Take a Turn

I can take a turn with the little kids. Volunteer during Bible Study Fellowship for one week. Wipe a few noses and tears, buckle and unbuckle in the buggy stroller, sing songs, wash hands, dole out Cheerios, read some books, build towers, and so on. Spend the morning with 12 active, busy, and adorable 2-year-olds.

Pictured; Built in high chairs for 8. Not pictured: the individual high chairs for the other 4.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16 ESV

Party at Taco Bell

You just played your last volleyball game of the season. With your parents and friends from community group in the stands. What are you going to do next? Go to Taco Bell for free tacos before 6 pm. Sounds like a plan!

Pictured: Husband, daughter, and friend at Taco Bell.

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 Blessings

It's hard to get up Monday mornings. But I made a commitment to meet with other parents and pray at school. So I get up and go. I am always blessed by the sweet prayer time and fellowship. With the bonus of hearing the children singing hymns and songs during Monday opening.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. Psalm 86:5-6 ESV

Teach the Children

My husband doesn't have a paid teaching job. Which frees him up to volunteer at church as lead teacher for 6 to 9-year-olds, two Sundays a month. Bless that man.

Pictured: My husband's Bible on our kitchen counter.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 ESV

Start Small

Some projects are so overwhelming you don't even know how to begin. Like going through all our stuff and doing serious downsizing. My friend suggested I set the timer for 15 minutes and see what I could accomplish. I tried it. Kept going after the timer went off. And made some good progress.

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

God Provides

We keep praying for a job. For my husband. So far, nothing yet. But God keeps providing. My husband keeps getting jobs. A little work here and there. God is faithful.

Pictured: Locking up after a painting job this week.


Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Cake for Two

How do you celebrate two birthdays at community group? If someone turned 52 yesterday and someone will be 24 tomorrow? Get creative with the candles. Works for us.

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Acts 2:46 ESV

Together

It's fun to read letters from before we were married. We were so young. And in love. We are still crazy in love. And growing old. Together.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

Pictured: Day trip to Mt. Baker this summer.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, Titus 2:7 ESV

Love My Family

It doesn't matter how old I get. I am always glad to talk with my sisters or spend time with my parents. I love my family.

Pictured: My mom, sister, and niece this summer.

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

Early in the Day

I am changing up the meal preparation. Fried rice used to be my go-to quick dinner plan. But it also works to slice and dice early in the day. Like today. I made a batch of fried rice and put it in the slow cooker. Ready for hungry people after the volleyball game and work.

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

Jesus Gives a Better Identity

How do I see myself? What is my identity? Good questions. That's what I left church thinking about. I recommend today's sermon from Esther 5.

http://marshill.com/media/esther/jesus-gives-a-better-identity

And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. And the king said to her, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom." And Esther said, "If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king." Esther 5:2-4 ESV

Taco Truck Love

My daughter works in Olympia. My husband had a painting job in Olympia last week. Perfect for a father-daughter lunch date. At the taco truck.

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV

Law Man

I read it straight through. I highly recommend the prison memoir of Shon Hopwood, otherwise known as Law Man. He went to prison for robbing five banks. Redeemed his time. His journey from making mistakes to finding redemption is inspiring.

Tim Challies' review of Law Man:
http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/law-man

Tim Challies' interview with Shon Hopwood:
http://www.challies.com/interviews/an-interview-with-the-law-man

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV

In Our Backyard

Looks like we have another green thumb in the family. My daughter grew some beautiful pumpkins. In our backyard. From last year's pumpkin.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV

Shine Through

This is the kind of project my daughter works on at school. Writing a paraphrase of Hosea 14:4-6. And etching it in clay.

Her paraphrase: Your splendor and mercy will shine through me and I will grow and be made new (Hosea 14:6).

I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. Hosea 14:4-6 ESV

My Job to Cheer

I am not a loud parent. But I take my job seriously. I am committed to clapping and cheering for the kids whose parents can't come to the volleyball games.

With extra cheers on behalf of my two friends who are in heaven.

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

Might as Well

I wasn't planning on a trip to Olympia today. But my daughter had car trouble so I gave her a ride. Might as well stop for a bite at our favorite bagel shop. The owner pulled my name out of the jar just before I walked in. Free bagel sandwich, split in two. 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

Esther Series

This is a great series of sermons through the book of Esther. You can follow along online either by video, audio, or transcript. Or better yet, join us Sunday mornings at South Puget Sound Community College at 10 am.

http://marshill.com/media/esther

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 ESV

Seeks Me Out

I wasn't sure how the schedule would work. And if I should continue with Bible Study Fellowship even though my friends are not going this year. But I found someone who can give me a ride every Wednesday. And every day I do my homework and am thankful for what I am learning in Genesis. God constantly initiates relationship with man. Seeks him out. Seeks me out.

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:8-9 ESV

Family Date

Our daughters asked if we wanted a date night. That would be fun. But how about we all go out for a bite? We can share a plate of nachos and pizza. Works for us.

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

Beat the Rain

It's a race. My husband is trying to get our house painted before the rain starts. Looks like all the spraying got done. Just in time. With thanks to friend Dan, son Dan, and our daughter.

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

Trade Ya

What do you do with a stash of apples? Bake pies. I took one to share with my neighbors. She gave me a pear coffee cake in trade. Works for me.

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

Cares Enough

I appreciate it when people just pick up the phone and call. Or send an email or text. Like this morning. My friend called to let me know she was praying for me. And shared encouraging words from Psalm 116:2:
Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (English Standard Version).


When it says "he inclined his ear to me," it means the Creator of the universe cares enough about me to bend down to listen. Love that.


Because he bends down to listen,    I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:2 New Living Translation

Men Only

Good thing I don't sing out very loudly. Especially when I am singing in Chinese, reading as many characters as I can decipher. I missed the instructions for men only on one verse.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1 ESV

Legacy of Memorial Stones

I visited a Chinese church in Olympia today to hear two special speakers. My parents shared their life stories with examples of memorial stones that remind them of God's work in their lives. Including scriptures, hymns, events, and people. It was inspiring and moving.

Some of the stories were new to me, like how my late grandparents wanted to be missionaries to China, even before my dad was born. And I never tire of hearing my dad sing "Take My Life and Let it Be."

Pictured: An evangelistic Chinese poster from the 1920s, passed on to my dad.

And Joshua said to them, "Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever." Joshua 4:5-7 ESV

Books for Little Friends

It warms my heart. I love to visit little friends and find them reading books I've given them.

Pictured: My husband and our "community group baby."

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

Lots of Smoke

What items would you grab if you had to evacuate? My friend grabbed documents, photos, and a change of clothes for her family yesterday. But then they were able to return home.

The forest fire behind us has not directly threatened our home. Yet. But if the winds kick up that could change. Last night I gathered important legal documents just in case. Plus some of my grandfather's birthday poems. My daughter packed a bag and slept in her clothes.

Pictured: Smoke behind our house yesterday.

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21 ESV

Praying for Safety

I don't think our home is in danger but that wildfire is awfully close to our home. It is just a couple miles from here.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/wildland-fire-burning-mason-county-live-video/nSTbs/

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 ESV

Panda Lunch

That's what coupons are for. Get you in a restaurant you've never tried. I enjoyed my Panda Express Thai Chicken lunch. Free with coupon today.

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

Fusion Cooking

I have my own fusion cooking style. Last night I started with a package of pork chops from a friend. Cooked apples from my friend's orchard. Used a recipe card and spice kit from my favorite bargain grocery store. With inspiration from watching my friend cook pork chops in a cast iron skillet. A little of this. A little of that. Works for me.

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

Sister Chaperone

It's great to have a big sister in the house. Perfect for chaperoning field trips. Like Friday's jaunt through a corn maze in Olympia. Saved me from getting lost or overheated.

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