Good bye 2010

Good bye to my sister and family. Good bye Christmas in California. Good bye 2010. Hello new adventures in 2011.

Pictured: My view from inside a store.

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Psalm 96:1 ESV

Burrito Sendoff

How many burritos does it take to feed 10 people? Two, if they are gigantic. My sister and husband took us to a LA landmark as a sendoff. Too bad my son wasn't feeling well and missed out.

Health update: My youngest is over her fever but she doesn't have much energy yet. She and I flew back to Washington today. My son is hoping to get over his fever before they start the drive home soon.

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/59599/los_angeles_ca/el_tepeyac_cafe.html

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

What We Came For

We didn't come for the weather. Or the food. Even though we did have some sunny days. And lots of good food. We came for family times with my sister, husband and kids. It's fun to get reacquainted with my nephew and nieces.

Pictured: My husband and nephew posed in their leather jackets and shades.

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

International Food Love

It was an international food tour. Cantonese food for lunch. Self-serve frozen yogurt with Chinese subtitles. A blast from the past at a Chinese grocery store. Vietnamese coffee and baguettes, hot out of the oven. My sister and husband sure know where to go.

Pictured: My daughter examines a durian. Prickly and smelly!

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

Off to the Races

My sister knows where to go. Free admission. Reasonable breakfasts. Beautiful horses running and walking by. Works for me.

http://www.santaanita.com/content/dining-santa-anita-park

Pictured: A jockey at Santa Anita Park

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 the Best of Times

The good news is that we are all here. My oldest flew down on Christmas. The bad news is that my youngest is sick. It's not fun to spend Christmas in bed with a fever. At your cousins'. We are making the best of it. And praying for a quick recovery.

Pictured: My son had a stocking waiting for him when he got here.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, James 1:2 ESV

Merry Christmas!

Pictured: Cousins at a candlelight service.

the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16 ESV

Christmas Dinner Love

I think everyone contributed in some way. With my sister and husband doing the bulk of the work. Pot roast, mashed potatoes, stir-fried green beans and veggies. My sister tried out our Gramma's frozen fruit salad recipe. Served on a bed of lettuce. My brother-in-law's sister and family joined us. A family Christmas dinner it is.

Pictured: Setting up for a dinner for 16

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:13-14 ESV

Pasadena Love

Our family is coming together. Three drivers rotated sleeping, driving, and texting Mom with "where we are now" updates. Seventeen and half hours later they were in Pasadena. The sun is out.

Let the family California Christmas begin!

Pictured: Cousins shopping at the original Trader Joe's.

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

En Route

I wonder if the storm will pass before they get here. My husband and two children are driving to Pasadena. Good thing we didn't come for the weather. We could have stayed home for rain. Although this is a spectacular thunder and lightening storm with pounding rain.

Pictured: Cell phone update from the road.

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

Yours Truly

Who said we didn't need wheeled luggage? I thought we were traveling light. Until my daughter and I had to schlep our carry-ons across the Seattle airport, through security, on escalators, on the train, and on some more escalators. Who almost walked in the men's restroom except for her traveling companion's intervention? And who is happy to be spending Christmas in Pasadena with her sister and family? Yours truly.

Pictured: The two air travelers. My husband and two children will drive down. My oldest will fly down on Christmas Day.

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

Almost There

I had a print fail at the copy shop. But I don't care. I am so happy to have my Christmas letter written. I didn't know if it was going to come together. My best writing came when I sat in an empty office building with a notebook, Bible, and a pen. A little more tweaking and I'm good to print. Then I tackle labels.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

Christmas Pageant Love

Why did I wear a purple graduation gown? And my husband and son get draped in sheets? Because we were part of the Christmas pageant at the assisted living home. Several families participate every year, but this was our first time. My son did a great job as narrator and my husband as A.V. guy and scribe.

Photo: My youngest sat with the residents and took pictures, including this one of the angels and the narrator.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:13-14 ESV

Christmas Dinner Love

My husband makes things happen. I would have given up trying to find an open slot on the calendar. Host a turkey dinner for the family it is.

Both sets of grandparents were able to come. Three out of four of my children were here. With leftovers tucked away for the road tripper.

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

After the Program

I think we should make this a tradition. Put hot spiced cider in the crock pot. Open our home after the school Christmas program. Invite our community group and any friends, family or neighbors that want to join us. With thanks to my son and daughter for their help cleaning and preparing snacks.

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

In the House

I waited to break out the Christmas mugs. Until my daughter returned from college. Put on the coffee. Big Sis is in the house.

And bless her for babysitting her first night home.

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

Friend Like That

I wish our paths crossed more regularly. We are overdue for coffee. But I know my friend Carol is faithfully praying for me and my family. We all need friends like that.

Happy Birthday, Carol!

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 ESV

How did he do that?

The guy is talented. I've seen him do magic shows at the county fair, local libraries, and a birthday party. Today I saw Jeff Evans entertain senior adults at an assisted living home. Good clean fun. I like that.

http://widemargins.blogspot.com/2008/07/five-minutes-of-fame.html

http://www.simplymagic.org/aboutjeff.html

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

Bible to Go

We have a friend that is very predictable.You can count on the retired pastor to show up at community events. And our open houses. He's made it to all of ours except the last one when he had a family wedding. He always has a Bible in his pocket and a verse on his lips. I love that.

Pictured: My husband and our good friend, Pastor Dick at a recent harp concert at the library.

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

Celebrate the King of Kings

I didn't turn off the car right away. My daughter and I sat in the driveway. With a good view of the lighted cross next to the garage door. And cranked up the Hallelujah chorus on the Young Messiah cd.

We celebrate the birthday of our King of Kings.

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." Revelation 17:14 ESV

Two Trees

Take two, they are small. I love how my husband wired two trees together to make one nice Christmas tree. Free. Works for us.

Pictured: A cell phone photo to show our college kids the two trees.

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

Community Group Love

I love getting together with friends from church. Doing church. Being the church. Sharing food. Telling the stories of our lives. Praying. Finding ways to serve and bless our neighborhoods. That's community. Our community group.

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Acts 2:46 ESV

Let us adore Him

Bring on the Christmas music. Start with 4th and 5th graders from the Christian school singing at an assisted living home. End the day with harp music at the local library.

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 ESV

Taxi Love

I told myself I was glad I wasn't giving anyone a ride in my car that day. Before I had a chance to clean it out. Funny how that works. Next thing I knew, I was giving my cousin a ride to our coffee date from the tire shop. And a friend and her daughter a ride from the tire shop to the high school. Glad to do it.

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

He Says:

Twenty-five years together and more happily married than ever. I could write a volume or two recording the evidences of God’s grace in our lives. The vows we took seem to have tilted more toward the in sickness or for poor side of the equation, but I am more convinced and confident than ever in God’s ability to work all things together for good for those who love Him. If the next 25 years are as fantastic as the first, we have a lot to look forward to.

Happy Anniversary Mary! All my love to you. Scot

Pictured: Engaged, married, and with children.

Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25 ESV

My Perfect Match

I was finishing up my elementary teaching degree. He was working nights in a group home for teen moms. We were both in a Bible study for college-age adults. He often gave me a ride home. I appreciated how kind he was. And fun to be with.

One night we went out for strawberry shortcake to plan a going-away party for a friend. It didn't take long to realize that he matched every single item on my wish list for a future husband. Except for one thing in the optional section. He didn't speak Chinese. But he did learn some when we moved to Taiwan to be dorm parents for two years.

I still appreciate how kind he is. And fun to be with. Twenty-five years later.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33 ESV

Retracing Our Steps

As I prepare to write our annual Christmas letter, I review the year. I retrace our steps. Through my Bible study notes, photos, the calendar, and what I've written on my blog. A recurring theme is God's provision. Always gracious, always timely.

Pictured: My son captured these footsteps in the November snow.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 ESV

Christmas Parade Love

Have hat, will walk. In a Christmas parade with my daughter and friends from our Christian school. I felt like a celebrity walking down the middle of the street with crowds waving. Then I heard someone call my name. Hey, that's my husband. Who came from painting all day.

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

Tray for Two

Somehow my online reservation showed four guests. For a two-person room. I assured the owner it was just two of us. And it really is. No ghosts. By the grace of God.

Pictured: Our yummy breakfast.

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

Savor the Time

I don't care if we looked like tourists. Or newlyweds. We walked around the quaint harbor taking pictures. Talking. Savoring the time away. Reflecting on twenty-five years of God's blessing on our lives.

Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! Psalm 31:19 ESV

Just the Two of Us

We can't even remember the last time we got away. Just the two of us. Twenty years ago we went to Hong Kong for our fifth anniversary. Usually my husband just sends me away. Like the year I went to Singapore to visit my parents on Mother's Day. Or the "warm weather therapy" trips to Pasadena, California to see my sister.

How about a Bed and Breakfast overnighter in honor of our 25th anniversary coming up this month? On the waterfront. Works for us.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33 ESV