Pamela's Daybook: July 28th

Today: Emily and Emma stopped by today on their way to Emma's visit with her mother. RB helped her pick a bouquet of flowers to take to her. Emma was delighted. 

At my writing desk: I hope I write something someday worth plagiarizing. Unknown

Praying for: Someone dear struggling physically. 

Thankful for: Corn on the cob, cut off. I'm thankful for our neighbors who share so freely from their garden.

I'm reading: This is a secret, but I read children's books. And I found one I fell in love with. Mira's Diary -- Lost in Paris by Marissa Moss. (9-12 year olds -- my girls wouldn't have enjoyed it at that age.) I love free books, too. So this one hit that, too. Here's the beginning. I think you'll see why I loved it from the start.  

"Who sends postcards anymore? I wondered when I saw it in the mailbox. How quaint, how old-fashioned...Even the faded French stamp looked like it was from a previous century."

Thanks to time travel, Mira went back to the late 1800s which included meeting Mary Cassatt. Oh, and she wanted Claude to kiss her. This book has some "real life" issues, so you should read it yourself before giving it to your child.  And gargoyles... That, too. 

Journaling prompt for today: List ten books you want to read.

1.  Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me (Alexandra Kuykendall)

2. Heart Made Whole: Turning Your Unhealed Pain into Your Greatest Strength (Christa Black Gifford)

3. Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other (Sophie Hudson) 

4. Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You (Banning Liebscher)

5. Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter (Annie Downs)

 

6. Land of Silence  (Tessa Afshar)

7. Ten Women of the Bible: One by One They Changed the World (Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop)  

8. Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People (Eberhard Arnold and Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

9. Hidden Agendas: Dropping the Masks that Keep Us Apart
(Steve Brown)

10. The Practice of Godliness (Jerry Bridges)

Favorite quote:  There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis  

Pamela's Daybook: July 27

Today: RB left for an early breakfast in Anderson with his friend, Leonard Sankey. He went on to Marion for several meetings. So I was alone most of the day. 

At my writing desk: I got a message from my editor at Herald and Banner Press, and it was an exciting one.  As soon as it's "set in stone" I'll share it with you. 

Praying for: Protection for dear friends going through a frightening time. 

Thankful for: Computers. I'm thankful the typewriter disappeared!
Don't expect the typewriter to ever completely disappear. ~Hal Fair, National Product Coordinator for the Brother International Corporation, quoted in "Typewriters of Electronic Era," The New York Times, 1984 November 23rd.

I'm reading: Nothing yet today, but I'm looking forward to an hour of reading later tonight. 

Journaling prompt for today: Name 10 foods you love.
1. Melanie's Raspberry Salad
2. Emily's Strawberry Shortcake
3. Shannon's Hershey Cake
4. Sue's Whoopie Pies
5. Mark's Salmon
6. Melodie's Asian Salad
7. Mrs. Cornell's Angel Food Cake
8. Sheryl's Fruit Salad
9. Janet's Paella
10. RB's Quiche 

Postmarking: Still stuffing encouragement into envelopes. 

Favorite quote: Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul. Dorothy Day

Pamela's Daybook: July 26th

Today: It's been a quiet day. The Priest killing has been on my mind. While we are appalled that anyone could perform such a horrific attack, those who were in his Parish are grieving out of love for him.  

At my writing desk: I was working through the haze of a headache today. I still got quite a bit accomplished. 

Praying for: Our Melanie. She has been suffering with her back for a couple weeks now. Both girls have inherited RB's back issues. She's a busy mother of four and needs to be pain-free. 

Thankful for: I don't need to cook supper. It's meat pie from leftovers -- one of RB's favorite meals. 

I'm reading: Here's a quote from Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the heart of God with a bold and humble faith by Susie Larson: "The place of power, the sweet spot in our faith walk, is the place where joy and faith collide. God invites us to a hilarious-dancing-leaping kind of joy -- a joy that invites us to enjoy our food, enjoy our loved ones, stand in awe of a sunset, and embrace His goodness, because every good thing comes from His hands."

Journaling prompt for today: 

Copy a meaningful prayer that someone else has written into your prayer journal. The exercise of writing it in your handwriting provides your brain a way to remember the meaning. (Rachel Wojo)

Lord, help me to be an encouragement to others in the same way that You have sent many little encouragements to me along the way. There have been times of weariness and times of fear -- and times when I have felt ready to give up -- but always at the right time there was a short note or a simple call or a little token of Your love for me, which You sent by means of the many people that You have lovingly placed in my life. 

Thank You also, Lord, that You are our God of encouragement – and that we have Your indwelling Holy Spirit to help and to comfort in times of need. Teach me Your way and Your will, and help me to always heed the gentle promptings of the Spirit of Comfort within my heart, so that I may not miss an opportunity to be a minister of Your encouragement to others in times of need.

Oh Lord, more and more I long to breathe You into my very being and be saturated with Your love and grace -- so that I may be equipped to breathe out Your love and joy and help and support and encouragement to all with whom I come in contact.

Show me, Lord, how I can best be an encouragement to others – and may my life point others to You and never to myself – May I decrease as You increase more and more in my life – I pray in Jesus' name,

Amen
(prayer.knowing-jesus.com)

Postmarking: Morgan and I had a card-writing machine going on last night and this morning. She wrote cards to twelve police officers and one card to a dear woman she knows. She has a tender heart, and prays for those she sends cards to.

Favorite quote: Children close their ears to advice, but open their eyes to example. Unknown

Pamela's Daybook: July 25th

Today: Thinking about the sermon on the Potter yesterday from Pastor Danny Decker. He has a unique way of encouraging and challenging us. Like the Potter, when we are marred, God works to make us new vessels that can be used again.

At my writing desk: Got up early to have a few more hours to write. I need to be done at 3:30 because our sweet Sarah Morgan is coming to spend the night and keep me company while RB is teaching. 

Praying for: I'm praying for our election. I've been saddened by the unkind political posts on Facebook. We have the right to state our opinion. I feel strongly about where I stand, and have friends who see it differently. But that doesn't give me the right to be unchristlike. The enemy will use our convictions for evil, particularly if our tone is harsh. Remember our young people are "listening" in. Adding kindness to our tone and words makes a difference. 

Thankful for: I'm thankful God doesn't give up on me. Like the Potter, He is constantly working to make me my best self.

I'm reading: I just bought Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the heart of God with a bold and humble faith by Susie Larson. I'm eager to dig in!

Journaling prompt for today: My name (Pamela) means... "honey; all sweetness." It's of Greek origin and is a poetic invention from the 16th century. RB calls me "Pamelove." Not too many still call me my childhood nickname Pammy. When I was a teenager a new teacher was hired. The first day he asked, "Do you like Pam or Pa-mella? I said, "Pam," but if I had to do it all over again, I would say, "Pa-mella."

My mother (Dorothy Jane) shared her middle name with me. The name Jane is an English baby name and means "Jehovah has been gracious." Jehovah certainly has been good to me. 

I also share my name with my niece, Pamela Asbury. The sweetest of namesakes. She's bubbly with joy and shares my love of "knowledge collecting" through books.

Postmarking: I have 11 cards going out today. Morgan and I will have fun preparing mail today, too. 

Favorite quote: A good name will shine forever. Unknown

Pamela's Daybook: July 22nd

Today: We took off after lunch, picked up Emily and Emma to go to Alexandria's farmer's market. Emily picked up McAlister's tea for us. We like Alexandria's farmer's market because our favorite Soap and Apothecary Company is always there. Also, John Buntain sells kettle corn for missions. Today we found tomatoes, toe jam (for the grands), and whole wheat sourdough bread. It was fun. John gave Emma a bag of popcorn and she was so delighted. 

At my writing desk: I didn't get done this morning, so I'll be catching up tomorrow.

Praying for: Germany -- again. I wish the violence would stop.

Thankful for: The names of Jesus -- all 200 of them, that reflect who He is and what He does for us. The Bread of Life, The Holy One, King of Kings, The Light of the World...

I'm reading: Still reading "The Potter's Daughter" for fun. 

Journaling prompt for today: The first book I remember is... My Uncle Gaither and Aunt Posie didn't have children, so they would come {very early} to see us open our Christmas gifts. They brought us a large picture book of farm animals. My sister will deny this: I think it was mine, but I also think it's in her library.

Postmarking: Bought some cards today to use to send to police officers. I've received most of the addresses, and tomorrow will get the lists to those who wish to send to them.  

Favorite quote: I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. Charles Spurgeon

Pamela's Daybook: July 21st

Today: Today was a Rhonda day. She works me over and helps me move better for two weeks. Then we do it all over again. I was a mess today so she worked 20 minutes longer. She was afraid RB would be angry he had to wait longer, and he would yell at me. If you know RB, you are laughing right now. 

At my writing desk: Working my fingers to the bone today! Hours go so fast when I get on a roll.

Praying for: My grandchildren. I'm eagerly waiting for Stormi Omartian's new book, "The Power of a Praying Grandparent," to be released.  I think the date is in August. I do believe as grandparents we have a responsibility to pray for our grandchildren. My Granddad and Grandma Cessna prayed for us every day.

Thankful for: RB  He insisted on taking me to my appointment today so I wouldn't have a hot car to deal with. I'm so spoiled. 

I'm reading: Reading "The Potter's Daughter" for fun. I read a couple other books by Judith Miller that I liked. 

Rhonda is a voracious reader, so we're always talking "book." She's reading, "Power in the Blood," by Michael Listner. It's about a prison chaplain. Listner is a reverend, too. I checked it out on Amazon and it's free for Kindle. Score! 

Journaling prompt for today: RB had a yellow and white checked bag on my chair after we came back from Indianapolis last evening. It was a white journal with a feather, and in gold the words, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Write them on the tablet of your heart." The edges are gilded, and it lays flat when open. 

Postmarking: My daddy got a few personal cards this week. It brightened his days. 

I found some neat things for police officers:

Police Officer's Prayer Cards 

Police Thank You Cards 

Police Badge Note Cards 

Police Badge Name Stickers 

Embossed Badge Note Card

Favorite quote: I love being spoiled, I mean that's what being a princess is all about. QuotesGram

Pamela's Daybook: July 21st

Today: Today was a Rhonda day. She works me over and helps me move better for two weeks. Then we do it all over again. I was a mess today so she worked 20 minutes longer. She was afraid RB would be angry he had to wait longer, and he would yell at me. If you know RB, you are laughing right now. 

At my writing desk: Working my fingers to the bone today! Hours go so fast when I get on a roll.

Praying for: My grandchildren. I'm eagerly waiting for Stormi Omartian's new book, "The Power of a Praying Grandparent," to be released.  I think the date is in August. I do believe as grandparents we have a responsibility to pray for our grandchildren. My Granddad and Grandma Cessna prayed for us every day.

Thankful for: RB  He insisted on taking me to my appointment today so I wouldn't have a hot car to deal with. I'm so spoiled. 

I'm reading: Reading "The Potter's Daughter" for fun. I read a couple other books by Judith Miller that I liked. 

Rhonda is a voracious reader, so we're always talking "book." She's reading, "Power in the Blood," by Michael Listner. It's about a prison chaplain. Listner is a reverend, too. I checked it out on Amazon and it's free for Kindle. Score! 

Journaling prompt for today: RB had a yellow and white checked bag on my chair after we came back from Indianapolis last evening. It was a white journal with a feather, and in gold the words, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Write them on the tablet of your heart." The edges are gilded, and it lays flat when open. 

Postmarking: My daddy got a few personal cards this week. It brightened his days. 

I found some neat things for police officers:

Police Officer's Prayer Cards 

Police Thank You Cards 

Police Badge Note Cards 

Police Badge Name Stickers 

Embossed Badge Note Card

Favorite quote: I love being spoiled, I mean that's what being a princess is all about. QuotesGram

Pamela's Daybook: July 20th

Today: It's a hot one. We have a heat advisory until Saturday. We are meeting one of my favorites today for an early supper. Marlene Beers has been an important part of my life since my marriage over 40 years ago. She lives in Virginia, but spends a couple months of the summer in Indiana. 

At my writing desk: Unstuck! I had time to let things bounce around in my mind and the solution came to me. 

Praying for: My friend, Carmelita. Her mother got some devastating news this week.

Thankful for: Air conditioning! 

I'm reading: I'm taking my book with me tonight. An hour both ways to read! (Yes, I can read over talking. Ha!)

Journaling prompt for today: What is more important to you? A person who makes you laugh, or someone who is always there for you? For me, it's someone who is always there for me. I have friends who I know I can ask for prayer and they will immediately pray. One friend, Eleanor, will pray and makes me laugh. I'm a pretty serious person -- too serious. Eleanor's girls and Emily keep a private message going, and they have added Eleanor and me. Oh my, these girls are hilarious! 

Postmarking: One of my Shelter: Postmarked (a group of 45 women who send encouraging cards) teammates suggested mailing some encouraging cards to our police officers. I'm so excited as names/addresses are coming in. If you know of a police officer who could use some encouragement, send their name/address to me. If they have a spouse/children you can add their names, too. Please only send those you know personally. See more here.

If you would like to be a part of sending encouraging mail, I can send the list to you. I will need to know you personally -- I want to keep our officers safe. 

Favorite quote: Laughter is the best medicine. But if you're laughing without any reason -- you need medicine.  

Pamela's Daybook: July 19th

Today: Woke up to one grandson, took him home, and will wake up tomorrow morning to another! Is there anything better than being a grandmother? Landon gave us a concert on the sax. Pawpaw played a song with him, too.

At my writing desk: I was s.t.u.c.k. today. Writing curriculum went smoothly and then I hit a snag. Still working through it. 

Praying for: Building project at Heartland Christian School

Thankful for: Ethan, our firstborn grandson. He's 12 and loves homemade rolls and sloppy joes. Hearing Ethan and Pawpaw trading jokes and puns makes me smile.

I'm reading: No reading today. How could it be? Well, the day's not over yet!

Journaling prompt for today: Write about a secret you have with yourself (that you haven't told anyone). Well, if I wrote about it here, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it? 

Postmarking: No incoming or outgoing. Writing about my day makes me feel like I didn't accomplish anything. Let's hope tomorrow will be more productive.

Favorite quote: The pages afforded glimpses into my soul where I'd hidden it, behind masks of paper and ink. Rachel Schade

Pamela's Daybook: July 18th

Today: I'm wondering if 2,700 policemen can keep the demonstrations in Cleveland peaceful. And if the policemen themselves will be safe. It's a sad time in our nation. 

On a happier note -- I have our Landon coming to spend the night. RB will be teaching so I'll have company. Ethan and Landon were at Band Camp last week. RB and I went for their final concert. Ethan played the trumpet, and Landon the saxophone. We sent Melanie one year, never imagining one day her sons would attend the same camp. 

At my writing desk: I started early with some blog work and curriculum. I got a lot of work done on a project of my own this weekend. About 500-1000 more words to finish it.

Praying for: Policemen throughout our country, as well as the families in Baton Rouge.  

Thankful for: Landon, our second grandson. He's 10, loves to read, has a tender heart, and loves deviled eggs. 

I'm reading: See You in a minute: A mother's journey through the first year of grief by Misty Novar. I didn't know Misty is from Anderson, Indiana, when I chose this book from the shelves. It will be a hard read, I'm sure, but I'm looking forward to gaining insight and strength from it. 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about an item you own that isn't worth much money, but has great value to you. The last time I was home, Daddy gave me the bride and groom that topped their wedding cake. It's over 60 years old and will be a reminder of the importance of cherishing my marriage.

Postmarking: I got the lists out last evening. I also had an exciting suggestion today that will be making it's way to you all.

Favorite quote: I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.  Max Lucado

Pamela's Daybook: July 15th

Today: It's Friday! I had the best talk with my Aunt Jean. I called to find out about Aunt Posie, but we chatted about a lot of other things, too. One thing she told me is about a family (near my childhood home) who lived in a three story house, a bathroom on each level. But -- they had only one towel and they had to carry it from floor to floor. That just made me laugh. 

Both Aunt Posie and Uncle Jim are in a care facility. They share the same room. Uncle Jim cannot hear anything. The last time I tried to talk to him on the telephone he couldn't hear me at all. All I heard was him telling Aunt Posie, "I can't hear a thing she's saying." Aunt Posie isn't doing well, but at least she's in a place that provides great care. I'm so thankful for that. 

At my writing desk: Lots of writing going on today. 

Praying for:  Uncle Jim and Aunt Posie

Thankful for: Aunt Jean!

I'm reading: I asked Aunt Jean if all my cousins read. My Great Papa Gromley read, my Grammy did, all of her daughters, my mother and three aunts, are (were) readers. Aunt Jean thinks all of the cousins read, too. We are four generation readers -- my daughters read voraciously, making them fifth generation readers. My grandchildren are sixth generation readers. That makes me smile! Is it hereditary or environmental? 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about something you made by hand.  I was crocheting a shawl, probably back in the 70s. I crocheted the whole way to Chicago. We were staying with RB's sister, on Lake Shore Drive. Someone broke into the car, stole my shawl and leather coat. I could understand the coat, but who steals a half-crocheted shawl? 

Postmarking: I got all my mail out this week. I also had six young women from a Bible Study join our group. They all played volleyball together and now have formed a Bible Study. How awesome is that?!!

Favorite quote: The journey of a lifetime begins at the turning of a page. Rachel Anders

Pamela's Daybook: July 14th

Today: Oh my, what a day! Emily, Emma and I went to Indy to meet Janene and Elena. It's soul-satisfying to "talk shop" with another author.  It's not often we can connect, but sometimes they are nearby for a concert. I'm not sure what McAllister's thought about us taking up space for three hours.

We had to leave to get Emma to her visit with her mother. It's four hours, so Emily and I did some running around. Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, library, Starbucks, etc., I love spending time with my girls. Next week I'm planning a day with Melanie. 

At my writing desk: Not a word on paper. I was writing in my head. 

Praying for:  France -- all the families whose lives changed in the time it took a murderer to drive a truck one mile. 

Thankful for:  McAllister's tea 

I'm reading: Janene is reading the Singer trilogy by Calvin Miller and was urging me to get it.  I couldn't find it at the library yesterday, so I'll need to download it. 

Journaling prompt for today: Do you consider yourself to be an introvert or extrovert? How do you think others consider you? Definitely introvert here. I'd love to know what you perceive me to be.  Let me know here: A Sheltering Tree. 

Postmarking: Janene brought me a box of beautiful notecards -- I'm eager to use them.

Favorite quote: Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. Oprah Winfrey

Pamela's Daybook: July 13th

Today: I was ready to lay my computer down when I remembered I didn't write an entry for my Daybook. The best part of the day was RB cooking steaks for supper (and the fact he wouldn't let me help). He had been in Marion for a couple meetings, and stopped on the way home to pick up the meat. I'm spoiled to have him here most of the time, but I sure miss him when he's not here. 

At my writing desk: I had to write double time today because I'm partying all day tomorrow. 

Praying for:  Those caring for family members with Alzheimer's or dementia. 

Thankful for:  The trash -- I've thrown away a waste basket full tonight. Each paper thrown out is one less we'll have to move. 

I'm reading: I am looking forward to Stormie Omartian's new book "The Power of a Praying Grandparent," due out in September. 

Journaling prompt for today: What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?  I'd say my favorite way includes books, tea, and a cozy chair.

Postmarking: I have become aware of the many people who are caregivers. Husbands caring for wives, wives caring for husbands -- keeping their wedding vows "in sickness and health" -- adult children caring for their mothers and fathers. We've had quite a few on our list. Dayspring has a box of cards just for caregivers. 

Here's one of them:

Cover:
Your work is not hidden... God sees and cares. He knows it’s hard when we remember what was, and then see what now is. He sees every frustration and tear. And He honors those who serve.

Inside:
He, Himself took a towel, knelt, and washed feet. He cares when you take a towel and wash in His name... when you pick up a spoon and feed in His name... help tired arms into fresh clothes
in His name... answer the same questions over and over... in His name. Praying the Lord will strengthen and encourage you today.

Scripture:
I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.  Matthew 25:40 NIV

Favorite quote: Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but everyone can start today and make a new ending. ~Maria Robinson

Thankful Thursdays

Pamela's Daybook: July 12th

Today: It was such a joy to have Sarah Morgan and Camron spend the night. Morgan wrote me the sweetest note, and Camron hugged me before he left, "Mawmaw, I love you all around the world and back 193 times." Then he came back before he was out the door and said, "Mawmaw, I love you all around the world and back 300 times." 

At my writing desk: I got my article into the Banner today. It's a Back-to-School article. Can you believe it's just a month away? I'm sure my teacher girl knows. She's been enjoying her summer.

We had a big laugh when RB was proofing the Banner article. The way I wrote it sounded like I had the mothers hiding the children instead of the cards I intended. 

Praying for: Leanna Lee -- such a dear, sweet person. Leanna fell and is black and blue with 14 staples and a goosebump on her head. The Doctor said she probably has a cracked sternum, too. She cares for her husband who has had several strokes. 

Thankful for:  Cookie baking with helpers, bear hugs, and popcorn parties.

I'm reading: I downloaded a sample of "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. I think I'll need to purchase it. It's a child's book and is the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement. Amazon says they are making a movie of it.  

Journaling prompt for today: What is your favorite work of art? Why?  For a present day artist I'd have to say Greg Olsen -- especially his works of Jesus and the children. He has free desktop wallpaper downloads, and bulletin covers, free. He also has 12 cards for $19.99. Very inexpensive for such beautiful works of art. 

Who is your favorite present day artist? (I'm expanding on these prompts in my journal, but I thought some of you would enjoy using them, too.)

Postmarking:  18 cards went out today. Morgan and I were card writing machines last night and this morning. It was so sweet to see Morgan so eager to encourage others. We also learned to make heart pockets. Camron asked if I would show him. He followed my directions and ended up making five of them all by himself. His father's attention to detail was rebirthed in him!

Favorite quote: Grandmas don’t just say "that’s nice" — they reel back and roll their eyes and throw up their hands and smile. You get your money’s worth out of grandmas. ~Author Unknown

Pamela's Daybook: July 11th

Today: Shawn took the older boys to band camp and Melanie is bringing Morgan and Camron to me. I get to keep them overnight. Shawn's taking Melanie away to do a little shopping. RB is teaching Monday nights at Portland. It's the only place he teaches that I can't go with him. So my evening will go fast with the kiddos. It reminds me of my girls' adopted "Ganga." Papaw traveled a lot, so she was always taking one of the girls for company.

At my writing desk: I had to start early this morning to get my curriculum writing done. The kids would let me write, but I'd rather have fun! I do have so many words pushing at my heart, but no fun writing until I catch up some hours from last week. 

Praying for: The needs sent in for Shelter: Postmarked. 

Thankful for:  My sons-in-law -- I love how they go the extra mile in their marriages. Shawn has a million and one things he could do for his company, yet he's taking time to be with Melanie. Jonathon surprised Emily with two large sets of markers in an Amazon box. Other girls may dream of roses and expensive baubles for their home, but he knows just what Emily loves. 

I'm reading:  "How To Make Money Blogging: How I Replaced My Day-Job and How You Can Start A Blog Today," by Bob Lotich. For my blogging or wanna-be blogging friends, the book is free on Amazon. 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about something in your life that is "worth it." I spend many hours with Shelter: Postmarked Group. I've personally sent over 500 pieces of mail since January. But that is one activity that is "worth it." To encourage others is my passion, and my mother would be so pleased that we are passing on her heritage. My team members are a blessing in my life, and many faithfully send out one or more cards each week. 

Postmarking:  I skidded in just under the wire this week. And I got the sweetest box from my friend, Janene. Tea, a cinnamon tea mat (On front: Old books and a tea cup -- You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. C. S. Lewis), and three different teas. She also tucked in the brochures of the southern plantation where she purchased the teas. She had posted about being there and I told RB that was where I'd love to go. The package made me feel like I was there.  

Favorite quote: "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." James Dent (This is funny to me because we've had ours worked on four times already this summer.) 

Pamela's Daybook: July 8th

Today: The killing of five police officers is weighing heavy on my heart. As one who watched a friend's daughter lose her policeman husband and another friend her son, I feel for the whole community of officers and their families. Policemen stand up for their fallen. Could the church learn from them?

At my writing desk: I have some curriculum hours to make up, so I'll do that this weekend before I begin any other writing. I also have a Banner article to write before Tuesday. It's churning around in my head.

Praying for: The families of the fallen police officers. 

Thankful for:  Our visit with Daddy. We met Steve and Melodie to pick him up, and then back to meet them. So we were able to sneak in two visits with them. We had a good holiday, and Daddy enjoyed being with the girls and their families. The four days went fast.

I'm reading: For my book club this month, I need to read a book by an author I didn't like, to see if I like a later book. The only one I can think of is Jan Karon (Don't shoot me -- her writing is just too slow for me). Which book of Karon's did you like the best? 

Postmarking:  I have 9 to go out today. Do you have a return address stamp? Melanie gifted one to me, and I've been happy with it. 

Favorite quote: A cop has a calling. It's not about making money. Being a cop is about making communities safe, caring for children, and doing what it takes to stop from hurting another person. 

Whole Truth Project

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