Got some not so great news today. I've been having lots of hip pain and also some foot pain, so I went to the doctor today and had some xrays. The good news is my foot is fine. My hip is fine. The pain is coming from my lower back where I have another vertebra shifting. Will be setting up an appointment with my back doc and praying really hard that it's not as bad as my doctor today thinks. She was pretty vehement about getting it treated and not falling down.
Thought for the day
Please, Lord,......not again....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Day Off
Tomorrow I get a day off!!!!!! I'm so happy about that! It seems like a long time since I've taken a day off. We're planning on going to Omaha to a supply place to pick out a tub/shower unit. I hope we can find what we're looking for. We don't have much else that we have to do, so looking forward to bumming around for a while. We have a gift card for Old Chicago so that will take care of lunch...YAY!!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Super Storm
Snow...snow...snow...We're getting only the 3-5" instead of the 6-8" originally forecasted. At least that's what the weathermen say. It's blowing like crazy and I'm not so sure they have the right amounts, but we'll see. They're calling this the storm of the century...something like 2100 square miles are to get 12" or more, or was it a stretch 2100 miles long. I don't know...need to get my facts straight. Jon over in Muscatine is expecting 16-20 inches with high winds. Downtown Chicago to get 2 feet with high winds. Crazy.
Anyway, I'm thankful for a warm house and electricity. Very grateful to know that everyone in my family is safely tucked away tonight.
Thought for the day
"But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don't take yourself too seriously--take God seriously." Micah 6:8
God really is not so complicated. I mean He's not so complicated in what He asks of us. He's beyond understanding and all that we can imagine, but in His dealings with us He keeps it pretty simple. That's a good thing since He compares us to sheep more than to any other thing. Sheep are pretty dumb...they follow each other, over a cliff, if that's where they're led. They are notorious for being stupid. So God keeps it simple...do what is fair, be compassionate and loyal, take God seriously, don't take yourself seriously. You better learn to laugh at yourself...it makes it much easier.
Anyway, I'm thankful for a warm house and electricity. Very grateful to know that everyone in my family is safely tucked away tonight.
Thought for the day
"But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don't take yourself too seriously--take God seriously." Micah 6:8
God really is not so complicated. I mean He's not so complicated in what He asks of us. He's beyond understanding and all that we can imagine, but in His dealings with us He keeps it pretty simple. That's a good thing since He compares us to sheep more than to any other thing. Sheep are pretty dumb...they follow each other, over a cliff, if that's where they're led. They are notorious for being stupid. So God keeps it simple...do what is fair, be compassionate and loyal, take God seriously, don't take yourself seriously. You better learn to laugh at yourself...it makes it much easier.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
1 Timothy 2
It seems like this should be Friday. It just doesn't feel possible that I have to get up and go to work again tomorrow. At least today was and tomorrow will be warmer. We're supposed to get insulation in the garage and entryway either tomorrow or Saturday. That would mean we can start hanging more drywall and OSB on the walls. Of course, by "we" I mean Jon and others...I might watch and can take pictures.
Thought for the day
1 Timothy 2 has some strong encouragement to pray. Here's a spattering..."The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray--not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it."
Pretty tall order, pray for everyone you know. I think we should make big signs "...pray--not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God." and put them everywhere in an election year. And we become beautiful by our service, not by our looks. Good stuff.
Thought for the day
1 Timothy 2 has some strong encouragement to pray. Here's a spattering..."The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray--not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it."
Pretty tall order, pray for everyone you know. I think we should make big signs "...pray--not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God." and put them everywhere in an election year. And we become beautiful by our service, not by our looks. Good stuff.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Fresh Heart
It's been much nicer outside today....sunny and up to 34...things thawing for a while today. But I'm still cold in my own house tonight. It's nice that I have this wonderful blanket that Kelli made for me...thanks, Kelli!!!
Found out today that I've doubled up on NSAIDS. I asked a nurse on the phone if I could take naproxen that I have in the house even though I'm taking an antiflammatory already. When she asked and called me back she said that was fine. Apparently she didn't check my chart, or got the info wrong. Today when I called to get some more naproxen the nurse was looking at my chart and said, "You're already taking dicolfenac...you can't take both." Told her about the earlier conversation so she checked for sure and, yes, they are both nsaids, and, no, I mustn't take both. I looked it up online (probably a bad idea) and diclofenac is also the "most deadly" of nsaids while naproxen is the safest. I think I'll ask to stay on the naproxen instead since they said I could choose between the two. I love when I have to be my own doctor and do my own research on my meds... :( Mistakes happen...
Thought for the day
"So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus Himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech." 2 Thessalonians 2:16
There's lots of good advice here...we may be reminded of positive thinking material. However, this is not a bunch of positive mumbo-jumbo, this is the living, breathing word of God. It is God who says take a firm stand, head high, hang on. And He is promising to be the source in our lives that will give us a fresh heart and put life into our work and words. We need to see the power of these words for our daily lives. We have every reason to have confidence and hope for our daily lives, not because of any strength that lies in us, but because God promises to supply all power that we need.
Found out today that I've doubled up on NSAIDS. I asked a nurse on the phone if I could take naproxen that I have in the house even though I'm taking an antiflammatory already. When she asked and called me back she said that was fine. Apparently she didn't check my chart, or got the info wrong. Today when I called to get some more naproxen the nurse was looking at my chart and said, "You're already taking dicolfenac...you can't take both." Told her about the earlier conversation so she checked for sure and, yes, they are both nsaids, and, no, I mustn't take both. I looked it up online (probably a bad idea) and diclofenac is also the "most deadly" of nsaids while naproxen is the safest. I think I'll ask to stay on the naproxen instead since they said I could choose between the two. I love when I have to be my own doctor and do my own research on my meds... :( Mistakes happen...
Thought for the day
"So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus Himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech." 2 Thessalonians 2:16
There's lots of good advice here...we may be reminded of positive thinking material. However, this is not a bunch of positive mumbo-jumbo, this is the living, breathing word of God. It is God who says take a firm stand, head high, hang on. And He is promising to be the source in our lives that will give us a fresh heart and put life into our work and words. We need to see the power of these words for our daily lives. We have every reason to have confidence and hope for our daily lives, not because of any strength that lies in us, but because God promises to supply all power that we need.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Seasons of Life
My mom fell a while back. She went to the ER and got xrays that showed no breaks. However, a new xray now shows a hairline fracture in her pelvis. She won't be returning to her assisted living room. She will stay in the nursing section, and, thankfully, she's content with that. The plan is to move her stuff out on Saturday if we can work it out. Then we'll have to start on the house....ugh. I wish that part was all over.
Thought for the day
The seasons of life come and go. And I can't stop them. My life is in God's hands, and time will march on. Even as my posterity increases and grows, my own life will eventually grow smaller and my circle of involvement will decrease. How can I remain vital when my life becomes smaller? 1 Thessalonians 4 offers some insight...keep pleasing God in a living, spirited dance. God wants you to live a pure life. Don't run roughshod over others' concerns. Have a holy, beautiful life. Love one another. Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. Live in a way that commands respect.
It seems that we can continue to live well through all the seasons of life. I want to press on to be and do all that God would want in everything that lies ahead.
Thought for the day
The seasons of life come and go. And I can't stop them. My life is in God's hands, and time will march on. Even as my posterity increases and grows, my own life will eventually grow smaller and my circle of involvement will decrease. How can I remain vital when my life becomes smaller? 1 Thessalonians 4 offers some insight...keep pleasing God in a living, spirited dance. God wants you to live a pure life. Don't run roughshod over others' concerns. Have a holy, beautiful life. Love one another. Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. Live in a way that commands respect.
It seems that we can continue to live well through all the seasons of life. I want to press on to be and do all that God would want in everything that lies ahead.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Mammogram, Tantrum, and 1 Peter
Today I had my annual mammogram--this one was digital. I must say it was the MOST comfortable one I've ever had. It was a very pleasant surprise! So then I went to work feeling pretty good about the whole thing. But then I found out I had a major problem with some paperwork which is going to make me go back and recalculate several days of records. A couple of other things were not going so well, and before long I was fully annoyed.
About that time, I flipped my daily calendar to find this verse "Let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 Talk about squelching a perfectly good workup to a tantrum....don't you hate/love it when He does that?
Thought for the day
How does God know what I need to hear? How does He pull it out of thin air? How did He know that (at least) one year on January 19 I would be on the verge of losing my temper and need to be reminded of what He sees as precious? The same thing happens so often with daily devotionals...the perfect word on the perfect day. Or I'm reading along in different sections of the Bible on a given day and He pulls the same message from several different passages in entirely different parts of the Word. Sometimes it's a word of encouragement or comfort. Other times, like today, it's a kick in the pants...one that I really needed.
About that time, I flipped my daily calendar to find this verse "Let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 Talk about squelching a perfectly good workup to a tantrum....don't you hate/love it when He does that?
Thought for the day
How does God know what I need to hear? How does He pull it out of thin air? How did He know that (at least) one year on January 19 I would be on the verge of losing my temper and need to be reminded of what He sees as precious? The same thing happens so often with daily devotionals...the perfect word on the perfect day. Or I'm reading along in different sections of the Bible on a given day and He pulls the same message from several different passages in entirely different parts of the Word. Sometimes it's a word of encouragement or comfort. Other times, like today, it's a kick in the pants...one that I really needed.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Christian Culture
We had a mix of weather today...light rain, temps in low 30's, then a little warmer, and messy thawing. The rest of the week it's supposed to be COLD. Jon has been in the house tonight since 7:30 instead of in the garage. We're just about ready for the rest of the insulation, and then we'll be pretty close to being able to use the garage at least enough to get in and out of the house. We can't wait, but we will.
Thought for the day
I've been thinking about the way Christian culture has become so commercialized. The vast majority of us are supposed to be normal, everyday folks...working with our hands and minding our own business. We're given spiritual gifts to be used in the service of others and the body as a whole. There should of course be some in full-time Christian work of many kinds, but I wonder if we have created a culture where the gift is turned into a marketable asset. I believe that Scripture indicates that our spiritual gift(s), given by God, are simply Jesus living through us. While He may certainly work primarily in one or two particular ways in a person's life, He can and may work in any way He chooses at any time. So God may give an anointing for a thought or prayer perhaps put to music or turned into a book, but what does human nature do? It tries to turn it into a livelihood by marketing it. How many times have you bought a cd and one or two songs on it were powerful and the rest were fillers. A group takes center stage for a while, then fades just as quickly into obscurity. A writer puts out a book that helps many people, then is obliged to put out a book every year whether it's good or not. I'm not throwing stones, I just wonder if we're looking at things backwards. Maybe it's just me....
Thought for the day
I've been thinking about the way Christian culture has become so commercialized. The vast majority of us are supposed to be normal, everyday folks...working with our hands and minding our own business. We're given spiritual gifts to be used in the service of others and the body as a whole. There should of course be some in full-time Christian work of many kinds, but I wonder if we have created a culture where the gift is turned into a marketable asset. I believe that Scripture indicates that our spiritual gift(s), given by God, are simply Jesus living through us. While He may certainly work primarily in one or two particular ways in a person's life, He can and may work in any way He chooses at any time. So God may give an anointing for a thought or prayer perhaps put to music or turned into a book, but what does human nature do? It tries to turn it into a livelihood by marketing it. How many times have you bought a cd and one or two songs on it were powerful and the rest were fillers. A group takes center stage for a while, then fades just as quickly into obscurity. A writer puts out a book that helps many people, then is obliged to put out a book every year whether it's good or not. I'm not throwing stones, I just wonder if we're looking at things backwards. Maybe it's just me....
Saturday, January 15, 2011
More Construction
For all of you who drive by my house on a regular basis...yes, something is going on. The outside of our building project hasn't changed in a while, but good things are happening inside this week. Soffit vents were installed, and today sheetrock is being put up in the ceiling of the garage/shop area. Insulation was blown in above the entryway today, and sheetrock may be hung on that ceiling, too. It's really starting to look like a "space" out there, and there is hope again that we may start using it before TOO long. YAY!!!
We had good help today from Brad and Trever which was MUCH appreciated!!! Tomorrow I plan to go to Tre's basketball game, but Jon is on call and will have to miss it. We got a considerable layer of snow this morning which I wasn't really expecting so everything outside is white again.
This morning I sorted and reorganized in the computer room. Mostly, I tossed...lots of garbage for our next pick up. I'm doing laundry this afternoon and hopefully work on a couple of other projects. Better get back to it!!!
We had good help today from Brad and Trever which was MUCH appreciated!!! Tomorrow I plan to go to Tre's basketball game, but Jon is on call and will have to miss it. We got a considerable layer of snow this morning which I wasn't really expecting so everything outside is white again.
This morning I sorted and reorganized in the computer room. Mostly, I tossed...lots of garbage for our next pick up. I'm doing laundry this afternoon and hopefully work on a couple of other projects. Better get back to it!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Few of My Favorite Things
Logan hasn't run away for over 48 hours!!! Of course every time she goes outside she bumps her nose into that gate to see if it will open. I guess she's not entirely stupid...just very persistent. We'll see if we can hold up our end. That sounds bad at our age.....
Moving on, I had a chance to rearrange and reorganize my space at work today...shouldn't have that much fun at work. I know, I'm weird. I can't help it. I'm not quite inspired enough to rearrange my cupboards yet, but I may get there!
Thought for the day
"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live Him. You're deeply rooted in Him. You're well constructed upon Him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving." That is Colossians 2:6-7 from The Message.
I think these are words that a person would do well to review daily. What a start to your day...do what you know. You are already equipped, begin to take steps. If you're like me, it's easy to learn. I love to learn. I can go on a long time just soaking up things about the Lord, about prayer, about living the Christian life. But am I living it? Where does my faith hit the road and become the vibrant source of all that I say and do?
One of the sweetest things in life is to recognize that at the present moment I can let God have His way. I can practice in my attitude what I know from my study. I can set aside my irritation and treat that person with the grace that God has shown me. The Word that I read this morning applies to this very moment. When I obey, things change. I can see God work right before my eyes. These are a "few of my favorite things".
Of course, even sweeter are my grandchildren..... :)
Moving on, I had a chance to rearrange and reorganize my space at work today...shouldn't have that much fun at work. I know, I'm weird. I can't help it. I'm not quite inspired enough to rearrange my cupboards yet, but I may get there!
Thought for the day
"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live Him. You're deeply rooted in Him. You're well constructed upon Him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving." That is Colossians 2:6-7 from The Message.
I think these are words that a person would do well to review daily. What a start to your day...do what you know. You are already equipped, begin to take steps. If you're like me, it's easy to learn. I love to learn. I can go on a long time just soaking up things about the Lord, about prayer, about living the Christian life. But am I living it? Where does my faith hit the road and become the vibrant source of all that I say and do?
One of the sweetest things in life is to recognize that at the present moment I can let God have His way. I can practice in my attitude what I know from my study. I can set aside my irritation and treat that person with the grace that God has shown me. The Word that I read this morning applies to this very moment. When I obey, things change. I can see God work right before my eyes. These are a "few of my favorite things".
Of course, even sweeter are my grandchildren..... :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dan and Logan
We're watching "Dan in Real Life" again....laugh, laugh, laugh out loud!!! Ruthie Pigface Draper. Jon can't sleep in his chair because I'm laughing too loud. This little piggy...Ruthie Pigface Draper. TOO MUCH FUN!!!
Logan is insane. She ran away again this morning. Was caught by our neighbor as she was walking down Chatburn Ave pretty as you please in the traffic, because apparently the snow had become too deep for her to drag her fat belly through it.
"You are a murderer of love!!!!" Too busy laughing to do this...
Logan is insane. She ran away again this morning. Was caught by our neighbor as she was walking down Chatburn Ave pretty as you please in the traffic, because apparently the snow had become too deep for her to drag her fat belly through it.
"You are a murderer of love!!!!" Too busy laughing to do this...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wonder Dog
Logan is an adventurer. She doesn't look like one. She doesn't act like one. But if she sees a rabbit she TRANSFORMS into Wonder Dog. We think she saw a rabbit Tuesday afternoon while she was enjoying the sunny afternoon. When Jon got home after work the gates looked closed but there was no Logan. It seems that she pushed open the temporary gate between the house and the garage and she was off and running. She's never been gone for more than 8 hours before, and when she didn't return overnight in spite of cold temperatures we thought she was a goner. We still left the back gate open, just in case. Then last evening between 5:30 and 6:00 Jon looked outside and there she was hanging out by the back gate. She was moving REALLY slowly and seemed to be hurting quite a bit, but was clean and dry and no blood. Today she has improved all day and is moving better. She still gets really stiff after lying still for a while. One thing for sure, she doesn't want to talk about where she was or what she did! No matter what questions we ask, we get the same blank look and we know she's not interested in sharing her experience. We're glad she's back. I guess we'll have to let her keep her secrets.
Thought for the day
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalm 37:3-5
I love these verses. Trust, dwell, cultivate, commit. All good words. All words that are anchors to the soul. They are words that help us lay aside the trivial and identify what is real and lasting in our lives. There are so many distractions and extras that are truly unnecessary even though we think we can't function without them. It used to just be TV, but now we have technology that we take with us into every area of our lives, and we actually believe it's all necessary. I have no ax to grind with the use of technology, but we must be careful to keep space in our lives for peace, for quiet, for reflection, for talking to God, for hearing from God. Constant noise, music, and visual input rob our inner peace, and while we think we are entertained we are, in fact, left in turmoil and unrest. Purposely make a choice to turn something off each day, even just for a while, and make a deliberate connection with God for even just a short time. In Him you will find peace and calm for your heart.
Thought for the day
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalm 37:3-5
I love these verses. Trust, dwell, cultivate, commit. All good words. All words that are anchors to the soul. They are words that help us lay aside the trivial and identify what is real and lasting in our lives. There are so many distractions and extras that are truly unnecessary even though we think we can't function without them. It used to just be TV, but now we have technology that we take with us into every area of our lives, and we actually believe it's all necessary. I have no ax to grind with the use of technology, but we must be careful to keep space in our lives for peace, for quiet, for reflection, for talking to God, for hearing from God. Constant noise, music, and visual input rob our inner peace, and while we think we are entertained we are, in fact, left in turmoil and unrest. Purposely make a choice to turn something off each day, even just for a while, and make a deliberate connection with God for even just a short time. In Him you will find peace and calm for your heart.
Monday, December 27, 2010
It's a Wonderful Life
The classic movie is a Christmas favorite, and after this Christmas I have an idea how George Bailey must have felt. I received four wonderful photo books from the kids and a grandma sweatshirt that make me feel like my life has counted by contributing to some pretty awesome people...namely the best husband, three beautiful daughters, three great sons-in-law, and five amazing grandkids. What could possibly be better than to be a part of their lives? I have been truly blessed.
Now it's back to the daily grind, which is fine. We will have more family time this next weekend over New Years...looking forward to it!!
Thought for the day
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation." Psalm 33:11 NASB "Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love." Psalm 33:18 The Message
God has plans for me and for my family, and those plans stand from generation to generation. I'm counting on it. And in the meantime I want to walk with Him, honor and respect Him, and look everywhere for evidences of His love. His eye is on me, and the plans and counsel of His heart stand forever. I plan to focus on the people God has already put in my life, do my best there and watch Him keep His word.
Now it's back to the daily grind, which is fine. We will have more family time this next weekend over New Years...looking forward to it!!
Thought for the day
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation." Psalm 33:11 NASB "Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love." Psalm 33:18 The Message
God has plans for me and for my family, and those plans stand from generation to generation. I'm counting on it. And in the meantime I want to walk with Him, honor and respect Him, and look everywhere for evidences of His love. His eye is on me, and the plans and counsel of His heart stand forever. I plan to focus on the people God has already put in my life, do my best there and watch Him keep His word.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Doors and Window
More done...wrapping is done (except for one I can't finish), made caramel corn and cheese ball tonight. Tomorrow Kelli will be on the road, and I'll make oyster cracker snack tomorrow night. I need to go get more groceries tomorrow, too. I work on Thursday, but have Friday off. That is the day I'll make soup, salad, birthday cake, and maybe rice pudding so I have it ready ahead of time.
We're looking at some weather moving through on Thursday, so hopefully will be done by Friday when more people will be on the road.
Good news at the house today...we got three doors and the big window in the entryway. It looks so nice. We can begin to see what the end will look like even though we have a LONG way to go!
Thought for the day
"What are you waiting for? Return to your God! Commit yourself in love, in justice! Wait for your God, and don't give up on Him--ever!" Hosea 12:6 The Message
...ever...ever...ever...ever...not just till it seems too long...ever...ever...ever...not just till you can't stand to wait any longer...ever...ever...ever
We're looking at some weather moving through on Thursday, so hopefully will be done by Friday when more people will be on the road.
Good news at the house today...we got three doors and the big window in the entryway. It looks so nice. We can begin to see what the end will look like even though we have a LONG way to go!
Thought for the day
"What are you waiting for? Return to your God! Commit yourself in love, in justice! Wait for your God, and don't give up on Him--ever!" Hosea 12:6 The Message
...ever...ever...ever...ever...not just till it seems too long...ever...ever...ever...not just till you can't stand to wait any longer...ever...ever...ever
Sunday, December 19, 2010
More Getting Ready
After going out for supper on Friday night, I did a lot of work getting ready for Christmas this weekend. Besides the usual laundry and cleaning, I baked cinnamon rolls, dinner buns, made chocolate bark, wrapped more gifts, got a ton of groceries, went to church, went to a visitation, went to 2 basketball games, and supper at Village Inn. Now we're just sitting around...perhaps comatose (while doing more laundry).
Plans are coming together for the weekend...Kelli and girls coming on Wednesday, Jon getting in on Friday. Saturday Culver's and Melby's will come for the whole day. Culver's staying till sometime Sunday. Holthe's going to another Christmas on Sunday then returning before going east for a few days. I'm excited to have everyone together...always the best part.
I hope your Christmas will be as wonderful...and I hope that you find some perfect moments to turn your heart to Christ and worship Him.
Plans are coming together for the weekend...Kelli and girls coming on Wednesday, Jon getting in on Friday. Saturday Culver's and Melby's will come for the whole day. Culver's staying till sometime Sunday. Holthe's going to another Christmas on Sunday then returning before going east for a few days. I'm excited to have everyone together...always the best part.
I hope your Christmas will be as wonderful...and I hope that you find some perfect moments to turn your heart to Christ and worship Him.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Blizzard
Okay, I'm here again. This weekend was supposed to be really busy. We were going to go to Tre's basketball game on Saturday morning and to my work Christmas party that evening. We were also planning to drive to Muscatine on Sunday. With only two weeks till Christmas I REALLY had a lot to get done. A blizzard all day Saturday and high winds through the night till Sunday morning cancelled all those plans, so I put up the tree, wrote and addressed the Christmas letters, made pretzels, made peanut blossoms, and put up a few other decorations. I went to see my mom for a short visit today, but that was my only venture outside except for breakfast on Saturday morning before the snow started. So I've been able to listen to some Christmas music, watch "It's a Wonderful Life", and generally get ready. Not so many decorations this year since I'm not sure whether construction will begin to invade before the day comes.
Bruce got almost all the shingles on Friday before the storm and wrapped all the north side with tyvek...it was a very good thing. All our doors are in the garage now and I got to peak at them today...can't wait to see it all come together!
Still praying for the sale of Jon and Kelli's house and the purchase of a new one. We know that God has the best plan, but He also tells us to ask, so ASK WE DO!!!! Emmy had a rough couple of weeks at school, but is thankfully doing much better. We keep praying for her, as well. Megan had a bout of infection, but is doing well now, too.
So many things going on...so many things to pray for...Thank You, Jesus, that You hold all things in Your hand. We trust You.
Bruce got almost all the shingles on Friday before the storm and wrapped all the north side with tyvek...it was a very good thing. All our doors are in the garage now and I got to peak at them today...can't wait to see it all come together!
Still praying for the sale of Jon and Kelli's house and the purchase of a new one. We know that God has the best plan, but He also tells us to ask, so ASK WE DO!!!! Emmy had a rough couple of weeks at school, but is thankfully doing much better. We keep praying for her, as well. Megan had a bout of infection, but is doing well now, too.
So many things going on...so many things to pray for...Thank You, Jesus, that You hold all things in Your hand. We trust You.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Cutest Grandkids
I have the cutest grandkids!!! No arguments allowed!!! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving...all the kids were here for supper Thursday night and we had a great time. The Holthe's, Culver's and Tre and Tru stayed overnight. Holthe's and Culver's left on Friday morning, and the boys stayed till Tabbi got back from black Friday shopping. Construction was resumed on Friday on our entryway. They've worked all day today (Saturday) and plan to work some tomorrow, too.
Jon starts his new job in Muscatine on Monday and it is a wonderful opportunity for their whole family. Kelli and girls are coming here tonight before heading home in the morning. Thank You, Jesus, for this move!! We are so grateful that they will be so much closer!
Thought for the day
There is much to be learned by watching the lives around us. Some display courage, faith, and a growing walk with the Lord. Others seem to demonstrate what happens when faith is a set of doctrines believed more than a relationship deepened over time. This life carries its challenges, and we must let them stretch us and grow us. If we do not, we will not finish well...guaranteed. We must already have our life and walk firmly established on the bedrock of trust and intimacy with God when older age comes because our hearts and minds will revert to their most ingrained habits. If depending on God has been our pattern, we have good ground to work from. However, if we have only ascribed to a doctrinal set of truths, we will not have a living faith that can sustain us and carry us to a good finish. Let the unimportant things fall away and focus on that which will last.
Jon starts his new job in Muscatine on Monday and it is a wonderful opportunity for their whole family. Kelli and girls are coming here tonight before heading home in the morning. Thank You, Jesus, for this move!! We are so grateful that they will be so much closer!
Thought for the day
There is much to be learned by watching the lives around us. Some display courage, faith, and a growing walk with the Lord. Others seem to demonstrate what happens when faith is a set of doctrines believed more than a relationship deepened over time. This life carries its challenges, and we must let them stretch us and grow us. If we do not, we will not finish well...guaranteed. We must already have our life and walk firmly established on the bedrock of trust and intimacy with God when older age comes because our hearts and minds will revert to their most ingrained habits. If depending on God has been our pattern, we have good ground to work from. However, if we have only ascribed to a doctrinal set of truths, we will not have a living faith that can sustain us and carry us to a good finish. Let the unimportant things fall away and focus on that which will last.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
What are you thankful for???? We have much to celebrate this year. We have our new grandson, Oz, Jon's new job in Muscatine which will bring Kelli's family back to Iowa very soon, a started building project, health, provision, and lots of growing pains this year. It seems to have been a year of learning about having NO control over things that we may desperately want to control. We've been challenged with hard questions about God's sovereignty in the face of tragedy. We've stood beside the suffering knowing that only God can truly comfort. We've learned that we have limitations we had not acknowledged previously. And in all these things we have found God faithful. He is sovereign. He does reign. He does comfort and come alongside us in our need. For all these things and many more thank You, God, for this past year with all its challenges and blessings!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and take a little time to really thank the Lord for some very specific things!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and take a little time to really thank the Lord for some very specific things!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thanksgiving Preparations
Now my back is tired. We slept in a little bit today, then went to Hy-Vee for breakfast and ran a couple of errands. Found boxes of Christmas cards at Bomgaar's 25 for $1.99--YAY! We came back home and I cleaned the oven, did laundry, cleaned house, mixed up dinner rolls, went to see my mom, then baked the rolls. I still need to give Logan a bath this weekend if Jon doesn't get to it. I was hoping to make cinnamon rolls this weekend, too, but we'll see. I sure hope I can pull off the full meal with desserts and all the rest. I feel a little overwhelmed by it all right now. I think I may have a stress fracture in my left foot. It's bothered me a long time, but seem worse now than it has been. Rats. Okay, so this doesn't seem very inspiring....moving on.
Thought for the day
"We seem to consider that divine love is hard and self-seeking and distant, concerned about its own glory, and indifferent to the fate of others...But divine love is tender and self-sacrificing and devoted, and glad to bear and forbear and suffer, and eager to lavish its best of gifts and blessings upon the objects of its love...The slightest barrier between your soul and Christ may cause you to dwindle and fade as a plant in a cellar or under a bushel. Keep the sky clear. Open wide every avenue of your being to receive the blessed influences your divine husbandman may bring to bear upon you. Bask in the sunshine of His love. Drink of the waters of His goodness. Keep your face upturned to Him as the flower do to the sun. Look, and your soul shall live and grow."
"He is able to turn any soil into the soil of grace the moment we put our growing into His hands. He does not need to transplant us into a different field, but right where we are, with just the circumstances that surround us, He makes His sun to shine and His dew to fall upon us and transforms the very things that were before our greatest hindrances into the chiefest and most blessed means of growth. I care not what the circumstances may be, His wonder-working power can accomplish this; and we must trust Him with it all."
From "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith
Okay, so I accept with joy all that I face in this moment....better now! :)
Thought for the day
"We seem to consider that divine love is hard and self-seeking and distant, concerned about its own glory, and indifferent to the fate of others...But divine love is tender and self-sacrificing and devoted, and glad to bear and forbear and suffer, and eager to lavish its best of gifts and blessings upon the objects of its love...The slightest barrier between your soul and Christ may cause you to dwindle and fade as a plant in a cellar or under a bushel. Keep the sky clear. Open wide every avenue of your being to receive the blessed influences your divine husbandman may bring to bear upon you. Bask in the sunshine of His love. Drink of the waters of His goodness. Keep your face upturned to Him as the flower do to the sun. Look, and your soul shall live and grow."
"He is able to turn any soil into the soil of grace the moment we put our growing into His hands. He does not need to transplant us into a different field, but right where we are, with just the circumstances that surround us, He makes His sun to shine and His dew to fall upon us and transforms the very things that were before our greatest hindrances into the chiefest and most blessed means of growth. I care not what the circumstances may be, His wonder-working power can accomplish this; and we must trust Him with it all."
From "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith
Okay, so I accept with joy all that I face in this moment....better now! :)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Catch Up News
Wow, where have I been? These last weeks (or months?) have been crazy. I got to spend a week at Megan and Greg's when Greg went back to work. I helped around the house and ran a couple of errands, and GREATLY enjoyed my time there! I think the last time I spent Monday thru Friday daytime with just Megan was probably the spring before she started kindergarten. That was a crazy thought! So glad we still get along! Oz is such a good little baby, and Greg and Megan are doing a GREAT job!
Our garage has walls and a roof with a partial tie in to our old roof. Still no entryway and I can't tell you how tired I am of parking at the church and hauling everything back and forth. I think I'm done with my morning swims until I have dry ground out back and maybe a garage I can get to. I'm thinking it could be a while....
I other completely AWESOME news, Kelli, Jon, and the girls are MOVING BACK TO IOWA!!!! We are SO excited! They'll be living in Muscatine where Jon will be working as head of the trust department at Central State Bank. He's worked very hard to get to this point, and we're very happy for him. Of course, we may be even happier for us!!! So looking forward to being able to see them any weekend we want...and with Megan and Greg in the middle the possibilities are multiplied!
Well it was early when I started, but it's late now...going to bed!!
Our garage has walls and a roof with a partial tie in to our old roof. Still no entryway and I can't tell you how tired I am of parking at the church and hauling everything back and forth. I think I'm done with my morning swims until I have dry ground out back and maybe a garage I can get to. I'm thinking it could be a while....
I other completely AWESOME news, Kelli, Jon, and the girls are MOVING BACK TO IOWA!!!! We are SO excited! They'll be living in Muscatine where Jon will be working as head of the trust department at Central State Bank. He's worked very hard to get to this point, and we're very happy for him. Of course, we may be even happier for us!!! So looking forward to being able to see them any weekend we want...and with Megan and Greg in the middle the possibilities are multiplied!
Well it was early when I started, but it's late now...going to bed!!
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