Gratituesday for this week is simple and sure: It's the end of school and my family. and many, many others, are super-excited!! The busy, hectic schedules will be gone for a while. The sleeping in a little bit (sometimes a lot!) later will be enjoyed by all of us (except for my husband, who never veers far from his 4:30 a.m. alarm).
For the past few years, our church family has hosted a hamburger/hot dog cookout at the school. It's a special treat for all of the school staff and 6th - 12th grade students. (Thanks to all who helped with this event!)
Today was the last day of school for all those students who are exempt from semester tests. As a special afternoon activity the students in 6th - 11th grade had fun with a water-balloon competition. Obviously the students had lots of fun hitting each other and getting wet! It was a hot and humid day, so the activity was welcomed fun for almost everyone. I even saw one of the principals handing out ice cream sandwiches. What a special treat!
I didn't get in on the water balloon activity - except for taking pictures and buying some balloons for my children, but it was an enjoyable day spent decorating the gym for senior graduation.....something I've been blessed to have the opportunity to do for the past several years. (I love my jobs! :) I'm kind of getting sentimental thinking that in two years it will be our oldest child's (and only daughter's) graduation from high school. Not quite ready to think about that right now!
As I think about this exciting week, though, it is with a very heavy and prayerful heart for the people in Joplin, Missouri, and in other areas that were hit by the tornado yesterday. The devastation is horrible. It is heartbreaking to see and hard to even think about what they are going through. I pray that God strengthens those who are in mourning for loved ones, concerned about their futures, and who are without physical blessings, as well.
God is our refuge and strength,
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:1-3, 7
an ever-present help in trouble.
Tipton looks a ways away from OKC but are you guys ok?
ReplyDeleteHelene - Yes we are a ways from it and thankfully were spared from bad storms. It's heartbreaking to see the devastation and hear of the loss of lives in central/northest Oklahoma. Thank you for your concern for us. I know you will be thinking about and praying for those who have been affected. Lori
ReplyDeleteMy daughter went through an ice storm in the rural Paducah area and I lost contact for two weeks ac couple years ago. I thought that was bad but nothing can be compared to what happened to these tornadoes. Of course prayers are going their way. Everyone wants to help and no one knows how.
ReplyDeletesorry- "with" these tornadoes.
ReplyDelete