Happy are those
    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
    or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
    planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
    and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

Psalm 1

Today, having offered a boatload of theological content to chew on in Monday’s post (A Strong Word…), I’m simply sharing a few extra photos from the weekend. They go all the way from Bahrain to the garden fence.

As I sit here, looking out into the cool clear sunshine that followed last night’s powerful storms, I am struck – again – at how blessed we are to live here in a land of beauty, and plenty, and security, and peace.

On the Beach in Bahrain:

The first photo (above) is a rare grandchild sighting on the Persian Gulf. Two-year-old Mr. T. is exploring his new environment with enthusiasm. The next photo they sent (the one I can’t share) has him splashing delightedly in the gulf.

I love how this photograph highlights the juxtaposition between the exploring two-year-old, the barren pile of sand that is Bahrain, and the gleaming modern city of Manama. This kid is going to grow up with a sophisticated and nuanced world view.

Hats off:

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Next up, Rebekah and I spent some time wandering around the Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in North Raleigh.

Our mission was to make good use of a generous gift card from the WOW group (Women Of the Word) at WFPC.

Rebekah settled on a fabulous gardening hat and strong work gloves. I just tried one on for the sake of solidarity.

Gardening and more gardening:

In keeping with the theme, Rebekah just finished assembling a new garden bench. It’s going to stay in the garage until the Linseed oil arrives, and until I can tighten that one screw that just doesn’t want to go in properly! There is always one.

Now, after eight years of sporadic gardening when limited time allowed, Rebekah has the opportunity to implement a more strategic vision for our yard. Not just Maul-Hall, though, but my parents’ property too.

I am already impressed to see how much she is able to do, regardless of back pain. Just to know that she can finish whatever project she’s on tomorrow, or the next day, and take things at a reasonable pace.

It’s going to be interesting to see what transpires over the next couple of years.

Subtle changes:

These final two images highlight the subtle changes of fall. Autumn has been a long time coming this year, but – finally – we’re beginning to witness more color in the trees.

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I think fall is my favorite because it spells such welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of summer. Our first autumn here, October-November of 2013, offered that relief following more than thirty years of summer, having moved back to Florida from Atlanta in 1982.

Ministry in Florida was an amazing experience; but Rebekah and I truly love North Carolina and fall in particular. And we are grateful for all of the blessings around us.

Peace, and more peace – DEREK