Good Monday morning! I hope it was a good weekend for everyone. The last couple of days have been full, as in rewarding, around here. So, here is a look at three things about the weekend. And maybe one I would change.
ONE – we spent the morning and much of the afternoon in the nation’s capitol on Saturday participating in/voluteering with the DC Gospel Outreach. It was hot but we had a large group, from our church, head downtown on the metro where we met up with, and then were partnered with, members of the DCGO. Those guys have been working hard (so diligently) to saturate Washington, DC with the gospel this summer. We had two teams that went into one of the wards of the district and four other teams that were out on the mall. Did I mention it was hot? One of the younger boys in our group (I think he is nine) told his mom on the way there, “Well, at least, it will be air conditioned when we get to the mall!” LOL. Um, not that mall. There was definitely no ac.
Our part of the mall was in front of the capitol. It, honestly, was not too busy on a Saturday morning but we still were able to connect with quite a few people and to distribute many of the John/Romans booklets. Standing there, in front of the capitol, I realized I’ve never been inside. Never taken the time to visit or have a tour…even though I have lived here forever. It seems like that is often the case. Do you visit the tour areas near your house?
ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE – at least with regards to Saturday morning, would be to take more water. Or “to lug” more water bottles with us. Let me just say, one of us did not want to carry water bottles. He never wants to bring water. And, typically, that is not a problem. I go only with it because, for me, it eliminates unanticipated bathroom breaks (yes, I am that age.) But one of us was really struggling after an hour or so of standing in the full sun. No shade. And no water. Yes, my husband was in oldest one in the group but we rarely consider that. He has the energy of a man 40 years his junior but Saturday was tough. (And hot). Lesson definitely learned.
While I was gone (to buy water!), he was offered assistance and was given some water. That was really nice. A bit later, we were able to move to some shade. He had to sit for awhile…but that didn’t deter him. My man was in his element. Such a people person!
TWO – Back to the weekend highlights. Saturday evening, I went to a ladies event/fellowship night that a friend was hosting at her house. It was Bingo night:) The others attending were from her church (but they did not all know each other…and I think that was the point) but my friend invited me to help with set-up, etc. It was fun. The food was potluck and the whole evening was very relaxed and enjoyable. Someone made a jello type dessert. It was dreamsicle flavor…with pudding (the only ingredient I know for sure) and marshmallows on the top. Does that ring a bell for anyone? Know what I might call it in order to search for the recipe? I would really like to try and make that one again!
THREE – Last night, I led the ladies at my church again in our Sunday evening Bible study. I think I mentioned (but at this point, I cannot honestly remember) that through the month of July we are having four lessons on Pratical Christianity. I am teaching the ladies class and last night’s lesson was about having an effective prayer life. Preparing for these lessons has filled any “extra time” my weeks might include. Especially free time on the computer and time I typically spend blogging (writing and especially visiting). Hence, this late post and being a bit slow getting around to your blogs. Bare with me. Only two more lessons to go. This week is an entire lesson on forgiveness. It is only Monday and I already feel overwhelmed. What direction should I take this topic? What to include or where to focus? SO MUCH that could be said and covered but I have about 30 minutes. We also started a new series in Junior Church on Sunday morning, and I need to prepare for that as well.
That said, I need to bring this post to a close. Already noon. How did the morning get away from me? What does your week look like?? I’m glad you stopped by. Hopefully, I will do some blog visiting later this afternoon. I enjoy that “free time.” Have a great Monday, friends!!
Happy Monday, Jennifer! I enjoyed reading your three things from the weekend. We hit the local farmers’ market on Saturday. It is held once a month as they are trying to revive it. I think there were five vendors there. While it wasn’t too hot yet, the humidity was as thick as pea soup. UGH! This week, you will find me prepping for a girls’ stitching weekend out of state. I have my list of what to pack/bring printed and will start once I get the dishwasher unloaded. Have a wonderful week!
A farmer’s market is a favorite addition to any Saturday morning! Your upcoming trip sounds fun! Enjoy your week!!
I’ve been on the mall in July and it is definitely not cool! You should do a capitol tour. Ours was really interesting and bonus air conditioned : ) We were actually waiting on a tour nd melting from the heat, and were with friends from Tennessee who had a Fred Thompson connection. He was a senator at the time. He invited us in to his office, gave us water and let us soak up the ac before heading back out. Glad you had a good day and survived the heat. I am still a fan of jello salads but that one doesn’t ring a bell. I hope you find it!
I definitely should tour…and need to find a friendly congressman before I do!!
I enjoyed reading about your weekend, Jennifer. I’m so glad that your husband is doing okay after his time in the hot sun. It sounds like you are keeping quite busy. I’d love to hear more about your Bible study lessons you are teaching on Practical Christianity. It’s much needed. Try not to overdo this week, my sweet friend. xx
My husband seems right as rain…thanks. But he definitely had me worried for awhile there. Thank you for the encouragement!!
I have walked through DC in the heat and it’s no joke. I’m glad your husband made it through. We are planning on making a trip sometime soon. I had hoped to go in the spring to see the cherry blossoms but we did not make it. That is on my bucket list. I hope you enjoy the week!
Hi Jennifer. I truly enjoyed reading your post today. So many wonderful activities. How wonderful to bring the gospel to DC. Isn’t it true how important water can be on a trip like that. Glad you were able to buy some, and also have someone be kind enough to share.
I was interested in your Bible Study on Prayer. I have kept prayer journals for years. I find I am much better at keeping my mind on praying when I’m writing it down. I don’t get so many distractions if I am deeply concentrating or my prayers. I’ve set a time aside each morning while its quiet before the daily chores, and it’s nice to look back and see how many prayers have been answered.
Have a lovely week, stay cool, and God bless you as you continue your walk with Him.
Sounds like a busy but kingdom building blessed weekend. Praying the Lord will guide you on the topic of forgiveness on what to teach. Blessings.
Wow Jennifer it really sounds like a fun weekend. Busy a.nd hot. I’ve learned I’m at that age where I need to stay hydrated and out of the afternoon heat or I pass out! What a spectacle that is!
I love whay you’re doing – time is running out and we need to get out there and spread the word! Well done!
I found that I can work outside doing various things on the hottest days IF I remember to take frequent breaks (out of the sun) and drink water. The next most important thing is wearing sunscreen, which although won’t keep you cool, will protect your body. Its going to be another scorcher of a week here, but we are getting rain, so YAY!