Thursday, April 4, 2024

A Walk in the Park

 


There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1


One of the many entertaining activities Sarah, John and the girls have while they are with us, is visiting a nearby park where their dog, Finn, can play with other dogs in the designated, fenced-in area.  Unfortunately, Danny and I have to opt out of going with them as we have to practice songs for Easter Sunday.  We give orders to take plenty of photos, and Sarah and John oblige big time!  I am so grateful that they did so I can share them here with you.

Getting ready to "unleash" Finn into the dog park.





Strolling leisurely on the many paved trails.




Mom, Sarah, with Alexandra and Savannah.





Virginia is no longer a little girl, but a poised, maturing young lady.


We're in the swing of things!  Don't ask me why Savannah and Alexandra thought they needed safety harnesses; I'm guessing they just wanted to try them out.







Mom and Dad, aka Sarah and John.


There are many more photos from our amazing time spent together, so I hope you will stay tuned!  In the meantime, be good to yourselves, get outdoors to relish God's creation all around you, and happily take that walk in the park.

Amen!

68 comments:

  1. Everyone looks happy under the warm sunshine.

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  2. Thank you for sharing such lovely memories, Martha.

    God bless you and your family.

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  3. We enjoy dogs vicariously through our two sons - one has three (!) Boston terriers and the other has a chihuahua.

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    1. That's a great way to enjoy dogs, Glynn. No personal responsibility or vet costs is the way to go!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Such happy wonderful photos of your beautiful family! I can't get over how much the girls have grown, especially Virginia! Wow! She's a beautiful young lady! I can't wait to see all the other photos. I know you have some sweet memories from your time together. So happy for you.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words about our family, Pamela. Yes, they have grown exponentially, haven't they? I'll be glad when they can move this summer to Charlotte instead of Raleigh; they will be hours closer to us.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Thanks for these photos of precious family time! -Christibe cmlk79.blogspot.com

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    1. You are so welcome, Christine. I'm glad you enjoyed them!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Dearest Martha Jane,
    That was a perfect day for walking as a complete family!
    The Easter weather was kind to all of us.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Yes, Mariette, I loved the weather they could enjoy here over spring break. It was perfect!
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Wonderful pictures of your family. Happy April. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy. We had such a great time together, for sure.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. So glad you had a nice visit with your family.

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    1. We sure did, Cecelia. I just wish they lived closer to us.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. I can’t believe how they have grown! I know you loved every minute of it!
    Blessings!
    Lulu

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    1. Yes, Lulu, we enjoyed each moment we had with all of them. God has given a wondrous gift to us in the grandchildren He sends to us. Danny and I both wish our visits weren't so few and far between, but we use FaceTime with the family at least once a week, and that helps us stay up close and personal minus the wonderful hugs. I know you enjoy yours, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Oh my goodness, I can't stop smiling at my monitor! Your grandloves are growing up -- especially Savannah, so tall! I can sure feel the love in their eyes. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I'm so glad their photos brought you smiles today, Myra. Sarah and John are certainly raising them right in this crazy world we are living in, and what a joy that is! They are growing to quickly, though. I think Savannah will be taller than Virginia by the time we see them again.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Another lovely memory! I like walks like that too. Clears the cobwebs from sitting inside all the time (for me). Blessings.

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    1. Outdoor exercise does the same for me, Sparky. Their dad takes them for walks around their neighborhood every chance he gets, and the whole family visits a nearby state park when weather permits. The girls love to be out and nature!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. What a lovely family and man have those girls grown up quickly!! you are blessed!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jean, for your kind words here today! Yes, they are all growing up too fast for my taste, but as I mentioned in my response to Anonymous (Lulu) above, at least FaceTime keeps us in weekly contact. I so wish we had had that type of device when we were growing up, do you?
      Love and blessings!

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  13. A walk in the park sounds lovely and affordable, unlike many other activities

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    1. It is absolutely free for all to use this lovely park near our home. It was paid for with local taxes and maintained by our town's recreation department. The citizens who live here voted to have it developed in this way instead of having it divided into lots where houses could be built. This was once farm land that was eventually was gifted to our small city.
      Love and blessings!

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    2. That is great that the land was gifted to the town and is now a lovely park

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    3. And I love that this was decided wholly by voters and our council members listened to us. Blessings!

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  14. OK, so we already knew you're a gifted writer, but now we discover that you sing too? Now I'm just a tad jealous--but really glad that you have yet another means to glorify the One we serve and to inspire that wonderful family coming along behind you. Like your other fans, I loved taking the excursion to the park with your beautiful children and grandchildren, and the grandpuppy as well :). May all of them continue to honor you and Danny and the loving God who gave them to you and to a world that desperately needs the hope they represent.

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    1. Ron, you are too kind in your thoughts and words expressed here today. I'm so thankful that God gave me the talents I do have, and I love nothing better than to use them to His glory. I hope and pray these precious girls will grow in the Lord and discover the talents He has graced them with to honor Him in the future. Virginia is already quite the artist!
      Love and blessings!

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  15. I know you relished every moment with your precious family, Martha--'loved seeing your pics! That young woman looks like Virginia, but how is it possible?! (And why are we always astounded to see kids grow so fast? You'd think we'd never witnessed it before!)

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    1. I think we're more astonished at the speed of their growth when we haven't seen them in person for awhile, Nancy. And yes, we savored every moment of their visit with us. As I've mentioned in previous comments here, I just wish they could have stayed longer and lived closer. Still, I'm so thankful for the time God granted to us all.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. Oh my goodness, the girls are beautiful!! They are growing up so fast (don't they all). I am so glad you had such a good visit with them and look forward to more photos!! Thanks for sharing the love with us!! xo

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    1. Thanks, Terri, for your kind words here about the grands. I love what Nancy said above - why are we surprised when children grow so fast? She's right, but still, I sometimes wish they wouldn't be that quick about it.
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Gostei da família de vocês. São lindos. Parabéns
    Beijos da Rô.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ro, for you kind words here.
      Love and blessings!

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  18. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time at the park and brought you back some lovely photos! They are beautiful children. I know you love them dearly.

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    1. We love and cherish them more than words can express here, Lisa. I know your grands hold a special place in your heart and always will.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. Your family looks like they had such a fantastic time at the park.
    The girls are growing up so quickly, and they are all so beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing these precious moments with us
    Sending love and blessings to you and your family, Martha

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    1. Thanks for your kind words here, Veronica. They had a great time and knew their way around since we went there during their previous visit last year. Our weather was perfect for outdoor adventures; there was only one rainy day during their time with us. God is so good!
      Love and blessings!

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  20. Looks like a great time was had by all! B Blessed Martha!

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    1. Thank you, Mike, and your conclusion about having such a great time is right on the money!
      Love and blessings!

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  21. Your granddaughters have really grown, Martha. :) I'm sure your family's visits are precious and memorable. Thank you for sharing. Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Yes, they certainly have, Trudy. I thank the Lord for allowing them safe travels and a wonderful time with Gammie and Papa.
      Love and blessings!

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  22. Thanks for the pics Martha. It is fun watching the girls grow up before our eyes thanks to you. Great memories.

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post, Bill, and liked seeing the grands growing up. I know how much Jo and you love it when you get to see your grandson. Thanks for coming by today.
      Love and blessings!

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  23. Martha, it looks like your visit made sweet memories. Love the park photos. Finn is a cute dog and the girls, wow, they are growing. Virginia is a young lady now, amazing! God bless! Karen Friday

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, Karen. Yes, I had to keep reminding myself that Virginia is no longer that little girl anymore, and not treat her as if she were. Danny and I did make sweet memories with them, for sure!
      Love and blessings!

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  24. Hi Martha Jane, beautiful pics, and a lovely park. The two little girls look very much like one another. The little dog looks like a perfect pet. God bless you for sharing this lovely post.

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    1. Thank you, Brenda, for your kind words here today. Yes, the two youngest do look very much alike even though their hair color is different, but their personalities are as unique as you could imagine. Don't you love that God has made us all different, even in the same family?
      And Finn is a sweet little dog, and loves these girls as much as they love him.
      Love and blessings!

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  25. for sure, these are the sweetest times, aren't they, friend ...

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    1. Even with all the troubles we are facing at this time, Linda, children and grandchildren do keep us focused on what God has told us is the most important experience we can have here on earth - family! These are definitely sweet times.
      Love and blessings!

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  26. Bom dia, Martha
    Que momentos maravilhosos, linda família, o cachorrinho Finn é uma fofura, amei as fotos, passear faz um bem enorme, obrigada por compartilhar, um forte abraço.

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    1. That was such a blessed week for our entire family, Lucinalva, and one we will always cherish. Finn is definitely cute and sweet, and everyone can't help but love him. Thanks for stopping by!
      Love and blessings!

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  27. God's blessings to you, and all your family.

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  28. Being young and enjoying the day is something special. Beautiful family.

    Hugs and Blessings

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    1. Thanks for your kind words today, Jim. I have to admit, I do wish I had that energy, but I'm so glad that their parents have brought them up to value God's creation all around them. And I'm still here to enjoy them all!
      Love and blessings!

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  29. What fun. Simple pleasures are so often the best.

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  30. What a wonderful day together, love all the pictures of your happy family gathering! I know your heart is full to capacity, and overflowing! Many blessings to you dear friend!!!

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    1. Yes, God certainly blessed us with such a great time with all of them, Marilyn; we will ever be grateful for these memories. And with the good news you shared recently about your daughter and her husband, your hearts must be brimming with joy, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  31. Oh, to see how the grandgirls are all growing up, and I can only imagine how each one's personality is unique and precious. Thank you for sharing, ma'am. God's continued blessings.

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    1. The have grown up, J. D., and I'm so glad we could have them with us. It certainly was the good old days once again for all of us.
      Love and blessings!

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