My Dad

     I love my dad. I can't say enough about how much he means to me. Here's my feeble attempt at recounting just a few of the things I love and admire about him:

• He loves the Lord.
• He played a major part in giving me life.
• He has a great sense of humor.
• He loves my mom.
• He used to sing a funny song to wake us in the mornings when we were little. :)
• He makes hard choices.
• He has always lived for his Lord.
• He works hard to provide for his family - at times working 2 or 3 jobs and 60+ hours a week in order to make ends meet.
• He studies the Word.
• He gives up so much for his kids
• He makes sure the vehicles are always full so my mom doesn't have to pump gas.
• He loves to vacation with his family
• He loves dogs
• He's a great cook on the grill
• I can still remember his excitement each time a new little sibling arrived
• He loves me - and he tells me so.
• He's a praying man
• He's great heading up projects
• He's a man of vision
• He rises early
• He gives good advice
• He shepherds his church
• He loves music - even though he's tone deaf
• He's a good driver
• The times he would catapult me into the water (when I was little) at the lake
• Encouraging texts to let me know he's praying for me
• He loves horses
• That he gave up his childhood dream of living in the desert with his horse and dog. :D

And this is just the beginning. I could go on and on.  Just 2 weeks ago he preached his father's memorial service sermon. I know that was hard - I was so proud of him. He did a wonderful job. Afterward I took this photo of him at the altar in the church where the service was held. The same altar where he surrendered to preach at the age of 15 - thereby causing his own father to cry. {One of only two instances that anyone could remember him crying.} The same church where he and my mother were married. I love you dad!

Showers of Blessing

     I had the best surprise this morning! Overnight, an envelope bearing the message "Towards Rachel Stewart's Trips" appeared in the night drop-box at the RV park where I work and live. Inside I found $1,000.00!!!  I was so excited! With just about a month until I leave, I was a little concerned about raising enough money to pay the balance of my expenses. This was such an unexpected {and exhilarating} turn of events. :) Many thanks to the one who gave - I am so appreciative! May the Lord bless you for your giving heart!
     And tomorrow, we will be having a fundraiser at Chik-fil-A here in Enid. Come by and join the party and help raise funds for my trips! Hope to see you there.

Wedding Slideshow: Aaron & Joyce

More pictures from the wedding - enjoy! {Click the link to go to youtube and watch the slideshow}

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AuwaQWsck