Will Work for Hugs

What does a painter do between jobs? Paint his daughter's room. Love that guy!

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV

Good Times

The weekend came and went. We filled it with conversation and laughter. Some coffee. Church and a potluck. Good times.

Pictured: Sisters saying good-bye.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV

Banner Weekend

No special reason. Just a weekend at home. Great to have our older daughter home from college. My younger daughter made a banner, put up streamers, and designed a treasure hunt for her sister. My husband made a special brunch. I think we're all excited to have her home.

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

Precious Cargo

I take extra care when I am driving with passengers. Whether it is a preschooler from my neighborhood, my friend's children, or my own children. They are precious cargo. But you know what? That is how God views me. I am precious to Him too. I love that.

Pictured: My little preschool friend and his graham cracker house.

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

Patriotic or Spiritual

We had singing. Poetry recited. Instrumental performances. Famous speeches. Dramatic reading. Puppetry. A martial arts demonstration. Parents taking pictures and video. Babies crying. Only minor technical difficulties. Good work on your oral reports, fifth graders!

Pictured: My daughter recited a poem about Joseph, written by her great-grandfather. His poem-writing days ended in 2009, when he had a stroke. He will be 90 in March.

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

Got Forms?

We thought it would be quick. Run in and grab the tax form. But no, they don't have the ones my husband needed on the shelf. Take a number. And wait while people ask all their tax questions and explain their special circumstances. Should have taken a book. And had lunch before we got there. Or sent someone out for coffee. Two and one half hours later our number came up.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV

Database That

I've been threatening to change it up for years. This has to be the last time I use my inefficient mailing list. Time to learn how to do a database. I can do that. And then put my people to work on it. Or vice versa.

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

One by One

No job yet. Teaching or otherwise. But my husband is still getting painting jobs. One by one. Scratching out a living. We thank God for His faithful provision.

Pictured: My husband painting under a deck this summer.

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

Simply Come

I've heard the complaint before. Yes, Christianity is exclusive. There is only one way to salvation. Through Jesus. Jesus said so Himself. But today our pastor pointed out that Christianity is also the most inclusive religion. Jesus welcomes anyone who comes to Him. Simply come. The door is narrow but it is open to those who come.

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/jesus-the-narrow-door

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 ESV

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:23-24 ESV

Work Party Love

I told the waitress I was buying food for a work party. She hoped the people at the office would enjoy the chicken bowls. No, not that kind of work party. It was a clean-house-do-home-improvement-projects party. My husband and friends got a lot done for a family in our community group. And they enjoyed the chicken bowls.

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

Pool Time

I didn't know I had a reputation. Until I showed up for a field trip without my camera. The other moms were sure I would bring a camera. But that's okay. The school secretary lent me her personal camera. She said she trusted me with it.

Pictured: The fifth grade teacher shows how to get air at the YMCA pool today.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 ESV

Double Blessings

I've been doubly blessed. In high school it was Claudette and Claudine. In college it was Heidi and Holly. And now I have Marleen and Karleen. I love my twin friends!

Happy Birthday Marleen and Karleen!

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2 ESV

Learning to Trust

I was holding my breath. Waiting to see how much my first monthly prescription of the year would cost. Good thing I've been studying Isaiah and learning about trusting God. I might have freaked out when I heard, "That will be one thousand...." But after some phone calls and paperwork I was able to get it taken care of. All paid for. Looks like I'm good to go for my next shot on Monday.

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 7:4 ESV

Room for Plants

We had a desk in the living room. Until it went to college. With my daughter. Where are we going to put the plants that are ours for the winter? While my in-laws are snow-birding. I love my husband's solution. Take one board purchased at the Habitat ReStore. Add two table legs, also purchased at the ReStore. Secure. Room for plants. And dog below.

and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV

Happy Birthday Across the World

I love looking at old family photos. Because I have fond memories of my childhood. Today I am especially thankful for my dad. He is away teaching and preaching in Asia. I'll put on a pot of decaf coffee and make some rice and creamed tuna when he gets back.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Pictured: The five of us in the early 70's. I am the oldest of three girls.

The righteous who walks in his integrity-- blessed are his children after him! Proverbs 20:7 ESV

Call it Good

I keep waiting for the perfect moment. To get things together. I didn't know I was such a perfectionist. It's time to call it good. Go with what I have. Get things done. Invite friends over. Ready or not.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

Saturday Coffee Love

We used to go out for breakfast every Saturday. BK days. (Before Kids). Today we took a coffee break. Reflected over the week, talked about goals, shared what God is teaching us, and so on. We should make it a weekly date. Sounds good to me.

Pictured: I successfully captured both of us in a cell phone pic.

Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. Haggai 1:5 ESV

On the Mats

Everyone else in the room took their shoes off. So I did too. But I had no intention of doing any flips or cartwheels. I was at gymnastics class in case they needed an extra spotter. Or if my fifth grader needed moral support. She did great.

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

Earthquake Story: One Year Later

I didn't want to get out of the car today. The story on the radio was so gripping. It's worth listening to the Focus on the Family 3 part broadcast about Dan Woolley's survival of the Haiti earthquake one year ago.

Our pastor Mark Driscoll visited Haiti this week too.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?ShowPath=Focus%20on%20the%20Family%20Daily&broadcastDate=2011-01-12

http://churcheshelpingchurches.com/2011/01/13/faith-is-perhaps-the-only-thing-not-shaken-in-haiti/

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV

Take Them a Meal

I know what it's like to be the recipient. Friends, family, and church members brought meals when I was in bed for months with my M.S. And after the birth of my daughter ten years ago.

Now it's time to help my friend who is dealing with cancer. My aunt told me about the Take Them a Meal website. It was easy to set up a schedule so people can sign up to take meals for my friend and her family. It's a great way to coordinate who is doing what when.

http://www.takethemameal.com/index.php

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? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18 ESV

Aaron's Bible

I have Aaron's Bible. I don't know him but I know his mom loved him. I picked it up at a thrift store. It's perfect for carrying around and taking to Bible Study Fellowship. I pray for Aaron, wherever he is, that he would know God is with him.

he said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 32:46 ESV

God's Economy

I love God's economy. How He works in and through us. Provides the resources we need. Tonight we delivered dinner to friends. Then my in-laws had us over for dinner. And sent us home with food from their fridge because they are leaving town.

Pictured: My mother-in-law and daughter at a family wedding.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV

Be Strong

I'm glad I'm back. Back in the routine of reading Isaiah. I got off track during vacation and then missed Bible Study Fellowship class last week. I need that regular word from the Lord, via Isaiah, to be strong and fear not.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." Isaiah 35:3-4 ESV

28 Cents of Happiness

I was no help at all. In fact, I napped while she worked. My youngest organized and cleaned her room all by herself. Cleared off her desk. Found a fish bowl in the garage. She wondered if we could buy a new goldfish for her room. We can do that!

Pictured: My daughter took this picture of her new fish. And came up with the title of this post.

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

Hello Timothy!

My husband and I finally met the little guy. Three weeks old. Our friends were expecting their first child on our anniversary in December. Went 10 days past the due date. Then thirty-eight hours of labor! I wish I had my camera to record our community group Bible study members in a circle oohing and ahhing. Welcome to our community group and the world Timothy!

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

The E-Newsletter

I'm transitioning to using modern technology. And by saying that, I just dated myself. Does anyone under 30 say "modern technology"?

It's time to relent and send our Christmas newsletter electronically in pdf file. But my email list is incomplete. I am also getting ready to mail with labels in process. I hand out in person if I run into someone.

Send me your email or mailing address if you would like to be included. That's: widemargins@gmail.com.

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV

Hugs and Tears

There were lots of hugs and tears. A few laughs over fond memories. The church was packed. It was a memorial service for a woman killed in a car accident. I'm sure my friend Kristin had no idea she touched so many lives in her short forty years.

Our kids were in the AWANA Bible club, where Kristin and Chuck served so faithfully. Kristin and I were on the women's retreat committee. And when our youngest was born ten years ago, Kristin loaned me their crib. I will never forget her radiant smile and giving heart.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 ESV

Dolled Up

I have never seen so many dolls. Some even dressed in matching outfits with the owners. It was fun to visit the American Girl store in LA.

I'm thankful to have a daughter who is content with her doll, even if there are no books written about it.

Pictured: Can you find my niece in the American Girl store?

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

Only Temporary

I try to keep the bigger picture in mind. So what if the washing machine freezes up and floods the garage? Or your son goes to the doctor and finds out he has strep? These are temporary disruptions.

Pictured: My reflection in the dryer at the laundromat.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3 ESV

Married Off

The first cousin got married today. Our oldest niece. It was a beautiful, tender, and fun wedding and reception. The groom got misty-eyed during the ceremony--just like my husband did 25 years ago. I'm glad we returned from California in time to drive down to Portland and back. Minus one son who had to work and one son who is recovering from being sick.

Pictured: A bubble send-off for the newlyweds.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22 ESV

Simple Focus

I'm not doing resolutions this year. I want to simply focus on making my days count. In the various roles I have. Wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, neighbor, and most importantly disciple.

Pictured: My sister and I.

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