365 Days of Blessings, Days 90, 91, 92, and 93
4 Days of Bountiful Blessings!
1. Homecoming always helps me look forward to my future eternal homecoming with God . . . sweet.
2. The taste of tea made in Kenya, given to me by my niece Amanda.
3. Black Lake Bible Camp.
4. Youth group road trips.
5. Awesome youth leaders.
6. Capture the flag, played it for the first time, and then again, and again!
7. Blobbing.
8. Lake swimming.
9. Putt-Putt golf.
10. Alpha worship.
11. Omega worship.
12. Singing around a campfire.
13. Roasting s'mores with homemade ingredients . . . extra yummy.
14. Having a cabin full of really organized, mature girls . . . they made my life easy as a chaperone.
15. Archery.
16. Carpetball.
17. Ultimate Frisbee.
18. The bouncy platform . . . the flat teeter-totter toy.
19. Watching others play on the teeter totter log.
20. The view of the lake from the camp cafeteria.
21. Meal-time prayers.
22. The "alert, awake, alive" song in the mornings.
23. Canoeing.
24. Paddle splash-fights.
25. Watching lake baptisms.
26. Minute to Win It Games with the youth and adults all participating.
27. Learning about The Game of L.I.F.E. with the MS youth.
28. Love - Agape, Philos, and Eros.
29. Integrity.
30. Faith.
31. Encouragement.
32. Seeing L.I.F.E. in action all weekend.
33. Being a small part of a MS skit for Sunday morning.
34. Directing/coaching a whirlwind group of MS kids for the skit . . . we had enough ideas for a two hour movie, and everyone had ideas!
35. My husband's talent for fixing cars saved the Pastor's car this weekend.
36. Riding the Jesus Bus with the MS kids, and singing part of the way home.
37. My youngest daughter's skill at making a chandelier out of paper plates and plastic cups during the minute to win it games, in front of a whole room full of chanting teenagers and adults.
38. My oldest daughter's love of making friends.
39. Human ipods on a bus ride . . . and lots of laughter.
40. This writing prompt: He called you by your real name . . .
For all these blessings and more, I give thanks and praise to God!
Scripture Blessings:
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 89
365 Days of Blessings, Day 89
1. Our Lord is unchanging. We may have moody moments, but God does not.
2. Moving from Jonah to Micah in my Bible Study. I have found a new liking for the prophets this last year.
3. On a totally different note, we made marshmallows last night!!! Very fun, sticky and sweet. They take 24 hours to "set up" kind of like how jello takes a few hours to set up, but the warm gooey sweetness of the marshmallow "dough" is really good too. And they don't have any corn syrup in them!
4. My house smells like baking this morning. I've made bread, cocoa muffins, and the first batch of graham crackers is sitting on the cooling rack. It's all gluten free, corn free, egg free, rice free, and . . . well, the graham crackers have butter in them, otherwise all that food would be dairy free too. (oh, and it's all yeast free too)
5. Three more recipes to cook, some grocery shopping, and some packing . . . and then we'll be ready for the MS Road Trip!
6. The plumber came to our house yesterday . . . we may be replacing all of our pipes. I am so glad we've saved up some money for house repairs.
7. Swimming in wonderful soothing cool water on a hot day. (yesterday)
8. The Everyday Veggie soup at Marlene's Market and Deli in Tacoma. Someday I'll have to get that recipe.
9. The cinnamony sweet taste of homemade graham cracker crumbs melting on my tongue. A cook should always try a sample and make sure it tastes right, right?
10. Really fun writing prompts from A WRITER'S BOOK OF DAYS by Judy Reeves.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hils,
and people will stream to it."
Micah 4:1
1. Our Lord is unchanging. We may have moody moments, but God does not.
2. Moving from Jonah to Micah in my Bible Study. I have found a new liking for the prophets this last year.
3. On a totally different note, we made marshmallows last night!!! Very fun, sticky and sweet. They take 24 hours to "set up" kind of like how jello takes a few hours to set up, but the warm gooey sweetness of the marshmallow "dough" is really good too. And they don't have any corn syrup in them!
4. My house smells like baking this morning. I've made bread, cocoa muffins, and the first batch of graham crackers is sitting on the cooling rack. It's all gluten free, corn free, egg free, rice free, and . . . well, the graham crackers have butter in them, otherwise all that food would be dairy free too. (oh, and it's all yeast free too)
5. Three more recipes to cook, some grocery shopping, and some packing . . . and then we'll be ready for the MS Road Trip!
6. The plumber came to our house yesterday . . . we may be replacing all of our pipes. I am so glad we've saved up some money for house repairs.
7. Swimming in wonderful soothing cool water on a hot day. (yesterday)
8. The Everyday Veggie soup at Marlene's Market and Deli in Tacoma. Someday I'll have to get that recipe.
9. The cinnamony sweet taste of homemade graham cracker crumbs melting on my tongue. A cook should always try a sample and make sure it tastes right, right?
10. Really fun writing prompts from A WRITER'S BOOK OF DAYS by Judy Reeves.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hils,
and people will stream to it."
Micah 4:1
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 88
Shared Blessings
Karen Lange of Write Now says, "Here in north central KY, we've been blessed with weather that's a little cooler. It is so refreshing after a long summer mostly in the 90's. I am looking forward to and thankful for fall!" - Thanks for sharing Karen!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 88
1. God is always present in our lives, even when we try to ignore him.
2. The book of Jonah, one of my favorite books of the Bible. I've always understood Jonah's crankiness . . . perhaps, because I'm a little cranky myself sometimes. Faith includes those moments, and works through them.
3. God directs my paths, even if it takes a rockslide barring one direction at a crossroads to get my attention.
4. My husband's willingness to drive to Eugene, OR and back home in two days, and do most of the driving touches my heart. He took pictures of my family, drove when I intended to drive, giving me the gift of time to work on my writing, and my class syllabi for the fall. He is an amazing husband - Praise God!
5. Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my Uncle Lloyd at a memorial service in Eugene, OR. I cried, and that was good. I cried more on the way home, and I know I'll cry more at each moment that I miss him, but the tears are good tears . . . not overwhelming, but a release.
6. We laughed at the Celebration of Life service too. Uncle Lloyd liked to tell stories that would make others laugh, and inspired us to do the same.
7. Two of my second cousins stood up and spoke about their loving Grandpa, and they showed their love of him with every word.
8. Family stood up and spoke. Neighbors stood up and spoke. We all had stories to tell of his love, his humor, and his sweet soul and heart that lit up our lives brighter even than the Christmas light displays he was featured in the local newspapers for putting on each year.
9. I had a chance to get to know some of my cousins and their kids all over again, and met some second cousins for the first time.
10. One comment by one of my Uncle Lloyd's neighbors just keeps reverberating in my head and it went something like this, "he didn't like seeing other people's leavings on the ground, because he loved beauty, and tried to make beauty wherever he went." and then this other comment, "he had an opinion, and I appreciated that. He was well-informed about his neighborhood, his city, his community, his state, and his nation. He didn't let anything pass by him."
There's much more I could say about yesterday, and one thing I regret . . . I didn't go to my Aunt's house yesterday afternoon, because of our long drive home. We hope to drive that way again in September, and I hope we can stop and see her again then.
Extra Blessings: A wonderful walk on the riverfront yesterday morning before the Celebration of Life service. A old willow tree overhanging the water. A path of wide stones from river's edge to a little island. Hugs from family. Conversation at the reception. Pictures. A new writing book put into use on the car drive. A fun writing prompt. A finished writing class syllabus in the rough. A finished Shakespeare class syllabus nearly polished enough to call complete. Homecoming. Dogs. Cat. My own bed. Waking with a hug from my husband. Bible Study. Prayer. Writing. Blogging. and much more I won't name in this moment.
Scripture Blessings: (continued from yesterday)
Jonah 1:4 "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up."
Jonah 1:15 "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm."
Jonah 1:17 "But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Jonah 2:1-2 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said, 'In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.'"
Jonah 3:1-3a "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Ninevah and proclaim to it the message I give you.'
Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Ninevah."
Karen Lange of Write Now says, "Here in north central KY, we've been blessed with weather that's a little cooler. It is so refreshing after a long summer mostly in the 90's. I am looking forward to and thankful for fall!" - Thanks for sharing Karen!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 88
1. God is always present in our lives, even when we try to ignore him.
2. The book of Jonah, one of my favorite books of the Bible. I've always understood Jonah's crankiness . . . perhaps, because I'm a little cranky myself sometimes. Faith includes those moments, and works through them.
3. God directs my paths, even if it takes a rockslide barring one direction at a crossroads to get my attention.
4. My husband's willingness to drive to Eugene, OR and back home in two days, and do most of the driving touches my heart. He took pictures of my family, drove when I intended to drive, giving me the gift of time to work on my writing, and my class syllabi for the fall. He is an amazing husband - Praise God!
5. Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my Uncle Lloyd at a memorial service in Eugene, OR. I cried, and that was good. I cried more on the way home, and I know I'll cry more at each moment that I miss him, but the tears are good tears . . . not overwhelming, but a release.
6. We laughed at the Celebration of Life service too. Uncle Lloyd liked to tell stories that would make others laugh, and inspired us to do the same.
7. Two of my second cousins stood up and spoke about their loving Grandpa, and they showed their love of him with every word.
8. Family stood up and spoke. Neighbors stood up and spoke. We all had stories to tell of his love, his humor, and his sweet soul and heart that lit up our lives brighter even than the Christmas light displays he was featured in the local newspapers for putting on each year.
9. I had a chance to get to know some of my cousins and their kids all over again, and met some second cousins for the first time.
10. One comment by one of my Uncle Lloyd's neighbors just keeps reverberating in my head and it went something like this, "he didn't like seeing other people's leavings on the ground, because he loved beauty, and tried to make beauty wherever he went." and then this other comment, "he had an opinion, and I appreciated that. He was well-informed about his neighborhood, his city, his community, his state, and his nation. He didn't let anything pass by him."
There's much more I could say about yesterday, and one thing I regret . . . I didn't go to my Aunt's house yesterday afternoon, because of our long drive home. We hope to drive that way again in September, and I hope we can stop and see her again then.
Extra Blessings: A wonderful walk on the riverfront yesterday morning before the Celebration of Life service. A old willow tree overhanging the water. A path of wide stones from river's edge to a little island. Hugs from family. Conversation at the reception. Pictures. A new writing book put into use on the car drive. A fun writing prompt. A finished writing class syllabus in the rough. A finished Shakespeare class syllabus nearly polished enough to call complete. Homecoming. Dogs. Cat. My own bed. Waking with a hug from my husband. Bible Study. Prayer. Writing. Blogging. and much more I won't name in this moment.
Scripture Blessings: (continued from yesterday)
Jonah 1:4 "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up."
Jonah 1:15 "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm."
Jonah 1:17 "But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Jonah 2:1-2 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said, 'In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.'"
Jonah 3:1-3a "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Ninevah and proclaim to it the message I give you.'
Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Ninevah."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 87
365 Days of Blessings, Day 87
1. God is with us wherever we go.
2. Singing the "I just wanna be a sheep, baa, baa, baa, baa" song on a road trip.
3. Singing "Fried Ham" on a road trip, even with limited enthusiasm from the back seat.
4. Spending 3 of the 5 hours on the road trip working on the rough draft of my writing class syllabus. I meant to have it finished already, but now . . . I know I have a big chunk done.
5. Car conversations.
6. Hearing my kids list off their reading accomplishments for the summer. They hadn't realized that they've read at least a dozen books in the last 8 weeks, and I think they've read a few more than that . . . we just can't remember them all.
7. Reading in the car without getting car sick.
8. My oldest daughter is backing up her desire to own a parakeet with knowledge gained from a library book, and by taking more responsible care of our dogs and cat.
9. Eating fresh blackberries right off the thorny vines in our yard.
10. A tiny frog jumped on my yougest daughter's big toe yesterday, then led us on a merry chase through the grass.
Extra Blessing: Taking a day to remember a wonderful Uncle.
What have you been blessed by lately? Back to school shopping? Fresh pencils? A camping trip? A hug from a friend?
Please share with me, and I'll post those blessings at the top of my blog.
Scripture Blessings:
"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying for the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." Jonah 1:3
Is it possible to flee from the Lord? Jonah found out that a boat ride really couldn't take him far enough. We are all blessed by God's presence in our lives. Running away just doesn't work beause God is with us wherever we go.
1. God is with us wherever we go.
2. Singing the "I just wanna be a sheep, baa, baa, baa, baa" song on a road trip.
3. Singing "Fried Ham" on a road trip, even with limited enthusiasm from the back seat.
4. Spending 3 of the 5 hours on the road trip working on the rough draft of my writing class syllabus. I meant to have it finished already, but now . . . I know I have a big chunk done.
5. Car conversations.
6. Hearing my kids list off their reading accomplishments for the summer. They hadn't realized that they've read at least a dozen books in the last 8 weeks, and I think they've read a few more than that . . . we just can't remember them all.
7. Reading in the car without getting car sick.
8. My oldest daughter is backing up her desire to own a parakeet with knowledge gained from a library book, and by taking more responsible care of our dogs and cat.
9. Eating fresh blackberries right off the thorny vines in our yard.
10. A tiny frog jumped on my yougest daughter's big toe yesterday, then led us on a merry chase through the grass.
Extra Blessing: Taking a day to remember a wonderful Uncle.
What have you been blessed by lately? Back to school shopping? Fresh pencils? A camping trip? A hug from a friend?
Please share with me, and I'll post those blessings at the top of my blog.
Scripture Blessings:
"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying for the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." Jonah 1:3
Is it possible to flee from the Lord? Jonah found out that a boat ride really couldn't take him far enough. We are all blessed by God's presence in our lives. Running away just doesn't work beause God is with us wherever we go.
Monday, August 23, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 86
365 Days of Blessings, Day 86
This post was inspired by a beautiful birthday present, a shopping trip, and a scripture verse. Check it out.
1. Receiving a beautiful outfit for my birthday – that happens to be from a really expensive store – very fashionable, and all that.
2. Visiting the “fashionable” store, finding a skirt I loved, realizing it was Dry Clean Only, and putting it back . . . restraint found in the knowledge that I never make it to the Dry Cleaners.
3. After visiting the “fashionable” store where jeans cost $100, I went to the Goodwill and bought three pairs of jeans which look almost new for $17. I think I got the better deal.
4. Being able to have “fashionable” clothes in my closet for “pretty” moments, right next to the stuff that I find comfortable.
5. I’m a homeschool, stay at home mom, writer, Sunday School teacher, dog walker and so, I get to dress comfortable. No heels and scratchy nylons.
6.Wearing pretty clothes one day, and my ultra-comfy, worn by hard use jeans with a hole in the knee the next.
7. Taking bags of clothes, toys, and books to the Goodwill, and to a Domestic Violence Shelter. I like recycling stuff that doesn’t fit us anymore.
8. For me, a fashion statement is when I wrap an extra dog leash around my waist while walking my dogs . . . the dogs appreciate it, even if no one else does.
9. Having daughters and a mom who I can rely on to tell me if something looks good, or not, when I’m wavering and unsure about a particular outfit. Does this leash belt clash with my sweat pants? Just kidding – I usually ask them about clashing patterns.
10. Realizing that the fashionable outfit is actually quite comfortable . . . should I buy more for myself? Well . . . no, I like letting my mom spoil me with birthday presents that are pretty.
Scripture for the Day:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dress like one of these. If this is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
Matthew 6:28-30
Thanks God, for clothing me so nicely! And for giving me a mom who gives me pretty things to wear, and who started taking me to the Goodwill for playclothes when I was small. You are so awesome, powerful and majestic, Lord, and yet I can trust you with the petty details of my life. Your blessings are more numerous than the grains of sand on the beach. Help me remember to praise you in all things. Amen.
-not my best worded prayer, but thankfully God knows my heart first.
This post was inspired by a beautiful birthday present, a shopping trip, and a scripture verse. Check it out.
1. Receiving a beautiful outfit for my birthday – that happens to be from a really expensive store – very fashionable, and all that.
2. Visiting the “fashionable” store, finding a skirt I loved, realizing it was Dry Clean Only, and putting it back . . . restraint found in the knowledge that I never make it to the Dry Cleaners.
3. After visiting the “fashionable” store where jeans cost $100, I went to the Goodwill and bought three pairs of jeans which look almost new for $17. I think I got the better deal.
4. Being able to have “fashionable” clothes in my closet for “pretty” moments, right next to the stuff that I find comfortable.
5. I’m a homeschool, stay at home mom, writer, Sunday School teacher, dog walker and so, I get to dress comfortable. No heels and scratchy nylons.
6.Wearing pretty clothes one day, and my ultra-comfy, worn by hard use jeans with a hole in the knee the next.
7. Taking bags of clothes, toys, and books to the Goodwill, and to a Domestic Violence Shelter. I like recycling stuff that doesn’t fit us anymore.
8. For me, a fashion statement is when I wrap an extra dog leash around my waist while walking my dogs . . . the dogs appreciate it, even if no one else does.
9. Having daughters and a mom who I can rely on to tell me if something looks good, or not, when I’m wavering and unsure about a particular outfit. Does this leash belt clash with my sweat pants? Just kidding – I usually ask them about clashing patterns.
10. Realizing that the fashionable outfit is actually quite comfortable . . . should I buy more for myself? Well . . . no, I like letting my mom spoil me with birthday presents that are pretty.
Scripture for the Day:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dress like one of these. If this is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
Matthew 6:28-30
Thanks God, for clothing me so nicely! And for giving me a mom who gives me pretty things to wear, and who started taking me to the Goodwill for playclothes when I was small. You are so awesome, powerful and majestic, Lord, and yet I can trust you with the petty details of my life. Your blessings are more numerous than the grains of sand on the beach. Help me remember to praise you in all things. Amen.
-not my best worded prayer, but thankfully God knows my heart first.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 85
365 Days of Blessings, Day 85
All in a day's walk:
1. One mile walk on a suburban country road.
2. Two dogs.
3. Three cotton-tailed rabbits.
4. Only four cars drove past me during the whole walk.
5. The rustles of wind through the poplar trees by the road.
6. The chuckle of a bird in the bushes.
7. The yellow-white light of sunrise on the horizon burning the dark clouds away. The sky is mostly blue now.
8. The feathery soft look of a cedar tree with upturned branch tips.
9. Wild grass, and bishop's weed growing tall on both sides of a white picket fence.
10. The neighborhood rose garden . . . countless roses on an embankment just above the roadway.
Scripture Blessing for the Day:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
All in a day's walk:
1. One mile walk on a suburban country road.
2. Two dogs.
3. Three cotton-tailed rabbits.
4. Only four cars drove past me during the whole walk.
5. The rustles of wind through the poplar trees by the road.
6. The chuckle of a bird in the bushes.
7. The yellow-white light of sunrise on the horizon burning the dark clouds away. The sky is mostly blue now.
8. The feathery soft look of a cedar tree with upturned branch tips.
9. Wild grass, and bishop's weed growing tall on both sides of a white picket fence.
10. The neighborhood rose garden . . . countless roses on an embankment just above the roadway.
Scripture Blessing for the Day:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
Saturday, August 21, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 84
Every week, I'll be giving out a Blessed Blog Award! If you receive this award, know that you have blessed my writing and my life by inspiring me with your words, and your insights. Please feel free to pass it on.
Today this award goes to Tamika at The Write Worship
for inspiring me to write with faith, and for blessing me with her beautiful writing about the writing life. Tamika creates beautiful word pictures that stick with me for weeks after reading her posts. Thanks for being a blessing, Tamika!
Shared Blessings:
Angie from Notes From the Writing Chair says, "Some of my blessings today: the county fair--so much fun, and our last trip to the pool before school starts next week."
Thanks for sharing Angie! I agree, the fair, and swimming are wonderful summer blessings!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 84
1. God loves us so much that he doesn't just want us to feel good, he wants us to feel good about being good. Not that we are capable of being good on our own, but with salvation through Christ and God's Holy Spirit, we can step onto the right path.
2. The book of Amos in the Bible gives a prophesy of God's righteous justice that is clear, and loving. God doesn't want his people pillaging, looting, engaged in prostitution (both physical and spiritual), trampling on the poor, raping, engaging in incest, sacrificing our children (again both physically and spiritually), and commiting other acts of violence and injustice. God loves us enough to give us forgiveness, but he also loves us enough to expect us to repent.
3. Conviction, repentence, God's forgiveness, and peace.
4. Working through a problem/disagreement with someone, and finding not only peace, but friendship as the outcome.
5. Forgiving.
6. Being forgiven.
7. Letting go of past bitterness, so the joy of the present can fill me.
8. Writing about all of the above, and keeping that focus first in my writing.
9. Writing for fun, at the same time. Is it possible? Yes.
10. Today's technology that allows me to write, think, pray, connect . . . all in in just a short moment.
Whew! All those blessings I wrote about today were a surprise to me this morning. I planned to write about my birthday blessings from yesterday, but then I read my Bible, and conviction happened.
So here are some other, extra, birthday blessings . . . like I planned to write before God's word grabbed me.
Extra/Completely different/Birthday Blessings:
1. A restful, relaxed morning.
2. Baking a cake with my daughters. Everyone helped, and we had fun.
3. 4 colors of neon icing used to make a very colorful butterfly cake.
4. Gluten-free, egg-free, corn-free, rice-free cake that tastes really good!!! Most people who are brave enough to try it, like it.
5. All the wonderful presents given to me. I can't help it . . . I like getting stuff, especially beautiful, good, thoughtful stuff.
6. All the amazing birthday wishes that came to me yesterday - in person, on the phone, here on my blog, and on facebook. Thank you everyone!
7. Dinner with family.
8. A movie with family and friends.
9. Laughter in the movie theatre, and laughter afterwards.
10. Enjoying the sweetness of a day well spent.
Scripture Blessings:
"Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants and the prophets.
The lion has raored -
who will not fear?
The Sovereign Lord has spoken -
who can but prophesy?
Proclaim to the fortresses of Ashdod
and to the fortresses of Egypt:
'Assemble yourselves on the mountains
of Samaria;
see the great unrest within her
and the oppression among her
people.
They do not know how to do right,'
declares the Lord,
'who hoard plunder and loot in
their fortresses.'"
Amos 3:8-10
Friday, August 20, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 83
Shared Blessings are Awesome! The response I received yesterday was wonderful!
Thank you all for sharing!
Shared Blessings:
1. Louise says, "Rain. LOL."
2. Melinda says, "I do enjoy watering flowers, but today (yesterday) we save both time and money."
3. Cathy says, "Friends just finding out that they are expecting babies : )
Hugs and kisses from little kids xoxoxoxo
The smell of your favorite cologne
Seeing the beauty in the freshly canned fruits and vegetables lined up on a shelf.
A loved one waiting to greet you at the airport."
4. Melinda says, "You, Tyrean are a blessing." - aww, Thanks Melinda - you are a blessing to me!
5. Susan says, "I am thankful for our friendship." - Me too!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 83
1. The Lord knit me together in my mother's womb, and created me for good works, which he has prepared for me. Wow.
2. Today's my birthday!
3. Life is good, and eternal life is better!
4. Birthday wishes and blessings from friends and family. Thank you!
5. An unwrapped birthday present on the dining room table and the tingly anticipation that comes from waiting to open it.
6. My kids' excitement for my birthday. They are so sweet!
7. My husband has today off!!!
8. Plans for dinner and movie with family and friends tonight.
9. A whole day open wide for rest, celebration, and joy.
10. Gluten-free chocolate cake, and homemade icing in neon blue, green and pink!
Extra Blessings: A singing phone text for my birthday! Thanks Melinda!!! Knowing that she can't send it to me on my phone, she sent it to my husband's work phone and he passed it to me.
Scripture Blessings:
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and that I myself may be in them." Jesus' prayer for us, in John 17:25-26 . . . the whole 17th chapter of John is his prayer for us . . . amazing stuff.
I'm postponing my Blessed Blog Award giveaway until tomorrow - hope that's ok with everyone.
Thank you all for sharing!
Shared Blessings:
1. Louise says, "Rain. LOL."
2. Melinda says, "I do enjoy watering flowers, but today (yesterday) we save both time and money."
3. Cathy says, "Friends just finding out that they are expecting babies : )
Hugs and kisses from little kids xoxoxoxo
The smell of your favorite cologne
Seeing the beauty in the freshly canned fruits and vegetables lined up on a shelf.
A loved one waiting to greet you at the airport."
4. Melinda says, "You, Tyrean are a blessing." - aww, Thanks Melinda - you are a blessing to me!
5. Susan says, "I am thankful for our friendship." - Me too!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 83
1. The Lord knit me together in my mother's womb, and created me for good works, which he has prepared for me. Wow.
2. Today's my birthday!
3. Life is good, and eternal life is better!
4. Birthday wishes and blessings from friends and family. Thank you!
5. An unwrapped birthday present on the dining room table and the tingly anticipation that comes from waiting to open it.
6. My kids' excitement for my birthday. They are so sweet!
7. My husband has today off!!!
8. Plans for dinner and movie with family and friends tonight.
9. A whole day open wide for rest, celebration, and joy.
10. Gluten-free chocolate cake, and homemade icing in neon blue, green and pink!
Extra Blessings: A singing phone text for my birthday! Thanks Melinda!!! Knowing that she can't send it to me on my phone, she sent it to my husband's work phone and he passed it to me.
Scripture Blessings:
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and that I myself may be in them." Jesus' prayer for us, in John 17:25-26 . . . the whole 17th chapter of John is his prayer for us . . . amazing stuff.
I'm postponing my Blessed Blog Award giveaway until tomorrow - hope that's ok with everyone.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 82
Shared Blessings:
I haven't heard from anyone specifically for this in a few days now . . . both here and on facebook. I could share anonymous blessings that I've overheard. I could ask my family for some ideas. However, if you've read this, I hope you will think of one blessing, one good thing, and share it with me. I'll post it tomorrow in this top spot on my blog.
Blessings are meant to be shared!
And if you can't think of something big, just think of something small, like a mustard seed.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 82
1. God's amazing gifts! (Everything!)
2. My husband turned off the alarm before it woke me up this morning . . . so I slept in for a half hour.
3. My middle aged beagle loves our older rhodesian ridgeback so much that when she didn't want to move this morning, he barked and barked at me until I came to pet both of them together downstairs.
4. Our older dog is stiff and doesn't like stairs, but she perks up for a good petting.
5. The Book of Joel in the Bible - three chapters of mourning, judgement, repentance, renewal, judgement, and salvation. Some of it is tough to read, but the thread of God's love is woven through it.
6. My Aunt Beverly's Birthday! Happy Birthday Aunt B!!! I Love You!
7. Accomplishing a task, and knowing that it's done.
8. Writing, writing, writing.
9. Butterfly wings.
10. Zebra stripes.
Scripture for the Day:
"And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all
people.
Your sons and daughters will
prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and
women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those
days."
Joel 2:28-29
I haven't heard from anyone specifically for this in a few days now . . . both here and on facebook. I could share anonymous blessings that I've overheard. I could ask my family for some ideas. However, if you've read this, I hope you will think of one blessing, one good thing, and share it with me. I'll post it tomorrow in this top spot on my blog.
Blessings are meant to be shared!
And if you can't think of something big, just think of something small, like a mustard seed.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 82
1. God's amazing gifts! (Everything!)
2. My husband turned off the alarm before it woke me up this morning . . . so I slept in for a half hour.
3. My middle aged beagle loves our older rhodesian ridgeback so much that when she didn't want to move this morning, he barked and barked at me until I came to pet both of them together downstairs.
4. Our older dog is stiff and doesn't like stairs, but she perks up for a good petting.
5. The Book of Joel in the Bible - three chapters of mourning, judgement, repentance, renewal, judgement, and salvation. Some of it is tough to read, but the thread of God's love is woven through it.
6. My Aunt Beverly's Birthday! Happy Birthday Aunt B!!! I Love You!
7. Accomplishing a task, and knowing that it's done.
8. Writing, writing, writing.
9. Butterfly wings.
10. Zebra stripes.
Scripture for the Day:
"And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all
people.
Your sons and daughters will
prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and
women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those
days."
Joel 2:28-29
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 81
Shared Blessings:
1. My youngest daughter says, "having five hotels in Monopoly!"
2. My oldest daughter says, "our new awesome company dance!"
365 Days of Blessings, Day 81
1. Answered Prayers!
2. Strength, energy, and positivity for the day, even without a full night's sleep.
3. Monopoly games that last longer than one day.
4. Being relaxed enough in my "housework" that I am ok with having a Monopoly game on the living room floor for two days running, and possibly going into a third - although I think I will be bankrupting out of the game later today.
5. Tiny pieces of joy that knit together to hold me close like a loving hug from our heavenly father.
6. The prayers, thoughts, hugs, and kindnesses of my friends and family.
7. I've been hearing from many people lately who feel that my dad is "pretty wonderful", and even "really inspiring". I happen to agree.
8. Hearing that my mom is an inspiration to all those who walk in our neighborhood, and even some who don't walk, but drive by us every day.
9. Family humor.
10. Driving home from Tap Company rehearsal, and Tap class singing "Bicycle!" with great enthusiasm and excitement for some new tap choreography.
Scripture for the Day:
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the glory of God."
1. My youngest daughter says, "having five hotels in Monopoly!"
2. My oldest daughter says, "our new awesome company dance!"
365 Days of Blessings, Day 81
1. Answered Prayers!
2. Strength, energy, and positivity for the day, even without a full night's sleep.
3. Monopoly games that last longer than one day.
4. Being relaxed enough in my "housework" that I am ok with having a Monopoly game on the living room floor for two days running, and possibly going into a third - although I think I will be bankrupting out of the game later today.
5. Tiny pieces of joy that knit together to hold me close like a loving hug from our heavenly father.
6. The prayers, thoughts, hugs, and kindnesses of my friends and family.
7. I've been hearing from many people lately who feel that my dad is "pretty wonderful", and even "really inspiring". I happen to agree.
8. Hearing that my mom is an inspiration to all those who walk in our neighborhood, and even some who don't walk, but drive by us every day.
9. Family humor.
10. Driving home from Tap Company rehearsal, and Tap class singing "Bicycle!" with great enthusiasm and excitement for some new tap choreography.
Scripture for the Day:
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the glory of God."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 80, a Memorial
365 Days of Blessings, Day 80 A Memorial
I learned late last week that my Uncle Lloyd had lung and liver cancer. He was given an estimated three weeks to live. I was shocked. Yesterday on my facebook page I asked for prayers for him, his family, and mine. A half hour later I learned he had passed away.
In my growing up years, my parents and I visited Eugene, OR to see our family there on a regular basis. For a time, we visited once a month, then we slowed our visits over the years and it became just an annual visit. As an adult, I've only visited Eugene every 2-3 years.
I've been feeling a need to visit my Aunt Beverly (Aunt B, as my cousins and I were allowed to affectionately call her) and my Uncle Lloyd for a while now, and I thought when I learned of my Uncle Lloyd's illness that I had waited too long. I was scrambling my plans to figure out how to make a visit possible, and now he's gone. I just wanted to give him one last hug, and hear his voice one more time.
So yesterday I sat down and wrote out some of the blessings God gave me through my Uncle Lloyd. It's a little different than most of my blessings posts, but I hope that's ok for today.
My uncle Lloyd
had twinkles in his eyes,
laughter tucked in his pocket with the candy he gave out,
invited us to pick strawberries from his garden, or peas, or whatever was ripe,
was known throughout the neighborhood for his friendly nature, his ability to talk politics or the weather,
helped his neighbors with yardwork,
had amazing Christmas lights,
built a beautiful swing in his yard for his grandchildren,
made his home into a licensed daycare run by my Aunt, so that his grandchildren could have a safe place of care and so that he could love on a few more kids that came their way,
always treated me with kindness, love, and respect – no matter my age. I liked that about him. Kids were always people in his eyes, people who needed love, attention, and just as much conversation as adults.
would watch cartoons with us, or Disney movies, or action movies when we got older. He could talk about Star Wars when we were into that, and sing all the songs in the Jungle Book, one of his favorites.
gave me wonderful memories of great times on sunny days and rainy ones,
had a wonderful voice, and a kind face,
loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Scripture for the day:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn, and a time to dance."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
The Bare Necessities
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life
Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin' in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life
Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue ?
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!
So just try and relax, yeah cool it
Fall apart in my backyard
'Cause let me tell you something little britches
If you act like that bee acts, uh uh
You're working too hard
And don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true
The bare necessities of life will come to you
I learned late last week that my Uncle Lloyd had lung and liver cancer. He was given an estimated three weeks to live. I was shocked. Yesterday on my facebook page I asked for prayers for him, his family, and mine. A half hour later I learned he had passed away.
In my growing up years, my parents and I visited Eugene, OR to see our family there on a regular basis. For a time, we visited once a month, then we slowed our visits over the years and it became just an annual visit. As an adult, I've only visited Eugene every 2-3 years.
I've been feeling a need to visit my Aunt Beverly (Aunt B, as my cousins and I were allowed to affectionately call her) and my Uncle Lloyd for a while now, and I thought when I learned of my Uncle Lloyd's illness that I had waited too long. I was scrambling my plans to figure out how to make a visit possible, and now he's gone. I just wanted to give him one last hug, and hear his voice one more time.
So yesterday I sat down and wrote out some of the blessings God gave me through my Uncle Lloyd. It's a little different than most of my blessings posts, but I hope that's ok for today.
My uncle Lloyd
had twinkles in his eyes,
laughter tucked in his pocket with the candy he gave out,
invited us to pick strawberries from his garden, or peas, or whatever was ripe,
was known throughout the neighborhood for his friendly nature, his ability to talk politics or the weather,
helped his neighbors with yardwork,
had amazing Christmas lights,
built a beautiful swing in his yard for his grandchildren,
made his home into a licensed daycare run by my Aunt, so that his grandchildren could have a safe place of care and so that he could love on a few more kids that came their way,
always treated me with kindness, love, and respect – no matter my age. I liked that about him. Kids were always people in his eyes, people who needed love, attention, and just as much conversation as adults.
would watch cartoons with us, or Disney movies, or action movies when we got older. He could talk about Star Wars when we were into that, and sing all the songs in the Jungle Book, one of his favorites.
gave me wonderful memories of great times on sunny days and rainy ones,
had a wonderful voice, and a kind face,
loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Scripture for the day:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn, and a time to dance."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
The Bare Necessities
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life
Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin' in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life
Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue ?
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!
So just try and relax, yeah cool it
Fall apart in my backyard
'Cause let me tell you something little britches
If you act like that bee acts, uh uh
You're working too hard
And don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true
The bare necessities of life will come to you
Monday, August 16, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 79
Shared Blessings:
Karen Lange from Write Now shared that she is thankful for electricity. She is especially thankful for her electricity coming back after a storm and a power outage.
Thanks for sharing, Karen! I agree. Electricity is amazing! I am especially thankful for light, heat, cool air on hot days, and refrigerators that keep our food edible for lengthy periods of time.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 79
1. God is present in all circumstances.
2. Waking up to see two deer outside my kitchen window, looking in at me. They decided that I wasn't interesting so they ambled on, ate a few ripe blackberries off the vine, and then had breakfast under our apple tree.
3. The size of deer ears. They are huge compared to the size of a deer's head, and then they swivel and turn at every little sound.
4. Being able to watch two "wild" creatures in my yard, although I'm glad the bear that was hanging around hasn't left any more "leavings" for us. We're hoping we don't see him . . . ever.
5. My husband's vanpool.
6. Yesterday's VBS Sunday worship.
7. My daughters going to a playdate at a "new" friend's house. New as in they've never been to her house. They've known her for a year.
8. Getting to talk allergy free food diet with someone who is genuinely interested, not horrified, and who is actually trying to figure out her daughter's excema and digestive issues via daily diet. I don't wish this kind of lifestyle on anyone, but it's good to know that we're not alone.
9. Impromptu water fights.
10. Dinner and swim time with family, and hoping that we will be doing more of it next Friday.
Scripture for the Day:
"They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Karen Lange from Write Now shared that she is thankful for electricity. She is especially thankful for her electricity coming back after a storm and a power outage.
Thanks for sharing, Karen! I agree. Electricity is amazing! I am especially thankful for light, heat, cool air on hot days, and refrigerators that keep our food edible for lengthy periods of time.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 79
1. God is present in all circumstances.
2. Waking up to see two deer outside my kitchen window, looking in at me. They decided that I wasn't interesting so they ambled on, ate a few ripe blackberries off the vine, and then had breakfast under our apple tree.
3. The size of deer ears. They are huge compared to the size of a deer's head, and then they swivel and turn at every little sound.
4. Being able to watch two "wild" creatures in my yard, although I'm glad the bear that was hanging around hasn't left any more "leavings" for us. We're hoping we don't see him . . . ever.
5. My husband's vanpool.
6. Yesterday's VBS Sunday worship.
7. My daughters going to a playdate at a "new" friend's house. New as in they've never been to her house. They've known her for a year.
8. Getting to talk allergy free food diet with someone who is genuinely interested, not horrified, and who is actually trying to figure out her daughter's excema and digestive issues via daily diet. I don't wish this kind of lifestyle on anyone, but it's good to know that we're not alone.
9. Impromptu water fights.
10. Dinner and swim time with family, and hoping that we will be doing more of it next Friday.
Scripture for the Day:
"They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Sunday, August 15, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 78
Shared Blessings:
My friend Louise says she is thankful for Pastor Art, who is celebrating his full-time ministry today at a gathering in his honor. He's retiring to part-time service, as the Lord calls him. Louise says she is thankful for Pastor Art "for being a part of my family life. For him sharing himself to the HS Youth ministry at PLC for a year and starting confirmation back up. Pastor Art will be missed greatly by many."
Thanks for sharing Louise! I'm thankful for Pastor Art too.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 78
1. God's Word is healing.
2. God wants us to return to him.
3. Swimming with friends, again!
4. Making those last summer plans for fun!
5. Taking the Martinson clan boat out of the side yard, washing it off, and seeing if it runs. (Woohoo! I think there might be waterskiing coming soon.)
6. Water, water, water, in all of it's many forms, and all of the fun we get to have with it.
7. Salamander/Newt visiting us in the yard. They are really cute, in their own way. Another watery kind of blessing.
8. Family sleeping arrangements on an rare and occassional basis - parents, kids, cat, all snuggled together with the dogs sleeping on the floor.
9. Pastor Art, a great visitation Pastor, who has inspired many of us to count our blessings, who has been a support to our lead Pastor, who has spread words of kindness as he ministers.
10. Relaxed muscles from swimming keeping the jitters at bay . . . VBS Sunday Bible Voyage departing in 90 minutes. Am I ready? Yes, but I'll be "performing/narrating" in front of the whole congregation, so a part of me gets as jittery as I get when I step up to bat for church softball and I hope I'm going to swing and hit, and not swing and miss.
Extra Blessing:
1. My Uncle Lloyd's smile.
(My Uncle Lloyd has been diagnosed with lung and liver cancer and has been given three weeks to live, so I'll be mentioning his name here as much as I can over the next few weeks.)
Website for the day: umm, facebook? Facebook
Scripture for the day:
"Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
"Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our
lips."
Hosea 14:2
My friend Louise says she is thankful for Pastor Art, who is celebrating his full-time ministry today at a gathering in his honor. He's retiring to part-time service, as the Lord calls him. Louise says she is thankful for Pastor Art "for being a part of my family life. For him sharing himself to the HS Youth ministry at PLC for a year and starting confirmation back up. Pastor Art will be missed greatly by many."
Thanks for sharing Louise! I'm thankful for Pastor Art too.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 78
1. God's Word is healing.
2. God wants us to return to him.
3. Swimming with friends, again!
4. Making those last summer plans for fun!
5. Taking the Martinson clan boat out of the side yard, washing it off, and seeing if it runs. (Woohoo! I think there might be waterskiing coming soon.)
6. Water, water, water, in all of it's many forms, and all of the fun we get to have with it.
7. Salamander/Newt visiting us in the yard. They are really cute, in their own way. Another watery kind of blessing.
8. Family sleeping arrangements on an rare and occassional basis - parents, kids, cat, all snuggled together with the dogs sleeping on the floor.
9. Pastor Art, a great visitation Pastor, who has inspired many of us to count our blessings, who has been a support to our lead Pastor, who has spread words of kindness as he ministers.
10. Relaxed muscles from swimming keeping the jitters at bay . . . VBS Sunday Bible Voyage departing in 90 minutes. Am I ready? Yes, but I'll be "performing/narrating" in front of the whole congregation, so a part of me gets as jittery as I get when I step up to bat for church softball and I hope I'm going to swing and hit, and not swing and miss.
Extra Blessing:
1. My Uncle Lloyd's smile.
(My Uncle Lloyd has been diagnosed with lung and liver cancer and has been given three weeks to live, so I'll be mentioning his name here as much as I can over the next few weeks.)
Website for the day: umm, facebook? Facebook
Scripture for the day:
"Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
"Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our
lips."
Hosea 14:2
Saturday, August 14, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 77
Shared Blessings:
1. Cathy Nelson, my first Sunday School teacher, and a wonderful mentor, recently returned from a mission trip to Finetown, South Africa. In her recent posts on facebook, she has shared the amazing ministry of "Mama's house." As she says, "Mama has 10 foster children who live with her and her house is the gathering place for the 15 caregivers who live and volunteer their time in the informal settlement community of Finetown. With only a bare minimum of supplies they serve as visiting nurses to the sick who have HIV/AIDS, TB, diabetes, heart conditions, etc. They deliver their medications, record their health conditions and educate the patients about their illnesses. There is also a soup kitchen here that Mama operates several days a week. What a woman!"
Thank you for letting me share some of your blessings, Cathy!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 77
1. God's Word confronts us with our sin, and then brings peace with salvation.
2. We've been given enough to share with others.
3. Sharing can be fun, joyful, and life-changing.
4. Looking through shaded pines and firs to see a Madrona in full sunlight, curving into the blue sky.
5. The friendly "Mrrrow" of my cat.
6. The thump of my Rhodesian Ridgeback's tail.
7. The white-tipped banner of my Beagle's tale. He doesn't wag it as much as hold it really high when he's happy.
8. Bright, colorful art by Mary Engelbreit.
9. Waking up in the cool, quiet mornings, and knowing my family is nearby, sleeping peacefully.
10. Contentment, that strangely elusive feeling that settles for a moment in my soul, and then . . . well, I find that I need to be up and about my business for the day.
Extra Writing Blessing for the day: The itch of a story in the back of my mind, gaining my attention moment by moment as I prepare for my writing time.
Website for the day: Confident Writing
Scripture for the Day:
"'How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zebolim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man --
the Holy one among you.
I will not come in wrath.
They will follow the Lord;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling
from the west.
They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes,'
declares the Lord."
Hosea 11:8-11
1. Cathy Nelson, my first Sunday School teacher, and a wonderful mentor, recently returned from a mission trip to Finetown, South Africa. In her recent posts on facebook, she has shared the amazing ministry of "Mama's house." As she says, "Mama has 10 foster children who live with her and her house is the gathering place for the 15 caregivers who live and volunteer their time in the informal settlement community of Finetown. With only a bare minimum of supplies they serve as visiting nurses to the sick who have HIV/AIDS, TB, diabetes, heart conditions, etc. They deliver their medications, record their health conditions and educate the patients about their illnesses. There is also a soup kitchen here that Mama operates several days a week. What a woman!"
Thank you for letting me share some of your blessings, Cathy!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 77
1. God's Word confronts us with our sin, and then brings peace with salvation.
2. We've been given enough to share with others.
3. Sharing can be fun, joyful, and life-changing.
4. Looking through shaded pines and firs to see a Madrona in full sunlight, curving into the blue sky.
5. The friendly "Mrrrow" of my cat.
6. The thump of my Rhodesian Ridgeback's tail.
7. The white-tipped banner of my Beagle's tale. He doesn't wag it as much as hold it really high when he's happy.
8. Bright, colorful art by Mary Engelbreit.
9. Waking up in the cool, quiet mornings, and knowing my family is nearby, sleeping peacefully.
10. Contentment, that strangely elusive feeling that settles for a moment in my soul, and then . . . well, I find that I need to be up and about my business for the day.
Extra Writing Blessing for the day: The itch of a story in the back of my mind, gaining my attention moment by moment as I prepare for my writing time.
Website for the day: Confident Writing
Scripture for the Day:
"'How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zebolim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man --
the Holy one among you.
I will not come in wrath.
They will follow the Lord;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling
from the west.
They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes,'
declares the Lord."
Hosea 11:8-11
Friday, August 13, 2010
365 Days of Blessings, Day 76
Every Friday, I'll be giving out a Blessed Blog Award! If you receive this award, know that you have blessed my writing and my life by inspiring me with your words, and your insights. Please feel free to pass it on.
Today this award goes to Brandon Barr at: Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Suspense for his awesome edit of one page of my story, "Chameleon" in yesterday's edition of Edit Me Thursday. I appreciate Brandon's posts on writing, his reviews, and his interviews. He has a positive, helpful approach. Thanks Brandon!
Shared Blessings:
1. Sharon, Bible Voyage Drama Queen Extraordinaire, said earlier today, "hearing kids repeat the Bible stories and Bible points, and knowing that they really are getting them."
365 Days of Blessings, Day 76
1. God's Word is for Everyone! Let's Go!!! Bible Point for Day 5 of VBS.
2. VBS week has been fun, but I'm ready to get back to "regular" life.
3. VBS Sunday is in two days, the script is written, and I think we are ready to go.
4. We had two great helpers in the Bible Voyage area this week, and they are sweet kids/boys/young men at age 11. What do you call them at 11? Kids? Boys? Young men? Young guys?
5. Being asked if I can/am/want to go on the MS road trip . . . still thinking about it, but I like being asked.
6. Beautiful sunshine with a playful breeze!
7. Time to rest.
8. My Dad's voice, outside the door, just now.
9. My parents in their scooter gear.
10. My Uncle Lloyd, with his twinkling eyes, candy at the ready, and laughter closely tucked into his pockets.
Scripture for the Day: "Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the Earth you created." Psalm 119:90
Thursday, August 12, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 75
Shared Blessings are Awesome!
Shared Blessings for today:
1. Angie Lofthouse of Notes From the Writing Chair says, "going swimming with the kids, and enjoying the last few days of summer." Sounds wonderful Angie! I hope to swim with my kids today too.
2. Cathy Nelson, my first Sunday School teacher and mentor, is home from her mission trip and is thankful for her experiences. I'll probably be mentioning more stuff about her, and her trip in the days ahead. Cathy has an amazing heart for God, and God's children.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 75
1. God's Word is life changing! Let's Go! (VBS Bible Point, Day 4)
2. Having a talented, self-proclaimed "ham" actor join us for VBS Day 3, as Paul. He portrayed Paul's snake bite experience on the island of Malta with great enthusiasm, and had all the kids shrieking with laughter and excitement, and then he was able to slow them down and talk about God being the only true God, able to heal us.
3. Swimming into the Bible Voyage session with each crew of 25 gave my arms a good work out yesterday. We were only pretend swimming, but . . . I think swimming in air with great enthusiastic strokes is probably just as hard as actual swimming.
4. Planning to swim "for real" today after VBS.
5. Looking forward to VBS Sunday, when the whole congregation gets to experience some of the fun.
6. Reading Sunday School Curriculum ahead of time.
7. Resting in the afternoons during VBS week.
8. The VBS craft boat that really floats.
9. Reading the September line up for Every Day Poets, and seeing my poem in place for September 25th!
10. Looking forward to reading Brandon Barr's edit of one page of my story, "Chameleon" at Edit Me Thursday today, at his blog, Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Suspense Thanks Brandon!!!
Website/Blog for the day: Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Suspense
Scripture for the day: "Give me life through your word." Psalm 119:37 VBS Scripture for Day 4
Shared Blessings for today:
1. Angie Lofthouse of Notes From the Writing Chair says, "going swimming with the kids, and enjoying the last few days of summer." Sounds wonderful Angie! I hope to swim with my kids today too.
2. Cathy Nelson, my first Sunday School teacher and mentor, is home from her mission trip and is thankful for her experiences. I'll probably be mentioning more stuff about her, and her trip in the days ahead. Cathy has an amazing heart for God, and God's children.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 75
1. God's Word is life changing! Let's Go! (VBS Bible Point, Day 4)
2. Having a talented, self-proclaimed "ham" actor join us for VBS Day 3, as Paul. He portrayed Paul's snake bite experience on the island of Malta with great enthusiasm, and had all the kids shrieking with laughter and excitement, and then he was able to slow them down and talk about God being the only true God, able to heal us.
3. Swimming into the Bible Voyage session with each crew of 25 gave my arms a good work out yesterday. We were only pretend swimming, but . . . I think swimming in air with great enthusiastic strokes is probably just as hard as actual swimming.
4. Planning to swim "for real" today after VBS.
5. Looking forward to VBS Sunday, when the whole congregation gets to experience some of the fun.
6. Reading Sunday School Curriculum ahead of time.
7. Resting in the afternoons during VBS week.
8. The VBS craft boat that really floats.
9. Reading the September line up for Every Day Poets, and seeing my poem in place for September 25th!
10. Looking forward to reading Brandon Barr's edit of one page of my story, "Chameleon" at Edit Me Thursday today, at his blog, Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Suspense Thanks Brandon!!!
Website/Blog for the day: Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Suspense
Scripture for the day: "Give me life through your word." Psalm 119:37 VBS Scripture for Day 4
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 74
Blessings, when shared, seem to grow like the seeds that fall and grow into mighty cedar trees.
If you're feeling blessed today, please share those blessings! We often take time to complain, but today, let's take the time to praise, and say thanks!
Shared Blessings: Normally I make sure I have permission to share blessings, but because I love these ones so much, and because I'm going to share them anonymously, I hope it's ok.
A friend from church said: "Loving VBS! What a blessing!"
And another friend said: "A blessed morning at VBS. A nap with her husband. The sun peeking through the clouds. Dinner on the waterfront with her family."
365 Days of Blessings, Day 74
1. God's word is surprising! "Let's Go!" - VBS Daily Bible Point, Day 3.
2. Pretending to be in a storm at sea, and then preparing to jump overboard with big groups of kids.
3. Reading the real sailing adventures of Paul in Acts 27 out loud with big groups of kids.
4. Seeing two young men/older boys start stretching their wings as VBS leaders.
5. Making blue jello for today's snack, and finding out that my daughters aren't sure they like it . . . sounds like a non-blessing, but sometimes finding out that we don't like everything everyone else eats is a blessing for those of us with massive food intolerances. Gee, maybe we aren't so sad not to eat all that stuff we can't eat.
6. Having a night out with my husband, and talking about VBS, our kids, work, and our dreams for the future.
7. Dinner and a movie. That's what we did on our first date, and that's what we fall back on for many of our anniversary dates. It's casual, but we like it. Plus, we made sure we had lots of time to talk.
8. The dreams for the future conversation still continues . . .even in the midst of preparing for our day, finding our clothes - oops, haven't been keeping up with laundry - and doing all the regular stuff.
9. My husbands hair. Ok, sounds odd, but I like his curls, and I like the fact that he thinks its fun to put it up into a "faux hawk" now and again.
10. 14 years and one day of marriage with the man I love.
Extra blessing: My husband's sense of humor . . . he's joking about "old man socks that need straps to hold them up" this morning.
Website for the day: The Humane Society
All of our animals have either been rescue animals, or given to us as "extras" from people who couldn't keep them. They are loveable, wonderful additions to our family.
Scripture for the Day (from VBS): "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths of your instructions." Psalm 119:18
If you're feeling blessed today, please share those blessings! We often take time to complain, but today, let's take the time to praise, and say thanks!
Shared Blessings: Normally I make sure I have permission to share blessings, but because I love these ones so much, and because I'm going to share them anonymously, I hope it's ok.
A friend from church said: "Loving VBS! What a blessing!"
And another friend said: "A blessed morning at VBS. A nap with her husband. The sun peeking through the clouds. Dinner on the waterfront with her family."
365 Days of Blessings, Day 74
1. God's word is surprising! "Let's Go!" - VBS Daily Bible Point, Day 3.
2. Pretending to be in a storm at sea, and then preparing to jump overboard with big groups of kids.
3. Reading the real sailing adventures of Paul in Acts 27 out loud with big groups of kids.
4. Seeing two young men/older boys start stretching their wings as VBS leaders.
5. Making blue jello for today's snack, and finding out that my daughters aren't sure they like it . . . sounds like a non-blessing, but sometimes finding out that we don't like everything everyone else eats is a blessing for those of us with massive food intolerances. Gee, maybe we aren't so sad not to eat all that stuff we can't eat.
6. Having a night out with my husband, and talking about VBS, our kids, work, and our dreams for the future.
7. Dinner and a movie. That's what we did on our first date, and that's what we fall back on for many of our anniversary dates. It's casual, but we like it. Plus, we made sure we had lots of time to talk.
8. The dreams for the future conversation still continues . . .even in the midst of preparing for our day, finding our clothes - oops, haven't been keeping up with laundry - and doing all the regular stuff.
9. My husbands hair. Ok, sounds odd, but I like his curls, and I like the fact that he thinks its fun to put it up into a "faux hawk" now and again.
10. 14 years and one day of marriage with the man I love.
Extra blessing: My husband's sense of humor . . . he's joking about "old man socks that need straps to hold them up" this morning.
Website for the day: The Humane Society
All of our animals have either been rescue animals, or given to us as "extras" from people who couldn't keep them. They are loveable, wonderful additions to our family.
Scripture for the Day (from VBS): "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths of your instructions." Psalm 119:18
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Extra Special Anniversary Blessings!!!
My husband John, pictured with Aleta, at the Dolphin Research Center in 2009.
In addition to my usual blessing post, I just have to say, that I have been
extra blessed by the most wonderful man in the world, my husband.
I've written him a poem, and bought him a card, but neither of those come close to showing how thankful I am to have him as my best friend, lover, dream-partner, and father of our two sweet girls.
Thank you Lord for giving me such a great guy!
Thank you John for being my one and only!
If you've been blessed in marriage, give your spouse and extra hug and kiss today.
If you haven't been yet, know that God has you covered. He'll send the right person at the right time.
365 Days of Blessings - Day 73
Shared Blessings are Awesome! Please feel free to share some with your friends, your family, and everyone you meet. Plus, if you share them here, they'll be posted here.
Shared Blessings:
1. Louise, a friend of mine, said, "fishing, fishing, fishing!" She's on a fishing trip, and having a great time!
2. Angie, a sweet blog friend, said, "Everyone had a good time at the Mother/Daughter camp and no one got sick, lost or hurt while she was in charge! Plus, her oldest son is a senior and is all set to go on big things!" Both of those are awesome blessings, Angie! Check out her cool writing blog at Notes From the Writing Chair
Thank you for sharing Louise and Angie!!!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 723(from me)
1. God's Word is Comforting!!! Let's Go! (VBS Bible Point, Day 2)
2. Having fun while sharing God's word in an interactive way with groups of 20+ kids and leaders for four rotations yesterday morning.
3. Having a great partner for Bible Voyages - interactive drama storytelling of the Bible.
4. Having extra time in the script so we can actually open up the Bible and read the "real" story from the source.
5. Having two enthusiastic helpers for Bible Voyages this year. This is a first! We have helpers who want to run the sound cues, help with special affects, and even take a few lines!!!
6. 120 kids plus adult and teen helpers, singing praises to God on a Monday morning . . . and later today too!
7. My oldest daughter had a great time as a pre-school crew leader!
8. My youngest daughter had fun being a camper.
9. My husband took lots of pictures and got to make kids laugh . . . one of his favorite past-times.
10. My mom, whom everyone calls "so cute and energetic" helped lead a crew yesterday and had a great time too.
Extra Blessing: Today we get to tell the story of one of Paul's shipwreck experiences. Yesterday, if you wanted to know the answer to my hints: I played Rhoda, and the story was from Acts 12, when Peter escaped from Prison.
Website for the day: Adam-rado on Youtube
This is a video from youtube, of the "Adam-rado" song, written for our church softball coach and team, and performed by two softball players.
VBS Scripture Verse for the day: "Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Psalm 119:50
Shared Blessings:
1. Louise, a friend of mine, said, "fishing, fishing, fishing!" She's on a fishing trip, and having a great time!
2. Angie, a sweet blog friend, said, "Everyone had a good time at the Mother/Daughter camp and no one got sick, lost or hurt while she was in charge! Plus, her oldest son is a senior and is all set to go on big things!" Both of those are awesome blessings, Angie! Check out her cool writing blog at Notes From the Writing Chair
Thank you for sharing Louise and Angie!!!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 723(from me)
1. God's Word is Comforting!!! Let's Go! (VBS Bible Point, Day 2)
2. Having fun while sharing God's word in an interactive way with groups of 20+ kids and leaders for four rotations yesterday morning.
3. Having a great partner for Bible Voyages - interactive drama storytelling of the Bible.
4. Having extra time in the script so we can actually open up the Bible and read the "real" story from the source.
5. Having two enthusiastic helpers for Bible Voyages this year. This is a first! We have helpers who want to run the sound cues, help with special affects, and even take a few lines!!!
6. 120 kids plus adult and teen helpers, singing praises to God on a Monday morning . . . and later today too!
7. My oldest daughter had a great time as a pre-school crew leader!
8. My youngest daughter had fun being a camper.
9. My husband took lots of pictures and got to make kids laugh . . . one of his favorite past-times.
10. My mom, whom everyone calls "so cute and energetic" helped lead a crew yesterday and had a great time too.
Extra Blessing: Today we get to tell the story of one of Paul's shipwreck experiences. Yesterday, if you wanted to know the answer to my hints: I played Rhoda, and the story was from Acts 12, when Peter escaped from Prison.
Website for the day: Adam-rado on Youtube
This is a video from youtube, of the "Adam-rado" song, written for our church softball coach and team, and performed by two softball players.
VBS Scripture Verse for the day: "Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Psalm 119:50
Sunday, August 8, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 72, and Sharing!
Shared Blessings are wonderful! When we share blessings, we multiply them into an infinite number that can't be counted.
So do you have blessings to share? If you do, please share them in the comment section and I'll post them the next day in Shared Blessings.
Shared Blessings:
1. Shannon said she is thankful for healthy children, a good dog, an occassional cool day during a hot summer, coffee, and the world's greatest mother-in-law! Thank you for sharing, Shannon! Shannon has a blog called Book Dreaming - check it out!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 72
1. God's Word is a treasure!
2. God's Word is true!
3. "Adam-rado" - a song written by Mickey, dedicated to Coach Adam from PLC's God Squad 2 softball team, sung to the tune of Desperado, and heard by everyone after church on Sunday. Laughter, fun, and great fellowship . . . perfect.
4. The Wednesday night prayer group at our church . . . sure, I know it's not Wednesday, but this particular group of people has blessed our congregation with constant prayer during a financial and congregational crisis this summer. They are wonderful.
5. The dedicated organizational skills of Jordan, the director of VBS at our church. I've probably mentioned them before, but his skills and his love for the Lord impress me, would be impressive for anyone of any age, and he's 22. 22, with a better handle on stuff than some of us who are much older. Of course, he has a super mom and super dad encouraging him every step of the way.
6. Being a part of a small group of people gathered around someone hurting in our church last night. I wish she wasn't hurting, but I'm glad we can be there to tell her that she is loved.
7. Giving my husband big, squeezy hugs because I am so thankful that he is who he is, and he's mine. (well, he belongs to God first, and then he's mine)
8. Waking up early to write!!! I'm only getting in around 250 words a day on my WIP at this moment, but I'm getting a little done eacy day.
9. Getting ready to wear Bible times clothes today, and carry a heavy chain. Do you know which Bible story I'll be re-telling today?
10. The many blessings of facebook friends.
Scripture for the day: "But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true." Psalm 119:151 VBS Scripture for thd day.
Website for the day: Peninsula Lutheran Church - where VBS starts today, at 9a.m.
So do you have blessings to share? If you do, please share them in the comment section and I'll post them the next day in Shared Blessings.
Shared Blessings:
1. Shannon said she is thankful for healthy children, a good dog, an occassional cool day during a hot summer, coffee, and the world's greatest mother-in-law! Thank you for sharing, Shannon! Shannon has a blog called Book Dreaming - check it out!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 72
1. God's Word is a treasure!
2. God's Word is true!
3. "Adam-rado" - a song written by Mickey, dedicated to Coach Adam from PLC's God Squad 2 softball team, sung to the tune of Desperado, and heard by everyone after church on Sunday. Laughter, fun, and great fellowship . . . perfect.
4. The Wednesday night prayer group at our church . . . sure, I know it's not Wednesday, but this particular group of people has blessed our congregation with constant prayer during a financial and congregational crisis this summer. They are wonderful.
5. The dedicated organizational skills of Jordan, the director of VBS at our church. I've probably mentioned them before, but his skills and his love for the Lord impress me, would be impressive for anyone of any age, and he's 22. 22, with a better handle on stuff than some of us who are much older. Of course, he has a super mom and super dad encouraging him every step of the way.
6. Being a part of a small group of people gathered around someone hurting in our church last night. I wish she wasn't hurting, but I'm glad we can be there to tell her that she is loved.
7. Giving my husband big, squeezy hugs because I am so thankful that he is who he is, and he's mine. (well, he belongs to God first, and then he's mine)
8. Waking up early to write!!! I'm only getting in around 250 words a day on my WIP at this moment, but I'm getting a little done eacy day.
9. Getting ready to wear Bible times clothes today, and carry a heavy chain. Do you know which Bible story I'll be re-telling today?
10. The many blessings of facebook friends.
Scripture for the day: "But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true." Psalm 119:151 VBS Scripture for thd day.
Website for the day: Peninsula Lutheran Church - where VBS starts today, at 9a.m.
365 Days of Blessings - Day 71
Do you have blessings in your life that you would be willing to share here at my blog?
I would love to hear them, and if possible post them in my shared blessings section. The Shared Blessings section has been a spot at the end of my posts for a week or so now, made in the hope of encouraging others to share their blessings.
If you have some that you wouldn't mind sharing, please post them in the comment section or e-mail me.
For the next few weeks, the Shared Blessings are going to be right here at the top of my blog. I would love to hear from you. What has blessed your life lately?
Shared Blessings:
1. My husband is thankful for having good enough health to play the last softball game of the season yesterday. We had a great time at the game.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 71 (from me)
1. God set aside a day for rest. Thanks God!
2. A really fun, hard fought softball game. We lost, it rained on us, but we cheered for each other, and ended the season with smiles.
3. My husband played yesterday and had fun sliding into third base. Why does he slide? Because that is just the kind of player he is . . . and thankfully his back is good enough that he isn't limping around because of it.
4. Taking all of yesterday afternoon as a rest stop for myself and my daughters. We snuggled, and read our library books all afternoon.
5. My husband installed a used dishwasher to replace our really old one, and it works so far.
6. Thankfully, after the game, and the dishwasher, my husband took some time and rested around the house and then went and cheered for a few more softball teams that were still in the tournament last night.
7. Our dogs and our cat are always happy to see us get going in the morning.
8. Hot water for cereal, tea, and anything needed. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, not every place in the world has clean water of any kind. Our country is so blessed.
9. Bananas, just getting the brown spots that mark them as perfectly ripe (for my tastes anyway).
10. Windows. They open our eyes to the world around us.
Website for the day: World Vision International One of many places that is working to give people clean water, food, long term training programs, education, and hope. They save children from diseases related to unclean drinking water, and young girls and women from sexual human trafficking. Check out their website, and make a difference in someone's life. I know I sound like a commercial, but I really believe that the work they do is worthwhile.
Scripture Blessings:
"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgement of God rather
than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
I would love to hear them, and if possible post them in my shared blessings section. The Shared Blessings section has been a spot at the end of my posts for a week or so now, made in the hope of encouraging others to share their blessings.
If you have some that you wouldn't mind sharing, please post them in the comment section or e-mail me.
For the next few weeks, the Shared Blessings are going to be right here at the top of my blog. I would love to hear from you. What has blessed your life lately?
Shared Blessings:
1. My husband is thankful for having good enough health to play the last softball game of the season yesterday. We had a great time at the game.
365 Days of Blessings, Day 71 (from me)
1. God set aside a day for rest. Thanks God!
2. A really fun, hard fought softball game. We lost, it rained on us, but we cheered for each other, and ended the season with smiles.
3. My husband played yesterday and had fun sliding into third base. Why does he slide? Because that is just the kind of player he is . . . and thankfully his back is good enough that he isn't limping around because of it.
4. Taking all of yesterday afternoon as a rest stop for myself and my daughters. We snuggled, and read our library books all afternoon.
5. My husband installed a used dishwasher to replace our really old one, and it works so far.
6. Thankfully, after the game, and the dishwasher, my husband took some time and rested around the house and then went and cheered for a few more softball teams that were still in the tournament last night.
7. Our dogs and our cat are always happy to see us get going in the morning.
8. Hot water for cereal, tea, and anything needed. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, not every place in the world has clean water of any kind. Our country is so blessed.
9. Bananas, just getting the brown spots that mark them as perfectly ripe (for my tastes anyway).
10. Windows. They open our eyes to the world around us.
Website for the day: World Vision International One of many places that is working to give people clean water, food, long term training programs, education, and hope. They save children from diseases related to unclean drinking water, and young girls and women from sexual human trafficking. Check out their website, and make a difference in someone's life. I know I sound like a commercial, but I really believe that the work they do is worthwhile.
Scripture Blessings:
"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgement of God rather
than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
Saturday, August 7, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 70
365 Days of Blessings, Day 70
1. God is above, beyond, and yet in, all of time. He's not constrained by our clocks, but he is present with us in the moment.
2. I have just enough time today to do all that is before me, including loving on my family.
3. My husband's back is recovering from his injury!!! Lots of ice, and chiropractic care have him back on his feet and wanting to play church softball.
4. I have time to write!!!
5. I have time to plan.
6. I have time to stretch, before I go to the church softball game in less than two hours.
7. Church softball play-offs continue today, and we could play one game, or we could play all day. It depends on how many, if any, rounds we win.
8. Professional help came to our house yesterday, to give us an estimate on the price of fixing the mess we uncovered in our bathrooms. The best news is . . . he's a gentleman from our church, and we trust him. Otherwise, well . . . we could be dealing with asbestos removal at the worst, and mold removal, and . . . well, the bathrooms need more help than we realized when we took off that first bit of tile, and then the tub, and then the linoleum . . . and part of the wall, and . . . you get the idea. Having someone we trust give us an estimate is really important.
9. I feel blessed in this moment, as if the very air around me, and the sights I see, are sacred . . . even though I'm sitting at my kitchen table surrounded by scribbled notes, VBS scripts, my Bible, and one of my husband's video cameras, looking out the window on a green treed and gray cloud sky.
10. Spiritual retreats are cool when they are someplace majestically beautiful, but they are wonderful in the here and now of every day life too.
Shared Blessings:
1. My husband says that his chiropractor has been a huge blessing to him this week.
2. My husband also says that, Aaron, a gentleman from our softball team has been a blessing to him, by encouraging him and keeping him positive.
Blog/Website Blessings:
Gig Harbor Church Softball League You may notice that we don't actually play today until 10:30, but our coach wants us there by 9:30 to practice before the game. We have a half old, half young team, and we need time to get our older bones working in the right direction.
Scripture Blessings for the day: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen."
Psalm 41:13
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'" Revelation 1:8
"Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?'
God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:13-14
1. God is above, beyond, and yet in, all of time. He's not constrained by our clocks, but he is present with us in the moment.
2. I have just enough time today to do all that is before me, including loving on my family.
3. My husband's back is recovering from his injury!!! Lots of ice, and chiropractic care have him back on his feet and wanting to play church softball.
4. I have time to write!!!
5. I have time to plan.
6. I have time to stretch, before I go to the church softball game in less than two hours.
7. Church softball play-offs continue today, and we could play one game, or we could play all day. It depends on how many, if any, rounds we win.
8. Professional help came to our house yesterday, to give us an estimate on the price of fixing the mess we uncovered in our bathrooms. The best news is . . . he's a gentleman from our church, and we trust him. Otherwise, well . . . we could be dealing with asbestos removal at the worst, and mold removal, and . . . well, the bathrooms need more help than we realized when we took off that first bit of tile, and then the tub, and then the linoleum . . . and part of the wall, and . . . you get the idea. Having someone we trust give us an estimate is really important.
9. I feel blessed in this moment, as if the very air around me, and the sights I see, are sacred . . . even though I'm sitting at my kitchen table surrounded by scribbled notes, VBS scripts, my Bible, and one of my husband's video cameras, looking out the window on a green treed and gray cloud sky.
10. Spiritual retreats are cool when they are someplace majestically beautiful, but they are wonderful in the here and now of every day life too.
Shared Blessings:
1. My husband says that his chiropractor has been a huge blessing to him this week.
2. My husband also says that, Aaron, a gentleman from our softball team has been a blessing to him, by encouraging him and keeping him positive.
Blog/Website Blessings:
Gig Harbor Church Softball League You may notice that we don't actually play today until 10:30, but our coach wants us there by 9:30 to practice before the game. We have a half old, half young team, and we need time to get our older bones working in the right direction.
Scripture Blessings for the day: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen."
Psalm 41:13
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'" Revelation 1:8
"Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?'
God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:13-14
Friday, August 6, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 69
Every Friday, I'll be giving out a Blessed Blog Award! If you receive this award, know that you have blessed my writing and my life by inspiring me with your words, and your insights. Please feel free to pass it on.
Today, this award goes to Karen Lange of Write Now. Karen's posts reflect an attitude of gratitude, and an acknowledgement of blessing in her life. She also inspires me with great writing tips, encouraging words, and links to sites with help for writers. Thank you for being a blessing Karen!
And now, the list of some of my other blessings:
365 Days of Blessings, Day 69
1. "God's Word is For Everyone!" - "Let's Go!!!" (from VBS script)
2. Finished typing up the VBS script for Day 5. The format we get it in is hard to read on the go, so we re-type it up, put it in big print, and try to memorize it as we type, read, practice, and then . . . we're into the week and running around with big print scripts in our hand, hoping we don't forget anything.
3. Our church has an awesome VBS leader, who also happens to be our MS youth leader.
4. Being able to be a part of the Bible Voyage section of VBS. I get to work with a fun partner, and I get to tell Bible stories in an active, adventure format. Fun stuff.
5. My oldest daughter gets to be a helper for VBS this year. She is excited, and yet is missing being one of the "campers."
6. Singing VBS songs.
7. Having the "insider" knowledge of VBS beforehand - knowing what crafts will be made, snacks eaten, Bible Verses and Bible points, and even seeing the costume our VBS leader will be wearing.
8. Being able to go with something a little less elaborate than our VBS leader for a costume. I'll be going on a High Seas VBS Voyage in Gilligan style - red shirt, white pants, sailor hat.
9. My husband gets to take mornings off of his work to help with VBS. He'll be taking pictures and putting them into a picture presentation, as well as helping leaders understand how to run the "Chadder's Theatre" video presentation.
10. Our whole household, and my parents who live next door, will be either helping with VBS, or going to VBS as a camper.
Shared Blessings: Louise, a friend of mine, says she feels blessed by my posts, and looks forward to reading them every morning. Wow. Thanks Louise!!!
Please feel free to share your own blessings from life, either here or everywhere you go! Sharing blessings is fun!
Scripture for the day: "They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 68
365 Days of Blessings, Day 68
1. God loves us so much that he loves us through our faithlessness, and into our faithfulness.
2. Counting up my blessings, and developing an attitude of gratitude has made me more aware of the positive attitudes and thankfulness of others around me.
3. A blog post that centers on positivity aka positive thinking and how it shapes our lives: What Do You Think About?
4. A blog post that takes time to give thanks and share blessings: Thanks and Blessings
5. A gentleman in our neighborhood who walks at the same time we do, and he is always friendly, always encouraging, always has as my mom puts it "holiness" around him. We found out that he is a retired Pastor yesterday . . . and it seemed like everything clicked. Yes, "they'll know we are Christians by our love."
6. My older dog may walk stiffly, have trouble with stairs, and lay down with a groan, but when it is time to walk she is up and prancing around as if all the aches and years are gone.
7. The shape of a cat, curled in sleep with her tail over her nose.
8. Hearing over and over again in the last few days that my Dad is an inspiration to others. I wonder if he knows. I defiinitely have to tell him. He's always been an inspiration to me.
9. My daughters taught me how to do a Maxi Ford with a jump rope yesterday. (A Maxi Ford is a tap step that includes a jump/leap, shuffle, jump, toe.)
10. Reading Song of Songs and the book of Hosea simultaneously gives me a complex, challenging, and yet sweet picture of how intimately and how amazingly God loves each of us, and all of his people.
Shared Blessings:
My mom is thankful that we are "prisoners of hope" like it means in Zephaniah 9:12 and she is thankful that Christ died for us.
Website for the Day: Haruah: Breath of Heaven
Scriptures for the Day:
"My lover spoke and said to me,
'Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Fowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.'"
Song of Songs 2:10-12
"'Therefore I am now going to allure
her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak tenderly to her.
there I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor
a door of hope.
There she will sing as in the days of
her youth,
as in the day she came up out of
Egypt.
In that day,' declares the Lord,
'you will call me husband;
you will no longer call me my master.'"
Hosea 2:14-16
1. God loves us so much that he loves us through our faithlessness, and into our faithfulness.
2. Counting up my blessings, and developing an attitude of gratitude has made me more aware of the positive attitudes and thankfulness of others around me.
3. A blog post that centers on positivity aka positive thinking and how it shapes our lives: What Do You Think About?
4. A blog post that takes time to give thanks and share blessings: Thanks and Blessings
5. A gentleman in our neighborhood who walks at the same time we do, and he is always friendly, always encouraging, always has as my mom puts it "holiness" around him. We found out that he is a retired Pastor yesterday . . . and it seemed like everything clicked. Yes, "they'll know we are Christians by our love."
6. My older dog may walk stiffly, have trouble with stairs, and lay down with a groan, but when it is time to walk she is up and prancing around as if all the aches and years are gone.
7. The shape of a cat, curled in sleep with her tail over her nose.
8. Hearing over and over again in the last few days that my Dad is an inspiration to others. I wonder if he knows. I defiinitely have to tell him. He's always been an inspiration to me.
9. My daughters taught me how to do a Maxi Ford with a jump rope yesterday. (A Maxi Ford is a tap step that includes a jump/leap, shuffle, jump, toe.)
10. Reading Song of Songs and the book of Hosea simultaneously gives me a complex, challenging, and yet sweet picture of how intimately and how amazingly God loves each of us, and all of his people.
Shared Blessings:
My mom is thankful that we are "prisoners of hope" like it means in Zephaniah 9:12 and she is thankful that Christ died for us.
Website for the Day: Haruah: Breath of Heaven
Scriptures for the Day:
"My lover spoke and said to me,
'Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Fowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.'"
Song of Songs 2:10-12
"'Therefore I am now going to allure
her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak tenderly to her.
there I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor
a door of hope.
There she will sing as in the days of
her youth,
as in the day she came up out of
Egypt.
In that day,' declares the Lord,
'you will call me husband;
you will no longer call me my master.'"
Hosea 2:14-16
365 Days of Blessings - Day 67
365 Days of Blessings, Day 67
1. The Lord is steadfast.
I know I've probably stated that before as one of my blessings, but I can't help but come back to it because it is so true, and so refreshing. I may wake up grumpy, or feeling like I've failed too many times, or I make wake up super happy and excited for the day, or I may wake up and not be sure what to be thankful for.
Everyday, God is with me. He's with each of us. He is steadfast and faithful when we are not. Thank you, Lord!
2. Waking up to the sureness that my husband is a wonderful man, the perfect mate for me.
3. Waking up in love with my husband.
4. Attempting to write a love poem for my husband. Thankfully, I have a five days or so to polish it before our anniversary.
5. Deciding to read Song of Songs in my Bible this morning instead of starting Hosea. I'm more in the mood for love that's sweet. Hosea, well, Hosea is all about tough love, and I'm just not ready for that this morning. I'll start reading it . . . soon.
6. Realizing the irony of having a wonderful husband, and not being able to write love poetry, or romantic fiction . . . I grew up daydreaming about swashbuckling adventure with swords, lightsabers, and blasters and romance was something I closed my eyes against at the movies. So hey, if I can turn romantic, anyone can.
7. When clouds are low enough to mingle with the treetops, I feel like I'm in a fantasy world.
8. Warm slippers.
9. Feeling like this "Blessing counting" project is paying dividends into my life today. There are days when I struggle to give thanks, and then there are mornings like this when I feel like I could give thanks all day and not say enough.
10. Hanging out at Action Dance Studio. The parents make it a great place to be, and the studio director has a wonderful attitude.
Shared Blessings for the day:
1. My daughters are thankful for having their friend over from Monday night through Tuesday evening.
2. Tamika, one of my wonderful blog friends, says that she is thankful that God's mercy endures forever. Thanks for sharing Tamika!
Website for the day: Action Dance
Scripture for the day: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine." Song of Songs 1:1
1. The Lord is steadfast.
I know I've probably stated that before as one of my blessings, but I can't help but come back to it because it is so true, and so refreshing. I may wake up grumpy, or feeling like I've failed too many times, or I make wake up super happy and excited for the day, or I may wake up and not be sure what to be thankful for.
Everyday, God is with me. He's with each of us. He is steadfast and faithful when we are not. Thank you, Lord!
2. Waking up to the sureness that my husband is a wonderful man, the perfect mate for me.
3. Waking up in love with my husband.
4. Attempting to write a love poem for my husband. Thankfully, I have a five days or so to polish it before our anniversary.
5. Deciding to read Song of Songs in my Bible this morning instead of starting Hosea. I'm more in the mood for love that's sweet. Hosea, well, Hosea is all about tough love, and I'm just not ready for that this morning. I'll start reading it . . . soon.
6. Realizing the irony of having a wonderful husband, and not being able to write love poetry, or romantic fiction . . . I grew up daydreaming about swashbuckling adventure with swords, lightsabers, and blasters and romance was something I closed my eyes against at the movies. So hey, if I can turn romantic, anyone can.
7. When clouds are low enough to mingle with the treetops, I feel like I'm in a fantasy world.
8. Warm slippers.
9. Feeling like this "Blessing counting" project is paying dividends into my life today. There are days when I struggle to give thanks, and then there are mornings like this when I feel like I could give thanks all day and not say enough.
10. Hanging out at Action Dance Studio. The parents make it a great place to be, and the studio director has a wonderful attitude.
Shared Blessings for the day:
1. My daughters are thankful for having their friend over from Monday night through Tuesday evening.
2. Tamika, one of my wonderful blog friends, says that she is thankful that God's mercy endures forever. Thanks for sharing Tamika!
Website for the day: Action Dance
Scripture for the day: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine." Song of Songs 1:1
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 66
365 Days of Blessings, Day 66
1. The Lord is righteous and merciful.
2. A picture of deer in our yard, eating the apples that have fallen to the ground.
3. My cat's tail playfully flicked into my face . . . she feels that petting her is more important than petting a computer keyboard.
4. Having time to write in the morning.
5. Having one of my daughters' friends sleep over.
6. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the influence I've had on my daughters and their friend. They've started a writing club.
7. Knowing that my kids still need me around for guidance . . . like how to have a positive writing club that doesn't falter under weighty criticism, or crumble under perceived ideas that two people are sharing story ideas without telling anyone else.
8. Knowing that the chill of the morning will be replaced by the heat of the afternoon. (Some mornings I love the chill, but today I want my slippers and a quilt)
9. Running into friends while running errands.
10. "Tweaking" scripts for Vacation Bible School Bible Voyages.
Shared Blessings:
1. One of my nieces is thankful for her days off.
2. Karen Lange wrote yesterday that she counts me as one of her treasured blog friend blessings. Thank you Karen!!!
Website for the Day: Group's High Seas VBS
Scripture for the Day:
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make request of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." Daniel 9:17-19
365 Days of Blessings - Day 65(LATE)
365 Days of Blessings, Day 65(Late)
Somehow in the midst of life, I've become a day late on my posts, but I'll try to change that today. I have been counting my blessings as I go, but not getting them typed up. So here they are for yesterday. Feel free to share yours with me too.
1. The Lord provides.
2. The return of a routine walk after a two week break.
3. The sound of ripples on the shore.
4. The stillness of the sound covered in fog.
5. The flight of a gull just inches above the water.
6. The lapping of the water only broken by the single harsh cry of a gull.
7. School supply shopping. We homeschool, but we still enjoy this part of the school rush. New binders, and colored pencils, notebooks for writing in . . . mmm.
8. Getting a few silly "prizes" for my writing class that I'll be teaching this fall at the homeschool cooperative.
9. My daughter's first lyrical dance class, taken during the summer session.
10. Positive teaching.
Shared Blessings: Well, I haven't had a great deal of response on this one, and forgot to ask anyone, so I'll share something one of my nieces wrote on her facbook page: Coming home to a beautiful sunset.
Website for the day: Compassion International
Scripture for the Day: "So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'" Genesis 22:14
Somehow in the midst of life, I've become a day late on my posts, but I'll try to change that today. I have been counting my blessings as I go, but not getting them typed up. So here they are for yesterday. Feel free to share yours with me too.
1. The Lord provides.
2. The return of a routine walk after a two week break.
3. The sound of ripples on the shore.
4. The stillness of the sound covered in fog.
5. The flight of a gull just inches above the water.
6. The lapping of the water only broken by the single harsh cry of a gull.
7. School supply shopping. We homeschool, but we still enjoy this part of the school rush. New binders, and colored pencils, notebooks for writing in . . . mmm.
8. Getting a few silly "prizes" for my writing class that I'll be teaching this fall at the homeschool cooperative.
9. My daughter's first lyrical dance class, taken during the summer session.
10. Positive teaching.
Shared Blessings: Well, I haven't had a great deal of response on this one, and forgot to ask anyone, so I'll share something one of my nieces wrote on her facbook page: Coming home to a beautiful sunset.
Website for the day: Compassion International
Scripture for the Day: "So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'" Genesis 22:14
Sunday, August 1, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 64(LATE)
365 Days of Blessings, Day 64 - A Day Late!
1. God saves us . . . from our sin, from our selfishness, and from a life of loneliness and pain.
2. Our bathroom linoleum is all gone! And my husband has realized that the entire upstairs bathroom needs to be gutted and re-done by professionals thanks to the smell of the underflooring, and the state of the 60 year old pipes. It's going to cost, but we have some savings and we're tired of that musty, "what is that?" smell.
3. We have savings. I know I mentioned that earlier, but I'm still thankful.
4. We have good doctors just minutes away, and my husband went in to see about his back after church today. He lifted something wrong for the first time in his life, and has muscle spasms, but he is resting (some) and will be taking muscle relaxer later. It's good to have such quick and easy access to medical care.
5. After worship today, setting up some decor for VBS a whole week early, and enjoying great fellowship.
6. The Decorating Vision of two young adults who are making the Bible Adventure area perfect . . . so I could help my daughters with some of the pre-school decor.
7. Our beloved visitation Pastor gave his last sermon as our Pastor yesterday, and we gave him a standing ovation. In light of his amazing, lifelong ministry, I think he deserves even more. Pastor Art gave the sermon that started this blessings project, so I think I will be putting up something on the side bar to highlight that. Our Lead Pastor also inspired me to have an attitude of gratitude, but Pastor Art specifically said, "If we truly took the time to count our blessings, we would be counting for all eternity."
8. Our team won our first game in the church softball play-offs! That means we get to play again next weekend.
9. An amazing thing happened at the game yesterday: I made the last out. Me, the catcher with few ball handling skills! I picked up the ball, stood on home plate while the runner came toward me, and then I tagged her to make certain I had the out.
10. Hearing my daughters yell: "Go Mommy!" from behind the backstop while I was up at bat.
Shared Blessing: My husband told me yesterday morning that he is thankful for me, his wife. (Isn't he a sweet guy? Definitely a keeper.)
Website for the day: One of my favorite websites for short, Christian fantasy fiction and poetry - Mindflights
Scripture for the Day: "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
1. God saves us . . . from our sin, from our selfishness, and from a life of loneliness and pain.
2. Our bathroom linoleum is all gone! And my husband has realized that the entire upstairs bathroom needs to be gutted and re-done by professionals thanks to the smell of the underflooring, and the state of the 60 year old pipes. It's going to cost, but we have some savings and we're tired of that musty, "what is that?" smell.
3. We have savings. I know I mentioned that earlier, but I'm still thankful.
4. We have good doctors just minutes away, and my husband went in to see about his back after church today. He lifted something wrong for the first time in his life, and has muscle spasms, but he is resting (some) and will be taking muscle relaxer later. It's good to have such quick and easy access to medical care.
5. After worship today, setting up some decor for VBS a whole week early, and enjoying great fellowship.
6. The Decorating Vision of two young adults who are making the Bible Adventure area perfect . . . so I could help my daughters with some of the pre-school decor.
7. Our beloved visitation Pastor gave his last sermon as our Pastor yesterday, and we gave him a standing ovation. In light of his amazing, lifelong ministry, I think he deserves even more. Pastor Art gave the sermon that started this blessings project, so I think I will be putting up something on the side bar to highlight that. Our Lead Pastor also inspired me to have an attitude of gratitude, but Pastor Art specifically said, "If we truly took the time to count our blessings, we would be counting for all eternity."
8. Our team won our first game in the church softball play-offs! That means we get to play again next weekend.
9. An amazing thing happened at the game yesterday: I made the last out. Me, the catcher with few ball handling skills! I picked up the ball, stood on home plate while the runner came toward me, and then I tagged her to make certain I had the out.
10. Hearing my daughters yell: "Go Mommy!" from behind the backstop while I was up at bat.
Shared Blessing: My husband told me yesterday morning that he is thankful for me, his wife. (Isn't he a sweet guy? Definitely a keeper.)
Website for the day: One of my favorite websites for short, Christian fantasy fiction and poetry - Mindflights
Scripture for the Day: "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7