Email Photo Happy

I'm not big on learning curves. I stick with what I know. So I was in a pickle with my regular photo emailing program out of commission. But tonight I tried it and it worked. I can save my brain power for learning something else. Like how to label photos so they are easier to find.

Pictured: My young niece enjoyed a horse ride at the family reunion.

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

Praying all the Way

She called me up. I wasn't planning to be my daughter's assistant during her science report. I want to be available for my children but not micromanage. I am learning to step back. Cheer from the sidelines. Praying all the way.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ESV

Flip the Furniture

I told my son it is good practice. For when he's married some day. Help me rearrange the living room furniture. But if I don't like it, we will have to haul it back. He doesn't have to worry. I love having the couch against the wall. It opens up the living room. Works for me.

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

Back and Back

Our son is back in the country. After a great mission trip to Mexico. We're anxious to see his photos and hear his stories. We enjoyed having our older daughter home for spring break. It's back to classes for everyone. Until next week, when my husband and younger daughter have their spring break.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, Psalm 103:17 ESV

Walk Happy

I'm thankful I was on foot yesterday. The last time I went to that zoo I was in a wheelchair. That was a couple years ago. It was fun to walk all through the aquarium and zoo with my nine-year-old. I skipped my nap to go. But I'm none the worse for it the next day.

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Rain in Check

We expected rain. And planned accordingly. One dollar umbrellas, anyone? But then the sun surprised us on the fourth grade field trip. My daughter and I had a great day at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Pictured: Up close with the polar bear.

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

Kiss for Great Grampa

Family came from Oregon, California, Missouri, Texas, and here in Washington to celebrate. A couple days early. But today is my beloved grampa's 89th birthday. He has not fully recovered from his stroke this summer but he hasn't lost his sense of humor. Or love for the family.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

My Circle

I like my circle. I have a circle of friends that speak up. Pray aloud with me. Pray for me. Read Scripture over the phone. Bless and encourage me.

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, Ephesians 3:16-18 ESV

Science Day

They went all out. Chemical reactions, water filtration, a fruit battery, magnets, a tornado made from dry ice vapor, a robot, and more. It was science report day in fourth grade. Our resident scientist investigated the foam created by different kinds of ice cream soda floats. That's my kind of science.

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Psalm 119:73 ESV

Send Off

And away they go. For one month. Another trip to China. My parents will be visiting friends and networking for future trips and teaching opportunities. Nice to have my daughter here to drive to meet the airport shuttle. And snap a picture of us while we waited.

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 ESV

Old Friend 老朋友

It was great to see an old family friend today. And hear him speak. In fluent Chinese. I have good memories of knowing him when I was in high school. He hasn't changed a bit. Except that now he is married. I enjoyed meeting his sweet wife.

...May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2 ESV

Have Helmet Will Ride

We packed it in. Took my son to meet his ride to the airport. He's on his way to work at an orphanage in Mexico for a week. Science fair with first graders for my husband. Family reunion and early birthday celebration for my grampa's 89th birthday. Horse rides for my nieces. Watched the little kids feed alpacas. Topped off with coffee with my sister before she left town.

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 ESV

Together

They know the drill. Photo op for mom, please. All four children are together in one place. For two precious days. Then it will be several months before we are together again. Today we visited my parents' place at the lake. Perfect for jumping off logs.

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

Tears of Joy

I was moved to tears when I heard the news three years ago. Even though I don't know them. I have since followed John Piper's son and daughter-in-law's story of dealing with the loss of their daughter at birth. Today I cried when I read the blog posts of Molly, Noel Piper, and John Piper. Tears of joy. They are expecting again. Twin girls!

http://mollypiper.com/2010/03/we-had-an-ultrasound-today-wanna-know-more-2/

who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

Hello Old Friend

That got his attention. And off his bed. Our golden retriever jumped up to greet our younger son who returned from college tonight. Our daughter returns tomorrow. Let spring break begin.

A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1 ESV

First Grade Science

My husband had a giant first grader today. Long enough for me to snap a photo. Then my son and I helped with science.

They are studying insulation and what it takes to keep an animal or object warm. The experiment investigates if straw, newspaper, sawdust, Styrofoam pellets, or wool is the best insulator for hot water.

I ran the clock for the teams of two, who recorded temperatures every five minutes. My son will return tomorrow to oversea the next trials.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21 ESV

Near Miss

That was a close one. I had just enough daylight to see the deer streak across the median. And slowed to barely miss hitting the deer on the highway. Thank you, Lord! How many close calls am I not even aware of? I don't want to know. But I am thankful for occasional reminders that God has His hand on my life.

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4 ESV

Now You See It

It seems overnight. When did our flowering plum go from winter bareness to spring finery? Amazing. Reminds me of how God is at work even when we don't see it. Until His miracle is revealed.

Pictured: My husband took this photo on our cell phone.

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

Turn-Around

I can make it easier. For all of us. If I clean out and organize then it's easier to keep up with the housework. Starting with the kitchen. So tonight I took everything out of the turn-around shelves in the kitchen. Weeded out the "plastics" (storage containers). Put like with like. Moved some mixing bowls to the pantry. But I quit organizing the muffin tins and baking dishes because my husband said I might wake the dead.

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

Known For

They know me by name at my bagel shop. But I didn't expect the manager of the big office supply store to greet me by name. I'm glad I've been gracious during the whole computer repair saga. I hope that's what I'm known for.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

Need a Refill

I thought I was giving a lot. I resolved to be on call for my daughter in the middle of the night. I built my schedule around catching a nap in the morning. So I wasn't exactly thrilled about being needed this morning and delaying my nap. My reserve was tapped. But I can get a refill. God will provide what I need. And then some.

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

Praise Sandwich

That's what I call a praise sandwich. This morning two hundred women sang hymns at Bible Study Fellowship. Then tonight fifteen of us sang hymns at our small group Bible study. Works for me.

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1 ESV

Good to Walk

I quit for a while. First it was my fault. I got busy. Out of routine. Then the motor gave out. But I don't have any more excuses. As of this weekend, I have a new (to me) treadmill. So today I walked for 30 minutes. It felt good. Now to make it a habit. Six days a week.

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

Night Watch

I was committed to waiting and praying. Even if that meant sitting in a chair for two hours in the middle of the night. Last night my nine-year-old was upset that she woke up and couldn't sleep after four good nights in a row. My goal is for her to overcome this new challenge. And help her learn how to trust God in the process. God can meet her needs. At any age. I am thankful for God's presence in our lives, anywhere, any time of day. Or night.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV

Know Jesus

I've read it many times. I know how the story goes. But I am getting to know Jesus in a new way through my Bible study in the book of John. I see Jesus' deity revealed clearly. I am moved by His humanity. And I am so thankful I have His Spirit with me today.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV

Enough

I felt the pull. Half-price Saturday at my local thrift store. Library book sale. Sales in the next city. But first things first. Completed my Bible study lesson. Sorted laundry. I have time for a visit to one rummage sale. That's enough.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 ESV

Pick a Color

I do what I can. I told my friend I was going to a rummage sale. She asked me to look for a clip-on bow tie for her 4-year-old son. He would like one for his birthday next week. I love a mission. And sometimes I hit the jack pot. I found nine, count 'em, bow ties!

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. I Timothy 6:17 ESV

Whole Enchilada

I had half a plan. Chicken in the crock pot. Plugged it in, too. Unlike last time when I had to throw out my uncooked chicken. But I wasn't sure what to do with it. I went through my cookbooks and found a chicken enchilada recipe I could adapt. Flour tortillas, and some multi-grain tortillas for me. Non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream. A little shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese. A can of refried beans, green taco sauce, and salsa in the pantry. Quick and easy. Three out of four loved it. And the fourth tried a bite. Which is amazing.

Here is a link to a similar recipe.

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

Little Note Love

I love little notes. From little people. My friend's four-year-old daughter drew me a picture and practiced some letters. I can do that too. Take the time to write a note. Or two.

but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14 ESV

Heads Up

I'm glad I had a heads up about the planned presentation. No need to worry about the fire truck and ambulance at the school today. And who is that spraying the hose as I drive through the parking lot? That's my fourth grader.

Pictured: My daughter's classmate manning the fire hose.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 5:11 ESV

Note to Self

Note to self: Don't pay bills online on the weekend. You can't call anyone if there is a problem. But have faith. Don't panic. Pray for peace of mind. And work things out on Monday.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:5-6 ESV