Michigan this time of year is really amazing. The colors of the trees are really breathtaking! Timothy just doesn't understand that sometimes I just gasp when I come around a corner and see something amazing in the red, orange, yellow and purple colors that abound in the trees. I just think he is too young to appreciate it. It is starting to get much colder for my morning runs though - 31 F (0 C) this morning! I will have to find something besides a T-shirt and sweatshirt to wear! Here are some beautiful pictures of the local area:
Sallie and I have been having a great time with Hank, her horse. He is such a good boy and puts up with us. We road him down the road yesterday for the first time and he did great. She really wants to learn to ride so that she can "run through the field!" I remember the first time cantering on a beach out in Washington. It is quite an experience and I sure hope we can get her to that point someday. Here is a picture of her and Hank:
Jim started his new job this week so he is currently down in Indiana. He received an apple I phone, a Surface Pro Laptop and a car (to use for the week end) yesterday! He is studying it all and the plans for the project this week end in a hotel room. He sounds like he is having fun with it all. He will be home in another week and we will get to hear all the details.
Just before he left (the day before), we finished the railing on the deck stairs and yesterday the inspector came and blessed it off (not sure that he gave it a real blessing though). It was very nice to have it all done before he left. One project of 213 done!
Last week at church, we talked (again) about using our faith to accomplish God's work here. He wants to use us where we are to be the Salt and the Light of the world Mathew 5:13 - 14 says, "You are the salt of the earth.......You are the light of the world. A city on the hill cannot be hidden." This is telling us to show God's love to everyone we come across so that they can praise Him (vs 16). We talked about being proactive also. Searching for ways in the communities we are in, to be the salt and the light. I think I am ready to start being proactive again. Someone at small group put it this way, "When you move, does the community around you notice that you are gone? Does it leave a hole in the place that you were?" Jim and I have moved a lot! I hate leaving that hole, but it helps to put things in perspective that you know you did something to help in the place you were in. Can't wait to see how God will be using us here!
In His Hands,
Jullie T
Sallie playing soccer this week
