WORDS APTLY SPOKEN

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
                                                                                        Proverbs 25:11

Last night as Gail was on her knees scrubbing the kitchen floor, the Lord brought to her mind the importance of friendships, and she found herself thanking the Lord for the friendships in her life.
Gail was reminded of a quote from Mary Kay. "I think there is something wonderful about everyone and whenever I get the opportunity to tell someone this, I do."  At that point, Gail felt led to go to the phone and call a friend that came to mind and was able to express her gratitude for their friendship.

                                              Artist unknown

In the above verse it talks about a word aptly spoken. Often times we have positive or encouraging thoughts come to mind about someone, but we're hesitant to verbalize our thoughts to them. This could very well be the working of the Holy Spirit to be an encouragement to someone. According to the interpretation of the above verse from The Message it reads, "A right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry." Many times that right timing is initiated by the Holy Spirit, So, when someone comes to mind that you feel needs a word aptly spoken, we shouldn't hesitate to express it. This most likely would be the words of encouragement that they need for this time in their life. As Christians we should all be encouragers.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

PEACE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to peace. And be thankful.           Colossians 3:15

We woke up yesterday morning to the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Many people were unnerved by another mass shooting in the United States. We're certain those involved and the families directly impacted by this tragedy had to deal with many difficult emotions. When we get up in the morning, we have our plans for what we want to accomplish for that day. However, we will not find peace by engaging in excessive planning which is attempting to control what will happen in the future. That can be considered a commonly practiced form of unbelief. Sometimes peace may seem to be within our grasp, but it often eludes us. Just when we think we have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected happens and throws things into confusion.

God did not design human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond anyone's capability. God wants us to bring to Him all our needs, all our hopes and fears. He wants us to commit everything into His care. It is much better to turn from a path of planning everything out to a path of peace. Even in times of great turmoil God can give us the peace that we need to endure what life throws at us.

Many of us have a place where we find peace and solitude. One of those places for us is the deck at the home of our daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Rick. There is a beautiful view of woods and lake, and as the sun rises in the morning the view and the sounds of God's creation surround us. Several months ago Gail dropped a hint to Rick saying that he should remove one of the trees so that she could have a better view of the lake. Recently, he took his chain saw and cut the tree down and indicated that he had just created "Gail's view". This opened up a much better view of the lake from his deck. Rick certainly gained some points from Gail for doing this.

                                             Gail's View

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.              John 14:27

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny            

Garment of Praise

. . . , and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
                                                                                                                  Isaiah 61:3

Life certainly has its ups and downs because each day can bring pleasure, hardships, adventure, disappointments, and even tragedy. What we have planned for the day ahead may take twists and turns of which we have no control. But, if we know and walk with the Lord He can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. He can bring joy out of sorrow. He can help you find peace while struggling with adversity. These words seem like a dichotomy, but we are talking about a friend who sticks closer than a brother and is also the King of kings.

In this past Sunday School lesson we talked about the Beatitudes. Here Jesus is teaching His disciples a totally new way of thinking. Many of the Beatitudes seem like contradictions such as, "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." As Christians we need to understand that we possess spiritual muscle during difficult times or during struggles with adversity. These are times when God creates depth in our lives. There's an old saying Arabic saying,  "Sun all the time creates a desert."
This means that if life is easy and without hardship a person has failed to develop depth in their being.

Today Gail visited Margaret at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility. For the past few weeks she has been struggling with her complete blindness. Last week she was quite distraught over this disability.
In Gail's conversation with her today, she reminded Margaret of the time Paul and Silas were in prison, which was probably very dark, as they were singing and praising God at midnight. Gail equated this story to Margaret that in her darkness she should be quick to get out her harmonica and praise the Lord in this way. She agreed that this would be much better than being downcast because of her condition. This truly is a way of putting on the garment praise for the spirit of heaviness and this is a great prescription for overcoming life's trials.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

Visit of French Family

Save your people and bless your heritage.  Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd. 
                                                                                                                 Psalm 28:9 (The Message)

The past week and a half has been a wonderful and busy time.  On Friday, August 23rd, Paul's cousin and husband, Christiane and Claude Rolland, visited us from France.  They were able to stay a week which gave us a great time to catch up as the last time we saw them was in 2010.  Along with our French relatives, our three adult children were able to be here which was a great blessing.  On Sunday, August 25th, a Palpant reunion was held in our back yard with family coming from Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota as well as Michigan. 

For the reunion Paul put together three display boards of pictures that go back to his French grandfather and grandmother and great grandfather.  Many of the family spent a lot of time perusing the pictures and in great conversation with family they hadn't seen in years.  Of course there was an ample supply of food with many bringing a dish or two to pass.  Our daughter Christiane took many pictures of the event and has sent them to the family members who attended the reunion.  We also took a group picture which you can see below. 

Christiane Rolland, Helene Bleecker and Rise Harris enjoying food and fellowship Saturday evening

              Those attending the Palpant Family Reunion on August 25th

While here, Christiane and Claude had an opportunity to tour Paul's family's old farm home on Beecher Road where the Marvin family lives now.  Maria Marvin was so gracious to allow all of us to go through her home so our French relatives could see where their Uncle Roger and family lived for so many years.  Walking through the home where Paul grew up sure brought back a lot of memories.  They also received a tour of cousin Jim Bleecker's farm, visited cemeteries where relatives are buried, toured two mega milking facilities near Kalamazoo, spent time with a talented woodworker, Robert Seeburger, had dinner with cousin Helene Bleecker, and went through many letters that Paul's father wrote back to France while first coming to the U.S., 1924-30.  Paul's cousin also brought many pictures that were of his father and siblings that date back to the early 1900s.  We spent many hours looking at and talking about these treasured items. 

These past few days have certainly reminded us of how important family is.  We certainly cherished the time with our French family, other relatives, and of course our own children.  When you have adult children, you treasure every moment you have with them as those times are few and far between. 

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny