It’s been a Summer of Celebration. Most summers are because of all the birthdays. . . but this summer has had extra layers of celebration.

One son married in May on a mountain overlooking the Caney Fork River. A cloud fell onto the mountain and stretched its misty coat all about us. It made for beautiful photos, but sent the celebration indoors. It was such a sweet time with family and friends celebrating a new daughter into the family! My son even twirled me during the Mother-Son dance, and then I got to twirl a sweet granddaughter later. Just sweetness upon layers of sweetness! (Yes – I’m calling that the kick-off to the Summer of Celebration).

Then there were The Birthdays. . . nine birthdays in all. . .

followed by some beach time. Not all could come, but it was a sweet time for those who did.

There were trips to the garden with grands to water the tomatoes, cucumbers and spaghetti squash, trips to the fountain at our local park, donuts at our local donut shop, the #1 donut shop in Tennessee, and a moment in a little plant shop during a pop-up storm.

“Jesus said to the woman, ‘You are now well because of your faith. May God give you peace! You are healed, and you will no longer be in pain.’” – Mark 5:34

Celebrating that Healing still happens, my friends. So thankful! For the first time in over four years, I am walking pain free, walking like I once walked before I tipped over in a hammock. Why didn’t he heal me four years ago? Before spinal fusion surgery? So my grandson’s didn’t think one must moan in order to climb the stairs? Looking back, I can see so many reasons why now. . . Prayers sent out come back answered in God’s own time and in God’s best way! Thankful for healing church services where the power of God is welcomed. . . and still believe it’s true for me and you!

I celebrated turning 60 at the beginning of the month – and being married for 39 years a few days later.

Yes, it’s been a Summer of Celebration. . . and I’ve been catching my breath this August. . . sitting with Elizabeth Gouge and her Little White Horse, Island Magic, and Green Dolphin Street. . . steeping in redemption stories and hope, God showing me how to love with compassionate wait, finally putting the teapot on for a cup of Vanilla Orchid tea. . . and giving things to God that need giving. . . opening my eyes to the realization that when you ask God to show you how to love like He does – that His kind of Love would be a knowledge of realness. . . and He showed me that the way to love like He does – and to know it is real. . . sometimes takes walking through pain and heartache. Reading Gouge was perfect timing for this prayer sent out.

I’m still Remembering God today – and all that He has done – for each blessing – the big and the little. For the answered prayers and how He has the redeeming plan for living with those answered prayers. Remembering God Monday won’t be linking until the first Monday in September. I just wanted to let you know where I’ve been. I’ve just been catching my breath!