In June 2016 we sold Cedar Pond and moved over the mountains and far away. We now live in Deer Park , WA where the weather is a bit more extreme than Cedar Pond's and in spite of the challenges we're rejoicing in life in our new home with field and forest just outside our back door. God is so good to us !
We gathered together again this week in Frank and Judy's log cabin overlooking the Nisqually River to worship , fellowship, and share a meal. Pictures cannot do this beautiful home justice, especially since Frank and Judy rearrange everything to accomodate and welcome us into their home. Thank-you Frank and Judy.
Judy is busy in her lovely and homey kitchen checking the pots of yummy food on the stove, preparing the plates, platters and bowls of great variety for us to line up , filter through her kitchen and load up our plates...and we make sure to partake of the bread and the wine along with our meal as we break bread and drink the wine in rememberance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.
Another view of Judy and Frank's kitchen...with a little clean-up after our meal.
The children usually join in with the adults for reading, singing, listening...but the little ones seek laps. Here, our grandson Little J., is not sure what to make of HIS Mommy holding another baby in her lap!
And of course, we love to make a joyful noise with Patrick and Steve on guitar and Frank playing his saxophone.....bliss! "Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of the Saints." Psalm 149:1
"Whether it is a financial crunch, a sudden illness, or a personal defeat, if you fix your heart on praise to God, then you have offered a sacrifice. If you have ever cried during those heartbreaking difficulties,"Lord, I will hope in You and praise You more and more," then you know you have offered words that have cost you plenty. Praise in those circumstances is painful."
"Please remember this:Most of the verses written about praise in God's word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander,and scores of other difficult situations. They knew that the sacrifice of praise was a key to victory on their spiritual journey." Joni Eareckson Tada
It was music night tonight in our home fellowship. And boy oh boy are we blessed with musicians of amazing God-given talent! Above is Frank Dutra on the saxophone. I believe I have stated before, this man on his worst day of playing the horn is better than most on their best day!And we get to hear him most every Saturday we meet and break bread. You have got to hear him play Amazing Grace on that sax......
Tonight we had a special guest and brother in the Lord, Patrick Dennis! My Hubby and I went to high school with him and have re-connected, to our blessing. What a talented musician he is. He makes stringed instruments come to life....they speak and sing at his finger tips...yes they do! Here Patrick is playing a mandola....
and even more special guests...our sister Audrey gave us some precious time with her daughter from Montana, Denise...who brought along..and played, her banjo AND guitar, and the other sister, Renee played harmonica....these girls can sing too!
We met in the home of theWingmaster, and here he is playing his guitar, AND the drums, along with Denise on guitar, Frank on sax, Patrick on one of his guitars on the side. Most of us were singing along and enjoying the bounty of instruments and people able to play them!
Let's not forget the food....there was a lot of food! Here is the chocolate cake and Pasta Pie we brought. The pasta pie was made at home, then we put it into the oven and baked it when we arrived at the Wingmaster's home and oh my goodness ! Delicious!!! For the recipe check outNoble Pig's Blog.
The instrument below is a Dobro. It belongs to Patrick. My son-in-law, Birdy Balaku, recorded most of tonight's music, but Hubby and I cannot seem to get it downloaded. We will figure out how to do this for another Sunday post, but for now, please enjoy this video shown below this picture. And by the way, we wish you were able to meet with us for fellowship and breaking the bread and partaking of the cup in communion . You're welcome to come on over any time we meet! Our next musical gathering will be in April!
~"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness....." Ps. 100~