Sun for the Very Last Lesson

Today is my older son's very last water safety lesson. Next summer, he'll enroll in the beginning swimmers' lessons. Meaning, this is the last lesson where I'll go into the pool with him to help him. He's mastered all the skills and once again is at the top of his class. I'm so pleased with his progress. He'll be a strong, independent swimmer before other children even have their first lesson at about school age. Considering his disability, I'm so happy that there is one area where he is not so very far behind other children his age, but rather ahead of them.

Mistakenly, I posted information that rightfully belongs to the Cottage Vineyard Kitchen. Look there for that post and more like it.

Tonight we have a double header for the baseball game. Our older son was crushed that last night's game was rained out. Thankfully, it wasn't his swimming. We'll see how both boys do at such a long time at the ball park. Both games only go to the seventh inning, so that should make it easier. I'll pray early, before we go, and we'll eat ball park food for supper.

With luck, I'll finish the new sling for the baby, and carry him around in it tonight.

Swimming Not Cancelled

Luckily, we had swim lessons yesterday. It appears that we will have lessons again today. Although we have had so much rain, it hasn't occurred during the lesson time. If tomorrow is rained out, then Saturday's schedule is clear for a makeup day.

Although, Saturday will be monthly errands, again. I'll be out and about much of the next few days. Today is routine weekly shopping, amongst all the other errands. Busy days of summer activity are quickly coming to an end. This Sunday will be a much needed rest after all this.

We do have a baseball game tonight, barring rain.

Risking Rain

We have missed one day this week of swim lessons, and we may miss more. Friday will be our make-up day, and possibly Saturday, as well. Once complete, we'll have a whole month for social enjoyment, and relaxation. There'll be some library fun, and quiet days cooling off from the summer heat, but no programs or scheduled activities. We just need to get through this week, and finish up the final lessons of water safety.

The grape vines continue to thrive in the rain. They are much blessed in their first year. If I had to choose, I'd much rather choose weather to nourish our vines, than to enjoy summer fun. Our vineyard is the our blessing from God, and our glory to His good Works.

For a Birthday

WATCH over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be, keeping him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Why do bad things happen to the faithful?

St. Luke 13:1-9

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

A Birthday Party

Today, we have a birthday party for the boys' cousin, my niece. We look forward to celebrating with her. We will pray for her on her proper birthday later this week, a special birthday prayer.

Otherwise, we devote the day to worship, prayer and charity needle work. We especially pray, as we have been some weeks now, that the Vintner will lead us to a new place of worship. We will follow him wherever he leads us, and we do pray that he leads us well, and in righteousness.

7th Sunday after Trinity

LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

A Rain Make-up Day Rained Out?

We have some light rain today, which is our make up day for the day rained out at the beginning of the week. We also have rain predicted for next week. I'm not sure what will happen with swimming lessons. If we have no lessons, then we will have more time for a social outing. Otherwise, we are cleaning the house and caring for children.

More on Swimming

The first day of the week was rained out, which was just as well. Yesterday, he did very well in lessons, and I hope much progress will be made this year. He's so different from last year's frightfulness and hesitation. I foresee an independent swimmer by next summer's end.

Swimming Lessons, part II

My older son begins his lessons today. My younger son did quite well in the first half of July. We'll see how this second session goes. Mastery of this class means progressing to the next level, next summer. Fingers crossed that we have a good time with water safety.

The Vintner continues to struggle with his mysterious ailment. I continue to pray. We have more tests to send off to the lab today. Also, the previous results only suggest a vitamin deficiency. Hopefully, that will help to solve his problem, along with the next test's results.

A Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to my sons' friend. We enjoyed his party this morning. It's meant that we were too busy to post earlier. Weekends are rough around here, and I only got a few minutes now.

The grape vines continue to thrive.

For Guidence

O GOD, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the Morning

O GOD, the King eternal, who dividest the day from the darkness, and turnest the shadow of death into the morning; Drive far off from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep thy law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that having done thy will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when the night cometh, rejoice to give thee thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

The Beauty of Prayer

Entering a prayerful state is a beautiful thing. We give an opportunity to the Holy Spirit to touch us and guide us. We are allowed a glimmer of God's Grace. We have rest from our chattering thoughts and selfish designs. We allow God to calm us, and energize us again, but for His reasons, His purpose. We may return again and again to our prayers, to honor God and to serve Him.

Meditations on Proverbs 14

The last few days I've been pondering the consequences of the foolish. Today's Proverb is particularly timely. What would my life be had I not been so mislead? Where would I be had I not grown up in a broken and faithless home? I would be right here in this home, with this husband and these children. However, the circumstances which brought me here would not be so ignominious. I would not be so ashamed of myself. I am under no illusions that my life would have been perfect, completely happy and pain-free. It may very well have had less agony, less debilitating pain. My mistakes and my sorrow might have been such as to grow in Christ, instead of separating myself from Grace. What does it matter if I am here now? It matters in that I am now a mother myself. I cannot continue these mistakes unto my children and future generations. A wife and mother cannot act without considering the consequences of her actions. She cannot pursue her own pleasure and desires at the expense of her family's welfare. I cannot undo the mistake that were perpetuated unto me; I can refuse to perpetuate them to subsequent generations.

For the Spirit of Prayer

ALMIGHTY God, who pourest out on all who desire it, the spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when we draw nigh to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with stedfast thoughts and kindled affections, we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Quiet Confidence

O GOD of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength; By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Shopping, Swimming, Doctor

Shopping and swimming and a doctor appointment, oh my! I won't have time to post much today. Perhaps I'll return during nap for a more lengthy installment.

The Vintner at Home

The Vintner has the day off work, and so my time online is limited. He had a doctor appointment today, and I went with him. He returns for further testing on Monday. Today, we pray for our Vintner's body and spirit, both for his recovery of illness and on our spiritual journey (to, I hope and pray, the Church.)

On Leaving the Religious Society of Friends

The 19th century book, Quakerism and the Church, speaks to my condition. This Friend articulates my own journey over the last few weeks so well in his own testimony that I defer to his wisdom. Amazing how such different people over more than a century apart could have such a remarkably similar conclusion. I thank my guardian angel for making this book available to me at this time.

Joy of Swimming

Swimming lessons yesterday went very well. My son was delighted in his first excursion into the pool. Unfortunately, our baseball team did not fare so well. They're dismally in last place and keep losing. Even so, we're enjoying high July.

As for our daily tasks, I have only napkins to iron. This is just as well, since we have another lesson this morning, and much to do. I do hope to order (that is, find a merchant from whom to order) the new foot pedal and get the needlecraft back in order at the Cottage, soon.

The vines continue to thrive, in the heat and modest rain. Our prayers are answered over and over, every day. Also, the Vintner is in a better mood, now that work has eased back into the normal business.

Swimming Lessons

Today we begin swimming lessons. The entire month of July will be spent in this endeavor. First, my younger son begins, then in two weeks, my older son will commence with his third year of water safety. At such young ages, they are not leaning strokes and styles, but basics of safety. They won't have proper lessons until they are older. I highly value the skill of swimming, and prioritize these lessons every year.

Tonight we have a baseball game, and somehow have to fit in all of our other tasks during the day. I still have not purchased a new foot for my sewing machine. No rest for the weary around here! Thank heavens that we had a quiet holiday weekend.

Discussing Faith

Yesterday, I was pleased to discuss faith with one of my sisters-in-law. I so rarely get to discuss these matters with anyone, other than here. It was a genuine pleasure to have a real conversation for a change, instead of the usual chatter.

Today is a holiday here at the Cottage. We may be leaving soon for festivities. Our vines continue to thrive, even in the heat. Also, it's a time to rest and rejuvenate. It's been a tiring summer, and the real business is just beginning.

Shopping Day

Today, I have even more shopping to do. However, yesterday was monthly errands, and today is weekly supplies - grocery and household. I've spent so much money and more is to come. It always seems like I've gone too far on the first week of the month, but then I am set for weeks. It's so much easier to plan ahead than to run around every day or every other day for odds and ends. I'm amazed at how much better home management goes by organizing and planning ahead for conventional needs and expenses.

First of the Month Errands

Today we have the first of the month errands. We'll be out and about, shopping for a variety of things that we only need monthly. In addition, there were quarterly supplies that I might have bought for the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Since it was such a busy time, I wasn't able to do those errands. I'll do them today.

One of these is purchasing more yarn for the afghan for a widow or orphan in Afghanistan. I've chosen green on green stripes. While at first I didn't think the contrast was distinct enough, I'm quite pleased with how it's coming along. I doubt that this would be beautiful by American standards, but then, it's not for an American. I take joy in looking at all this green, observing that as I grow in my faith this Trinity season, so grows the afghan in size. After I'm finished, someone else will treasure this to keep them warm, and as a symbol of their faith, albeit a different one. I'm happy that this will remind them of the love of God, even if I don't share their practice. Also, I hope this will show them Christian charity, and be a testament of Christian love.

Alas, another of my errands is purchasing a new foot for my sewing machine. I did not get a chance to sew yesterday after all. I hope this is the only thing that my machine needs, and not further repair.