Thank You for Your Service

It's been a while since I took my grandfather to school for show and tell. I've always been proud of his service to our country. He served in the Navy in World War 2. That's when he started writing poems to pass the time. My grandma is a hero too. She held down the fort at home. Then and now.

On this day I'm also thankful for my two cousins' safe return to the US after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They continue to serve our country as a captain in the Marines and as a deputy sheriff.

May God bless them on this Veteran's Day.

Photo credit: My aunt's photo of my cousin, my grandparents, and my uncle.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. Psalm 138:7 ESV

His Own Words

I'm glad I have a red letter Bible. Especially while I'm studying the book of John this year. It's filled with the words of Jesus. Words of life.

that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:23-24 ESV

Good Men

I could introduce her to a few. Many, in fact. The woman at the store said she did not know any good men. She doesn't believe they exist. I have been surrounded by good men my whole life. Godly men of character. My dad, my grandfathers, uncles. Friends of the family. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband of almost 24 years. And I'm proud of the two young men I've watched grow up. I am blessed.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 1 John 2:13 ESV

Keen Love

Pick me up off the floor. These aren't just sandals. My friend at church said she had some sandals that didn't work for her. Maybe they would fit me. So when I saw the Keens of my dreams, I just about fell over. They are perfect.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

One Week at a Time

I thought everyone did that. Take life's challenges or joys one day at at time. Today a mom of five boys, all ten and younger, told me she takes it one week at a time. If she gets behind one day, she can catch up on another. She comes from a homeschooling perspective. But that could work for me. Set goals. Plan out the week. Get it done. Little by little. One week at a time.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:17 ESV

Roll up my Sleeves

I know what to do. Skip breakfast. Drink up. Lots and lots of water. Roll up my sleeves and let them try to find a vein. Pray for a successful blood draw. When the first try didn't work this morning I tried something new. I prayed for the technician. And she was in. Got what she needed and I was done. I'm good for six months.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Spring For It

I thought it was toast. Time for a new screen door. Or go without. But my handy husband just bought a new spring for a couple bucks. Installed it in minutes. Now it closes better than it ever did. I love how he does that.

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 1 Timothy 6:18 ESV

On a Jet Plane

Too bad my passport is expired. I wish I could go with my parents today. They are traveling to Taiwan and Hong Kong to see old friends and attend the 20th anniversary of a church they helped start. Some day I'd like to take my children to see where our second son was born.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 ESV

Start With Dinner

It started with my dinner plan. I can use up the sourdough bread and make French toast. Why not bake some potatoes this afternoon? Grate a couple for hashbrowns. The rest will keep for another breakfast or meal.

Since the oven is hot, why not bake something? And send a care package to my college kids. I haven't made applesauce cake in a while. But my applesauce is frozen. Why not substitute pumpkin? And make muffins and small loaves. Add a dash of ground coriander to the powdered sugar glaze. Cool, glaze, pack and run to the post office. Come home and fix dinner. How about French toast?

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 ESV

Needs to Be Said

I appreciate how he is willing to say what needs to be said. Thoughtfully. With a biblical basis. Without delving into too much detail. It's worth reading Tim Challies' five articles in a series aimed at young men. Even if you aren't a young man.

Part One: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-i-pornifying-the-marriage-bed.php

Part Two: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-ii-breaking-free.php

Part Three: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-ii-a-theology-of-sex.php

Part Four: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-iv-detoxification.php

Part Five: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-v.php

His recommended resources: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-recommended-resources.php

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. Proverbs 5:21-22 ESV

Perfect Timing

That was perfect timing. Not too late and not too early. Even with daylight savings. We stopped by my in-laws' home tonight. Without warning. Just in time for soup and hot biscuits. Thanks for adding four to the table!

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 ESV

Princess for a Night

What are you going to do? Turn off the lights and hide out? Leave and spend the evening at a school or church-sponsored harvest festival? Or stock up on candy and greet the kiddies and parents that come to your door? We've done variations on all of the above.

Tonight we stayed home and saw just how popular our loop is. There must have been a couple hundred men, women, children and babies out there. Our youngest had fun dressing up as a princess and handing out candy. Until we ran out. Then she went around the neighborhood with her older brother. That's what we did tonight.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ESV

Skate Happy

It's a school tradition. Rent out the rollerskating rink a couple times a year. Caravan to the next town. Watch the kids and a few brave adults skate, race, and do the hokey pokey. My youngest is finally confident enough to leave the carpet and go out on the rink. Good for her.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV

Between Here and There

I got the call about the case of the missing lunch. Yes, I could make a run to the school. But wait, where is it? Not in the fridge, on the counter, or in the living room. On the porch? No. How about in her chauffeur's truck? The chauffeur, otherwise known as "dad" left his first grade classroom to search his vehicle. No sign of it. If nothing else, I could take her the brown bag lunch I made for myself yesterday and forgot in the fridge.

But wait, what is in the driveway? It must have fallen out of her backpack. Case closed.

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14 ESV