One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.  Psalm 145:4

We recently returned from a trip to Georgia and Tennessee to visit family and to recognize the retirement of Paul's brother. The trip included a four day stay at Rebecca and Rick's in Commerce, Georgia. Christiane was able to join us for some of the time, and we were surprised by Roger flying into Atlanta to be with the family while we were there. We also enjoyed time with our grandsons, Darien and Logan. While there we attended a University of Georgia baseball game, took a tour of the Mayfield Dairy, went kayaking, played boccie ball,  held our own private church service, and relaxed in the hot tub. One of the highlights of our time there was visiting Rick's lab where he showed us what cancer cells look like under the microscope. Rick is very involved in cancer research  He was able to share very interesting information regarding his research lab and what they have been able to accomplish.

                             Rick and Logan in research lab

Another highlight was the food that was so ably prepared by many members of our family. We would be remiss if we didn't mention something about the outstanding ribs that Rick slowly grilled throughout the day. By the time they reached the table, they fell off the bone. What a treat! Another great treat was sitting at the piano with Roger when he played "How Great Thou Art". It was such a joy to hear him play as we really miss having him play at home.

On the way home we stopped in Tennessee where Paul's brother's church was recognizing his retirement as head of the church kitchen. He had been serving in this capacity for almost twenty years. There was an excellent turnout as well as many of Paul's brother's family and our daughters were able to attend the event.

                     The Palpant family at Vic's retirement celebration

Vic, Paul's brother, had taken on this position as an opportunity to serve the people of the church and even the community. He attends a very large church so the task of feeding many people was very challenging at times. It was almost like a full-time job. As people shared at the retirement party, they made sure to emphasize how responsible and dependable Vic is.  It is very apparent that he is leaving some big shoes to fill. It was very encouraging to see how the people appreciated the effort that Vic put into his position as head of the church kitchen.  This brings to mind the following verse.

I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.       Ephesians 4:1

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Our devotions this morning out of the book, Jesus Calling  by Sarah Young has a very timely thought. We would like to share that in our blog today.

"I, the Creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.

It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determine to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!"

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: My God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.                   
 II Timothy 4:2

Last Thursday Gail had a hair appointment in downtown Adrian at 4:30 in the afternoon. As she was starting to park her car off Church Street behind the old Kline's store, she was startled by the opening of her car doors. She had not even parked her car yet when one teenage girl jumped into the front seat and three or four other girls filled the back seat and all shut the doors. It happened so quickly that Gail didn't have time to react.(Since she has an older model car, the doors do not lock automatically when it is in drive.)

They all pleaded to let them stay in the car for protection. Apparently, a man had threatened them with a gun and knife.  Gail's immediate response was to inform them that she had a hair appointment and didn't have time for this. The girls continued to plead asking to stay in the car.  Gail then offered to drive them to the police station which was only a block away. One girl quickly responded by saying, "Please don't do that. I'm on probation."  When the man was out of sight, the girls thanked Gail and quickly exited the car and went the other way. Once Gail arrived at the beauty salon, she shared her story with the ladies. Their response was, "You need to inform the police." The beautician then called the police, and in just a few minutes a policeman arrived. After Gail gave an account of the incident, the policeman said he would check around town. To this point we have not heard anything further regarding these girls.

                                   The Scream by Edvard Munch
                     

This incident reminded Gail of how important it is to be alert to your surroundings and to be prepared to respond in an appropriate way. In fact, Gail was preparing to pray with the girls if they had remained in her car any longer. The Lord may allow unforeseen things to happen in our lives, so it is good to always be prepared by praying that we will respond in a way that will honor the Lord.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.  Jeremiah 1:5

                                      

Last Tuesday we spent the evening at the Lenawee County Right to Life Banquet. We went expecting about 100 people to attend and found a room packed to overflowing. There were so many that they had to set up the serving tables in the hallway. It was great to see the outpouring of support by so many people.

Important facts were shared as to the impact Right to Life has made in the State of Michigan. It was noted that twenty years ago there were over seventy abortion clinics in the state, and now that number has been reduced to under thirty. Teen abortions have been reduced by over 60 percent from a high in the 80s and 90s. Other encouraging facts were shared, but there is still much more to be done to preserve the sanctity of life.

The keynote speaker for the evening was the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Brian Calley. Brian is the youngest lieutenant governor in the United States, but his speech reflected a lot of experience and wisdom. He has three children of which two of them have special needs. However, he emphasized how special they are, and abortion would not have been an option. It is great to have a politician of his status who is not afraid to take a stand for life. It is especially good to reflect on his words after hearing some of the terrible things that have taken place in abortion clinics around the country

We need to pray for our prolife leaders as they stand for what is right. Also, continue to pray that encouraging statistics will reflect the change in hearts for life rather than the alternative..

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny