Paris Normandy Day 4

Today we docked at the town of Rouen, France.  Rouen is the capital of Normandy.  It is a large town.  Some of it was damaged during WW2 and some of it was not.  I find it amazing that in many of these towns, the great cathedrals stand untouched by the bombing.

I went on an organized bike tour in the morning and rode the bike around town by myself in the afternoon.

amazing churches

market square in Rouen.  On Saturday
the place will be full of vendors.

incredible ornate stone carving
that took hundreds of years.

carving above the door

I loved the gargoyles and dragons.

note in this picture and the next, the water
runs down the roof, across the sloped butress
into the tower and out of the mouth of the gargoyle.

if its raining you don't want to stand
underneath the gargoyle

historic waterwheel used to grind bread.  note the
wooden gates below the man in yellow.
when the gates go down, the water is diverted
towards the wheel.

A wonderful trip with wonderful friends.  We are seeing amazing parts of the world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

the people that we journey with

I love people.
From time to time we should all stop and just give thanks for the people that we journey with in this lifetime.

The trips that I lead and the travels that I take give me an opportunity to stay in touch with people that I love.  But even if I don't get to see you on a trip, I still love you.

I am glad that love is expansive.  Think of how when we were young we knew just a few people and loved just a few.  Now today, after many years of living, I love people from so many churches and so many places.  Love is expansive.

Anyway, someone [D.E.] asked to see some pictures of who was on this Paris Normandy trip with me.  Here is a delightful bunch for sure.

Fred and Sandy Burry.  Fred always tells me how fortunate
 he has been in life.  I wish more people felt that way.

Lew and Donna Jones.  No KU gear for these two.

Bill and Pam Pogson.  Bill's jokes are as bad as mine.

Fred and Irene Price.  

Rollaine Williams and Vickie Graham.

Kathy Carter and Jerry Snyder.

Ginger Murphy and Gloria Heston.

What we have seen on this trip has been marvelous.  The towns, the history, the scenery.  But the most beautiful thing of this life is who you get to spend it with.  Don't take for granted the people that are in your life.  They are a blessing from God.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Paris Normandy Day 3

Today was a very emotional day for sure.
We visited the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, part of the German defensive positions, and one of the ports where men and material were unloaded after D-Day.

Omaha Beach.  Once the soldiers landed, they had
to cover 200 yards of open beach while under enemy fire.
It seems odd that children are playing on this beach,
but that is what the soldiers were fighting for.  The
freedom to live.

Once they crossed the beach, they came up
against high cliffs with gun emplacements.

One of the german gun batteries.  Original gun still in place.

Once past the beach and the cliff, the fields of France
were fought for one at a time.  As we drove through
the countryside, I thought about the young men
who risked their lives, moving from field to field in a foreign land.

At the town of Arromanches large concrete barges were sunk
by the allies to make an artificial port.  Many of the barriers are
still  there to see today.  The movement of men and material
into France was so important to the war effort.

Crosses at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

Let us not forget that each cross has a name on it.

I took this video at the cemetery.

I shed more tears today than I have in a long time. I am crying as I write this.  This trip has always been on my bucket list.  My Dad never got to make this trip, but I talked with him today on the beach.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Paris Normandy Day Two

Day two consisted of a tour of the beautiful French town Honfleur and then a bicycle tour of Le Harve.

Honfleur is a beautiful fishing port town.

It was not damaged during WW2.  What a beautiful place.

The old cobblestone streets made walking a little more difficult.

the churches were amazing.

original gate to the city.  Notice turrets on the corners to shoot arrows out.

Accordion player.  Nice touch.  Beautiful atmosphere.

Carousel in the city center

It was market day.  This woman was making and selling bears.

all kinds of flowers, vegetables, and such were for sale in the market.

back to the town of Le Harve for a bicycle tour.

Le Harve is a famous port town.  With so many containers around
from the shipping, someone has turned some of them into apartments.

Looking up into the steeple of St Joseph's church.

Le Harve was totally destroyed during WW2.  It was used by the Nazis
as a submarine base.  It was bombed into almost complete rubble.
One building that survived was the church.  Note these five steps up
to street level.  When the war was over, they simply bulldozed the city.
The new construction is higher than the original city level.  The
historic church is at the pre war level.

Tomorrow we visit the Normandy Beaches and Cemetery.  Sure to be an emotional day.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Paris - Normandy Trip Day One

I will not bore you with much detail on getting to France.  You know, drive 90 minutes to Orlando.  Wait two hours to board the plane.  Fly to Atlanta.  Navigate the airport.  Wait two more hours.  Fly 7 1/2 hours to Paris.  Take a bus to the river boat.

The worst part of any vacation is getting there.
Now for the good stuff...

We boarded the river boat, the AmaLyra. 
A lovely little boat that holds 150 passengers.

There were many beautiful sights along the river.

First Stop - the town of Les Andelys

Castle in Les Andelys built by Richard the Lionhearted in 1100.

Lew Jones and I went on a bicycling tour of the town.

beautiful quaint French town.

castle in the background

amazing architecture.

beautiful church constructed in 1100.

carving inside the church.

pulpit inside of the church.  Notice the stairs up. 
The pastors were "up there" and talked down to the people.

A beautiful day all in all.  My legs are sore from walking and riding.  That is good.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

spiritually minded people

Have you ever pretended to be better than?  Have you ever put on as if you had it all together?  It is such an awkward uncomfortable place to try to live.

Spiritually minded people, the truly spiritual ones, do not have their heads in the clouds.  They do not live in an ivory tower.  They are not above everyone else.

The truly spiritual have their hands in the dirt.  They are walking with and caring for the common folk, the broken the leper.

Never think that spirituality makes you better or different.  True spirituality reminds us that we are just normal humans ourselves and it drives us with deep compassion into the world of the normal ordinary humans, and there, we shall feel at home. 

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

peace in church

Recently, an anonymous person left this note in the offering plate...

"I will always feel closer to God when I sit in our church. I look at the congregation and I see a thread that gently joins our souls in common love. This thread is not broken by prejudice or judgment but made strong by joy, gratefulness & love. I feel so blessed."

Oh how it does my soul good to know that there are people that are being blessed at church. I hope that all of you feel this way.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

leaning into the person of God

My friend Brian sent this in...

“I’m learning a lot from my grandkids. One unexpected recent byproduct is that it seems to help me with some insight into our/my relationship with God. A few weeks ago, our 2-year-old grandson had managed to tip his high chair over backwards and fallen so that the back of his head hit a shelf on the way down. He split his head open and our daughter rushed him to ER. We dropped what we were doing and headed up to see and help. When we reached the hospital a wonderful person at the desk in ER let us go back to see him even though the rules said no more than 2 people in the room at any time. When we got to the room our daughter was holding a very serious little boy. Without thinking I just went to him and leaned my head toward him. Without a word, he leaned his head into mine and our foreheads touched. We did not speak. No words were necessary. How long we stayed like that I don’t know but it was not longer than a minute or two. We just loved each other. The next day I was in prayer and realized our Father may long for that type of moment with us. So I sat silently and just leaned my head forward. It may have been one of the best “prayers” I have ever experienced. I am going to continue doing it when I can. You might want to try it. Just be silent and lean into God. I’m quite sure He will be there to touch you with His presence.”

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

crazy ideas

The church, churches, churches in general have filled our minds with crazy ideas.  Not all churches, but some.  Some churches, some preachers have filled our brains with stuff that does not matter.

The worst thing about having your brain filled with stuff that doesn't matter is that it keeps you distracted from what does matter.

Crazy things that the church taught some of us:
- that we should try to figure out the second coming
- that the King James bible is the only real version
- that our denomination is right and everyone else is wrong
- that if you sin right before you die you will go to hell
-worry about everything
- feel guilty about everything.

I remember when I was in my 20's my parents were having trouble with their adult children [me included.]  They went to their pastor who told them, "just keep praying, reading the bible, going to church and giving 10% and everything will work out."  My Dad told me that this was their pastor's pat answer and that the man didn't really know how to offer empathy or guidance.

What crazy religious ideas do you worry about?
I hope none.
I hope that you have long cleared your brain of the irrelevant, made up ideas...

I hope that all you think about when you think of God is that we want to love him, and his creation.
Love God, love people.

It's really pretty simple.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Confucius

Confucius Says, "he who rows the boat, has no time to rock the boat."

When we Christians are engaged in ministry, when we are  living our lives to reach and care for others, we have little time left to worry about or complain about our church.

But the moment we get our eyes on ourselves... am I being fed?  am I feeling important?  Is this place doing what I want?  Once we get our eyes on ourselves, we have stopped rowing the boat and have more time to think about rocking it.

Am I rowing or rocking?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

outward focus

There was once a woman who was religious and devout and filled with love for God. Each morning she would go to church. And on her way children would call out to her, beggars would accost her, but so immersed was she in her devotions that she did not even see them. Now one day she walked down the street in her customary manner and arrived at the church just in time for the service. She pushed the door, but it would not open. She pushed it again harder and found that the door was locked. Distressed at the thought that she would miss service for the first time in years and not knowing what to do, she looked up. And there, right before her face, she found a note pinned to the door. It said, “I’m out there!”

I hope that I don't have to explain this Anthony deMello story.  The woman went to church for her soul, but along the way, walked by so many of God's needy people.  God reminds us to think not primarily of ourselves, but of all of those in the world around us.

He is out there.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours  

Pastor Appreciation Month

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?
Recently I read a post on Facebook where a pastor complained that no one ever appreciated them during October.  He never got any cards or gifts.
Are you kidding me??????????

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?
What???
Really???
Who says so???

Hallmark says so.

When I was a kid there was no such thing as pastor appreciation month.  There was also no such thing as Cinco de Mayo.  [By the way, when is Cinco de Mayo this year?]
Pastor appreciation month was invented by hallmark so they could sell cards.
Cinco de Mayo as a drinking holiday was invented by some tequilla company for obvious reasons.

Did you know that October is also:   

[you gotta read these...]
National Pet CBD Month *
Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
American Cheese Month
Antidepressant Death Awareness Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month
Christmas Seal Campaign (10/1-12/31)
Church Library Month
Church Safety and Security Month
Co-op Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Employee Ownership Month
Financial Planning Month
German-American Heritage Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Halloween Safety Month
Head Start Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
Home Eye Safety Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
International Walk To School Month
LGBT History Month
Long-Term Care Planning Month
National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Apple Month
National Applejack Month
National Arts & Humanities Month
National Audiology Awareness Month
National Bake and Decorate Month
National Book Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Chiropractic Month
National Cookbook Month
National Cookie Month
National Crime Prevention Month
National Critical Illness Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Dessert Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Depression Education & Awareness Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Dropout Prevention Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Fair Trade Month
National Family Sexuality Education Month
National Go On A Field Trip Month
National I’m Just Me Because Month
National Kitchen & Bath Month
National Learning and Development Month
National Liver Awareness Month
National Medical Librarian Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
National Pasta Month
National Physical Therapy Month
National Pickled Peppers Month
National Pizza Month
National Popcorn Poppin’ Month
National Pork Month
National Pretzel Month
National Principals Month
National Protect Your Hearing Month
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
National Reading Group Month
National Roller Skating Month
National RSV Awareness Month
National Sarcastic Awareness Month
National Sausage Month
National Seafood Month
National Sensory Awareness Month
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
National Stamp Collecting Month
National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month – October
National Toilet Tank Repair Month
National Work and Family Month
National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
National Window Covering Safety Month
Organize Your Medical Information Month
Pear and Pineapple Month
Photographer Appreciation Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Positive Attitude Month
Raptor Month
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Rhizomes and Persimmons Month
Rhubarb Month
Right Brainers Rule! Month
Self-Promotion Month
Spinach Lovers Month
Squirrel Awareness Month (Different Than Squirrel Appreciation Day in January)
Tackling Hunger Month
Talk About Prescriptions Month
Vegetarian Month
Wishbones for Pets Month (10/15 – 11/30)
Workplace Politics Awareness Month
World Menopause Month
Back to the concept of appreciation.  When I was a pastor I always felt appreciated.  Well usually.  If we need a special day or month to appreciate someone, then something is wrong.  Mothers should be appreciated every day, not just on mothers day.  Our country should be appreciated every day, not just on July 4th.  Every human should be appreciated every day.

I am sure that you appreciate your pastor all of the time.  No card in October is needed.  In fact, just for fun, send your pastor a card on some random month.  Oh and don't spend a lot... remember that Dollar Tree has hallmark cards for 50 cents.  That is something we can all appreciate!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Stand with Hong Kong

There is unrest in Hong Kong.  Seems that the Chinese want to limit some of the freedoms there.

Hong Kong was leased to the British for 99 years and went back to Chinese control in 1999.  The stipulation was that Hong Kong would have western style freedoms.  China apparently wants to change that.

So there have been a lot of protests in Hong Kong.

An official with the Houston Rockets tweeted something about supporting, standing with those seeking democracy in Hong Kong. 

The Chinese retaliated.  They have cancelled NBA games in China and are shutting down the NBA there.  The NBA is or was big business in China.

Now Lebron James and the entire NBA are back pedaling.  Business before freedom I guess.  Some of what we Americans do in this world I do not understand.

I personally remember what China did to the protesters in Tienanmen Square.  I think that we should stand for freedom.  Period.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

maybe we throw people away too quickly

I was talking to my sister the other day. Someone had said something that annoyed me. It made me feel like I did not want to hang with that person so much.

She pointed out something very profound...

Someone said something that you don't agree with. So what? You don’t have to be upset with everything that someone says. Don’t let it get under your skin. Maybe they just need to say those words. Maybe somehow it’s important for them to get it off their chest. You don’t have to throw them away. You can listen and move on without buying whatever it is that they are saying.

It's ok. I can still run with that person. I don't have to be upset with what they said. It was just something that they needed to say. There, now you've said it, let's move on.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

faith without works

The Apostle James said, "faith without works is dead."

Brian sent in a quote from the upcoming Harriet Tubman movie... “To be someone who has faith is a wonderful thing. But seeing faith in action is even better”.

What are ways that you can share God's love and kindness today? Be intentional about sharing kindness. You will be glad that you did.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

There is some good news in the world

From my friend Pat...

Sometimes it all strikes you. Yesterday, my wife and I spent the day with at lest 40 other people reconstructing two houses owned by two very elderly ladies in the poorer part of Kansas City. Satisfying to come together to help others who cant physically, or financially, help themselves.

And as I looked around the internet this morning, I see friends doing similar things in Lee’s Summit, I see others building bunk beds for homeless shelters. An 85 year old gentleman I know named Charlie, takes his dog named Charlie to the retirement home to visit “the old folks” and bring some cheer to their day. And a group of adults set up a safe trick or treat center for neighborhood children.

You know I am missing many, many efforts, probably including yours, whatever it was this week.

I say all of this in light of the political wars in Washington, the actual war in Northern Syria, the vaping epidemic and so on. We do better in our own worlds every day. Surely we can do better in the rest of it too.

We will survive because most of us are kind to one another. Remember, you are an example to those who aren’t. Keep up the terrific work, and thank you for being you.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

Rudy

A number of my Kansas City friends frequent the First Watch restaurant on 40 highway. One of the servers that has become dear to many is Rudy. Rudy is a pretty deep thinker.

My friend Brian sent this in... From Rudy at First Watch; “the purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy. Rather, it tries to make us great enough for life. The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and found their way out of the depths.” Can’t really think of anything to add to that.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

rich or generous

Not all rich people are generous.
And by the way, if you read this, you are probably rich.  Oh, yes there are lots of people who have more that you and I, but if you own a car, if you can read, if you own a computer, you are rich.

There is a difference between being rich and being generous.  Not everyone can be rich, but everyone can be generous.

An extra dollar or two on the tip.
Paying for someone's breakfast [am I really going to miss that $6]
Pausing for a few moments to tell someone how much you appreciate them.
Holding the door open.
Driving someone to an appointment.
Sitting with someone who is sad.

There are tons of ways to be generous that don't involve money.  Being generous makes us happy.  May we all be so generous with kindness and money that people think we are rich even if we are not.

ability + kindness = generosity.
A great habit to get into.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

under appreciated

I think that one of the most under appreciated groups of people in our society are those that serve in minimum wage or low wage jobs.

The guy behind the counter at Taco Bell.
The server at the restaurant.
The checker at the grocery store.

My grocery store does not allow tips.  But the checker deserves a smile and a kind word.  I have initiated the practice of saying, "thank you for helping me today."  Sometimes they say, well it's my job.  I say, "still.  Thank you for helping me."

I often give a server five dollars at the start of them waiting on me.  They say, what is this for?  I say, it is the pre-tip tip. 

You would be surprised how much nicer people will be to you if you call them by name, thank them for doing their job, and over tip them when you can.

In fact, people are nicer to us and to everyone else when we are nice to them.  It's not that hard to be nice.  We can all get better at it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

plaque

I bought this little plaque.  It speaks for itself.

We should all go a little easier on ourselves.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours