Happy 8th!

A special birthday shout-out to my niece today!

I found this picture taken in 2010. The birthday girl is seated in the middle.

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

Sushi Love

My daughter went away to college and came back a sushi lover. So we tried out a new restaurant in our town today. I can see why she likes California rolls. Osaka Sushi and Asian Bistro's Shelton rolls were great too.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

Quilt of Clouds

If I'm studying it, I will see it. Right now I am studying the book of Genesis in Bible Study Fellowship. I notice the beauty of God's creation everywhere!

Pictured: Amazing quilt of clouds last night.

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it was so. Genesis 1:14-15 ESV

Our U.S. Citizen Born Abroad

Has it really been 23 years since we got a ride to that Chinese hospital and I delivered our second-born son? Our U.S. citizen born abroad. Our goal-driven, determined, energetic, fun-loving, and tender-hearted son. Who is a great young man.

Happy Birthday, Son!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 ESV

Over the Net

It's a whole new game. For our 7th grader. She has been playing volleyball since 5th grade. And is now a great server. Just in time for her big sister to be out of college and home to watch her play.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV

Breakfast Love

I love breakfast. Free breakfast is even better. Thanks to a special deal at Subway this week. I signed up and invited my daughter, parents, and mother-in-law to join me. Plus a little friend who is spending the morning with me.

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

Monday Morning Prayer

I think Mondays are the perfect day. The parents' prayer time at the school is a great way to start the week. Plus we get to listen to the children singing Bible songs downstairs.

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

Discerning God's Voice

Ever wonder how to discern God's voice? My friend Rand posted an interesting sermon by J.P. Moreland on that subject. 48 minutes.

http://thoughtlife.com/2012/09/22/video-discerning-gods-voice-when-god-seems-silent-jp-moreland/

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 ESV

Thanks for Sharing

My friend remembers how I love her stuffed zucchini dish. So she made some and delivered it. Along with blueberries and tomatoes from her garden. Recently we enjoyed salmon caught by my neighbor. My mom regularly shares produce from her garden. Thanks for sharing!

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:12 ESV

Girl Time

I wish I could bottle up that energy and laughter. It was fun to have 10 girls here to celebrate my daughter's birthday.

Pictured: Walking off  cake and ice cream.

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

Mad Dash

It's been a while since I've made that mad dash. I stopped for a school bus then patiently waited for the ambulance to clear the intersection. I picked up my daughter from volleyball practice, dropped her at home, ran into the bank, made some photocopies, and got to the post office before 5 pm. And got my paperwork in the mail.

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 ESV

Paint Happy

It makes my husband happy when he has an assistant. Nice to have our daughter home and willing to pick up a paint roller.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV

Esther Series Begins

I missed the first sermon in the Esther series. I was stationed at the desk out front at church. My family tells me it was good. I'm glad I can listen online and catch up.

http://marshill.com/media/esther/jesus-is-a-better-king

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV

Layaway

I have my own layaway system. Find it at a garage sale, stash it, and hope to find it in time. Like cute new-with-tags socks and coordinating nightgown. Perfect for my daughter's birthday.

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

Special Requests for a Special Girl

We met the special requests. For the birthday girl's weekend. Teriyaki dinner courtesy of brother Friday night. Pizza and ice cream on Saturday. Family dinner with grandparents today. I made a family favorite: snow on the mountain (creamed chicken on white, not brown, rice). Plus one grandma's cabbage salad and the other grandma's jello salad. And chocolate cake of course.

With a friends' birthday party to come.

Pictured: Sister's pic of birthday girl and cake

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13 ESV

Same Day

Happy Birthday to my oldest and youngest! Yes, same day, thirteen years apart.


Pictured: Cupcakes at community group one year ago.

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

Give Freely

I am trying to retire from the matchmaking business. I do not have to find the perfect home for all my extra treasures/surplus/junk/clutter. Just give freely and let it go.

But it will make my day if you send me a photo of your new-to-you mug on a camping trip.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 ESV

Look Up!

When my daughter and I stopped by my husband's job site, we couldn't find him anywhere. Look up! He's on the roof. So my daughter climbed the ladder with his favorite bagel, French toast, with peanut butter and jelly. A little lunch break from house painting.

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

Back to the Beginning

So it's back to the beginning. We study Genesis in Bible Study Fellowship this year. It was bittersweet today. I miss my BSF buddies that I used to carpool with but they have other obligations. And my two friends who have truly graduated--gone on to heaven. But I can connect with former group members, make new friends, and see what God will teach me about Himself this year.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ESV

God is My Rock

I remember holding my baby a little closer. Eleven years ago today. What kind of world would she grow up in? Yes, there is evil in the world, but I know that God is my rock and my fortress.

Pictured: With my two daughters on Mt. Baker this summer.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:5-7 ESV

Locker Girl

Welcome to 7th grade at our local Christian School! My daughter gets a locker and everything. My little girl is growing up.

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

Summer Gone

Summer is really over. My daughter is starting school tomorrow. Just a couple days late. She has her lunch packed and is ready to go.

Pictured: My daughters enjoyed lake time this summer.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV

What We Watch

My husband and I have a new favorite show to watch. We watch it online. Secret Millionaire. It is inspiring to see how people pursue their passions to help others. My daughter and I have a new favorite show. We watch Hoarders on Netflix streaming. It is also available on the A&E website. Warning, this show is not for the faint of heart.

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV

Good-Bye Winnie

My son adopted a friend. A big friend. But after moving out of his apartment he decided he could say good-bye to Big Winnie. So he gave Winnie to our neighbor for her garage sale. Sold. To the mail man.

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

Redeem the Home Stay

We opted to stay close to home until we know that the virus is over. My son is finally feeling better and so is my daughter. Thankfully no one else in the family has gotten sick. Hand, foot and mouth disease is not something we want to share with anyone. So my husband is making the most of his time home. Cleaning, decluttering the garage, and digging out from my years of stockpiling books, papers, and art supplies. Bless him.

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

Archeological Dig

Let the garage clean-out begin. Archeological dig, actually. I sorted through my children's memorabilia, love notes, my own birth announcement, and lots more. The funny thing was how many swim goggles surfaced in random boxes. And even I was surprised by how many books I had squirreled away.

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

Not As Planned

I'm glad I'm reading in the Psalms now. I love being reminded of God's character. God is faithful and in control. Even when my days don't go as planned. Like now when my daughter is sick and will miss the first week of seventh grade.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 ESV

Little Shy

I was a little shy. I drained the last of the soy sauce bottle for my Asian salmon recipe. No problem, I have extra soy sauce packets in the fridge. Then I didn't have quite enough grated zucchini for zucchini bread. A little homemade applesauce made up the difference. Works for me.

My go-to zucchini bread recipe from my mother-in-law:
Makes 2 regular loaves
3 beaten eggs
2 cups sugar (or a little less)
3 tsp. vanilla
1 cup oil
2 cups grated or shredded zucchini
3 cups flour (can sub whole wheat for all or part)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder
Plus Mary's secret spice: 1 tsp. ground coriander

Mix first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix next 5 (or 6) ingredients together, then stir into the egg and zucchini mixture until blended.

Pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 ESV

Boys to Men

What's the next best thing? To spending time with your oldest son? Knowing that he got to hang out with your sister and her family.

Pictured: My nephew and my son at the beach.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; Psalm 37:23 ESV

Coming and Going

We are in a state of transition. Coming and going. Just when we thought there was room in the nest, it started filling up again. We love having our kids around.

Pictured: Sisters after graduation.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; Psalm 37:23 ESV