COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE

     I know there is not enough room in this bulletin to name all our blessings. So, one of the benefits of writing for this bulletin is to take this space and name a few of the blessings that have come my way and will be coming our way in the near future.
     Diana and I have just returned home from a10 day vacation that took us from the seashore to the mountains. Making contact with friends in the Portland, Oregon area again after two years was a blessing. Sharing stories of our work, leisure, and travels was fun. Then it was on to the Oregon coast for four nights. There is no place I know of to relax more than at the ocean. Though it rained on us for two days that was all right. Having some alone time, without interruptions, with Diana was marvelous. Walks on the beach – even when it was raining – was more relaxing than an afternoon at the movies. Time to think, pray, and dream was rejuvenating. Even the two days of traveling was restful. A leisurely drive along the Pacific Ocean afforded some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere. Then it was on to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range for a few days. The contrast of being able to see for miles at the ocean to not being able to see the forest for the trees was different but spectacular in its own way. Worshiping with a little church of 25 members may have been one of the highlights of the vacation. We were made to feel at home.
     Upon our return home, I found out that I had been selected by the Solano County Library Foundation to participate in “Celebrating Local Authors” for my book The Shepherd’s Side of the Fence. This is an annual event that honors local authors for their work. I will have opportunity to discuss my book on July 20 from 1:30 to 4:30 at the John F. Kennedy Library in Vallejo. Imagine that, a Christian author talking at a publiclibrary on the subject of Christian leadership. I am amazed. I am humbled.
     The birth of grandchild #5, Caleb Jeffrey Allen Perry on Friday May 30, was another blessing from above. God is so good. The sound of crying babies in our congregation is music to my ears.
     If that is not enough, there is Friendship Day next Sunday, June 29, 2008. Bring a friend and stay after services for an afternoon of fellowship, games, and fun. There will be no Sunday evening services on June 29, because of the events of the day. Remember that V.B.S. begins on July 7, at 7:00 in the evening. There will be an adult class taught in the evening as well.
     Small groups begin on Sunday July 6, 2008. You will be receiving a call this week from your group leader informing you of the time and place of your small group meeting.
     I have run out of space, but not out of recalling blessings. I know I am richly blessed. How about you?