Echoes of Summer

Amidst all the school prep and shopping I just want to linger in the reality that summer is still upon us.  I have enjoyed this summer of surprises and retreats.  Before I launch into planning for the fall I want to reflect on some of the beauty that has surrounded us...

Our butterfly bush has attracted  many Swallowtails and Monarchs this summer.  I have seen 7 at one time on the fragrant bush.

Even leaves have personality among the rest...looks like a crazy drawing on the leaf, but nature did that all on its own.

Tis my favorite flower, the Gerber Daisy.  This is the first summer that I have kept a flower alive through the summer!

Celebrating J's birthday with good friends at the Japanese Steakhouse, oh so yummy!

The girls with their sweethearts!

An attempt at the world's biggest bubble!

Glinda the good witch and her piano man.

Our annual open house for the 4th of July.

Cascade Lake's water tube, I think he went down 1,000 times!

 My big guy with his buds.

Birthday at the race track.  They never tire of going around and around and around, made me dizzy!

Summer birthdays are the best.  Sissy with some of her favorite treasures.

 Siblings together, capturing the moment!

It's not often to grab a snapshot with family you don't see much because everyone lives in different states.

Maybe one day he will be a lifeguard.  He said he wants to be a pediatrician.

Puddle stomping in the rain.  It inspired me to write a poem....

As the rain patters on the window pane

A hush quiets within my spirit, bidding me to listen and be still.

Listen to the soft rain as it whispers when it falls.

On rainy summer nights I feel the Lord's closeness.

My busy thoughts subdue and that still, small Voice I yearn to hear,

Drifts through the billowing curtains, His peace washes over me

Like the rain washes over the thirsty earth.
So my soul longeth after Thee.

His gentleness guards my heart and mind.

I am drawn to sit and worship; listen and pray.

Be still and know that I am God.

Blessings,

E.W.

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