F.F.F. - 05.16.14

Here we are in the middle of May.  After an unusually cool week, weather-wise, I am pretty excited about the weekend and all the plans I have for it.

Then, something happened to take away the shine and anticipation.  Actually, two things.  First, is that Jim's uncle passed away; and therefore, part of the weekend will be spent with family and remembering the fine Christian example his uncle modeled before us. Allen Ray Foster was a Christian businessman and church leader.  I've know him for over 38 years and never knew him to miss a church service unless he was out of town - which was very rarely. He was known far and wide as a person who would give you the shirt off his back.

1. My first highlight of the week is having a member of the family that is such a great example of Christ-likeness. May we all have the same said about us. We also have the joy of celebrating his life, knowing that he made the best decision anyone could ever make.  He gave his life to Christ.

The second thing that robbed the week of its joy was a bank robbery that took place in the very bank I had worked at so many years ago.  The robber became a murderer as he stabbed to death two ladies and badly wounded a third. One of the victims was a lady that had been a co-worker with me. She also has been known by my husband's family for many many years. She was so friendly and kind - everyone loved her.

Why am I sharing such a grim story with you?  I share mostly the good on this Journey with you, but as you know, life sometimes has rough patches.  Not everything works out the way we think it should. Often, good people suffer because others make tragic choices.  Please pray for her family and our community as we mourn a life cut short. I know that God will take the broken pieces of her family's lives and mend them as only He can.

2. The highlight in this situation is that, although Anita Grace's life was abruptly over, she left behind a legacy of love, cheerfulness and friendship.

3.  Now, on a brighter note:  more irises.  My friend, Marti, blessed me with more irises this week. I'm so glad God made such beautiful flowers to brighten our days.

4.  I'm also glad God didn't make just one variety of flower.  This week, we had rain, rain, rain and the roses popped out!

First blooms of the season!  The rain made the grass pop out, too, so please ignore that - it has been too wet to mow.

Here is a close-up of the pink rosebush - you can tell there are more just waiting to bloom.


5.  Quote of the week - you didn't think I would forget, did you?

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ― A.A. Milne

I saw this recently and just had to share.

And so ends another week on the Journey.  This week was mostly touched by sorrow but there are always blessings and highlights to find and treasure as well. How was YOUR week? Please share with us in the comments, or link up at Susanne's blog, Living to Tell the Story.