APPLE TIME

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
                                                                                    Proverbs 25:11

Yesterday Gail and two of her sisters, Judy and Jill, spent the day making applesauce. We know, it's a bit late in the season, but all of a sudden last week in a conversation, it was mentioned about making applesauce. Little did we know that it would consume us for the next few days. On the way home from Judy's, Jill and Gail saw a sign for apples as they passed by the store, did a quick u-turn and purchased one bushel. That was the beginning. Later on Gail came up with two more bushels. Judy in the meantime did research as to what would be the best way to cook applesauce. Jill managed to find an apple peeling/coring machine on sale which proved to be a real time saver. But then, we wondered do we or do we not add sugar, cinnamon, water, apple pie spice as one of Judy's many discovered recipes suggested. Decisions, decisions. We each showed up with our contribution of utensils, pans, and excitement, very eager to begin the endeavor. Judy sampled the sauce for sweetness so many times we began to worry about her.

                                Judy and Jill preparing the apples.

                             Gail gathering more apples for the sauce.

In working with the apples, we experienced the beautiful colors of the fruit and appreciative of how God has provided such a variety of just the apple itself. It is interesting how the writer of Proverbs, Solomon, in the King James Version, compares a word of encouragement to a beautiful golden apple. Think of your words as nourishment for the soul. Like picking apples, pick your words wisely.

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

REFRESHED

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus- - -. For they have refreshed
my spirit and yours:                                                            I Corinthians 16:17a and 18a

Who do you think of when you think of someone that refreshs your spirit when they come to your home? Among the top of our list, would be Helene Bleecker and her daughter Deb.  Periodically Deb, who lives in Denver, Colorado, comes to Michigan to visit with her Mom for several days. During that time we have a chance to have them over for a meal.. Deb usually whips out one of her famous, to die for, desserts. My favorite had been the Bumbleberry Pie, but the Fallen Chocolate Cake with cherry sauce ala mode Friday night was a close runner up.In addition to the dessert this time, she brought a hoary pumpkin as a hostess gift. Being the great artist that she is, she was attracted to the pumpkin when she saw it and knew that we would appreciate the uniqueness.

                                    Deb's Hoary Pumpkin


It's always fun to have a meal together but more than that, we have the best fellowship around the table that a person could ever ask for. With the French heritage in mind, it is nothing for us to be at the table with refreshing conversation for three hours or more.  Old pictures of the French family gone by, a book in the making, recipes shared, and tales told make for a very wonderfully, full evening.

Adding to the time together, we have the most interesting French heritage. You see when Helene's  father, who was French and brother to Paul's dad, passed away and Paul's mother passed away, Paul's  dad married Helene's mother, who was French, making Helene a step sister to Paul, who already were first cousins on Paul's father's side of the family. We have great fun trying to explain it to those who would be interested. We'll save the cousin story for the next time.

When Helene and Deb left our home this past Friday night, we had truly been refreshed by their spirit. We'll look forward to the next time, but I'm sure there will not be another hoary pumpkin or will there be, Deb?

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

P.S. By the way, Helene, be careful not to sit in the brown chair the next time. That belongs to Patsy and Penny.

                          Helene in Patsy and Penny's chair

TEMPTATION

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  I Corinthians 10:13

We have a confession, our biggest vice is ice cream. However, this incident was not our idea. Our son Roger took a trip north to see the fall color here in Michigan. He spent several days seeing the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Mackinac Island, White Fish Point, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Soo Locks. Towards the end of last week we received a text from Roger inviting us to meet him for ice cream as he returned back to Adrian from the north country. By all means, who are we to turn him down. About two o'clock Sunday afternoon we received a call that we could meet him for ice cream in about an hour. Guess where he wanted to meet?

                                  Guess where we are.


When we are tempted He will provide a way out so instead of three scoops, Paul ordered two, and instead of two scoops Gail ordered one. But, Roger made up for it by ordering a three scoop sundae and he talked us into ordering fries to share. Even though the calorie count was extremely high the fellowship and time with our son was more than worth it. We encourage you to make time for those special moments.

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

ArtPrize

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. 
                                                                     Ecclesiastes 9:10a

The 2014 ArtPrize event in Grand Rapids, MI has been taking place since September 24th and will go through October 12th.  Over 1500 entries were selected from several thousand who originally applied.  To be in the competition was a great honor even though the chances of winning or even placing for a prize was very slim.  It was obvious that the various artists had put their heart and soul into their work.  One artist who was displaying his work in the same venue as Gail indicated that he had been working on his creation for three years.  Another who did a mural of wooden horses said that she had amassed 1400 hours creating and assembling her piece.  The ArtPrize competition has unleashed a great deal of creativity among professional as well as amateur artists. 

This past weekend we were joined by two of our children, Christiane and Roger, to tour some of the art venues in Grand Rapids.  It was a real thrill having them with us to support their mother and enjoy the many outstanding works of art on display,.  Even though the weather was not very nice, we had a great time together.  At one point it even snowed for a few minutes. 

   Paul, Gail, Christiane and Roger with Gail's painting, "Family Reflections"


ArtPrize is probably one of the top art exhibits in the world of its kind.  Many stores, restaurants, churches, museums and businesses participate in this by opening up their establishment to display the art.  This has been of great benefit to the Grand Rapids city as it brings in millions of dollars of revenue by those visiting the various art exhibits.  Restaurants and hotels boom during this time.  There are other cities beginning to get the same idea for their downtown area. 

Those reading this many have much more creativity in them than they realize.  Tap into that creativity.

Blessings and encouragement.

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny