Valentine's Day from Marcia

What a beautiful 25* day on the lake we had today!  After church today, Roy and I spent our quality Valentine's Day time walking on Upper Nashotah Lake and having alittle fun in the snow.  As you can see me making snow angels.  It was amazine walking where we once saw boats sail through.  Yesterday was a great day of fundraising for the WoNH (women of Nashotah).   We served about 130 people a delicious pancake breakfast and bake sale to raise money for the upcoming women's Lenten retreat in March.  It was not only a time of fundraising, but a time of fellowship.  This time of year it takes an extra effort to visit with the neighbors and friends that are hibernating from the cold.  Roy and I have joined The Order of St. Lukes healing ministry, and are in the process of classes to be installed in April.  As a nurse, I have a special connection with the healing ministry and look forward to each teaching of Jesus' healing.  During Lent we will be a part of the healing team at Zion on Wednesday nights, teaching parents how to lay hands on their children and pray for special needs at home.  It is a wonderful opportunity of outreach that many of us did not experience when we were children.  We are also blessed for the wonderful healing that is taking place directly with one of our special friends and fellow seminarians, Meredyth.  Meredyth went through a critical time post a gastric surgery, that was suppose to be a simple procedure that would put her back on her feet after the Christmas break.  The surgery did not go as planned and put Meredyth on a ventilator and in a medical induced coma for almost 30 days.  Now 45 days after admission to the hospital, she is awake, off the vent and progressing in rehab to relearn the many things we take for granted like walking, writing your name and being independent.  We hope to have her back on campus in about 3-6 weeks.  Keep up the good work Meredyth!  We love you!  During this time, we were given the opportunity to witness to hospital staff and get to know her sister Carrie.  Carrie and her 2 children have now become a vital part of our community as well.  Another blessing for our family, is the anticipation of the arrival of Stephanie in 19 days!  Our eldest daughter will be coming for a visit and we are so excited.    Well all.  I wish you a very Happy Valentines day and leave you with a reminder to read 1 Corinthians 13 for a blessing of love.