Joy and Sorrow

This past Saturday morning at 2:30 am, Jason and his family pulled into our driveway.  They are here for a week's vacation, so we have all our kids and grandkids here this week.  We put everyone down in their places to sleep and got to bed quickly, so it was around 3 am when we fell asleep.  We were so excited and happy!

Then a  couple of hours later on Saturday morning as we woke up, we got the news that Uncle Johnie died in a fire at his home in Earlsboro, Oklahoma (not too far from Shawnee).  Uncle Johnie was 92 years old, lived alone but was active in every facet of life.  He farmed his land, raised cattle and a llama and some Missouri Trotter horses.  He drove his tractor and baled the hay, always keeping busy.  He was a pillar of his church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher and former treasurer.  He was a friend to all his neighbors and well liked by all.  He was a tower of strength in his beliefs and lifestyle.  He was slow to speak, and he was careful and measured in his words and conversation.  He was a highly decorated veteran of World War II.  He had a wry sense of humor and loved people.  The three words I would use to describe him would be humble, kind and wise.

His funeral is this Friday, with his casket riding in a horse-drawn wagon to the cemetery at 8 am, with a brief graveside service.  Immediately after that, family and friends will go to Fairview Baptist Church (where he worshiped and served for many years) for the funeral service, with a fellowship and potluck to follow.

I feel fortunate to have seen him just a few weeks ago while we were on vacation.  We sat in his living room and talked about many things.  Later, he was with us at the Pow Wow grounds for the festivities there in Shawnee.  It is a precious memory for me.

Also later on this past Saturday morning, I was privileged to attend a Men's Breakfast that was planned for our church and the La Sierra Baptist Church in Riverside.  It was to bring the men together that had attended the Men's Retreat several weeks ago.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and food.  John Paniagua, who God is using in special ways with starting a new congregation and working with homeless brought the morning devotion.

Sunday was a wonderful day of seeing old friends show up for church, ones who had moved on and were serving in other churches by God's leading.  It was just a great day of worship and singing and fellowship.

This coming Wednesday is Shawn's birthday, so after church we went out to celebrate early.  We went to the Red Lobster close by and enjoyed a special meal together.

We took a quick nap and then headed out to a park for pictures and photographs of the entire family being together.  We had fun, but we felt sorry for Bailey as she was not feeling good.  The doctor has said that she has a viral infection which has led to an ear infection.  She did very well for not being at her best.  It was a hot day, but we stayed in the shade and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing.

Jason, Shelly, Jace, Kylee and Macyn Greenwalt

Evan Greenwalt and his girlfriend, Callie Czarnecki

Shawn, Crystal and Bailey Marcum

Galen and Sondra Greenwalt

The Greenwalt Tribe

Right now it is Monday night.  Sondra and I head out in the morning with Jace and Kylee to take them to Legoland in San Diego for the day!