Harvest Time --- Apple Orchard and Release Time

"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit . . . Matthew 7:17a"
With Mama at the Senior Active Day on Fridays, we were able to join Amy and our three grandchildren for a morning outing to a NC apple orchard.

After we picked 3 baskets of apples, we enjoyed a picnic which included freshly fried apple cider donuts!

On Wednesday afternoons this school year, I join Tony and other workers from our sending church in an after school ministry, called Release Time.  Tony teaches Grade 4 and 5 boys and also helps keep order on the buses that bring the children to the church at 2:30 pm. 

About 80 children are taught the Bible and shown love and attention for 2 hours by a team of volunteers who have committed to serve theme in Release Time.

Two friends, Kathy and Elena, are smiling before the afternoon with 24 K-5 and first graders begins!

Heidi, also smiling,  is ready to help with music for the class.

We seek to place the foundation of the truth of the gospel firmly in each heart by the power of the Spirit through songs, Bible lessons and verses.

Elena, one of several who speak Spanish, has a great ministry with children and their moms. She greets the moms when they come to collect the children at the end of Release Time.

Elena, Joann (teaching below) and Rachel (far right) and I started teaching the K-5 students on September 18. We are eager to teach about Christ to these little ones.

August's Happy Ending!

"The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places.  Psalm 16:6a"

The reunion was sweet when Tony return to the USA after 7 weeks in Africa.  He brought me a photo of our precious Simpson twins, Sarah and Noah.  His trip was a rich time of teaching laymen and men in ministry in both Malawi and South Africa.  He is eager to return in 2014!

We held a late celebration for both Granddaddy's and Jake's birthdays at lunch the day Tony returned.  Jake birthday is July 24 and Tony's is August 8 and they had missed being able to share birthdays.  Actual shared birthdays are rare blessings for missionary families.

We also celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary late.  We enjoyed a meal at a German restaurant in Helen, GA. In 1980, we celebrated our first anniversary in Helen.

After a brief visit to Tony's family in Georgia, we were able to bring my mother back home to stay with us after four months in hospital, rehabilitation and respite care.

August ended with the celebration of Isaiah's 2nd birthday at a city park in Greenville.  We thank the Lord for the blessing of some precious family times during this furlough.

Seven Weeks Without Tony

"Occupy till I come .  .  .  . Luke 19:13"
While Tony was in Africa, I kept busy with visits several times a day to my mother at Sterling House where she went for respite stay following her discharge from the rehabilitation center.  Amy and her children joined us for a birthday luncheon, when she celebrated her 82nd birthday.

I kept watch over the ripening fruit on our tomato vines . . .

 . . . and I had the joy of seeing my friend, Rita, trust Christ at one of our weekly Bible studies in THE EXCHANGE.  We continue meeting weekly for discipleship.

I enjoyed a free Chick Fil A meal with Amy and her family on "Cow Day!"  Yes, I dressed as a cow, too!

Our grandson, Jake, celebrated his 6th year with a "hobbit" theme party that was enjoyed by young and old!

I spent $8 for the groceries that I purchased at my very first opportunity to go to the Sav-Mor sidewalk sale.

I did Bible study this summer in preparation for a ladies' Sunday school class at our sending church.

I learned that the godly woman is clothed with strength through her daily time with God in His Word. I can testify that in these past 7 weeks, God "[strengthened] me with strength in my soul" through His Word (Psalm 138:3b).

A dear friend, Esther, came with a friend for a cup of tea and fellowship one afternoon.  Yes, you are welcome to call and ask, "When can I come for tea?"  I will put the kettle on!

Another dear friend, Sandy, invited me to have a salad with her on 1 of our many rainy summer afternoons!

What a joy to occupy life with God's Word, evangelism, discipleship, family and friends! Can you believe the summer passed so quickly??