One Dollar Score

On the outside I was walking through a brand new thrift store in town. Knife in hand. But on the inside I was jumping up and down. I found the perfect paring knife for my daughter. Matches mine and my grandma's. Just what she needs for her new apartment at college.

Pictured: my favorite peeler and paring knife, #2 on the Aycock Knife list. I bought a #1 for my daughter.

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

Good Stuff

I wonder what they consider good stuff. Assuming that's what the custom license plate means. GUDSTUF. The car was outside the post office. Maybe that's what they were hoping for in a package. What do I consider good stuff? Off the top of my head? Connecting with friends over coffee. Having good conversations. Making memories. Seeing God's answers to prayer. Can't buy that on ebay.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 ESV

Chicken Soup Love

It was too late to put chicken in the crock pot before I left for the volleyball game. But not too late for the veggies in the soup. Quick. Chop some onion, carrots, and celery and set it on high. Cook the chicken on the stove and ask your assistant, otherwise known as your son, to add the cooked chicken to the crock pot. After the game my ten-year-old said she was hungry for chicken soup. Good, that's what we're having!

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

Makes Us Proud

Where did that little guy go? The one born in a Chinese hospital. Who loved to run and play ball. Who went all out on school projects. Who gave his all on the soccer field. Who babysat his baby sister without complaining. Who is a great big brother to both sisters. And pal for his older brother. The brains behind my husband's home improvement projects. Our family tech guy. He grew up and went away to college.

Happy 21st Birthday to our second born!

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV

On the Street

The woman was very kind. She spoke with the homeless young man and little girl standing on the street corner. Gave the young man some new pants to replace his tattered ones. Only they weren't homeless. They were just waiting for their ride. Home with me and their dad.

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

Snap It

My sister gave me the idea. Snap a photo of documents for reference. My kids showed me how to use the macro function for clarity.

I took a photo of my shipping label so I would have the tracking number. I can do the same thing with my cell phone camera. Record prices and model numbers when comparison shopping. Works for me.

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

Word Art Love

What do you do to relax? My friend Darrin draws and meditates on God's Word. That's what I call redeeming the time.

http://romanseightsixteen.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordart.html

when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:6-7 ESV

In the Bleachers

We've done soccer, baseball, basketball, and swimming. But my ten-year-old is the first to play volleyball. She had her first game today. I liked what I saw. The older girls on the team and the coaches were very supportive of the younger players. They played hard and had fun.

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

Anne (with an E) Love

I hear the voices. Marilla and Mrs. Lynde especially. My daughter only hears mine. I am almost done reading the classic Anne of Green Gables to my ten-year-old. I can't wait to introduce her to the movie series.

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

Welcome to Our Corner

I heard someone was coming. Wait, there they are. Standing in the driveway. No time like the present. Might as well go over and introduce myself to the new neighbors across the street. Welcome to our corner of the loop! You can borrow a cup of sugar, or whatever I have, any time!

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

Monday Night Blues

I miss my driver. My Monday night shot-giver. Fellow coffee drinker. My pal. My daughter. I will be glad when she is back online and has a working cell phone. I'm anxious to hear how her first week of school goes.

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

Move the Ribbon

It's time to move the ribbon. In my NIV Bible. I left it at the end of the book of John. It's time to begin studying the book of Isaiah for Bible Study Fellowship. It was good to see familiar faces and meet new people last Wednesday.

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, Colossians 2:2 ESV

Family Bowl

My husband was on a roll. He had six or seven spares and one strike. My oldest didn't come close to his personal record of six strikes in a row. But he had the highest miles per hour. My mother-in-law bowled with an effective curve. For strikes. My youngest did well in the debut of her new (garage sale) bowling ball. I was just happy to get out of the gutter. And got one strike. It was a fun birthday outing.

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 Together

We are back where we started. Eighteen years ago we were in a small group Bible study with some other couples. How many children, grandchildren, jobs, and challenges was that ago for all of us? Now we are in a community group with one of those couples. As part of a different church. I love how God brings people together. Again.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24 ESV

Seize the Break

It's back to running back and forth. Sometimes there are breaks of fifteen or thirty minutes between appointments or errands. I can carry my Bible study lesson with me. Read and study. I can do that.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:16 ESV

Share the Day

I wonder if the waiter believed me. I'm not kidding that my oldest and youngest share a birthday. Thirteen years apart. But in the end we only got one free meal. Not everyone wants pancakes for their birthday dinner. And my youngest still qualifies for a kid's meal.

Happy 10th birthday and 23rd birthday to my Sidekick and the Big Guy!

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

Have Soup

I knew I would thank myself later. Yep. Taking a few minutes to process carrots, onion, and celery was worth it. I put split pea soup in the crock pot before my nap. That takes care of dinner. When my mother-in-law called I said, come on over. We'll have soup. She made muffins. Works for me!

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

Have Saw Will Travel

Way to be prepared. My husband threw his saw in the truck in case he needed it. Sure enough, my daughter's new bed frame and the slats from her old bunkbed weren't compatible. He had to cut every one. He also put her pictures on the wall and helped her get settled before he left. Nice work.

Pictured: My husband and daughter in her new place.

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV

Good to Be Here

I introduced myself to the guy sitting next to me in church. Found out he's been attending for two weeks. Since he returned from duty in Iraq. So when he said it was good to be here, he really meant it. I want to keep that perspective. Appreciate the blessings in my life. Be thankful.

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

Load and Go

Our neighbors were putting the same puzzle together this weekend. How do you pack and transport all your college student's belongings? Especially when they are setting up their own places. Their solution was to rent a moving van. We opted to caravan with the pick-up and car.

Guess who got to drive the car home? Three-plus hours. Praise God for safe travels for me. My husband and younger daughter are camping in my daughter's new apartment and return home tomorrow.

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

Best Part

I love a good rummage sale. Fifty-cent shoes and clothes work for me. Throw in a couple fun garage sale bargains. But the best part of the day was reconnecting with my good friend after a long summer apart.

Pictured: How cute is that? Free sample coffee drink this morning.

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

Out the Door

The checker asked if I was going to cry. I told her my son was leaving for college today. No. But I will miss that guy! I know he will be happy to be in his new apartment with good friends. Now to prepare for my daughter moving out this weekend.

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

New Line Up

What happened to my line of kids in front of the garage door? And the first day of school photo tradition? They started having first days on different days. Then different cities and states.

My youngest started fifth grade today. As I drove away with her this morning, there was a line on the porch. Her dad, brother, and sister all waving good-bye.

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

Walk to School

No car, no problem. Call a neighbor? Nah. My youngest and I decided to walk to the back-to-school barbecue dinner. It took us 22 minutes. We got there just before the rain started. My son met us at the school and gave us a ride home. Now for a good night's sleep before the first day of fifth grade.

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

Menu Planning

I've had dinner on my mind. All summer. Who will be home when? What do I have on hand and what will the people like? It's time to turn my focus to breakfast and lunch. Plan healthy breakfasts. Stock up on lunch supplies. And throw something in the crock pot for dinner while I'm at it.

I found some breakfast ideas to try at Our Best Bites website.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

Very Berry Sunday

Cross that off our summer to-do list. With days to spare before school starts. We took our friends up on their offer to share their crop of blackberries. What a great way to spend an afternoon together as a family.

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV

Mostly Duds

It's good therapy to go to garage sales. Especially when most of them are duds. It helps me think about how I don't want to live. I don't want my home cluttered with piles of random stuff. I still have a long ways to go in the decluttering process. But I have a clearer vision of where I'm going.

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

Community Service

They showed up out of no where. The group of young men sprang into action and pushed the disabled car in front of us out of the road. Then we saw them hop in an official van. They were on their way to do community service. We should all be ready to do community service. On the spot. But hopefully not because we are required to.

rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, Ephesians 6:7 ESV

Close My Eyes and Pray

I don't have to say a word. They take one look and know I am a difficult case. I can't help it if my veins are small. And roll. I just close my eyes and pray. Let them poke and prod. Apply heat if necessary. It took two tries this time. But it was painless. Now to wait for the results of my biannual check-up to see if there are any adverse effects from my MS medication.

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

His Rainy Day

So this is what happens when he gets a rare day off. Yesterday I left and had coffee with the girls. (That's my daughters, my mother-in-law, and special guest, my cousin from San Francisco.) I returned to a tidy living room and dining room. With a staging area for sorting and packing in the corner. My husband is awesome.

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV