click to Read each day's entry My Utmost For His Highest

This is my blography - simply my personal thoughts; this blog is just a small part or purpose of this website. The chief aim of this site is to bring glory to God and good food of His Word to families.  May each visit fill you with fresh bread and lingering words to savor. 

 

 

thoughts and slices of life between sips of coffee during November 2005

November 30, 2005

 A sweet way to close out the month...

        
dolly is learning to play cards... her favourite game is "Go Fish!" 
She's even learning to ask each person for the same card they just asked another person for when it's
her turn and loves it when she makes a match!   We'll move on to other games when she tires of "Go Fish!"
She found these pajamas in one of the old clothes boxes and came downstairs to show me. 
She knew they were pretty tacky... so came in to ask if she could wear the ugly pajamas.
As can be seen in the pictures, she likes to dress up... and have her picture taken, too.

---

 An exceptional commentator...

I think if I were limited to reading one website, it's likely that I would choose WorldNetDaily and further, were my choices of journalists' commentaries limited to less than five, I think I'd probably choose the work of David Kupelian---though, there are many excellent writers listed!  When I received the November issue of WhistleBlower magazine, I knew I'd be interested in reading his article, The Secret of Defeating Radical Islam.  I've mentioned his work many times and am continually impressed with his insightful and careful treatment of whatever topic he covers---for all these matters are all too often handled from an emotional or subjective perspective and governed by political correctness.   Not so, with Mr. Kupelian.  To read more...  you'll need to subscribe to WhistleBlower magazine.

The enormity of oppression and objective of our enemies is staggering---but what's much more dangerous and staggering is the sobering fact that many Americans are embracing, entertaining, and even emulating the very enemy that will destroy them.  I think of the ways in which compromise is destroying America... and recalled an article I'd read some time back regarding students studying Islam in California schools.  Initially, one would dismiss this particular study material but upon a closer examination of what was being taught and assigned to students, it becomes very clear that the nature of Islam is largely misunderstood---this is true not only in our schools, and in our courts, but it seems to me in our efforts to "defeat" this foe.  Because there seems to be a misunderstanding as to the radical nature of Islam, the enemy will never be defeated---the enemy will never be defeated because it cannot receive help without then turning on the very ones who sought to "liberate" them.   They likely truly do want to be liberated from their evil tyrannical oppressors, but they cannot truly become our allies---this can never happen for it is completely contrary to their foundation----unless, they defeat their liberators by subtly infiltrating the infrastructure of America.    Since America seems radically bent on eliminating all references to God and destroying any references to Christianity and attempting to eliminate or at least suppress Christian institutions/teachings, America seems to be hemorrhaging to death.  
 

---

    
Happy 97th birthday to Grandma!

 Here she was sharing a testimony of God's faithfulness as she was honoured
last week at the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Sedro Woolley
Free Methodist church.  Then, much to the delight of everyone gathered there, 
she sang a portion of a hymn and thanked everyone for attending!

November 29, 2005

 More on "tracking"

I was talking with a representative from the mortgage company.  They call about once a month, totally disregarding our "national do not call" list status.  And generally I politely remind them of that and they quickly excuse themselves.   But this time I was interested in a lower mortgage rate perhaps and so I listened to what he had to say and thought:   yeah, yeah, yeah, when he thanked me for being such a valued customer.  I resisted saying something like, O yes, bet ya say that to all the girls.  Instead, I mumbled something like: well, you're welcome---every little bit helps, I guess.  Actually, inside I was thinking at what is paid in interest each year surely ought to make them smile!!  Anyway.... what got me thinking of this again tonight was the instantaneous acquisition of our files and financial information.  Never mind thinking that there is some measure of privacy---well, unless you're totally cash and carry no driver's license, don't own a vehicle other than a bicycle and don't carry a social security card and don't file with the IRS.  Otherwise, if you're like the majority of Americans, in a split second they can obtain all your financial records.  He asked me to verify my address for him.  I am sitting there thinking... for goodness sakes, you have the mortgage--in fact, you own more of it than we do---you tell me *our* address---seeings how we share it and all.   He was slightly amused when I reluctantly gave him part of the street name.  Then he wanted the last four digits of my SS number... I  gave him the last single digit---he gave me the other three.  Okay, okay, you win, I am thinking.  I wonder if he knows what the scale says, too.

So, he shared with me the value of our home and asked me if I knew my credit score... no.  are you kidding?  I am not going to buy anything---not on credit, anyway.  Instantly, he tells me the scores from the three major reporting companies.  He congratulates me on great scores.  Why thank you, I say... then I remember:  I don't make any money, I just spend it.  I personally have no money, I have no job---of course my scores are good! ;-)    Then he told me the balance of the American Express card... I gasped---as I use it to buy the gas at Costco (last month's gasoline was too steep for everyone!).  It's a monthly budget expense and so I don't consider it a credit card per se---but that didn't matter to him.  Well... as he related numbers to me---all the records instantly in front of him, I sure felt like asking him if he liked what we had for dinner that night... too much salt or was it okay for you?   I took the information and told Wes about it---I think he was glad to just hear about the information and that's all.   So, the representative, poor guy... working on the evening before Thanksgiving... tough break.

November 27, 2005

 Life gets.... curiouser and curiouser. 

This, from cousin, Mark, who is a Boeing engineer:
COW TRACKING:
Is it just me or does anyone else find it absolutely amazing that the U.S. Government can track a single cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington, and determine exactly what that cow ate?

They can also track her calves right to their stalls, and tell you what kind of feed they ate. 

But the U.S. Government is unable to locate 11 million aliens wandering around in their country, including people that are trying to blow up important structures in the U.S.
The solution is to give every illegal alien a cow as soon as they enter the country.

 

November 26, 2005

 Celebrating Sweet Hannah ME... 

We celebrated another birthday in our home today!  What a delight to celebrate the birth of Hannah m-e.  The ME is for Mary-Elizabeth.   She's named after faithful Hannah, the mother of Samuel in the Bible and after her great-aunt and great-great Grandmother Mary Elizabeth Bistline.   Hannah didn't want to have a "big deal" for her birthday and so Kathryn had planned to just take her out to Starbucks for a coffee and then to a local store for a little shopping---which was a thrilling idea to Hannah.  Instead, Kathryn had made arrangements for a few friends to arrive the morning of her birthday after she returned home from her breakfast date with Daddy.   After the friends arrived, she learned that they'd all be going out to the thrift stores to try on clothes and to spend the day together.  I attempted to give no indication that I would be preparing a tea-party for them for when they returned home later that day.  But just as soon as they were out the door, I got busy baking lemon bars, and preparing the scones and tea sandwiches and setting the table for tea.  They enjoyed the party and the "shirley-temples" and the special time together.  It was a perfect day for her.

Later that day more friends and family arrived and we had homemade pizza and salad.  And after a wildly rousing round of the "Happy Birthday" song, there was ice cream for dessert.   I sure wish we had taken more pictures.  It seems we were all caught up in the moment and somehow the camera was forgotten.

Hannah was our first baby to be born at home with our then midwife, Wendy Swetman.  O, how this time of year makes me reminisce and miss the precious gift of that dear friend and midwife.  What a blessing she was to me---to our family as she so tenderly and yet firmly took care of me through the births of three of our babies.  She has a skilled determination to handle each situation with care and precise clarity of thought---always instinctively knowing just what was needful at the time.   I will never forget the amazement of discovering that she'd ridden her motorcycle over to our home and how she removed her leather jacket, pants and gloves, got scrubbed up and seemed literally transformed into the serious and skilled labour and delivery coach and with the professional skill of a doctor, she set about her work and in moments had our entire situation under control.  Hers is one of those bittersweet memories... precious to all of us, she died during the year I was pregnant with Naomi and O, how I often wish she'd been here at home with us on that Christmas Day when Naomi was born.

 

November 25, 2005

 The memories roll on... 

This time of year always seems to bring out the memories and they sort of wash over and flood my thoughts.  As I worked about the kitchen yesterday, I was mindful of something my father had said many years ago as we sat around that Thanksgiving table.  He recommended that everyone look around the table and take in each face and what was being shared that day because, he said, surely the next time would look different---that gathering would not be the same the next time... maybe someone would not be there, maybe someone new would be.  So, over the years I have thought of that observation many times... and many times I've marveled at the changes.  No, the table is never the same.  From year to year there've been changes, many changes.  In our family, throughout the years it seemed that there was always a new baby or one on the way and so we could always be found giving thanks for God's great gifts---another baby to love, another sweet face at the table or the great anticipation of what God would bring in the months ahead.   And He's been extremely generous and breathtakingly faithful through the years.   Other changes have brought unique blessings---many home-comings and lots of excitement.  But the changes have also meant there were home-goings.  Over the years the gathering around the table included tears and recounting of many memories as there have been many goodbyes.  So, then, I consider again what my daddy shared... take a look around this gathering will never be the same.  And then I consider further, he was right.   The crowd has never been the same again from year to year and since his passing, many, many changes have occurred; I'm sorry he's missed them.

November 24, 2005

 Thanksgiving - 2005

I thought I'd give sort of a slice of the day in words and in pics!  We surely give thanks unto the LORD... He is good, He has been faithful to all generations... we can only praise Him.  It was such a delightful day---I thoroughly enjoyed preparing everyone's favourite Thanksgiving dishes.  What I thought early in the day was a bit of a problem actually turned out to be a blessing.  I had put the frozen turkey in the fridge on Monday and assumed it would be thawed by today... but it was not.  In fact, it was still icy.  So, Wes put it in the large stock-pot for several hours and we occasionally changed the water and the turkey thawed just fine.  A few hours later than I had previously intended, I gathered herbs from the remaining plants in the herb garden and some more spices and I filled the turkey with them and then put the turkey into the 22 quart roaster.  It was ready in about 4 hours---and as I removed it from the roaster and began to carve it a little while later, all my helpers agreed, it was delicious!   I made lots of gravy for the dressing and mashed potatoes,  and made cranberry relish, sweet-potato casserole, peas and carrots, Mary's Snicker's salad and fresh french bread.  It was all yummy.    Later on, after we'd talked some more, played some games and visited with friends, I set out several pies... Pumpkin (of course!), Lemon Meringue, Dutch Apple, Pecan and a Peanut-butter Chocolate. 

We so enjoyed the time we had together as a family around the table.  We sang, gave thanks and enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal.  Everything tasted wonderful and we all we so pleased to have Michael join us but were a bit melancholy that the rest of our family was not with us.   It really was a good day.  God is good.

I wish I had taken some pics of another activity today... the annual scouring of the newspaper ads to see all the "door-buster" sales that will be happening all around the area tomorrow.  Between Wes and Kathryn, a few stores are slated to be visited at 5 in the morning for deals to beat all deals.  I will be sleeping... and will smile when they return.

Mary's Snicker's Salad

6 apples, cored and diced
3 "king-size" Snicker Bars  (cut down the middle, then cut across into small slices)
1 small container Cool-Whip - Whipped topping.
 

After dinner and all the clean-up was finished, our older children also spent time with a couple of friends who came by later in the evening.  Hannah had been diligently working on a project and they had a plan to make a paper "count-down" chain for a friend.    Our friend is in a very unique situation---one that at first made me nervous--- I didn't understand it and didn't know how to react or to relate to it.   It made me uncomfortable then but does not at all any longer.   Her fiancé is in prison.    I often cry when I think of him... there behind bars because I know he is a changed man.  Charged at eighteen, he is now twenty two.   The foolish boy got caught and he knows it was the best thing that could have happened to him.  When I think of him, I have this strong thought that he is serving time for someone I know who walked that same path but didn't get caught. 

The chain represents his release from prison in a little more than three months.  He is an incredible young man---really, very incredible and is a new creation in Christ Jesus.  Wes visits him weekly and thoroughly enjoys his time there.   Andrew is in a quite a remarkable position in that because of his conduct, he has been given some unique opportunities to share with others what God has done and most recently, to help encourage young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol.   What was an ugly situation has been used for good and God is receiving all the glory.  Truly, I share this, a bit reluctantly, because of the sensitive nature of the matter.   And yet, like other sensitive subjects I share from time to time, I know this scenario is being played out thousands of times over all around the country.  Families have sons in prison for very foolish behaviour as a result of drug use, etc.  Not to mention all the other troubles that happen everywhere, everyday.   Thanksgiving tables across the country were minus a member today because of situations much like what I've described here.    This ugly topic is a scourge in many families---so disgraceful, that some never talk about it with anyone---and yet, it's very common.  And so, I guess I wish to encourage any sister/family who has a son (or friend or family member) in such a situation:    The arm of the LORD is not shortened that He cannot save. And, as Andrew says, the prison bars do not keep God out.... God moves in prisons.    Before he was ever arrested, Andrew was in a prison that drugs built.    But now---though behind bars, he is free from that prison.  Amen and amen.   Andrew is a living testimony of God's work, God's mercy---His saving grace.  His is an incredible story---he is an incredible man.  We look forward to celebrating March 7th when he walks out that gate a free man. 

So... the chain has a hundred links and will be given to our friend on Monday so that she can see tangible evidence of the passing of days and so that she can receive special encouragement along the way.   Each of the young people wrote a message, a Bible verse or a quote on each link.   As you can see from the "count-down" on the top of the menu bar to the left... we're counting down the days, too.

  

 

November 24, 2005

 Happy Thanksgiving - 2005

 

O, give thanks unto the LORD:
for He is good;
for His mercies endureth forever.
psalm 136.1

My heart is overflowing---no, gushing with thanks to the LORD for what He has done---for who He is---and for His marvelous loving kindness to us all.  I am amazed at His provision, His gifts, His mercy on us all.  I am amazed at the mercy of God.  Even when He is rejected He is loving---still.  Even when He is discounted, discarded, disregarded, disobeyed or disparaged by those He created---those He loves, those for whom He sent His only begotten Son to die----even then---even then He remains faithful.

So, I survey the year.  When I have been faithless, He has been faithful---utterly faithful.  When I have been careless, He has been careful---utterly careful.  When I have been unloving, He has been loving---utterly loving.  When I have been tough, He has been tender.  When I have been anxious, He has been calm---utterly calming.  When I have been angry, He has been kind.  When I have been doubtful, He has been sure.  When I have wandered, He has been Steady and Sure.  When I have been restless, He has been restful.  When I have been quarrelsome, He has been soothing.  When I have been without, He has provided---utterly providential.  When I have been tearful, He's been my joy.  When I have been weak, He has been my strength.  When I have been sick, He has been my health.  O, LORD, You have been good.  You have been faithful.  In this mixed up, crazy, upside down world, You are utterly Faithful---I love you LORD, my strength.

 

November 22, 2005

 A heart to heart chat about the Internet

If it hasn't happened in your house and you're sure it hasn't, then count your blessings.  But if it has happened at your house and you know about it, then here is a small consolation: you're not alone---that, and you know it.  What is this?  Internet prngraphy.  Just as sorrow skips no home, it seems that the destruction and filth that channels through the vast and intricate world-wide-web seeps into most every home that's hooked into the pipeline.  It's incredible to me how the LORD allows things to be revealed with "co-incidental" timing and with unmistakable clarity.   It's also interesting and incredible how things seem to come along in waves or seasons.  We haven't had a 'season' of this for quite sometime and suddenly, we've been inundated with information regarding the endless, sticky, stinky, tangled web of the internet and the far reaching scope and role in people's lives---real people, real lives, real problems.   My heartfelt and sincere sympathy to all those who've experienced the devastating and shattering reality of internet prngraphy or who've endured the shame and devastation of discovering a spouse or son or daughter involved in even what is called "mild" prngraphy... or stuff that's "not that bad."

I often think of the allusion to or illusion of "mild" prngraphy is like being "sort of pregnant."  One is or one isn't pregnant.  One is or one isn't into internet prngraphy.  It's a hugely enormous problem----and it's fairly simple to spot.  I can almost hear a collective sigh when parents or spouses take a peak into the black box.  And I am recommending more than simply a peek---I am suggesting a long, long  look at the history on the computer.

Right-click on the "Start" button, then on the drop down menu that gives you such options as: Open, Explore, Search... click on "Explore" and look on the menu bar to the left and spot "Local Disk (C:)" and then scan down till you see: Local Settings---click on it. You'll then see some options, one of which will be: "History" and you'll click on that.  When you do that, you'll see something like: Today, Monday, Last Week, Two Weeks Ago... and so on.  When you click on any one of those, you'll see lists or "thumbnails" depending on what you've chosen as your desired method (Thumbnails, Tiles, Icons, List, Details)  of viewing on the menu box that says 'view' when you click your cursor over it.  When you see the tiles or when you see the list, you'd likely see many images that you are familiar with if you are the only one who uses your computer---but if you are not the only one who uses your computer, then you'll likely see many images you're not familiar with.  It's almost impossible to be prepared to see shocking images---or, to read names of prnogrphic websites that were visited from your computer. 

Your first clue of trouble? No history.  When cyber-tracks are erased, there *IS* a reason and usually never a good reason.   Secondary clues might be a bit trickier... because depending on the suspect person, the tell-tale clues will be different.  I almost hesitate to post on this any further because of the trouble I *know* is out there.   Some say ignorance is bliss.  Those who are ensnared in sin are not experiencing bliss though they might deny the pain they're experiencing.  I feel like tossing out this disclaimer:  Now, if there are no clues, there are no clues... and after a brief inquiry, and denial leave it alone---if there are problems, they *will* resurface.  There is no hiding sin---it will surface.

There are numerous websites that can help with personal or spousal involvement in internet sludge. *But* before you react/act/attack, think and be wise---stop and think and be wise.  There are many helpful suggestions here and here.  I suggest you pray for wisdom if you find that there have been prnographic sites visited and because you can verify the time of the viewing,  you can document the usage.  There is freedom  from the trap.

More on this another day...
Your kids... are they into more than simple school work and chatting with friends *you* know on Instant Messenger?  I have a few personal thoughts along with what my friend has shared; some very sobering information about today's trends among teens.

 

November 21, 2005

 A family affair...

The latest pic of our whole family... all together at the same time and being still enough to snap some pics!
We celebrated what the LORD has done... we celebrated family last night...
Wes's mom was here from Indiana, my parents were here and we celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and
our grown sons were home for the celebration, too.  It was one of those wonderful evenings where everyone just
enjoyed being able to talk and laugh and eat together.


Our eleven children, our daughter-in-law and our three grandchildren.
        
four generations!      and      three generations!

 
Some people gather 'round the fire, some gather 'round the table, some gather 'round the television...
but this is probably the most common gathering place for our family... the computer.
Here they were checking the quality of pics... this would determine whether or not we'd need to retake 
family pictures.  It's such a rarity to have everyone together in the same room at the same time, we wanted
to take advantage of it... I'm so glad we did.
 

November 18, 2005

 Another Magazine endorsement...

As if there aren't enough suggestions for good reading... and I sure do like to promote materials, blogs and books that genuinely help you in your home and in your walk with the LORD.  The way I see it is that the more widely these suggestions are spread, how much deeper and richer will believers grow in the LORD and how many more homes will be changed for His glory!  There is so much shallow, egocentric, foolish, name-it-and-claim-it, feel-good theology being served up in the church today and in trendy "Christian" books and magazines, that when genuinely rich and powerful resources are available, I want to do all I can to endorse and promote them---and read them and share them with others.

I just received an encouraging email from one of the editors of a couple of magazines that I very much enjoy receiving and reading.  As a matter of fact, I took a pic of Amelia reading one of the issues a while back.  I went into the kitchen and there she was sitting on the kitchen counter, legs crossed, reading the Home School Digest magazine that had just come in the mail.  I'll share more about the HOME SCHOOL DIGEST and An Encouraging Word magazines in the next day or so, but they're worth the subscription price and are the type of magazine to keep for a resource for both home-schooling and other topics specific to Christian family life.

 

November 17, 2005

 Sweet family-traveling Memories

We had sort of a long day yesterday as we traveled to Vancouver and home again in order to see the Legacy Five concert last evening.  It really was worth all the time and effort to go there---even the "dragging" today is worth it!  What an encouraging group to listen to and to sing with.  I sort of think everyone sounds good singing along with gospel quartets! ~wink~  There was a major disappointment and it's sort of lingered through this day and that is that Roger Bennett was not present singing with the group.  One man shared that Legacy Five still "had it" and demonstrated that they could stand very well on eight legs.  Well... I don't know.  I sort of think they sounded like a family with one of the members missing---still an encouragement, still very much a family, still very able to present the family sound and style---just incomplete---sometimes glaringly so.  That's how they seemed to be (to me) last evening: incompletely wonderful.

Apparently, Roger Bennett was planning to travel with the group, but his doctor "grounded" him at the last minute due to an infection his body is fighting.  It was heartening to hear the good reports concerning his health and that he is now considered to be "in remission" in his twelve-year battle with Leukemia.  If you've read his online journal even once, you understand the tremendous encouragement he is and has been throughout his struggle with pain, sickness and weakness. 

Driving up the "I5 Corridor" that late at night makes for a very easy ride---sort of opposite from the day time.  Like I say---Seattle offers the greatest deal in the country as far a parking goes.  Really, most all day long there's free parking (on Interstate 5 from the North Seattle to south of SeaTac Airport)!  Well, late last night, it seems that at any given  there were less than half a dozen or so four-wheeled vehicles traveling north on 5---the rest of the traffic was comprised of vehicles with at least eighteen wheels apiece.  There were times when the freeway is just two lanes that I was tailing a "freight train" and really had to work to get around and past them.  They waste no time---even for someone who doesn't mind driving fast, they often go a bit too fast for me!  Eight or ten of them in a line going between 70 and 80 miles an hour is fast... too fast for me!  I was always glad to find myself in a long open stretch... no delays, no accidents, no 'traffic control' vehicles ~wink~ and no one asleep at the wheel... it was a very smooth ride---again, very unlike the trip south just ten hours earlier.

The whole day was sweet from start to finish... though it was quite late, it was still quite wonderful.  And though we heard wonderful songs, great testimony and tremendous encouragement to trust in the matchless grace of the LORD, some of the sweetest singing was heard on the trip home as several were rehearsing favourite parts of the concert... and one of my favourite phrases that's probably been said by each of the children at some point in their early years:  Mama, the moon is following us!  Hello, moon!  And it really was a "hello-moooooon" sort of evening as we traveled with the full and bright moon illuminating the way and following us home.

 

November 15, 2005

 Karla Dornacher...

 

November 14, 2005

 It's beginning to look a lot like... water

On my way to the bath this morning, my husband casually asked if I'd read the front page of the morning paper.  Well... no, I hadn't... I had seen the paper, but bcz I didn't have my glasses at the time, I didn't even look it over----why? I asked him.  He just nonchalantly replied that there was something about potential flooding.  This is our tenth winter in this home---and while I continually seek to rest in the Hand of the LORD, I don't take these reports lightly, nor do I ignore them.  It didn't take me two minutes to locate my glasses and pick up the A section of the paper.  Well, well, well... lookyhere:  Flood Risk is High, the headline reads.   My mind instantly hearkens back to other years and other alarming headlines, trips to the River's edge and trips to the bridge up the street in town to see the rising water of the rushing Snohomish River. 

As I'm standing there reading, I spy another article that headlines:  "24,600 people living in county flood areas will need to prepare" and I smile as I read and reread the suggested list of flood-preparedness items in yet another article.  I mentally calculate that we're prepared for meals that require both water and heat (read: electricity) bowls, mixers and pans in the kitchen in order to be prepared/eaten.  I realize that we have plenty of food that would not be easy to prepare away from home to or transport as it is.   I then recall that we never did buy into any of the Y2K disaster preparedness either.  Nor, have we been hunting and gathering throughout this past year very much.    Okay, so... next: water.   The water we have stored is in the swimming pool---note to self: buy bottles or buckets.   I make a mental list of needed items... blankets and spare clothing.  Well, the blankets and "spare" clothing are in each child's drawers and closets.  The first aid kit was pilfered and depleted from over-use this past summer; the flashlight batteries are a bit weak; and as for the emergency gear we're to keep on hand, I'm pretty sure we're using it everyday.  We don't have a portable radio---I suppose I could unbolt the under-cabinet radio/CD player in the kitchen---but wait, that's electric; well, maybe the children wouldn't mind surrendering theirs.  No... wait... we *do* have a portable radio... our van has a radio---it goes everywhere the van goes.   This article suggests to have flood insurance and to photograph and document property and belongings.  Well, let's see... that would be home-owner's with a flood rider and our FEMA flood insurance---both of which are sort of begrudgingly paid annually.  The FEMA insurance is something I dread paying but realize that the other insurance won't cover what FEMA will cover in the event of a flood.  Because we've never made an insurance claim, I'm still feeling a bit smug about insurance and resent the "fear-mongering" that it seems to wrapped in---I think it's sort of a racket and is all pretty pricey.  I used to think all the FEMA support was solely funded by "the government" and that people received these tremendous "gifts" from the government; millions of people annually pay for those gifts.  Ah---not so.  I suppose I would be very, very grateful to see the FEMA agents should there be a flood this year---regardless what is reported in the news, FEMA employees are hard workers doing a tough and grueling job.

Through the day my mind wanders... and I remember one area in which we have prepared for this winter. O-joy!  We have several cords of wood split and stacked in the woodshed to be used for heat this winter as this old farmhouse is heated by a wood-burning stove. Hmmm.... well, in the case of a flood, I imagine the wood will simply be lifted and will float away.  Hmmm.  I think I'll grab a cup of coffee.  And some chocolate.

 

  Thinking about Thanksgiving

I received a dear letter of encouragement from Laurie Latour of Future Christian Homemakers and she also shared some tips and recommendations for Thanksgiving.  You can read her online newsletter here.    You'll be blessed by reading her newsletter for November and October, too.  Be ready to make some notes because you'll want to try out her suggestions and "Turkey Tips."  This is the same site that I have recommended a number of times---for homemaking and for the wonderful book Classic Prayers for Children and other useful products.  This book would be a beautiful Thanksgiving gift or a Christmas gift for friends or family.

 

 God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination, and the divine sovereignty.
The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, "O Lord, Thou knowest."
 Those things belong to the deep and mysterious Profound of God's omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians,
but it will never make saints.      ... A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]

November 12, 2005

 Great Things He Hath Done...

How amazing it was to see seasons of life in a unique way today.   We had the honour of attending a memorial service for the brother of a friend of ours and what a blessing it was to spend time with friends we'd not seen in awhile and to consider the passage of time.  My heart was full of gladness for the great time we had together with them and to reflect on the life that had passed, to share what God has done and is doing these days.   I would've stayed all day long just to spend time reminiscing with those old friends---no, all day wouldn't have been enough time either.   Tonight there faces pass through my mind's eye and I miss them all over again.  Amazing how love "keeps" and takes very little to be rekindled between friends.   

Well, following that service, we all hopped back in the van and it was with great joy and anticipation that we drove to a local hospital to greet friends who'd just given birth to their first baby.  Life is full of bittersweets... sort of the "terms of endearment" and the consequences of sharing life with others: happy consequences and sad ones, too.  They all come with a great price... O, that we'd be more willing to pay it!

Praise the LORD---O, praise, praise, praise the LORD! Really... what great things He has done.

November 10, 2005

 Chip, chip, chipping away....

O, the chipping away at "all things Christian."   Part of my childhood, my family lived in Redlands in southern California.  I've read with interest the ongoing saga of the City Seal or logo and the seeming attempt by the ACLU  (my take: the abolish Christian Liberty union) to rewrite history and to strip any vestige of Christian influence/foundation or heritage from society.  I do recall the lovely town, beautifully landscaped with trees, marvelous stately old homes and buildings with their unique in style and architectural design, and churches.  Lots of churches---as the City Seal portrays.  And like many things historic, honourable and precious, the ACLU has once again sought to rewrite and destroy the Christian foundation of this country and that city, in particular.  It's sickening to me, really, the arrogance of ignorance.  To consider the incredible destructive influence of ignorance and darkness in our land, is staggering.  When we share with our children different writings of early life in this country, the reason for its founding and existence: believers who sought social freedom and freedom to proclaim Christ and Him crucified for sinners, for freedom from the bondage of sin and death, for families who pioneered the way for generations to come, for brave men who fought for freedom from oppression and evil tyrannies --- we share with them historical truths that are being rewritten trampled and eroded with the stroke of a pen.  It's particularly sad what propaganda and lack of knowledge and understanding is doing/has done to our Constitution.   One need look no further than recent elections in  Redlands... or Seattle or San Francisco.  The erosion of First and Second Amendment rights... it's really quite pitiful.

Interesting that even Wal*Mart was allowing a bit of the chipping away at "all things Christian" on their website. Ordinarily, I wouldn't get tangled up in these things---especially since I am more and more opposed at the commercialization of "Christmas" and the gaudy displays that purport to be "Christian" and the manipulation and guilt-inducing advertising that goes on this time of year.  But... I did find it discouraging to go to the Wal*Mart website and find references to Christmas replaced with holiday when searching for "Christmas_________."  I wrote to 'customer service' and lodged a complaint.  It was sweet and cordial--- I figured that spending *several* dollars there on that very same day  sort of authorized me to make a comment.  Additionally, I used to opportunity to implore them to reconsider the style of their clothing line for girls.  The clothing was so inappropriate and immodest for little girls---or anyone else, for that matter. 

November 9, 2005

 There's hope for me... yes, even me!

So, I was looking through the news and came upon this piece and began to rejoice and hope replaced feelings on ineptitude regarding my artistic expression and ability!  Having seen the sculpture that sold for 23.8 million dollars (gasp) at Sotheby's in NY.   Think of it.   There is now hope for you, hope for me and hope even for Amelia's current works of art---masterpieces, really.  This has brought new possibilities to a myriad of endeavors.  For example, as I contemplate what's considered "art," I reflect on some recent pieces of art in my own kitchen.  I consider the rolls I made for dinner last night---works of art, they were.  Then I reflect on some other marvelous creations and, well, now I see them in a totally new light.  No longer do we have inferior or inadequate concoctions or compositions---no... from now on, *everything* is a multi million-dollar creation.  This new light on things has really bolstered my self-confidence and given me a new enthusiasm for experimenting with new recipes, patterns, painting techniques----well, the list of possibilities is endless!  I think from now on, when I prepare a dish that in no way resembles the original intent, I will rename the dish with a title to reflect my creativity.  For example, this afternoon, when I go to prepare a recipe for "Old Fashioned Gingersnaps" and if they don't turn out soft and crinkly and chewy... then I will simply rename them to reflect the style they take on in the baking process.    I wonder if that sculpture started out to be just X Cubi and became  XXVII Cubi after XXVI failed attempts to precisely set the geometric shapes in place.  Well, so, if the "Old Fashioned Gingersnaps" turn out okay then I'll just leave the name of the recipe alone---and if they don't work out, maybe I will start numbering them---...Gingersnaps II, Gingersnaps III, Gingersnaps IV, Gingersnaps...  Absolutely no disrespect is intended for artists and art----but there really is hope for us all---regardless.

November 8, 2005

  Today's a great day to make a memory

And... I'm taking Stephen on a date to Starbuck's and to look through the shops on First Street in old Snohomish.  I like to take one of the children out from time to time---sort of gives us a chance to talk and to see things and talk about days gone by.  It's always interesting to me to watch them... to observe what they are looking at as we go through the shoppes and antique stores.  Distinctly different than the girls (who like to look at everything for homes and crafts), the boys love to see the cases in the antique stores---cases filled with belt-buckles, wallets, watches, knives, coins, eyeglasses and old toys and books---I'm so thankful they have an appreciation for time and history.  They really like to hear about and see things that I tell them remind me of days in my grandmother's home and elsewhere.  They love old "stuff" and so that's what's fun about spending time with them... they don't require entertainment and it takes very little effort to keep their interest satisfied... they're happy with brief or long periods of browsing regardless of whether purchases are made or not---and I love that about them.

It's election day... and my generally optimistic outlook has been replaced by a sort of indifference ---- a characteristic I normally would find intolerable in --able-- citizens and would normally chide that apathy.  But, in the next couple of hours I am going to go to the polls and make my [what feel right now to be very insignificant] contribution and pray that the tidal wave of seeming ridiculous motions will wash back. 

November 7, 2005

  A little chit-chat

From time to time, I like to post links to some of my favourite sites and articles I've found helpful.   I suppose, I do this all the time throughout this whole site, actually.  I believe it to be one of the most powerful or important uses of webspace/time.   That, and it confirms an unwritten commitment and gives assurance that I'm not an elitist, nor is this site for self promotion---O, I do offer what I write---but I promote lots of others' work as well.  It sort of works best when there's lots of cross promotion, if you will, in the realm of websites and web-biz and friends.  I don't know why it is, but there are many people who sling accusations of highmindedess, posturing, self-promotion---blah, blah, blah.  You probably get that too, from a few, if you share with others what you've learned along the way or are one to take firm stands or have the temerity to say what you mean and mean what you say.    That quality (zeal that's misperceived as arrogance) really bothers some people.   So, when I get letters that contain stinging comments, I try to take them in stride---look for instruction and correction for blind spots, and then lay them at the foot of the cross.   I want to be meek and I want to be quiet---but I don't want to be in silent obscurity.   A long time ago, I asked the LORD to make my life a vessel---a channel of His choosing.   I want to be strong but not arrogant---humble but bold, gentle but direct.  He's often given me a platform ---not like a stage or a place to perform, but situations to proclaim His name, to give testimony of His work and to share good things.   I have a tool in my hand---this website over the years has been simply that: a tool---I want to use it.  For good... for God.

Okay, so omygoodness, where in the world was I going with all that?  O... One site I don't get to as often as I'd like is:  Buried Treasure Books  and, in particular, for today I'd like to share the Prairie Muffin Manifesto and also encourage you to read Carmon's blog (at the same site) and go to/through her "archives" of truly great, and what I would call, buried treasure.  By that, I mean her thoughts are like buried treasure that might be easily overlooked or a treasure buried, in the quagmire that is the world-wide-web.  I share these links and keep past pages of blogs myself for the very purpose of not losing things, links, etc., that are worth keeping and revisiting.  Truly, most of what's best and brightest on the net is unseen---sort of like books... some of the best and greatest works are hidden in obscure places or placed between covers with ambiguous titles.   So, the Prairie Muffin Manifesto--- I wish I'd written it.  I understand it, relate to it and could almost say it loosely describes me/my life/my thoughts and intentions.  And to quote the seeming unflappable Martha Stewart, "it's a good thing."  

You know, when I began sending out the weekly Welcome Home messages and Good Things and Recipes letters, I didn't know much about Martha Stewart---I guess I knew enough to know that her influence was staggering --- that she had numerous books and a magazine but I certainly didn't know she used that phrase "...good thing." at the end of instructional segments on her show and to describe things in her books and magazines.  No, I used that partial phrase, "good things," to refer to and convey what Scripture describes in Titus 2... what older women are to teach younger women.   I don't know how old "old" is, but I do know this: when the LORD opens a door to share with women things that might be helpful to them, I need walk through it... and I did.

Well, anyway, back to Prairie Muffin... wherever you happen to find yourself in life, it's always a blessing and an encouragement to read or see confirmation that where you are and what you're doing is not so odd or far out after all and that, although the world and possibly even your acquaintances think you're life/lifestyle is ridiculous and narrow, many others are traveling the path you're on.   Interesting thing is, we're meeting people all over (both literally and through internet) who are sharing same/similar philosophies and lifestyle, who are encountering same/similar joys and trials, and who are just as surprised and happy as we are to find that they are, indeed, not alone.   It may seem we have to "stand alone" quite a bit, but in reality, we aren't alone at all.   Therefore, that manifesto affirms and inspires me --- spurs me on to "good works."   And that's just what our lives are supposed to do.

 

 

  For today

Whatever the valley, whatever the cross, whatever lies before me---joy, or sorrow or pain or loss: 
I will say of the LORD, He only is my help, my strength, my joy.
The day may seem dreary and the way may seem dark... and the dealings from the Hand of the LORD may seem heavy.
Or, on this day, joys and delights and blessings may seem to overflow from my cup to my saucer to the table and all around me.
My heart is fixed and in His Word I will be confident.
Whether floods or distractions, doubts or fears, successes or failures, financial drought or surplus; I will obey and trust in His Name.
Whether sweet words from distant lands, gifts from neighbours or greetings from friends...
Whether meanness or disloyalty, kindness or deceit--- pleasure or pain.
Whether abundance and plenty or lack and disappointment---for shame! if I doubt the Love of God which cannot be measured.
He has been my hope---my help, my sweet and welcome home.  He welcomes me to wait at His gates as He opens to me the sky on which He has written my name and has listed a portion of countless blessing, mercy and grace... brushed into the clouds and highlighted with the rays of the sun He created to shed light by day and by moonbeams He's created to brighten the night.
No matter how things may seem all around me...
In joy and in sorrow,
He only is my hope... and in this will I be confident for He cannot lie and will not forsake.  He is the LORD---my glory.

 

November 4, 2005

 Sorrow...  

I cannot fathom the grief, the pain and anguish that facing the instant loss/death of all of my children would be to me---to the rest of our family--to my husband.  I pray God infinite mercy, tender care and loving kindness to envelop and fill the mother and father of the beloved children who were killed in an auto accident on Tuesday evening.  Surely God is merciful---O, how I pray He will undertake and sustain that family---that HE will comfort and provide for all their needs, for their health and strength and for the life of their only remaining child, yet unborn, and the impact of this tragic event on that home.  Please join in prayer for this family.  May the LORD be their joy and strength as they face what comes in their life now etched with sorrow. 

 

November 3, 2005

 I've been thinking...   

I can't believe how many years have passed and how little has gotten done.  Then, on the other hand, I think... ohmygoodness, we've sure done a lot of things over the years---at least that's what reams of paper, jammed file cabinets, and keepsake boxes reveal----and really, that's what my heart says, too.  Additionally, what prompted all of these thoughts was the perusing of pictures---real, honest-to-goodness, touchable, tangible, thick paper photographs.  We have *boxes* of them.  Yes, I went on a short, Creative Memories induced, guilt trip when I was rifling through the stacks and stacks of pictures.  Yes, it would be a Creative Memories consultant's nightmare and potential gold-mine were these photographs be put into scrapbooks!   

But no...  there are no photo albums, no elegant Creative Memories books, no scrapbooks, no witty captions and decorative embellishments highlighting the fantastic events and terrific children, nope... none of those.   Just stacks.  Stacks.  Stacks of hundreds and hundreds of pictures.

O, that sitting on the sofa with stacks of photos on my lap, stacks beside me, stacks on the floor all around me.  It was way different than clicking through the thousands of digital images on this computer or through still more on discs on the shelves that surround my desk.   Even different that looking around at most horizontal surfaces in our home---framed pictures.    Back to the stacks:  the pictures tell stories our memories seem to have dropped.   Though the memories seem to have faded, when we see the images, the moment captured in the print resurfaces... so, lots of memories resurfaced---more than I could possibly have remembered but could never forget.  I was bowled over by the hundreds and hundreds of images and events/times/experiences each captured.  Also heartened by how much really has been accomplished---how many events/milestones/accomplishments/blessings we've experienced. 

The enemy is great at tucking in an attacking thought when we're about to make an observation or a comment such as were made above.  Sort of hits us broadside when we're reflecting on God's work, His provision, or strides here and there in our lives.  Then, inevitably (and shamefully) on days like this, I take the paint bucket which is the colour of doubt and broad brush all the walls around me till all my surroundings are shaded that ugly doubt colour.  It's sort of been like that today.  There I was: reflecting on a gazillion blessings and then I was looking at the apparent lack of order---the ostensible lack of accomplishment and seeming superficial productivity in our home.   And then I realized I had been sorely lacking in instruction and in orderliness---or the giving of instruction and follow-through or accountability.  And... it was all quite plain to me as each distracted child was unable to locate this or that school-book, paper, pencil or pencil sharpener.  When the notebook-paper was sticking to the counter and there were sticky spots on the kitchen floor because of the marshmallows that were shot from the blow-gun... when the lint trap wall filled with shreds of paper that used to be a small notebook and when the "school-year" calendar is shorter than the amount of work that needs to be done... I just had to sit down and reprioritize.  Suddenly it felt like I was trying to nail Jell-O to the wall or was trying run ahead of a giant snowball that was both gaining speed and size as it closed in on my space.    But then-----wait a minute:  I know I don't care about sticky counters or sticky floors or lint traps or calendars---and I know nailing Jell-O to the wall was not what I am trying to do around here.  I know----and as mothers, we know... we need to step away from those fiery darts----they are incapable or powerless over us.  Really.

I  really know it's all really okay and it's all really going to work out.   I know that I know that I know that Jesus is my LORD and that everything that concerns me is His concern and that I "must needs" trust Him and obey Him in the great AND in the small things.  I need/needed to yield to Him. 

I know that all the different things going on with each of the children will all work out just fine---------------because they are His! 

Romans   8.28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

It's raining.  It's cold.  It's a long time till Spring...  I realized that trap of the trip I was on---the trip down drudgery lane and I wondered aloud:  wait a minute, what am I doing here?  I don't mean what on earth am I here for but, why am I walking around on *this* path, anyway?   So it's raining, so it's cold, so it's dark.  So, what!   God---is.  God, in His omniscience and in His sovereignty has designed the times and the seasons and each has a marvelous function.  I do not need to travel that dark path---that path is no path for me.  It's sort of like the path described in Proverbs 7.... the *way* of that path the young man is warned to avoid.   Or in Proverbs 4.14-17.    I recognized that I needed to avoid the *way* of the path I was heading on---not just that path, but the way of that path. Then, I thought on Psalm 73 and I was particularly impressed with verses 22 to the end:

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.  Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Then I recognized that I have been looking down on my circumstances---which are actually wonderful---but the part that wasn't wonderful was that I had my eyes on myself instead of on God.  When we take our eyes off Jesus and place them on any other thing, or place our hope or value on any other thing, then things are inevitably going to look/be bleak.  Doubt is no companion of faith---in fact it's brother to fear and there is no faith in fear.  No hope in fear.  Doubt is a wasteland---a wilderness of hopelessness.  I don't want to go there... I don't even want to pass by the way... for God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  I have put my trust in Him---------and I declare His marvelous works.

But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 4.18

 

 

November 2, 2005

 Birthday blessings   

 Today's our Stephen's birthday.  A wonderful son---a delightful boy.  I smiled as I watched him read from the Word this morning in our family Bible study.  He's become a strong reader---clearly reading the Word this morning, I was struck with the fact that the little boy in him is fading fast and is being overshadowed by the young man he's becoming.  I was struck with the fact that the days of his childhood are disappearing and are slowly being replaced by days that will be the years of his manhood.  The days of youth are relatively short when lived in obedience and a teachable spirit.  But the days of youth and the consequences of disobedience are greatly prolonged in proportion to a young man's attention to wisdom or folly.  So, we prayed for this young man as we closed our time of study and as we have prayed for him and for our other children so many, many times through the years--- we pray for wisdom and the fear of the LORD, for obedience and faithfulness, for loving kindness and self control, for patience and discretion.  We prayed for the LORD to be his All in all.  What a precious gift his life is and has been---

 A powerful sermon   

I was listening to an audio sermon by the late Keith Green this morning.  A powerful testimony---apparently a sermon he preached around 1979 from sermons originally preached by Charles Finney and Oswald Smith.  Now, I ordinarily don't blanketly recommend Finney, but there are, as with most old time preachers' sermons, nuggets of Truth in his preaching.  Finney's legalistic theological position was more extreme than Wesleyan theology and seemed to lack grace and  put salvation and works in the hands of men instead of by grace in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.   All that said, I think Keith Green's short sermons, seemingly timeless, are worth hearing---his passion for the LORD, for the lost and for righteousness was ideal.  The sermon I was hearing was entitled:  "Make my Life a Prayer for You"

November 1, 2005

 Ahhhhh... another month...   

Because this isn't a typical blog---not that there is a designated political correctness for bloggers/blogging, but in the sense that I don't use blogging software and don't have a tracking, permanent linking system, it's sort of a new slate month to month---I get a chance each month to wash the screen, so to speak, and let the previous month's blogs hang in my closet in cyber-space for others to browse should they ever want to do so, while each new month's entries can take on a fresh appearance...  of the same old things.

We had a wonderful time that past weekend with our family and friends at the annual "cider press" a couple of hours south of here.  It was fun to see old friends, have the children running around and playing all day---eating apples and hot doughnuts and drinking fresh pressed apple cider.    There were many types of apples and so the blends of juice were delicious!  It seems no two jugs were the same.  We brought home a couple of gallons... maybe a half of one remains.

So... if curiosity killed the cat and a word to the wise is sufficient and a stitch in time saves nine, then what does one say of procrastination?  So, I procrastinated regarding what to do with my longstanding email subscription service: TheWelcomeHome at Associate.com.  I used it for several years to send out messages under that same title.  I received a notice today that since I had had 120 days of inactivity (wow) that the list and all the files were in the queue to be deleted.  So, I thought I'd very promptly send out a message this morning saying something to the effect that while I had appreciated the privilege and opportunity to send out the messages and letters over the years that I would no longer be dong so and that I would simply post them (whenever written) here on the website.    In addition to all that, I shared my thanks for the privilege of mailing them all these years and so on and so on.  So I sent it.  It came back.  That was that.  I thought... wow.  In the queue means in the queue.  Now.

I regret how that went.  Months of waffling over whether to send out messages or just post them here... months of dragging my feet fearing the thoughts of a few and the ongoing procrastination came to an abrupt end.     I don't know why people like me fear what other people think so much.    I don't know why some people's opinions sometimes steer ships---but they do.  I consider this and wonder... and then I think: what can they do?  Worst case scenario is that they just verbalize their disagreement.  Well, okay.  Or another worse case scenario is that they don't verbalize their disagreement and *I* spend months wondering whether I am okay with them or not, or whether they are okay with me or not.  I think... hmmm.   So, anyway, for now, I have the distinct privilege to post articles here on our website and in a couple of magazines.  And that's a blessing.  But from now on, I will know that in the queue means: in the queue---it's history now.