A beautiful day at Coquina Beach, Fla.

This was a special Sunday for me, as my daughter and husband were going to get baptized on the beach with many others, with their church in attendance. They had a picnic first, with hamburgers, hotdogs and tons of side dishes that everyone brought. Live music was played while we enjoyed the food. We all played frisbee with Jayden as sweat trickled down our backs, even though the breeze brought some relief. There was a wonderful turn-out of people, happy faces, wonderful volunteers that stood over the hot grill cooking the burgers and dogs. I want to thank those who sweated the more! After a talk session about baptism and what it stands for, we all headed down to the beach for the actual act.

Baptism: "a symbolic act in laying down your old life and rising with Christ to follow Him in a new life."

The "exodus" flowed down to the beach and the church had marked off an area for the people getting baptized could stand while they waited their turn. What a way to show your faith, open to the public! They day was beautiful, billowy clouds overhead, the water crystal clear as the sun shown down. A beautiful summer day. The wind, oh yeah, was kicking up some awsome boogie-board waves!

Baptism is a public profession of an inward decision, and one of the core values to a believer. Salvation, the Holy Bible, Communion and Water Baptism are just a few.

I was so glad that I could see the new step that my family was taking. I see new resolves in their lives and centering it around the Lord.

There is only ONE who knows, in all the moments yet to be, and all we need to know is HE'S OUT THERE WAITING FOR ME. To Him the future is history and He has given us a treasure called RIGHT NOW. And this is the only moment - we can do anything about.

No Rain, No Pain, No Maine

We left for Maine last Thursday as Jim had an inspection to do, so we wanted to see Baxter State Park in the center of the state of Maine. As we arrived at the airport, we noticed that Mr. Backpack (with my camera in it) said "goodbye-see you soon-" to us. It was reported that Mr. Backpack was a couch potato, holding the remote and was watching a Star Trek maraton. I bought a disposable camera (ugh) so any pictures will be posted next week! We spent a few days in a B & B and hoped to hike ourselves silly. Well, it rained from the time we landed, until we left. No kidding 24 hours a day, it rained.

Baxter State Park.
The Park was intended by Baxter to be "available for those who love nature and are willing to walk and make an effort to get close to nature." Our hiking trails are very primitive, with many rocks and roots, even on the flattest terrain.
We decided to head out anyway and take a hike in Baxter. The trail we wanted to go on was underwater said the Park Ranger, so they recommended Hunt Trail. Well, it was a nice trail, right by a stream, but about half way up, the trail turned into the stream, so we headed back, soaked to the bone, our toes singing "squish, squish goes the water", gotta love it. Hopefully I will have pictures next week!

A visit with Alana

Alana decided to pay me and grandpa a visit. She brought along her parents and told them to go on a cruise. So they listened to her and my princess stayed with us. We had fun walking the trail, playing in the yard and going to the mall to ride the merry-go-round. All in all, she is a joy to be with. Her parents must be very proud!

Bradenton Beach.

Alana wanted to go see her cousin Jayden at the beach, so we packed up the house, and headed to Bradenton. Jayden and Alana became fast buddies. It was good to have both your grown up kids and their offspring all together -having a good time!

Alana was not afraid to go into the water so you had to watch her. Reminded me of Erik! Soft sand under your feet, the sun baking your SPF skin and a cold drink in your hand to cool you off. The day was a sweet one. " But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11.

Visit to my hobby

My favorite hobby in this time in my life is card making, or some people might say scrapping. To actually make a scrapbook, I have yet to do. I love to make people cards and bookmarks. This helps me to pray for individuals that I am thinking about as I complete the task at hand for them. Soothing to the soul as I cut, match up colors from the papers I have, inking them to make the card or bookmark look worn. Textured card stock is all I use. Run your fingers across the paper....


My inspiration is a friend named Terry. She has long since moved from the area I live, but I truly miss her. Her sweet spirit, overflowed on me in our times together. She loves to scrap and we became fast friends. She would always open her home to me and share her knowledge and supplies. Her love for the Lord shows in her generosity. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
1Peter 4:10. I honor and bless you Terry!