Science and Singing

Another busy day in fifth grade. They had oral reports with a science demonstration or experiment. We're talking smoke, fire, explosions, static electricity, and more. And how about that elephant toothpaste?

Tonight they returned to school for a concert with the fourth graders.

Good work, everyone!

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

Flying Through Isaiah

Where did the time go? Have we really covered 50-plus chapters of Isaiah already? I hate to see this year's BSF study come to an end in a couple weeks. But I have the book of Acts to look forward to in the fall.

"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

No, Thanks

No, I do not want to buy any steak or chicken. Even if it is the end of the day and you have some great deals. (You salesmen always say that, by the way.) I will smile and wish you well.

And sir in the grocery store parking lot, I'm genuinely sorry you are out of work and having a hard time. No, thanks on selling me tools out of your trunk. But I can give you a couple dollars for gas. How about an ice cream sandwich? And if it wasn't raining and I didn't have people at home waiting for me, I would have asked your name and how I could pray for you.

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? 1 John 3:17 ESV

Time for Coffee

What did my friend do on her day off? And her daughter on the first day of spring break? They joined me for coffee. I introduced them to my favorite coffee shop in town. Too bad my daughter already returned to college.

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

Send-Off

We had a prayer circle in the parking lot. A send-off prayer and blessing for the college kids and their escort/chauffeur. My husband took our two to Bellingham plus two friends who needed rides. I am always thankful for safe travels. Up and back.

Pictured: On our family walk the other day.

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

Enjoy the Moments

What if some are on spring break and some aren't? You make the most of it. Enjoy the moments. And take your youngest out of school for the afternoon.

Pictured: I love this photo op of my nieces, my daughter, and the thrift store bear.

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

Living Legacy

I told him I'm going to expect more out of him now. That made my Grampa smile. That's what he always told me on my birthdays.

It's hard to believe my beloved Grampa is 90 years old today. He seemed to enjoy the birthday celebration dinner and program last night, surrounded by his wife of almost 70 years, a brother, a sister, three out of four children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He's not writing poems any more but enjoyed the recitation of some of his.

Pictured: My youngest and my Grampa.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18 ESV

Pack the Day

I don't think I could have packed much more in a day. Started by checking folders in the fifth grade classroom. Took my older kids to the assisted living home to see the Christian School's 4th and 5th graders sing for the residents. My sister and her three daughters joined us, then we went to our favorite coffee shop. We closed out the day with a big family dinner and celebration for my grandpa's birthday.

Pictured: My husband read to my nieces at coffee today.

Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, "Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!" Psalm 35:27 ESV

Dinner Entertainment

What's better than dinner at my parents'? With all of my children present? Dinner at my parents' home with my sister and her three girls too. My (almost) three-year-old niece had all of us in stitches.

Pictured: My mom demonstrated the Chinese calligraphy books she brought back from China. No ink necessary. Just add water.

A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 ESV

All We Like Sheep

I've been waiting for this chapter. We are in Isaiah 53 in Bible Study Fellowship. I think Isaiah 53:6 was one of the first verses I memorized as a child. In an English-speaking church in Hong Kong.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 KJV

For Your Good

I am reading through the Old Testament. Out loud. With my friend in the assisted living home. In the middle of the instructions of laws, commandments, sacrifices, and all that, comes a very important phrase. "For your good." God loves us and wants what is best for us. Like a good parent. Only better. He is the perfect parent.

and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Deuteronomy 10:13 ESV

Carried by Prayers

My life is not my own. I am carried by the prayers of the faithful. Yesterday I talked with some women that know my mother-in-law. They keep up on family news and pray regularly. At least one friend's Sunday school class is praying specifically for my husband to find a job. Others are praying too. Plus my parents and grandparents have prayed for me and my family faithfully. For years.

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV

All Grown Up

I remember when she was just a little thing. Watched her grow up. Graduate from high school. Move into the dorm with my daughter. Today she wore a beautiful white dress and walked down the aisle with her dad. And married the son of friends of ours. I love weddings. And celebrating with friends.

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

All the Way to the Postscript

I asked God for a twin mattress for my daughter before spring break. With my husband and our pick-up out of town, I added a P.S. And Lord, I need a way to get the mattress. I checked and rechecked my sources, asked my friends, and kept praying. A friend called me with a lead on a bed. But it was full-size and too big for the room.

Then a friend of a friend of a friend had a twin mattress up for grabs. All I needed was a way to get it. I borrowed a van and I was set. Mission accomplished. With 24 hours to spare before my daughter's return. I love how God answers prayers. All the way to the postscript.

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

Safely Home

I feel more settled. My parents are back in the country. Arrived home today. I am thankful for their good teaching experiences in Korea and China the last three months. And safe travels. They can stop by for coffee, tea, and meals anytime!

Pictured: My parents, their chauffeur (my Uncle Rod), my daughter and me.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:7 ESV

Trusting God All The Way

It was standing room only. Did our friend have any idea how many lives he touched in 39 years? And impacted by his death? His brave wife and daughter spoke so eloquently of their faith in God.

People ask the daughter, "Aren't you mad at God?" Her reply: "God gave me a wonderful dad who loved me unconditionally for 19 years. How can I be mad at God?" Yes, they are grieving. But they rejoice in knowing they will see Dave Robecker again. Waiting in eternity with that "goofy smile."

Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:2-3 ESV

Pray with Faith

If I truly believe that God will provide a mattress for my daughter, why is the bed frame covered in boxes? Time to clear the bed. And pray with faith.

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

Make Someone Cry Today

Did you make someone cry today? In a good way? Or at least touch someone's heart? I didn't do it directly, but was involved in blessing my neighbor. I asked my wool-felting crafty friend to sew a bag for my neighbor, including a tag bearing their last name, which also happens to be a brand of menswear. My neighbor loved it!

And when I looked through a box of food supplies a friend gave me, I found a box of Dutch cocoa. Perfect for baking my chocolate muffins and my son's favorite chocolate cake when my kids come home this weekend. The timely thoughtfulness touched my heart.

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

Free Coffee

It seemed like a simple gesture. I offered to pour some free coffee for a woman at the grocery store. But they were out of cups. So I went and asked an employee for help. When I came back and got coffee with a little creamer plus a stirrer, the woman said not many people would do that.

I said it was something Jesus would do. I was thinking of the living water, and all. She told me she was feeling down and didn't go to church today. Her recent diagnosis of cancer and the radiation is taking a toll. I'm glad I could encourage an 80-year-old woman with a cup of coffee. I can do that.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 ESV

A Fitting Memorial

I hope she had a good seat. I will have to wait until I get to heaven to find out how that works. My friend Mary would have loved today's memorial service. Her brave husband shared of their love and faith. Pictures and music chronicled 49 years of living life to the fullest. Her three children participated in the service, individually and as a family. Her pastor gave a fitting sermon.

Remembrances celebrated her life and gave honor to Mary's Lord and Savior. Friends from various circles joined together to put on a finger food extravaganza reception. One of her husband's brothers surprised the family by driving up from California. Joining the others from Chicago, Michigan, Florida, and Eastern Washington.That made seven out of ten siblings in attendance!

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

Flowers to Go

Today I had a different kind of precious cargo. Beautiful flowers for my friend's memorial service tomorrow. A friend from church made the arrangement as her gift to the family.

My friend Mary would have loved the bright colors. I can only imagine the beauty she is enjoying in heaven.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 ESV

Carry Them, Lord

I am going to have to trust Him on this one. That He cares for the young. Even when the world is a dark, scary place. My daughter's friend lost her dad this week. He went to work, got injured in an accident, and will never return home again. He leaves behind a wife and two children. But they are not alone.

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

EVERY

What does it mean to have a custom license plate that says EVERY? Is the owner trying to be inclusive? Everyone. Everywhere. Or is that a surname? I don't know the answer. So I'm just going to make up one. The first verse that comes to mind contains the phrase: "take every thought captive." With a license plate like that I could have a different theme verse every week.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

He Won't Forget

I am thankful for God's text message. Sent many years ago. He won't forget us. No matter what happens, God is there. Sees what is going on. Feels our pain.

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV

Actors Welcome

"I'm not crazy. I'm just talking to myself." Then the guy at the next table told us about the murder mystery play he's in. He asked if he could recite his lines to my daughter and me. Sure. Then we told him we were changing up the Sunday routine and grabbing bagels before church. We invited him to join us at Mars Hill Olympia. Actors welcome. He thanked us but was busy. Maybe we'll run into him again.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 ESV

Good-bye Mary, For Now

It's hard to understand. My dear sweet friend Mary Faust ended her battle with cancer last night. It will take some time to process what she means to me and how she changed my life. I miss her already.

You can read her Caring Bridge journal here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryfaust/journal

Pictured: My friend Mary enjoying the sun one month ago.

And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 ESV

Friend Time

Yesterday was my turn. I had friend time at coffee and then went to a rummage sale. Today is my daughter's turn. She had friend time at a rummage sale ($1 a bag today!) and lunch at Mickey D's. A nice man came in and bought the girls ice cream. That would be my husband.

Pictured: My daughter and friend. With matching earrings.

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

Hospital Visit

We have two friends in the hospital. And one on hospice care at home. We visited two out of three this week. When we went to the hospital we followed protocol and put on masks and applied hand sanitizer.

That friend is feeling better and hopes to be home this weekend. We were blessed (and surprised!) when the nurse offered us something to drink and brought us coffee and juice.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

Goodwill in Town

Our little town has a new thrift store. I was there for the grand opening to check it out. But I spent all my time in the children's book section. Found a cookbook for my youngest and some books for my little friends.

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

Countdown to Easter

How many days until Easter? My husband started the countdown with me. We are reading The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die by John Piper.

In this little book, John Piper seeks to answer the most important question facing us in the twenty-first century: Why did Jesus suffer and die? We are reading one reason a day. That gives us 52 days to read all 50.

You can download a pdf file of the book at: http://cdn.desiringgod.org/pdf/books_pojc/bpojc_all.pdf

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:23-25 ESV

Stuck in Isaiah

I am stuck in Isaiah. I can't stop thinking about what I am reading and learning in Bible Study Fellowship. One theme I've noticed is how God talks about Himself as the Creator. We are the created. I take comfort in knowing that God made me, will carry me, sustain me, and rescue me. I need that.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV