Titling something part 1 does seem to indicate that there's a part 2, but part 2 has not been lived yet , so it'll be out in the future months sometime. This'll be a glimpse at some of my favorite memories from the summer so far, along with a bit of thankfuls woven into it.  The things that make me smile.  It's not Thursday yet, but we'll consider it Thankful Wednesday instead.  lol.  It's been a full month: a graduation, a birthday, an open house, various church & family get togethers, and a lot of other memory making moments.  These people (and many more...) refresh my days and make my joy full... such a blessing from the Lord.

Hope these bring a smile to your day, too. 

Just something about this pic with the silly 2009 sunglasses that makes me smile everytime I see it.  Probably has nothing to do with the sunglasses, but rather it's my favorite two 2009 graduates who look so happy together.  They patiently sat for well over a hundred pictures in the past month, as I tried to have plenty of photos to last before he headed off to the air force academy.  Gonna miss his cheerful self being here so often, and I know my sweet girlie will all the moreso. 

Me & my graduate at her open house

A bittersweet pic which still brings a smile to my face.  Jenilee with our dear friend Myles at her open house a few weeks ago. Just went home to be with the Lord yesterday.  He is definitely going to leave a void in our hearts, our lives, at Bible study, and at our Thanksgiving table. 

Love this pic of my Aunt Lou and my mom.  Makes me very thankful for my family, and yet it leaves me missing my dad, too.  Tomorrow would have been his 79th birthday.  Seems so hard to believe he's been gone over 5 years. 

We went to the Tattoo at Wright Patterson Air Force Base last week. (A military celebration, not a "tattoo" as we think of...) The paratrooper bringing down this giant flag was a highlight. A reminder of how very thankful I am for the people who serve and protect our country, both those who did in the past and those who do...

Ok, so I honestly have no idea what plane this is, but it was one of a bunch of flyovers, and I loved the sunset in the background. 

We celebrated Jonathon's birthday last month, too.  Can't believe I have a 19 yr. old, lol.   

Another pic from the Tattoo - my girls with a friend from church. 
So thankful for my kids who are a joy in each and every day.

Jeremy with one of his church friends, They had a great time watching the flyovers and playing football. He shares this smile liberally every day. :)

My daughter, Julia.  I have to be a bit stealthy in taking her pic, but thought this one was beautiful.

A sweet friend gave me these yesterday, for absolutely no reason - just said she was thankful for me.  Totally made my day.  She is a refreshing joy each time I see her.      


"For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love,
because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you..."

Philemon 7

I had to come back this morning, and reread those verses I posted yesterday.  It's not a one time lesson for me, but an ongoing one. 

Don't hold so tightly to the things that don't matter. 
Love fervently the things that do.

Things and stuff don't matter.  
People matter.  
Remaining faithful to God matters.
Remaining faithful to what God has called you matters.

Eyes on the goal.

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, int he faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.  2 Timothy 1:13-14

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart...  2 Cor. 4:1

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.  2 Thess. 3:13

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  I Cor. 15:58