We have lost JTT once again to the Garden.

Hanging Out (I Love My Kids)

These pictures were taken, at lunchtime, some time ago. If you notice there was some Lucy-drama going on and she ends up moving away from Obie (who was the cause of the drama)and sits next to Elisabeth. I like how Obie is pleased with himself. I also like how Grace and Elisabeth are not phased by the drama at all. They almost look bored. Fun times!

Reading The Willoby's by Lois Lowry

Grace's Project: The Science of Making Violet Jam

Ducks & Geese

Dismissal Alternatives

As a pastor I have gotten into some good habits and some bad habits, but worst of all are the lame habits. The best services at our church seem diminished somehow by the embarrassed and awkward stab at closure following the benediction. Early on in my ministry I realized that after giving the benediction (usually one of several Biblical benedictions from the epistles) I needed to utter something to dismiss the people. So I started to say "Go in peace."
Now there are times for going in peace, and times for telling people to do so. But mostly, as a dismissal phrase it just feels canned and cheesy. And there are times when I want people to go not in peace but in holy restlessness (or even turmoil).
So I've been trying to think of alternative dismissal phrases and I'm very open to suggestions.
But here are the ones I'm tossing around right now.

Peace out!
That's all folks!
Out of the saltshaker, people!

and my personal favorite:
You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.

Lucy Joy

Blokus Drama

While we were visiting the Browns we played several games of Blokus on the back deck. During the game Reba dropped one of the pieces off the table and it fell through the cracks in the deck. The following is a picto-drama of how we saved the Blokus piece.