1-What is your ‘go to’ bible verse to get you through the day?
I have the following verse framed, at the entrance of our home. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3
2-Briefly tell us about a recent fun activity you and or your family participated in.
Our family learned that my husband Ben’s two loves were the Gators and Christmas. We celebrate Christmas on December 26, the same day the good Lord called him home, in a former year. One year we decided to all meet at the Grace Courtyard. It was cold yet we were warm in our hearts for each other, and celebrated the day as we felt God’s presence and opened gifts, with Christmas cheer.
3-Do you have a favorite recipe or take-out meal recommendation you would like to share?
Funny that you ask this question, as I am about to embark on a baking frenzy making my infamous vanilla wafter cakes. Not only do they taste wonderful, they also keep and freeze well. If you are interested in the recipe, I cannot share it. I do hope you find out whats inside a vanilla wafer cake,by purchasing one at the 75th Anuual Grace ECW Bazaar. Save the DATE: Saturday November 13, 9am-2pm.
4-Your family and you have been a valued Grace member for a long time. Please share how long ago it wasy, what brought you here and tell us about a fond memory. I married Ben Ayres in 1980, at Grace Church. I was raised Methodist. Ben was an Ocala native and a cradle Episcopalian. Ben told me there were 3 conditions to marry him. We must have REAL butter, a REAL Christmas tree, and attend a REAL church, which was Grace Episcopal Church. I have so many fond memories, having taught preschool at Grace, and married at Grace by Al Durrance (in his red socks of course), and I absolutely love the traditional Christmas Eve candle light service held each year.
5- What is it that Grace Church has, (like a secret sauce) that keeps you engaged, week after week? Grace has become part of my life. It’s where the kids grew up and it‘s my home. I am also blessed to have Ann Anderson as my mentor and my friend. I have learned my love to arrange flowers through Miss Ann.
6-All Saints Day, is often a day where we celebrate holy baptism. Whether you’ve attended, are a God parent, or recall your own baptism, share with us how baptism, a journey of learning about God’s love and growing in faith, has played a role in your life.
Although I was baptized as an infant, our Benjamin was consecrated, then baptized later at Grace Church. Later, Benjamin’s stepchildren became part of our family, and together I witnessed how we became one through baptism.
