All Head, No Heart

Here we go with the letters to the seven churches. On Sunday we learned about Ephesus and how they had served faithfully but lacked love.


http://marshill.com/media/the-seven/fundamentalist-in-ephesus-all-head-no-heart

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

Best Dog Ever

Fifteen years ago she followed our kids home from the school bus stop. My brother-in-law and family adopted the abandoned puppy. She loved to run, chase squirrels, stay warm by the fire, and warmly greeted us every time we visited Portland.

She passed away yesterday after a long, full life. We will miss Rosie, the best dog ever.

Pictured: A "road trip" for ice cream with my brother-in-law and family. And Rosie. Before all the kids grew up and left home.

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 ESV

Community Group Work Day

Get out your shovels, trowels, and don't forget the pressure washer. It's a community group work day. We helped our friend clean up her yard.

Pictured: My husband showed some of the young men how to use a pressure washer.

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

Spring Biathlon

No need to panic, the weather can change in a moment. Sure enough, the rain stopped and the sun came out.

Perfect for the Christian School's spring biathlon. The 4th-8th graders biked 5 miles and ran the obstacle course on the fitness trail behind the school. They worked hard and had a great time! With thanks to their awesome PE teacher and lots of volunteers.

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

Happy Birthday Sis!

My two sisters were my best friends growing up. I still feel that way.

I wish I was in Southern California today so I could have a cup of tea with my sister, Kathleen. Maybe hit a few thrift stores. And celebrate her birthday with her family.

Happy Birthday Sis!

Pictured: Good times at my parents' place last summer.

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

Alive and Healthy

They made it through another winter. I successfully kept my in-laws' plants alive and healthy while they were gone.

I have to admit, I miss the bonsai. But I can move the fish to the empty spot and look for houseplants at a garage sale.

a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:2 ESV

Recipe for a Great Dinner

Start with pork chops in the fridge. Invite in-laws to dinner. Have a friend and her son over for the afternoon. Take a rest while your friend finds ingredients to marinate the meat. (Olive oil, apple sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown mustard, etc.). Put brown rice on. Make salad. Crank the stove and let your friend show you how to sear and bake using your cast iron skillet. Delicious!

Finish off with amazing gluten-free peanut butter cookies made by your mother-in-law, who didn't know your gluten-free friend was visiting.

Pictured: My friend and her darling son on our trampoline.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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 4:15-16 ESV

Snow Birds in the House

Great to have the snow birds back in town. Otherwise known as my in-laws. My friend was here this afternoon and helped make a  welcome home banner.

Pictured: Moving the banner higher for the photo op. And then the photo op.

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

Fear Not

 My husband missed church. Both services. He was the lead teacher in Mars Hill Kids, bless him. Good thing he can catch the sermons online. Today's sermon was the second one in the Revelation series. Watch all the way to the end for the Fear Nots.

http://marshill.com/media/the-seven/a-message-to-seven-churcheshttp://marshill.com/media/the-seven/a-message-to-seven-churches

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, Revelation 1:17 ESV

Volunteer for the Day

Someone asked my husband if they could borrow his paint sprayer. For a work party event. He had a better idea. How about he bring his sprayer and volunteer to help for the day? Love that guy!

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 1 Timothy 6:18 ESV

Dinner Inspiration

I found inspiration for dinner at a garage sale this morning. I bought a cookbook with a recipe for pork and tofu stir-fry. I had beef in the freezer and veggies in the fridge. All I needed was green onions. Might as well buy some bean sprouts too. At the farm stand. (Not the garage sale).

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

Hosting Community Group

Can we host community group potluck and Bible study tonight? Tidy up the living room and dining room in a flash? And see how many can sit on our couch? We can do that.

Pictured: Some of our community group friends.

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

Is it Necessary?

I regularly ask: Is it true AND helpful? But I might change it up. A woman at Bible Study Fellowship said she asks: Is it kind, true, and necessary? I like that.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19 ESV

Larger Than Life

Somewhere in the garage storage is a little Winnie the Pooh. It was very loved by a certain young lad. Since we can't find it, he found himself a replacement. Larger than life.

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. Psalm 71:17 ESV

Revelation of Jesus

Buckle your seat belts. Here we go. We're in the book of Revelation for the next seven weeks. Seven letters to seven churches. You can catch the first sermon online. Get ready to be fired up about Jesus and the Church.

http://marshill.com/media/the-seven/the-revelation-of-jesus

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6 ESV

Serendipitous Lunch

So much for the one-vehicle-to-church plan. One of us left a wallet and driver's license at home. So that person got a ride home to retrieve a wallet and get the car. While the other person attended a counseling in community class.

But the change of plans led to a serendipitous lunch gathering at our favorite bagel place.

Pictured: Lunch with friends from our community group.

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

Tide Out

It takes me a while to get over family trips. I enjoy looking at the photos and remembering the good times. Just one week ago the tide was out, way out, and my son and daughter had fun exploring the bay in Bellingham.

Pictured: My son and daughter found a beautiful purple starfish.

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

Beautiful Mountains

We live in a beautiful area. With lakes and forests and amazing views of the snow-capped mountains. We pulled off the road and my husband took this photo of the Olympic Mountains.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. Psalm 95:3-4 ESV

Encourage One Another

I said I would host. Facilitate a women's midweek fellowship connected with my church. Invited friends and neighbors, church-going or not.

This morning we had four ladies, including myself, plus two cute little boys. Several others couldn't make it but will try next time.

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

My Kind of Day

My friend had a morning and afternoon appointment in the nearby town of Silverdale. She asked me to join her. Might as well have a girls' day out. With coffee, bagels, and thrift store shopping. My kind of day.

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

Bagel for Two

That worked out nicely. We stopped by our favorite bagel place for a quick bite after getting our car fixed. Just as the owner drew my name for a free bagel sandwich. Bagel for two. Thank you.

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

Car in Tow

My husband and I went on a recovery mission. We drove to Fife (50 miles away) and got our car back. With the help of a tow truck, a mechanic, and a new starter. It cost a little money, but it could have been worse. All's well that ends well.

Pictured: Following our car being towed.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Good Day to Celebrate

We don't always have beautiful sunny weather on Easter. It's not always my mom's birthday on Easter. Like it is today. But it's always a good day to celebrate because we serve a risen Savior. Hallelujah!

Pictured: I love this photo of my mom, the best berry picker I know. Happy 70th birthday, Mom!

He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." Luke 24:6-7 ESV

Much to Be Thankful For

I am thankful for a good trip to Bellingham to see two of our kids. I am thankful for great weather to enjoy while walking around the waterfront park and the Farmer's Market.

I am thankful for great food, from being treated to Chinese lunch by friends, amazing Mexican food at Jalapenos, to my daughter's yummy omelet and oatmeal breakfast.

I am thankful for the Wendy's Restaurant employee who gave me keys to her car so we could try to jump start our dead car.

I am thankful we made it home safely, even though we had to leave our car in Fife, 50 miles away. And I am very thankful for two friends who tag teamed to meet us and give us a ride home.

We will try to find a mechanic in the Fife area on Monday.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12 ESV

Know the Hope

I'm so glad Good Friday is not the end of the story. Jesus' death on the cross was just the beginning.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV

Kale Birthday Love

I returned my mom's gift. I baked a crustless quiche loaded with kale from her garden. And shared it with my parents tonight. An early birthday present for my mom.

http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/11/spinach-mushroom-feta-crustless-quiche.html

Pictured: My parents and my daughter last summer. With lots of fresh veggies to send back with my daughter.

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

Spring Cleaning

I'm getting closer. To tackling my room and purging my piles. I started in my daughter's room and helped her pare her stuff. Does it fit? Do you love it?

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

Turning Four

It's been a while since I raced downtown. Trying to make the 5 p.m. deadline. No scholarship applications to get in the mail today. Just a birthday card for a special niece who turns 4 tomorrow!

Pictured: When my niece was little. Love our matching shirts!

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

Hello Spring Break

No school for my sixth grader or my favorite substitute teacher. Our spring break has sprung. I didn't get any house cleaning projects done today. But I did visit my grandparents and my parents, helped a neighbor with a project, and met one of my neighbors.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:29 ESV

Get Connected

Want to get connected? I can help you. As long as I have my trusty assistant by my side. My tech-savvy daughter helped me navigate a touch screen. So I could be trained on how to sign people up for the Mars Hill Church social network, the City.

http://marshill.com/olympia/connect

If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10 ESV