Pirate Parties and other Eastman-type things ...

To celebrate Seth's birthday in grand style, and also just to liven things up around here, we decided to throw a Mystery Dinner Party.  Oh and the theme was 16th century Pirate.  So the young folks who are normally together for Sunday School and Thursday night Bible Study, and a myriad of other tame small town stuff came together as pirates and colonial elites to solve a murder.  We all had a blast.  A few pics below.

Back L-R:  Mad Rose (Rachael), Commodore Clearning (Jordan), Gurgling Uma Scarr (Kat), Sealegs Sam (Ryne), Buccaneer Bradshaw (John), Sharktooth Brandy (Diedra), Cutthroat McPhearson (Luke), Merciless Morgan (Michael), Thumbless Jacky (Leah), Cap'n Redbeard (Seth), One Eyed Wanda (Jenna), Dirty Wiggins (Rachel).
Front L-R:  Antonia Napier (Kalee), Governor Napier (Andrew), Breathless Betty Napier (Kristen). 

Post thought:  while completing paperwork at The Costume Shop for rentals (in nearby city - Warner Robins), the clerk automatically knew by heart the Eastman zip code.  Odd, since Eastman is a very small rural town.  When I asked how she knew?  She replied with a sparkle in her eye ... "Oh, we do A LOT of business in Eastman ..."  Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

Different, but Same

As I was getting ready for our 4th of July get-together on Thursday, I couldn't help remembering how I celebrated the 4th last year.  And although, there were some very extreme differences, it made me laugh at how similar our celebrations are, even worldwide.

Men getting cooking gear ready to go outside ...

This Year.

Last Year.

Women in the kitchen.

This Year.

Last Year.

Lovely patriotic decorations ...

This year.

Last year.

This girl.

This year.

Last year.

Lots of good food.

This year.

Last year.

Lounging around and good conversation.

This year.

Last year.

And what's any decent get-together without some good ole tom-foolery and 'rasslin.

This year.

Last year.

Wait.  We mustn't forget the dancin'.  

Last year.

Darn.  We didn't have dancin' this year.  I knew something was missing.

Life is worth celebrating

Amidst all the ups, downs, worries, trials and just pure confusion of life, one thing still shines through:  Life is worth celebrating.  The Father has given us so many good gifts -- family, friends, talents, experiences ... so many things that make life enjoyable and help fade the presence of daily needs and the downright messiness of being a human on this earth.  In the past few months, I am very guilty of being weighed down by this messiness to the point of feeling overcome -- but not defeated, because I am still relying on the One who is victorious over our trials and sorrows (John 16:33).  This post is dedicated to some things that we have celebrated, and some things that I am grateful for ...

I am thankful for God's Word.  This little table means a lot to me.  It was my grandmothers, used by she and my grandfather when they lived in Tehran, Iran.  It is now one of my most favorite things in the house, and is the perfect spot to sit your coffee early in the morning while reading.  I am so thankful to have the Bible, I don't know what I would do without it.  There are still so many people in the world who do not even have access to the Bible ... and I am so appreciative that God has allowed me to live in a context where I do.  (The table is a large brass tray, and there are a couple of smaller trays sitting on top of it; the item on the smaller trays is a sort of percussion instrument -- it is a small brown gourd with a netting of shells tied around it ... brought to our family by Luke from one of his trips to Kenya.)

Congratulations to Madison ... she was recently honored at the local school board meeting for her participation on this Dodge County High School Golf Team.  She and three other girls played well enough during the season to win their regional tournament and land a spot in the Georgia State Golf Tournament.  This photo is of the girls with the Dodge County School Board members.  Good job, Madison.  Keep going, girl -- get that scholarship.

I am grateful for my family and friends.  This picture was taken this past fall at Luke and Rachael's wedding.  In the family of God, the distinction between family and friends is blurred, and this is especially true of many dear ones in our life.  Jesus said, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers? ... for whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."  Jesus was not showing disrespect for his earthly family in this saying, but was demonstrating that the more important relationship is with the family of God and those who love Him and do His will.  (Matthew 12:46-50)

I am thankful for my husband, Stephen.  Monday, July 1 was his birthday, and we celebrated with his favorite food - Vietnamese Pho at Saigon Noodle House.  He is truly a gift from God and a prince among frogs. :-)  Having a godly husband who loves you like Jesus loves the church is an amazing gift from the Lord.  Oh, and Rachel stopped by to surprise him at the restaurant.