We took a trip end of July to Colorado, Amarillo TX, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Branson Missouri. We absolutely loved Colorado. We went to Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It was hot there, just as it was here in Indiana but it just didn't feel hot.. A place like that makes you reflect on "God's Good Earth". Branson was my least favorite place. It was a lot of shows that were expensive, more of a tourist spot, and not my cup of tea. We even came home a day early from there. What was wonderful is just getting in the car and drive.
We have so enjoyed our kids and grandkids. Ruthy is growing and changing so much!!! Heather and I get to spend more time together. She and I go to each others houses and help each other. I love that time with Heather. Ruthy's smile and interactions are so fun. She has a haircut like Grandpas!! She was dedicated last Sunday and had the honor of attending that. So glad Tom's parents and Bart and Amber and kids were there too.
We took Kaden and Karina to the Whistle Stop and to see Lowry's Minneapolis Molines one Saturday. We met Travis and Kaden at Speedway to see 3000 old cars at the track. Travis left me to watch him for a few minutes while he stood in line to get some food. It was funny as soon as he left, a man walked up and asked if Kaden had ever set in a roadster. Of course he hadn't so the guy put him in his. I ran over and yelled at Travis to come and see. Travis said....."I thought you were watching him." LOL It was so cute.
We have been enjoying our friends. We have had time to spend with them that we neglected for a long time. Not enough can be said about friends. Real friends keep you on the right track, help you when you are down, and are a joy to spend time with. They love playing cornhole, eating, talking and just having fun, and catching up. This summer spent time in Chicago, Noblesville, Brookston, Indy, Monticello, and here.
Alyssa getting married a few weeks ago really made us reflect on time and where does it go. It was a beautiful wedding. So happy for Alyssa and Justin.
Our friends John and Gail in Wisconsin are moving to Texas so Dave took a road trip to with him to take his boat down. They had a wonderful time and Dave got to meet John's son, and see John and Gail's house in Texas. John dropped Dave last night and spent the night. Catching up on that laundry today!!!!!
With several other wonderful ladies have been spending time planning a Ladies Retreat for our church in November. I have been so blessed there. We have a wonderful minister and I have a wonderful friend in our minister's wife. She knows me, my faults, many of the bad things I have done, (haven't got enough time to share all.) and she still loves me. I have gotten so close to the other lady helping also. We have attended church together for years, but now have gotten so close and it has been like a gift.
I will close with a small refection. Our retreat in November is based on relationships. While we were trying to decide on a theme we looked around and saw so many broken or hurting relationships and looked at several of our own. You pray that the Lord stays in your relationships. It seems no matter what you try there are misunderstandings, hurt feelings, expectations that aren't met, and lack of trust. Often you ask, "How important is this relationship?" In a strong relationship, you can be you and be accepted for it, you are not trying to be who you need to be to be accepted. You need to experience forgiving and being forgiven with little revenge or reminding of past offenses. You need to experience unconditonal love. Everyone wants to feel like they are valued, loved, and accepted for who they are. We can't think that we are more important and what we are doing is more important than what others are doing. Relationships require time together and work, but when they become too much work........... Sometimes realtionships are tough!!! Praying to God for all relationships!
