Whew! What a Week!

This was a great day. I even got a short Sunday afternoon nap. But on both sides of that were lots of good things. But I need to start earlier in the week. On Wednesday I got a phone call telling me that the husband of a lady who used to attend our church had died that morning. Some people from the church had good contact with her and I talked to her about 4 times on the phone. In this case, it didn't seem appropriate to go visit. The church people sent cards and took in food and tried to show her a lot of love. As a result she decided to have her entire family attend church with her (her kids, his kids, his mom, other relatives). During the service I mentioned his passing, that he was a baby Christian, and read part of Psalm 40 in his memory. Then the ladies gathered around her and we prayed for her and her family. I think they felt the love. About 4 weeks ago I invited a representative of the Gideons to be our speaker so they heard someone preach other than me. So we had 31 people present. Sure was nice. Too bad most of them live elsewhere.

Then at 3:00 this lady had a "remembrance time" for her husband at a community clubhouse near their home. So I went to that. At 4:00 a missionary couple spoke at the church about missions. And we had a potluck dinner associated with that. About 17 people came. I thought that was a good group.

Saturday was the Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Service. Joyce and went down to the waterfront and found a place where we could watch the boats passing by the Coast Guard boat to be blessed by local clergy. The CG boat is the second one from the left in the picture. The memorial service was for fishermen who had died in the past year -- and to remember those who had died at sea in years past. A men's group sang, we all sang "Amazing Grace," we prayed and I gave a short meditation on God's comfort. I thought it was a privilege to be included. That evening Joyce and I went to the Seafood Cook-off. About 20 teams were vying to make the best seafood dish. Everyone made something different. I ate lots and lots of lots. It sure was good!

Now we are ready to go to Grants Pass. Yes, we are changing our routine a little. We are leaving tomorrow (Monday) and won't be back until Saturday. That will give us 2 weeks when we got back to prepare for Easter.

Oh, yes it's raining! But... Friday was beeeeeoootiful! Joyce and walked on the beach and explored the Nye Beach area. First time I've been outdoors without a coat since we got here!!! Spring is coming. Yes!