Lazy days of summer...
The last couple of days I spent thoroughly enjoying the blessings of God's gift of summer.  I sat outside with my coffee and Bible. The fountain bubbled and birds entertained, while the hot June sun warmed my skin and my soul.
From morning until evening, I basked in our green grass, fresh stamped concrete path and flowers in bloom. After supper, I built a bonfire in the firepit, and Caylea and my niece, Charaya, joined me.  As the sun set in a glorious grand finale, we waited for our nightly lighting ceremony.  One by one, our strings of solar-powered lights blinked on, signalling the close of a beautiful day.
While I was recharging my own batteries in the sun's rays, my dear husband was driving up to Big River, and then to Pine Ridge Bible Camp.  On the way north, he saw 4 or 5 bears along the highway.  The day was hot and sunny, perfect for the sod/sand turning ceremony at the camp to dedicate a new building project.  The camp has needed a new dining hall/chapel to replace the faithful but deteriorating buildings that have served since the camp's inception in the 1980's.  With COVID-19 interrupting the kids' programs, the construction can begin now and hopefully be completely closed in by fall. 
My motivation for work and indoor tasks has definitely diminished as I feel that pull of summer.  We booked our cabin for a couple weeks in July and we both are ready for a restful vacation.  I am already mentally packing!
But I do have notes from our recent NCEM Executive meeting to type up.  And some other correspondence to attend to...but I feel the backyard calling me and I may not be able to resist....
          "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let             the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy."                                                  Psalm 96:11-12

Fathers' Day, 2020 during COVID-19
     It was special to be able to meet at our Healing Hearts Ministry Centre today for worship!  We still have our camera and microphones for streaming on Facebook Live.  But how sweet to lead worship and see smiling faces, lips moving and actual music coming forth!  When I glanced up at the congregation, I felt such joy as Tammie was seated, leaning on her walker, raising her hands in praise.  I loved seeing Cliff and Cheryl, standing and holding hands as they sang.  A few people were wearing masks.  We didn't shake hands or exchange hugs as we would normally greet one another.
But, it was wonderful to feel like it was a normal Sunday!
     Usually we do a BBQ for the fathers.  But we made special gift bags and gave each dad a Tim's card. For those who didn't attend the service, some of our leadership delivered the gifts to them at home.
     I didn't expect to feel emotional today.  I was sharing a few thoughts and Scriptures on our awesome God and loving heavenly Father. Tying this to our fathers and how they are human while our God never changes...somehow I just missed my dad today!
     This afternoon was really nice, having Daniel and Caylea here to give their dad gifts and a funny card!  Mark and Amy called and Walter opened the gift they had sent - a Blue Ray DVD set of the original Star Trek movies.  Then we played a couple rounds of Ladder Ball in the backyard.
     We ordered pizza and dry ribs at Walter's request and ate in front of the Star Trek "Wrath of Khan."  Sure hope he knows how much his family loves and appreciates him!  'Cuz we do!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Have you heard the comment:  I am not doing much and yet the days are flying by!
True statement.
Although, as our province is opening up more businesses and services, I am finding myself busier.  We have gone up to Prince Albert more often this month.  Errands and shopping that I haven't been able to do we now are doing.  The days of slow pace and enjoying our home and alone time are now being filled with more social connections and meetings.
We did have a road trip to deliver COVID care kits to another mission organization.  I was excited to go and really enjoyed seeing other missionaries.  They were just as eager for fellowship and we were treated royally.  What beautiful country around Dryden, Ontario! The folks there live on a lake and offered to take us on a boat ride. One of their favourite spots is a creek that joins another lake to theirs, with a sweet waterfall along the way.  Pure delight!
Highlights?  Time on the road with my wonderful husband.  I had missed our trips with time to talk, listen to audio books, and rehash our experiences.  And I saw a bear!  From the safety of the truck on the TransCanada highway, I almost missed a black bear was foraging in a marshy, wooded spot below us.  Too late, I noticed it and pointed and shouted but Walter couldn't slow down or back up to see it.  Oh, well, my special blessing in nature from the Lord!
As we are home this week, we seem busy with emails and preparations for next week's meetings and Day of Prayer with NCEM once again.  Part of me feels in a holiday mode as the weather is warm and summer-like!  Tomorrow we will take a drive out to our cabin just for the day...
Thank you, Father, for the blessings of busy-ness as normal life is being restored.  But Lord, help me not forget the slower pace that brought the treasure of more time with you and the intimacy I have felt as I wait upon You.