A Full Week of Abundant Blessings!

This is Chuck (Paul's bro) and his new wife, Diane. We have spent a very relaxing and wonderful time at their home. Large delightful family dinners with wonderful talking about the table until late evening. It is good to see how God guides and designs each families lives and still allows us to all come together to allow our lives to interact again. A blessing indeed.

Lillyanne and Tucker....the Next Generation

Young lives, just beginning. This is Lillyanne and Tucker - the next generation of Swanson kids. It was fun to hear laughter and giggling - as well as coloring again - I haven't done that for a very long time.

Two New Friends

Vicky Degner (Adult Care Pastor) and Jen Lindwall (Metro Impact Pastor)

Church of the Open Door

Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove, MN.

Tuesday in Minnesota

Spent time today with family. This is Doris with her great grand daughter, Lilly. She's a bundle of love and fun - hopefully I'll get a pic of Tucker tomorrow.

We've just been sitting and talking and enjoying relaxed time around the table. It's been nice.

I did visit today with Judy Hougen from Church of the Open Door. Their Senior Pastor is David Johnson and I will be grateful to him always for his teaching on women in the church - a simple CD that someone handed me a couple years back kept me hoping and moving forward with God. Judy is on the leadership board there and I sat and asked about her story, her experiences (she's also a professor at Northwestern University) and listened alot. It was a good meeting. Then sat down to a wonderful dinner. Tomorrow I'm meeting with one of their Associate Pastors and touring the campus.

Reading 1 Samuel also - how's everyone elses reading going? What is exciting you in God's word today?

Going to MN Escorted by my ALaska pilot friend Barry

What a blessing today - Barry flew Doris and I (and about a hundred other people joined us) to Minneasota. It was fun to see (and hear him) in action. I was a poor substitute for Miss USA however - you'll have to ask Barry about that announcement. It was a serendipity teaching moment for me - it's much more fun to fly through whatever comes you way in the sky - when you know and trust the pilot that in control of the plane. Kind of like - trusting in life when you know Jesus - the more you know Him - the more you trust Him - even when the skies get a little rough. A great trip. Got a WONDERFUL lunch treat from Barry (from Della) when we got on the plane. Oh----to be blessed with creatively thoughtful friends who care for you....

What you can't see are these amazing homemade deli sandwiches that were wonderful - all favorite food items that I love.

Oh yea - the if you don't know what the stuffed dog is all about - you'll have to go to

whereisangieandpink.blogspot.com

for more info.

My Family's "Amusement Park" Trip

This is quite the store - but I snuck over to Shipwrecked Beads while they were "shopping". Quite a trip - quite a toy store for grown ups.