MOODS

Here in South Dakota, the weather is capricious. It seems that nature has especially wide 'mood swings' in the spring and the fall. Today was no exception; in fact, it seemed like it was especially volatile. We started out from Mitchell this morning, and we saw this weather developing in the north.

It all seemed to dissipate, and it was placid and beautiful when we headed back home later this afternoon. The river was outdoing itself in beauty, and the cattle seemed placid as they lay in the grass and relaxed. Some antelope were trustfully grazing in a field beside the highway as we passed.

Today's weather accurately reflected how our moods respond each weekend as we drive out to minister to the people in Lower Brule. Sometimes we anticipate the services and the day that is ahead; where other times we feel discouraged and lonely. Not to whine, understand, but it happens-I won't lie. The Bible speaks of reaping if we sow in tears; so it is understood that all is not always glorious. However, I am happy to say that the light always shines again, and we love what we are doing.

The children love to 'cop' my camera, and I find random surprises on my camera when I get home. I will share some of these with you, as I especially enjoy kids' perspective.

The lesson today was about Creation, and the kids placed the pictures as they thought it should look

and took a shot with the camera . :) One of my surprises when I arrived home and checked out the camera.

RAINY DAY

Rainy days can have their own beauty, and today was one of those days. South Dakota has been parched for several weeks; so the rain was welcomed. The thirsty earth rejoices and drinks the moisture so that it is not exceedingly muddy in the yards and streets. The plants are raising their drooping leaves and cheerfully drinking in the rain.

We appreciate the good number who came out to worship with us this morning. A father and grandfather have taken the responsibility to bring their children to church, and the children behave very well. We admire their dedication in getting these young ones ready and bringing them in to the church, lining them up in the pew with them. This feat is not for the fainthearted.

We also had a higher number than usual who showed up for the afternoon Sunday School. The lesson was the story that Jesus told about the shepherd who lost his one sheep, and the search for that little sheep. The children listened and helped me by making the owl and coyote cries that the shepherd might have heard when he was out in the night searching for the sheep. The story came to life for several of us. I think that is one of the most beautiful stories that Jesus told.

After the story, we went down into the basement and iced and decorated little leaf-shaped cookies. The kids loved it, as you can see in the pictures. They especially love licking the icing spoon when they are finished icing the cookie. :) We love the children, and we are so happy to have the opportunity to meet with them each week.

THE CHURCH CASTS A SHADOW

It is never wise to try to calculate how much impact a church or an institution is having in an area, as that leads to either an exaggerated sense of worth or it leads to discouragement. The only safe view is to say that God has chosen to use human efforts to do His work, and we do not understand nor recognize the end results of our human efforts. However, I saw this shadow this morning as some of the attendees lingered after church to talk, and the title of this post came to my mind. We do not know how far the shadow extends, nor do we know who will walk under the shadow. We have had several different people in the last few weeks who have immediate needs come for comfort, prayer, encouragement, and love. The surprise factor is that it is usually someone who we least expect, and even sometimes someone we do not know. The church at Lower Brule was there for many years before we came to it, and people have known in the past that there is love, comfort and prayer offered there. They still seek the church out for their needs. The shadow stretches longer than we can imagine. We are honored to have a part in this church.

Many children came to Sunday School today, and we love all of them. I had planned to get some pictures to share, but we were so busy we forgot. I do have a couple of pictures of some little ladies who regularly come to the Sunday morning service with their Grandpa, and they began calling me 'Grandma.' It always warms my heart when the children address me in this way, as it is a term of deep respect and love with these children. :)

I love fall, and I wanted to get a few pictures for you. We stopped along the interstate on the way this morning to get this picture of the rolling prairie and the green train cars blending into the buttes.

Thank you for loving Lower Brule as we do, and for praying for the people there.