Winter Evening

Brrr! It's cold outside.

The girls and I came home this afternoon

from a church weekend away,

not far away, just a couple of valleys over, really.

We had a wonderful time.

Talks on Ecclesiastes (and Hebrews, for the girls)

by visiting speakers; getting to know a young African man

our church is sponsoring through bible college;

chatting, crocheting and a campfire;

a family fun night that really was fun;

a walk in the late afternoon sun past lovely properties, 

with more chatting, as we spotted scarecrows and vegetable patches;

late-night port and playing Articulate;

camp food that even I could eat;

good times reading the bible, thinking, discussing and learning.

And now we are home,

which is always a good place to be.

There's a bit of unpacking mess around,

and some rest and sleep to catch up on.

After a sit on the sofa reading some favourite blogs

I felt energetic enough to do some baking.

Steve and I made these carob cookies,

which are super-easy and yummy.

Emily has been finishing off an ancient history essay,

and Laura is nursing a sore foot, she had a scooter stack

while we were at the campsite, a sock and shoe were casualties,

as well as her foot, which has a sort of burn from the bitumen.

(At the time of Laura's spill I was frantically doing a jigsaw puzzle of 

Romans 1:16 with ten or so other people, to earn 30 points

for our team, so much more fun than it sounds, 

especially when we won ;-)

Just as well we have those crutches Laura chose once at the op shop ...

It's not often I would wear a polar fleece jacket inside

and still be sitting or hovering right by the heater, 

but this afternoon I am.

There has been a gorgeous sunset,

I braved the chill winds to get some photos.

Tomorrow we go back to normal routine, 

but just for two days,

then the girls head to school camps,

leaving Steve and I home alone in the old house ...

... I guess we'll manage somehow ...

So, it's been a good weekend.  Lots to think about
and lots to appreciate, both there, and back home.
God is good.

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, 
and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot 
and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, 
because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

- Ecclesiastes 5:19-20