2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Pageant

By the grace of God, Grandma was on stage again as a past queen this morning during the 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Pageant. This is the ninth year that God has granted her the strength to make her appearance as the 2000 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen, and we rejoice in His great faithfulness.

Of course, Mom also had a significant part in this royal process. It was Mom who rose early to waken the 90 year old sleeping beauty and help her put on her queenly apparel.

I couldn't pass up the once in a lifetime opportunity to get me picture taken with a 90 year old queen, who by God's gracious providence just happens to be my dearly loved grandmother.

Here is Grandma with Miss Katie Sautter, the 2008 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior queen, who we had the distinct honor and joy of sponsoring last year. On the far right, is Eileen Martin, our Room 4-U 4-H Club Senior Queen Candidate for this year's Senior Queen Pageant. Miss Eileen was pure grace and elegance and was announced as the second runner up just moments before this picture was taken.

After the crowds and cameras cleared, Grandma was able to have her picture taken with the newly crowned 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen, Beverly Earnhart.

Given the physical struggles that Grandma faced leading up to this year's fair, we counted it an extra special blessing and a token of answered prayer to see her strength and stamina throughout the morning. God certainly kept the promise that my dear grandfather used to quote so often: "As thy days are, so shall thy strength be."