Ready Set Practice

School hasn't started yet. But the pre-practices have. Let the volleyball season begin!

Pictured: My daughter's volleyball team in an earlier season.

For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. Psalm 71:5 ESV

End of Summer

I can't believe we are coming to the end of summer. Overall I don't have any regrets. We had good family times, made memories, saw our daughter graduate from college, celebrated my parents' 50th anniversary, and so on. I only wish our oldest son could have come home this summer and my sister and family been able to come from California.

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

Happy One

I am so glad my sister gave me one more niece to love. I can't believe she is one today.

Pictured: My niece liked my birthday gift last weekend.

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11 ESV

Let Them Go

I understand the theory. In with the new. Out with the old. Like if I purchase new shoes, get rid of the worn-out ones. So why is it so hard to put into practice?

I have an emotional connection. We've traveled many miles together. They might come in handy if I have a dirty job. But in the spirit of letting go, and decluttering, I will say good-bye. And since my shoes have holes and are not fit to donate, into the trash they go.

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

Good Times

Too bad our son was only one-year-old at the time. And our other children weren't born yet. So they have no memories of my sister's wedding. That was a fun wedding and reception. But we've had plenty of good times in the 24 years since then.

Happy 24th anniversary to my sister and husband!

Pictured: My sister and husband last summer.

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

Here We Are

It seems like just the other day we were celebrating my parents' 25th anniversary. I was expecting my parents' first grandchild. Now here we are celebrating my parents' 50th. Eleven grandchildren total later.

Pictured: Us today, at almost 27 years of marriage, and my parents at 25 years of marriage

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

50 Years of Teamwork

What a beautiful day to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary! It was great to have my parents' Chinese church friends join in for a huge potluck at the lake. There was singing, sharing, and some of the best Chinese food I've had in a long time.

My sister and her family came from Oregon. Too bad our other sister wasn't able to come from California.

I am thankful for parents who are always ready to help, give, share, teach, and pour their lives out. They do it all in the name of Jesus and because of what Jesus has done for us.

I am blessed to have the example of my parents loving each other, working as a team, and being faithfully married, and enjoying it, for 50 years.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

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

Under the Apple Tree

Will work for food. Like today we fed our friend's cats and had the pick of their apple tree. Transparents. Perfect for applesauce and apple crisp.

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

Graduated

I don't have anyone in college. After 8 years, if you include Running Start and attending community college in high school. I don't have any teenagers either. For a couple more years.

But I do have three adult children that I love and am proud of. And consider friends. Plus my pre-teen who keeps me on my toes and provides technical support and answers to Jeopardy questions.

Pictured: Can't believe my daughter finished college already!

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

Songs in His Heart

My grampa is still hard at work. At age 91. He is working on his speech and writing. Using songs and scripture. It was a joy to hear him whistling away today.

His stroke didn't take away the songs in his heart.

Pictured: My grampa's work spelling out hymn lyrics.

A Song. A Psalm of David. My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Psalm 108:1 ESV

Let's Write a Short Story

Do I need one more book about writing? Yes I do. "Let's Write a Short Story" is full of good information about writing in general and dive-in-now instructions for writing short stories. In fact, I am ready to take up author Joe Bunting's challenge to write a short story in the next month.

I wish I had read the section "How to edit when you don't have time to edit" years ago.

I recommend this e-book.

http://letswriteashortstory.com/

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11 ESV

That's My Girl

Who is a good sport? Takes her cap and gown to parks and mountains so her mom can get good photos. Safely drives the family on the winding road up the mountain. And down. Dodges bicycles skillfully. Then drives three hours home. While the family sleeps. Accompanies her dad to the late-night office cleaning job. While everyone else goes to bed.

Who is always willing to help, pitch in, and work hard? And drive? Graduated from college just before she turned 21? That's my girl!

Happy Birthday to my hero!

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

Snow in Summer

How do you celebrate a summer graduation? By going on a hike and picnic in the snow. Mt. Baker is only an hour north of Bellingham. Works for us.

Pictured: Four of us. One son was off camera, and the other son lives out of state.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. Psalm 36:6 NIV

Summer Graduation!

We could not be prouder. Our daughter graduated from Western Washington University today! She worked hard to complete her business degree with an emphasis in marketing in three years and two summer quarters. Congrats Sarah!

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV

Salad Fan

I like hot food. Like left overs. Toast my bread if I have a sandwich. But I am now a salad fan. Give me greens, veggies, drizzle olive oil, splash balsamic vinegar, and I'm good to go.

Pictured: My daughter made me salad with grilled chicken and picked some blueberries in our garden.

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

Summer Friend Time

With the summer winding down, we are making time to get together with friends. Perfect for enjoying our sunny weather.

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

Summer Pizza

I prepared the dough. Mostly whole wheat. And the tomato sauce. My daughter and two friends made their own pizzas. I don't think anyone noticed, but the sauce was loaded with summer squash.

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

Jesus Reconciles Us

Whether you are the offended, the offender, or the person stuck in the middle, there is practical help in the Bible for how to deal with conflict. You can listen, watch, or read the transcript of Pastor Mark Driscoll's 8th sermon in the Jesus Loves the Church series.

http://marshill.com/media/jesus-loves-his-church/jesus-reconciles-us

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15 ESV

Rescue Mission

It looked so sad lying there. A spider plant was on the sidewalk, with the broken pot in pieces all around. So my husband brought it home. A rescue mission, of sorts.

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

Hand of God

My reading pace has slowed. I can only do one chapter a day when I'm reading through one of my favorite books in the Bible. I love Nehemiah. I love his courage, dedication, and organization. But the real hero is God, who listens to His people and provides for them.

And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, "Let us rise up and build." So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah 2:18 ESV

Snapdragon Love

I have always loved my Gramma's flowers. With a special fondness for her snapdragons. I took this picture with my cell phone tonight.

Pictured: My Gramma's snapdragons on the rock wall my husband built.

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Matthew 6:30 ESV

Watch Him Work

We joke that my husband loves to work in the yard. And I love to watch him work in the yard. The same is true of painting.

This week he is painting the house across the street. Perfect for admiring his work.

Pictured: My husband has a baby admirer in the window of the house he is painting.

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

Jesus Gave us Communion

I love how Pastor Mark Driscoll can preach through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in one hour.

Sunday's sermon was about how Jesus gave us communion. Listen and learn about 5 key meals in the Bible, from the first meal without God to the last meal with the Lamb.

If you ever wondered what communion is all about, this is a great overview.

http://marshill.com/media/jesus-loves-his-church/jesus-gave-us-communion


The sermon starts about 12 minutes in, after an update about the church.

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:25-28 ESV

Catch-up Coffee

We sat outside and drank our coffee. Perfect for catching up and talking to friends in the drive-through or walking by.

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

Cleans Up

I love how my husband cleans up. Our home and recently, the front of our neighborhood.

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

Cast Iron Love

I want to convert. Start cooking with cast iron. I have one small skillet and a friend said she will give me a bigger one.

I didn't expect to find a cast iron wok at a garage sale. I didn't know such a beast existed. I got it for $8 and I love it! Now to watch for a deal on a Dutch oven.

Pictured: Love my new cast iron wok!

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, Psalm 63:5 ESV

Salads All Around

Wouldn't it be nice if my parents stopped in for lunch? At the same time as us?

Look, they are here! Pull up a chair and join us.

Maybe next time we can plan ahead and have my in-laws join us too.

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

Bag Ladies

Today my mother-in-law and I went to a few garage sales. Just like the old days. Only this time I'm not shopping for baby items. Like we did before my oldest was born 25 years ago or before my youngest was born 12 years ago. We had fun and found a few bargains. Including matching purses.

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

Fab Five

Wait up a minute. Let's grab a photo while there are five of us in one place.

and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:7 ESV

Paint Crew

My husband usually is a one-man crew. Today he had a beautiful painting assistant. Our daughter is good to help out when she can.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.  Philippians 4:14 ESV

Rhubarb Love

It's great to have my daughter home for the week. And enjoy some bounty from my mom's garden.


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