Twelve Years Today

The fun was just starting. Twelve years ago today. What a joy to celebrate my sister's wedding down in Oregon. And now they have four beautiful daughters.

Happy Anniversary Janet and Clark!

Pictured: I love this picture with me taking a picture of my sister taking a picture of my other sister and her family. In 2011.


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

Fried Rice

I was inspired by my Mom and Gramma. If they keep mashed potatoes warm in the crock pot, why can't I do the same with fried rice? So I can chop and stir fry and get the kitchen cleaned up before people arrive for community group. And have time to deal with a clogged kitchen sink if necessary.


Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:13 ESV

Pack the House

We packed them in. We had 22 people here for potluck and community group. With more who couldn't make it tonight. Good eats, good times, good discussion.

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

Catch Them if You Can

Hey, I know those people out for a walk. I can drop my daughter at volleyball camp, park, and try to catch up with them. Works for me.

Pictured: With my very pregnant friend (4 days past her due date) and her son. Not pictured: My friend's mom, AKA Grandma.


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

Teamwork in the Bible

Every time I read through the Bible, I notice new things. Like how God puts people together. Some are named; others are identified by role or job. The armor-bearers were not named, but they were important partners. 

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." And his armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul." 1 Samuel 14:6-7 ESV

Our Neighborhood

A neighbor needed to borrow our truck to haul some sand. Then another neighbor needed me to pick up a friend who had missed the bus. While my husband was working in the yard, a neighbor came over and helped with a tree-relocation operation. Tonight I walked over to my neighbor's house so she could give me my weekly shot. That's how we roll in our neighborhood.


Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV

Jesus Gives Life

Today was the first sermon in the Jesus Loves His Church series. My husband and I often say Mark Driscoll's sermons could stand alone. You learn about who Jesus is, what He has done, and you could get saved listening to just one. Listen or watch online:


http://marshill.com/media/jesus-loves-his-church/jlhc-1-jesus-gives-life

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." Acts 2:37-39 ESV

Eric and Kayla

Congratulations to our friend Eric and his new bride! They met at Master's College, graduated this spring, and got married. We went to the wedding reception in Bremerton today.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,  Ephesians 5:25 ESV

Meet and Greet

That's what I love to see. People come together. Meet up with old friends and neighbors. Make new friends.

Pictured: One of the photos taken at Hello Summer 2012 by my photographer friend Celita.

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

Our Big Year

That's what you call a block party. We had our best turnout  ever. We had at least 65 or 70 adults, children and babies, but it was hard to count. With plenty of hot dogs, root beer floats, and chips for everyone.

It was great to have our community group join us and help with food, serving, and the cupcake walk.

Pictured: Hello Summer 2012


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

Working Away

Too bad my daughter had to leave. We all enjoyed having her home for a week. She is working away at summer school so she can graduate from Western Washington University in August.

Pictured: Photo op in front of a big barn at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:24 ESV

Bring Back Hello Summer

We're bringing back Hello Summer. After a two-year break. Time to walk the loop and knock on doors. Introduce myself to the new neighbors.

People seem excited for our block party. This could be a big year.

Pictured: Hello Summer in 2008.


For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14 ESV

Frugal Date

We had some errands in  Olympia. Might as well stop and split a bagel. With hot water for me and ice water for him. A frugal date. Works for us.

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

Surrounded by Good Men

I am surrounded by good men. I am so thankful for my godly dad, husband, and father-in-law. Happy Father's Day to me!

Pictured: With my husband and dad today.

training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Titus 2:12 ESV

Happy 90th

I thought she was great before I had kids. And made her a great-grandma.

My grandparents didn't want a big celebration today, but I was able to stop by and wish my Gramma a very special 90th birthday.

Pictured: My Gramma with her card made by my daughter and the flowers from my cousin.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:27-28 ESV

Boardwalk Family

I wish I had a vest, hat and binoculars. And an impressively huge camera. But even without the right gear, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for a family outing. With lots of signs to help you identify wild life and telescopes. It just cost $3 for parking.

http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:24 ESV

Crepe Time

I watched the how-to videos. (My favorite: America's Test Kitchen.) Practiced on my family.

And then it was crepe time for my friends and neighbors. We fed 18 adults and children, plus 5 to-go plates. Sweet or savory. With or without gluten.

With thanks to my daughters who helped this morning.

http://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/detail.php?docid=27849

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV

Man on a Roof

You never know where he will turn up. Might be mowing a lawn. Pruning hedges. Cleaning out gutters. Pressure washing. Researching and/or buying supplies. Or cleaning off a skylight.

Whatever needs to be done. Love my hard-working husband!

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

Love my Crew

Love having my crew home. Three out of four, anyway.

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

Work Party Dinner

What a great way to start the summer. Impromptu dinner at my parents' home after a work party.

Pictured: My older daughter is happy to pick some rhubarb from Grandma's garden.

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

Don't Give Up or Give in

We are working our way through the letters. Today's sermon was the letter to the Philadelphia Church in Revelation. They didn't give up or give in.

http://marshill.com/media/the-seven/missional-in-philadelphia-didnt-give-up-or-give-in

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. "'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:7-8 ESV

Like Family

It's not just our community group. It's our family. We were invited to celebrate our friend Celia's birthday today.

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

Bonding Time

We are going to miss the little guy. It was fun to have a 19-month-old in the house for two days. He did really well and only missed his mama when he woke up in the middle of the night.
 
Pictured: Bonding time for my son and our little friend, just before his parents picked him up tonight.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, Colossians 3:12 ESV

Little Friend in the House

Why are there toys all over the living room? Because we have a little friend in the house. Overnight sleepover while his mom and dad are away for their anniversary.

but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14 ESV

Civic Duty

This morning's Bible reading was timely. But I am not free to talk about it. For a couple days. While I fulfill my civic duty.

You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.' Deuteronomy 1:17 ESV

Think Hard, Stay Humble

My friend Rand posted a video of Francis Chan speaking at a Desiring God conference. It is worth your time to listen to this.

http://thoughtlife.com/2012/05/17/video-think-hard-stay-humble-francis-chan/

Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 ESV

"Food Glorious Food"

I think we had the best seats in the house. Front row.  Close-up view of the talented musicians in the pit and the actors on stage. Glad we caught the last performance of North Mason High School's musical, Oliver. Our friends' son did an amazing job as Fagin.


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

Same Church New Location

Same church. New location. Mars Hill Olympia now meets in the beautiful Minnaert Center on the South Puget Sound Community College campus. We are off to a great start.

One service time at 10 a.m. during the summer.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2 ESV

Donut Fail

I tried to redeem the day. Baked some Raised Oven Doughnuts (see page 321 in the Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book). With half whole wheat flour. In honor of National Donut Day. With my great-grandma's amazing cooked frosting. That's probably where my self-control went out the window. Donut holes don't count, do they?

I had a couple dozen on the counter waiting to box up and give away when a glass fell on the counter and broke. Good-bye temptation.


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

Pastor Mark in Olympia

I had my copy of the Doctrine book. Plus a sharpie®. Just in case. And Mark Driscoll was happy to sign my book after the Olympia Mars Hill Church meeting. Now I have autographs from both authors.


http://www.amazon.com/Doctrine-What-Christians-Should-Believe/dp/1433506254


 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV