Beaching It!

Well, let me tell you this is the year to go to the beach.  The water is almost like bath water.  Todd and I spent a couple of hours in the waves yesterday.  What fun!  A little sand in the bathing suit is the only price paid. 

It reminded me of being a kid and playing in the water all day.  I did not want to come out, even though my fingers and toes had pruned.  The sky was deep blue, the water churned to a greenish blue with light brown from all the sand.  The waves rolling in breaking in small white  caps and the seagulls crying out there song.  What a perfect time to play.

We frolicked and played in the water like a couple of oversized children; Laughing, splashing, and riding the waves.  I had forgotten how to keep from getting the water up the nose, what a burn.  I snorted a lot of water.  I also forgot how much exercise you can get from horsing around in the water.  Ahhhh,  I felt all loose muscled and good from the workout and I slept like a baby last night. 

Why do we not do this more often?  Do we take it for granted?  I guess we have but I hope to not do that for the rest of the summer.  More beach time is definitely on the agenda, especially when it has so many benefits - exercise, fun, and relaxation all in one! 

I tell you this is a summer to come and visit us.  You are invited, come make some good memories!! Bring your swimsuits and beach towels and spend some time in the sun!! Relax, get exercise, get sun, eat some Barbecue, and have fun, fun, fun. 

Well, the ball is in your court...the beach ball that is...give us a call and set aside some time for a visit and some fun.  We would love to have you!!!
See ya Soon,

Penny & Todd

Larry , one of God's warriors

July 2nd we said goodbye to Larry, Todd's step dad. He passed away June 28th and as heaven rejoiced, we wept.  He fought quite a battle in the hospital to stay here with us after serious surgery he unfortunately got an infection.  He may have lost the battle but he had already won the war. 

It was a great loss to those who knew him as he was such a great man.  He was a rock, one of the few people I know that had control over his tongue.  He was someone who did not let the small stuff bother him, and most stuff is small.  He was even keeled (except in euchre games), with a warm smile, and a word when you needed one.  He was someone you knew you could always count on .....no matter what the situation. 

His funeral was a testimony to the man of God he had become.  He did show Jesus to others in his concern, in his presence, in his speech, and in his willingness to always go the extra mile without complaint or thought of self.  He impacted greatly many peoples' lives as attested by the number attending his funeral.  Those who spoke gave examples of what a friend he was and how he had positively affected their lives.  Todd, Steve, and Marna made their mom proud, in sharing stories of their step dad and how much he had meant to them.   Michael, his grandson, made a moving speech on how Larry made him realize he should not let what others see as handicaps or differences affect how he saw himself.  That he should not let that hold him back from giving his best shot at any endeavor.  He did not want Michael to think lesser of himself but to realize God knew what he was doing when he created him.

It made me think of a poem about the dates on our headstone of birth and death. That they are not as significant as what we do with our dash (the time God gives us here).  Well, Larry truly was a man who lived life the way we have been instructed in the new testament.  The fruit of the Spirit was evident in Larry's character (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).  He loved God, he loved his neighbor as himself, and he helped others.  He was not selfish with his time or his affection.

I know how blessed our family feels to have had him in our lives.  I know Carol was blessed to have such a fine husband, when she went to PWP (parents without partners) she truly got the cream of the crop.  The time he spent with those of us who loved him are cherished memories and examples of the way we should all strive to live. 

And until we meet again in heaven we should remember to

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

1 Thess 5:16-18