Danny's First Sermon--July 4th

 Last Sunday, just before leaving for Mexico with Carrie, Tim, and cousins on a mission trip, Danny preached his first sermon.

Since it was just after July 4th, Danny had been assigned a 3-5-minute "word of wisdom" of "Freedom in Christ" by Pastor Keith Lavery for Sunday evening, and with our aging pastor at Lakota Chapel needing help at times, Danny also filled in at our church that morning on the same subject. He simply added more meat to the stew. 

I encouraged him to include stories and illustrations along with the Scriptures he had, and Jonathan encouraged speaking up and speaking very clearly--extra clearly.

"It can seem funny to over-enunciate," Jonathan said, "but you need to make sure everyone understands your words."

While we want a young man to speak God's Word from his own heart, we also know that youth need guidance and training. If he hasn't been to Bible College, Jonathan and I want to provide some ideas from our own training in Bible College. 

 Danny "did awesome," Jonathan said later, with the first best thing being that he flashed a big smile as soon as he got behind the sacred desk. That put his mom's heart at ease that he wasn't just doing this purely out of obligation. Maybe 99% obligation, but now that he was up there and into it, he gave it his best with a smile. 

Crystal's best was music and creative red, white, and blue dishes during the holiday season, something we all enjoyed very much.

I have to share this silouette I managed to sneak of certain newlyweds watching Danny and the Hagerty boys setting off fireworks on our driveway. 

I got a final kiss in for dear Baby Ellie as she slept blissfully through all the goodbyes as the Colorado couple headed back home after church Sunday. 

Photos of me aren't that flattering, but--it's me. 

And it's the kiss for baby that matters.