Third Grade Sub

Bless his heart. My husband had to read aloud the part in Charlotte's Web when the main character dies. Then in reading group he read the first chapter of Sarah Plain and Tall, with more death. All in a day's work subbing.

Pictured: My husband and I during a snow day earlier this month.

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

Happy Pens

I keep searching for the perfect pen. Maybe that's why I get excited about a bag of pens at the thrift store with an assortment of fine tip to medium to gel. I've never tried a Zebra Gel pen before. It's refillable so I can't lose paying 69 cents for the whole bag.

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

Tough and Tender

Too bad my husband missed it. Both services. He was teaching in children's ministry. Today's sermon in the Real Marriage series was aimed squarely at men. How to lead your wife and family. Or if not married, how to prepare to be the kind of leader God calls men to be. I am thankful that God has blessed me with husband who does a great job of being both tough and tender!

We can watch the sermon online later this week.

http://marshill.com/media/real-marriage

For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Ephesians 5:23 ESV

Where's the Chili?

I made something healthy and tasty for our community group potluck. Started with a vegetarian chili recipe loaded with veggies. Added lean ground beef. Others contributed hot dogs, buns, and baked potatoes. I think it was well-received. For the most part. One young man was told to eat the chili on his plate before having dessert. "Where's the chili?"

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, Proverbs 30:8 ESV

Not One, But Two

I was on a mission to find a jumping rope. Mix up my exercise efforts. I couldn't find the one buried in our garage. So I checked our thrift stores. Finally today I found not one, but two. So I tried them out. One was too short. The other the wrong weight. I can return them. But what is hanging on a hook under the coats by the front door? Not one, but two jump ropes. Just right.

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

We Meet Again

I was willing to take my chances. Let a student practice giving a hair cut. And save money. So I tried out the local beauty school a few weeks ago. And ran into my neighbor who had the same idea. Today my husband went in for a haircut and had a good conversation with the young man who cut his hair. We knew him when he was a middle schooler. As we left, who should walk in? My neighbor.

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

Good Times

My friend is such a good sport. She knows that if we ever spend time together, I will probably take a photo to commemorate the moment. And it might end up on my blog.

Pictured: With my friend Nancy at our friend's wedding last weekend.

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

Oral Report Done

That's the way to do it. Work hard on your oral report. Practice often. And volunteer to go first. Another successful public speaking experience for my youngest. This time it was a poem about Jonah and the whale.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

Ready to Clean-Up

The clean-up has just begun. My husband helped friends cut up a tree that took down sections of their fence and fell in their neighbor's yard. I'm sure there will be lots more clean-up projects after all this snow melts.

Pictured: My handy husband.

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

Snow Church

The last time we were in that gym my daughter had a volleyball game. Today the church and school graciously let our church hold our service in their gym. It was family style. With babies, toddlers and children in the service. Crayons and activity sheets provided. With great teaching on the importance of friendship in marriage.

http://marshill.com/media/real-marriage

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

Storybook Wedding

Let the wedding go on as scheduled. Snow and all. Have the wedding ceremony and reception in the family center even though the power was restored to both sides of the church. It was a beautiful and meaningful wedding ceremony for two Americans who met in China.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV

Nice Hat

Overheard at the assisted living home when my husband was there on an errand:

"Somebody's mom knit him a nice hat!"

Actually this is our neighbor Sue's handiwork. Crocheted.

Pictured: I love this photo of my husband enjoying the ferry ride in his nice hat.

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. Proverbs 31:20-21 ESV

Fun in the Snow

Times like this we really miss our big kids. They would have so much fun in the snow. My husband has been a good sport to play in the snow with our youngest.

Today is the third snow day. Maybe tomorrow the ice will thaw and be a late start. If we don't lose power.

Pictured: Our dog enjoys playing in the snow. This picture was taken before we had a foot of snow fall.

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

Stay Home Day

We're not going anywhere. Not with 10 inches or more of snow. The garbage truck made it through our loop, with chains. Lifted each can and shook it off first.

This is a good day to clean house. But first I'll have another cup of tea. And make some muffins.

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 ESV

Love my Dad!

I grew up feeling safe. Loved unconditionally. And knew I was prayed for. I am thankful for my dad every day. If there wasn't snow and ice we would be would be having tea and cake together today.

Happy 73rd birthday, Dad!

Pictured: My dad and my husband enjoying a summer evening.

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

The Grace Card

It was perfect timing. My husband and I rented the movie The Grace Card. In time for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Relationships, race, reconciliation. I loved this movie. (Note: I'll probably wait until my 11-year-old is a little older to watch it, just because it would be a little intense for her.)

http://www.thegracecardmovie.com/

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Real Snowy Sunday

We didn't know what we would wake up to. We ended up with a little snow and ice. But not enough to keep us home from church. I'm glad we didn't have to miss the first sermon in the Real Marriage series.

Pictured: My daughter made a little snow person.

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

Gingerbread Mini Cake Love

I saw a recipe for gingerbread muffins, I mean mini cakes, that looked good. By the way, anyone know who signed me up for Everyday Food? Love those little magazines!

I could open a can of pumpkin and try the recipe. Or blend the baked spaghetti squash from my mom. And we have a winner! Flavor and texture were excellent.

http://www.marthastewart.com/873223/gingerbread-mini-cakes

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

Favored Teacher Status

They grow up. But they don't forget. We ran into one of my husband's former second graders. Now he is a big sixth grader. He ran up and gave my husband a big hug. Said my husband was his favorite teacher.

Pictured: My husband, the substitute teacher.

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

Pumpkin Pie Flop

I tried the pumpkin pie recipe in my favorite old cookbook, More with Less. Not a winner. I liked the flavor but not the texture. In fairness, I should give it another chance. Try the recipe with whole eggs, and not whip the egg whites and fold them in. Good thing I made a sample little pie so we could taste test it. And not take any to community group potluck.

http://www.worldcommunitycookbook.org/more/about.html

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

Sleep Well

My parents will sleep better tonight. They traded in their full-size mattress set for a queen set. My husband helped hoist the mattresses up to the second floor balcony and in the house. While I supervised.

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

Scary Hope

My blogger friend Meredith posted a link to an e-book, Scary Hope. I downloaded it, read it, and found it helpful. Let me know what you think if you read it.

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2012/01/03/scary-hope/

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

Fun with Fourth Graders

We are always thankful for work for my husband. But it was extra special to sub in the 4th grade class at the Christian School last week. He had those kids when they were first graders.

Pictured: Pointillism: art project using cotton swabs and watercolor paints.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 ESV

Public Commitment of Faith

I always feel a little teary. At baptisms. Especially when I see children get baptized. By their dad. Or a young man get baptized and then hug his wife and little baby. Our church regularly holds baptisms. They bring in a heated tub and have towels and extra changes of clothes. You can get saved and get baptized. And make a public commitment of faith in Jesus Christ.

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" Acts 8:36 ESV

Tail Waggin' Reunion

Someone found our dog out on the main road yesterday. Checked in with a vet but couldn't keep our golden retriever. So a friend of theirs kept our dog overnight. Red was well-cared for and was even allowed to sleep at the foot of their bed! The first vet I called was the right one. Which led to this morning's tail-waggin' reunion.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 ESV

Lost Dog

I hope we wake up to a nice surprise. And find our dog at the door. Our beloved golden retriever has gone missing. He escaped through an opening in the fence and has not returned.

I walked our neighborhood this afternoon. My husband and I drove around until dark. I left a message with the animal shelter. I posted something online.

Tonight we wait and pray.

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

Winter Already?

My handy-dandy plant shelf is full. My fridge is fully stocked. That's what happens when your in-laws leave town for the winter. I miss my mother-in-law already.

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philemon 1:7 ESV

Sew with Love

This year I finally pursued my dream of making Christmas gifts. I started small and sewed little bears for our Happy Birthday Jesus party and for gifts. I found velour and other soft fabric on sale ($1.29 each) at the Goodwill, disguised as clothing.

Pictured: A special pink bear for my niece with a hand-knit scarf contributed by my sister-in-law.

http://missyballance.typepad.com/crafty_carnival/2007/06/free_pattern_fo.html

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

Christmas Card Love

How do you display your Christmas cards? We removed the artwork and put our cards down the hall. I love the shelf my husband made out of crown molding. It was based on an idea for rain gutter bookshelves.

Pictured on left: My father-in-law's annual watercolor Christmas card.

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

New Trainer

My personal trainer moved away. And I fell (figure of speech) off the treadmill. I am happy to report I have a new trainer. My youngest stepped up and encouraged me to start walking again. Two laps yesterday. One lap today before it started raining.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Something New

Time for something new. Resolutions and good intentions don't work. That's because human effort will only get me so far. So this year I am asking the Holy Spirit to work in and through me. He can do that.

Pictured: With my two daughters at Christmas.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV