Have A Cup With Me

He Gives and Gives and Gives

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Do you like to hear the story behind a song? I do. Especially if it’s a song that has words I feel I could have written.

This song is one I remember hearing for the first time during college – sung by Danniebelle Hall. If you remember her? Well, you are old. She was Andre Crouch’s sister and had one of those voices that makes you want to sing along in your loudest gospel voice, even though you are white and don’t have a gospel voice. (I tried but couldn’t find her singing it on Y*uTube but I did find her singing ‘Through It All’ in case you’re curious!)

This song was written by a young woman whose parents died before she turned six and who was later adopted by a childless couple. Annie dreamed of becoming a concert pianist but as a teenager, she began to suffer from crippling arthritis, the disease that eventually left her unable to even open her hands. She wrote these words – and later put them to music – out of her own discovery of God’s unlimited ability to give her everything she needed.

I can imagine all kinds of situations these words apply to – physical pain and suffering, loneliness, broken marriages, financial stress, relational hurts, repeated defeat and discouragement. Though it's full of old English ‘giveths’ and sendeths’, these words are SO full of life and hope! And they're straight out of God’s word.

HE GIVETH MORE GRACE
by Annie J Flint

He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as the labors increase,
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth, and giveth again.

I rewrote the words (with no disrespect to the author or her beautiful phrasing) into a prayer and it’s one I love to say out loud, especially when I’m at the end of my own wisdom, strength and ability…

Lord, You give me more grace as my burdens grow greater.
You send me more strength as my needs increase.
To my added afflictions You add Your mercy.
To my multiplied trials You add multiplied peace.

No fear that my need will exceed Your provision
Your resources are endless and You love to share!
I’ll lean all my weight on Your strength given to me
Both myself and my burdens I know You will bear.

When I have exhausted my store of endurance
When my strength has failed before the day is half done
When I reach the end of all my resources
I know Your full giving has only begun.

Your love has no limit. Your grace has no measure.
Your power has no boundary known to men.
For out of Your infinite riches in Jesus
You give and You give and You give again!
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Waiting for snow?

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

As we’re waiting for the first snow of the season, I’m already thinking about spring color…

and wondering if I plant these in pots on the deck if they’ll survive the freeze that’s coming. Primroses are hearty, I know.

I’m not hurrying spring, though, because I love so many things about winter.

Fires in the fireplace (which we actually can’t have because the chimney doesn’t ‘draw’ properly)
Snow days (which may not materialize at all but I can hope!)
Cinnamon toast
Scarves
Meeting friends for coffee
Not much yard work
Evenings to read, since it’s dark outside

I’m planning some time with old friends. I revamped my spice cupboard, thanks to Jeff’s Christmas gift of a rotating spice rack. I'm praying for a group of women - young and old - who want to meet and get into the word and grow together. I’m working on organizing family photos. I bought paint for the guest room. I am going to clean out all of my messy drawers.

Winter is good for all these things.

But it’s so hard to pass up the colors of spring!

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Book List

2012-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

I love a good book. Reading is one of my favorite (though not awe-inspiring) past times. A good book recommendation is a big delight to me.

So I thought I'd share some of the books I read in 2011 - not all incredible but all worth reading. Just in case you're like me and appreciate some reading suggestions!

The Double Comfort Safari Club

by Alexander McCall Smith

I loved all of Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency books. I think you will too! Start with the first one, though.

Unbroken
by Laura Hillenbrand

The true story of Louis Zamperini, set in WWII years, is one I couldn't put down. I love books like this that are full of history but woven through a great story.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot

For me, this one wasn't a page turner but still a fascinating look at the family of a poor, black woman dying of cancer whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, grown in culture and are still alive today for use in medical research.

Heaven is for Real

by Todd Burpo

Written by a dad about his son's testimony of his time in heaven after emergency surgery. This book has been on the top ten list for months. I know there are tons of books and movies out there about this kind of thing and I am the biggest skeptic of them all so I'm not weighing in on this one but do I believe heaven is real? Yes I do.

My {not so} Storybook Life

by Elizabeth Owen

Subtitled "A Tale of Friendship and Faith", this was a cute and touching story of the author's journey as a friend is battling cancer. I felt she over-used humor just a bit but I appreciate her honesty and I do enjoy her blog Mabel's House

Someone Knows My Name

by Lawrence Hill

A story of a woman kidnapped as a child from Africa and serving as a slave in South Carolina. Wrenching.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

by Jamie Ford

A novel set in Seattle, shifting back and forth between WWII in the '40's and present day, this is a love story between a Chinese American boy and a Japanese American girl facing discrimination together until her family is rounded up and sent to an internment camp.

Okay, that's all for now. But I may just do this more often because of how much I love to find things like this. Do you have any good books you can recommend??

I can see clearly now

2012-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

I’ve mentioned my need for reading glasses more than once on the blog so it probably isn’t surprising that I finally came to the inevitable conclusion that I need glasses – real glasses, not the magnifiers I’ve been wearing for several years. Our house is littered with readers, in every spot I might need to dial a phone, read a label or figure out what I’m holding in my hand.

Those readers have gradually gotten stronger and stronger until I started feeling pretty handicapped. I was having to switch pairs depending on what I was reading (ie. computer vs. recipes vs. my bible). If only I could have found something like this at the drugstore:

But I couldn’t. I was to the point of some pretty scary-looking eyes when I put on my 2.5’s!

I did have my eyes checked just a few short years ago and was told my vision was pretty good and to keep using the readers. But I knew that my distance vision was now waning and that I’d probably need bifocals.

And I was right. I heard lots of multi-syllabic terms like ‘astigmatism’ and ‘hyperopia’ and ‘presbyopia’ which meant I had to feel my way out to the racks of frames and order glasses.

How to choose a frame? Remember, I don’t really know what’s in style. So I found some that I thought disappeared on my face as much as possible and ordered them.

I’ve been wearing them for two weeks, adjusting to the progressive lenses. I still have to wear a different pair for working on the computer so I haven’t totally buried my old readers (for which I’m thankful because I have a small fortune invested in those things). I think I need to go back to the eye doctor to have her check my distance prescription though. It’s not quite right.

Last night I had my glasses on and told Jeff, 'You know, I think my vision is actually worse with these. I can’t see across the room clearly at all. We spent a lot of money for these glasses and they aren’t right. This is terrible!’

I whipped them off my face, ready to drive straight to the eye doctor, when I realized I had put on one of my old pair of readers.

Yeah, time to put them all away and get used to keeping one pair on my face. So if you run into me at the store, please approach from the front and identify yourself. It will be good to SEE you!

Enjoy the music:
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash @ ARTISTdirect.com

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A New Thing!

2012-01-01T17:01:00.001-08:00

What are you dwelling on that is in the past?

What does your desert look like that could really use some running water?

This is God's new year resolution. He promises that He will do something NEW in us.

He keeps His promises. Oh how grateful I am!

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You can tell it's the week between Christmas and New Years

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

...when you are posting videos about the Christmas story from New Zealand.

...when you are re-posting a video you've already posted a few years ago.

...when this makes you laugh every time you watch it.

Happy New Year!

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Wordless Wednesday after Christmas

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

My floor is merry and bright!

2011-12-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

An annual tradition at our house is having my brother’s girls over to bake cookies right before Christmas. This year we made these snowmen (which aren’t baked at all – they’re N*tterButter cookies and I found the recipe at BrownEyedBaker, though hers don’t have the messy character these guys do!).

We also made some chocolate cut-outs and decorated them with LOTS of sprinkles. LOTS. There were sprinkles on every surface of my kitchen.

This was very serious work.

Madison is decorating ‘gingerbread Jesus.’

Well, I guess it wasn’t all serious.

We had LOTS of fun!

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Interrupted

2011-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

I couldn’t sleep last night and I’m not sure why. But I finally got up at about 3:30, turned on the coffee pot and curled up on the couch by the Christmas tree. I do love early morning (although this was a leettle early – even for me).

I’m in Ephesians right now, trying to go through it slowly, letting God help me understand and apply so many weighty things. Did you ever notice how God’s word absolutely requires you to spend time in order to even begin to understand it? I like that. No skimming with this Book.

Today I read:

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” Eph 3:7

I serve the gospel. It doesn’t serve me. It’s a wonderful master, actually. The living message of hope and peace and life through Christ. But I am not the one directing my life, my decisions, my days.

bond servant:

a slave
metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will, whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men
devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests

Source

Mary, Jesus’ mother, probably had some plans for her life, even though she was a young teenager – long engagement to the man she loved followed by a happy wedding with joyful family and then children after they were all settled. I wonder if she wanted a daughter first? I can only guess what some of her plans might have been. And then… a visit from an ANGEL.

I keep thinking about what my pastor said on Sunday morning when he shared about Mary and her response to the news that her life would not be taking the course she had anticipated.

She trusted – even though she certainly didn’t know all the answers to her questions. I cannot imagine the things swirling in her mind and heart.

She surrendered and told God “I am your bond servant.”

She took her hands off the control and ownership of her life and gave it willing to God. The angel showed up and interrupted her plans. God gave her a completely new and radical script for her life and she said “I trust You and I’m not going to withhold anything from You. I’m Yours to use in the ways You decide are best.”

Amazing. She let her life serve the gospel – literally. But I know that’s exactly the attitude God expects me to have. In light of some decisions I need to make, this helps me so much. I can look at them not so much about how they affect me but how they might line up with God's plans.

God, I am Yours. Use me however You decide is best. By Your power and strength working in me, not mine. By Your grace, not mine. If You show me what to do and where to go, You are in charge of making it happen and giving me what I need to do it.

And then she worships!

Do I worship in response to something God is asking of me?
Do I worship when my day doesn’t follow what I had planned?
Do I trust Him enough?

Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 1:46

All Is Calm

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to when all the shopping is done, all the baking is happily sealed up in pretty tins, all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.

I am looking forward to some time in the living room with only the Christmas tree lights on, Christmas music and a big mug of decaf. Doing nothing but sitting and quieting my racing heart to worship.

I am looking forward to welcoming my kids home, all the chairs full around the table, playing games, noise and laughter.

But THIS day is the one that counts. Right in the midst of lots to do, lists and appointments, a messy desk and unfinished work.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Luke 2:19

I imagine Mary had a few things swirling through her mind as she sat looking at her tiny Son. I wonder what things she treasured up and pondered. God had done a miracle in her physical body and He was also working in her spirit… she couldn’t help but burst into praise!

That’s how I want to be – like Mary.

Oh, how I praise You, Lord.
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For You chose me, a nobody in the world’s eyes,
and because of You, many can see the hand of God in me.
For You set Yourself apart from every man-made answer, every religious dogma, every prideful theory.

You have done GREAT things for me and in me.
You extend Your mercy down through the generations
to anyone who humbles themselves before You.
Your mighty arm has done AMAZING things!
(paraphrase Luke 1:46-51)

Christmas Past

2011-12-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

What Christmas music did you listen to when you were growing up?

For me, it was Julie Andrews. Yes, that Julie Andrews. The Sound of Music Julie Andrews. Mary Poppins Julie Andrews.

My parents belonged to a record club and we got the whole "Firestone Presents" series.

Remember record clubs? Remember Green Stamps? Remember the Alamo?

I put a stack of those albums (because in those days you could stack your albums) on the stereo console and danced around the living room to the lights of the Christmas tree. (BTW, those were the days when you screwed your Christmas light bulb sockets onto an extension cord. This was such a dangerous practice that I couldn't even find a picture of one to show you on Google images.) We also had Mitch Miller, Vic Damone and Andy Williams Christmas albums.

So... because I was listening to Julie Andrews Christmas songs on my iPod today, it got me to thinking about Christmas past. And I thought of these:

I love how she describes the "wholesome blending of whole food flavors." Wonder why they dropped that as a jingle for Coke?

And who can forget the Norelco ads with Santa riding down the slopes on a shaver?

I always wanted these but never got them...

This cheery ad features ET and a really cool new gaming system...

Speaking of technology...

I'd better stop before I get carried away into Christmas past.

Okay, one more. Everybody sing!

See what happens when you play Julie Andrews Christmas songs?

Merry Christmas!!

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December links

2011-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things I've loved on the internet at the start of this Christmas season...

3D Snowflakes

@PaperZoneBlog

Christmas Table Settings

@MarthaStewart.com

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheeseball

@eighteen25

Brownie Bite Surprises
@Scissors&Spatulas

Debt Free
@ThriftyDecorChick
I guess this is a pretty appropriate post for this season of shopping. I love this family's story of attacking their debt with ferocity and the peace that results. We love Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University - we've had the privilege of attending and of teaching several small groups. It's made a HUGE difference in how we live. Check it out if you haven't heard about it!

And last (but most certainly least) I have no idea why I thought this was so funny but I did:

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Half Empty

2011-11-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Do you ever find yourself focusing on the wrong things? Dwelling on problems? Stressing about 'what if's'?

I really hate to admit it but I have always been one of the 'glass half empty' people in this world.  I typically see what's wrong much more quickly than what's great.  I have known this about myself for quite awhile but it's not a happy thing to fess up to.

If I take those personality profile tests, I come out as a melancholic. A type "C". Smalley and Trent label me a Beaver.  The definition of a melancholic is "one disposed to or affected with melancholy; gloomy." Gloomy? Now I don't think I'm gloomy but I guess you'd have to ask the ones who know me best. No wait - don't ask.

There are always strengths as well as weaknesses of any personality type. For the melancholy person, strengths are listed as:  Analytical, self-disciplined, industrious, organized, aesthetic, sacrificing. Not bad!

The weaknesses, however, sound incredibly horrible: Moody, self-centered, touchy, negative, unsociable, critical, revengeful.

Whatever. Leave me alone.

The thing is, I have never given a lot of credence to personality labels. Sure, it's fun to take those tests - especially with friends and relatives who you can laugh with about the results.

But I'm afraid if I bought into that whole label thing, I'd use it as an excuse. You know - that's just the way I am. I can't help it if I'm vengeful and hateful.

Nope, that doesn't fly. Instead, I really believe that God is making me into someone I could never be apart from His Spirit at work in me. Kinder. More compassionate. Generally BETTER! I can't tell you how that fills me with hope!

Because the alternative is pretty depressing. I'm left with my 'natural' tendency to be critical, self-righteous and works-oriented.

I love how Eugene Peterson rewords Galatians 2:19-21 in The Message.

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Trying hard to be different than I am doesn't work. Instead, I can rely on Christ to make me new. His personality type is only about strengths - no weaknesses at all. I love that.

Recently I was encouraging someone (who knows me pretty well) to believe that God was going to do something wonderful in a difficult situation. They told me how much it meant to them, especially because... well because such an encouraging word was coming from ME! So you see, there is some progress being made in this old Beaver. I am being changed.

Lord, live Your life in and through me. I don't want to be half-empty. Fill me up with You.

“I do this every weekend.”

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

In May of this year, my husband had the opportunity to help lead a team of folks from the University of Kentucky on a mission trip to Ethiopia. He and Mark Wolbert spent a week with the head football coach and his wife, the athletic director and his wife, the assistant athletic director and two members of the Wildcats football team. They visited the poorest of the poor living at the garbage dump in the capital city of Addis Ababa, where they delivered food and coal, shirts, soccer balls and footballs. They painted the walls of a latrine that had just been built at a local church. They visited a village where they delivered shoes to children whose footwear was in desperate need of replacing.

Pretty amazing to see these guys – successful in college athletics and used to a lot of perks – serving and loving on those who have virtually nothing.

The athletic director plans to send athletes to Ethiopia in 2012 on a similar trip. What a great way to give these young kids a taste of life for so many millions of people in this third world country and a view of the world so different than what they know. It’s an awesome commitment on the part of the school to teach life lessons beyond the football field or basketball court.

Fast forward to a weel and a half ago. Mark and Jeff were given tickets to fly out to the UK/Univ. of Georgia game being played in Athens, GA. The guys flew from Seattle to Kentucky and spent the night in Lexington. Friday morning was a team walk-through for the game the next day. Mark and Jeff were introduced to the football team and presented with UK shirts and jackets and a plaque, thanking them for hosting the group in Ethiopia. They got a tour of the UK campus and athletic facility.

They wore sport coats and dress shirts (appropriate travel attire) and drove through the Kentucky countryside to the airport. Kentucky looks a little different than the Pacific Northwest.

They boarded a charter jet and flew to Atlanta. There was LOTS of food. Football player amounts. More on that later.

They were met by a fleet of buses…

which took them the next morning from their hotel to Sanford Stadium at the Univ. of Georgia. They had a police escort – lights flashing. So bizarre.

My text to Jeff: Wow, VIP status.
Jeff to me: I will try to stay humble.

The guys had been given game-day gear to wear as well as sideline photographer and all-access passes.

They headed to the underground parking at the stadium.

Sure, come on into the locker room!

Here’s the semi that carried Kentucky’s equipment…

Here is Georgia’s mascot. Does he look like he’s got his game face on?

Danny T, a linebacker, was one of the guys who went to Ethiopia with Mark and Jeff. He has hopes of a promising career in the NFL.

Stuart H, offensive guard, also went to Ethiopia last May. He is a big guy. Like 6’4” 295 lbs big.

This stadium holds 92,000 and this was an especially big game for the Georgia Bulldogs – a win would mean they’d secure the SEC Eastern Division title. There were a LOT of people in those stands. Predominantly red and white.

I can’t really imagine what it felt like to be standing on the sidelines with the players and coaches in a game this big.

Surreal is what Jeff said.

Kentucky Head Coach Joker Phillips…

Mark with Assistant Athletic Director Jason Schlafer…

Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart…

Jeff Burns – yeah, just one of the guys.

The Bulldogs won but Kentucky played a great game – one of their best of the season.

Then, after the game was over, they headed back to the locker room with the team where the team chaplain lead in a prayer...

They got a little box of something to eat for the bus ride to the airport…

because they hadn’t had quite enough sustenance what with the buffet in the press box – you know, turkey croissant sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, every kind of chip known to man, Cracker J.acks, granola bars…

They loaded onto the buses and headed to the airport – where each of the four buses was met with a charter jet bound for Kentucky again. That’s four charter jets.

Of course they were offered burgers and sandwiches for the one hour flight back to Lexington. Jeff said he couldn’t do it - he couldn't fit one more thing in his stomach. Until the flight attendant came down the isle with D.ove bars. The guys may not have played any football but they did their best to eat like they did.

I am SO happy that Jeff and Mark got to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to the great folks at the University of Kentucky for providing it. Go Wildcats!

The Tree 2011

2011-11-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

It was a glorious day for a tree hunt. The day after Thanksgiving is our traditional day to get a Christmas tree, especially now that our girls are home on that weekend. We were missing Lisa and Ray this year terribly but four of us headed out into the crisp, clear afternoon in search of our tree.

The kids are gone now. The house is empty and quiet. And I have to put all of THIS away!

But the lights are up on the house and the tree! Christmastime is here!

I hope you’re off to a wonderful Christmas season!

Thankful

2011-11-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;

And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;

The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;

The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

~Martin Rinkhart~

Such A Sunday!

2011-11-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Step outside my front door and this is what greets you:

Be glad -
rejoice forever in My creation!
Isaiah 65:18

And just think - these leaves are dying!

Today, I did my Thanksgiving grocery shopping on my way home from church. As I went into the store, I sensed God telling me to fill a few bags with groceries for our church Thanksgiving food drive (which I hadn't quite gotten around to doing yet). When I came out of the store, the 'guts' to my car key were gone. The key was split in two and the buttons to unlock the car were gone. At first I imagined someone in the store reaching in my purse, getting my keys out of the pocket I keep them in, breaking open the key and stealing the insides, then carefully placing the keys back into the pocket of the purse. Not likely.

I searched in the store, up and down the parking aisle, under cars - nothing. So, I loaded the car with my groceries and figured I'd have to replace the key guts at some exorbitant price.

Then the car wouldn't start. The engine turned over but wouldn't actually start. It finally occurred to me that there must be some sort of security thing that won't allow the car to start without the chip thingy. God? Really? I was just going to deliver the groceries back to the church! (Like my incredible benevolence should make me immune from bothersome car issues!)

So I got to ride home in a tow truck, with all of my groceries - including the ones meant for the church Thanksgiving baskets - following behind in the dead car. Today was the last day to bring in food to the church and Jeff is gone so no transportation.

There isn't any great ending here. I didn't find the key parts. I didn't get to deliver the groceries to the church. But as I stood outside watching the guy un-attach my car from the tow truck, I looked up and down the street in front of my house and then ran inside to grab my camera. I don't know if I would have noticed those five-pointed leaves otherwise. I scooped up a basket full - not sure what I'll do with them or if they'll even retain their color but I hope they do!

There must be some other place I should deliver those groceries...

I've got some fun stuff to share later this week. Stay tuned!

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Wordy Wednesday

2011-11-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hello dear blog readers of mine. Your patience with my lack of posting is amazing.

I've been away for the last four days - helping to facilitate an International Adoption Training. This is a weekend designed for couples who want to adopt an orphaned child. Did you know that there's a LOT of preparation if you want to do something as radical as that? The learning curve is straight up. I talk to so many families each week, either before they bring their kids home or post-adoption, and I often wonder if you can ever be prepared enough for this lifelong commitment to a child's attachment and healing.

I just reread the paragraph above and I have to shake my head in amazement - never in a million years would I have guessed that God would give me this assignment. I am a pastor's wife. I get claustrophobic in airplanes. I've never adopted or even thought about adopting. Only God could have orchestrated this and only God is able to equip me to do this job. It is a huge privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously.

What else have I been doing? Hmmm...

I've been visiting my dad a bit more often as he's now letting me do his laundry for him. He is 90 years old and it hurts his back to bend over the washer and dryer. But until now, he refused to let me help.

He's actually letting me do much more for him simply because he's realizing he can't. This is a big deal for my stubbornly independent father. BIG deal. I guess this happens with age. It's a bit surreal to help my dad with things like his checkbook and sock drawer. You'd have to know him to appreciate how weird it is for me. I am praying he will accept the reality of growing old and also our help. In light of all this, I do keep thinking about Jeff and I - will we grow old with grace or insist on doing more than we should? I'm realizing there is a fine line there and it's important to respect that when I'm trying to help my father.

I've been cleaning out cupboards and boxes - giving things to the Salvation Army. (Because as you know, I owe them bigtime.)

I've begun my Christmas shopping lists and I started some narcissus in a tall glass vase in hopes they'll be blooming right before Christmas. The fragrance is amazing when they flower. Planting them in a tall vase helps to hold them upright - the multiple blossoms make these stems top heavy! It's not too late to start some yourself! Most stores sell them now in 'kits' which include the planting medium.

source

What else? My mom had a flowering cactus for years and years which I've kept. I've dribbled a little water on it every now and then and by golly if it doesn't produce flowers every winter! But they are pastel pink. I so wish they were red. And I so wish I weren't so anal about color coordinating.

I like this:

You can get it here.

I'm planning a sleepover for my two nieces so I've got to get a craft planned, figure out what to bake with them and stock up on Veggie Tales dvds. I'll be wearing my Minnie Mouse apron that they bought me at Disneyland last year.

We're going to have FUN!

Leave a comment to say 'hey!' I'd love to know you're here!

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Surfing For You

2011-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

I’m going to share some stuff found on the www today – because I know you count on me to do your web surfing for you.

How To Answer Your Child’s Faith Questions
@Focus On The Family
Your children will face those who say that Jesus never really lived or that He wasn't really God. You can help prepare them for this by making sure their faith in Him is solidly grounded.

How Times Have Changed. Or Have They?
@Add A Pinch
From those {ahem} many years ago of the days we waited anxiously for that one special cartoon to come on our wooden-encased television with silver rabbit ears to the days of instant gratification of pulling the DVD off the shelf any time of the year to watch as much and as often as we choose.

How To Talk To Your Husband About P*rn
@We Are THAT Family
Not a week goes by since writing our He Said She Said Series that I don’t receive an email from a broken wife telling me about her broken husband and their broken marriage. She shares details of how she caught him looking at images on the computer, of how she doesn’t know what to do, how to help him, where to go from here…

Maybe the best way to get over yourself…
@The Gypsy Mama
I like sleep. I like spending hours reading books, alone, in perfect quiet, in a pool of sunlight on a late fall afternoon. I like a clean and tidy house. I like to eat food while it is still hot. I like clean clothes. I like to brush and style my hair in more than 2 minute increments… I didn’t realize these things about myself until I had kids.

God DOES give us more than we can handle
@Finding The Beauty
We cannot take this verse (1 Cor 10:13) out of context and make it imply what we want. And you don't want to do that, you know why? Because if God didn't give us circumstances that were more than we could handle
we wouldn't need Jesus.

Say So

2011-11-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.

Psalm 107:1-2 NLT

This challenges me today.

Lord, I want to give You the glory but it comes very naturally to take credit for myself. To look for a compliment. To promote me.

I want to reveal You as the source of whatever is good in my life.

I want to attribute my good things to You - declare what You've done in and for me.
To magnify You.

Okay, I've got my orders...

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

Saturday musings

2011-11-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here’s my bullet list on a cozy, rainy and dark day in early November…

Does anyone but me have issues with iT*nes? It drives me to distraction how they don’t organize songs/albums and how difficult it is to try to do it yourself. Can you tell I am not a M*c?

I’ve read that people download programs to do it (M*dia M*nkey is one) but why should you have to use another program?? I know this must be a result of my ignorance so if anyone has any suggestions for me, I’m teachable.   Solving this issue has been on my ‘to do’ list for months so today I will tackle it again.

I know. I have lofty goals.

Natural CALM is not effective in preventing h*t fl*shes. So what is??

Pinterest… I am one week in and I have some thoughts. I must find out about all the other uses because I don’t need to feed the “I wants” any more than I already do, thankyouverymuch. I know for me it’s a really cool recipe collector – I love having neat pics with my recipes. I like the inspiration I find for decorating. What do you use it for - besides drooling over stuff?

As I’ve said a few times before, our neighborhood is the best for taking Fall walks. Jeff took the picture above earlier this week. That bright blue p*rta-p*tty has been sitting on the curb for a long time and it sorta wrecks the view, doesn’t it?

I think God’s ideas for making things are awesome!

I’ve recently discovered (thanks to CentsationalGirl) that using Windows Live Writer makes writing blog posts a breeze! Well, at least compared to composing them directly in Blogger. From editing and sizing photos to using the fonts you want, this has cut in half the amount of time I spend. Because I have two blogs (here is the other one I do for Adoption Ministry of YWAM: That We Might Be Adopted), this one tip has saved me tons of time and frustration! I tell you, it’s changed my life.

I really want to get a few of these trees for our yard – Columnar Sugar Maples. They are spectacular in the Fall!

This post by Boo Mama - Soup For You - made me feel better about my amazing lack of creativity when it comes to meal planning. Apparently I am not alone.

Do you wonder why I put an asterisk in the middle of some words in my posts? It’s because I read somewhere that it helps prevent unwanted traffic to your blog when people do searches for certain words.   It’s probably not even true but just in case there are rabid PC-haters who stumble onto my blog when they g**gle “iT*nes”, I am being true to my wary self - I have the gift of caution.

Although now that I think about it, I wouldn’t mind attracting some sisters who can sympathize with my h*t fl*shes.

Don’t forget to Fall back tonight!   If you did, would you be late or early for church tomorrow? I can never seem to keep that straight.

Thanks for stopping by this strange little blog!

.

.

Those annoying people who start with the Christmas carols right after Halloween - yep, that's me!

2011-11-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

I’ve always loved the first day in November. Halloween is over and the Thanksgiving/Christmas season begins! It was cold outside this morning.

Pandora has Michael Buble singing ‘Let It Snow’ into my earbuds.

I had an eggnog latte in a red Christmas cup at St*rbucks this morning.

I got to go shopping, eat out and talk over a few hundred things last weekend with my two BFFs…

But my biggest announcement is that I have officially been accepted to Pinterest. Can you think of anything more exciting? You can?

It feels kinda like getting a pass into that secret Club 33 at D*sneyland, only because they rejected me for so long – although it could turn out to be nothing more than a huge flush of my time right down the internet drain. We’ll see. I’m not recruiting followers – I don’t really know what’s follow-worthy yet. I’ll keep you posted though! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check it out here.

Off to put up a few little white lights!

It’s the weekend!

2011-10-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have two dear friends coming for a girls’ weekend (we call them Jubilees) and we’re going to stay up late talking, go to some fun shopping spots, eat good food and generally have a good time. I can’t wait!

Source

I’m wondering why Pinterest hates me. I’ve requested an invite several times but they ignore my requests. I heard you have to be invited by someone who is a member so I asked my friend Karen to invite me to join. Nothing. I'm the kid slumped against the gym wall whose name isn’t called for the kickball team in PE. I guess I didn’t need another internet time-sucker anyway. Pooh.

Source: me

I’ve been thinking a lot about spiritual battles lately and I’m finding there’s a difference between being attacked (ahhh – why is all of this happening??) and actually engaging in the fight.

All of us have probably felt surrounded, targeted and even defeated. And we’ve all cried to God for help. I’m being challenged to get very serious about faith-filled prayer and speaking God’s word over some situations. Quite a few, actually - this has been a season of unprecedented spiritual challenge in many different areas of my life.

You know what I think? This is just the beginning. I feel encouraged because I know what God has promised. But He wants me to be sober, full of faith and prepared to use the weapons He’s given me: the Truth of His word and believing prayer. I like how The Message paraphrases Eph 6:10-18, 23-24…

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.

Oh the beauty!

2011-10-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. My last post was almost identical to this one. I can’t help it. It almost hurts, it’s so beautiful outside. I think the leaves are at their peak color this week.

In the winter, I'll have to go for a walk and take pictures of rain gushing into the storm drains and muddy lawns and bare trees.

I look like some sort of amateur paparazzi as I walk through my neighborhood with my camera around my neck. I try to appear very professional and aim the camera away from people’s front windows so they don’t think I’m a creeper.

Would you be worried if a strange woman was standing in your front yard very close to your tree?

Even with this embarrassing behavior, I never seem to capture the sensory overload that is Fall in Oregon.

Imagine what a real photographer could do! Someone who knew what things like aperture and ambient light and aspect ratio are! I don’t know what half of the settings are on the camera. And I rarely wear my readers on a walk so I couldn’t see them if I did know what they’re for.

In fact, when I was in Arizona last weekend, every single picture I took came out blurry - tons were completely unrecognizable. So frustrating.

I raked leaves this morning and I should have worn sunglasses. But I needed a jacket – temps were right at freezing!

This crabapple tree…

creates a lot of this…

But I am not complaining. Oh no I’m not.

Dear Fall,
Please don’t go. I need you. I don’t mind cleaning up after you – I promise! You’re worth all the work. You’re kind of a show-off but your colors and smells and tastes make you irresistible. Why do you have to leave? You just got here!
I love you. XOXO
Becky

A Fall walk… and I’m off to the desert?

2011-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Crisp, clear days around here lately mean beautiful walking weather.

The leaves haven’t quite reached their peak colors but it’s getting close!

New color on the front step…

So the question is, why would I be heading to the Arizona desert at the most beautiful time in the Northwest?

Instead of this?

Instead of this?

I know – the desert has its own unique beauty.
It’s a dry heat, right? (97 dry degrees in Phoenix today)
But I get to go to a conference to be with 700 people who love adoption and are passionate about caring for orphans: Together for Adoption. It will be amazing, I know.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Today I’m grateful for…

2011-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Falling leaves

Working at home

Kids who don't live too far away

Perspective from Ethiopia

Old friends

Daily bread

Jeff

Cars in the garage

Hand-written notes

Undeserved grace

Comfortable sweats

My computer monitor

Pumpkin lattes at home in the afternoon

Rain to do the watering for me

Text messages from my favs

Memories of my mom

Neighborhood walks

Foggy mornings

How about you?
Leave a comment with at least one or two
of your ‘grateful fors’

Things I Haven’t Done

2011-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have never...

1. Been in a corn maze.

2. Watched The Godfather.

3. Tweeted.

4. Put money in a S*lvation Army kettle. (embarrassing)

5. Used an ATM machine. Honest!

6. Been to New York.

7. Wanted to be a contestant on Survivor.

8. Given blood.

9. Been to Hawaii.

10. Played on a school sports team.

(but this is what my team would have looked like)

11. Smoked a cigarette.

12. Bought a brand new car.

13. Felt very well in a hospital. (see #8)

14. Read Moby Dick.

15. Owned a smart phone.

16. Eaten Sp*ghettiOs.

17. Understood modern art.

18. Liked museums.

19. Visited the south - Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama - though I've tried to talk like I have.

20. Looked good wearing a hat.

(Today I'm blatantly imitating The Pioneer Woman because I needed some post idea help.)

Far Beyond

2011-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord.

And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

Isaiah 55:8

I am so thankful that You think higher, better, wiser than I do. And that the way You work is far more satisfying and effective than anything I could or would come up with! I will trust in You.

Not Feelin Too Groovy

2011-10-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing how not cool I really am.

Everyone else has known this for a long time.

For example, I have no idea what kind of sunglasses are in style right now. Is it aviators? Or is it the kind that look like the ones elderly people wear after they get their eyes dilated?

See what I mean? I'm hopelessly out of date.

But when you read lots of blogs, you catch yourself being tempted to use words that the other cool bloggers use. Phrases like "whatev", "woot!" and "that's how I roll." These never sound right coming from me.

This stems from to my tendency to pick up on other people's way of speaking. I'm really not trying to be someone I'm not - I think it's a disease.

This is disturbing because (and I know my girls would be quick to remind me) it is not a good thing for a 55 year old woman to try to sound like she's all that. Not that I'm going to start throwing down the slang of my day when I write a post or anything dorky like that. I don't want to freak anybody out.

So I'm trying to keep my own 'voice' when I post. To be true to who I am. I will refrain from saying cool-blogger things like "booyah", "awesomeness" and "Buwahahahaaaaa" even though it's tempting. I know my place.

Can you dig it?

Pumpkin Goodness

2011-10-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

HAPPY OCTOBER!!

I tell you, there is so much good pumpkin stuff out there in blogland right now, it’s almost overwhelming. Here are a few recipes I haven’t tried (yet) but I thought you might like a link to. A really good blogger probably wouldn’t post something she hadn’t tried herself. But I’m not a really good blogger so no worries! Besides, I can just tell these are delicious from the pictures, can’t you? Let me know if you try them!

Pumpkin Pecan Dessert (in a jar)
@Glorious Treats

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares
@Martha Stewart.com

Pumpkin Sheet Cake
@Tales From The Coop Keeper

Pumpkin Pie Spiced and Sugared Nuts
@Joyful Homemaking

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Cake
@Food For My Family

Cheesecake Caramel Pumpkin Cups
@Something Swanky

I’m laughing while I’m typing in these recipe titles. All we need is to somehow combine these to include every possible yummy ingredient into one perfect fall dessert:

Chocolate Cream Cheese Pumpkin M&M Caramel Pecan Brown Sugar Coffee Snicker Bar Delights!

Who wants to try their hand at creating that one??

And here are two more links – non-pumpkin links – that I loved. The first is just so funny and the second so touching. I love these two bloggers – Antique Mommy and Beneath My Heart (that’s what I call them).

If Mother Teresa Had Shopped At Walmart, She’d Just Be Teresa
@Antique Mommy

and

Dear Mom {I Miss You}
@Beneath My Heart

Off to a soccer game! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Not Enough

2011-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am reminded so often of how short I fall. I don’t have what it takes.

Source: Erik Johansson Photography

Ever feel that way?

I am not enough.

I often say things I wish I could take back but it’s my thought life that’s most disappointing – negative, critical, doubting.

And then of course there are all the answers I don’t have.

But this place is a good place to be, I know. It doesn’t feel like it is but it’s the best way to trust God. I need to realize I really can’t live with any real success without knowing a desperate need for God in me.

He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less. John 3:30

Cappuccino Muffins

2011-09-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful fall-ish recipe that combines three of my favorite C's: coffee, chocolate and carbohydrates. These are a delicious dessert-type muffin that smell heavenly and taste really good!

CAPPUCCINO MUFFINS

2 c all-purpose flour
½ c sugar
½ c brown sugar, packed
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 egg
1 c milk
½ c butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, coffee granules, cinnamon and salt. Whisk the egg, milk, butter and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups. (Recipe says this yields 15 but I make it fit into 12.) Bake at 375° for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack. Yum!

In other culinary news, I finally got around to doing something I've been meaning to do for... well, years. See?

I am constantly struggling to read the raised numbers on my measuring spoons. When baking, I hold the spoons up to the light, moving them closer and further from my nose to try to figure out if it says 1/4 or 1/2. It's very frustrating and I"m sure it looks pretty pitiful too. So I used a metallic Sharpie and made the sizes BIG.

If you're nodding in empathy, it's because you're reading this post through bifocals or magnifiers.

If you're laughing smugly, don't. One day this will be you.

BTW, do you have at least two sets of measuring spoons and cups? It also took me years to realize what a time-saver this is so I don't have to wash the 1 cup after measuring wet ingredients to scoop the floor or the 1 tsp after measuring vanilla to dip into the baking powder. Duh.

*Thanks goes to my very kind and long-suffering husband who does things like take pictures of measuring spoons for me. This is exactly why I married him.

Why...

2011-09-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

...do I like candycorn?

Looking at this picture makes my mouth water.

I KNOW - it should be gross but it's NOT!

I'm not the only one.

Everyone doesn't feel the same way:

Honestly? I really wish I didn't like it.

What is your favorite gross candy?
Any of these?

Spoiled Rotten

2011-09-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

*Warning - long post - lots of pictures. It may take hours for the page to load! Get your coffee now!

Hi my faithful friends - thanks for checking back here. You are really nice to even click on "Have A Cup" after so little activity lately.

Can you guess where I've been?

Do you have a guess? I'll give you some better clues...

For our 25th anniversary (which was two years ago), we went on a cruise to Alaska!

I am telling you this with a great deal of hesitation because everyone knows my husband is unemployed and I'm sure is wondering what in the world we think we're doing. Well, we are spoiled - that's all there is to it. We'd saved up for several years for this trip and then when our 25th rolled around, we couldn't justify going. But we finally decided to go now while we can. I am working on getting over my people-pleasing tendancies and now I'm even sharing our pictures with everyone on the internet. Yes, everyone. Can you believe it? Because clearly everyone on the internet reads this blog.

Anyway, we left Seattle on a typically beautiful sunny summer afternoon.

This was our ship:

It had lots of decks to walk around and watch the scenery from. No cell phone. No computer. (Well, you could use a computer but we chose not to.) Or you could do what this man did and go swimming between rain storms:

There was a very cool viewing area/lounge with comfy chairs on the top deck:

We visited several ports of call, including Sitka:

Amazing to watch Alaska Airlines jets land here.

Our cabin was great, with a little veranda which we enjoyed a bunch:

Here I am, enjoying the veranda:

You'll notice I'm not wearing a bikini and flip flops. That's only because our weather wasn't exactly tropical. In fact, the forecast called for rain every single day of the cruise, even though the temps at home were going to be in the 90's all week. So I just readjusted my expectations and looked forward to lots of time to read and look out the window. Oh - and eat.

The day we left was gorgeous but on our Day 2 itinerary (delivered to our room on the evening prior) the rain began. Now you know why I had time to take pictures of our itinerary.

The view from our veranda - fog and rain:

Visits into the town of Ketchican were drenching jogs from one covered area to the next:

But there were also some spectacular photo ops because of the rain:

We did hit some rough seas. I have no pictures to document it but picture yourself lying in bed and feeling like you are in a bassinet with springs. Or walking down your hall bouncing off one wall to the other. I only 'lost it' once. Once is enough.

And that leads us directly into the next topic - the food. So. Much. Food.

Fancy dining with linen and silver:

Poolside dining from the buffet (see - it really didn't rain every day!):

And my personal favorite - room service at no extra cost:

Coffee delivered in the morning is such a treat!

Jeff likes to take very funky, artistic photos.

See what I mean?

But he also takes some beauties:

Here we are, the honeymooners, looking like we are surrounded by ice and cold. For some odd reason, I look like I'm wearing a wig.

One of the spots we found to read and watch, with

comfy chairs and a great view.

Alaska really is a beautiful place.

Our last stop was Victoria, BC at sunset:

And then back 'home' to Seattle:

I am rested and very thankful for this time away with my man.

Hope to be talking with you again soon!

Blog Break

2011-09-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

I know, you think I've already been on a blog break.

But this is a REAL blog break.

A break.

From blogging.

See you back here in about a week!

Becky

It's almost...

2011-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

time for...

Which means...

Which needs this...

Which means needing to do this...

Which brings us closer to this!

Happy Fall y'all!

I got the nicest compliment

2011-08-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was feeling inadequate.

So many things in front of me to do that I know I'm not good at doing.

Lacking confidence. Unsure. UnABLE.

And then I read this:

You are My masterpiece!

Well, that's probably an exaggeration. Masterpiece might be a little much. How about just saying "My creation?"

(I don't receive compliments very graciously.)

You are My masterpiece! I have made you new in Christ so that you can do the good things I've planned for you long ago. I love you so much and I've given you so much mercy that although you don't have what it takes, I've seated you right next to Me - reigning over every circumstance and every task I've given you. You can do everything I ask if you do it by the strength I'll give you. Eph 2:4-10; Phil 4:13 paraphrased

God trusts me with what He asks me to do. He made me for that purpose. If He asks me to do anything, He always gives me everything I need to do it. Everything. Always. Because I'm His masterpiece - made for Him.

Thank You.

(Because that's what you say when someone gives you a compliment, right?)

I am truly thankful!!

The Wedding!

2011-08-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

In the interest of time (because I usually upload all my pics to Picnik then to Photobucket), I'm just going to get these photos posted straight from my computer since it's already a month after-the-fact! Sheesh!

Can't believe these newlyweds have been married for a MONTH!! What a great day it was...

Sisters

Cousins

Our dear friend Pastor Grant

Family from Washington

Friends all the way from Palm Springs

College friends and roommates

Kate (7) and Madison (8)

My brother's girls

Heading to downtown Portland

Congratulations Ray and Lisa!

We love you!!!

I have nothing to say

2011-08-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

I've been racking my brain (wracking?) trying to come up with something to write about.

I don't know if it's the post-wedding slump, the lazy days of summer or my recent colonoscopy. (Even when I try to share something meaningful, the people I link to delete their insightful posts - so what's a girl to do?) Today, all you're going to get is run-off.

Ready?

I love coffee. I love it hot or cold, venti or a shot, sweetened or not. And the beans it comes from aren't so bad either.

The colors of these coffee beans remind me of that best of all seasons: Fall.

I. Love. Fall.

Only this year, for the first time, I am not dying for it to arrive, only because our summer has been kind of short. But next month, if you live in the NW, you'll start to smell the change of seasons and you'll see me with a permanent grin on my face. (That is not really true. And it only reveals that I am a shallow person, dependent on my surroundings and the outside temperature for my happiness.)

Now the above picture reminds me a little bit of the final scene in the movie I saw this week in a real theater - The Help. I enjoyed the book and I enjoyed the movie. I thought the acting was superb. I don't think it's strictly a chick flick either. My husband went with me, unsure of his place in a theater full of women, but he really wasn't the only man and he enjoyed it too. This reveals his true character - that of an all-around good guy.

This scene from the movie reminds me of how important it is to have good friends. These girls are anything but. Proverbs 12:26 says that a righteous man is cautious in friendship - true that. Aren't good friends a source of encouragement, strength and joy? Friendship is one of God's most wonderful gifts.

So here I am with two of my oldest and dearest friends, Liane and Karen. We've been away together on annual 'jubilee' weekends for the last 30+ years. We've prayed each other through all the stages of life from college on. These sisters would do anything for me, including the flowers for my daughter's wedding.

They worked their tails off for that day. And it was bee-u-ti-full. Which reminds me that I never wrote a post about the wedding. Or one about our Jubilees. Or...

Hey! I've got something to say!! Next time!

Some Thoughts on Love

2011-08-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's something worth your time. Don Miller (Blue Like Jazz) writes a provocative blog that I don't check often enough. He recently wrote How to Live a Great Love Story, volumes 1 and 2.

For the Girls

For the Guys

**Unfortunately, these two posts are no longer available due to some criticism their author received. I'm sorry because they were good, thought-provoking essays.

I thought both were really insightful and you should read both, whether you're a guy or a girl, married or single, in a good relationship or a mess.

I'm very thankful for my leading man. And we are doing what Don requests at the end of the girls' post. Will you?

I want to be happy

2011-08-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

Blessed means happy.

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope.
With less of you there is more of God and His rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost
what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—
no more, no less.

That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners
of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God.
He is food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care.
At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world—
your mind and heart—put right.
Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.
That's when you discover who you really are
and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God
provokes persecution.
The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Matt 5:3-10
The Message

Covered Bridges

2011-08-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

This month my dad celebrates his 90th birthday. What to get for someone who has everything he needs (except his 35 year old body and mind)?

I myself am getting to be someone I don't even recognize at birthday time. I could never understand when someone said they didn't need a thing for their birthday. Come on - doesn't everyone have an ongoing list in their head of things they wished they had? But no, it's true. You do get to a point where you buy what you need and you don't really want any more stuff.

So, for Dad's birthday we took a drive yesterday and did something he's always wanted to do - toured some of Oregon's covered bridges. At one time early in the 20th century there were 450 covered bridges but now there are only about 50 which have been restored and preserved. Some you can still drive over and some are walking spans. We made a 200 mile loop with Jeff at the wheel, Dad in the front and me ~~shouting orders~~ giving driving directions from the back seat.

I had printed out an information sheet on each of the six bridges we visited and I am a little proud of myself for compiling the histories of these bridges because I am not known for my love of museums and such. I also had to come up with my own turn-by-turn directions between them. But I was also glad we had Nancy, the nasal-voiced little woman in our GPS. She got us back on track when the roads suddenly changed names.

These bridges were all accessed via country roads through towns with names like Sublimity, Crawfordsville and Sweet Home. Across waterways like Cold Springs and the Calapooya River.

It was a gorgeous day, perfect temperature and the pastoral setting seemed almost too good to be true!

Oops, sorry hon. We have to turn around.

It's the other direction.

Isn't my husband a fantastic photographer?
That's why he isn't in any of the pics.

Many of these were one lane bridges and you have to yield if another car approaches.

Another interesting observation:
Some bridges are left open and others have more enclosed sides.

(If you want to ask me any engineering questions after the tour, just leave a comment.

I'll try to explain in terminology you can understand.)

There was a group of teen and twenty-somethings who spent the night creekside near this one. When we walked across the bridge, they scrambled up the embankment with their sleeping bags. Hmmmm. Where were their mothers? is what I want to know.

They did all start looking similar at this point in the day!

So funny... Dad was disappointed that the bridges weren't in worse shape.

I think they looked too 'nice' for him.

Here I am with the birthday boy. Dueling plaids!

I enjoyed the day more than I expected I would. I do love the country. And we made a memory with my dad. I hope he had a great day. Happy birthday, Dad!

The best of summer

2011-07-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've already told you some of my favorite things about summer here.

But the very best?

Raspberries.
Straight from the field.

These beauties have been a part of every summer of my childhood. My gramma grew them and we'd pick and eat as many as we wanted.

Then there's the freezer jam. And berries on vanilla ice cream. And raspberry cobbler.

Do you have yours yet??

Disclaimer: I did not pick these berries. Someone at the farm picked them for me. This is one of the best ways to enjoy them!

Summertime Web Watching

2011-07-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Brightwood Ranch Summer 2010

Are you doing a lot of cooking this summer? I'm not.

This is the time we look for easy, no-bake recipes.

Cool Summer Foods

and

No Bake Dessert Recipes

@Martha Stewart.com

Things like...

Chopped Salad with Shrimp and Lime Buttermilk Dressing

Peach Melba Spoom

Tangy Raspberry Fool

Anything lemon sounds perfect for a summer dessert. But for this one, you will have to turn on your oven.

Lemonade Cake

@Bake at 350

And now...

Some food for thought

What's The Big Deal About Caylee Anthony?

@It's Almost Naptime

This will make you think

Post Wedding

2011-07-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to go backwards and share some photos of after Lisa and Ray's big day yesterday because I don't have any wedding pics yet!

First, let me give you a peek into our prep...

All of last week was pretty wonderful. My girls treated me to a mani-pedi (which I normally shy away from because strangers end up rubbing your hands and feet) and we did some shopping and errands together. Everyone worked their tails off - Jeff especially. I married a g-e-m. More on that later. Amy and Lindsey were both SO helpful and supportive of their sis, asking her what they could do, what she wanted. They were wonderful. Those times when all of us are together are becoming fewer and farther apart so I was soaking up every minute.

On Thursday Lisa woke up with a swollen and painful eye - because things were going a bit too smoothly! A visit to the ophthalmologist and some sample eyedrops calmed nerves about wedding photos.

My two "sisters" from college days, Liane and Karen, came on Thursday afternoon and did all of Lisa's flowers. We ordered them from Costc* and they were absolutely beautiful! Lilies and roses. Lisa switched things up at the last minute and added yellow and orange to her wedding colors of apple green, charcoal and white - but it was a perfect choice. Those hot colors with that apple green looked stunning.

Bridesmaids and girlfriends arrived on Friday. I have to say that I love my daughters' friends. They were incredible - such a support to Lisa and a huge blessing to me too. They kept asking me how I was doing, how they could help me, if I needed anything. I wanted to keep them all. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take pictures while all of this was going on but alas, I didn't. Boo.

We had such a wonderful wedding day, full of great friends and family. I have to admit to worrying a teensy bit about how everything was going to come together but Jeff and I agree that it just couldn't have been much better. The bride was absolutely breath-taking. My eyes are stinging just remembering that moment when she and her dad walked down the aisle. It's a surreal experience is all I can say.

When the married couple (still getting used to that!) finally drove away with cans clattering from the back of the car, everyone who was left pitched in to help gather up all the remains and headed to our house. All the cousins piled into cars and drove downtown to V*od*o donuts. They came back with various cereal-covered pastry and bacon maple bars, which tasted surprisingly like pancakes, bacon and maple syrup - yum!

Does this look good to you?

Blurry but I wanted you to see it.

In memorium - Amy Winehouse.
Portland is weird like that.

We took an oh-so-brief respite from all the eating to talk and reminisce. Several of Lindsey's friends came over and then we all filled our plates with leftovers from the reception lunch: chicken kabobs, bbq pulled-pork sliders, pasta salad, cole slaw and fresh fruit. It was a beautiful evening - about 80° on the back patio. We played a rousing game of Jelly Beans. I know what you're thinking... 'These people have some serious sugar issues' - but this had nothing to do with jelly beans. It's just a great game for a big, overly-tired group of loud people.

And then exhaustion began to set in. I normally like to smooth out the clean sheets on the guest beds and be sure there are fresh wash cloths in the bathroom but I'm afraid these folks were on their own - I had no fuel left in my tank. We scrounged up blankets and pillows and foam pads for all the young'uns and fell into bed. When I got up at 6:30, we counted 17 people had spent the night. There were bodies sprawled everywhere. A couple of them had come in way after I lost consciousness but we decided that everybody had some connection with someone else and therefore was okay to be there.

Breakfast was disposable buffet-style - muffins, bagels, fruit, coffee and juice. We scoured the house multiple times, finding a bunch of stuff people had forgotten to pack up (imagine that!): phone chargers, car keys, deodorant, hair spray, shoes and articles of clothing. The only thing left unclaimed were a laptop sleeve and a mini hair brush - not too bad! We circled up for a final prayer and then sent everyone north to Tacoma and Seattle. Sigh.

A highlight of my week was the card my sweet husband gave me right after the wedding. My first thought was, 'Is there a card for husbands to give their wives after their daughter's wedding?' But I don't think there is. That he took the time to write his thoughts to me on that special day meant the world to me.

I am so incredibly blessed - I'm married to my best friend and we have three amazing daughters and now a son! Jeff and I are on a really unusual, exciting, uncertain and fun journey together. And this weekend was a big gift.

Thank you God for forgiving my lack of faith, for always meeting me, for constantly surprising me. YOU are amazing!

Wedding photos soon, I hope!!

It's Official

2011-07-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

I ain't gonna give you no jive

My birthday reveals fifty-five

With my youth now in ashes

And a couple hot flashes

I'm thankful that I am alive

Follow

2011-07-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Many people want to direct God,

instead of resigning themselves to be directed by Him;

to show Him a way,

instead of following where He leads.

Madame Guyon ~ Streams in the Desert

I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.

We are not able to plan our own course.

Jeremiah 10:23

yada yada yada

2011-07-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's not my job to keep you informed but...

Have you seen this website?

Dear Photograph

It made me smile!

This makes me very sad:

Parents Keep Child's Gender Under Wraps

This makes my mouth water:

Cowboy Caviar

I've made it once but it's on the List for snack food next week when the house will be full.

Along with this:

Perfect Iced Coffee

I read this:

Choosing to See

and I did something I rarely do when reading a book...

I laughed out loud.

And then I sobbed.

And this made me grin and cringe and remember how weird Portland really is:

There's a new bumper sticker in town - a follow-up to the "Keep Portland Weird" sticker that's been around for quite a while.

Amen.

Unrelated

2011-07-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ah, Saturday - I love you. Even though I don't go to an office Monday through Friday, somehow Saturday still feels different. Slower. Less full of to-do lists and phone calls. More about being outside or reading a book.

I'm still working on the whole idea of Sabbath. Why is it the one commandment we seem to completely ignore?

I really wish I had asked Jeff to take the pics you'll see here today. I just don't get the whole 'light' thing in photography. I want to learn but haven't taken the time. So these are dark and somewhat blurry. Boo.

First in my series of unrelated things is a very exciting one for me - home-grown berries!!

Makes me feel like Mr. McGregor, though, when the squirrels nibble the the berries. So this time we outsmarted them and put bird netting over the plants...

We put in raspberries for the first time and I didn't expect any berries this first year.

But this morning I spotted these beauties!

Yep, we have two raspberries! Come over and I'll share!

The very sad news is that two of the three plants I bought have some sort of fungus (anthracnose, I've determined - sounds ominous, doesn't it?).

It is ominous - the plant is dead and the fungus spreads through the soil, infecting the other plants there. So I guess we'd better enjoy those two berries because there won't be anymore raspberries there for a long time. What did Mr. McGregor do about anthr*x?

I've been meaning to share a couple of 'after' pictures of our living room without the 40 year old drapes and with a fresh coat of paint. Why? I have no idea. This is certainly not a blog about how to decorate, choose paint colors or turn a G**dwill coffee table into a cool bench for your mudroom. But anyway, here they are:

We're really happy with how everything turned out. Love it, in fact. That's the good thing about living with something old and dirty - you really appreciate it when you finally get busy and clean things up! A Craigslist light fixture, new knobs, black spraypaint and a few gallons of paint and vwah-la!

Now it's time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weekend. I hope you enjoy yours!

It depends on where you're standing

2011-07-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

My husband takes pictures. He doesn't get paid to take pictures but somehow God is using his photography and videography skills in a whole bunch of different and kind of crazy-cool ways. Of course the most famous way would have to be the pictures I post on this blog. (Cue sound of three people clapping).

The first time I met Jeff, his face was behind a Nikon. He had just turned 17, he had long hair, converse high-tops, thrift store pants and a fedora (think Indiana Jones before he existed). Back then, he developed his photos at home in his mom's guest bathroom - black and white only. When I went away to college, he would send me 'postcards' which were letters written on the back of one of his black and whites with a stamp up in the corner.

Fast forward 38 years. (What? Wait a minute. We're not even that old!)

The other day he had the opportunity to sit behind a video camera and film the founder of a really big and successful sporting goods company tell about how that company got started. This man has it made in the world's eyes. Jeff said it felt pretty amazing to even be in the same room listening to him talk about the beginnings of an empire.

Now go back about four weeks. Jeff was behind the camera again - this time in a little town in Ethiopia just east of the Sudanese border.

Here he was taking pictures of destitute families for our newest ministry called Adoption Ministry 1:27 - after James 1:27 which says "Care for orphans and widows in their distress." Not one of these families included both a mom and a dad. All had children on the verge of being orphaned or who were at risk.

Their faces spoke volumes.

We hope to match each of these 60 families with a family here in the United States who will sponsor them. It was another sort of surreal moment when you stop and think about where he was and who he was with.

And the great contrast hit me. In the world's economy pyramid, Jeff was photographing those at the very top and those at the absolute bottom. A bazillionaire and those with n-o-t-h-i-n-g.

In God's eyes, they are exactly the same. But He does give us pretty specific instructions on how we're to treat and prioritize people.

Whoever is the least among you is the greatest. Luke 9:48

I tell you the truth - when you did it to one of the least of these you did it to Me. Matt. 25:40

I think by saying 'the least,' Jesus might have meant those who have nothing to offer me, nothing to make me feel important or honored. He said that these are really the greatest. And the real proof of my faith in Christ? Serving them. Meeting their needs.

So although it was a thrill to be a part of filming a very wealthy businessman telling how he'd risen to the top (Jeff said he seemed like a nice guy too), the real honor was to try to help the blind grandmother who was somehow raising her orphaned grandson. Or the desitute widow with four hungry children.

So why do I get bothered by the guy standing at the intersection with a cardboard sign and a dog? Do I think I'm better than he is??

It depends on where I'm standing.

Lovely Lily

2011-07-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

I really am going to show some 'after' pics of our newly painted living room without the 40+ year old draperies. But first...

I was at C*stco recently and I always walk through the plant section, even if I'm just there for K*rkl*nd bath tissue. In the past I've purchased hanging baskets for Mother's Day, bedding plants and peony bulbs. I certainly do not need to be buying any more plants right now as I am a bit overwhelmed with all the watering. I don't have an automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system. We go out every day when it's warm (today it's 87°) and hand-water everything except the lawn. I actually enjoy watering - it's quiet time to think, pray or just enjoy the incredible miracle of what's coming up through the dirt. But enough is enough.

However, I just couldn't pass up this Asiatic lily.

I am not a lily-lover. I think it's the foliage - too symmetrical for me. But my friend Katy has one that blooms on her front porch every year and the size of the bloom combined with the scent sort of blows me away! So when I saw this one - in an ugly plastic pot, with about ten unopened buds, for $12.99 - I put it in my cart.

It went out on the deck so it could get lots of sunshine but still be close enough to enjoy from the kitchen. It took only a day before all the buds began to open.

Can you smell that heavenly scent??

I'm hoping what it says on the tag is true - that if I remove the spent flower blooms, it will continue flowering.

Only our fantastically creative, detail-loving, sensory-overload, beautifully loving God could have come up with yet another gorgeous reflection of who He is. Who or what can compare to You?

No excuses but...

2011-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've got my reasons for not posting - it's been crazy busy around here...

Back later when I'm cleaned up...

Compared to...

2011-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Do you work pretty hard at not comparing yourself with others? At least I try to catch myself when I'm doing it... because to fall into that pit never ends up well.

But there is some comparing that's good to do. I read this today:

None can compare with You.

Psalm 40:5

No deeds can compare with Yours.

Psalm 86:8

For who can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord?

Psalm 89:6

It's actually a GREAT idea for me to compare things to my God. When I read those verses, I know God says, "Go ahead and put anything you're worried about up next to Me and My promises to you. See how big they seem in comparison to Me."

Is there anything I'm facing that's bigger than He is?

Do I have the one need that He can't meet?

Is there any problem that He's not capable of working out?

Not one.

I want to make this a habit - comparing stuff with my all-sufficient God. He made it all. He holds it all together. He knows the end of the story. He influences peoples' hearts.

The stuff I'm worried about? It fits in His hand. It's under His authority! It is subject to His plan.

I love that!

My Amish Neighbor

2011-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

My phone rang and it was my lovely next door neighbor. She is a single mom raising two active and extremely polite junior high boys. She told me she had an Amish bread starter and would I like some?

To be honest, I didn't. But I LOVED that she wanted to share it with me!

A few minutes later, she knocked on my door and handed me a ziplock bag with what looked like pancake batter and a printed recipe for the bread.

I handed her a huge bunch of fresh cut peonies.

My house is full of these right now. If I don't cut them, they fill with rain water and turn brown!
Because it's Juneuary here in Oregon.

I love having neighbors to share Amish bread starter and pink peonies with!

If I don't use the starter, will I be killing something?
You know, like breaking a chain letter?
Or not forwarding the email about the 10 good things that will happen to you if you send it on to 10 of your friends?

Oh well. I'm not Amish so I think I'm okay.

But it's sitting on my counter as a reminder of how nice it is to have (and be) a good neighbor.

College graduate

2011-06-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we headed up to Seattle for our middle daughter's college graduation at Safeco Field.

Heard in 3rd grade

2011-06-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Teaching a classroom full of third graders who are already living the summer dream of sleeping in, bare feet and no work to do:

challenging

Following lesson plans in math, language arts and history as a substitute teacher for those same kids:

forget it

I always hear so many funny things when I sub but Thursday was especially good. Any excuse not to work was on the table. During "seatwork time" I had a line of kids who had something critical to tell me.

Many asked if they could go see the nurse - it was a room full of sick and wounded children. When I asked one inventive girl (who was clenching her teeth and gripping her wrist) why she needed medical attention, she said:

Which, of course, prompted a chorus:

Did they think they were dealing with an amateur?

"Sit down and get back to those contractions!"

Not to be deterred, a pair of friends approached the bench during math, arms draped over each other's shoulders. Perhaps they thought they could appeal to my love of friendship and goodwill between all men.

"Um... no. How about repairing things at recess? But nice try though!"

One brainiac little guy decided he might be able to distract me with his incredible recall of obscure factoids...

Of course I had to check this out and the kid is right for the most part. It's actually Turkmenistan but hey, I give him an "A" for effort!

When I got the call asking if I could sub, my first thought was, "Oh no. It's the last week of school." I came really close to saying no. But then I pictured playing Heads Up Seven Up, Around The World and drawing summer vacation destinations. When I found the teacher's lesson plans included very little fluff and that she wanted me to successfully impart division with remainders, estimation and possessive nouns, I knew what I was in for.

We may not have completed very much actual work but this substitute received an unexpected blessing. A mother of one of the students apparently brings in one of these to this lucky teacher every single day:

So guess who got to sip a caramel macchiato while reigning in all of the exuberant end-of-the-year behavior? Pretty nice bonus for an impossible task!

Things to do

2011-06-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Did you think I went on vacation?

Or maybe you didn't even notice I haven't posted in a week.

I've had a few things on my plate...

My husband got home from three weeks in Ethiopia on Friday. I don't like to post on here that he's gone during his time away because, well, there are creepers who take advantage of all the personal information people advertise online about where they are or aren't. I wasn't going to let the whole criminal world know that I was home alone in this big old house. I had my hands full trying to make it look like there was lots of activity going on around here - even though I was alone inside the house talking to myself.
Jeff's homecoming has meant, among lots of other fun things, I've had a TON of work updating photos of the children in our orphanages, processing paperwork and sending out new photos to adopting families who are waiting for their court dates in Ethiopia - how much fun is that? This is why I love my job!
We have a daughter graduating from college this weekend (can I get a WOO HOO?) and I had to find the cap and gown that we're recycling from our oldest's grad ceremony two years ago. This is one benefit of having all three of your kids graduate from the same college. I'm sure there's a savings there of approximately $60. We do buy a new tassel for each one, however. Because we're nice like that.
We also have a wedding coming up next month.
Next month!! Ahhhhh.
Don't ask me why we're doing this now but we're painting our living/dining room, entry and hall. (Oh, I know why - we got blinds for the windows in there which means spackling the holes where the curtain rods were which leads to the need for painting the entire room.) So we're moving furniture, washing walls and will start taping soon. (I say "we" in its most singular tense - as in "Jeff.")
The yard is gushing weeds. Is yours? I could have a garden tour and showcase an incredible variety. But the poppies (see photo above), iris and nasturtium are forcing their way up in between and putting on a lovely show. All of my dahlias must have succombed to the record wet winter - not one came up this year. Sniff. I know that you're supposed to dig up the tubers each fall and store them safely in your basement where they won't rot. I didn't.

I'll leave you with some shots of the dahlias last year and mercifully end this post about why I haven't blogged - because you were dying to know!

I turned the heat on

2011-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. I had to turn the heat on in my car yesterday morning - the first day of June.

I know, it got up to 64° later in the day but still.

One year ago today, I wrote a post titled Juneuary. Imagine that!

It's A Jungle In There

@Meadowbrook Farm

You must go and see Teresa's greenhouse.
This is a dream to me - like something Martha would have!

Confessions of a Hospitality Hater

@(in)courage

I never want to admit this is true about me but it is.

Virtual Makeover

@Real Simple

Here's a good way to ~~waste~~ spend
a few ~~hours~~ minutes on the internet.

Actually this would be so fun to do with a group of girlfriends!

The Non-Computer - For Those Who Don't Need A Computer

@The Onion

There really are people who don't.

The House Made By Compassion

@Chatting at the Sky

Emily is with a group of bloggers on a Compassion International trip to the Philippines. Her post is so well-written and achingly conveys all of the emotions that would overwhelm you in a place like this.

And for the educational portion of my post...

In case you're like me and have trouble telling the difference between Great Britain, the British Isles and the United Kingdom, enjoy this quick little lesson...

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!

I've been looking all over the www for a really great Memorial Day video to share. I saw a lot of good ones.

Then this afternoon I read Ree's blog where she's reposting some highlight photos from the photo assignment she gave last year title "Coming Home." This is exactly what I was looking for to share here today. Memorial Day at The Pioneer Woman

Memorial Day was not a big deal in my family when I was growing up. I really regret that. It should be a really big deal. I am so very grateful for the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families to maintain our country's freedom. They deserve our highest respect and honor!

Moving Off Center

2011-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

One reason I am so glad that God sent me to Ethiopia and that I am still connected there is because of the perspective it gives me.

If I'm tired of the rain and wish summer (or should I say spring?) would finally get here, I think about the ones who live and work out in the weather.

If I get stressed out about having people over because my carpet needs cleaning or my window coverings are embarrassingly outdated, I remember this woman who opened her little home (hovel?) to complete strangers and felt so honored we would visit.

(Her coffee cups don't match.)

If I stand in front of my closet crammed with clothes feeling tired of wearing the same thing all the time, it's not unusual for me to think of these children.

When I start feeling sorry for myself in any way, I want to think of our staff in Ethiopia who are serving Christ so joyfully and yet have almost nothing of the world's 'nice' things. They have dirt floors. They cook outside. There are never leftovers.

I didn't have to go to Africa to get this perspective. I know God's word and I know (in my head) that life's really not all about me.

I know this.

But I'm so grateful to have these faces of 'the least of these' in my heart. I want to remember them and quickly confess my tendancy to think I am at the center. To crucify my crown-wearing Self that keeps trying to sit up on the throne and to take my spot at His feet instead.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God... Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:1-3,12 NLT

*To read more about the the ministry I work for, be sure to check out our website: Adoption Ministry of Youth With A Mission Ethiopia and the other blog that I do (where I posted this same post today): That We Might Be Adopted... from Ethiopia

What I love about summer

2011-05-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Long days.

Summer sounds... sprinklers, lawn mowers, birds.

Iced lattes.

Hamburgers on the grill.

Late evening walks.

Leaving for vacation.

Dahlias.

Peaches.

No school.

Roadside berry stands.

Open windows.

Beach days.

Summer hasn't arrived yet in the Northwest. I'm not complaining. Our weather has been mild compared to so much of the nation. I've only had to water my garden once by hand - God's been doing it for me.

Any old bush will do

2011-05-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

"This is the message of the bible, that God has chosen the weak and the base, the nothing and the things that are not to confound the things that are. All God demands of a man is his availability - to be what man was created to be, the human vehicle of the divine life, inhabited by God for God... What you are is totally irrelevant - nationality-wise, money-wise, education-wise, personality-wise, and any other wise. If only you will recognize the principle that it is God that works in you... It is not the bush that sustains the flame, it is God in the the bush. And any old bush will do."

The Saving Life of Christ - Major W. Ian Thomas

Designated parking

2011-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

She said it for me. And I wish I had her accent!

Every Detail

2011-05-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:22-28

The Message

Two Are Better

2011-05-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Because my husband tends to keep leaving me to go to Africa, I've been thinking about what happens to me when he's gone. I wish I could say I branch out, try new hobbies or volunteer all of my free time at the local rescue mission.

Nope.

I walk around the house talking to myself. And no one answers.
I don't eat meals - I graze.
I don't make the bed all the way.
I get in my jammies really early.
I stay up way too late reading.

This from a person who has always felt pretty independent. But he leaves and suddenly I'm like a boat with no moorings. I often feel like I'm not sure what I should be doing.

I may actually be quite busy with work or meeting people or bible study or even getting stuff done around the house but it can feel like I have no accountability without him near. It's really not a good feeling.

We are far from having a perfect marriage and can drive each other crazy. You won't find two people wired more differently.

I am just better with him. More disciplined. More careful. More thoughtful. His strengths are good for me. ...Okay, so are his weaknesses. I hate to think what I'd be like if I never had to put aside my personal preferences. ('Princess' comes to mind.) It's good to have someone in the same house to think about other than me.

I need his perspective. I like that I ask myself what he's thinking because he thinks UP. His integrity is a good influence on me. His desire to please God even in his motives is the iron that sharpens mine.

So I completely get the passage in Ecclesiastes 4...

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Sunshine

2011-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sunshine? 'So what?' you might think. But here in the Northwest we haven't seen a lot of it yet this year. So we're really enjoying wearing sunglasses instead of raincoats and sipping iced latte's on the back patio. So much of the nation has been hit hard with destructive weather - I pray for those affected (some devastated) by the tornadoes and flooding.

Aren't those sunflowers beautiful? They were a Mother's Day surprise for me today from my oldest daughter. Thank you Peanut! I also got some wonderful cards that each made me feel so blessed to have the girls I do! I sure missed having them home on Sunday.

So instead of a big family meal, we had dinner here for Jeff's mom. Jeff had been fishing with his good friend Dave, who caught this little minnow and shared it with us...

We enjoyed salmon, pasta salad, focaccia bread and these lemon tarts for dessert.

I remember my grandmother's lemon tarts - with homemade lemon curd, of course. These were made with Tr*der Joe's lemon curd and the tart cups were made with store-bought sugar cookie dough. So easy and so good! It almost looks like an English tea dessert, doesn't it? I think Pillsb*ry and Tr*der Joe came across on the Mayflower.

It feels like Spring is finally here. Geraniums are in, nasturtiums are coming up, peas are leafing... tomatoes may be going in soon. I still have to find something to wear to an important wedding in July and just a few things to do between now and then.

But everything seems a bit rosier when the sun is shining, right?

Lots of Gifts

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am so thankful for the three beautiful young women God gave to Jeff and I.

Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
~Elizabeth Stone

Oh yes. It's true.

Here I am, before my heart left my body, standing with Jeff and his parents at 8 months pregnant with our first. Apparently it was really cool to wear an awning when you were pregnant in 1986.

I had no idea what becoming a mother would mean.

Again with the stripes! Here I think I was beginning to get an idea that I was in way over my head. I remember thinking "I don't think I can do this!" And so I started praying. A lot.

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
~Abraham Lincoln

I prayed they would know how much we loved them. I prayed they would learn to love God's word and depend on it. I prayed they would like each other. I prayed they would be wise, admit their own sin and be quick to ask for forgiveness. I prayed they would survive my mistakes as a mother.

Now I pray all the time that my girls will increasingly know the love God has for them and the deep fulfillment of life lived for Him. That they see what a liar the world is. They are always on my mind, in my prayers...

They're three very unique and gifted women...

Amy...

Creative, smart, loving.

Lisa...

Compassionate, kind, funny.

Lindsey...

Generous, tender-hearted, strong.

Three amazing gifts.

"I asked the Lord to give me these children and He has granted my request. Now I am giving them to the Lord, and they will belong to the Lord their whole lives." 1 Sam. 1:27

Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. This summer I'm getting a son!