Memorial Day weekend and the parade are a memory now. The spring flowers have faded, but what glorious irises my garden grows! That’s the  Allium flower in the midst of the royal purple ones. I have survived my first two evenings working at the Trolly ice cream shop. If i continue on the evening shift, it fits well around working at the Aspinwall and my other activities, thank the Lord. John is busy restructuring the garden area, working towards a no mow area within the fence. He’s taken time to help a couple of friends with their garden fences as well. He’s preparing to spend time in Los Angeles with Eliza’s family this month and organizing his time well. God bless him for John’s kind, giving heart!

I want to take this moment and pause to meditate on another Scripture that talks about being stedfast, part of my concentration for 2023. The book of Lamentations can be a difficult book to read, but there are gems of hope in God’s goodness woven amidst the verses.

Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to his name. This active, faithful waiting, resting in Him, is what our Lord requires from his people. I am hearing good things happening around us, even as messengers of financial collapse abound. Hearts are being moved to reach out in love, and God’s faithful are giving liberally to promote kingdom work.

Lamentations 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

This brings me to one avenue for giving: the on-line portion of the Beaver Camp auction began yesterday. Check out my last post for auction details. Here are pictures of the themed baskets I built around my book.

Along with my book, each basket contains a lapghan, drink bottle, book light, a notebook & pen. This is the first crocheting I’ve done since I began my book, and it was fun getting into my yarn stash again. The drink bottle is to keep the reader hydrated, the pen and notebook to jot your own musings down, a book light so you can read where you want, and – I forgot – I included a small candle in a fancy metal tin to set the mood.

I conclude with a picture of the solar humming bird chimes my granddauters sent me. They alternately change colors and are delightful to watch in the evening. Shalom to you, my readers, until next time.