Seriously?

I could file it under, Now What? Or, Here We Go Again. I can't believe we have another pest in our kitchen. Found indisputable evidence. Must have moved in recently. Hopefully it is just one. And will get caught in one of the traps tonight.

I can think of two things to be thankful for. One, we don't have a new dishwasher yet. So I'm not worried about critters taking it over. Two, we have lived through this before. We can deal with it.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ESV

Off the Porch

We found a good home for our plum sofa. Besides our front porch. It is on its way to California. I offered it to my friend who didn't end up having room for it. But her cousin got married last weekend. The newlyweds stopped by with their moving van today. They are happy. I am happy.

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

Air Dry That

I'm tired of washing dishes. By hand. But I am thankful for a dishwasher that is dead. Only dead. Not causing destruction, like my friend's dishwasher that went out with a flood. On the second floor. Causing damage on two floors and one wall. And the dishwasher works well for air drying dishes. I can live with that. For now.

But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:8 ESV

Kindergarten Love

They are bigger and taller now. But their love for their kindergarten teacher hasn't changed a bit. It was reunion time in Mrs. Korver's beautiful garden. My youngest got to see some of her classmates and schoolmates today. And give her teacher a hug.

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11 ESV

Tea Stories

Every cup had a story. I thought it fitting that my tea cup was a thrift store find. The others were family heirlooms passed down or gifts from friends. All were beautiful. Every guest at the birthday tea had a story too. Some even had a song to share. What a great way to celebrate a friend's 60th birthday!

I wish I had my camera to record the beautiful hydrangeas, the array of cookies and scones, and garden setting.

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

Mother-Daughter Time

I think this is the summer of hanging out with my youngest. We went to the fair this weekend. Attended her first rodeo. Toured the fairgrounds in a horse-drawn wagon. Had a short ride in a goat-drawn wagon. Hopefully we can do more baking and sewing before school starts.

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! Psalm 113:9 ESV

Little Bit Country

I'm glad we visited a different church today. Not just because we got hear our friend speak. It gave my daughter a chance to see what a little country church service is like. Complete with country style music. Too bad we didn't have time to stay for the potluck.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV

Gold Plus One

The snow birds are still love birds. Happy 51st anniversary to my in-laws!

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

Peekaboo

Talk about painting yourself into a corner! My husband is painting high and low this week. Even spraying under a deck. Biggest project to date. In twenty some years of summer work.

This summer his right hand man is a left-handed woman. Our older daughter. I love how she sends me photo text updates. Our sons have logged hours too.

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

Favorite Local Artist

I dreamed of having original artwork in my home. More than on the refrigerator. Now I am blessed to have originals and prints by a local artist on my walls. I know him personally. And am proud to be his daughter-in-law. Happy Birthday to Arnold!

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! Psalm 112:1 ESV

Meal Plan

I'm trying to be flexible. Adjust to who is here for meals. But it's not working. Too much coming and going. So here's my new strategy. Plan the menu. Buy the groceries. Stock breakfast and lunch supplies. Let whoever is here eat. Or fend for themselves.

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

Inspired by the Dinner Doctor

It was not my best work. The stew was short on meat (buffalo), long on potatoes, and in the slow cooker too long. But it might work in a pot pie. So I made whole wheat oil crust, cooked up some lemon pepper turkey, and threw in peas and corn from the freezer. Added the leftover stew and chicken stock. Voila! Buffalo Turkey pot pie. A family pleaser. Nice save.

Inspired by the recipe for Susan's Chicken Potpie in Anne Byrn's Dinner Doctor.

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

Good-bye Plum

I couldn't call it a need. But I really wanted a new sofa. I was tired of our plum sofa. Tired of arranging the cushions and vacuuming it. Tired of mismatched everything.

But what did my neighbor have at her garage sale? Her comfy, sturdy, brown sofa. Very reasonably priced. Delivery included. Matches the two brown chairs in my living room. Works for me. And reminds me of God's gracious provision.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20 ESV

Be Part of the Action

I love how Jesus got things done. Like when He fed the 5000 men. Plus women and children. He let the disciples participate. Be part of the action. See the provision. And abundance. I'm asking God to show me where my loaves and fishes are.

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:16-17 ESV

Nice to be Remembered

I received a special birthday gift today. My grampa found an old book he wanted to give me as the oldest granddaughter. I'm thrilled that he thought of me. Especially since his memory hasn't been the same since his stroke one year ago.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

Some Works

I'm glad we don't operate by all or nothing. Some works. We couldn't all attend a barbecue with our small group. So my youngest and I went and represented the family. We had a great time. Met some new people. Had good food and conversation. Works for us.

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 ESV

Cups in a Row

I could have gone with color coding. Or name tags. But I think birth order will work. We now have designated spots on the window sill. For drinking glasses or mugs. For the summer, anyway. We'll see if this helps minimize dirty dishes.

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

On the Field

It's good to be back on the field. As a spectator. I'm enjoying my daughter's summer rec soccer season. The girls play hard in good fun.

Pictured: My younger daughter snapped this photo of her big sister.

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

Replaced

Popcorn sealed the deal. The woman offered to throw in some popcorn. Show how the microwave worked. Sold. And we have a replacement for our microwave. It is just the right size. Buying used saved us money. I can put my birthday money in our dishwasher fund.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

Catching Up Over Coffee

I like history. Having roots. I appreciate old friends who know where I've been. What I've gone through. Accept me as I am. Love me. And encourage me to grow.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Simple Request

Sometimes I don't know what to do. Do I help or drive on? But today how could I say no to the simple request? All the young man wanted was something to eat. So my daughter and I got out of the car. We went to the refrigerated section of the dollar store and let him pick out a couple items. He seemed genuinely appreciative. I got to talk to him a little in the checkout line. Maybe he'll come to church next Sunday. It's been years since he attended anywhere. I told him it would make his mother happy.

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 ESV

Summer Love

I didn't like my summer birthday when I was growing up. Felt like I missed out. But now it works well. Like this year. Barbecue dinner this week with the extended family. Garage sales with daughter and mother-in-law today. Coffee with girlfriends. (And some rainchecks with other friends.) Outdoor concert this evening. Happy Birthday to me!

Pictured: Surrounded by my family!

and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV

Watching You

I'm watching you. I love how my friends and family get things done. With planners all filled in for the month. Cell phone reminders. Timelines for events. Menu and grocery list all set for the week. Spread sheets. Notebooks of prayer requests. Lists. Index cards and pencil in the pocket. I want to be more like you. Little by little.

Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 ESV

Not on My Radar

I totally did not see that coming. Hello, four kids. My husband. My brother-in-law and nephew in town. My parents. My in-laws. My grandparents. All together having a family dinner at my parents' home at the lake.

Out come the roses and cheesecake. Sweet cards. It is two days before my birthday, after all. Perfect for a birthday surprise.

Pictured: Eating on my parents' new patio.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV

Important Water Safety

Why is this the first time I've heard this? My son told me to read an online article about drowning. I had no idea what signs to watch out for. This is a must read!

Mario Vittone says:

Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure? Ask them: “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare – you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents: children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.

http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11 ESV

Divide and Conquer

Now that's my kind of Divide and Conquer. My husband and older daughter were on paint duty. Their summer job. My younger daughter and I were on pack and deliver lunch detail. My sons were in charge of the kitchen and living room. Before out-of-town family came. I returned to a tidy living room and sparkling kitchen. And freshly mopped floor. Go team!

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

Pray First

I pray a lot. But often as an afterthought. When all else fails. I want to learn to pray first. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Let Him help me from beginning to end. And in the middle.

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

Day to Celebrate

It was a good day for our family. Worship together. Celebrate our country's freedom with family, including my brother-in-law and family from Oregon. Barbecue with my parents and my in-laws. Bonfire in the backyard.

But it was not so good for our dog. The fireworks started early in our neighborhood and he was all alone. He damaged the fence and garage door in his efforts to escape. He cut his face but he is okay now.

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 ESV

Shopping Therapy

Now that's shopping therapy. I stopped by the grocery store and saw a friend in the produce section. It was good to chat a few minutes and catch up a little.

that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:12 NIV

Thankful for What Works

Sometimes everything happens at once. I'm thankful when it doesn't. When our oven was on baking hiatus, we still had four burners and a microwave. Yesterday our microwave made a funny clicking sound. Today it tripped the breaker on one side of the kitchen. Looks like it needs to be replaced. Time to thaw frozen meat the old-fashioned way. Plan ahead and put it in the fridge. I can do that.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:12 ESV

Time to Plan

I have to chill. Take a number. Get in line to have use of a car. That's what happens when you have five drivers and two vehicles. I can't just hop in the car and do my grocery shopping. It gives me time to make a list. I can do that.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV