RICHNESS

"It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich".  

Proverbs 10.22

Mike and I are giving thanks for a rich weekend in Little Rock.  We got to spend some time with these good friends, some of which are four decade friends.  We've all been in Bible studies together and have prayed each other through some sticky stuff.  Prayer joins hearts.  We were whooping it up Friday night over one friend who had just received a cancer-free followup.  Another friend was soon to leave for a mission trip in Poland.  Those Polish women have no idea how much fun is coming their way.

Facebook is a wonderful tool to keep up with friends, but nothing beats the old face-to-face.

Our original intent for coming to Little Rock was to see a sweet couple say "i do" on Saturday night.

It is always fun to be in different churches and see how they present Christ.  The Anglican Church has respectful gestures that appealed to us.

Anna and Nathan are special.  They serve in China and so there were touches of that culture through their service.

Anna only had to travel just a couple of hours in China to the place where most bridal gowns are actually made.

This was one of the most beautiful dresses I've seen.  And God gave her a bargain!

And now I pronounce you...

man and wife!

Sunday we got to go to the church that "raised" us.  When you spend thirty years in a place, it's home.  This building is only two years old, but Fellowship has been in so many different structures (a school when we first started,  a movie theatre, their first building that was added onto and cobbled onto, and now this megaplex).  All the building projects just serve to prove the building is not the church.  There's a sweet spirit in this place and it's a privilege to see familiar faces and worship together.

                                                                
Brad and Laura's new 2005 Accord followed the motorhome down to Little Rock.  Then we also picked up this shiny 2007 Odyssey which had been drop-shipped from Houston in an eBay transaction.  It exists, Brad!

Brad's new boss has graciously offered to keep the cars @their place until Brad and Laura arrive.   The Rollins' are hospitable people; two extra cars in the driveway will give their home the appearance of being in perpetual party mode.

We ate supper with Gary and Jeanne as we did the car shuffling.  We've been friends since their four boys and our kids were in primary school.  They serve Christ with eager willingness and humility.  It is very satisfying to think of what the Lord has done for Brad in providing this fine mentor/friend/co-worker.

Our three day weekend also offered a time away for Mike and I and we seemed to need it.  It was nice beside the river.  Even though the heat and humidity wrestled one another for top billing, there was actually one piece of time on Sunday afternoon that we could sit outside.  We were under a huge sheltering walnut tree, enjoying the breeze and just talking.  We are still classified as "in shock" to think Brad and Laura will be in Little Rock.

Max Lucado says "each life is a story to be written.  The Author starts each life story, but each life will write his or her own ending."  Awesome liberty.

It's funny how the newly married Nathan and Anna are in one of life's beginning phases, but Mike and I can hardly remember the starting line.  Surely life has surprises and phases, but God's faithfulness is the overarching constant.  The Cruses are feeling particularly blessed these days...richly blessed.