Oldies

Our main reason for this trip to Arkansas was to celebrate our daughter-in-law's birthday!  Josh told her we were going out to eat.  "I have to stop at James' and Kelly's....let's all go in."

SURPRISE!!

Josh had Staci get in a wheelchair and covered her with an older ladies' shawl.

Don't you love the sign she is holding?

For those of us already "over the hill" these signs aren't too funny.  Today my arthritis has really been flaring up.  It is so painful at times!  Aging isn't for sissies!

 Josh had Olive Garden cater for this evening.  Oh goodness, yum!!

 He had Staci play "The Price Is Right".  She did pretty good with items she will soon get acquainted with - Depends, Solonpas,  denture cream, marbles (in case she loses hers).

 Years ago, when they were in college, they went with a group and were able to be in the audience of The Price Is Right!  And one of their classmates got to get up on the stage!  He won a sea kayak and made it to the showcase showdown!

What a great group of friends they have!!

 Staci with her folks, Dan and Lisa

 The next morning, we went to church.

 Josh on keyboard

This song speaks TRUTH!

Jesus DOES break our chains to "slavery" to sin.

"For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."
Romans 6:6

"Let us approach God's throne of grace
               with confidence,
    so that we may receive MERCY
               and find grace to help us in our time of need."  2 Sam. 6:1-9

**************

 I love these sweet homes by the church.

 More sword fighting before we had to leave to go home.  Eli said "Watch to see who wins the fight and the one who makes the coolest moves."  Can you guess who won?  And who made the coolest moves?

 Good-byes

We made a stop at Starbucks for some good coffee for the road!

It was a pretty long trip home.  There was a cop going speed limit a couple of cars in front of us and no one wanted to pass.  One guy came up from behind us, probably going 80 and as soon as he passed us and the car in front of us and pulled up behind him, he slowed to 65 for the next hour and a half.   I guess fear of getting a ticket keeps us towing the line and staying behind the policeman. 

In the Christian life, some people might fear God and therefore try to do right, but really, what should compel us to do right is our love for God. 

" for the love of Christ controls (compels) us..." 2 Cor 5:14   

We have died to our old life.

While we had our party for Staci, there was also a party for our son-in-law in Wisconsin!

Happy 40th to both our daughter-in-law and son-in-law!!