Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
On My Plate
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Monday, September 29, 2008
Start the Day
I have been a night person since before I can remember. Just ask my parents. So for years I've done my personal Bible study at night after it's quiet. I'm trying the reverse. I get up with the morning people and help shoo them out the door. The house is quiet and I'm awake, sort of. I might as well do my daily Bible reading. Then I take my morning nap. So far so good.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Almost Letting Go
Someone asked my husband how my organizing efforts were going. My husband gave some gracious answer. The reality? It's going very slowly. What is smaller than a baby step? I'm holding on for dear life and thinking about letting go. I want to let go and be free. Is it fear holding me back? I don't think so. I need to focus. Work smarter. Find my energy rhythm and work with it. I can pick a project to carry through to completion while doing a little bit here and there.
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6 ESV
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6 ESV
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Send Our Love
Step one: Bake his favorite cake before he leaves home.
Step two: Mail a care package to the college.
Step three: Divide up the birthday greeting among the family members at home.
Step four: Have the family members take turns wearing the college mascot hat.
Step five: Take turns jumping on the trampoline and snap pictures.
Step six: Don't forget to include the dog.
Step seven: Put it all together on the computer and send the birthday photo op by email.
We send our love. Happy 19th Birthday, Son!
For more of the photo session: http://saurolophus.blogspot.com/2008/09/happy-birthday-danny.html
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, Colossians 1:3 ESV
Friday, September 26, 2008
In a Jam
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6 ESV
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Empty Room
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Short List
But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34 NET
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stick Together
I like to divide and conquer. Divvy up the tasks. My older daughter prefers teamwork. As in, work together side by side. We tried it my way at the store. I'll stand in line and do a return. You go get your contact solution. I'll get whale crackers (for little sister's lunches) and you get sticky tack (for brother's dorm room walls). We'll meet in the crackers. I did my part and didn't see her so I went to the office supply section. Maybe I beat her so I grabbed some sticky tack. She had the same thought. We met in the middle of the store--we each had a box of whale crackers and a package of sticky tack. That's divide and multiply! Next time we'll just stick together.
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NET
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NET
Monday, September 22, 2008
Ready to Work
My goal is to have goals. A friend and I are going to start our accountability weigh-ins. I will start my food diary tomorrow. I submit my letter of resignation as food critic for Scones Across America, Western Washington Star bucks division. Tonight a writer friend asked if I was doing any writing. Just my blog for now. But don't give up on me. It's time to get serious. About getting serious.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Pull Up a Chair
If your group seems puny, invite someone to join you. Works for us. As our now-family-of-four left church we ran into a friend whose husband and daughter were out of town. After we parted ways, we thought we should have invited her to join us for lunch. I called her cell phone but then I spied her car ahead of us at the gas station. "Meet you there." Then I saw my parents' car in the parking lot. I found them in the store and invited them to join us next door at our favorite bagel shop. Pull up a chair. Have a cup of coffee; share a sandwich. The more the merrier.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Fly The Coop
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 ESV
Friday, September 19, 2008
Off We Go
I've barely got a handle on one. Now it's two. And in a year I'll have three children away at college. Time to get my game face on. Grab a pen. Get serious about writing letters, the old-fashioned way. Put together regular care packages. Perfect some recipes that travel well. And as always, pray away.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Take a Moment
I have so many things I want to accomplish around my home. Basic things like catching up on filing, pruning the book collection, showing tough love on my closet, or is that boundaries? Meanwhile there is laundry, dishes, and what's for dinner? I want to take a moment and acknowledge what is going well. We established a bedtime routine for my eight-year-old and it's working. I look forward to our chapter (or two if we start early enough) and prayer time. Tonight she asked to go to bed early so we could read some extra chapters. Sounds good to me.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17 ESV
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17 ESV
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Redeem the Time
I try to live in the present. Wherever you are, be all there, and all that. But every now and then I have flashbacks. Like at my daughter's soccer game last night. One year ago I was watching from the car because I couldn't walk very well. I'm thankful my MS has stabilized once again. I need my naps and have to pace myself. But am I using my time well now that I am up and around? Lord, teach me to redeem the time.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. Psalm 26:2 ESV
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. Psalm 26:2 ESV
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Party's Over
I'll have to rethink my party planning strategy for next year. I won't have my staff to help clean house, decorate, and oversee the craft project. (You're the best, Fam!) Maybe they can help me plan the party before they all leave for college. Better put that in the tickler file.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thirteen Year Span
Pictured: Our four at Cabela's.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 ESV
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Called Home
We joined friends in praying for a miracle. The seventeen-year-old son of missionaries was in a diabetic coma. One month of praying, hoping, and waiting. But today God brought him home. How do you say good-bye after seventeen short years? I don't know. But I trust God to provide comfort for the family. And I am reminded to redeem the time I have with my loved ones.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:10-12 ESV
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Job 23:10-12 ESV
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Make Do
The birthday plans are in place. Finally. Monday afternoon it is. A small party with a couple young friends. Why is it so hard for me to plan ahead? Am I just a big fat procrastinator? It's more than that. I am caught between what I want to do and what I can do. I would love to invite all my daughter's fellow third graders. Or at least the dozen girls in her class. But I don't have the energy or resources for that. Meanwhile I brainstorm and try to figure out a way to include everyone. And time slips by. It's time to jump in and make some decisions. And do what I can with what I have.
whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 ESV
whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 ESV
Friday, September 12, 2008
Such a Time
I think we fast forward through much of the Bible. Like the story of Esther. I picture her being scooped up off the street, put in a line-up, and being called out by the king. Not so fast. If I read it right, she went through a year of preparation before she met the king (Esther 2:12). How did she use her time? Between beauty treatments that is? Did she fuss and fret? Or did she use every opportunity to make friends and minister to those around her? And how do I use my time? Am I open to what God has for me in this season of life? Am I ready for my "such a time as this"? (Esther 4:14).
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, Colossians 1:10-11 ESV
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, Colossians 1:10-11 ESV
Labels:
Colossians 1:10-11,
Esther,
Esther 4:14,
time management
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Forward Thinking
How did I get so far behind? I faithfully followed my daily Bible reading plan and checked off the boxes--until August. I didn't stop reading my Bible; I just didn't follow the plan. Here's my catch-up strategy: Don't bog down with discouragement. Move forward with today's reading. And read the missed chapters as I can. I'm good on this month with half of August to go. Keep moving.
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
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
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Get Moving
That's one way to get moving in the morning. Or gather in the street with your neighbors. Hear the garbage truck rumble down the street and realize your can isn't out there. What's it doing coming at 7:30 in the morning? Never mind. It's just the recycling truck. Way earlier than normal. It's amazing what a little adrenaline can do for you. I am reminded that I need to be prepared for the things I know are coming. Like my daughter's birthday party. I keep talking about plans and brainstorming. I have a few more days left to finalize plans. I don't want to be running around at the last second. In my pajamas.
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 ESV
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 ESV
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Start Early
I have a new gift for my youngest. The gift of routine. Structure. The challenge is our split household--with three older children, basically all adults, plus one almost-eight-year-old. But my youngest needs more sleep to function at her best. So I am making it a priority to "start the settling down process" (they can all quote me on that one). We read, pray, and then it's lights out around 7:30 PM. Tonight one of us had to stay home and miss our older daughter's debut varsity (you go, girl!) soccer game. Big Brother volunteered. We're going to miss him when he leaves for college in ten days!
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 ESV
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 ESV
Monday, September 08, 2008
Enough is Enough
I saw the telltale signs. No, not again. I called in Pest Control, also known as my husband. He set some traps. The next morning's evidence revealed that we had a hungry and smart mouse in the house. It licked the peanut butter clean off the traps without getting caught. I bought more traps. Would you care for some cheese? He/She liked that. Last night my husband moved the traps around and reset them. I woke up at 6 AM this morning and was tempted to check the traps before anyone got up. No, I just prayed. Lord, give us success! But then I thought that whatever was going to happen had probably already happened. Lord, you know the desires of my heart. Around 6:30 AM my husband, drowsy 7-year-old, and I heard a SNAP! Gotcha!
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
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
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Make Someday Happen
Pictured: My intrepid berry picker, stickers, spiders and snakes (!) notwithstanding.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Little Reminders
I needed a cue to help me remember to pray for a young friend of mine that is a nanny overseas. I considered coffee as a reminder, but I don't drink it every day. Mostly when someone comes to visit or I get away with a coffee buddy. I already have a couple missionaries I pray for when I take a shower. When I wake up in the middle of the night I pray for whoever God puts on my heart or for lost and wandering friends and family. I could add my friend to my daily prayers for my children. But I have a better idea. When I tuck my youngest into bed at night I can also pray for my friend. My friend gave me one of the twin mattresses for my daughters' bunk beds. Sometimes during the day I step in my daughters' room and make the bed or put clothes away. I can seize those moments too.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
Labels:
children,
coffee,
Colossians 1:9-10,
friends,
prayers
Friday, September 05, 2008
Easy Parent
I'll take that as a compliment. The office manager at the high school said I was an "easy parent." I'm on my third go as a parent of a high school senior. I often pop in with requests for signatures, paperwork, information etc. But I try to always be courteous. A little appreciation goes a long ways. That and homemade muffins.
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2 ESV
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2 ESV
Thursday, September 04, 2008
New Hero
I have a new hero. In addition to my husband and my dad. I'm talking about a Bible hero. A leader. I've been a Nehemiah fan for a long time. Joseph's faith and wisdom inspire me. But I'm reading 2 Chronicles and noticing how Hezekiah took action and got things done. And took time to encourage the people. I can be more like him. In my own home. With God's help.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 ESV
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 ESV
Labels:
2 Chronicles 32:7-8,
Bible,
dad,
heroes,
Hezekiah,
husband,
Joseph,
Nehemiah 2:8
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Stand Tall
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 ESV
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Just in Time

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 1 Timothy 6:18 ESV
Monday, September 01, 2008
On My Mind
I don't want to repeat these thoughts in December. It will be Christmas before I know it.
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 ESV
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