Dave and I spent the last two days away. We were invited to the "White House"! So of course to DC we went because who would turn that down!?
For many years now we have been supporters of an organization called "Alliance Defending Freedom". This is who invited us.
They have a group of well educated young people that will go before the courts and fight for religious freedom. Maybe you heard of them. If not check it out. These are great people that we always enjoy spending time with and we always come away so inspired!
We stayed in the Trump Tower in DC. This was an experience worth recording all on its own!!
We watched a movie and heard a speech inside the West Wing of the White House last night. The movie was called "Goznell" (The case of the abortionist Doctor from Philadelphia)
Before we arrived at the White House a man lite himself on fire out front somewhere so this drama was taking place and kind of holding things up for our group. We had to do all the screenings and go through security just like in airports (plus a room with a dog that we went into one by one so the dog could sniff us) After we were through that we could kind of walk around freely. It was a neat experience for sure...:)
After our movie we did a dinner out with a small group of six. It got late but when we got back to our room we didn't really want to go to sleep because the experience was going to fast so we ate some yummy lemon dessert tarts in bed...:)
This morning we had a breakfast and another client speaker of ADF's.
Dave and I had planned to walk around DC today and do a two o'clock show at the Bible Museum. BUT... This morning during the closing comments Dave's phone went and it was my brother in law calling. He didn't answer. A few seconds later his phone vibrated again and it was his brother Jonathan. He asked him to text... The text came through that our back door neighbor (Shorty Mike) passed away suddenly!
Mike ran down the trail behind our house everyday. On the same trail we use many many times! We saw him so many times as he ran by in the mornings. I used to distract Jazlyn because when she caught a glimpse of him she'd make all kinds of racket and often it was when I was packing the lunches before the kids woke up. I used to tell her "Oh Jazlyn it's just Mike! Relax yourself!...:) I will miss seeing him run!
This morning... The day of his twin brothers wedding he headed out for his run as usual. His wife Barb got herself and then the kids ready for the wedding but Mike just wasn't returning and it was time to leave for the wedding by now!
She loaded the kids onto the golf cart with her and went on his familiar running trail looking for him. She actually passed him the first time without seeing him but once up at the top when she crested the hill and looked back she saw his bright shirt. He was down at the creek where he sat many times after his runs but this time something was not right! He was passed from one glory to the next!! She didn't even call 911 because she knew he was already gone.
She called Mikes dad right away (they were on their way to the wedding and turned around)
They spent some time and the ambulance did come but the coroner was called.
They decided to go ahead with Merv's wedding.
They were sure that is what Mike would have wanted!
I cannot even imagine what that wedding was like! Barb went with her four little children without her husband by her side!!
Today was also Mike's youngest child's second birthday!
He did have a heart condition that they were aware of. This is why he made a habit of running everyday.
Please pray for Barb and her children.... David, Calab, Marykay, and Jeriah. And all the extended family! It is a real sad day here in our community! This man was one of a kind with many friends! He had a thriving business and he was an inspiration and an encourager everywhere he went! I know he cannot be replaced and he will be missed so badly by many!
Mike you have met your maker and I wish you could tell us all about it!! Blessings to you Barb in this time of unimaginable sorrow!!
Pictures of our last few days...
The service in this place is top notch!!
Fire Chief Cochran giving his testimony plus a full blown biblical message that had my hair standing on end! Praise the Lord for so many people in this Great Nation that STAND FIRM in the FAITH of Jesus Christ no matter what it costs them! Today challenged me to be better!
Thank Hon for this adventure in DC. It was so refreshing!!
The "Spring Work" has been in full swing around here and the mowing was done for the first time this week. The edges got trimmed and the garden got many seeds which are already bursting through!
This time of year always awakens something within me and I feel so BLESSED to be spending more hours outdoors! The kids are LOVING it to!! They spend hours outside and I often have to go on a frustrating search for them when it gets dark just to get them indoors to do baths, homework and bed time! They have been going to bed exhausted and often with scratches and bug bites from playing in the woods...:) Its a good exhausted though and we are loving all the outdoor play time!!
We go to bed with heavy hearts for our neighbors tonight! Hold your Loved Ones tighter tonight!
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