July started with a wonderful blessing of having my parents and sister in town! They were on a road trip to see family and go to a wedding, so it was only a 1.5 day visit in Tulsa. After they visited at Happy Hands while I was still at work, we had a wonderful supper together at my apt. My friends the Stubbs, Ms. Renee, and Ms. Mary Ann also joined us so my family could get to know them.
Taco salad buffet
God painted a beautiful sunset that evening that we all enjoyed from my apt window.
Breakfast the next morning with my parents and sister.
Then I took them to the Gathering Place. They loved the beautiful gardens!
In the maze of mirrors.
Elizabeth wanted to experience some of the fun climbing attractions too.
So thankful for God's touch on my mother and that she was able to make another trip to OK and be walking everywhere without much pain! Praise the Lord!
Later that day we drove to Arkansas for a cousin's wedding. It was so good to see more relatives at the wedding and reception.
Catching up on life!
My sweet cousin Celeste
So hard to say goodbye when we see each other so rarely.
The next day I had to say goodbye to my parents and sister again and head back to OK. I stopped at the Natural Falls State Park and did a little hiking there.
Here's what I wrote on fb about that day:
I'm reminded so often that God gives good gifts to His children. Today was no exception. I was driving back from a wedding in AR, and was just wishing there was some way I could go hiking or see a waterfall (because I've heard there's lots of good places for that in AR), but thinking there's no way for that to happen on this trip for various reasons. Then I crossed into OK, and saw a sign for Natural Falls State Park - 5 miles ahead. So I pulled over and looked it up. It was not far off the main road, so I decided to check it out. The gift shop ladies told me the waterfall wasn't far down the trail, so I decided to go. (I love waterfalls!) On the path to the waterfall I met a sweet family of 3 from OKC and started visiting. A few minutes later they offered for me to tag along with them while hiking so I wouldn't be alone. We had a wonderful 2 hours hiking there together, good conversation, and they even prayed for me when we said goodbye at the end. So sweet, and such a blessing from the Father to indeed get to go hiking and see a waterfall today!
Crossing the creek on a bridge.
We found a little cave.
This part reminded me of Red River Gorge in KY.
With the family that God blessed my life with that day.
The last part of the trail back to the parking lot had this overlook of the waterfall where we started.
July 5th, I went up to Ochelata for the afternoon and evening. I got to help the church people there with some prep for the Youth Camp. Here, Natalie, Laura, and I were out rug-shopping.
Ochelata fireworks that night with the Herrings.
Two Sunday afternoons/evenings in July I drew a sketch for some friends of mine in Ohio. It was so fun to do! The outline...
Half done...
Finished!
Coffee with my coworker Shyanna during break one day.
I went to Ochelata two evenings for services of Youth Camp. It was so good to see some friends there!
Liz Stetler - this sweet lady is such an encouragement to me.
A face from my home church in Kentucky- Eliana! (she's traveling with the GBS quartet group this summer)
Another sweet friend, Emma!
My friend from college, Janaye, spent a night with me, then we had breakfast at my CFA before my shift started and she headed back home.
Saturday evening cookout with new friends from Journey church.
So thankful for new friendships that God has brought along. One family was so kind to help me fix up a small issue on my car. He had it fixed up in 10 minutes! So thankful!
I've enjoyed the many Coreopsis flowers that grow in fields around here!
Matching with Ms. Teressa at work one day
My sweet coworker on the left, Cassidy, is headed back home to Grenada soon. One evening after work we had a small going away party for her.
One Saturday after work, I visited my brother and his family in Joplin for supper and the evening.
Lunch break with my coworker, Lacy.
I celebrated finishing my summer online college course for a work-required certificate, with a Braums milkshake.
One last lunch break with Cassidy!
We're going to miss her!
Crepe Myrtles are such a cheerful thing during the hot months of summer out here!
So vibrant!
July 29th marks 1 year since the fire at my apt last year, when so much changed. I just want to praise the Lord for all He's done in this year and that He has kept me, provided for me, grown me, and helped me to keep on where He's planted me. God is so good.
