Through cloud and sunshine

by chuckofish

Well, I had a wonderful time visiting my precious daughter #2 and her wee family over the weekend. How could I not? I did nothing but hold/gaze at little Ida…

…and hang out with Katie…

I also spent copious amounts of time having deep conversations about important subjects with daughter #2 while the little ones napped. When DN returned from his wedding festivities on Sunday, we were able to catch up as well and celebrate his birthday.

Time well spent indeed.

Daughter #1, Mr. Smith and the OM held the fort.

Now it is back to my old routine. I caught up with my Bible reading. I did laundry and watered the plants. I hung out with the boy who dropped by on his way to work.

Our pastor sent this recording of the hymn Abide with Me, a hymn that the church has often sung in days of grief and mourning, to our congregation following the shooting at our sister PCA church in Nashville. This version, sung by Jeremy Casella, was recorded in the sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville.

For our brothers and sisters in Nashville we pray that even as they grieve, they would know the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, a peace that will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), amidst their tears.

Anne of course had something meaningful to say about all the ““takes” in [her] feed, from every conceivable point of view, a cacophony of grief and schadenfreude.” You might want to read it.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.