Sunday Surprises

Thank you for your prayers for Don today as he preached two sermons this morning and will continue to do so for at least two months, maybe three.  He did great, but was pretty drained of energy when he finished up with the second service.

Our first surprise came yesterday when granddaughter Kristina called to tell us she is in Phoenix visiting her step-mom and wanted us to come have lunch with them today.  Diane flew Kristina out for her 18th birthday which is tomorrow.  (Pictures later in this post.)

Our second surprise came this morning.  While we were preparing for church to start and I was in the choir "loft" I heard someone calling my name.  When I looked up, there was DeAnn Hoover taking my picture!!  We could hardly believe that DeAnn and Bruce were really here, although, it's only for a three-day weekend and they have a lot crammed into these three days.  For the brief fellowship time between services, we visited with them and then they were gone.  (Just as soon as DeAnn sends me the picture of all four of us, I will post it.  In my excitement, my camera was left in the choir "loft."**))[update: DeAnn sent pictures] ~After re-reading this, maybe I should explain for those who do not know Bruce and DeAnn... we met them last winter at Quail Run (activity directors) in Arizona City and they are now back in the work force in the KC area.

During the second service, the choir leaves the loft after the special music, so I was able to get some pictures from the back of the room. 

This is Dan, who does a great job leading the intercessory prayer time.

Wesley sang a beautiful special this morning, "In His Time." Second service congregation. (well, their backs) Linnea leads the congregation in worship music. And Don preached: "Is You Prayer Hitting the Target?"-- 1 Timothy 2:1-8. (His voice is hoarse tonight and his throat is a little sore... please pray for him.) "And Jesus Christ stretched out His arms and gave His life for my sins and your sins as He died on the cross, providing the only way for our sin debt to be paid and securing our home in Heaven with Him." It was another fantastic Sunday and we have so much to be thankful for.  The folks here are so friendly, so involved in church and the services, serving and meeting needs, and inviting and bringing others to church.

After church, we drove to Chandler to meet Kristina and Diane at On The Border for lunch.  Kristina is 18!  Unbelievable.  She is also talking about college and has decided to go to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. Today, however, she was excited about her shoes. Very grown up, huh?  She looked so tall and stylish. Diane took our picture together. (see, Kristina is as tall as me!)

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our son-in-law, Khalil!  He's 36... no, 37 today.  I know for a fact that he has spent most of his birthday trying to unstop the kitchen sink.  Bless his heart.  We love you, Khalil!