

Fanny Crosby

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"Sleep on, Beloved, sleep, and take thy rest; 

Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's breast;

We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best.

Good-night, Beloved, good-night.

Calm is thy slumber as an infant's sleep;

But thou shalt wake no more to toil and weep;

Thine is a perfect rest, secure and deep.

Good-night, Beloved, good-night.

Until eternal glory lights the skies,

Until the dead in Jesus shall rise,

And He shall come, but not in lowly guise.

Good-night, Beloved, good-night.

Only "Good-night," Beloved not farewell! 

A little while, and all His saints shall dwell

In hallowed union indivisible.

Good-night, Beloved, good-night."

Sarah Doudney

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Dear Ones, this most precious brother and friend made his way safely *Home*, to the waiting arms of Jesus, just this morning. My tears, are an intermingling of sadness with much joy and thankfulness, in his Home-going: he is no longer here in this life/he'll know no more suffering, sorrow, or tears, ever again, juxtaposed. Tears In knowing assuredly, that he is most truly and perfectly, at peace and rest. But, also in, I have missed him, I miss him, and will continue to miss him until I am blessed to one day--in a most joyous reunion, see him again, and knowing how incredibly much more will his precious own. I weep, also and especially, hurting--with, and for, them, his beautiful family, in their very real and great loss of one so treasured. So loved. One they were deeply, tangibly, loved, and treasured by. I can only imagine how through-and-through-tired they must be, from all the sorrows they, this long-hard-while, have had to make their way through. May Jesus fill their tender, weary, aching and longing hearts to overflowing, with His life and love, His comfort; through those that do, and will--through daily contact, touch their lives, but also, and especially, in *the deepest* places and ways, that only He is able, by His Spirit.

When Alyson wrote me this morning to share that her sweet father had closed his eyes to this life, she also said, thank-you, for praying. 

Please, do continue to hold their family close, in and through your prayers, won't you. I know they'll covet them in the moments and days, presently and ahead, as they continue to find their way--by God's loving grace--through the deep sadness of "good-night", and the journey along into this next season of life without him (dear husband, father, friend) physically there, by their sides. 

Thank-you, for all the very loving notes you've left for them so far--very much. Thank-you for your words of tenderness and encouragement, of comfort and love. Thank-you for praying. Yes, thank-you for praying.

Lovingly, Jewels

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`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`

This mortal dies, ---

But, in the moment when the light fails here, 

The darkness opens, and the vision clear

Breaks on his eyes,---

The veil is rent,--

On his enraptured gaze Heaven's glory breaks,

He was asleep, and in that moment wakes.

John Oxenham

Saturday Update from Alyson--George, the Potter. Asking for prayer for a very dearly-loved friend.

A Simply Lovely Life

A note, today, Saturday, from dear Alyson. Thanks *very* much for continuing to hold them close in love, through your prayers. I know they covet them just now. Tenderly, Jewels

"Jewels: My dad remains the same. My mother is advocating for his return home with the assistance of Hospice, by Wednesday of next week. However, my dad has voiced his feelings of being more comfortable remaining at the hospital. One of his doctor's told my sister, Jennifer, yesterday that we need not worry about him going home because he does not believe that my dad will be alive by the time it is all arranged. He is very tired and hopes to go *HOME* soon. Thank you for your prayers. I read my dad the email you sent to me and he had tears in his eyes. He thinks a lot of you and your beautiful family. With Much Love, Alyson"

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I'm not quite sure how long it might take for the "small stone in the water" fact-that-I've-actually-blogged-again, to "ripple it's way through the great big sea", of blogland, but, I do hope, for the sake of the reason that I'm presently here, that a good number of you dear ones will soon find your way by.

Those of you that have visited your way through the blog, and therefore a good measure of my day-to-day life, for a good long while, will remember a most precious friend and his beautiful family. And, you may well recall that this beloved friend, George, has been living with the ongoing ravages of cancer and it's treatments, within his now, so fragile and failing  body, with those he loves dearest and best right there by his side.

So many of you have, with sincerest love and care, written to me and asked, both while I was still actively blogging, and, while I've been away, how George *was*, and how you could pray. Well, I received a note from George's lovely daughter, Alyson, only today, though she sent it on Saturday. George, was admitted to the hospital last week--having never recovered well from a surgery that he underwent. He's very weak, and the doctors are surprised that he's still holding on--to this life. It's been a long, hard road and some of the most difficult moments of--it seems for certain, farewell, for now, are at hand.

George asks, please, that you would pray, *for God's peace that passes all understanding to fill his heart to overflowing* during this time. Please do pray, won't you?--for George, one of the most beautiful people I've ever known, and for his likewise equally wonderful, and *beautiful* family.

Please, feel free to leave any notes that you might like, here, for George, his sweet wife, Kathy, and their treasured daughters. I'm going to write, Alyson, again, and ask her if it would be all right to share a snail mail address with everyone, in case any might feel led to put a note/anything of tender care and comfort, in the mail to them.

Following, is a re-post of the lovely day, now so long ago, when I introduced you to them all, and the magical world of a man, among the most genuinely warm, kind, giving, loving *of* men--my "brother" in Jesus, and friend, George, the Potter. Praying, with you all, that Jesus will hold him (and his) closer-than-close, by His Spirit, 'til he welcomes him, tenderly, into *His* own loving arms, and *George's weary heart, mind, and body's true home*. 

A soft smile (through many tears), and loving hello to each one of *you*. Thanks, very much, for taking the time to come by even though I have been so very long away. Truth is, I do hope to be back to blogging again, soon. Thanks for your ever-kind and caring thoughts of letting me know that I'll always be welcomed back, if and when I do.

Today, is mine and Big Papa's, 26th wedding anniversary, first-born Wesley's 25th birthday (as he was born on our one year anniversary :o) AND, little Georgie's 1 year birthday (as *he* was born on our 25th anniversary, and *his* "Big Papa's" 24th birthday :o). 

Thanks *very much* for praying and expressing love and care--as the Lord leads, to George, Kathy, and their family.

Lovingly, your *old* (closer-than-I-ever-was, to *half-way* to.....sssshhhhhh.....whispered, *100* ;o)

Jewels

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About 6 years ago, Big Papa and I, met a very precious couple at a buzzing arts and crafts fair, in a lovely local park. Nicholai, now 7, was on Big Papa's back in a backpack, and I, was carrying Sophia, in my womb. The other children were strolling along beside us.

George and Kathy, were sitting aside in the most friendly way, amidst shelf after shelf of the most delightful pottery--much of it the loveliest shade of green, my favorite color. I would be one who would typically walk through the entire event drinking in all the creativity and loveliness, and come away having actually bought nothing at all. Well, this in mind, I had no sooner entered their booth when my eyes clapped on the most incredibly beautiful large bowls, that had been molded around rhubarb leaves. I quickly made my way towards one of them, whilst mentally claiming it as my own. Well, there was a fair-sized crowd gathered 'round in George and Kathy's tent, and it seems I wasn't the only one that had taken an immediate fancy to George and Kathy's exquisite rhubarb bowls. No sooner had I stepped back to consider the purchase with Big Papa, than a young gal grabbed *my* (the nerve--can you imagine? :o) bowl and squealed with delight over the fact that she had just found *the most perfect wedding present*. My head of course went into a bit of a swirl as I stood processing what had just transpired----mouth a-gape, all I could think was, "I don't even know you, and I'm already married!!" :o)

Interestingly enough, it was at right about that moment that I started to feel really lightheaded and began to pass out (*you* would have too, under the circumstances, right??! :o)  I managed to softly say that I was about to do so, and Kathy, dear kind, gentle soul that she is, quickly grabbed a stool for me to sit down on and took me under her wing for a bit, making me feel entirely at home (while I recovered from the gal making away with my rhubarb bowl! :o) The truth is, that I nearly always have a near fainting episode at the beginning of each pregnancy, and I thought it was terribly good of the Lord to use it to my advantage, to tie sure heart-strings with George and Kathy! He is surely the most creative of all, yes? Yes, indeed! How kind.

One aspect of the meeting that made it especially special for all of us in our family, straightaway from the onset, was the fact that even at that time, Julia and Chubb both had a sincere desire to learn to throw pottery. Well, with 10 children and a very busy family life from day-to-day, one of the primary things that we have chosen to do, is wait, in just about every area that would have had me spending a lot of time outside the home, and out-and-about in the car, for lessons. I know not everyone chooses this route, but because it would have been lots of time traveling to and from lessons if each one was involved in lessons of some type, and we really desired to have a slower rhythm to our days, we chose to wait until the children were older, had a sustained expressed interest in something, and a would find pleasure in learning it. This has worked out very well for us. Both Rosie and Julia had an interest in the piano and now that they are older. It has worked out nicely for them to be able to go, together, to take lessons from a dear friend, nearby. They have learned so quickly and it's such a blessing to see them love to practice--of their own accord, and listen to them play, throughout each day.

Well, another long-lived area of interest for a couple of the children was pottery, for Julia and Chubb. It has actually been a burning desire for quite a long while for them, to try their hand/s at it and hopefully come into a situation where they could begin to acquire and develop the skill.

So, time went by and we periodically spoke with George and Kathy over the phone. At one point I spoke with George, a very precious brother in the Lord, and was so sad to learn that he had cancer--cancer of the appendix, and his appendix had ruptured. This was good in that it was through the ruptured appendix that the cancer was discovered, but at the same time devastating, because the rupturing caused the cancer seeds to spread throughout his body. Our family prayed each day for George and Kathy and their dear family, as they made their way through this very difficult time

Some time following the surgery and treatment we were truly (far more than words could possibly express) overjoyed to see George and Kathy, once again at the same arts and crafts fair, now a couple of years later. I finally got my incredible rhubarb bowl , plus another large thrown bowl, and, George and Kathy also kindly gifted me with a beautiful medium-sized bowl to add to my treasured collection. My eyes kept filling with tears throughout the visit, because I was so thankful that the Lord had seen them through, and George, though still tired and weak, was getting well. We parted with hugs and the hopes of soon getting together for a picnic as well as George having very kindly offered to hold a pottery session for Julia and Chubb (he actually entirely welcomed *any* and all of the children that might have an interest), as soon as he felt well enough.

Well, time flew by as it has a way of doing and before we knew it several more years had passed. Big Papa, called George on the phone just a couple of weeks ago, only to discover that after 3 years of being cancer free, the cancer is back. Just a bit over 5 weeks ago, George underwent surgery, again, and is presently going through chemo. Following the surgery the surgeon gave Kathy a very discouraging prognosis. Perhaps the most devastating news her heart could hold and be presently carrying.

They are praying, and many are praying, with, and for them. They love the Lord with all their hearts and realize that He, most tenderly, holds their lives, both George and Kathy's in His hands. As each of us--only in part--if we or one we love has never passed through such a thing, can imagine, this is a very difficult time of uncertainty, that they and their family are having to pass through just one day at a time. They'll be leaving for a large alternative cancer treatment center in the country, on August 13th. The people there have been most supportive and kind, which has been a great comfort and blessing. During this trip, George, will have a pet scan done, to determine the extent of the cancer. I'd like to ask each of you dear ones to please join us in the days ahead, praying for George, for complete healing, if the Lord wills--as we know that God is able, and/or for God's loving grace to be poured out upon them, day and night; His peace that passes all understanding--to overflowing, His joy unspeakable--supernaturally, in the midst of circumstances, and His tender Father-love to cocoon them as they go moment-by-moment through each coming day. If you'd like to leave them a loving note of encouragement here, and let them know that you are praying for them, I'll be sure the notes get passed along to them. Thank-you, truly, more than words can say.

Despite having just recently had surgery, George very kindly welcomed us over to their warm, lovely home, for a pottery session for the two **really--wanna--be** potters. So, Rosie, Julia, Chubb, all the little ones and I, loaded into the van and set out on our way. The air was filled with excitement--it was *palpable*! Honestly, I can't really tell you how exciting even the thought of the whole thing was for Chubb and Julia. James, remarked to Big Papa, the night before as Chubb was scurrying around doing all he possibly could to get things situated for the next day, "I've never seen Chubb so excited about anything!". It was so entirely true. My heart was about to burst with excitement because, as their mother, I was so happy for them.

When we arrived, I asked if it would be all right for *everyone* to get out for a just a couple of minutes to take a quick poke around the potter's shop and get a peek at the wheels, etc.... George, looked at me and said, "Absolutely! You can *all* stay the *entire* time (I had planned to have Rosie take the little ones in the van for a spin, and perhaps to a park, while I stayed with Julia and Chubb, and the baby). So, wriggling with delight, the little ones hopped out and we made our way in through their very inviting, artistically arranged, cosy home, met one of their four dear daughters and her precious son.

Well, just so you get a real true feel for where I'm headed here, let me just pause to say, that George had a great big pot of beef stew simmering on the stove. that he had been preparing for a family gathering arranged for the following day. Most of the veggies were right straight from their garden. It smelled delicious inside the house, and was so homey and wonderful!

The day that followed was, with absolutely no exaggeration, one of the very most beautiful days of mine, and the the children's entire life. It was so incredibly God-arranged that I had to fight back tears on and off throughout it. George and Kathy, are two of the most sincerely open, free, kind, caring, and giving people I've ever met.

I've been praying about writing this post, the past few days, as my heart has been so acutely aware of all that dear George and Kathy are presently passing through, and the very sensitive nature of the situation, and also, because it was so special to my children, that I wanted to record it in a way that they could hold onto it--that we all could, and remember it, *for always*. But, the truth is, even without all the photographs, I'm sure that each one of us will. It was so very beautiful, we couldn't but. What began as a pottery lesson, blossomed into 6 hours of really indescribable sweetness. God reached out and loved my children and me as an individual, and as a mother, in the most incredibly tangible way.

The potter's wheels were set up beneath two large maple trees. Flowers were blooming in profusion, everywhere. They had a huge yard, a large fruitful garden, a tree house, a hammock, little ride-on tractors, and above all, wide-opened hearts of true hospitality and love, to overflowing. I love them both and feel so privileged to be able to call them my friends.

Kathy, was at work when we arrived and at one point George had to leave for an appointment and so left us there entirely *at home*, in their home, by ourselves, to bask in the ongoing gift of the day. About an hour later, Kathy arrived home and it was so wonderful to see her. She is a very beautiful woman with a sincerely sweet, gentle spirit and servant's heart overflowing with love. George, like Kathy, has a very laid-back, gentle, easy way and a radiantly merry heart. I only wish each one of you could meet them, in real life. You'd be so blessed. Kathy, lavished sweet hospitality upon us, in a warm, motherly way.

So, here are photos from the day, this past Friday, to share with you all. I loved nearly every photo of the nearly 350 photos that I took that day. I loved seeing the deep concentration, fascination, and appreciation, on the faces of the potters while the free-flowing, carefree, lovely liveliness of everyone and everything else buzzed around them--so much life, joy, and beauty, within the sunlight and warmth of the gift, of one single, special, set-apart summer's day. The photos, perhaps more so than any others I've ever taken, so truly captured the heart and soul of the day, in nearly every way. George, is a very gifted potter, that loves what he does--he so loves and celebrates life, overall. Two of my children have a burning desire within them to become skilled in the very same, and are so privileged to have him so graciously and kindly for each time that he is able, take them under his wing. At one point, about 3 hours into the time that he spent sitting at this wheel, I leaned over to Chubb in the old friendly, motherly (tell me everything) way, and said in confidence, "Chubby, do you like it as much as you thought you would?? Is it as wonderful as you imagined it would be??"

And, he looked into my eyes with his own sparkling and said, with such sincerity, "oh Mom, it's a thousand times more wonderful than I ever would have dreamed that it could have been. I just love it!"

Again, I found myself fighting back tears. "Thank-you, God. Thank-you so very much.".

The pottery shop was enchanting. George and Kathy, invited the children to pick raspberries and beans--what a joy. We left their home with the gift of the loan of a potter's wheel, a book to borrow, plans for a homemade potter's wheel--which Chubb and James, plan to make, and Chubb is over the moon about! The gift of 50 lbs of clay, 2 of George's beautiful pottery bowls (some of which you will see them using as they work at the wheels, in the photos) filled with supplies, a beautiful extruded pottery vase for me, and a lovely artistic extruded mug for Big Papa--that he was so incredibly thrilled to receive. By the end of the day, Julia and Chubb, had completed 3 amazing bowls each, and a mug for Julia as well, under George's gifted tuteledge.

I have been so excited about sharing this day with you guys and so anxious to ask you all to pray, as I know you surely will. Thanks for being so sincerely caring and loving.

So, here are just a few of my favorite photos from the day, from beginning to end. Since I haven't shared too many photos in the past couple of posts I feel free to share a good number--the very least amount I believe, that would be worthy of one of the very, very, loveliest of days.

George and Kathy, if you're here, I love you both, and we are thinking of you and praying for you, throughout each day. Thank-you, for being you, and for allowing God to live and love and bless us immeasurably, through you. It was a gift we'll treasure, for always.

Thanks for sharing in our joy, everyone. Much love to each one of you, tenderly, Jewels















George washed these the night before, for the children to wear.















Both George and Chubb's hands. I love this shot. I love them all.

















Beautiful, kind, gentle-spirited, Kathy.









Picking beans in the garden.





























































But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall not wither, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17: 7-8

As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are but dust.

Psalm 103: 13-14

More than anything, thank-you, thank-you, for praying for George and Kathy and their precious family, as they make their way through these days of uncertainty, ahead--trusting with all their hearts in the very One that made them, knows them through and through, loves them, and holds them, tenderly in His hands.

Have a lovely day, tomorrow.
With much love, your friend, Jewels