Halloween and Reformation

It's All Hallos Eve, the night before All Saints Day. I am remembering my childhood of dressing up, going Trick or Treating, and then coming home to change into my 'church clothes' and rushing off to church to attend the Reformation service.

October 31st has always been a huge day for me. It was the last day of October, and that being my birthday month, I felt I had come full circle and was ready to greet November as a much older and wiser person! It was a good way to close the month.

I would always dress up and go around the neighborhood and would come back with a load of candy! I loved it!

But I also loved getting into the church clothes and going to church on Oct. 31st. For Lutherans, the rememberance of Reformation Day. I embraced the organ's loud pipes belting out " A Mighty Fortress" and sang it at the top of my lungs.

Just to get you in the spirit of things...I've attached a picture of a very excited three and a half year old grandson in his costume. Jim and I went to visit this past weekend and Nolan was thrilled to be Spiderman.

Happy Halloween, Happy Reformation Day.

Scripture Alone! Grace Alone! Faith Alone! And always: Christ alone!!

Correction!

I hurried too much on my last blog post and incorrectly stated that the Grand Canyon rim to rim occured on Sept. 13th. In fact, it was just two days ago...OCTOBER 13th.

Also, the pictures should be swapped around. The first picture of the day was the group shot, and the Greiwes are on our left ( we're in the middle!) The LAST picture taken just before hiking out was the one on the top...the glorious canyon!!

Cheers! Sue

Rim to Rim!

Greetings on this Monday morning!

The Lord has provided MORE than we ever asked for. I prayed to have good blood sugars, and they were! I prayed to have legs and feet and knees to carry me out of the canyon before dark, and He answered. I did NOT pray for any particular weather, yet He provided a picture perfect day! Blue skies, crisp temperatures in the morning followed by warm afternoon temps, and the sun to shine! Glorious!

Jim and I had the thrill of hiking the Grand Canyon on Sept. 13th, 2007. We enjoyed the company of church friends Linda and Terry Greiwe and their friends from Chicago, Brad and Karen. Our group left the North Rim, called North Kaibab Trail at 6:25 am and Jim and I were the last of the three couples out at 5:45 pm that same day. Jim stayed by my side the entire time, encouraged me, and together we worked on making sure I had good blood sugars, and stayed hydrated. Terry and Linda were also huge encouragers and fun hiking companions!

The hike was 24 miles long. We took Bright Angel Trail as our exit of the canyon, and that puts your right at Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim. What a celebration we had, thanking God for this day and for His provision. And we also celebrated with a cold beer in the Bright Angel bar and lounge!!

And that's the story of the Berson Rim to Rim...under 12 hours...to God be the glory!

I Left My Heart

Birthday weekend was the perfect opportunity to travel to one of our favourite places...San Francisco! We flew out early on the 6th of October, took the BART ( subway) in to the city, and we checked in to our hotel by 2pm. After a quick regrouping, we hit the city hard on foot.

The entire trip was one of wonder! The city never ceases to offer something old and familiar, as well as new and exciting. It was 'fleet week' and the navel ships were in port and the city was alive with sailors and energy. The weather was absolutely perfect so our exploring was all done on foot or city bus. We just had the best time walking up and down the steep hills, running along the embarcadero/ bay, and hiking a new path/trail to the base of the Golden Gate. ( picture)

New places to eat as well as finding a little coffee place that also sold Krispy Kreme donuts was so much fun. We felt that all the hills were good training for our next trip, which will begin tomorrow at the Grand Canyon!

So, watch for that upcoming blog and hopefully a picture or two!

God's blessings and JOY in Jesus to you all!