Where have I been?!?

Really! Just wanderin' around, I guess, lol. Not even caring to check in with my buds. I have been reading your posts, though I'm sure I have a little catching up to do.

Well, I haven't been up to anything particularly earthshaking. It seems like the days just fly by and I'm not sure what became of them.

I've spent one Wednesday afternoon helping package up craft supplies for VBS. We probably have another couple of days worth of work to get that all done. Today was my second time to practice with my fellow singers for leading worship. Worship is a very unpolished thing at this little church, but they do welcome anyone who wants to participate in leading. We had a mixture of adults and kids. We use YouTube videos with lyrics on the contemporary songs (2) and then the rest is hymns. In recent years I've been used to churches with "worship bands" who took care of all of this. This little church has a pianist and an organist, so in an attempt to please some of the younger members we've added some contemporary songs. Like I say, unpolished, but everyone is enthusiastic! I still have a way to go as far as "rehabilitating" my vocal cords which have suffered from lack of use, lol.

In Sunday School we're working on scripture memorization and I decided to incorporate a little artwork with my memorization. I had a  journal sitting empty and I decided I would write my verses in it as I memorized them, and draw a little illustration. No reference photos allowed; just a doodle out of my head.  Isaiah 26:3 is next in line.

I've been doing a lot of reading. I just finished The Oath by Frank Peretti, and am still working on The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis.

 While reading The Oath, I came across a tiny little folded bit of paper which appeared to have been tucked in the book for many years. (The is a library book sale find.) So, I unfolded it and what should appear but this...A drawing of some guy! He now resides with my collage bits. I may just glue him into a collage someday. I couldn't bring myself to throw him in the trash!

I have a hankering to begin reading The Works of Josephus, but the printing is so tiny. Maybe... I certainly have no shortage of books to choose from! Also making steady progress in my Bible. What a blessing!

My little grandson Nathan, who's eight years old, is back at the residential treatment place. He just got out of there a couple of weeks ago. He's been having problems again with episodes of anger and it's kind of reached scary levels. Please send up a
prayer for him and my dear son and daughter-in-law. I contacted a cousin in Texas who I know is a prayer warrior and he told me he and his wife had gone through exactly the same thing with their daughter many years back. He invited Josh and Jess to contact him for support. That in itself is a gift from God! As my cousin said, it's such a relief just to talk to someone who's gone through what you're experiencing.

I've unearthed the notes for a YA (or is it a 'tween?) novel I've been making notes on for about 10 years (LOL) and scribbled a few more. I keep talking myself out of even attempting a book. Does the world need another book? I ask. We shall see.

I've begun drying some of my violas for use in collages. 

 I see so many pretty wildflowers when walking on the trail, but I'm sure there's probably a law against picking them. I did see what I figure must be the last columbine of the season and I quickly snatched it up and stuffed it in my pocket! (It was in an area that had been mowed, so I figure it's fair game! It's not our state flower or anything.)

 Lastly, I made this little kingfisher card for an ATC buddy.

Everyone have a safe 4th!
Shalom and love to all!