just a thought . . .

What if it had been discovered that George Washington had toasted a British General and endorsed a book written by a well-known Tory?

What about those who pledged their "fortunes" as well as their "lives and sacred honor" to establish a nation based on capitalism and free trade?

What about a belief in the principles of America so deep that a young schoolteacher would face the noose and say "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country?"

Our founding fathers did their job; let's do ours -- vote . . . and pray.

my life last week

We just finished a revival with the Durkee family from Penns Creek, PA. It was a week of fantastic singing and searching preaching. Our church enjoyed this family immensely. And we enjoyed keeping them in our home. That's pretty much what I've been up to. On Saturday, Michelle Durkee and I attended a local craft show and I posted pictures on my decorating blog at www.simpleandlovely.blogspot.com I have some writing in the works and am working on the next issue of The Ladies' Companion as well as trying to keep up with what's happening politically -- talk about a circus (and a concern.) And so life continues . . . and God's grace goes before and makes a way.

Some recent snapshot moments of my kiddos

Stewart joined Cub Scouts this fall.
Kaley posing at the entrance of a church where we held services.
Ashley and Autumn at our family outing on Labor Day.

coming soon . . .

Yes, life has continued. I am not stuck in Pittsburgh following my anniversary trip. I will update soon. We are in revival services at our church this week and my schedule has been altered because of that.

It's been 19 years . .

. . since that gorgeous October day when Duane and I pledged to love each other until death. We celebrate our anniversary this week and had a fantastic get-away last weekend to Pittsburgh, just a short distance from our home. Thanks to an unbelievable deal on Priceline and the kindness of friends who watched our kids overnight, we had a delicious dinner (with a fried zucchini appetizer -- yum!) and a whirlwind trip to the big city. The Renaissance is in the cultural section of Pittsburgh and was quite glitzy. I loved every minute. We strolled around the streets, mingling with the throngs coming out of Heinz Hall and the performing arts theater. We had cheesecake and coffee in the hotel cafe -- Opus. After a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we returned to ministry and the children that make our home complete. Memories are made of this.

The gorgeous rotunda in the lobby -- the Gilded Age lives.
our room
Duane carrying our bags
the view from our room
the Renaissance