Orange Love

I found exactly what I was hoping for. Marked down peppers. Three beautiful orange peppers for $1. Works for me.

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:5 ESV

Even Better

We thought about trying a new place for lunch. After Bible Study Fellowship. But you can't go wrong at Bagel Brothers.

When we walked in, the owner said he had drawn my daughter's name for a free sandwich. Even better.

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

Always Welcome

They know they are always welcome. I love to have my parents stop by. Tea for two coming right up.

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

Faithful to Pray

They still come. Show up for Monday prayer time when they can. Even though they don't have children attending the Christian School anymore. That is faithful.

I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. Psalm 101:6 ESV

Start the Day

I don't consider myself a morning person. But it works for me to do my Bible Study homework first thing. Starts the day right.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV

Meet for Dinner

We met in the middle. My son and his girlfriend drove a little south and we drove a little north. And met for dinner in Renton. Works for us.

Pictured: After dinner, before we parted ways.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 ESV

Chill Am I

I'm chill about my kitchen. Totally relaxed. Just don't waste food unnecessarily. Or put empty boxes and containers back in the fridge or cupboard. Or throw recycling in the trash bin. Or, shudder, use metal utensils on nonstick surfaces. And thank you for not using soap on my baking stone or cast iron. That's how it works for me.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 ESV

Drive Alone

I decided to skip coffee and head straight for home. After driving to Bible Study Fellowship in Olympia. Drinking coffee alone isn't any fun. But I missed the exit onto my highway and ended up in McCleary. A very long detour. Next time I'll grab a cup for the road. Or better yet, go with a friend.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 ESV

Book Friends

I missed my old friends. So I was happy to introduce them to our new home. Come out of the boxes and onto the shelves.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9 ESV

Time to Study

Do I have time for one more Bible study? I can make time. It's great to be studying Ephesians with a group of women in my home town. I love the new study guide: Who Do You Think You Are by Mark Driscoll. 

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 ESV

His View Today

I expected to get a text photo of a truck-load of wood. Instead my husband sent me a beautiful shot of a barge and tug boat, as seen at a friend's property today. Where he got a load of wood.

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

On the Side

Some of the best conversations have been on the side. While serving at church. I'm glad I can catch up on the sermons online later.Works for me.

Pictured: Frozen yogurt with my daughter after church.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27 ESV

Frozen Bird Bath

Have they been gone long enough? I think so. But the snowbirds have more snow birding scheduled. So I will wait patiently for my in-laws to return home.

Pictured: My in-laws' frozen bird bath.

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

Come Alongside

I love how our community group pulls together. Comes alongside. Some showed up last night and tonight to help us get our old house cleaned up and ready to sell.

Pictured: My daughter helped spackle the hall.

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

That's My Dad

He is probably one of the most humble men I know. Doesn't ask for much, Gives all he has. Loves his family unconditionally. Practices what he preaches. That's my dad.
Happy 74th birthday!

Pictured with my dad on Father's Day a couple years ago.

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV

My Driver

I could get used to this. Having a personal driver to Bible Study Fellowship and coffee and/or lunch buddy. I will enjoy our time together until my daughter finds regular employment.

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 ESV

Makes Me Happy

My golden retriever loves to go outside and roll around. In the dirt, grass, and snow when available. What makes me happy? I love good conversations. Playing matchmaker for people and what they need. And using what I have. Like adding yellow squash and green pepper to the last of my homemade spaghetti sauce for a tasty and healthy dinner.

Pictured: A video of our dog enjoying the white Christmas snow.

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 ESV

Got Kindling?

I am not above scrounging. I am happy to gather free kindling. Well, almost free. I bought a pair of gloves at the dollar store first.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

Who am I?

How do I see myself? Who do I think I am? More importantly, what does God say about my identity? Today was the first message in the Ephesians series at church. Don't miss this series! You can watch online or read the transcripts.

Pictured: My husband and I at church today.

http://marshill.com/ephesians


So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. Genesis 1:27-28a ESV

Name the Girls

I need some help naming the chickens. I know one is Rhode Island Red. But what are the other two varieties? We aren't giving them pet names, except for the smallest white one. I'm not sure why they are calling her Floyd, even though she is a girl.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Genesis 1:26 ESV

Little by Little

My husband and I have been overwhelmed by the process. How long will it take to clean out our old home and settle in the new? Our friends at community group prayed for us last night. And offered to come over and help next week. Just the encouragement we needed!

Pictured: The empty moving van before we filled it twice.


Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

Galatians 6:2 ESV

Bonding Time

I am spoiled. My daughter drove me to Olympia for Bible Study Fellowship yesterday. Might as well have a coffee and lunch date while we're at it. And today she drove me to my annual neurologist appointment. With a stop at a new thrift store and a bakery.

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, Zechariah 7:9 ESV

FUNdraising

Let the fundraising meetings and activities begin. My daughter's 7th grade class will be going to Washington DC in the spring of her 8th grade year. I know what not to do. Based on my experiences with my older daughter a few years ago. Don't try to schlep Krispy Kreme donuts the first Saturday in January. Or lock the keys in your van. Running. With the van containing dozens of donuts waiting to be delivered.

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

Happy to Be Here

The chickens were laying before they came. We heard it might take a while for them to get used to their new home. But they seem to like it here. We are getting 2 or 3 eggs a day.

Pictured: My daughter and one of our four new chickens.

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:5 ESV

"Mr. L, Can We Eat Them Please?"

I love text updates from my husband. Today and tomorrow he is subbing in a kindergarten class.

Pictured: Math center: making geometric shapes with marshmallows and toothpicks.

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

Who Do You Think You Are?

I am excited for the new series at church, starting next week. Pastor Mark Driscoll will preach 16 sermons based on the book of Ephesians and his new book, Who Do You Think You Are?

Christian blogger Tim Challies has a review of the book:
http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/who-do-you-think-you-are

If you are in the Olympia area, join us Sundays at South Puget Sound Community College at 10 a.m. Or you can find the sermons online.

http://marshill.com/ephesians

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might Ephesians 1:17-19 ESV

In the Coop

We just moved out of the city. What are we going to do next? Get some chickens! Our friends brought us four 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

Precious Time

I'm not over Christmas yet. I'm still looking at my photos of our family time together. It was great to have our oldest home, even if only for two days.

Pictured: My oldest and youngest at dinner on Christmas Eve.


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

Snow Troll

My kids had fun with the surprise white Christmas. Perfect for building a snow creature--this time a snow troll in honor of the movie "The Hobbit."

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

Shop From Home

I'm doing a lot of shopping. From my old house. I can make do with what I already own. Like the shelf for our microwave. It used to be in the garage with my husband's tools on it. He cleared it and moved it to our new kitchen. Perfect.

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

Define All

People ask if we are all moved. Define "all." We are living in our new rental home. But we haven't cleaned everything out of our old house. We are working on it, little by little. We hope to be done soon so we can get the house ready to put on the market.

Pictured: In our snowy yard on Christmas Day.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 143:5 ESV