NEARBY INSPIRATION
My inspiration most often is a painting that hangs on my wall. It is a picture of Jesus with a flock of contented sheep at his feet and carrying a sheep over his shoulder. I look at that one sheep as myself.

Beside Jesus is a tree, which reminds me of a solid life, tall and ongoing. On the other side is a rock, showing Jesus as our solid foundation.

Art in any form is an inspiration. Go out and enjoy.

Joan Jones
Formerly Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative

 

GOOD OL’ FOURTH
My favorite summer celebration in North Dakota is the Fourth of July. We attend a small community event, which has been a fun-filled day for many years.

The day starts promptly at 9 a.m., with someone singing the national anthem. Then the parade starts, with horse riders carrying the national flag and the Christian flag. The parade consists of floats created by local businesses and families. This is followed by races at the baseball field. Any age can participate and all the littles win a quarter for participating.

ENJOY NATURE
I usually open the shades, let the sunshine in, take some deep breaths, go for a walk and inhale the fresh air. Nature is so good for a person.

I do a lot of praying. I like to bake and/or make extra food and take it to a homebound person, a neighbor or an older person.

And as you look around, soon you will notice all the blessings God has given us. Every day is a gift.

Ileene Albin
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative

 

GRATITUDE TO GRANDPARENTS
This year, I am thankful for my grandma and grandpa. Over the summer, they helped bring us to different activities and sports practices. They fed us every day, whether that was at their house or at a restaurant.

When there was a day without anything planned, we would do something fun, such as going to the movie theater or to the amusement park.