Praising in Michigan

Jackson, Michigan

Meet Jackson the Frog
On Saturday morning we woke to a little visitor on our bottom step. After carefully washing him off, we discovered a cute little sticky frog. Only time will tell if he hangs around and where he might show up at next.

Visiting with the Ridler’s

Over the last week, we met up with our dear friends; Chris, Becky, and Noah in Eaton Rapids which is where Becky grew up!  Monday, we drove over to watch Noah play in his last soccer game of the season to find him in bed with a fever.  I know he hated missing the game and team pictures to boot. But PTL his fever only lasted a couple of days and he was back to his happy little self. 

On Friday, we met up again and took a ten-minute walk from their house to a local restaurant on the main street to have dinner.  Darb’s Patio is a must if you visit Eaton Rapids. The staff is very friendly and our dinners were awesome. I highly recommend the salmon. Afterward, we grabbed a scoop of ice cream at Turtle Tom's Ice Cream Shoppe next door. Very popular on Friday nights!

After a big meal and ice cream, we walked around town and explored the Island Park. I think every town needs a park like this one. It has a beautiful bridge, a waterfall flowing over the dam, and luxurious grass.  The idyllic setting makes you want to to put down a blanket and take a nap on it - well, maybe that was the full tummy talking.

Lansing, Michigan

On Saturday we traveled to Lansing, which is Michigan state's capital to visit the Apple Store. I know, priorities, right?  While there, we ate at Claddagh Irish Pub and just for the record, Dennis claims he has now had the best Rueben sandwich ever!  However, it isn’t exactly a Rueben since they add coleslaw to it and call it The Patty Mac. But regardless, he said it was to die for, which I believe is exactly what would have happened to someone if they had tried to take it from the man. I swear the sandwich was gone in 3 seconds!

After grabbing a quick bite, we drove around the downtown area and checked out the capital building.  Before we leave Michigan I would like to go back and take a tour for it is a very impressive building or at least from the outside. Come to find out, Elijah E. Myers of Springfield, Illinois, was the architect that designed the building.  He used the same central dome and wing design that he used in the United States Capitol design.  For the most part, downtown was very quiet and very small compared to Atlanta.

Oh, Come!  Let Us Worship!

On Sunday, we visited the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids where Chris is now on staff as the pastor of discipleship and worship.  While it is a small church, it is seeing a ton of new growth with lots to offer for every age.  The pastor is young, energetic and obviously has a heart that is full of God's love. After service, we found that they have a small time of fellowship with cookies and juice with tons of kids running around playing.  Absolutely loved seeing the kids laughing and playing at church. Those are what make up the great memories of childhood.  And let me go on record saying that having cookies after each service is something I can get behind!  Cookies and small talk, what's not to love!

It was so good to worship once again with the Ridler's. Chris did an amazing job (as always) with leading the worship. Oh, how we have missed his voice. After service and cookies, we headed out to a local Chinese restaurant for lunch with their neighbors.

On Thursday, we take off for a few days to visit the lighthouses along western Michigan’s coast and then head up north to visit Mackinac Island and the upper peninsula. Prayers for good weather!