Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
Isn't this plate just adorable? I helped to host a bridal shower over the weekend and the Bride to Be gave all of the hostesses this gift. I love it. What a thoughtful gift.
After Sunday dinner some of my crew gathered outside and we painted pumpkins.
The kids had so much fun.
The smiles on those faces....Melts a Nana's Heart...
This is our staff at the church where I have been the Administrative Secretary for 20 plus years. As most of my friends know I work and minister at a church but I am a member of another church, sister church, where I worship, teach and serve. I've always said I've had the best of both worlds as many do not have the opportunity to have two church families.
Staff with spouses
The gentleman pointed out is the Pastor that I have served alongside of for 20 plus years. He retired recently and he and his lovely wife Judy have moved to Memphis. It has been a bittersweet time for so many but I am so happy for them and excited to see what the next journey of life holds. Praying for the transition in the life of the church and for the Pastor that God has already planned for this church to have. So if you have a minute, lift up the church family and staff and ask God to do a mighty work.
Marty got a new toy for his new 4 wheeler for his birthday, which was on Oct. 10th. Now, I can ride in style in the back of the 4 wheeler and my tush NOT HURT! It holds a ton of storage too. YEP...sure glad he got that for his birthday.......(LOL)
Isn't this fall arrangement just lovely? I was so surprised when the florist walked into my office with this lovely arrangement for me. A friend from my Bible Study class sent it to me with the sweetest message ever. Can I just say....GOD'S TIMING WAS PERFECT!
Well, that is my This and That y'all. I hope that you all have a great week and if you get a chance this week, ENCOURAGE someone. You may very well be the only source of encouragement they receive.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy for the encouragement you give, smiles. Have a lovely day friend.
ReplyDeleteAwe Linda, you are too sweet.
DeleteIt's always so sad when a Pastor moves on and the transition takes place for everyone. As a church family we become close knit and change takes time.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly pray for your church, your new Pastor and for the journey your faithful Pastor over the years will now embark on.
God's blessings all around.
Your pumpkin painting day with family looked delightful!
Looks like good weather for your day.
That's a nice addition to your dear hubby's ATV and I'm quite sure you're enjoying the comfortable ride.
So nice to visit with you today~
It surely is a transition for all Debbie. I care for the church I work at deeply and I know that God has an awesome plan for them. At my own church I served on our last Pastor's Search team for a pastor and the transition of WAITING on GOD'S perfect timing got a little rough at times. But so thankful for my pastor and God's Timing was PERFECT! He ALWAYS has a plan.
DeleteEnjoyed all your "this and that's". WoW to Marty's birthday gift, that is a good looking ride.
ReplyDeleteHe likes that ride Miss Mary. I love that new SEAT! LOL!
DeleteCindy, I love the fun you had with the grands. Your church family is a wonderful group. Yes, you are blessed. Love the beautiful bouquet. Blessings to all of you, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie. I am truly blessed and don't deserve a bit of it but so glad God chooses to bless His children.
DeleteLove the idea of painting pumpkins! What fun. I have been thinking of you Cindy and praying. Lovely sweet surprise.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Thank you Connie. Prayers is surely what hits the throne of Jesus from His children.
DeleteTwo churches?! What a blessing! You all look so happy.
ReplyDeleteLoosing a Pastor for any reason is HARD! The hunt for a replacement is not an easy road.
Pray! Pray! Pray!
Sometimes a friend knows just the right timing. Looks like you were taken care of with that lovely bouquet.
I know Christine....I have always said I was doubled blessed.
DeletePainting pumpkins with your sweet grands must have been a lot of fun for all concerned!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Fall arrangement is just perfect!
The unicorn pumpkin made me smile. I like how this type of decoration doesn't involve any carving. HA! Your post reminds me that I should get out my (sparse) Haloween decor: a few wall hanging and a metallic pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteMy grandgirl Kyleigh loves her some unicorns Margie.
DeleteCindy, that is a sweet plate that was gifted. I love seeing your sweeties painting pumpkins, y’all know how to have fun! Blessings on the retiring pastor and his wife as they start a new chapter. I love your new ride, it will be more comfortable for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. Yep, I will ride in style. LOL!
DeleteLove how you think of such fun things to do with your family. We are also looking for a new pastor. That plate was so thoughtful and is lovely. Lucky you to have two church families and to have the energy to be so active. Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, at the church where I worship I was on our Pastor search team which took many, many months of praying, researching and barely seldom leaving a meeting with the shedding of tears. But God was surely so faithful to us. I pray the church that I work for will find comfort in knowing that when they trust God that He will work all thing out for their good and His glory.
DeleteLooks like the pumpkin painting was a big success! I can't wait until little Jack can enjoy doing art projects! You are doubly blessed to have two church families. God will bless this church with the right pastor, I just know it! We had an incredible time on our trip. I'm trying to go through all of the pictures and hope to put a post together soon. We are making apple butter here this weekend so that is taking my time this week. Happy week, dear friend! Z
ReplyDeleteOh you will enjoy these little projects with Jack so much Zenda. Can't wait to see your pictures and hear your story from the trip. So exciting,
DeleteI love that you have two church families. Best wishes to the pastor and his wife with their move to Memphis.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift that you received from the bride to be! I always love seeing happy pics of your family. Yes, what a perfect gift for Marty (and you)! Happy Birthday to your man! 😘
Thanks Kitty. I love Marty's gift a lot! LOL!
DeleteYour pumpkin painting party is a fun idea Cindy! And you are going to have a lot of fun with your hubby's new toy! Love the seasonal hostess gift you got and your beautiful basket bouquet!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thanks Jenna.
DeleteLove the pumpkin painting, what a great memory maker. And, know you are a vital part of both of the churches that you serve, that is awesome! Tommy has one of those storage deals on his 4 wheeler and he loves it. Happy fall!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lea. I will be sure to let Marty know Tommy enjoys his. It sure is lots more comfortable to ride on as a passenger.
DeleteIt is interesting that you have such a close association with two churches. That's a good thing. Very nice looking group of people. I am sure that the fellowship there misses their pastor. Our church still has not recovered from the pastor's retirement four years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt has truly been a special scenario for me Vee with working at a church and going to another. Both churches are of the same faith. When the Pastor hired me he intentionally wanted a non member of the same faith. It has worked out so well for me for 20 plus years. Girl, ain't calling myself special but I can assure you it takes a special calling to play the roll of a church sec. And I can totally see why (not in all cases) it could be better for a non-member to work at a church. You can work and minister and then go to your church and minister and worship. I've always had a new appreciation for my own church sec. and NEVER ask them to do things on a Sunday when they are there to worship. It surely makes a difference. Hope you are doing well my friend. Think of you so often.
DeleteOh, those flowers! They are just gorgeous and just personify fall! I so enjoyed hearing about your job and all that is going on with you, sweet friend. God bless you for your many years of service in His vineyard!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet Cheryl.
DeleteIt certainly must have been a blessing to have served in this position for 20 years...and 20 years is a long time for any pastor to serve and he must have been a good one. And I do agree with you about sometimes it is better for a non-member to work in the office. so glad it worked out so well and I'm sure you will miss them so much. And I think that is the perfect "throne" for you to ride upon...lol! I'll bet it is super comfy! Muc love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. Thinking about you.
DeleteCindy, Congratulations on serving for 20 years as Administrative secretary.It takes a special person for this job and you fit the bill. Prayers for who God has planned as the next minister.
ReplyDeleteLove your painting pumpkin party. Your family has a good time together. It's hard to believe your youngest granddaughter is that big! Time passes too quickly.
I'm glad you will get some benefits from your husbands new toy. It is a fun thing to do together.
Thanks Bonnie. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
DeleteI sent up a prayer for the church where you are employed. Changes in pastoral staff are a challenge, for sure. You all photograph so well!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of painting pumpkins instead of carving them. So much safer!
Thank you Barbara. YES...lots of changes.
DeleteI just found your blog through another blog (don't remember which one!). You have a lovely family and all your photos are just wonderful. I need to take photography lessons from you! Not sure where you are from but here in south GA we have been dry, dry, dry as well. But this week the good Lord finally sent us some rain. In fact, today has been a gloriously dreary, somewhat rainy day and I love it:) Now I'm off to check out more of your posts. Maybe you can drop by my blog sometimes too...it's nothing special but I do love to write. cherischatter.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteAwe...so glad you stopped by Cheri. We need rain bad. Got a tad Saturday but not much. The Lord will send when He is ready I am sure but I am thinking I might need to do a rain dance. LOL! So nice to meet you Cheri.
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