In the Loop

I'm glad I didn't need to go anywhere tonight. Trying to drive through our loop would be scary. There were children and parents everywhere! I handed out candy. Then my daughter and I walked around the neighborhood. I'm glad I did. I met some new neighbors.

Pictured: Someone carved pumpkins with our church logo.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14 ESV

Impromptu Dinner Plans

It was my husband's idea. Impromptu dinner plans. Invite my parents and my in-laws here for dinner. They could all watch baseball and college football. Even better, my mom offered to bring dinner and my mother-in-law brought pumpkin pie.

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

Staying Calm

It wasn't on the grading rubric. But I give my daughter high marks for staying calm. She couldn't find her note cards before giving her oral report. She was all set to go on without them. But I ran to her classroom and found them in her desk.

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

Birthday Month Buddies

I had just started college when she was born. She was only four at my wedding. Now she is all grown up with three tours in Iraq under her marine belt. She is in town helping my grandparents for a while.

Happy birthday to my cousin!

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 ESV

Egg Roll Love

The event was for my husband. It was an open house to celebrate his birthday. But I'm the one who felt the love. My friends, family and neighbors helped it come together. Better than I could have planned.

Pictured: My neighbor made delicious egg rolls and noodles for us.

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

Volleyball Love

I didn't get a picture with my husband at his birthday party. Just a couple group shots. That's okay. My cousin can take one at my daughter's volleyball game. Works for me.

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

Represented

Open house by the numbers. 90 special guests, counting men, women, children, and one baby. Both sets of parents. One sister and husband from Portland. One cousin. Three long-time friends from Portland. Six of my husband's former students, including our daughter.

Six neighborhood families. Four past and present churches from three cities. Four nationalities represented (five if you include my Canadian dad). Five kinds of cake plus cinnamon rolls. Plus lots of good food. Happy 50th to my husband!

Pictured: Our family of six

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

Time to Party

I wasn't sure about the timing. Can we wait until our 25th wedding anniversary in December? Or how about when my husband finds a job? But a 50th birthday is special. Let's go ahead and have an open house with family and friends. We can celebrate God's faithfulness. And honor my husband on his special day.

Pictured: Our invitation featuring my husband at age 25 with his baby blue Dodge Charger.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 ESV

Day Before Open House

I appreciate the teamwork. Chairs delivered to my front door. Serendipitous party decorations from a friend. Mother and mother-in-law helping with food and supplies. Neighbors and friends providing food. My children coming home from college. Family chipping in to pull off an open house event. It's coming together.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV

Portfolio Love

He is finally ready to let go of his portfolios. Some anyway. Otherwise known as his painting clothes. He has plenty. No, he's not done painting yet. The outside work is probably over for the season. My husband will start on some indoor painting jobs soon. While he figures out what's next.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

Ready to Stop

I almost picked up a hitchhiker. It was a young woman with a backpack at the freeway entrance. But I didn't see her sign saying where she was going until it was too late. I was willing to change my plans and be late for a church class. My husband was in the car with me, so I was not alone. I have to trust that if God wanted me to stop, He would have made it clear. My job is to be open to the Holy Spirit's prompting.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Miss Martha

I missed my Bible Study Fellowship buddy today. My friend had to take a sick day and stay home. So I drove myself. But I skipped grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to the church. It wouldn't be the same without her. Get well soon, Martha!

Pictured: Martha and Mary at the pumpkin patch.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Watch the Clothes Dry!

I don't have time for this. Not another appliance fail! Gas dryer this time. First thing, pray. Ask God for His provision. And peace.

Check online ads for used dryers while husband takes the dryer apart to see if it can be repaired. Nope. No dice on the online ads. But find an ad for metal shelves for the garage.

Try not to panic about the growing pile of laundry. Did I mention that we are having an open house in a few days? Then my husband finds a used dryer at the local ReStore. But it's kind of old. A shopper overhears his phone call to me and tells him about four new gas dryers at the ReStore 40 minutes away.

And that's how we end up with a beautiful brand new gas dryer. For a great price. Plus shelving for the garage.

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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV

Pumpkin Patch Pooch

Days like today make me miss my college kids. They would have enjoyed going to the pumpkin patch. With their little sister. But I have plenty to be thankful for. We had great weather. I am well enough to attend field trips. I appreciate my friendship with other moms. And the wagon-riding pumpkin patch pooch didn't follow us home.

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

First

I made a deal with myself. I complete my daily Bible lesson first. Then I can check status updates online. I told my discussion group leader of my plan. And my good friend. And now you. That's accountability. Works for me.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV

Pitching In

I'm used to my son helping me with projects. All of my children, for that matter. My son was good to decorate some take-out boxes for a birthday party game today. For my daughter's classmate.

But I was blessed to have my friend's ten-year-old son as a personal assistant for a penny pitching game. He picked up pennies and counted them out by tens. And handed out prizes. All with a great attitude. While his home was filled with a dozen girls.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 ESV

It's Relevant

I wasn't sure how relevant this year's Bible study would be. The book of Isaiah is not easy reading. But Isaiah could have been speaking to people today just as easily as King Ahaz. Even when the world seems like a scary place: "Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint." (Isaiah 7:4 ESV). Or to paraphrase: Don't freak out. God is in control.

When the house of David was told, "Syria is in league with Ephraim," the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. And the LORD said to Isaiah, "Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. And say to him, 'Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. Isaiah 7:2-4 ESV

Great Reason

Here's a great reason to cancel a road trip. Have your doctor call and say your MRI scan looks so good you don't need to come in. There are no new lesions on my brain. That means my MS is holding steady. I will continue the weekly injections. But well or sick, my life is in God's hands. And that's a good place to be.

Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Psalm 31:5 ESV

Surplus Love

I restrained myself. I only spent 38 cents on my maiden voyage into the state surplus store. It helped that a man who purchased a "lot" (batch of items grouped together) only wanted the computer servers and was giving away the desk organizers. Perfect for our newly organized office. The paper recycling can was only 25 cents and the letter opener was from the 10 cent bin.

I can't wait to take my husband to the surplus store. We might need a new bookshelf. Or two.

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

Team Spirit Love

My daughter's teammate thought matching hair ties would be fun. Bring some team spirit. So she personally cut and tied ribbons for all the volleyball players. I love it when someone takes the initiative. Even better when the someone is a young person.

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

Here am I

I came to my first favorite section. As I study my way through the book of Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship. I have fond memories of my dad preaching on Isaiah 6 and saying "Here am I, send me." I want to be open to God's leading for my life so I can say that too.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8 ESV

Cheerfully

We make it a habit to tithe. We try to give regularly and generously. But I didn't think about taking a percentage of a check that came specifically to me. Until my friend told me how she tithed on everything that came in and encouraged her children to do the same. I can do that too. Cheerfully.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Count to Ten

What if everyone counted to ten first? Before posting, sharing, sending, or submitting online. What would social media look like if we followed the wisdom of Proverbs? Author and blogger Tim Challies has some good thoughts about what Solomon might say today.

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/solomon-on-social-media

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20 ESV

Service Day

What does a laid off teacher do on a teacher in-service day? Not paint, if it's raining or threatening to rain. He makes eggs, hash browns, and bacon for the family's brunch. Works around the house. Cheerfully. Then makes dinner while his wife is out running errands. Blesses the family. That's my husband.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, Colossians 1:11 ESV

Survived Another One

That's one way to take your mind off the tight quarters and loud noises. Give the technician trouble finding a vein for the injection mid-way through the MRI. He kindly gave me an ice pack on one arm for the pain. But through it all I felt calm and peaceful. With the help of prayers from my friends and a little medication. And for the record, I didn't drink, drive, or sign any legal documents for the rest of the day.

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

Babysitter Love

What is the going rate? I have no idea because we have hardly needed babysitters in the last ten years. That's one of the benefits of a 13-year gap between your oldest and youngest. We had to find someone to stay with our ten-year-old tonight. I found a nice couple who agreed to come for the evening. I didn't even have to pay them. Thanks Mom and Dad!

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

Why and How

It's the "or not" I'm stressing about. As in "Ready or not." How are we going to get it together in three weeks minus two days? As we prepare an open house event, with two key staff members out of town (in college), I'm going to focus on the why and how. I want to honor my husband and his special birthday. Welcome friends and family to our home. And I want to do it with love. With God's help.

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

Monday Prayer

I like Monday mornings. They are redeemed by the morning prayer time with other parents at my daughter's school. As we pray we can hear hear the children singing worship songs during the Monday opening. What a great way to start the week.

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:10 ESV

Greet Team

It was my first greeting experience. I put on my lanyard and took a turn by the children's ministry area. I handed out "The Weekly" church bulletin to families on their way into church. I can do that.

http://olympia.marshillchurch.org/about/

Photo credit: my daughter took this with my cell phone.

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

Stop By

I was expecting parents at the door. My husband's. But it was my parents, who were on their way out of town. Too bad they didn't have time to stay and visit. We almost had a convergence of the grandparents. I love it when that happens.

Pictured: My mother-in-law waving good-bye.

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

Bike, Run, Bat

I know my limits. I am not getting on a bicycle and riding five miles round trip. I can follow by car and take photos.

The fall triathlon at my daughter's school went well today. They biked around a nearby lake with police escorts across the intersections and biked to the recreational park. They ran the bases at each of the fields and took turns in the batting cage. Yours truly even donned a helmet and gave it a go. I can't believe I hit 10 out of 15 balls.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV