it’s because yesterday, we played a little hooky. (Also, if you are wondering why Steve is suddenly sporting a beard, it’s for his role in the upcoming Easter drama.)
In a timely confluence of events, Steve had booked a guest minister (actually, a whole family) for our Sunday service; they not only preached but also did music. This worked out well because it just happened to be the same Sunday when a dear pastor friend of Steve’s was retiring from ministry and it freed us up from our usual responsibilities so that we could be away for the morning.
And so Steve and I, in our great hooky escapade, left town at 9 a.m. yesterday and drove an hour away to Grandy, NC to be with Steve’s friend, Pastor Steven King. Steve hadn’t told him we were coming so it was a happy surprise.
Pastor Steven and his wife, Lynn, have been through enormous health challenges over the past few years. Lynn (who is in the first picture above) had breast cancer and suffers from long-term fatigue and side effects from her treatment regimen. (Although thankfully, she is cancer free.)
Pastor Steven had a paralyzed vocal cord which has required 16 surgeries; he still has a difficult time speaking. He also went through a health challenge last year where he could hardly eat anything solid for six months causing him to lose fifty pounds.
But to spend time with the two of them, you would never know they had been through such difficulties; they are truly amazing people, very much others-focused without a trace of bitterness or self-pity over the hardship they have experienced.
Steven has been a great help to Steve over the past few years, serving as a prayer partner, a counselor, and a sounding board when Steve has needed someone trustworthy to talk to who understands the unique challenges of pastoring.
It was such a privilege for us to get to share in Pastor Steven and Lynn’s last Sunday at the wonderful church they have pastored for the past fourteen years.
I was reminded of something I had read that said when you buy a new vehicle in a particular color, it seems like you suddenly start seeing that color everywhere you look.
That seems to be true. Here is our Ford.
And here is the lineup of the vehicles parked in the next row. Red was definitely the color of the day– including the roof of the church!
Steve and I stopped for a quick lunch and then popped into a convenience store for a little heading-down-the-road treat.
I was delighted to see that the store carried Cow Tales Crispy Moo, one of my favorite sweet treats. (And only 140 calories.)
Steve opted for a cup of coffee and this bag of delectability.
We stopped at this place to pick up some concrete planters for the church . . .
then went by Walmart to get something for the Easter drama. (Since I quickly get overwhelmed by enormous stores, I only go to Walmart about twice a year so it was definitely a rare-ish outing.)
From there, it was on to a nursing home to pray with a failing relative of a church member and then finally back home to where Summer was waiting for us to join her for our traditional Sunday afternoon nap.
this would just look like an ordinary, run-of-the-mill day. However, for Steve and me, it was a lovely opportunity to just get to be “regular folk” on a Sunday. We love Sundays and we love getting to be with our wonderful congregation; however, the day is often physically and mentally exhausting with all the activities and responsibilities involved.
Steve not only preaches (which is demanding in itself) but also leads a 90-minute Sunday morning rehearsal, plays bass and sings. I play keyboard and sing and am also in charge of everything that goes up on the screens during the service (videos, lyrics to songs, sermon notes, etc) There are always last minute changes and challenges to juggle which sometimes fry my brain into a veritable frazzle.
And so I can’t tell you how utterly lovely it was for Steve and me to walk into a church building yesterday morning, sit down in a chair and have zero things to be concerned with. We got to sit back, soak in, and celebrate–a much needed change of pace.
It was also an especially timely day of rest because we are headed into our busiest week of the year with drama rehearsals this Tuesday through Friday night and performances on Saturday through Monday night. (In addition to our usual Sunday morning service and a funeral.)
So every once in a great while, when a pastor plays hooky– it’s a good thing!
I wanted to mention the bargain-based outfit I wore yesterday.
The skirt was bought with a store credit at a favorite consignment store (credit earned from selling clothes to the store) and the necklace was purchased with a gift card. The rest of the items (including shoes and purse) came to a grand total of $15.
Hooray for bargains!
Hooray for spring!
And hooray for you, my wonderful Smithellaneous reader. Have a great week!
What about you?
Do you have any special plans for this week or are your moments mainly going to be filled with the wonderful blessings of everyday-ness?
My plans for the week include buying a new car – in a dark burgundy no less. My car is 12 years old and with my niece starting college in Nebraska in the fall, I want to have a very reliable car to take in concerts, etc. that she may be involved in. Other plans include getting another electrical outlet put in my garage. I’m not sure I can stand all this excitement!
Phyllis,
New cars and new outlets. Sounds like a productive week! 🙂
Interesting that you avoid Wal-mart. (So do I.) Our sister/connection shows up in odd little ways that is amusing; now and then I find we are similar in our ideas and choices. Your blog is good way to show me a sister I never see, but can read about her life and feel connected, half a country away. Thanks for sharing your daily life. Ruth
Ruth,
Well, if you would just start blogging, that would be even better! 🙂 It IS nice to be able to keep in touch across the miles.
I am sad I won’t be in Wisconsin in the spring time with my camera in hand. That is truly one of my happy places–especially wandering around your beautiful house and yard.
Let’s hear it for people who don’t love Walmart!
Becky I must be honest with you (imagine some exciting sound ) – that outfit of yours is one of my favorite outfits – you look lovely in these colors !
As for my week Рyesterday I went to the board game caf̩ as I do almost every Monday for Monday Match up. Other plans include this week to read and enjoy the nice weather . I was quite busy last week so it is nice to have a relax ing week .
Katrina,
Thanks for your compliment on my outfit; I love those colors, too!
How fun to have a board game cafe near you. I have never heard of that but it sounds like a fabulous idea. Enjoy your week to relax!
A very lovely spring outfit! Was Steve your photographer?
Sounds like a wonderful Sunday for both of you. I’m sure it made it very special for Steve’s Pastor friend and his wife that you made the surprise trip.
I’m looking forward to the photos and stories of your drama performances. I can’t believe a whole year has gone by, seems like just the other day that Steve was sporting his now famous beard!
Lesley,
Yes, Steve was my photo guy.
And I’m glad you are looking forward to seeing pictures from the drama because I can’t wait to share them. Although the drama name is the same as last year, we have completely redone the stage and set so there are a lot of new (and cool) visual elements.
And as soon as the drama is over, Steve’s famous beard will come OFF! (That’s the deal we have.) 🙂
You ? lovely as usual. I don’t know how you do it. Yesterday was regular church in the morning and outdoor drama practice at night. I took lots of pictures at this dress rehearsal but a few actors were missing. Today I volunteered from 9-1 and got to visit with two relatives I had not seen in a while. Then I carried posters regarding our blood drive April 12 around town for posting including our news paper and educational radio station. Tomorrow I take one of my class members and get adult daughter to Greenville for a medical appointment. Thursday, 9 am Safe Kids meeting and 4:30 haircuts. Friday, volunteer for our Sterling Silver sale 10-1 and hopefully see Beverly Lewis at a book signing at 2 pm. Friday night drama. Some events are usual ones and some are special. Doing for others is a joy. Now tonight I plan to watch Carolina Tar Heels hopefully win the NCAA. So life goes. Glad you had the chance to get away. We plan a week away soon and are excited.
Oops. Her adult daughter.
Ann,
You ALWAYS inspire me with the way you live life for others. I know you are VERY well loved by all the people in town, church and community. It sounds like your week is even busier than mine. Hope the drama goes well and you get lots more good pictures.
Your outfit is soooo cute. We too have a red car – a Hyundai, and have noticed there seems to be a lot of red. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, but we are out of town and decided to go to a very small church not far from where we are staying. Out of the 8 cars that were there, 4 were red. Great choices!!!
Sharyn,
I think that what must happen is that there are “in” colors for vehicles for a couple years and then those colors change to something else. What else could explain all those red vehicles out there? 🙂
Your outfit looks so nice. I am not a shopper and cannot put pieces together..Ugh! It’s supposed to be a beautiful week here too in Northern Mn, so we, my daycare kids and I will be out as much as possible. So glad you were able to play hookey and enjoy a normal Sunday like us others do 🙂 Pray you all hold up well for all your rehersals and presentations of the Easter Story. I miss it now that the town about 20 miles from me quit doing the Easter Story Play.
Wendy,
Enjoy your kids and enjoy your weather! People in northern Minnesota TRULY appreciate spring when it comes.
Your outfit looks great and you look so happy and pretty too. Beautiful smile!
This week, we will be getting our spare bedrooms in order. We got a new bed for ourselves, will move our old (king size) bed to 1 of the spare rooms, and also ordered another new king size bed for the other bedroom. It will be great when it’s done and our ‘kids’ and their kids will really enjoy the large beds. (Replacing queen size beds) Since the littlest people are no longer sleeping in pack-&-play’s, we needed to do something different. They can have their kids sleep with them and they will get along just fine. By the time the kids get too big for that, they will be big enough to go have a slumber party in the living room or the basement when they come to visit. Then, on Saturday it is supposed to be in the mid-70’s so we will be heading to the golf course with some friends to enjoy some sun, warm weather and the first golf outing of the season. Can’t wait!!
LeeAnne,
It is always fun to get things put into order; one of my favorite things to do. Sounds like you have a good short-range and long-range plan for all the big and small people you love. 🙂
Enjoy the weather and the golfing!
Hooray for hooky! So glad you two got a rare Sunday to receive and be refreshed. Love your outfit–very pretty.
Deb,
Hooray for hooky and hooray for YOU!
Thanks for the outfit compliment. It’s fun to try old pieces in new ways. ?