Church All Week

I love how church isn't just on Sunday. We keep running into friends from our community group during the week.

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16 ESV

How the Cake Crumbles

I'm pleased with the results. The judges liked my banana cake. Except how it crumbled when cut. They needed a ceramic knife like the one my mother-in-law bought me. Thanks to everyone who helped with this year's county fair project.

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

Fancy Meeting You Here

My husband took the long way home after community group. Time to try out the newly remodeled ice cream shop in town. Perfect for catching up and having fellowship with friends who were there doing the same thing.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 ESV

Buying Stuff

I keep thinking about the blog post I read this week. About "buying stuff for a life I don't live." My thing isn't shoes. Not that I don't appreciate a good shoe find. Like the $2 pair of Dansko clogs for my daughter.

The author confesses that:
"over the years I have accumulated an outrageous number of artifacts for a multi-faceted fantasy life that no one in this house actually lives."

So I'm trying to think about my own shopping habits and what I have accumulated. And prepare for some serious decluttering.

http://bettyduffy.blogspot.com/2011/07/buying-stuff-for-life-i-dont-live.html

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

Give Me

I love how you come across the perfect scripture or reading just when you need it. This morning my husband and I read from The Diary of Private Prayer:

"Deliver me from all fretfulness. Let me be wise to draw from every dispensation of Thy providence the lesson Thou art minded to teach me. Give me a stout heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all burdens upon Thee."

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Hugging Days

We are going to miss all the hugs. My three nieces were in town for a couple days. But now they are gone. Love those girls!

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

Cascade Love

I told my parents' house guest that we don't come out there every day. It just seems like it. Tonight was a good night to enjoy the breeze and sample my mom's first fruits from her garden. Cascade berry cobbler. Yum.

Pictured: My dad and my husband on the patio.

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

Wendy Love

Friends from church invited us to go to lunch. So we invited one other friend. We pulled some tables together and had a nice visit. By the way, the new berry almond chicken salad at Wendy's is great!

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

Family Community Group

It was family night. At community group last night. Our leader had two siblings and their families there. Plus his parents and their foster children. My sister and her family were in town so they joined us too. Most of the children took a turn rolling out the homemade tortillas. Including our daughter.

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

Happy Birthday Arnold!

I have a lot of respect for that man. He is a man of character. Sticks to his principles. Is generous and willing to help. And he raised a great son. Happy Birthday to my father-in-law and good friend!

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9 ESV

Uncle Scot Love

Guess who was asked to join the kids' table tonight? And of course Uncle Scot said yes.

Pictured: My husband reading with his daughter and three nieces.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16 ESV

Story Time with Aunt Mary

I don't always get the chance. I usually just send books their way. But today I was able to sit down and read books with my three nieces. And my younger daughter.

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

Still Waiting

It was good to read some chapters in Isaiah today. Be reminded of how God is in control. Even when it's hard to understand what He is doing. Specifically, we are still waiting to find out if my husband has a teaching job for the fall. And if not, what then?

remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, Isaiah 46:9 ESV

Sermon from Luke

Some people say they don't get hell. Can't understand how a loving God could send people there. Pastor Mark Driscoll says he doesn't get heaven. We heard a powerful sermon on Sunday about the parable of the wicked tenants and how they murdered the owner's beloved son.

This sermon is in the series on the book of Luke. But it's a good stand-alone sermon about who God is and His great love and mercy.

Listen to audio or watch the video:
http://marshill.com/media/luke/the-father-of-a-murdered-son

Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' Luke 20:13 ESV

Little Acts of Kindness

I appreciate the little things. The acts of kindness. Given freely. Like my niece offering to take a turn stirring the chicken during our open house party. Or the new apron from my mother-in-law. Our community group operates like that too. Sharing needs. And life together.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

Make Summer Count

Resolved: Make each day count. With my youngest. Try something new. Or revisit an old favorite. Today we made pot stickers.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV

Cake Love

I can be like my grampa. And celebrate my birthday all month. I didn't expect a cake at community group tonight. I am loved!

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

No Need to Panic

No need to panic. That's what I tell myself. If it rains and my husband can't paint, he can do some pressure washing. And today he found out about some "inside jobs" he can do. God provides.

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

Cousin Op

I want to take more candid shots. But staged photo ops with cousins are fun too.

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

In One Place

I can't believe I almost missed it. Six of us in one place. I think it was my sister's idea to get a family photo. So glad we did.

Pictured: Together over the 4th of July weekend.

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

Miss Them

I am not ready for the family reunion to be over. But it is. I miss having nieces and nephews around. And my older children.

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

Happy Birthday to Me!

I got to spend the day with some of my favorite people. Sat between my parents at church. Lunch with my husband and two of my children. Ended the day with strawberry shortcake with both sets of parents. Now I will take a few minutes to read the Facebook messages from friends and family from around the world!

Pictured: Blowing out the sparkler candle in my strawberry shortcake.

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

On the Brink

I'm on the brink. Of having another birthday. I already feel the love. My children have been thoughtful. My husband is always good to me and very patient. Got to spend time with my mother-in-law today. Garage sales and coffee. Looking forward to what God has in store this next year!

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

Remember the Fun

I'm doing it again. Looking through pictures. Remembering the fun times during our family reunion.

Pictured: My oldest with his cousin.

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

Ready to Croquet

Where are you going with that croquet set? My dad asked me to keep my eyes open for a set. And there was a set in a woman's shopping cart at the thrift store. But it was $15 and wasn't all there.

Today I asked the people holding a garage sale if they had a croquet set. Yes, they had forgotten to put it out. How much? $7. Perfect.

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

Chickens Run

I was just about to congratulate myself on a job well done. When five of the chickens in my care bolted for freedom. I called a friend who helped me round them up. All's well that ends well; that's what I always say.

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

Truck Load of Cousins

There's something special about cousins. I know how much I value the friendship of my cousins. It's great when the next generation of cousins gets to spend time together.

Pictured: My parents and their 10 (almost 11) grandchildren.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 ESV

Three Sisters

Three sisters. From three states. Together on the 4th of July. I hope we don't have to wait another two years for a reunion.

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, Colossians 2:2 ESV

70 years!

I'm glad my grandparents were able to come to my son's graduation party. And today the family celebrated with them. As we thank God for them and their 70 years of marriage!

Pictured: My grandparents enjoyed visiting with family and friends at our open house, held at my parents' home.

Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:9 ESV

Glad to Be

Glad to be celebrating the 4th of July. In our great country. With family. Thanks to my in-laws for putting on a great barbecue. And it's always good to spend time with my husband's brother and family.

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17 ESV

Graduation Open House

They came. They ate. They stayed. Another successful open house event. My son had a great college graduation celebration. It was a team effort. Thanks family and community group!

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