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Good Reads:  The book of Ruth... so poignant, so rich with symbolism---the central theme, a kinsman redeemer.
Barbara Curtis wrote "Blowing Out 32 Candles for Roe v. Wade: in Friday's blog;  Doug Phillips blog, also. 

January 31, 2005   If the passing of days in January is any indication of how this year will go, we are in for quite a year---and a whirlwind of a year, at that.   Do you ever feel like time is sort of on "fast forward" and all the things you ever intended to do might never get done because time's passing so quickly you can't get to things?  Well, that's what it seems to me---and then(!) doesn't it seem like some days just drag on and on?  That's why I sometimes say, the days are long and the years fly by.

It's good to be with old faithful.  Yes---old faithful.  Men and women of faith who are old in the faith, old in years, old in wisdom and perspective and yet young at heart.  We had the great privilege to have an 'old faithful' with us for the weekend.  HE was so easy to accommodate, so easy to 'please' and so eager to both share and listen.  Eager to LISTEN---that's what I want to be.  Eager.  Eager to listen and eager to share---but more eager to listen.  I love that in old faithful's.  So, Jim was here with us---bathroom remodel and all.  Houseful of many and all that that entails.  He was patient and kind---gentle and strong.  A long walk around the world with the LORD has produced this in him.  Ministering in Mexico, Belize, Africa, Russia, Siberia, and ahem, Oregon. ;0)  He has had the privilege of walking roads less traveled, with people most would pass by.  So... he shared with us.  Here in our home with a gathering of many and then again yesterday with the same and several more.   When we returned home last evening, we talked over another cuppa in the kitchen and he commented on things he'd observed.  Now that's quite something---to be both sharing-teaching for hours and listening, really listening, for hours.  Obviously thoroughly enjoying both.  Enjoying sharing the Word and enjoying hearing from all ages---blessed by all.

Jim shared with us a verse he prayed would be what the LORD would have for our fellowship of believers.  He said that he felt that paying close attention to this verse would yield rich fruit in our lives.  It is a verse I have thought on many times... many times seeing it as sort of a recipe for obedience to God---though that may sound contrived, I don't intend it to be.  It's not a vending machine sort of thing... put in these things and out pops your product.  However---applying oneself to these things in conjunction of whatever else the LORD has made known in a life, surely will yield the fruit of righteousness and godliness.

2Timothy 2.22 
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 

He then shared a caution---just as the next verse (23) indicates... to not get caught up in bickering and foolishness, for these only bring strife and dissention.  Strife is a destroyer of fellowship.  (sounds like *great* marriage advice, eh?)

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

He went on to share other things that strengthen and build fellowship, only occasionally mentioning negatives and hindrances to fellowship.   We took these things to heart as he encouraged participation from all---men, women, and young people.  He encouraged each to come prepared to share---prepared with a teaching, prepared with a song, a word of encouragement, testimony or praise.  I've been thinking on different thoughts he shared and am mulling them over this morning.  When people come to *only* get fed, they'll always only need to be fed and they'll never see/experience the blessing of feeding or the blessing of encouraging another.  If the whole aim is self, then self will never be satisfied because self is insatiable.   So many times, we, as believers have been led to believe that we go to learn, go to be edified, go to be built up---but there's another side.  While all those things are true, the very important---more important other side is that we are to go to encourage... to build up... be be a blessing to others.  Busy about the concerns of others... desiring to give to them out of a pure heart.  This is fellowship.  This is a --giving life-- life.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

So, then, as always, we come away filled up with new resolve and new strength to walk hand in Hand with the LORD, to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness knowing that in doing so, all the other things will be added unto us.  In order to seek His Kingdom we need to be busy seeking Him.  To seek the Kingdom is to first seek the King!  How grateful we are for the old faithful's who prod us along, who spur us on to good works, who demonstrate in their character: a long walk with God.

The while-you-were-out bathroom remodel is.......... not.

For today, we are getting ready for Timothy to return from Mexico ——tomorrow!—— 

 

January 28, 2005    It's a chilly, clear morning here, in the Northwest... one of those beautiful, calm, surreal sort of days.  Strange weather patterns all over the world---warm-freezing-clear-snowy all in the same month.  We're still in the midst of the bathroom remodel that has yet to become the bathroom fiasco---although, I'd imagine that anytime now, it will become the 'bathroom frenzy' as we pick up speed and the room starts to resemble a more finished product.  It is still a very much unfinished project.

 Wes up in the so-called "attic" practically hitting his head on the roof, Daniel wiring the vanity area;  Samuel's supervising from the shower.

Wes had to take a break from all the bathroom-remodel fun and games and worked on a job at Fort Lewis.  It's a commercial job where he'll be calibrating heating and cooling systems... lots of distance travel and long days a few days a week for the next several weeks.  We do praise the LORD for work & opportunities He provides.  It's been a long winter, so this was very welcome!

More later when I recover from reading some of the dailies--- Imagine, in this have-it-your-way, super-size-it, make-it-a-grandé, nation, how big is big enough?  Maybe Warren Buffet thinks he knows...after this "dream deal", Proctor & Gamble Co.'s $57 billion deal to buy Gillette.  He said, "This merger is going to create the greatest consumer products company in the world."   The greatest in the world.  Hmmmm.   John D. Rockefeller was once asked, "How much money is enough?" He replied, "One dollar more." 

I marvel at the subliminal messages we take in every day---I marvel and determine to guard my thoughts.  [ 2Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;]    On the front page of yesterday's paper, a large image with the caption: "Cher's Sill Got It, reporting her 292nd farewell concert held the night before.  So... I got to thinking... as we see these ads, these messages, over and over through the years, every day pictures get implanted in our brains that whatever the "it" is, she's got it.  Thus, whatever that is, means whatever we have/are that isn't that, means we haven't got it.  Our sin nature kicks in and demands/craves/desires whatever we don't have.    So... as believers, in the world, but not of it, we've got to be very sure of what we believe and why so that when we see lines like that, we're not tempted to believe that what she's got is what we want.  It would be sad if, at the end of her life, what she had was all she had.  Whatever that was.

January 27, 2005    I've not been feeling well, so bloggin is sloggin.... and so am I. ;-) 

I told the doc on Monday the litany of my health or lack thereof.  He was patient and listened and commented after seeing my x-ray that everything's "clearing up nicely" (whatever that means) and he believes that I'm going to wake up one day this Spring and declare---I'm well!  He suggested that I rest more... and I shared, additionally, that I was coming down with a cold, he thought it best for me to avoid dust.  Hmmm.  Avoid dust.  I'd sure hate to have to leave home.
   He concluded that it typically takes months to totally heal after pneumonia and suggested I continue resting, taking in lots of fluids and fresh air and to come back and see him if I don't improve.  Well, I sure don't want to have to use their hateful scale again---it practically broadcasts in neon lights the abysmal results over the entire health center.  And then... if that weren't bad enough, the nurse has the computer screen font size set to 6 or 7 so that the information she enters into the system makes the screen look like a billboard---announcing the *before* weight to the group.  I felt that maybe soon I'd have to sit in a circle and announce to the group: Hello, my name is pamela and I am a chocoholic.

Well, I am glad the BP and the pulse rates were low.  I could add that to my list of lows...  energy, iron, motivation...  I wonder if men dread going to the doc---facing the scale, the ominous, dreaded scale? I wonder if they mull over even water consumption before visiting the doc---concluding, as women do, that a pint's a pound.  I wonder if they wish they could be weighed in the gown rather than in street clothes and shoes---I did hand Wes my coat and purse! I didn't want to continue holding up progress by stopping to take off my shoes... I thought it might draw a bit too much attention to the fact that I was dreading the broadcast.  Only thing worse would have been hearing over the PA system, one at a time, please; one at a time.  Humor is a technique I've known all my life as a means to settle issues, resolve conflicts, sort through problems and face weight charts.  Women we regularly meet with laugh about these sorts of things.   We all hate scales and weight charts... well, the only weight charts we ever love seeing are those of the babies... chubby thighs are cute on babies.   Ahhhh....  And so it goes. 

David Kupelian (WorldNet Daily) has written yet another great social commentary.

January 25, 2005  An Honourable life:  A photo of a Marine at the Presidential Inauguration.

Every time I hear or read of a politician saying (in regard to abortion) something like they'd like to see it be truly safe, legal and rare.  I shake my head.  Safe and legal for whom?  Surely they cannot only be thinking of women---because as more and more women come forward and confess their anguish and grief, it can only be confirmed that there is nothing truly safe about it.  Certainly not safe for the unborn child.    I read an article about Hillary Clinton's comments---and I couldn't tell what she was actually saying.  Really.  So, anyway, back to the truly safe, legal and rare.  That comment was apparently one she made in reference to abortion---along with a comment that there needs to be more education regarding abstinence... etc., etc.  Maybe  some more money could be funneled to the NEA and see just how much they'd push abstinence education in government schools.


January 24, 2005   One of the most helpful books I've read for pregnancy related questions and concerns is, Shonda Parker's Naturally Healthy Pregnancy.  I see that this book is offered at a fabulous price of $5.  (yes, wow!) at In His Hands in the book section.


Speaking of childbirth---whaddyasay about a woman who gives birth to a child (1 of triplets) at the tender age of 66.  Then, whaddyasay about the practice becoming more "commonplace" among women around the world?  Granted, a few geriatric mothers does not make the practice "common," but it surely seems to be gaining notoriety.   I firmly hold to the belief that it is God's to choose the opening and closing of the womb---and surely that it is His to determine the timing and cycle of life.  He says these things in His Word and we hold to them.  So then... what of "in vitro fertilization" and what of fertility drugs and all the rest.   Would I still be questioning these things were I to have taken a walk in their moccasins?   All this bcz she's in the news after sharing of abortions earlier in her life and her regret over them now.  I don't know any woman -personally- who does not regret abortion(s) she's had---all I've talked to regret the decision and the consequences.   None have peace over the decision---though they do know that the LORD has forgiven them and they have that particular sense of peace but the pangs of regret still grip them from time to time---some, daily.  There is hope and there is help post abortion.

So, January 24th is being called the most depressing day of the year.  Well.. I don't know---if it is, I think it's second only to April 15th or... perhaps a day in late December.  No, I think it would have to be April 15th, although, I can surely see why the 24th of January would be depressing---especially if you've just gone to the Doctor and see that you weigh 15 pounds more than you did the same time period a year prior.  And you're not even holding your purse or wearing a coat or carrying a small child.   So... yeah... it's a depressing time of year.  It must be swelling. That's it, swelling.  I mean, branches are swelling, the ground shows signs of activity, some of the crocuses and hyacinths are beginning to peek out of the ground here and the roses are trying to set new canes.  So... well, maybe it's not all that depressing after all.  But then the 24th is almost over.

earlier...

When we were first married, my husband and I had no TV.  We had a very extensive record collection, but no TV and didn't own one for the first few years, in fact.  But then, we made a little money and decided that one of the first purchases for this rich and famous ;-) couple would be a TV.   In the days before we dispensed with watching television entirely, we watched television whatever nights we could.  We had different shows that were our favouites... I think we even opted to not attend some functions if they were in conflict with our TV schedule.  Thursday nights were totally booked.  I think, as I recall, so were Wednesday's at 10.  Hill Street Blues, Cheers, The Equalizer, Miami Vice are a few names I recall.  But one, I remember most was, Carson.  We watched The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson most week-nights for several years.  We sometimes still mimic that dead-pan look he gave as he would stare into the camera when something totally off the wall or totally embarrassing occurred on the set.   Johnny Carson, the king of late night television has passed away in California at the age of 79.   

When we decided it was best that our family not be watching television as programming was more and more inappropriate, we thought it best to just eliminate it completely.  We knew it would mean that we'd miss out on some things that were fun to see, some things that were genuinely educational, but in the end, we haven't regretted the decision to not spend time watching television---we do check out videos from the library and rent some from time to time as well.  On the rare instances where significant events have taken, or are taking place, we've occasionally strung up the wires and the foil to get a bit of a picture on our screen.  These times have been few and far between.  I'm glad---from what little I've seen, we're not missing anything.

more later...

O, but first, one more funny.

Families that had gathered for Sunday fellowship and Bible study were each getting their things together to leave for home when one of the wives mentioned that she was ready to go but was just finishing her tea (and finishing up a bit of chat and clean-up, too).  A few moments later her husband shared with her that it was time to go---he'd finished her tea for her---so, time to go.  She was surprised. 
I thought it was hilarious---totally classic.

 January 23, 2005   I was making my coffee and thought maybe I ought to tell about another part of the dailies... you see what's going on in the bathroom... so here's what's going on in the kitchen.   I make mocha's in my MOMYS coffee mug filled with 1/2 cup of   hot milk, espresso coffee made in the Melitta espresso maker; then I add a spoonful of Ghirardelli's ground chocolate/cocoa.   I'd love a "barista" sort that does all the foam and all that, but this one works just fine.  Yesterday I made a couple of cups---one for me and one for Samuel.  He was doing a job for me that I couldn't do.  He donned a mask and sprayed some of the attic with bleach water to kill any mold that was up there.   With that industrial fan going, he sprayed those surfaces so that everything could dry before Wes did the electrical work---which became more fun for him as the afternoon went by.  He didn't mind---and surely didn't mind the mocha, either.

WOW...  That's sort of all I can say when Wes uncovers the next thing in this old house.  Wow.  Now with my new limited vocabulary, our conversations are very short. ;-)     So... I was pretty shocked at what was actually powering *this* computer.  Knob and Tube wiring that was not in optimum condition---well, I guess, actually, none of it really is, but this was pretty pathetic.   I actually can't figure out how in the world all these things work as it is... but it takes no rocket scientist to recognize problems in  wiring.  So... the bathroom remodel turned into sort of a re-wiring job yesterday and will likely continue into the week.  We smile... It's all good, Wes says... and smiles as he installs another electrical outlet box.

►  I love the letters I have been receiving regarding the work of redoing things in old homes.  I'm inspired by the numbers of sisters who have endured the wonderment of it all.  Our children and grandchildren will surely appreciate it all when it's done.  I wonder, though, if the little guys will want to give up the thrill of that part of pioneer life in the great outdoors (if you catch my drift).  The girls have *not* been adventuresome. ;-)

►  Happy to stumble across a site for helping with all areas of organization for home and homeschooling!  We're always looking for better ways of doing things and there are some printable planner pages that seem great to me!  We have come to a good/workable weekly schedule sheet that seems to accommodate everyone.  But there's always room for improvement with anything---especially in families!    So, then, the site is: donnayoung.org.  The site is actually more intensive than my mind can comprehend tonight---so I only perused some of the topics I was sure I could reasonably deal with at this hour.

January 22, 2005       The only thing that "Reality TV" prepares one for is... some of what to expect in another episode of Reality TV. And another thing... Reality TV is anything but: reality---well, at least not my personal reality.   For example, the show, While You Were Out, gives the impression that *all* remodels (single room remodels, that is) can be done in one episode---yes, two or three days are covered in an episode which lasts less than an hour, but what you don't have in "reality living" are the few dozen workers, endless energy and enthusiasm, and so many other things that don't happen living in reality.  And so it goes... and goes.  So, Wes is in the middle of the three day week bathroom remodel.  So there was the nasty blown insulation and little gifts interspersed among the insulation and between the floors, then the old knob and tube wiring and new (a relative term) wiring, and walls that aren't plumb (some due to slight settling of the house and some... who knows?), and then there's the occasional redrawing of plans bcz the original thoughts needed to change with additional information (what was discovered *after* the project was begun.   Now, mind you all this "remodeling" is taking place in a 7.4 x 8.2 room.  I know, I know... you're probably doing the math... how in the world does a 5' double sink vanity and an enclosed toilet *and* an enclosed shower "room" fit in that space.  As with many things in our home... it's the life of the hard to believe.  Well, so... yes------there's not going to be enough room in there to change one's mind! 

This past summer when we stayed in a couple of hotels in California, there were a few days (when our van was being blessed with a new transmission) that we spent some time watching Discovery Channel and Reality tv shows.    Since we don't watch TV here at home, this was a treat I allowed and retained the remote for the right to terminate when the treat became a threat (to purity and all that).  Those shows were inspiring---somewhat, but I continued to believe that we'd never undertake such projects in our home.  I guess I thought we might do a few things here and there... but nothing of that magnitude--or expen$e.

So, what reality tv or Discovery Channel shows like, While You Were Out, and Trading Spaces or Surprise by Design, etc., etc.,  don't show are all the errors, the real messes, little children(!), the numerous trips the hardware store, the return trips to the hardware store, the interruptions, the 586 questions and the "one more" questions, the mistakes that require much more time than one episode could accommodate, etc., etc.  So... the remodel is going to hit the two week mark on Monday and will surely not be complete.   However... it is moving along.   All the fiberglassing stuff has been cleaned up, carried out and put away to make room for another set of messes.   Another pocket door-frame has been installed and Wes is now going to work on the electrical.  There are many codes to be considered---even though he continually runs into situations that are totally *not* to code.  Was life sweeter/easier 100 years ago?

   
The holes have been cut for the plumbing (which is in place already) behind the finished fiberglass shower.  This last shot is in the shower looking up at one of the 45º corners where the shower head will be.  Wes made the opening to be able to accommodate a shower curtain/rod which will hang 'behind' the entry "wall" and he built up the step into the shower for water to be better contained within the shower.
Where are those television people who come in and tidy everything up between scenes? 

By the way... I've been careful to *not* mention the problems I'm having with some things down in the kitchen.  It just seems best to keep some things mum right about now.

January 21, 2005   From the 2005 Presidential Inaugural speech:  "...That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people..."  Hmmmm.  I wonder if he really meant that.  "...the words of the Koran..."  Hmmm.

Read the address in its entirety beginning here.

 I'm sort of glad I read Peggy Noonan's commentary on the Inaugural Address before reading a transcript of the address itself.  It was sort of a reality check before delving in to read the speech.  An appropriate choice of words, hers: "mission inebriation,"  to describe the speech or the intent of the admin.  I think that's what's been going on for a long time.  I've not jumped ship, nor am I wishing another in office---the reality is that I believe there is really no one to steer this ship, as it were, to get this country/world on track.  Things surely point to our need for the LORD and His soon return.  

Liberty at home and abroad--------------very ambitious, very ambitious indeed.  Given that the religions of the world pose a threat to that concept, or, in reality, a total obstruction, though ambitious and commendable, liberty at home and abroad will never come to pass---at least not before the return of the LORD.  A fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of Islam allows for the hope that peaceful democracy can thrive in Iraq (and elsewhere), but it will never be.  It can never be---though portions of the nations seek it, long for it and even appear to be preparing for it.  Such will never be. 

Our family continues studying through the Old Testament, now in the ninth book, 1Samuel.  We've read accounts of the destruction of nation after nation who did not seek God or who sought to worship other gods.  The LORD will share His Glory with none other.

Interesting... also this past week, remembering the late, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' ... I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. ... And if America is to be a great nation this must become true." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

All these years later... there is has been great change---but not for the better, in many ways.  Technological advances, medical discoveries and progress, and a myriad of innovative changes and improvements still face the challenge of one thing: people.  People and a world drenched in sin/sinfulness.  Technology has brought wonderful things---*many* wonderful things---but this wonderful technology has also brought with another instrument of destruction---the double edged sword:  the internet, while incredibly useful, powerful and instructive, it is at the same time an enormous conglomerate pumping the sewage of pornography into homes and offices all over the world creating bondage, the utmost slavery and destruction.  Another instrument of satan and his great lie: no one will see, no one will be hurt, what harm is there...

 

►  Last night at our Bible study... well, one of the things we talked about had nothing to do with the study at all, I guess...  We marveled at the pic of the 17 pound baby born by C-section to a Brazilian woman.  Some of us pondered just what that must've been like.  One of our babies was 11.4 at birth and most of the rest in the 9 pound range---but I sure cannot fathom larger than that.  So now... with recent news of an older mother giving birth and then another, and then another... this is not a record to emulate or to top!

 

January 20, 2005

The shower is complete!  Wes finished the fiberglassing at 3:30 yesterday morning and then did the final coat last night.  It's very pretty.  Wes will go to work on the framing, lights, fan and ductwork tomorrow.  I guess I am making this remodel sound like an event at the Whitehouse.  Well, I suppose work at the Whitehouse is not nearly so interesting! ;-)  That room will be enclosed---you get an idea just how small it is when you think of it being twice the size of the shower with a pocket door (frame above) for privacy.  The whole purpose of this remodel, besides the obvious replacement of old broken fixtures/plumbing, is to provide separate enclosed areas for nine children to use.

more later...
 

  Wednesday "extras" ---

  Be a voice for Life ...  many links for you, here.

  NATIONAL SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY,
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
from  freerepublic.com  

THE BIRTH OF A HUMMINGBIRD ---  This is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE  at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because you'll probably never in your lifetime see this again, enjoy; and please share. HummingBirdNest

January 19, 2005    Once again, I marvel at the incongruities of life.  I guess I am actually thankful for them, for it is in these moments that the stark differences between one and the other demonstrate to me that the wide and narrow path, walking in darkness or walking in light, the hopeless and hope-filled, the utter decay of the world and the promise of Life in Christ.  I read with great disappointment the account of the inaugural youth concert.  What a shame.  Stooping so low, what a shame.  It seems decency and honour are not present in the world---they are present in "our" world, the small sphere in which we live, but they are not present in the world in general.  There seem to be few examples of honesty, valor and honour---what a shame.  Lots of nasty things on the hill.  After reading the transcript of Barbara Boxer's questioning of Condoleezza Rice in the confirmation questioning, I'd say it's a very nasty place to be.  I'll bet John Kerry was deep in thought... wondering what in the world he'd be doing right about now had the vote swung his way in November.  I wonder who'd be on stage and what they'd be saying or singing.  Dizzy from shaking my head.

Wes worked in the tiny box... my description to avoid saying that b-word again.  So, I imagine he was glad to have other things to think about, other things to do---to get out of the box.  A much needed trip to Costco allowed for a sweet, albeit brief,  date for us.   A sweet date is a relative term now---dates needn't be "official" or elaborate or even costly---well, okay, so this one did cost him some.   I sort of wanted to go to Cash 'n Carry (a food-service and restaurant supply house) but thought better of it when the grocery receipt started looking like a strip of wall paper.   And this is not the time of year for "stocking up" on items from Costco.  I think he likes to take me there so he can buy me a mocha for a dollar.  Well, anyway, we love to spend time with one another---we do the grocery shopping and when we have that out of the way, we like to peruse the books which he thoroughly enjoys.  We used to buy many more books than we have in recent years.  I guess we used to think we had to own every book that grabbed our interest.  I used to think one could never have too many books; and while I probably still believe that, reality tells a different story.   Reality, in our home, says... wait a minute... people need to occupy some space, too---the books cannot take all the space.  I'm content to drive to the library a few times a week for all the bookworms in this home!

So... the other thing that was sort of occupying his thoughts (and mine!) was the Snohomish River... yes, again.  The River is a fact of life we live with.  We love the area---but if there is one drawback, it is the River---but only at times like these.  Our neighbor came to the door looking for her dog.  We told her we'll let her know if we see the dog and will bring the dog back home to her.  She doesn't know I do not like pets, but in cases such as these, I will make an exception---and ask Wes to take the dog to her, should the pup come to the porch.  Ah, a little feisty today, eh?   Must be the resin from the fiberglass.

   
Here, Wes is applying the fiberglass mat and resin to the walls of the shower---he wears a respirator for protection of his
lungs.   This is a very small space compared to the space (whole swimming pools) he used to fiberglass.  He no longer
glasses pools (for health reasons!) but seemed to be enjoying getting this done today.  All these pics were taken at
about the same time as I  didn't want to be around the resin too much.  It's amazingly potent.  A powerful fan blocks
the window and pulled all the fumes out of the room---so effectively, that we never noticed the scent in the house.

If I don't blog later... you'll know we floated down the River.


January 18, 2005    I wondered when the Supreme Court was going to hear from Norma "Jane Roe" McCorvey.   She's seeking to have the landmark 1973 decision overturned.  It's been a long time in coming and I imagine she's desirous to set the record straight and have the truth, regarding abortion, be known.

Are you feeling like you're life is a waste?  Or that you're failing at every turn or that everybody's waiting for you to trip--or waiting to trip you themselves?  My boy was listening to one of my favourite songs:  Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen) and I decided to put up the lyrics we got sometime back and to post the link so you could listen to it, too. [this is not an endorsement of other music offered at that site]  So, I used to think I understood it---that song... and now I see that I probably didn't understand it as much then as I do now... and I chuckle to think I don't understand it today as much as I will in ten years... or in twenty   Read the lyrics, you'll see what I mean.  And maybe you, too, will be reminded to floss and to not be reckless with other people’s hearts, and to NOT  put up with people who are reckless with yours.



Daniel getting going after a short night's sleep, Wes grinding the shower readying it for fiberglass and the 9 drawer vanity sits in the kitchen with the counter top just set in place.  The holes will be cut for the two basins, the drawers and doors will be installed when it's brought upstairs.  Now the fiberglassing has begun and the room is wrapped in plastic and a large fan pulls the air out.  All drilling is being done very, very carefully!


The souvenir... good shootin', Tex!

January 17, 2005   Incredible work in the world of medicine.  I read with amazement an article about an eleven month old baby, who had become ill at 5 months and hospitalized with intestinal developmental problems.   I'd say that the baby could certainly be multi-national after receiving a 6-organ transplant from .  The father of the child, is Japanese, works in Chile, where the child was born, and the baby underwent the surgery at the University of Miami Jackson Transplant Center from a six month old Florida doner.  I find this to be incredible---both in terms of the potential for life and health for the baby boy---but there's another story.  Probably a very, very sad story in which one has potentially gained but another has lost a great deal.  A set of grateful parents and a set of grieving parents.   Interesting also, that the father, who is Buddhist, offered many thanks to the God of the United States.   Hmmm.

Barbara Curtis wrote last night to share that she has a new blog!   I think it'll be something to be sure and check in on daily as she plans to post 5 days a week.   I really like her style---I like her writing style, too, very much, in fact.  But I like her style in general, as she's been a real encouragement to me,  corresponding with her in the last year.  Her books, her columns and personal letters have been inspirational to me.  I've not been able to actually fully implement what I'm learning---but that's a whole other story.  I have come to realize that I haven't been doing a lot of things I really want to be doing---really want to be living---really want to be thinking... but I've been stuck in a rut and am only now seeing it as it is.  So---her blog is inspiring me already. Things I know that I know that I know----and she's often bringing them right out there, right out in the open to take a look at, reconcile and deal with. 

One of the things (through her letters and writings) she's really done in my life is to get me back on track with things that matter most.  You see, when a woman's been mothering for many years, she might have a tendency to get slack or lax in different areas of mothering, parenting, homemaking, schooling or even, wifing.   Wifing---I know it isn't, but it oughtta be a word.  So... wifing.  I can see to help another woman or to compliment a mother for specific ways I see her really doing a great job in her home or with her children and I feel comfortable sharing things I've learned, and what the LORD's teaching me through His Word... but I recognized recently that I've little confidence for quite a while and little "on-fire" get-up-and-go motivation for much of anything.  Scary---but reality can be, sometimes.  It's winter, too, and has always been sort of a tough time of year---and it's not just the work, or lack thereof, it's not just the low-light, it's not just the cold or the indoorsyness of it all, it's---all of these things and probably more.

Well---yesterday was quite a day.  The work continued. Then stopped.  Then continued.  Then stopped.  Frame in the first of two pocket doors and after it was set in place, Wes needed to put the top frame on.  Ooops.  The top frame goes on first.  Unscrew the frame, put it together properly, re-screw it together and put it in place.  Then it was time to continue "building" the shower stall.  It needed to be framed and then the plywood walls were installed and when one screws plywood to the studs.  By the way,  it is really not a good idea to miss the stud and hit the hot water line drilling in a screw.  But the instant spraying sound behind the wall is impressive.

Thus began our aerobic exercise of the day!   Everyone rushing like crazy in different directions!  While Daniel unscrewed the plywood from the wall and held the pipe with the hole in it while several ran down to the bathroom directly below the infamous remodeling site where hot water was pouring through the ceiling, Wes ran out to the lane to cut the water, Tara went to the water heater to cut off the hot water, Kathryn ran out to the electrical panel to cut the power to the water heater while I grabbed towels to put all over the floor.  Soon, more towels needed in the bathroom and Daniel came down to remove the plexiglass light coverings to allow the rest of the water to drip down while I cleaned under the bathtub and around the floor.  It was actually a good thing because so much debris had fallen into the ceiling that now it was being washed down.    It all worked out and I kept saying that stuff happens to everyone... it wasn't a problem too great for all of us to take care of and certainly not too great for the LORD.  Besides... doesn't a Tsunami disaster put things in a different light!?!

We weren't here to see Micah's face when he came in to do the repair of his perfect plumbing job.  We had gone to our home fellowship and Daniel and Tara kept working along while we were gone and were here for Micah when he arrived.   He had the repair made in moments and left the section of copper pipe with the hole in it for a souvenir.
 

More........................later.  On to read Barbara Curtis for today.

January 15, 2005   The bathroom remodel continues...  As with most things, a picture is worth a thousand words.  I got to thinking that what I might do is put up a page of pics and 'thumbnails' of pics for the whole project.  That way, when someone asks, what does it take to refurbish a bathroom, we'll have a visual description.  What does it take?  Well, first, I am assuming, buckets of money.  Then... patience----patience and knowledge----patience, knowledge, virtue and self-control (virtue and self-control for when things don't go as planned... and you're re-cutting a re-cut board and unscrewing well secured walls or cutting up perfect 3/4 inch plywood flooring to be sure that you've, in fact, missed the hot-water line).

So... the LORD is working in my heart and teaching me many things.  It's a challenge and a blessing to be beholden to someone else.  I find this especially true with this project.  O, my husband is doing a great deal of the work---but there is much help when Daniel can be here and others have been extraordinarily gracious to help, also.  We've so appreciated Micah's expertise and help---and between a couple of other friends who are also contractors, the helpful suggestions and encouragement have been such a blessing.

The LORD has demonstrated to me over and over how He works all things together for good.  He's showing me some things about myself that I hadn't acknowledged and yet needed to examine and change.  I see that over the last year or so, I've allowed things to distort my thinking and my view which have then distorted how I go about making decisions or taking action on matters.  Well---so what has all this got to do with a remodel?  Simply this... I'm seeing that if we don't tear off the walls and get to the foundation, we'll never see where or what the problems are.  If we don't take out broken old fixtures in our lives (and replace them with new!) then we'll continually muddle through with damage and distortion, a dim view and hindrances to fully functioning as
 originally designed.


Finally, the room is cleaned out and vacuumed (again!)
exposing the old lath &
plaster  & wiring---It was hot!
After it was all cleaned,
the plywood flooring was
put down.


It's 3 again.   No, not 3 pm
Below: Daniel peeking through
a hole no one will ever see!
First the plywood was put down
and then a layer of sheeting under
the actual floor covering.


Tearing off the rock to the hall wall.


The inspectors

 
Here Micah was working on the shower
plumbing---we tell him he's an artist with
copper pipe!  We all enjoyed the light show
as he heated the pipes for soldering.
O, and the ever present shop vac!


Late in the day, Daniel's friend, Neil,
brought in the 9 drawer vanity &
countertop. He'll bring the drawers
and cabinet doors tomorrow. Then
Wes will cut two holes for the sinks
to be set into and then they'll plumb
 them.  But... there is *much* to do
before the vanity can be set in
place.  Much more to do!

Wes and I sort of stood in awe at the bathroom vanity that Neil made.   He's quite a craftsman and we're honoured that he took the time to make this for all the children.  It's probably the finest piece of furniture in the whole house... and it's for a bathroom(!?!!).  Perhaps it is easier to see how strange we feel at the generosity of this gift.  

January 14, 2005   Wes and Daniel (he took the day off from work) and Samuel have gone back to the hardware store.  This time with probably buckets of money... for flooring, insulation, sheetrock, mud, tape and a bunch of other things too numerous to mention piece by piece.  He brought home the mat, resin and gel-coat for the shower which he'll get started on late today.  It's a sunny day here in the Northwest----sun's good, it totally lifts morale and I have a feeling that that's going to be important today.  When the guys return, Samuel will vacuum the bathroom floor (above the downstairs bathroom ceiling).  The "tons of junk" from the upstairs has permeated down and the plastic coverings for the recessed florescent lights downstairs are covered with... whatever from upstairs.   Sometimes this past week I have had a better understanding of what our friend said a couple of weeks ago when he commented that it's a whole lot easier to build a home than to remodel one.  I hasten to add that we are not remodeling this home---what's become a total bathroom remodel came to be because of everything falling apart or breaking in that room----------which is leading to many other things, but(!) will have an end.  Well... that is, unless buckets of money show up at the door and the same needed process happens in the kitchen. 

I don't know if Wes is having fun, yet, but one thing I know---he's always totally upbeat and eager for the day!  Daniel keeps calling this sort of a "while you were out" project.  I'm adding to that, different elements when it's said.  While you were out... of work.  While you were out... of your mind.  While you were out... we came in and totally messed up your house.  While you were out... we decided to mess with your mind.   I am beginning to see that in that television program: While You Were Out, the operative word is *Out.*  Out of your mind... Out of your element... Out of space with the creative ideas to fit nine children in a 7'x7' space... Out of time, Out of money.  SO.. the "While you were out..." bathroom project saga continues----but only for a few more days, as Daniel wants to shoot for a Monday night completion.  As for me and the rest of the children, we'll be in the kitchen making cookies and coffee... lots of coffee.

My mom's home from sunny rainy California---we're grateful the LORD answered our prayers for their safe return!  She's helping me to *Think Spring!* with different links she's sending me for gardening and flowers!  She knows I love roses---and Dutch Gardens offers *many* wonderful roses and gardening tips!

Kelli sent me this link... It's for an Ultra personal computer... I'll say----it's so personal, you could put it in a sandwich!  I'd have to locate my glasses so that I could see where I put the computer!  I'm beginning to think that fitting whole libraries into a space the size of a piece of rice isn't going to fly for me.  I've had to practically quit wearing my wristwatch bcz I can't see the hands on the face and cannot tell what time it is.  Pretty ridiculous when I am stretching out my arm to take a look at my watch and it's still not far enough away.  Thanks for that, Kel... I don't have time to order one of those new computers today---but maybe Jim will pick one up for you ;-)

Well... It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...  and O, how grateful we were in the morning for dear friends who came to see/help in the infamous bathroom remodel project.  I used to dream of fixing up the dilapidated upstairs bathroom.  My ideas, which I now see were totally Pollyanna in scope, were simple "replacements" for the broken sink, the broken toilet, cracked tile floor and leaking, broken shower stall.  My idea simply included starched white cutwork curtains and freshly painted window trim and blue & white floral wall paper and a new light fixture to replace the shorted-out light fixture that's been missing globes but's been functional for years.  I was attempting to compare what I *thought* we needed and what's transpired over the last couple of days and there is *no* comparison.  I think I was envisioning a couple of days' project.  Sort of a take out some furniture, put down a new floor and put in some new furniture.  Well, so, I was (am) ignorant.  (And the remodeled bathroom will not even remotely resemble what I imagined---and that's not a complaint---it's just a fact)

Today Wes will begin putting in the flooring, and framing the bathroom into "rooms" and will begin the framing of the shower which he'll fiberglass.

   
Micah was sweating the copper pipes, then spraying the pipes & surrounding boards/wall. 
Another trash can is full --- this time of all the old plumbing and framing!

   
Daniel was showing Wes the spacious 'water closet' --- I look like I just don't get it.
The uncut bathroom mirror still stands wrapped in a sheet behind the pew in the kitchen.
The red lines on the kitchen floor represent walls that will be within the bathroom and the black lines
represent the total size of the bathroom (after incorporating the space that *was* Timothy's bedroom closet).

January 13, 2005  Another website for you to see:  Candle Light for your home:  Cozy House Candles!  Right about now, a pretty candle sounds very nice!  The upstairs bathroom remodel is underway and was a total *mess* for most of the day. Now it's a different kind of mess as all the 'fixtures' have been removed and now Wes is taking up the floor.

 
Wes cut up the shower.                                        Will work for... cookies.
              

          
Wes taking the shower...   out.   I was sort of afraid he'd go through the floor... or the ceiling, rather, in the bathroom below.

          
All day, Samuel helped Wes...  then later, Daniel came home to help with the plans and layout of the "new" bathroom.
 We moved things out of the way so that Wes and Daniel could lay out the whole project to scale on the kitchen floor.
Timothy called from Mexico(he's perfectly fine!)!  We told him what we're doing and how much he's missing! ;-)

So... here we have some new bifold doors... the wall sized mirror (backwards and covered with a sheet), is going to be cut to fit the bathroom above the  sink vanity.   As they design the tiny shower room, the tiny toilet room and the double sink area, they have to be extremely careful to not waste a single inch of space.  Everything is being done to optimize the space/use for the nine children still at home.  Daniel and Tara asked a friend of theirs to build a nine-drawer double sink vanity that will fit in the 5 foot space they've allocated for that.  Then they'll cut the mirror to fit the wall and to accommodate two light fixtures---keeping in mind that the current bathroom has 7' ceilings.   Wes is thinking of taking the ceiling and sloping it up along the roofline---while this will only add two feet at the highest point, it might make a difference in the *tiny* bathroom---especially since we're sort of chopping it up into three [tiny] spaces.  The purpose of the design is to accommodate a person taking a shower, one using the potty, and two or more brushing teeth and hair, etc.-----all at the same time. 

They're *very* accustomed to small spaces as the bedrooms in this old farmhouse are attic bedrooms.  Ends of bunkbeds have had to be cut off to accommodate the slant of the walls that are 4' going up to 7' in each room.   There is hardly an inch of free space in this home.  But... we're happy and pleased with how things work out---not always as planned or hoped, but always just fine---really, just fine.

Friends are coming early to help with the basic floor plumbing and Wes will frame in a fiberglass shower "stall" today.  He had decided to "never" work with fiberglass again, but, I guess that was for swimming pools and perhaps a small shower won't be so bad.  Our daughter in law has chosen all the 'china' & plumbing fixtures, the cabinetry, the flooring, tile, light fixtures, mirror, counter decorations, vents, fans, paint and rugs for this project.  I am just watching, taking pictures and sweeping piles of "stuff" as Wes, Samuel and Daniel work along.  Daniel works for Washington Mutual in Seattle, so he has a bit of a time getting here and working on this project at night while still needing to get to work early each morning.  To say this bathroom project is a blessing would be an understatement.

January 12, 2005   One of the many great blessings we've recognized and experienced through this website is the blessing of communication with other believers----people from around the world who are walking with the LORD and who share about their families, their stories, questions, links to great websites, articles and recommendations for things pertinent to marriage, family and the church.  We've had the tremendous privilege of 'chatting' back and forth with people we'll likely never meet, this side of heaven.  We've had the blessing of learning, reading---communicating about so many incredible things, sharing stories, prayer requests and praises.  It's been astounding to me to have mail from many parts of the world---and to confirm that families are so similar the world over... mothers and dads love their families the world over, homes and dreams are established and lived out, the world over.  Sadly, troubles strike families---the world over and... as I often tell our children, sorrow skips no home. 

I enjoy the blessings of reading letters from 'visitors' to this site and to share recommendations for websites or products.  And so... today I'd like to recommend Serious Moms and recommend (especially if you're like me and *haven't* gotten a 2005 wall calendar or fillers for the day-planner! (gulp!  shame, shame, true confessions of an abstract random!)  Anyway---something I wanted to mention is an addendum to my note yesterday concerning The Church Without A Name.  Brenda (Serious Moms) wrote this morning about the Church Without a Name and shared that she knows Kathleen Lewis, the author of the book The Church Without a Name;  Brenda shared that if people are interested in ordering it, she has listed some on Amazon, but she says it is cheaper to order it from her directly.   I'm posting an unlinked email address for Kathleen Lewis: kathy5955@comcast.net  so that anyone interested can email her directly regarding the book.  Yesterday's mention of The Church without a Name----I was also informed this cult also uses the name Two-by-Two's and there's a website:  that gives a description of the group---cult.

I'd also like to recommend  Simply Graceful --- handmade clothing for special little girls and jumpers for ladies, too---in addition, they offer soy candles and body care products.  I recommend writing to Simply Graceful to be sure that orders can be fulfilled at this time.  Due to family illness, there was a need to suspend taking/filling orders for a time.

What's happening these days?  A mess---


     

Tearing up the bathroom... for the remodel.  It's an incredible mess.

January 11, 2005     It's a sobering thing to consider our surroundings, our walk, our thoughts, and our intentions in light of reality and what the Word says---we have an enemy of our souls---the devil, who seeks to steal, to kill, and to destroy.  The LORD tells us to resist the devil---and that cast our cares upon Jesus---for He cares for us---He tells us to take His yoke upon us for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  When we consider the words of the devil, we are sometimes persuaded to believe that the LORD's burden is anything but light and the yoke anything but easy---and we give in to the lies---and a short way into the lie, we see the Truth---the Truth that our enemy, the devil, does indeed seek to steal, to kill, and to destroy.  Only on the surface do the devil's ways [lies] *seem* harmless.   

The Word says in 1Peter 5.6-10  "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

I received an email from our missionary friends in Papua New Guinea---they're preparing to send their oldest daughters "home" to the states and (isn't it just like the devil!) they received an email just before the girls were to leave---the mail was entitled: A MUST READ: More Deadly than the Brown Recluse Spider!--- a "forward" she's just read and felt thankful to be warned before the girls departed.  Fear.  Fear and failure---doubt and doom.  Those are the tools of the enemy---the enemy of our souls.  It's not so much [to me] that the devil wants us to be wholly dedicated to him---it's that he wants us to simply doubt God.  Hath God said? he asked Eve.

So, that email... we (both Wes and I independently) wrote back to share with her that it was/is a hoax.  Another internet hoax---an urban legend that makes its rounds from time to time... just like plastic, and deodorant, and bill gates paying email users for sending email, etc., etc.  I always check  snopes.com and urbanlegends.about.com.  Wes sent a letter, too, and in his, he offered a couple of different sources he likes to use:  Straight Dope and Break the Chain: (these two links are links to the spider hoax: http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/toiletspiders.html  and http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mspidertoilet.html

On another topic...  I received an email that got me to thinking... actually another sort of impetus to be careful, watchful, etc., etc., this one regarding people in a cult known as The Church without a Name [Many pages from Veterans of Truth].  I did a little reading about this "church" and was grieved by what I read.  They have a form of "godliness,"  But, as the Word, says will happen, they deny the power thereof and then become a law unto themselves.

Consumer Reports---a trusted name in the consumer goods' industry---but not a trusted resource regarding unborn consumers.  Another desensitized agency of society and abortion advocacy and proponent of Planned Parenthood---which is ANYthing *but* planned parenthood---planned barrenhood, as Mary Pride once said in her book, The Way Home.

January 10, 2005    A real blessing, this evidence of the foundation of our country---what enabled men and women then and what has kept us to this day.   Katherine sent me this link this morning: Forsaken Roots.  Amazingly... in a way, it goes right along with what I'd written and logged in earlier this morning.   As the beautiful music plays in the background, you'll need to scroll down to read the messages as the presentation is not in a "Slide-show" format.

On another note... an interesting situation concerning a potential Antarctica iceberg collision.
In addition... incredible pictures coming out of California---surely drought will become a distant memory with all the rain and snow and flooding!
 

Earlier:     I didn't have anything specific to share this morning---not because there's nothing to share, but because there is, perhaps, too much to share and too few words in my vocabulary.  In continuing to consider the earthquake/tsunami/devastation in the Asia/Indian Ocean coastal are and all that's transpired in the last two weeks, I recognize that in talking of one aspect, one might get the impression that that's the only aspect being considered.  Not so.   O, how the devastation grips our hearts and fills our minds with all the what if's and if only's.   There is a flipside to What-is-God-saying or What-is-God-doing coin.    The flipside is: It's a tremendous tragedy---yes, of "Biblical proportions," and the loss of life and the damage to whole cities is staggering.  So, that coin, with it's two side must continue to be turned over and over in the hand so that the perspective is kept in check.  As we pray, as we repent, as we seek comfort and consolation for the living, we must also consider the message and live in light of it.

I was pleased to open the mail program this morning to have a letter from Barbara Curtis  with a note about an article she's just written in the *Christian Science Monitor:   Helping Kids Make Sense of Tsunami's.  In the article, Barbara writes of instructions or her own family teachings about life in the rest of the world and how what we have and the way we live in most of America is not how the rest of the world lives.  That's not so much a specific message concerning the Tsunami but living, in general, and the need to impress that on our children's hearts---our hearts!  But, in light of the Tsunami (an oceanographic term that will forever refer to the Sumatra/India tragedy but occurs, albeit in lesser force, around the world) we must all consider seriously that anything like that is possible---no, probable---for America.  Why not America?

* This is *N*O*T* and endorsement of the Christian Science religion or of the Christian Science Monitor----just of the article by Barbara Curtis, the author, who is a believer. 

January 9, 2005   An article by John Piper: Mercy for the living The deadly tsunami should drive us to our knees in repentance.  His article, in World Magazine, really encapsulates what must be gleaned from the horrific tragedy.  Many times throughout the last two weeks I've considered some of the things Dr. Piper reasoned in his article.   Then I read another article, this one, by Carl Weiland that further describes thoughts I've been pondering.  I've continued to view images, read news reports and articles because it's so easy to forget or be unmoved by things we cannot see and cannot imagine.  When the images come into focus on the screen, I marvel at the devastation and the horrific damage and loss.   And nearly every time, I find questions looming: what's the message behind the powerful earthquake, the subsequent tsunami and the wide spread death and destruction?

So many times, we see tragedies or miracles take place and it seems that no acknowledgement or credit is given the LORD.  It's interesting that most often the Hand of God is only seen in miraculous rescues or protection or whatever and yet, in catastrophe or disaster, His Hand is not seen or acknowledged.  This recent tragedy, as all tragedies, must be seen in light of God's Word.   If God is not in it, He is not in anything.  If we believe that this was a random accident, then we must, by implication believe that every tragedy is a random accident *and* every joy is a random coincidence, a serendipitous event.   If we believe Scripture, then we believe what Scripture says---all of it.  If God is the sits upon the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:22), or if "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (Psalm 19.1) then, we must believe *and* acknowledge that God is truly in control.

Isaiah 45.5-9,12
5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Deuteronomy 10.14, 20, 21
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is...   Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name...  He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
 

I received a newsletter from Karla Dornacher and in it she shared of some changes at her site and notes of thanks for all the support and encouragement she's received.  She shared of additions to her "product line" and Heart Blossoms eCard line.  As I've shared many times, I think hers are the most beautiful books to give and receive.  They seem to capture all I want to share in a beautifully created package.  Karla's art is charming and her books are a lovely addition to any library.

Kimberly sent me a pic of the most precious tiny baby girl.  I was curious to read of the particulars:  smallest-baby

I've been considering the school-year ahead.   I've been mulling over the schedule and the daily plans for each of the children.  I've noticed over the years that we tend to start strong in the summer and then grow lax and then get a good strong second wind and really take off in January.  So, I'm really looking forward to the weeks ahead and the strides in studies.  I've begun planning time for writing also as I have such a desire in that area.  I've been spending time renewing my thinking that as I pray and prepare for each week's Welcome Home messages and Good Things letters, I really need to be listening to the LORD for His direction as to what *He* would have me to share and to send.  He brings different ones to mind, He brings topics to mind as I study in my quiet time, and He helps me remember prayer requests and praises from subscribers.   It is such an honour and a privilege to take requests and bring them to the LORD in prayer.  All these things continually prod me along.   A listening ear and a heart to obey---this is my prayer and this is my desire.

January 7, 2005    Daniel just sent me a link to some incredible images---before and after aerial shots of Banda Aceh Shore, Indonesia.  If you click this link, you will be able to view "Before" and "After" (tsunami) pictures.  Simply open an image and on the upper left of the page, you can click "before" and "after" to see an immediate comparison.  It's astonishing---the effect of the ravaging tsunami and the current damage.

My father-in-law died 5 years ago today... I recall the evening so clearly.  We were attending a wedding and I had the privilege of serving punch to the guests.  Our oldest son filming the wedding and had received a call, unbeknownst to me, that Dad had passed.  He and his wife, Tara, quickly left the wedding---again, unbeknownst to me at the time and Daniel had asked a couple of the younger children to tell me the news when I finished serving.  Well... they stood by me and kept nervously glancing up at me as I served the punch.  After several minutes of this glancing and looking down, I began to wonder what in the world they were up to.  Finally, I enquired what was bothering them and they replied that they needed to wait to tell me... ah... a problem.  I asked them to tell me what was the matter and they broke down and told me.  They then told me that Daniel and Tara had gone and that their daddy wanted me to not worry about a thing... to not make the hour and a half trip up to the hospital.

So, fighting back tears, knowing that my circumstances were not central at that time---for the wedding was a joyful occasion, I served the punch and continued to seek the LORD for the rest of the family that was gathered around him.  Wes had stayed at the hospital that day because it was fairly obvious that Dad didn't have much time to live.  I knew he'd not want to miss his passing as I had just experienced the same with my Daddy just three months previous.   Soon after the punch was served and the guests were starting to leave, I knew that it was time to gather the children and go.  What a tearful drive home that was, and what a welcome sight was my husband when he returned home a bit later. 

I wrote a bit about my father-in-law's passing in The Welcome Home message five months after his death.  We were attending the funeral of another family member.  The cousins were gathered that day and it was an amazing thing to experience---four of our fathers died within a nine month period.  That day, more than once, cousins mused and wondered who'd be next.

It's sure an interesting life walking with the LORD, going where He's leading, doing things He's prompting, responding to things He reveals in His Word.   Mix all this with my current thoughts and yet increasing zeal to share what God's doing and things He's teaching!  I'm actually getting excited to begin posting letters again as it's as if I'm seeing things through "new eyes" and with a new heart.  One thing I am attempting to learn to see criticism as a blessing and instruction of the LORD.   Generally, criticism or even negative reactions from people---especially when they feel as passionate about their stance on a particular matter as I do (with the opposing or opposite view) is not difficult to accept.  What's hard is when I can't "see" their position or whatever.  And worse yet, is when people I love are critical---I guess they might feel the same about me---therefore, the *big* thing I pray to learn to avoid---offense---or offensive behaviour!  O, so that's what's humbling.  I guess I seek that to keep on my knees, waiting on the LORD, seeking to be a peacemaker or at least as much a depends on me, to live at peace. 

Over the years, all this is also forcing me to stand guard... lest at any time I am taken in a snare.  Just when things seem to be going along fine, I will say or do something that's so totally stupid---something I cannot later believe I said or thought.  I'm then astonished at the *seeming* result of walking with the LORD for nearly thirty years and then I wonder how could I be/remain so foolish?  So... this years' starting point is to be vigilant and to be joyful and gracious.  I keep thinking of something my Grandmother used to say:  Just do something; even if you have to do it wrong, just do something.  Now, lest this seem like a contradiction to being vigilant, joyful and gracious, I believe it's not.  I believe it's just what I've been needing.  It seems the better part of wisdom to move ahead as the LORD leads, to take a risk to share and to love... to risk losing, to risk being misunderstood, to even risk being understood!  My grandmother was an inspiration to me to: Try New Things... the TNT of my life sometimes as I needed to just do things sometimes and sometimes I wasn't totally prepared.  My mom's been the TNT of my life, too.  'Course, I believe she had too much confidence in me and I'm afraid I'll never live up to her elevated thoughts of me---but I pray to press on, believe me!  I pray to make a difference... because I sure know how grateful *I* am that some people have made a difference in my life!

Wes sent me this (by the way... when I say, Wes sent me this, I just mean that he works from his computer upstairs and sends me mails to the computer here in the living room---we've not taken to different residences---never!):

 Do we think that when the day has been idly spent and squandered away by us, we shall be fit to work when the night and darkness come —- when our understanding is weak, and our memory frail, and our will crooked, and by long custom of sinning obstinately bent the wrong way, what can we then do in religion? What reasonable or acceptable service can we then perform to God? When our candle is just sinking into the socket, how shall our light “so shine before men that they may see our good works”?... I will not pronounce anything concerning the impossibility of a death-bed repentance, but I am sure that it is very difficult, and, I believe, very rare.
                                                                                 ... John Tillotson (1630-1694), Sermons
 

Well,  I'm so looking forward to this years' beauty pageant!  I look forward to it every year, but it seems, even more so this year!  Every year the show begins with an early glimpse of the pageant as the crocus and hyacinths make their debut.  And then I look forward to the extravaganza of spring and summer!   O, I love the show-off's, the extravagant's, the wild ones and the elegant ones.  Yes... it all happens in the... GARDEN!    I look forward each year to getting a new rose (bush) or two and adding to the bulbs when possible. Wes is putting down black plastic over the vegetable/wild-flower garden so that it will be ready for tilling in a couple of months.  Even though it's too cold to do much right now... this is when the dreaming begins.  I start dreaming of the garden and the sunshine...  the drearier the day... the loftier the summer goals and dreams.



a dream and reality...

January 6, 2005   It's beginning to look a lot like:  Snow! 

O, my... It's been so hard for me to commit to writing The Welcome Home messages once again---and yet(!) I want to write... but fear.  I have unwritten messages piled up in my mind and on my heart!    Until last year, it sort of seemed like riding a bike on a smooth steady path, occasionally missing a turn or facing a steep slope---and then: hitting some gravel and loose rocks, falling off the bike, trying to get back up---but falling again, getting back on and having difficulty peddling.  The gravel and loose rocks were trials... testings of my faith, my poor reaction to criticism, the subsequent erosion of confidence, then questioning that I'd heard the LORD and more: that I lost sight that what *He* said, *that* also would *He* perform.  It's sort of been a meandering path to where I am today.  I've decided to begin writing again and (prayerfully) to regularly send messages to subscribers---something I've been doing for five and a half years---actually, I'm hoping that many will unsubscribe---well, at least the ones who don't really want to receive the letters---at least the critics, anyway.  Years ago, when I didn't know much about email, let alone, email lists(!), I decided to send out a daily Women's Bible study to subscribers.  Soon I began writing The Welcome Home messages, etc... 

That was in 1999, and that's when I decided to set up a website to help women---wives, husbands, fathers, families---safely find "Christian helps and stuff on the world wide web."  I had no experience setting up pages, links, etc., etc.   I had no idea where it would all go.  I discovered, quite by accident, email lists.   Really, by accident, I signed up on a list through "One-List."  O, how I loved the mail.  See, being new to the whole deal, it was sort of like all these girlfriends (which I'd never really had before) started writing to me(!) ---well, me and a couple hundred others!  I was drawn to them, drawn to their lives, their thoughts, their families, etc., etc.  We were sisters in Christ... all over the world.  Well... over time I had to come to realize that I was saying: "just a minute" a dozen times a day sometimes.  An hour here, an hour there, an hour later... and so on.  I would race around my home to get work done---to have it spotless so I would write!  Then trying to do several things at once so that I would "earn" time on the computer.  I had to work as fast as I could to lay out the school-work and then I had children doing their work on either side of me.   I studied the Word for lessons, prepared them each night and then I would take a few minutes here and there to check mail.  I'd reply sometimes.  At least once a day, usually, but sometimes more.  Well... it was time to put away my toys and make a change.  What I didn't know at the time was that I was actually wasting time... and needed to learn how to better use what little 'free-time' I actually had.   I sort of needed to detox.   And I did have to drop off lists.  It's been a challenge to balance what's fine and what's too much.  Sort of learning painful lessons about oneself.  We always see our selves differently than others see us ---or at least, how we *think* others see us.

Well, as those things seemed to level out, I discovered other things, walked through other trials---what a shock this was!   In this past year, I'm seeing where I need to be careful and guard over-stepping my boundaries.  Though I've allowed worries (over what some people think) to paralyze me and I see that I am the one who's missing out---because I cannot be fully dependent on the LORD and fully obedient to Him if I also have lines I'll not cross over.  What others think needs to simply give me a reading but not a roadblock or a barrier to where God is leading.  I needed to get to this point to see that what they think cannot matter more than what God thinks---or what my husband thinks---or what my family thinks.  I was crippled by thoughts and gripped with fear--------------------one thing I often share to *not* consent to: fear!!  So many times I have shared with women---do not fear, do not be afraid... for the LORD will fight for you, the LORD is your shield and buckler, the LORD is your light and salvation, whom shall you fear---of whom shall you be afraid? 

Psalm 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.


Timothy arrived safely in Guadalajara.  Know how I knew that?  My IM identity suddenly signed in and my username said "hey, got here ok, talk ya later! LOVE Y'ALL!!'  Well... so... that's just like him---and that was enough.   [  So, mother, if you're reading this, he made it okay and we oughtta be hearing in a month how it all went--- ;-)  ]

Ah... another coup for Starbucks!  Our favourite vender of legal addictive stimulants.  There have been times I've justified a mocha grande by considering it a meal---perhaps to be my sole meal of the day.  If you're considering a low calorie diet, I mean the sort that's under 400 calories a day, then you might go for the new Chantico diet.  That's right.  Chantico.  Amazing... all the fat and all the carbs you need for the day in one 6 oz cup!   Virtually unclutter your life by eliminating all your daily food decisions/options.   Why, you'd free up literally hours a day that you normally spend with food prep, consumption and clean-up.  There's no prep and no clean up with the Chantico diet.  The only decision you need to make is *when* to drink your 6oz. Chantico.  O, and you can save the cup for drinking water the rest of the day... or for holding pencils or collecting change for your next $3. cuppa...  What got me curious about Chantico was the ad on the back of the February 2005 edition of Bon Appétit magazine.  

Last night, the older's were a bit sad to have Timothy gone and so Kathryn made them a bowl of popcorn to enjoy while they were watching a silly movie.  It was sort of one of those concessions we make now and then---a total waste of time and yet, a time to laugh together.  In the Herald newspaper this morning, one of the headlines caught my eye... All About Popcorn  boasting such recipes as Taco Popcorn or a recipe to make Kettle Corn from "microwave" popcorn.    Now, lest you think I'm advocating a diet of Chantico and Popcorn, I assure you I am not.  However, considering that I am taking this computer break over a hot (homemade) decaf mocha made with 2% and Ghirardelli's Sweet Ground Chocolate along with a piece of wheat toast, I guess I'm not demonstrating a much better regimen.    The toast was a gift from one of the junior cooks---I try not to turn down offerings from the little's---even the burnt offerings.  Joseph can make toast and eggs and tea.  He's got a promising career in culinary arts, eh?

January 5, 2005    Another goodbye... Timothy's off to Guadalajara for a month.  It was another tearful farewell as we gathered around in the kitchen to pray for Timothy---to seek the LORD's guidance and protection for him and to praise God for His faithfulness through the years in Timothy's life and in our family.  We're looking forward to hearing/seeing what the LORD will do in and through him as he studies and works alongside a missionary there. 

We're sure happy to have mother here for a visit from Indiana!  She's so ambitious and has many plans for her short stay.  The younger children loved being treated to McDonald's lunch and playtime.  I was glad for all of them to have the opportunity to spend time with her, to climb on the big toy and have fun being out!  I was glad, too, for the opportunity to take Timothy shopping for last minute things.  I think we checked his bags several times just making sure he had everything he needed.  The bag was very full and very heavy!  Actually, it would have been fine to take another bag, but he wanted to keep his luggage easy to manage.  I chuckled as he left behind books for me to take to the library for him.  Spanish for Dummies and Learn Spanish Before You Land.  As we listened to a Spanish radio station early in the afternoon, Timothy mused... why hadn't he been listening to that station all along.  I smiled.  Here was my fourth baby ready to go on an adventure and he, like the rest of us, faced his own procrastination and realized, as we all do, that prior planning prevents a whole lotta problems.  I smiled at a checker who told Timothy she never could speak Spanish though she took three years of Spanish in school.  I confided to him that I took four years of Spanish and cannot remember very much conversational Spanish at all. 

I encouraged him to press on... to not look back at what hasn't been done, but to eagerly anticipate what can be done while he's there and beyond.  I love that he's so exuberant and eager to work, to learn, and to try new things.  I love that he gets along well with people he meets and handles new situations confidently.  I love that he's trusting in the LORD for the future days and waits on Him for His purposes in his life.  I love that and am beginning to catch a glimpse of what the LORD's doing in this new season of my life.  I feel like I've been running and running and running to get these kites in the air and now, with a few of them, at least, I feel like I'm already experiencing the thrill of watching the kites fly higher and stronger in the wind.    I've been so caught up in the running, in the falling down out of breath, the tangled string and mending tails, that I've sometimes forgotten that it's the kites... it's the kites!  It is the Kites after all.

January 4, 2005    Our son leaves for Guadalajara, Mexico, later tonight. I'm  beginning to see that with this son I'll be saying goodbye a lot.  From the time he was born, I knew the LORD had a call on his life.  Actually, I believe all who call on the Name of the LORD have a call on their life.  This boy is just unique.  Really unique.  So... we were driving today and I realized that I won't have lots of time left with this son.  Not just because he's growing up so rapidly, but because of the ways the LORD is moving in his life.  Much like our oldest son, Daniel, who is/was a lot like Timothy.  I didn't realize when Daniel was Timothy's age, that I didn't have but a couple of years to spend watching/living with and experiencing life with him before he was married and soon became a growing family with his wife.   So, that experience, coupled with many more, has taught me to watch very carefully what's going on... to pay attention to the passing of time and to make the best of each day/situation.

k As Timothy prepares to leave for Mexico---a language immersion trip, we're preparing for Wes's mother to visit for several days.  Her flight from Indiana was delayed and so she'll not arrive until the wee hours of the morning here in the Northwest!  We're looking forward to her visit as we miss her terribly as she no longer lives in the Northwest.

k Not far from our home is a tiny restaurant that sells the best bbq sandwiches!  I've watched with interest as it took residence in a tiny little building that seems to change hands every year with ambitious owners seeking to "make it" on one of the busiest of corners in Snohomish.  In addition to it being a busy corner, it, like most roads in Snohomish county, was not designed to accommodate the daily traffic load it endures.  I'm always supportive of small business ventures and so we've been hoping for this business to do well.  I did wonder why it was taking so long to get the little place up and running after the recent move from a small temporary place down the road.  Well... it was the pigs... the dancing pigs that were painted on the side of the tiny building.  Barbecue... pork... pigs.  That's all.  Seems the city of Snohomish has regs against paintings of things nak-d (for which I am *glad!*) and the pigs are no exception.   I chuckled when I saw the paper last week with a pic and a story of the Barbecue Shack, the little restaurant that's drawing lots of attention and lots of customers as it is open for business despite the white tarp that covers the painted exterior.  We smiled as we drove by and saw people peeking under the tarp to catch a glimpse of the pigs.

k Boy am I glad for the message board that's been an encouragement to many!  I'm grateful to the LORD for impressing on my heart that I needed to be open to sharing with sisters, and having them be an encouragement and inspiration to others as they've been to me.  It's a blessing!  I still look forward to studying how to implement the message board from this site instead of using a "free site."  As with most "free" web stuff... there are many drawbacks---but it's free.  Free drawbacks. ;-)

k  And finally... it's pretty unpleasant to hear all the bantering back and forth over the Washington State governor's race and the supposed "mandate" that Chris Gregoire says she's received in the third count---the second recount of the ballots.  She said that the first tally was a tie... that, with two-hundred-seventy votes more for her opponent.  Now, the first recount also indicated that her opponent was ahead---and that was supposed a virtual tie also.  But now... she claims a clear victory---a mandate from the people.    Sound Politics  has quite an interesting collection of stories, links and voter info that'll she light on the current (and past) plight of this election or what's become the appointment of Governor (elect?) Gregoire.  I just signed a petition at RevoteWa.com  as I sure support the idea of a new election.  Maybe this time there won't be ballots cast by people who were no longer living but voted anyway.

January 3, 2005     The New Year always seems to start like a sprint to me... and then as the first weeks pass, the routine settles down to a slower pace: more like a marathon.  And, much like a marathon, I'm coming to realize that in order to finish well, we need to live---or run---well throughout the whole year.  I was considering some "New Year's Resolutions" and decided against making a particular list.  Instead, I'd like to work on a couple of attitudes.  I considered this because if I don't have these attitudes in order, then no matter what else I might do, the "accomplishment" won't really matter at all.  So, for example, if I do ultimately end up losing this last 10-15 pounds, what good will a thin body be to me if a particular attitude is not present?  Or, I'm not in particularly good health?  Or, what good will my shiny sink be if my attitude in the kitchen is anything but shining?  What good will an organized home be if my mind is cluttered with poor thoughts, negative thoughts, fearful thoughts, or whatever.  What good will reading through the Bible be if I don't purpose to take in the words as nourishment and life-giving words, taking in the sweet words of the LORD?  I know it is a worthy goal and more, a worthy accomplishment to read through the Bible---but how much more, a well read Bible that gives and guides life---a Bible that is used to know the LORD and not just know the words. 

So... as I considered a new year, a clean slate, a fresh start... I considered just taking a look at a couple of things.  This thought has been with me actually for a few months---perhaps longer.  But, when I got sick a couple of months ago, a thought kept going through my mind:  Have I been sweet to my family?  Do I have a sweet heart?  So I think sweet thoughts? Do I say sweet words?  Do I give sweet glances?  Am I a sweet heart to them?  To my husband?  So... I wrote a Welcome Home letter around Thanksgiving admonishing mothers/wives/women to be sweet-hearts... be sweet to the family, be sweet to the children, to the husband, and so on.  I encouraged (I hope) mothers to be sweet to their family because the family needs them and it was at that time that I called the sisters who subscribe to The Welcome Home: Sweethearts.  I have been mulling this over and over in my mind and that's what I hope for this year... that my family will know---really know---they're loved.  That they'll know they've really got a sweet-heart of a mother.

O, there are many other things... O, yes, there's that little nagging weight issue.  There's that scheduling issue.  then, there's that overdue correspondence issue.  Then there's that huge (lack of) self-confidence issue that's crippling me from doing some things I *know* I ought to be doing but don't have the courage to do them.  Then there's that nagging home-schooling scheduling issue... you know... we really ought to be doing more, are we doing enough, are the children okay, are we on track... yada, yada, yada.  So... New Year's Resolutions.  I think I'll start by picking up a calendar tomorrow... that way, I'll have a better view of the days passing by.  No, wait, if I don't buy one, I won't see the days passing and perhaps I can hang on to some time?

k   I don't often read Doug Phillips' blog... no reason, in particular, just time.  Anyway, I was taking a look there, seeing some things they offer and I read a reply from his wife, Beall, to a letter he'd received from a disgruntled person, attacking him for having the number of children they have and for a myriad of reasons they ought not have them---or more of them, that is.  So, you might like to read  Beall Phillips reply to the person who is opposed to "popping out" kids and to "adding freaks to our society."    I so agree with what Beall wrote and her gracious reply was one I hope would be the reply of Christian mothers and that children would be their hope and blessing.  [This said, I do sincerely feel for the women whose wombs are barren or who've never been able to have children or who've lost children in pregnancy, infancy or death later in life.  There are no words to truly comfort the woman who longs for the blessing of a child or children and yet has none.  There is nothing adequate I can express to comfort the woman who cannot understand why I'd be grieving so over the passage of the "child-bearing years" and this passage of motherhood when they have not experienced the birth of even one or a day of being called mother.  There is no way I can console the woman who perhaps thinks I wouldn't know what it's like for her, a barren woman, since I've not been in her place.  Well... one thing I do know... and I know it very well: God has given me a compassionate and understanding heart and has given me *many* opportunities to have listening ears and an open heart to hear these stories, feel their pain and listen to their heart on the matter and so, because of the LORD, in a peculiar way, I do understand the pain and I can even understand how they could be certain I could not comprehend it.  

It's profound to me that motherhood seems to pass so slowly and for those of us who've had many children, our lives become very ordered by the "regular" blessing of life in the womb and the blessing of children every year or two.  Even the miscarriages indicate life and we perhaps think the passage of motherhood will simply go on and on.  We perhaps might think in fear that it will go on "forever" and we'll end up with 19 children or whatever number seems "too many" ---but, O, how we mustn't take one life for granted, one year for granted or even the childbearing years for granted.  We suppose we can figure the number we'll have if we keep going "at this rate" or whatever.  But... no... the womb is the LORD's and He is LORD of all---all the weights of the bag are His and He chooses whom He will.  I have often lost sight of this over the years when I have fretted that I might not have another child or that perhaps a pregnancy might happen too close to the last or whatever.  But God.  But God who is rich in mercy...  O, what a gift it is and has been to be a mother---and to have one.  Thank you, Mother.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11.1

January 2, 2005      Something I forgot to note earlier is the sweet memory of driving home from our visit south this same time *last year* to see the brand new baby born to Sean & Lisa.  Imagine that: two children in our fellowship share a January 1 birthday (one year apart)!

It's a glorious day out... freezing and sunny blue skies!  It's a hot-chocolate, hot-mocha morning here as we attempt to heat up our home after being gone for a couple of days.  Since this old farmhouse is wood-heated, it really takes quite a bit of time to  get the home all warmed up!   The plaster walls are so cold, but once they warm up, it really gets nice and toasty in here. The attic bedrooms are still chilly, though!  It's already evident to me that the days are brighter and a bit lighter!  I've even notices the tree branches are swelling a bit as they prepare for the glorious Spring pageant!  I love this time of year!

January 1, 2005     Another New Year...  Amazing.

We had such a good time for the "New Year's Weekend" and feel so blessed to have been able to see our friends and make new acquaintances.   One of the big treats was to spend time with the Pais's in their home and to be able to visit with them, to share what the LORD's been doing, hear of the ways He's been working in their lives, *and* to get some more pictures of Amelia with Mrs. (Amelia) Pais.  Our family has been working on some different songs and we were able to share those with them, as well.  Mrs. Pais has had incredible health difficulties and deals with the ravaging effects of cancer over many years.  At 81, she suffers tremendous pain, crumbling bones from osteoporosis, her tiny frame seems yet smaller and is even more frail now, but even in all of this, she seems to glow like an angel ( I suppose).  I'll post this year's Mrs. Amelia and Amelia picture soon.

 
the first amelia & amelia (6 weeks old) --- 3.5 years ago and the second one a few months later.

k   We had a terrific time of fellowship, too much food, and very little sleep, but the great memories and great singing were worth it---though we're experiencing extreme fatigue tonight.  We were thankful for a smooth drive, for weather (though rainy!) that was fine for traveling the two hour drive, and the children were pretty happy with being able to watch a movie on the way down and on the way back as well. 

k  We had the wonderful privilege of seeing the brand new baby girl born this evening to Troy and Nancy and their family.  Nancy was such a sweet and lovely sight as she held the newborn whom they'll likely call Faith---truly, she is a gift and the LORD surely strengthened and tested their faith throughout her difficult pregnancy.  The LORD is good and greatly to be praised!  And we surely do praise Him with them tonight.  We teased her that she was pregnant for two years!  At this many days overdue, she sure felt like she was pregnant for a very long time.

k  The year is new and yet, there are so many sad stories and heavy trials carried over into the new year.   The death toll rises and the reports are so sad.  Reports of potential quakes are likely frightening to everyone in the region.  The most pitiful picture, to me, was the relative calm and demonstration of comfortability in this pic in the face of such a dreadful event.

 

Someday my children will read "mama's blog" and catch a glimpse of some of what was "important" each day, 
some "snap-shots" of  the day, what was going on in the world and what really stirred up some of my thoughts. 
Whatever is "documented" here will pale in comparison to the importance of their lives to me:
my husband, my children---they are my story; they are my legacy. 

a special movie

   
The Christian Counter

In memory  Kathryn Lindström 

These are a few of the Current Places we regularly visit on the Net!
The Drudge Report... ♥Barbara "Megamommy" Curtis's Blog  ♥Judicial Forum  ♥ seank's Blog  eBay  Doug Phillip's Blog  
 ♥
Ray Comfort's Column  Rebekah Wilson, The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love ---much for which to thank her!
Azure Standard Bulk & Natural Foods  Roger Bennett of Legacy-5: An incredible journey to health.
 
Here you go, if you want to add some pizzazz to your Instant Messenger---it's FUN!

 
 

 

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