Solid joys and lasting treasures

by chuckofish

How was your weekend? Daughter #1 and Mr. Smith and I had fun zipping up north for a short visit with the prairie girls who are always up for a good time. (We returned their pack-n-play crib which they left at my house and will need when they go on vacation.) We took walks…

and played fetch in the back yard…

Katie was very brave and Mr. Smith was a very good boy and they are edging their way toward being friends. She was thinking a lot about him after we left…

On Sunday the OM and I went to church and Sunday School which was about the use of the word Zion in the OT.

His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God! Selah

(Psalm 87:1-3)

This week our teacher was a church member who is a professor at St. Louis University and she is very learned. I felt like I was back in college. Our sermon was on Psalm 9. Our pastor always asks a question for “young worshippers” to help them stay focused. I will admit, it helps me too. This week the question was, “When we are in trouble, what is God for us?” Answer: a stronghold!

Savior, since of Zion’s city
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name.
Fading is the worldling’s pleasures,
all his boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasures
none but Zion’s children know.

–John Newton, 1779

Meanwhile the boy and his family returned from Hilton Head, all fit and tan. They went to the aquarium in Charleston on the way home…

and saw some sights…

Now that they are back and will be starting back to school soon, I am looking forward to getting back on our usual schedule of Sunday dinners etc. But it is hard to believe that the summer will soon be over.

Have a good week!