Juggernaut Part One

Where are you going with all those milk jugs? For a couple months friends, family, neighbors, and the local coffee shop helped us collect gallon milk jugs. Rinse, if you don't mind, and save the lid. Don't crush. One hundred twenty eight gallons of non-fat, 1%, 2%, and whole milk later, we were ready. For the Juggernaut. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, Ecclesiastes 2:24 ESV

Little Reader

I miss the pitter patter of little feet. My youngest used to run down the hall and jump in my bed. Every morning. Now she's almost nine years old. She reads in bed when she wakes up. Reminds me of me at her age. Only I read in bed at night by the light of the electric blanket switch.

by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:4 ESV

Enjoy the Ride

I stayed home. But I didn't miss out. My daughter emailed me photos all day long. My four children had a great day at the water park. Roller coaster rides and everything.

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

Feed the People

Don't forget to feed the people. I'm getting better at that. Like if you are preparing a big family dinner event, plan lunch too. I'm glad I threw together some chicken tortilla soup the other day. With chicken and corn from the freezer. Some salsa, leftover marinara sauce, and a can of stewed tomatoes. And a couple cans of kidney beans in lieu of black beans. Fed the home team lunch. And had leftovers for another day.

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

Still Cooking with Love

Too bad our children weren't around to enjoy the event. Our oldest was only one year old then. My sister and husband-to-be had their wedding so well planned that they could enjoy family time before the wedding. And of course there was good food at the reception.

But we can all enjoy family times today. Even simple things like road trips and fine dining in the food court. As we celebrate 21 years of love, marriage, and good eating.

Happy Anniversary Ed and Kath!

Photo credit: My daughter captured this moment with her cell phone today.

Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:9 ESV

Love my Role

I know women who can't wait to be grandmothers. I'm not ready for that. Besides, we put off the empty nest with our tagalong.

Meanwhile, I love my role of aunt. Today I spent time with my two sisters and their six children. Ages twelve down to one. I enjoy them all.

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 1 Peter 5:2 ESV

Love is in the House

My parents and sister's family took a scenic drive to Port Angeles to see where my parents honeymooned. The motel was still there. Forty-seven years later. Then they all joined us for a special dinner of homemade calzone. But who is that knocking at the door? My other sister made a surprise visit. With my three nieces. All the way from Oregon. I don't think we could have planned a better anniversary gift for my parents.

Happy 47th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 ESV

Set My Heart

I love this section of the Old Testament. I learn something new every time I read Ezra and Nehemiah. There's leadership, organizational skills, and peacemaking. All based on a foundation of following God. Wholeheartedly.

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Ezra 7:10 ESV

Family Photo Op

That's how to do a family portrait. Pick a beautiful day. Find chairs for everyone. Arrange from oldest to youngest. No worries about coordinated clothing. Hey, I don't even have to make sure I have my eyes open. Works for us.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NIV

Table Talk

I can't recreate everything from my childhood. Living in Asia. Traveling. But there's one thing I can do for my children. My husband and I can be more hospitable. Have people over for meals. Swap stories. My parents set a great example. Then and now. We can do more.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Wrapped with Love

Dinner was a family affair. My brother-in-law led the homemade dumpling operation. Otherwise known as potstickers. My son got in on the cabbage chopping action. Almost everyone worked on their fill, fold, and crimp technique. They were wrapped with love and eaten with gusto.

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

Make a Day of it

They came to visit 18 years ago. When she was born. They entertained two busy boys. Now my sister and I have seven children between us. Ages 22 to 6. We celebrated my daughter's birthday with a trip to Seattle. It was a great day to ride the ferry, stroll through the sculpture park, eat a picnic lunch, visit Pike Street Market, check out a huge Goodwill thrift store, stop by Dick's for cheap shakes and fries, and observe the salmon at Ballard Locks. Then play "follow that Odyssey" to a little Chinese dumpling restaurant. Homemade potstickers and boiled dumplings. Yum. Top it off with cold drinks at a Bubble Tea shop. Happy Birthday to my daughter and a great day for all of us!

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NIV

Kebab King

I wish I could remember where we got the original inspiration. We had shish kebabs at my daughter's graduation open house. My husband added pineapple, onions, mushrooms, and peppers to the pork skewer recipe. It was a hit. Tonight it was the meal of choice for my daughter's birthday dinner. Our friend gave us some good advice for the steak kebabs. Like adding pineapple juice and soy sauce to the marinade. And make sure you pre-cook the red pototoes.

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

Back it Up

I am at peace with my limitations. I know that driving a big rig, especially backing one up, is not for me. So I applaud the skills of the gravel truck driver who did a great job in my parents' driveway today. He's probably never had such an audience. He didn't know he was delivering during a family reunion.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; Romans 12:4-6 ESV

Less is More

I need to do that more often. Sort through books. Today my husband and I tackled the stacks in his classroom. I didn't buy them all. I don't even know where they came from. But the process helps me think about my collection at home. Keep what I love and use. Lose the rest.

a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6 ESV

Oh So Fine

Let the good eats begin. My sister and husband are in town. Tonight we piled on the veggies. Vietnamese style. Cold rice noodles, bean sprouts, finely shredded cabbage, nappa cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, basil, mint, cilantro, with a splash of special sauce. Garnished with peanuts. With a side of Ed's marinated and barbecued pork.

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, Proverbs 30:8 ESV

Book Exchange

Let the book exchange begin. My sister is in town. All the way from Pasadena. She brought me a Chinese cookbook. And a book for my husband to share with his students. But my mom wants to read it first. I have children's books for my sister. I should find out if there are any library book sales while she is in town.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Like it or Not

I post every now and then. Check in maybe once a day. But the like button on Facebook is dangerous. For me. I need to step back. Stop wondering if anyone likes what I've posted. There's nothing wrong with the like button. I can use it to add my amen or kudos.

But as I read today in Baillie's Diary of Private Prayer: "Let me stand today...for the redemption of daily business from the blight of self-seeking..."

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23 ESV

Road to Recovery

Let the recovery continue. At home. My grampa left the rehab hospital yesterday. After having a stroke three weeks ago. He is gaining strength and walking. His speech is coming along, slowly. And he hasn't lost his number sense. He beat my Gramma at their welcome home game of Rummy Cube.

Pictured: Grampa and my Uncle Bob. My cousin posted this photo on his Facebook page.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV

Room Sweet Room

So what does he do while I'm out of town? Pull off a surprise by design on our bedroom. Inspired by the can of premium paint we found for only three bucks at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I love the gold color. My husband picked out a stunning accent wall color. Nice move to swap the location of the desk and dresser. My son painted my bedside bookshelf. Two coats' worth. After he removed--then replaced--all the books and papers. Thanks for synchronizing his and hers alarm clocks, Son! My older daughter contributed her duvet and matching pillow cases to pull the room together. Welcome home to me!

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 ESV

Time Well Spent

So much for getting a lot of reading done. I thought I would have time to spare. Instead I toured the college, attended orientation sessions, traded stories with other parents, and helped my daughter figure out her class schedule. It was great to spend two days with my daughter and make some memories. My roommate, another mom, enjoyed my Wall Street Journal newspaper.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 ESV

Early Drive

So much for sneaking out at the crack of dawn. My youngest woke up and hid in my room to surprise me when I came out of the bathroom. My scream woke up my husband. Then I accidently set off the car alarm as I loaded the car. Enough to wake up the neighborhood. But my daughter and I were wide awake for the early drive to Bellingham. And early enough to miss rush hour.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.Colossians 3:14 ESV

Ready to Go

Fill up the gas tank. Bake some steel-cut oat muffins. With little M&M's since we're out of chocolate chips. It's time for a mother-daughter road trip. College orientation in Bellingham, Washington. Too bad we don't have passports. We could pop over the border and visit my aunt and uncle.

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

Never Lose Hope

A woman at the grocery store told me her grandson was a lost cause. I refuse to believe that. He may be lost. Very lost. But there's always hope. This morning I read one of the good king/bad king sections of the Old Testament. One of the bad kings had a change of heart. And God heard his plea for mercy. As parents, grandparents, and friends, we can keep praying. And never lose hope.

In his pain Manasseh asked the Lord his God for mercy and and truly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. When he prayed to the Lord, the Lord responded to him and answered favorably his cry for mercy. The Lord brought him back to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh realized that the Lord is the true God. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 NET Bible

Apple Love

I almost forgot how much I love apples. Someone was giving away Golden delicious. So my mother-in-law got a bag for me and a bag for herself. Time to pull out my favorite 5-cent peeler. And make apple crisp for the family.

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, Proverbs 30:8 ESV

Mango Love

That takes me back to my childhood. Enjoying fresh fruit in Hong Kong and Taiwan. My mom hauling woven bags of fruit and vegetables at the outdoor markets. Getting deals at the end of the day or on the reduced-for-quick-sale produce.

My neighbor wanted me to try a mango cake from a Chinese bakery in Vancouver, BC. So she brought one back in a cooler. A work of art with sponge cake, whipped cream, and layers of fresh mango. Happy belated birthday to me.

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

Make Time

I don't have time for this. Correction, I need to make time. Get on that treadmill and walk. It's good for my health. Clears my mind. Gives me more energy. I can and will.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Who Wants to be a House-Sitter?

You have ninety minutes. Your time starts now. Phone a friend, or mom. Get the crew working. Fast and furious. The home-owners caught an earlier flight. And will return soon. My children did a great job house-sitting, caring for two special needs dogs, and watering the plants. And had the place looking great. In no time at all.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 ESV

Summer Work

One of the things I appreciate about my children is that they know how to work. I love this photo taken this summer when two of my children helped on my sister's farm. My youngest can't wait until she's old enough to help haul the hay.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:13 ESV

Faith and Family

Want to reflect on the meaning and purpose of your life? Attend a memorial service. Or two. I attended one for a family friend who had lived a long and interesting life. The last couple years were difficult with her Alzheimer's disease. But what a testament to the love and faithfulness of her family. Including her husband of 70 years. Today we celebrated the life of my neighbor's sister who befriended many in our neighborhood. Cancer cut her life short. We'll miss visiting with Aunt Debbie on the porch.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 ESV

Community Work Day

They came by truck, van, car, and convertible. With tool belts, tool boxes, power tools, extension cords, shovels, and rakes. And gloves. From many local churches. It was a work day at Mason County Christian School.

Two hundred-plus volunteers built walls, painted classrooms, moved rocks and dirt, weeded, trimmed trees, washed windows, and lots more. With a fabulous lunch for everyone.

My husband and I were on parking lot and shuttle bus duty. My son and daughter worked on the nature trail and used the weed-eater and brush hog. My husband and older son also did prep work earlier this week.

It was great to see the community come together to help the school.

http://www.masoncountychristianschool.org/

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; Romans 12:4-6 ESV