Take Aim

I have terrible aim. I have yet to master self-portraits. All of my children know how to point a camera or cell phone towards themselves without seeing the viewfinder. Meanwhile, I have fun trying.

Pictured: Me with one and a half of my daughters at Thanksgiving.

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

Ready, Set, Write

It's time to get down to business. Look through photos. Reminisce over the highs and and lows of the year. Update the mailing list. Think about format. And delivery options. Meanwhile, get a supply of my favorite candy--Good and Plenty. Crank out the annual Christmas newsletter. Here we go.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28 ESV

Last Minute Dash

It all came together. At the last minute. Everyone made it to church. A friend snapped a family photo. I made a "home-cooked meal" in record time. All before the kids had to meet their ride back to college.

Pictured: One of the outtakes from our photo op today.

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; Psalm 92:1 ESV

Who's Your Driver?

It works out well. My kids are skilled drivers. My husband doesn't mind taking the backseat. So my son drove us to Portland and my daughter drove on the return trip. And my youngest gets to select the music.

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

Thanksgiving Memories

In the family memory log, this will be the year we had snow before Thanksgiving. We will also remember it as the year our oldest didn't make it to the family reunion in Portland. He had to stay home and work. He also didn't make it to my parents' house because of the icy roads. But our neighbors made sure he got some turkey dinner.

Pictured: My mother-in-law and my two daughters on Thanksgiving.

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

Thanks Getter

Here's a good thought for today. Courtesy of my friend's FB posting.

It's Thanksgiving. Who's your thanksgetter?

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV

Pray Them Home

Stock up on supplies. Bake brownies that are open season, (not on the "save for Thanksgiving" list). Make a welcome home banner. Pray for safe travels. Be ready to welcome our college kids home.

It took them 5 1/2 hours, but they made it.

Pictured: Brother and sister reunion.

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

State of Readiness

Are we ready? Ready for inches of snow and single digit temps? Basically. To lose power? For brief outages. We need more flashlights and candles. Ready to travel on Thanksgiving? If the car part is delivered tomorrow and the radiator fixed (the mechanic says he will stay late if need be), we will be good to go. Ready for Jesus' second coming? We better be.

Pictured: My daughter had lots of time to make snow angels with school canceled all week.

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Luke 12:40 ESV

More Hat Love

I joined the club tonight. The hat club. I didn't even have to graduate from high school or turn 50. My neighbor loves to bless people with her crocheted hats. Perfect for this cold snowy weather!

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. Proverbs 31:13 ESV

Winter Arrives

My kids got it first, a couple days ago. They are north, almost to the Canadian border. We came out of church to find it was snowing in Olympia. By the time we got home it was a winter wonderland.

My husband is thankful he doesn't have to do his weekend janitorial duty tonight. Our oldest got up early and did the whole cleaning job before we woke up!

Pictured: The view from our porch.

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 ESV

Look to God

I will not give up. Or cheat and get out the commentaries. Until after completing this lesson. I will do my daily homework for my Bible Study Fellowship lesson on Isaiah. Even if it is hard to understand. There's plenty I do get. God is in charge. He has a plan. He is in control. I'm not.

In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense. Isaiah 17:7-8 ESV

In the Moment

I want to seize the moments. But not at the expense of being in the moment. So today I took my Bible study homework into Skateland but didn't open it. It was a better use of my time to visit with other parents and watch my fifth grader and schoolmates rollerskate. I can do my Bible study homework after my daughter is in bed.

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Proverbs 4:26 ESV

UnPower Lunch

My friend apologized. But it wasn't her fault the power went out. She was a gracious hostess and provided blankets for the ladies who were cold. It was kind of fun having our Bible study lunch fellowship by candlelight. Made a memory.

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

Four Car Day

Today was a four car day. It started in my white car, to school and back. Then my regular Wednesday morning coffee and Bible study date. Followed by a ride to my Bible study ladies' lunch. And tonight I hopped in a friend's van to share a ride to a women's church event. That's a lot of fellowship for one day.

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

On Time is Good

Sometimes I listen to advice. My own advice. Four years ago I started this blog with an entry titled: Not One More Thing. It was about going easy on the multi-tasking. Today I had a choice between running one more errand or being on time to pick up my daughter. On time is good.

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 ESV

Love Love

When did the love show up? In four years of blog titles, that is. There's been apple love, art love, Keen love, cookie love, mango love, and even tofu love. It started with Coffee Love in January of 2007. It's high time for more walking love, exercise love, getting-in-shape love, and fitness love. I can work on that.

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

Four Years and Counting

I think I only missed one day. That's not bad in four years of writing and posting something every day. Happy Blogiversary to Wide Margins.

What do you think of the crazy new layout?

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 ESV

Dinner Invitation

She makes it look easy. Crudités tray on the table. Table set for six. Potatoes and cranberry chicken in the oven. Green beans with bacon. Bread in a basket. That's dinner à la my mother-in-law. Don't forget dessert. Brownies with or without frosting. Or pineapple dessert. All made with love. Thanks for inviting us!

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:27-28 ESV

Sharing the Links

I know how much I enjoy good links. They give me food for thought and inspiration. So here are a few for you.

I love a good before and after story. Here's one about the power of spray paint. With thanks to Meredith of Like Merchant Ships for pointing me to The Thrifty Decor Chick.

http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/making-old-new-again-spray-paint-love.html

Here's one to make you think. And pay attention to your self-talk. How often do I say, "It's only..."? My kids can tell you that I often justify my garage sale purchases by saying, "But it only cost fifty cents!"

http://frugalhacks.com/2010/11/12/frugality-starts/

I don't have a newborn with cute little footprints, but I think it would be fun to make some homemade Christmas ornaments in other shapes. See what Trent of The Simple Dollar made with his kids.

One of the commenters mentioned that they would NOT appreciate a gift of ornaments that looked like cookies and smelled like cookies (cinnamon) but were not edible. So you might want to bake your favorite cookie recipe as well as these salt, flour, water, and cinnamon babies.

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2010/11/12/homemade-gift-series-9-handmade-ornaments/

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

Waiting for Real Peace

My grandfather served our country. My uncle. My cousins. Now my sons have friends in harm's way. My friend's husband is being deployed to Afghanistan in a couple months. Again. Our Messiah's return and the peace He will bring is looking better every day.

Happy Veteran's Day to those who have given so much, past and present!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

Should I?

The day was full of choices. Should I drop my quarters in the tip jar after the barista was not very attentive? Should I talk to the man in the government office waiting room about what I had just learned in Bible study when he opened the door to that conversation? Should I tell the cashier she had dramatically undercharged me? Yes, yes, and yes. I'm glad I did.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV

Rice Sock Love

I had everything I needed. (Minus the party hat. You have to watch the how-to video to know what that's for.) Extra tube sock. Rice in the pantry. Working microwave. And a pain in the neck and shoulder. Actually I didn't need that. But I had one. Thanks to the side effects from my weekly shot.

My husband put together a rice sock for me and it helped soothe the ache. Later I found this how-to video online. It's for pregnant moms, but works for anyone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2yln_8frcE

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

Apple Pie Love

Someone knows how to cook for a crowd. That was the biggest apple pie I have ever seen in my life. It was rectangular on a commercial baking pan. Perfect for a church potluck.

We sat with another family and found out the four children to the left of us were theirs, plus the teenager across from us, with two more at home. That's seven children, if you're keeping track. I asked if they brought the apple pie. Bingo!

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

Good to Report

Who do you report to? In my case, I have a friend I see a couple times a week. She wants to know what I am learning about Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship. Or asks me about the main points in my church class on doctrine. She helps me listen and learn better. I love that.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Great Friday

It wasn't even my birthday. But I was treated like royalty. My husband let me sleep in and took over the morning duties, like getting my daughter to school. Including a science test and spelling test cram session. Then my friend showed up with a latte and whisked me away for a morning of garage sales. What a great Friday.

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

Not So Fast

Can you get in and get out quickly? Buy the one thing on your list? Milk, in this case. No. You run into old friends and current friends. Catch up a little. That's a good thing.

that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:12 ESV

Thursday Challenge

I know I can be difficult. Today the lab technician said I was her Thursday Challenge. But she got in on one try. Just a little sting, not too painful. Now for the results of my blood work.

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

Make Room

I can make room. In my life. For new friends. I am getting to know the women in my new discussion group at Bible Study Fellowship. Slowly. And tonight my husband and I took a few minutes to talk to some people in our church membership class.

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

Ride Along

My neighbor needed directions. He has never been to the airport before. I can print a map and directions. If I had a GPS, I would loan it to him. But I have something better. My husband can ride with him and navigate. And help him meet up with his friends.

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

Christmas Spirit

I'm not letting the stores tell me when and how to get in the spirit. I can think about Christmas when I read Isaiah for my Bible study. Or when I hear the children rehearsing Christmas songs at school. Works for me.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV