by Diane Roads
It looked like all of the Looney family had come to church and the picnic. There were three extra tables of food. From what Jasper could see it looked like the Looney's were good cooks.
Everyone had brought a covered dish. Sally had made her famous corn chowder and German potato salad. Jasper, being the connoisseur in the kitchen brought some Coke and Pepsi. It wasn’t that he couldn't cook, he had mastered cooking eggs. And on a good day he could fry bacon. Sally had taught him how to make her famous spaghetti sauce, not exactly picnic food.
Sally rejoined Jasper now seated at a picnic table. "Oh Jasper, isn't this wonderful?! Look at all the people that are here. The church sent people out in the neighborhood yesterday to invite people to the picnic. Millie was telling me they met a lady who is new to Quagmire."
"Her name is Clara Regan and her husband’s name is Scott. He is an over-the-road driver. He left on Monday, and has been gone all week. She introduced me and I asked if her husband was coming. She said he wasn't home yet, but she left him a note as to where she is, and thinks he might come by. They came from New York City and like the quiet life of Quagmire. They were looking for a church to join. Isn't that wonderful? Maybe they will start coming to church here."
"That would be wonderful. You will have to introduce me to her later."
Jasper was distracted when he saw Vernon walk by wearing a green shirt and carrying a cat. Jasper then said, "What in the world?!"
"Oh yes, Jasper I forgot to tell you, I now own a cat. Well, what was I to do? The cat came back. Vernon looked so sad. He had his shirt in one hand, and the cat in the other. I told him that the place needed a cat and I would take the cat to keep the mice down. Oh, and I am paying him five buck a week to take care of him. It was time to give him a raise anyway. He will get the rest of his raise next month, but he and that cat have not parted company since it came back," Sally explained.
"Sally, you old softy," Jasper said and then kissed her on the cheek.
Next they heard..."Can I have your attention please? Would everyone please sit down? I am happy to say, for our special music, we have with us a special group called, ‘By the Grace of God.’ I want you to give them a warm welcome."
Everyone sat on the edge of their seats as they heard the opening phrase "When I sing, I sing to you, my God." They heard one praise song after another. The band belted out “You've got to have faith, to get you through the day," then "I can tell you what is in my heart, but you got to feel it for yourself to believe in it." They finished with one of Jasper’s favorites, "Creed," a song written Rich Mullins.