Little Jobs

My husband spent part of the day on the golf course. Overlooking the golf course, that is. We are always thankful for little jobs like cleaning roofs and gutters.

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

Picture Window

I love my kids. I'm still adjusting to having three of them out of the home.

Pictured: Three of my kids during our Thanksgiving visit.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ESV

Fix Your Thoughts

I am easily distracted. Go into the store for one thing and promptly forget the one thing. There is so much to see and do! But this is the time to focus on one thing. One person, actually. And remember why Jesus came, and what He did for us.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1 NIV

Great Series

We caught some of the sermons a couple months into the series. And ended up staying.

Today was the 100th and last sermon in Luke. I'm thankful that my Bible Study Fellowship lessons pick up where Luke ends.

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:50-53 ESV

Great Day

It wasn't a good day for throwing a frisbee. Or blowing bubbles. Or having a picnic lunch. Like we've done on other visits. But it was a great day for riding scooters at the park in downtown Bellingham. Watching otters play in the bay. And taking pictures in the wind.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 ESV

Royal Treatment

We had the royal treatment. Car washed and vacuumed. Looks better than it has in a long time. Inside and out. Thanks, Son!

Pictured: My son at the car dealership where he washes cars.

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

Thanksgiving to Go

They couldn't come to us. So we packed a turkey, pie-making supplies, etc. and came to them.

My daughter's roommates are gone so we have the house to ourselves. Perfect for hosting Thanksgiving with two of our adult children.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7 ESV

Pilgrim Girls

It's a good day to be a middle schooler. With a breakfast feast at school.

Pictured: My daughter and her friend, Pilgrim girls for the morning.

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 ESV

Remember the Lord

Why did the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years? Because of their lack of faith. It was one year for every day of the scouting trip. I wonder what my report would have been like. Would I have focused on the giants or the land flowing with milk and honey that God was waiting to give me?

I want to be more like Joshua and Caleb. And remember that the Lord is with me.

If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them." Numbers 14:8, 9 ESV

My Brother

I always wanted an older brother. Now I have a husband who is gentle with me and takes good care of me. Today in my Bible study I read how Jesus considers Himself my brother. The perfect brother. I am loved.

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, Hebrews 2:11 ESV

All About Jesus

It must have been the best Bible study ever. Jesus Himself explained how the Scriptures fit together. How it was all about Jesus, the promised Messiah. Today's sermon was #99 in the series. One more and we are done with the book of Luke.

http://marshill.com/media/luke/how-jesus-taught-the-bible

And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 ESV

Thanksgiving Dinner Love

For once I didn't pause dinner and take a photo. But it was a beautiful spread. My mother-in-law sure knows how to put on a nice dinner. Barbecued salmon, potatoes done to perfection, fresh green beans, apple salad, and rolls. And for dessert, blackberry pie from the berries we picked together this summer.

Happy early Thanksgiving to us!

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

Sewn with Love

My youngest is learning how to use a sewing machine. We are having fun making stockings for a Christmas party for our neighborhood kids.

a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV

Early Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came a week early. We had the full meal deal at community group tonight. Turkey, ham, stuffing, etc. Too bad we didn't have enough mashed potatoes to go around. Just kidding.

Pictured: One of the yummy desserts tonight.

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

The Whole Story

That about covers it. In just three verses in the book of Hebrews. The whole redemptive story. I love God's Word!

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV

Early Call

I love early morning phone calls. When it means work for my husband. He has three and one-half days of subbing work logged in so far. Every little bit helps.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

Where?

I need to stop doing that. Stashing things away. For later. Who knows where?

a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6 ESV

Easter in November

We are coming to the end of Luke. It was Mark Driscoll's sermon #98 in the Luke series. It was all about the resurrection of Jesus. And the empty tomb. It's Easter in November.

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV

Light a Fire

I call it lighting a fire. Having a reason to clean the house. Like a phone call that someone is stopping by. Or spending the night. Or your community group is having a party. At your house. A little motivation works for me.

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

New Generation of Heroes

I have some new heroes. Along with my grampa, cousins, and friends. Two neighbor kids have joined the Army and Navy. One is in boot camp and the other leaves this week. I watched them play in the street, sit at my counter and eat, graduate from high school, and now they are off to serve our country.

Thank you to all who have served our country, past and present!

Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; Psalm 144:1 ESV

Still Blooming

My husband sent me roses. Pink, my favorite. With his cell phone. From our front yard. You could say the bloom is still on the roses.

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:28 ESV

Ravioli Love

My husband was inspired by something he saw on tv. A chef made homemade ravioli using wonton wrappers. My husband used ground turkey and Italian cheese. Put some marinara sauce loaded with veggies in the crock pot. And invited his parents to join us for dinner. Yum!

Next time we'll try adding spinach.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

With a Big Smile

My husband made a new friend. A little friend. My husband was the substitute teacher in a special needs class yesterday. One of the students is someone we have prayed for many times in his six years of life. A little miracle. With a big smile.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kallenplews/mystory

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

Back in Business

We had a little mishap with a glass lid. No one got hurt, as I like to say. But I missed the lid to my favorite all-purpose pan. My daughter helped me make a paper template. We went to a little thrift store down the street and checked out their bin of lids. Bingo. Back in business. For 99 cents.

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

Crushed for Our Iniquities

It's hard to believe we are coming to the end. Our pastor has been preaching through the book of Luke. For over two years. Today we heard how and why Jesus died on the cross. Jesus suffered so we don't have to. That is Love.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV

College Reunion

You wouldn't know it's been ten years since they saw each other. Or 30 years since they were college roommates. It was great to have my husband's friend Dave and his wife visit this weekend.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 ESV

Skate Love

I can't believe how many brave parents there are. Not just young parents. Ones my age and older. They put on roller skates and got out there with the kids. It's been years since I skated. Can you believe I've roller skated on the streets of Taipei, Taiwan and Victoria, B.C.? I can't.

a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:3-4 ESV

Sloppy Joes to Go

You've got email. No, wait. I just sent that to myself. My inbox is like a virtual big purse. I keep dropping things in there. Things I don't want to lose. Like the recipe for sloppy joes I made tonight for community group. I like how this recipe included shredded carrots. I used balsamic vinegar instead of cider vinegar. Turned out great.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/turkey-sloppy-joes-recipe

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs 15:17 ESV

Mr. Tidy

I was going to be vulnerable. With my sister. And send a before photo of my writing desk. But my husband helped me clean it off today. He carefully removed my scraps of paper, books, stash of pens, scissors, and that's where my calculator was hiding. I love how my husband takes care of me. And my stuff.

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

First Day of School

I should have taken a picture of my husband. Standing in front of the garage door. It was his first day of subbing work. A half-day in first grade. He's off to a good start. Now to see if he gets any calls for tomorrow.

Pictured: My husband and his birthday coffee last month.

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