Better Late than Never???

I just noticed today that Lori tagged me for this Christmas questionaire. So, I'll play along and hope that late really is better than never.
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate, I think, especially hot white chocolate. I'd be satisfied with egg nog, too, though especially if it is with family and/or friends!
2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Well, our presents have always been wrapped--this year they were mostly done by Derek.
3. Colored lights on house/tree or white? White lights everywhere. We were going to put up lights outside this year, but didn't get to it. Brooke was good enough to put the lights on the tree for me; it's one of my least favorite jobs.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes, I did know that mistletoe is a parasitic plant that attacks trees and can kill them...where do you even get it??
5.When do you put your decorations up? I put my decorations up sometime after the first of December...whenever...and then I take them down sometime before the first of the new year...whenever...depending on how I feel :)
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Stuffing.
7.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?I think I always knew the truth about Santa. My mom was always "Santa" or should I say Mrs. Klaus. Sometimes we did put cookies out, though, because we knew my Dad would like eating them.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Only if we are at Grandma's for our Christmas party. The kids try every year to open "just one" on Christmas Eve, but Scott is a stickler. No presents until Christmas day.
9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Lots of home made ornaments and specially bought ones, gifts from friends, etc.
10. Snow. Love it or dread it? Love it in pictures, or while sitting by a fire looking out the window. Can stand it for a little while outside if I have my Cuddle Duds on, but mostly just love it in pictures. :)
11. Can you ice skate? Believe it or not, I can hold my own--no going backwards though. We used to go to the ice rink every New Year's Day when I was young. My brother made it tradition to skate into my sister and I and deliberately crash so that we would fall down. No wonder we never made it to the doubles at the Olympics!
12. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Pecan Pie
13. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I guess it would be giving, but sometimes I think it would be nice to not worry about presents at all...just have the time to spend time with family and friends.
14. What is your favorite Christmas song? So many to choose from....I think How Should A King Come?
15. Candy Canes. Cinnamon ones are really Yummy.
16. Do you attend an annual Christmas party? I would if there were an annual one to attend...
17. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's? It depends on the circumstances...I wear PJs every night....so, there's nothing too special about that. We all dress up on Christmas morning before opening presents.
18. Do you own a Santa hat. No. but we do have a headband with blonde hair and reindeer horns....
19. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? Sometimes I think there is really no such thing as "normal" for us. But we have usually spent Christmas Eve with family, Christmas morning alone, and then with family again later in the day. This year is the first time in 20 years that we have been totally without any family at all for Christmas. I hope this is not the new normal.

I guess it's too late to say Merry Christmas to everyone; so, I'll say Happy New Year instead!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I haven't had any time to blog....but here are a couple of clips from Brooke's choir concert. She is in a special ensemble at school. It has been quite an adjustment going from home school to high school; ensemble is one of the blessings!

If you can get beyond the timing issues (I think the sound is off a bit) and the fact that the camera operator was wobbly (me), you may enjoy hearing Brooke's group sing.

She Has Done What She Could

Anywhere we look, we can see people going through hard times. Some are fighting for their marriage, some for their children, some for their health, some for a job to provide for their family, others for the soul of a loved one. It may be that we only need look in the mirror or to our mate to see that hurting person. The question is, "What can we do?"

I've been pondering that question for several weeks and am encouraged that God uses each of us in different ways to accomplish His purposes. I'm far away from many of my dear friends and family who are going through trouble. I can't babysit for them; I can't take them a meal, or help them get to the doctor. But I can pray, I can send notes, I can call them and give an encouraging word. And God can use me. He can use you. Wherever you are, whatever situation you are in, if you are His child, He can use you.

It has reminded me of when Jesus was fellowshipping with friends shortly before He was crucified. Mark tells the story:

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.

But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply.

But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me...She has done what she could."

Mary had obviously saved for a long time for that perfumed oil! Three hundred denarii is probably more than a year's worth of wages. Imagine that...a whole year's worth of wages! I know that I don't have that amount of money to spend, do you? Does that mean we cannot please Jesus the way Mary did? Thankfully, Jesus didn't praise Mary based upon the amount of money she spent. He said, "She has done a good work for me....She has done what she could."

Mary's good work was spent directly on the Savior. How can we do that? Jesus said that what we do for others, we do for Him.

Can you make a meal for someone in need?
Make it for the Lord.
Can you help someone with their children?
Help them for the Lord.
Do you know someone who needs your prayers?
Pray with fervor, for the Lord's glory.
Can you give a year's worth of wages?
Give it without reservation for the Lord.

Thank you to those special Godly women in my life who have lived this out inspiring me to write and encouraging me to press on...You who have cooked, served, encouraged, and prayed over others in need--You have done what you could.

Galations 6:9

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

Sunrise, Sunset. Quickly flow the years.

The older I get, the more I feel the words of that song! I can't imagine how I might feel another 40 years from now!

Here are my two babies not so long ago.



And here they are now.....



Thankfully, I'm not getting shorter...they are getting taller!

Children are such a joy! For all of you who are in the midst of the battle---diapers, runny noses, temper tantrums, and sleepness nights, don't give up! Try to enjoy it. It will be just a few sunrises, a few sunsets, and your babies will be grown.

All Things Through Christ

Most of you know that just 3 weeks before we had our big move my Grandpa passed away. It was the 4th of July actually. That was a sad day. I miss him, and sometimes wish I could just talk to him one more time. I know everyone knows that feeling. But, I was able to fly home and see family. It was a great trip. We laughed and cried both. What an experience.

Grandma and Grandpa had a little house in downtown Denver. They bought it in about 1945 for $8,000. And, as a result of their hard work and frugality, they had it paid off in 5 years! My Grandma, Sarah Jane, is amazing. She's in the process of selling her home now and is traveling around living with her children. She's even got her own cell phone now so she can continue to get her prayer requests from the church prayer chain. Did I mention she's 90? She's lost her husband of almost 70 years, has sold or given away almost all of her belongings, and left her home of over 60 years--and yet she's still living life to the fullest. I don't ever remember seeing her feel sorry for herself. Of all the people I know, she is one of the best at living her life the way Paul the Apostle did. She lives Philippians 4:11-13:

"...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

I want to be that way, too. I want to have joy and live life with contentment even when the economy may be bad, or I don't like my job, or when I've had to leave my friends and family, or when I'm sick, or when someone dear to me passes away.

Praise God, it can be done! Through Christ we can be saved, and through Christ we can live a joyful, contented life no matter what our circumstances may be!

So, this week let's be encouraged by Ephesians 2:4-7:

"But, God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

Running, Running, Running

Does anyone else feel like they are running all the time? Our life is settling down a bit after our big move, but sometimes I do still feel like we are in the rat race big time! I am thankful for a few minutes of peace and quiet now and then.

I've been reading E.M. Bounds on Prayer in the mornings after I drop the kids off for school. I have about 30 minutes to spare between dropping them off and getting clocked in to work. So, I've been sitting in the car reading my Bible, reading my book by E.M. Bounds, and praying. I have really enjoyed it. As far as the book goes, I am on page 106 out of 750+ pages! I have been convicted about how shallow my own prayer life is and yet am encouraged that "His mercies are new every morning"! It's actually easy to read because each chapter is relatively short; so, I have time to finish a couple of chapters in one setting. I encourage everyone to read it.

I put a quote by Mr. Bounds at the top of my blog, but here's another good one to close out my post for today:

"Patience has its perfect work in the school of delay. In some instances, delay is the most essential part of the prayer. God has to do many things before He can give the final answer--things that are essential to the lasting good of the one who is requesting favor at His hands."

Pictures for Everyone

Ok. Everyone has been asking about pictures. So, I'm including a few with this post.

These are some pictures of the cabin where we stayed for one month while we looked for and bought a house. It was one bedroom with a small kitchen, family area, and bathroom. Derek slept on an air mattress on the family room floor and Brooke slept on a futon bed in the family room. It was about 20 feet by 40 feet. It was a blessing to be able to stay there until we were able to get into our permanent home here.






Here are a few pictures of our new house here.

Front of House:








Living Room:









Master Bedroom:






Kitchen:



View from back of property:

What We Eat During Chaos

Well, you all know how much I love to plan meals, look at recipes, shop, and cook! :) Since we have moved though, I haven't found any time to do that. (You wouldn't believe what my refrigerator looks like!) My new priorities are work, school, laundry, unpacking (which is pretty slow), and doing all those things which never seem to get done...register cars, get driver's licenses, register to vote, etc. So, I thought you all would get a kick out of my most recent menus! :)

Sunday

Cereal for breakfast.
One whole chicken thrown in the crockpot before church served with mashed potatoes and cooked spinach.
Supper - popcorn

Monday

Cereal and/or toast for breakfast.
Leftover chicken for dinner served with salad.

Tuesday

Repeat Monday for breakfast or try Jill's egg recipe.
Supper - Chicken Salad Sandwiches before Derek's game

Wednesday

Repeat Tuesday for breakfast.
Supper - haven't a clue yet.

Thursday

Repeat on Breakfast again....I know, it's getting boring.
Supper - Probably peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (again) before the game.

Friday

You've got breakfast memorized.
Supper - Pizza Hut, anyone?

Well, it's off to prepare my leftover chicken!

The Big Move

Here are a few pictures of our move across the country. The move isn't over....even though our bodies are here, part of each of our hearts remains in the Pacific Northwest, and we are trusting God to heal them in time.

This is a big storm outside of Dallas, Texas. We eventually had to stop at a rest stop for about 30 minutes until it passed.

This is Derek at a rest stop on the Oklahoma border.


This is what we termed not-so-affectionately the "Big Yellow Banana" which Scott says is trucker talk. There is actually a story behind the banana part. Maybe I'll post it sometime.


Here we are at the Florida border. We live about 10 minutes from the Alabama/Florida line.

Re-thinking Gardening

Well, I am getting a dose of gardening in a different part of the country! I took a little stroll through my back yard a week or so ago thinking about gardening which I love. I didn't think much about it until a few days ago when I found this not-so-little friend in the front flower bed. He was eating a rather large insect which I was unable to identify. Also, it was quite a feat of bravery just getting this picture. I think I was within 2 to 3 feet of him when I snapped the camera. (FYI, his body only is about the size of 2 almonds put together.) This has made me stop to think about gardening and the new way I'm gonna have to do it.

I've decided no matter how hot and humid it is, I'll have to don long pants, long shirt, leather gloves, and Scott's grandfather's old green safari hat with the mosquito netting. It's too dangerous to think about shorts and a tank top and bare hands! I know, this is just your normal run-of-the-mill garden spider that isn't poisonous. BUT, I know for a fact, he could cause me to have a heart attack should he decided to land somewhere on my body!

When you all are gardening in the desert in your shorts and tanks, think of me! I'm sure I'll be missing my relatively bug and spider-free garden in the desert of the Pacific NW!

I'm Back

We have finally moved into our house. We left "home" on July 26th and settled in our new home on September 1st. I am in the midst of unpacking. There is so much to do and almost every piece of furniture has to be put back together after the move.

We are busy, busy, busy trying to get used to our new schedule. Scott is not traveling for work anymore, but right now it seems like we are never home. Adjusting to the school schedule is taking some time. Derek is on the 8th grade basketball team. So, for an example, we had a parent teacher meeting on Monday night, baksetball game on Tuesday night, church on Wednesday night, basketball game on Thursday night, and Scott had to work on Saturday. I don't know how long it will take to get used to the schedule. Being a person who likes a good routine, I am floundering a little bit.

Well, I'm on my way to pick up Scott from work and take Derek to the bus for a basketball game. So, I've got to run. I hope to post some pictures soon and update my blog. Everyone has a new look!

I miss you all.

Good Morning, Blogging Buddies

I returned home from my grandpa's funeral on Thursday afternoon. I had such a good time with my family. All of my cousins were there and quite a few of their spouses and children. I saw my mom and dad again for the first time in a year and my brother for the first time in several years, plus aunts, uncles, second cousins, etc. and, of course my Grandma. It was a very short, highly emotional time--lots of laughing and some crying too. I'm so glad I was able to go.

Grandpa was hard-working and generous and loved to sing hymns while Grandma played the piano or organ. He loved having us grandchildren over and let my sister and me sit on his shoulders when we were little and comb his hair. He looked quite dashing with barrettes in his hair--yes, they actually would hold for a bit in his flat top haircut. He brushed his teeth with baking soda and washed his hair with soap and a wash cloth or dunked his head in the big sink downstairs. He was army clean--and wiped down his shower after every use, faithfully. He served our country for four years in Guam, leaving shortly after my dad was born. Though it was a huge sacrifice and his time there was certaily not fun, Grandpa never complained while there or any time after. He considered it an honor to serve his country. There is so much more to be told that will probably just remain in the hearts of his loved ones and so much that actually died with him. I will certainly miss you, Grandpa.

When I got home, life here got even crazier. We had an offer on our house Friday, we counter-offered, and they accepted our counter (they should have--we came down a lot, but that's another story). We do have a buy/sell on our house which is an answer to prayer. The inspector and the appraiser both came yesterday and were here for several hours. So, we are really moving.

I'm blogging this morning to let everyone know that I'm probably not going to be posting for awhile. The next two weeks are going to be crazy busy, and after that I probably will not have access to my computer for awhile.

So, here are my prayer requests...

The company was working on temporary housing for us, but that did not materialize. So, we need a place to go when we get there. Right now we have a hotel for a couple of days but no place to keep Queen.

The kids need to take placement testing at the school on August 6th. It will take 6 to 7 days in the Uhaul to get there. So, you can see when we need to be leaving. (I just found this information out this week when I discovered that my school payment and registration evidently was lost in the mail back in March.)

Pray for the kids as they adjust to a new "home" and try to adjust to the southern culture, etc., and as they jump right in to school.

Pray for Scott and me to be able to hold it all together physically, emotionally, and spiritually as things get stressful.

Well, I wanted to post a picture of Grandma and me, but I've been having problems trying to upload the pictures from my camera; so, I guess it will have to wait. At 90, she is as beautiful as ever and the same ol' Grandma whom I dearly love.

Thank you, dear blogging sisters....I will miss not checking in on you for awhile.

How Time Flies

My grandfather passed away on the 4th. So, I'm flying to Denver this afternoon and will be back on the 10th.

Our house still has not sold. We are scheduled to be leaving between the 28th and the 30th. That's only 3 weeks away. Thank you all for your prayers. There is a lot to do between now and then, and I am starting to feel some stress. Some days I really would like to put the covers over my head and hope everything goes away :). But, somehow the Lord keeps me going.

Ever Seen a Carrot Blossom?

Last summer we grew carrots. Scott loves them. We did have some that we didn't eat before winter, and I just let them stay in the soil. I thought they'd die, but they just kept right on growing. Now, the carrots are definitely not edible, but they are flowering! I've never seen carrot blossoms before, but they are beautiful. Maybe they'll go to seed, and I'll take some with me when we move.

Free to Good Home - Future Compost

Yes, I have some compost. Saturday was my first official Saturday of summer; so, I worked in the yard. I guess I was out there about 6 hours and was thankful that it was overcast. I started out with a full compost bin--it's been cooking all fall, winter, and spring.

I used Derek's wagon to haul almost all of the compost out of my bin into my vegetable bed. It was low--last fall I didn't buy enough soil to fill it up completely. Now it looks great!

I not only had compost in my compost bin, but I had a big pile next to the bin. I needed to put some of it in the bin and turn the rest. (We had a big pile of grass cuttings too. Most of my six hours was spent turning the big pile and separating out all the sunflower stocks and rose bush cuttings. These take forever to compost since I don't have a shredder. So, I separated them out and then cut them up with my pruning sheers...that was quite a job. I'm thinking buying a shredder would be much easier (not cost efficient, but easier!).

Queen helped out wherever she could.

She actually really enjoys chewing up both sunflower stalks and rose bush cuttings.

Finally, I ended up with a neat-looking compost pile, ready for a fellow garden lover. I am pretty sure a new homeowner will probably not want to deal with my compost. If any of you want it, let me know.


Watch for my next post...I'll have some of my flowers. I love gardening! I hope there will be plants in Heaven!

Job, House, Money

Ok. I've been spending too much time this morning trying to figure out how to make changes to my blog...it will have to wait until later. How much later, I don't know. :) Life gets busy.

This week was my last week of work. It was certainly bittersweet. I have been so ready for summer and have been really tired from working and home schooling all at the same time; so, in that respect, I am so glad to be done. But, it was very emotional leaving all my friends at work, cleaning out my desk, and handing over all my hard work to someone new. It felt a little strange.

I have been trying to keep my house clean every day in case people want to come look at it--just thinking that I am doing my part. The realtor wants us to lower our price again. After closing costs, we would barely make what we bought the house for 6 years ago. I feel like I'm doing my part, but most days it is hard to see the part that God is doing. I know He can bring someone to buy, and He most likely will. But, I don't see anything. No one has even come to look at our house for a whole week. I have to keep reminding myself that God expects me to "walk by faith and not by sight."

On to another subject...

I've been brousing blogs a little bit this morning and Jamie mentioned trying to save money. She's gasping every time she drives by a gas station. So am I.

So, I think we should all help each other out and post our best money-saving tips. If you're like me, it seems like I am saving as much money as possible until a new trial comes, and I find one more place to scrimp. This month I was reminded that the kids both need approx. $50 for their mission trip. They could have raised some money to be used for the trip over Spring Break working with the youth. But, since I didn't really think we would be here right now, and I was exhausted on Spring Break, I chose to not take them to the church every day to work. Bad choice, I guess. Now I need to fork over the $100. I could have had them use some of their garage sale money, but I made them spend that on the clothes they needed...

Back to the topic of money-saving tips--

We have two adults and two teens, and last month I spent a little over $400 on food. I need to cut that down. I bought Little Caesar's pizza for the kids twice when we had to leave the house for buyers to look at it. Other than that, we did not eat out except for our Wednesday night dinners at church. How is everyone else doing?

Here are a few of the ways I try to save money and a few of my goals for the near future.

1. I make my own laundry soap and use white vinegar in place of fabric softener (I do buy fabric softener for the kids). This seems to work great and helps somewhat with Scott's allergies.

2. I don't buy very much cold cereal unless it's on a great sale at Albertsons. We pretty much have toast and eggs for breakfast or fruit and oatmeal.

3. I buy very litle prepared food and make most things from scratch. (I'm sure what I save in money here, I spend in labor! :))

A couple of my goals:

1. Do a better job with my menu planning. For the past 3 years since I started working extra hours, my menu planning has been hit & miss. Plus I have been almost to the point of never wanting to cook again. I'm getting burnt out.

2. Try to find more ways to save.

I guess that's it. I need to head outside and help Derek get the lawn mowed and trim flowers, etc. before it gets too hot.

Thank you, Dads!

A Little Ray of Sunshine
for a Special Dad

Sometimes life's trials weigh heavy on our minds,
And all we see are clouds of problems.

Bills to be paid--Is there enough money?
Labor is hard, and the fruit scarce.
Should we do this...or that?
The kids are sick, the house is dirty,
The car broke down, and
Will the price of gas ever stop going up?

Don't forget, God cares.
He sends little rays of sunshine to carry us through.
His gifts don't come with a price tag. You can't just "pick one up at the store."
They're tucked away here and there to be found by the discerning eye.

A game of checkers.
Fishing, digging worms, feeding ducks, shucking corn,
Hiking Big Mountain and conquering that last peak!
Picnics, barbecues, water fights, church potlucks, and
Thunderstorms. "I saw dat one, Dad!"
Little girls who never stop loving...
Barbie pictures taped carefully to your desk,
"Our dad is so cute!"
"Drive careful...and don't rip your pants!"

So, when hard times come, and clouds set in,
Let's promise to keep watching for a little patch of sunshine peeping through,
A special gift from God...and let's bask in it.

A little time well-spent; a few words well-spoken,
And you'll receive one of the best gifts to be had...
The words of a little one, "I love you, Dad!"

by GLB

This is my lovely Hoya in bloom. The blossoms are exquisite. The only downside is that they give off an odor at night. It's interesting that it is only at night...I think they are jungle plants trying to attract insects at night. Anyway, I am willing to put up with the odor (it's not pleasant) because the flowers are so beautiful. The family, on the other hand, doesn't enjoy them as much as I. It's a pretty precarious situation really. Any day now, Scott may say, "Cut those things off!" Until then, they are flourishing.

Well, work is winding down for another year, and summer break approaches. It's more than just that, though. Really, my time is almost over at my present job, and major change lurks around the corner, just beyond my view. I am ready to move forward...to get to that time and place where Scott will go to work in the morning and come home at night and things will be "normal," and yet the change itself can be oh so painful. I have planted roots here, and it hurts to pull them up.

20 Years and Still Going

Scott and I celebrated our 20-Year wedding anniversary this week. Considering that my grandparents have been married over 65 years, our anniversary is not that big of a deal, but considering how many marriages end in divorce today, it is a huge deal. I am so thankful that God has had His hand in our lives, or we would probably be among the fateful divorce statistics. Thank You, Lord, for keeping us together.

Thank you to our unnamed friends who suprised us with the gift certificate to Anthony's. We have never had friends just like you and consider our relationship a special blessing from God.

Thank you, Brooke and Derek! You don't know what a blessing you are to your Dad and me. You are the greatest blessings of our 20 years together. The Bible says that every good gift comes from God. So, you have definitely been His gift to us. We love you both!

Finally, Thank you, Scott, for 20 years of faithfulness through good and bad. Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent me! I know this week has been especially difficult for you as you are out-of-town on business and yet have been longing to be home. Thank you for your hard work and your faithful support of our family. You have been taking care of us well for 20 years now. That is a major accomplishment.

I'm posting a few pictures in celebration of our life together. I love you.

I wonder if we would have been friends way back when....


20 Years ago this week.


Winter of 1989


Bringing Brooke home from the hospital


Easter Sunday 1995 with our new baby, Derek


A few fun pictures from our 20 years











And one last picture just for fun!


Thank you for the past 20 years!

Afraid of the Dark

When I was a little girl, sometimes I was afraid of the dark--though I would never tell anyone that! We used to visit my Grandma's house for dinner and to watch football. Usually we had hamburgers, and usually we needed to open a new jar of her homemade pickles (yum!). Anyway, I can remember Grandma saying, "Riley, would you go downstairs and get Grandma a jar of pickles?" Riley is my older brother and was always my dearest rival. Riley would look at me and say, "Come on, Ginger, let's go get a jar of pickles...I'll go with you so you won't be afraid of the dark." Of course, he was afraid of the dark too! I never let on that I was scared. It was my way of one-upping my brother :). So, I'd bravely say, "I'll get the pickles; I'm not afraid!" I'd boldly walk down the stairs and calmly get a jar of pickles off the shelf and then non-chalantly stroll back up the stairs where everyone was waiting." On the outside I was totally fine. But I can remember saying to myself, "You're not afraid, Ginger. You're not afraid. You're not afraid"...the whole way down and back.

I was reminded of my pickle-retrieving days yesterday when I caught myself silently coaching myself again, "God's working it all out, Ginger. He's working it all out. He cares about you. He's taking care of everything. Don't worry." ....And I was scared.

I am so thankful that the one-and-only God, Creator and Sustainer, cares about me and is pleased when I trust in Him. He knows that sometimes I am afraid of the dark; sometimes I am afraid of the unknown; sometimes I am just afraid, and I have to remind myself that He's here and He cares. He knows all my weaknesses, all my sins, and He loves me and cares for me!

Again, He has comforted me through the book of Psalms.

"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Ps. 34:4

"The poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." Ps. 34:6-7

Thank you, LORD, for hearing and delivering!

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together."

Wisdom from Psalms

I've been reading Ps. 37 quite a bit lately. The opening words are,

"Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity."

I don't really have any evildoers bothering me right now, but sometimes I do fret about things that don't seem to be happening the way I think they should. Sometimes it is that things seem to go so well for people who don't even love the Lord, when circumstances in my life seem so topsy-turvy. So, it's really good for me to meditate on Psalms and remind myself that "things are not always as they appear."

I have a friend who says when hard times come, "Don't be discouraged...the Scriptures say, 'and it came to pass' not to stay." I think that phrase actually means "It came to happen, it came to be, it happened that." So, I inevitably ask myself, "Why is this happening?" Psalms encourages me because it reminds me that everything that happens is known to God. He's not taken by surprise. In fact, He is using everything that occurs in my life to shape me and mold me into a vessel that is pleasing to Him.

This morning I was so encouraged by Psalms 37 through 41, I urge you all to read each of these chapters carefully and often over the next few days and let them refresh your soul too.

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

"Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm."

"The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever."

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand."

"I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed."

"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, Because they trust in Him."

"LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am."

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD."

I'd love to go on, but instead I hope everyone will pick up a copy of God's Word and read Psalms 37 through 41 and let the LORD encourage you today.

Tuesday's Talk

I really wish I had more time to post:). Although, I think I know how writer's feel when they have "writer's block." Most days I really just don't know what to blog about. So, I'm trying a little trick from one of my favorite bloggers who just writes about what she did that day.

Here goes...first off, the day started way too early.

We had a great day yesterday as family. We cleaned the house (someone was coming to look at it on Memorial Day!!) Anyway, after that we drove with friends to Palouse Falls. Amazing! I would have never guessed that there would be a waterfall like that in the middle of the desert!. I wish we could have hiked all the way to the falls, but we didn't have time. Plus, a certain person (I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by giving out names) wore sandals instead of tennis shoes. If you're really smart you may assume that same person was the one who didn't know there could be a waterfall in the desert.

Anyway, after that we took Scott's van to the repair shop and then had a BBQ for dinner. Derek tried to con us all into watching "The Longest Day" which only made the night turn into the "Longest Night." We finally turned the TV off about 11 and went to bed. ("The Longest Day" wasn't nearly over.)

That's why today started off way too early--the night was too short! Scott had to be driving out of the driveway at 5:30 am. So, we had to get up at 4:30. Whew!

I forgot to mention that sometime yesterday I finished up Scott's laundry, ironed shirts, and packed food for him to take for the week.

After Scott left this morning, I had time to read my Bible and reflect a little bit on the Book of Psalms. I love Psalms. David is so real and was never afraid to express any emotions he dealt with. And yet, he always came back to the realization that God is not only God, but He is perfect and wholly good even when we don't understand what He's doing.

The kids and I scrambled around after that and cleaned up the house, vacuumed, etc. because someone was scheduled to look at our house between 10 and 11 am and I needed to be to work at 8 am. We were finally out the door...sigh.

Work was good. We had a luncheon that was supposed to be for Teacher/Staff Appreciation week, but they said it was for me since I'm moving. I got a very nice card from everyone plus a gift certificate to have my house cleaned when I move. Everyone is so nice, I will definitely miss them all when we finally get to Florida.

At 5:30 pm we finally arrived home. I looked for the Realtor's card who showed the house...no card to be found. Bummer, all that cleaning for naught.

Derek mowed the lawn while I watered plants...the snapdragons were wilting :(. Later, I read about blogging in Business Week. I am so behind the times technologically, but at least now I know what blogging is and I can even post with the best of them....well maybe not with the best, but I'm getting there.

Goodnight, everyone. It's definitely time to hit the sack :)

Special Celebration - 25th Post!

I know...some of you are way up in the hundreds on your posts, and that is definitely worthy of celebrating. :) I am definitely behind that, though, and I really feel like celebrating that I have made it all the way to 25!! I thought about doing a random post of little known facts about me or having a contest and giving something away...but those would definitely be copying better people's ideas. So, I decided to do something different. My post is in honor of all the friends God has placed in my life. I would not be the woman I am without my friends, and I wouldn't have a blog if it weren't for the encouragement of friends. What better way to celebrate! I'm going in chronological order...I love you all. Thanks for being my friends.

Angie - The first friend I ever had, my sister. She's still my friend. She knows all my faults and still loves me. She wouldn't hesitate to die for me.

Janet - Mom...she was definitely my friend years before I knew it, but I thought she was my enemy. She is still the most unselfish person I know.

Jennifer - My best friend in high school. She wasn't afraid to bring a new person into her family, a gift of friendship. She's got enormous talent and yet remains outgoing, friendly, and humble. The first (and last) time I ate cow tongue was at her house....poor Mo.

Danita - My first college roommate. She was a senior, I was a freshman, and she still hung around me. When I was 2500 miles from home, she was my family.

Joleen - My first friend after marriage and the best "hair dresser" I've ever had. We took our oldest children to kindergarten together, fished with the guys together, talked about God together, cried together, laughed together...I miss you, Joleen.

Janene - I can hardly describe Janene. She's been my friend for 20 years and still keeps in touch with me regularly. She was there to see the ultrasounds of my babies and bring them teddie bears when they were born. She's stood beside me through thick and thin, good and bad, happy and sad. Thank you for letting God use you to shape my life, Janene. I miss you.

Carlene - Another 20-year friend. Carlene and I have picked huckleberries together (packing our sidearms), ridden horses together, cooked together, cleaned together, sang together. Carlene is never afraid... she just keeps pressing on. I miss you, too.

Jody - Jody is one of the happiest people I know. She's almost always smiling, taking problems as they come and just working through them. Jody showed me how to cut up a deer :) She's athletic and fun...when will I see you again??

Patti - We took our youngest to kindergarten together, hiked Big Mountain together, rode our mountain bikes together, and spent many Thursday mornings at Montana Coffee Traders helping each other through problems. She's a tiny girl from Panama and one of the most beautiful people I know. I miss you, Patti.

Kathy - Kathy carpooled with me to Wed. prayer meeting almost 20 years ago. She showed me that it's possible to love God and live life when you are dying of cancer. She's with the Lord now. Thank you, Kathy.

Harriet - I still have the afghan she crocheted for Brooke when she was born, and I still remember the Sunday she was worried about me not covering up Brooke's head outside in the cold. She was probably right, but thankfully Brooke survived :). Harriet gave me her great recipe for jello and welcomed us every time the kids and I stopped by just to say Hi. She was "Grandma" to me when my Grandmas were so far away.

Colleen - She used to have sleep-overs at her house for all the ladies whose husbands were off hunting. I'm sure our men would have never understood how we could actually talk all night! Colleen is one of the best cooks and housekeepers I know...and hospitable. She's talented, energetic, and determined. I miss you too, Colleen.

Cinda - My first pastor's wife. I think she's almost as close to perfect as a woman can be...not of herself. Christ just shines through her life in every way. We spent numerous Christmases and New Years Eves with her family. Again, she was family when we had none nearby. Thank you for the night you babysat and brought the kids their special book about Jonah. You are a treasure. I miss you.

Judy - She taught me that you can't expect husbands to read your mind! "If you want the laundry put away, you have to tell them," she said. "They can see laundry but it doesn't register that they should do something with it!" Judy was a fun friend to have and was just enough further along in life to help me out when I needed it. Thanks for all those times you had me over just for fun...I miss it.

Jane - Jane was only my friend for a few months because she had to move. But, during those few months, she took an interest in me as a young mom and had me over to her house just to encourage me along the way. She made tapioca pudding for Brooke and me and gave Brooke her copy of An American Tail. She also gave me my favorite recipe for Apple Pie Filling....thanks, Jane, wherever you are.

Pam - Pam and I made soap together once. It was quite an experience...out in the back yard using the coleman stove, "brewing" up some home made soap. Pam also modeled the Christian life well, and still does. Thanks, Pam.

Kelly - My first friend in the Tri-Cities. Who would have known that God would have us living so close? That was His special gift to me. Thank you for that day you came over to bring cookies and invite us to go swimming with you. Your act of kindness started a beautiful friendship. You invited us into your family and your lives. Thank you. I miss you already, and I'm not even gone.

Jill - Remember that night at Chico's Tacos? I had no idea then that we would be such good friends. You are one of the most stable people I know. God has used you in so many people's lives--you may never know the extent until you get to Heaven. Thanks for giving of yourself.

Tricia - You feel my pain, and I feel yours. I am so thankful that God has given us to each other as friends. I truly enjoy our time together and am encouraged in the Lord by you and your walk with Him. Thank you for being you.

Lori - You always check in on me, thank you. You are a joy to talk to. I love that you are transparent and open about what you experience and feel. You are a great encouragement to me. Thank you for all you have shared with me.

Bev - I'm so glad we met you in Sunday School class. You have been a friend not only to me but to the whole family. I really love how giving you are, and I'm sure it pleases the Lord, too!

Beth - You encourage me by being courageous! I think it is definitely courageous to be a single mom to two adopted girls. You are a wonderful mom. Thanks for inspiring me!

Carol - One of my newest friends. You are so honest. I love it. Thanks for jumping in to our circle of friends--you are a blessing.

Well, I have at least 11 more people on my list, but I'm going to stop.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me such wonderful friends.

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." Pr. 27:9

Cool Desert Nights

A few nights ago I was able to sit outside for awhile in the evening. Scott was home--it was his first Monday night at home in about 3 months! It was glorious! The weather was gorgeous. I love it here...the hot days, cooler nights with a gentle warm breeze (usually). I love it....let's hope I love it in Florida too.

We are one step closer to being moved...although I can't see it. Our house is still up for sale, and we have had no serious lookers and no offers. Every day we just try to remind ourselves that God is in control and He is on a different schedule than I am...and His will be better. :)

I bought some plants last night for my flower beds and even some vegetables, knowing that I may not see the fruits of my labors. Actually, I don't want to see the fruits of the tomatoes that take 90 days to get to maturity! :) I am hoping to be adjusting to a new life by then.

This whole process of deciding to move has been really strange. I have so many opposing thoughts and feelings all at the same time.

I love it here...I'm sure I'll like it in Florida, too.
I will miss my friends....God will add new friends to my life.
Moving across the country will be exhausting...God will sustain me.
I don't want to leave my house, garden, etc....I'll get a different house and plant a different garden.
I will miss my church....I'll have a new church, and God will be there too :).
Moving will cost a lot of money....God will provide.
I will miss my sister....I miss her now too.

Well, that's about it...my mind seems a bit like jello lately. I don't have any menus, I don't have any big plans to do things, I don't have any great thoughts to blog about....

I do have a Must Do List for today, though:

Clean house
Plant flowers & veggies I bought last night
Help kids study for exams
Reconcile Scott's work checking account
Make sure bills are paid
Look forward to prayer meeting and fellowshipping with friends.

I've Been Tagged!

Carol had tagged me. I'll post the rules, but I'm not going to tag anyone--not because I am a party-pooper like Jill but because every blogger I know has already been tagged!

(1) Each player answers questions about themselves.
(2) At the end of the post, tag 5 people by posting their names.
(3) Go to their site/blog and leave a comment telling them that they have been Tagged. Invite them to your site/blog so they can read the Tagged post.
(4) Let the person who tagged you know when you have completed your Tagged post.

Questions:

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was taking care of a a 3 and 5-year old and spending a lot of time with family and a little group of church-goers in the backwoods of Montana. Here are some fun pictures to give you a little peek into my life about that time.

Here I am with friends singing at a special dinner in the church basement.

Here is our little family in the church parking lot.





You can see Brooke and Derek on the left (the little guy in overalls) helping build a TeePee after a church potluck.








Last, but not least...me cleaning out the church kitchen.



2. What are 5 things on your "To Do" list?
1. Pay the bills.
2. Clean the house.
3. Pack.
4. Grade Papers
5. Laundry

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
1. Homemade hummus with rice crackers.
2. Pesto with crackers.
3. Caramels
4. Popcorn with butter (or should I say butter with a little popcorn??)
5. Gingersnaps

4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire.If I had a million dollars I would:
· Pay off my house
· Buy plane tickets to go see my mom and dad
· Travel to Mexico on a mission trip with my friends Ben & Carlene
· Hire a personal cook and trainer
· Build a beautiful garden
· Ask Scott and the kids if they want to spend some of my money :)

5.Name some places where you have lived.
Fruita, Co (and other CO cities); Montana, and Washington

6. Name some bad habits you have.
Well, sometimes I talk too much. I know I have more, but I think I have selective amnesia.

7. Name some jobs you have had.
* Personal Caretaker/Nurse (sort of)
* Administrative Assistant - Home Oxygen Supplier
* Secretary to the President - Appraisal & Title Co.
* Financial Statement Clerk - Accounting Office
* Bookkeeper
* School Secretary
* Domestic Engineer :)

8. Name those whom you are tagging.
I don't have anyone to tag.....