Thursday, November 6, 2014

Retirement Isn’t for Wimps

What have I been up to since I retired in June?  Well, since you asked … So far it has been a mix of old and new experiences.

Here are some highlights.

In July we flew to Florida to meet up with our Pennsylvania kids and grandkids - Pete, Kristen, Taylor and Sydney.                                                                                            
We played, swam, learned new games, raced through Disney World, and spent time on the beach.  And yes, not to be outdone by a 10 and 11 year old, I braved the roller coasters!

Thanks to Pete and Kristen, we also began the celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary with cake and family fun. 

During the summer we spent a couple weekends exploring some of the beautiful Kansas lake campgrounds in our pop-up camper.  Pete got me to get on a bicycle for the first time in years!  

                          

Then in September we hit the road for South Carolina to visit Pete’s Mom.

October 5th was our actual anniversary date and we drove to Galveston, Texas. The beach is beautiful this time of year. We happened to be there during the Harvest Moon Regatta and the sailboats were beautiful as they passed by our beach. 

                                                         

In between trips I was privileged to teach 4 classes to a wonderful group of Bible study ladies (You know who you are!) Such a joy to prepare and teach twice on each topic, “Who is Jesus” and “The Resurrection – Truth or Hoax.” It was a delight to see good friends again and to open the Word together.    

I also spoke to a MOPS group about “Courage to Step Out and Follow God” and a MOMS group about “Leaving a Legacy.” Those who know me know how much I love to share God’s Word with others.

On a whim I started doing demo on our bathroom and the project grew a life of its own. We are now into full bath remodel mode. That is another story for another time. But it has been a huge learning curve for me – and FUN!  I may have found a new career!  Pete says he will hire me out!



Next week I leave for Austria to meet my newest grandchild, Annika Sophie, leaving Pete here to fend for himself. 

Then 2 weeks later Liz, Stefan, Annika and I will fly back to the USA leaving Markus to keep the home fires burning in Austria until he can join us at Christmas. Liz, Stefan and Annika will be with us for 6 year old Stefan’s first Thanksgiving in America and we look forward to spending these holidays together.  


Christmas we anticipate a full house so I am busy making preparations to have the gang all here to celebrate THE Best Gift ever given, “the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)  

As you gather around your table this Thanksgiving, may you find your heart overflowing with gratitude to the ONE who blesses us continually from the goodness of  His heart.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen. 




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