What do YOU see?

I went outside the other day and noticed this very pretty flower blooming.  Deserving of a picture I grabbed my phone, squatted down barefoot and all to get a closer look.  I snapped a couple of photos and went on about my way.  Once back inside, I decided to see if I was able to capture its beauty.  Looking at the photos, I sat there and admired how very beautiful it was, so purple, so vivid. I've often thought flowers are just little miracles, then all of a sudden I let out a scream.  There in the picture right before me was a snake.  How did I not see that.  Squatted down close as I was, I didn't even notice it.  All I was focused on was the pretty little flower itself.  That snake could have slithered right out of there  across my bare toes!  I cringed at the thought!
Later, after I calmed myself down, it got me thinking.  Do I need to do more of that? Was this a reminder to concentrate on the good even though there are some "not so goods" in and around me?  Usually, I am so focused on the bad, I find it hard to see the good, but this time my mind was so drawn to what was beautiful that I didn't even see the not so beautiful in the background.  Now this is not to say we should just throw caution to the wind and ignore the bad, or the red flags that are forever lurking out there among us, but maybe just maybe we should instead focus on our blessings and see and appreciate all that we have to be thankful for.  In other words, count our blessings, not our problems.  While this can be challenging at times as our problems can easily get the best of us, I feel it is something we can improve on.  We can start by helping each other, lifting each other up, by focusing more on what is good, especially when the fear and doubt start to creep in.
Look for the light, look for the good, count your blessings, and as the Hymn goes...name them one by one.

Wanted to share another great song perfectly titled "Keep Me In The Moment."  Again, a song I've never heard before that just  presented itself with the right words at the right time. You have to wonder why...    I encourage you to listen, just click on the link

Keep Me In The Moment    Jeremy Camp 

       Oh, and in case you didn't see the snake either....here you go

 May the Lord keep you in the moment, so you never miss what he has for you~

Prayer Request
Since writing this post, there has been more scary and heartbreaking transgressions that have taken place.  We need to pray for the injustices happening in our world.  We need to pray for peace and wisdom. We need to pray for more love and compassion.  Hate is unacceptable. We need to lead by example. We need God.

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another."   John 13:34

Peace and Love,
Mindy
Percival Church Blogger

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend we are honoring and remembering those who have served in the military and are no longer with us. We also invited you to share the memory of a loved one or a former church member. We would like to thank you for sharing with us.
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From Pastor Blaine and Dale...

 This is Dale's mom and dad, Gilbert and Elaine Wagenaar who served in the army during WW2.  Her mom is wearing her WAC uniform. She was 92 in this picture and her dad had on his VFW hat. 

Here is another picture of her mom.

Here is a picture of Dale's brother PFC Daniel Wagenaar who died on the Black Virgin Mountain in Vietnam on July 12, 1969.  He earned 2 Bronze Stars and the Silver Star for heroism.

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Next we have a couple of photos from Jan and Mary Zach...

 This picture was taken on the day Aaron was baptized at the Percival Church in September of 1988. Sara was five years old. The proud grandparents are Mones and Grace Zach, who were lifetime members of the Percival Church. Grace was the organist and church treasurer for many years. Mones served as the church president for numerous years.

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 Beth Lueth shared the following memory...

 

Betty Sheldon offered to pick my girls up for Sunday School in 1987.  I appreciated that down time on Sunday morning.  So easy to go to church with the family after SS.  Thanks Betty for being a great neighbor!

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From Jerry and Jo Ann Birkby...

As Memorial Day approaches of course the first thing everyone thinks of are the service men and women who have lost their lives serving our country, then parents and other family members who are gone.  We feel responsible for the Grandview Cemetery because our name is Birkby.  But since this is for the church blog, I'm thinking of my nephew Marty Weston.  He passed from a lung disease at age 61 which is way too young.  He was a grand fellow and did so much for the Percival community especially during both floods, so I want to raise his name up for praises, for being the wonderful guy he was and light a candle in his honor.

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Susan Hilton shared with us this picture of her father Lowell Sherwood.

Lowell Sherwood, WWII veteran, served 4 years active duty on the Pacific front in the Philippines.  1n 1949, Lowell & wife Mary moved to Percival where he was a lifelong member of the Percival Church and owner of Sherwood Lumber. 

Lowell was a devoted, loving, kind, caring friend, husband, Dad & Grandfather. 

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Phyllis Layman shared with us a picture of her husband Jim.

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I (Mindy Raymond) am sharing a photo of my grandpa Max Reed who served in the U.S. Navy in WW2.

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Here are a couple of Memorial Day music selections chosen for us by Mary Zach:  (just click on the links)

Memorial Day Tribute

Amazing Grace Memorial Day Tribute


Thank you to those that shared these very special people with us.  May we continue to remember and honor their memory as well as all our loved ones no longer with us.


Those we love don't go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard, but always near
Still loved, still missed and very dear. 

Have a Blessed Memorial Day,
Mindy
Percival Church blogger