This past week-end I had a very,VERY, successful yard sale. We had a lot of stuff left over after mom went home to heaven, plus stuff we needed to purge from our small abode. Garage sales are work and what you earn is your reward for all that hard effort. On of the items mom left behind was a metal storage box that was filled with soap, scented candles, rollers for giving a perm, in short, things I wouldn't want or need. So imagine my surprise, correct that, SHOCK, the day I began laying those items out and pricing them, and in the very bottom of the box were envelopes. Envelopes with $2400 inside! My sisters and I are each $800 richer, because I dug to the bottom of the box I was sure contained nothing I'd want, WOW!
Sometimes we can view God's word the way I did that box. We open to a passage we've read before and figure, oh I know what's here, so we skip lightly over it maybe missing a treasure He wants to reveal to us now, that didn't apply before. Dig deep in the word of God. You never know what you'll find to enrich you soul and your spirit. And it's value is priceless!

To me there is nothing more beautiful than Oregon in the spring! Flowers of every size, shape and hue back dropped by a blue sky and lots of sunshine. It takes my breath away!
In the Bible heaven is described in Revelation. And even though it's glorious I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the jewels and all that gold. So, I'll just wrap my mind around what I can see and ponder if this can't hold a candle to heaven, all I can say is WOW!
And Iget to view this glorious sight evertime I drive to Wal-Mart (which is definetly not heaven).

IT'S RAINING - IT'S POURING!
Poor Don. He has signed up and paid to be in a golf tournament that starts today!! He truly doesn't want to go but the only way he'll get a reprieve is if the man he's to partner opts out. I am amazed at how my husband 99% of the time opts to keep his commitments, regardless if the day, time, or circumstances are not to his liking. The only times I've seen him do otherwise is if he's sick. Don is a constant reminder to me of God's faithfulness to His commitments to us. He will never leave us or forsake us, my salvation is secure in Christ, He provides for all my needs, He had blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus etc, etc, etc. Thank you Lord for a husband who mirrors your faithfulness. May I follow his lead.

Tomorrow I will meet my best friend in Centralia. We will spend the night in a motel and each return home Sunday. Reason for the trip - to maintain a vital relationship that has lasted over 30 years despite the fact that for the past 20+ years, we have lived in different states. I love her company, am eager to hear about her family as she is mine, and enjoy doing things together.
Because our relations has weathered many life changes we know each other at a deep level and trust one another with our hearts. Our relationship is the model that my daughter Daidri and her best friend Chris use to maintain their friendship when life circumstances moved them to different states.
Jesus is a friend who stick closer than a brother, or your best girlfriend. Be sure to develop an intimate friendship with Him. Setting aside time to visit, to listen and to pour out your heart to Him. He will go to any length to meet with you if you initiate the meeting and He will stay as long as you ask. He lives in heaven, but if you repent of your sins and ask him to be your Savior he will reside in your very life through the Holy Spirit. If you are already a Christian, my question for you and me is: Do I make the effort to spend as much time with Jesus as my earthly friends? Do I set aside time for Him or make excuses (to myself) about being too busy ?
The road to estrangement is paved with good intentions in a relationship and the road to intimacy is paved with deliberate and loving effort.
Let's all work on our relationship with the one who gave His all to redeem us!

What have you done lately that was soo stupid you would be embarrassed to share it? Well, here's mine!
Am trying my darnedest to be as green as possible. Not with envy, just for the good of the environment. So since my laundry soap and dishwasher soap was running low decided to check out stuff at Costco. Read the back of every label carefully, and made my selections, feelin good about myself. Yesterday I needed to start the dishwasher and only had enough of my old soap for one cup so got my new stuff and filled the other cup. Started thing up and proceeded to do other household chores. Upon returning to the kitchen I was greeted with water and copious soap suds all over my kitchen floor, UGH!! I knew immediately what must be the matter so after mopping up the floor I grabbed the new stuff and read the front label - Dishwashing soap-NOT- Dishwasher soap. I'd paid so much attention to the back of the container I didn't pay enough attention to the front of the container. An hour and a half later I'd cleaned up the mess, thankful it didn't adversely affect the dishwasher and now mindful that good intentions need to be thoroughly examined before implementing. Thank you God that I could learn two lessons at once, your so economical!

Monday I spent 5 hrs. at Emmanuel Children's Hospital in Portland while my Pastor's daughter, Bella had surgery to repair a hole in her heart. Tuesday I went with my husband Don to OHSU to have the device that regulates his brain action evaluated. Reflecting on both trips I was awed by the technology we as Americans have available to help us with heath issues. As Zach explained the workings of the "patch" they placed in Bella's heart all I could do was praise God for the creativity he inspired in someone to even imagine such a thing, let alone the combined efforts of many who developed it. Then the Dr. who checked Don's device was telling us of an even better battery pack that's out and being used now. His was implanted last August and there is already something better. He could possible have his replaced for an updated model in about 2 years when this one would need it's battery replaced. It's a day surgery procedure, in and out. Once again I was overwhelmed with gratitude to God for HIS miraculous provisions. If Jesus were to walk in a room and heal Bella's heart, or regulate Don's brain to give him victory over a disease we'd be shouting praise and telling everyone. And for me, God working through medical means demands the same exuberant praise. THANK YOU LORD!

When my children were little I so enjoyed the fun of Easter. Coloring eggs, hiding baskets, watching their eyes sparkle as they donned their new duds and we went off to church.
There we were confronted with the facts of Easter. The fun was set aside as we pondered:
In the act of death He absorbs our sins. In love, He forgives our failures. In the act of the resurrection He gives the assurance of forgiveness, the affirmation of eternal life.
Easter is a reminder to us of the magnitude of God's love for man. Don't get so wrapped up chasing the Easter bunny, that you miss the meaning of Easter.

On June 9th. my grandson Ryan will graduate from High School. He is counting the days! Then it's on to college and more schooling. But really life is a classroom and we are continually learning. Some lessons are sweet, others eye opening, some painful and some life changing.

As a Christian I am continually aware that I am in the School of the Spirit. God revealing himself to me through scripture, life and others. Sometimes I'm a slow learner and God has to repeat the lesson over and over till the light comes on. Other lessons have been post graduate quality, such as laying aside my plans for the welfare of those I love. But this classroom time is in preparation for eternal life. I won't graduate until I pass through the door of death into the presence of my Savior, wearing my white robe and the crown He has prepared for me. And the graduation trip is eternity in heaven. Love that destination!!

Plan to have yet another garage sale this summer!! I vowed after the last one that it was indeed the LAST ONE, but alas, I need to do it again. That's one of the downsides of a small house. No place to store stuff. But then again, maybe it's a blessing. Some of the items were my moms, but way too much is mine. I can't even blame Don for the excess. The up side is that it will net us a few coins, BUT the problem lies in where to put things until the actual event. Once it is over I'm sure I will breathe a big sigh of relief and feel so light and carefree with the much needed purged. Makes me think of other types of clutter and excesses we have in our lives. If God were to hold a big garage sale on those things wonder what he would get rid of? And since God is involved in keeping the universe and beyond intact, maybe we could look things over and rid our lives of things that hinder so there's more room for Him. (Don't have a garage sale on that stuff, if it's cluttering up you life and taking up God room, it just needs to be trashed.)

What a person thinks, does, or determines when things are at their worst, makes or mars that persons future. Bitter disappointment, broken trust, the fading of cherished hopes, precipitate a crisis for every soul thus tried; for it is then that the soul must choose hate, bitterness and despair - or else have the courage to choose the way of forgiveness, toil and perseverance.

Dis-appointmet OR His-appointment Which one will we choose.
One letter makes all the difference in the world.

Have you ever had a day that turned out nothing like you'd planned? For Don and I that was last Thursday. I'm an optimist and even though last Thursday started Spring break here in Oregon, we decided to try flying to Salt Lake City to spend Friday the 19th. celebrating our daughter Daidri's birthday with her. Up all night, at the airport at 5am, made it through security fine, (Don has to be checked without going through the machines due to his brain implant) and seated in our seats waiting to go. Well, after watching 3 gates closed on full to bursting airplanes, leaving 10-20 still waiting (oversold) we read the handwriting on the wall. We looked at each other and said"Feel like a drive?" And we were off on Papa Don and Grama Di's BIG adventure! Flying definitely gets you there quickly, but it doesn't allow you the joy of seeing more of God's glorious creation up close and personal. We drove to Boise the 1st. day then in to Salt Lake Friday am. Had a wonderful time with Daidri and her family and drove home yesterday. I was amazed at how relaxed and content Don was driving! I did a little, but basically he did the lion's share. It was truly amazing watching a miracle unfold, as 8 month's ago he could not have done that. The sun shown on us the whole trip but it was the light of God's love and mercy towards us that warmed me from the inside out!

Faith is believing that no matter how things appear on the surface, God is in control I think that is both faith's challenge and reward. The challenge is that humanly we want to see with our own eyes what God is doing. We are willing to give an unwavering yes to God if we know His plan and are given the opportunity to sign off on it. But the adventure and reward of faith is that He asks us to trust based on who He is, not on what we can see. For many, it is a long and twisted road for those who are called to walk in God's shadow.

Taken from: Extraordinary Faith by Sheila Walsh

Is 2 postings in way day not kosher? Oh well, can't resist this one. Yesterday morning in church I noticed a man come in with his daughter. They come occasionally but I really enjoy them. Anyway I went up and said "it's nice to see you this morning. I'll be London's Sunday School teacher today." He shared with me that she had asked where they were going this morning and he replied Hillside. She responded with an exuberant " Good, I just love that place." Me too London. Thank you Lord for my church family, not perfect people, but forgiven by the grace of God.

On the 17th. a lady is coming to do a deep cleaning of my bathroom and also my hardwood floors. My joints do not favor my getting on my hands and knees anymore so Don said to get this much done on a regular basis. Thanks hubby, you're the best. BUT, here's the funny part. I'm busy cleaning so it won't be dirty when she gets here. And where's the sense in that? I've already acknowledged that things need cleaning, hired and scheduled the cleaner and now I'm trying to do her job. Makes me think of issues of sin in our lives. Some have gotten out of hand, but what we need to do is acknowledge them (ask for forgiveness) and let the Master cleaner cleanse us from all unrighteousness.. Just putting on a smiley face, or trying harder next time is like me trying to do the cleaning lady's job for her. She is soo much more equipped than I to do this job, just as the Holy Spirit in us is able to cleanse us from the inside out. So much better than our self help efforts. To me what is even sadder than the fact that we sin daily is when we don't cry out for help and receive cleansing. Best to keep a short list with God. It truly lifts your spirit and put a song in you're heart.

Today after church Don and I went to see a movie. He had a birthday card so it would have been free, but there wasn't any thing playing I really wanted to see except Avatar and we had just missed the 1st. seating and the next one wasn't until 4. Didn't want to wait that long as we'd get home too late so Don went to see a Matt Damon movie and I strolled around Bridgeport Mall. Those of you who know me know I do almost all my shopping at the Goodwill and sticker shock at some of those stores about did me in. Needless to say I only got two things, a headband and a children's book. There really wasn't anything I needed anyway but I had to wonder how families make it if they pay full price for things. Kind of like salvation, if we had to pay the full price for our sins we wouldn't make it. Literally! We'd have to die. So thankful for Jesus and his willingness to pay full price to cover our sins and to reconcilling us to God. That's a bargain even Goodwill can't beat!

Winter weather is so unpredictable! For several weeks it appeared we'd passed over the harsh cold rain, wind and grey days, and here they pop up again 2 weeks before spring begins. Weather is unpredictable BUT God is consistent. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love does not wax hot then cold, his faithfulness is continual. He is the ballast in our ship as we navigate the storms of life. As with weather, our emotions (women's especially) can sometimes be as unpredictable as the weather. When they are good , rejoice! When they are out of control, give them to the one who has the ability to bring them into balance.

Affirmation is a GREAT tool of God! We all need it, it spurs us on as we travel the path before us. Encouraging others is really such a simple thing, the problem is we forget to do it on a regular basis and with sincerity. And God bless the minds that developed computers because they offer us a way to do it frequently and speedily. WOW! I received 2 positive affirmation via this blog and they started my day out with a song in my heart and gave renewed vigor to my steps. Be purposeful and faithful about being an encourager, for you never know when your words may be just the thing someone needs the most.

Just went to my blog to see any comments and what did I find! The first word of my last entry was mispelled. So instead of feeling frustrated, I'll just make a game of it. If you read an entry with NO mistakes, send me a high 5 in the comment box. Don't worry, you won't have to do it too often. On my knees now to use the exacto knife to cut out sheep for a SS project. Maybe while I'm on my knees I'll do some praying also for each of you who will read this.

Ejoyed our time of fellowship at church this morning. After we ate the children were coloring and flying paper airplanes that someone made for them, probalby a male someone. They were smiling and laughing and that brings such joy to my heart. Children are the hope of tomorrow and hopefully we will all do our part to insure they grow up strong, both physically and spiritually. In just a little more than a week our 2nd. great grandson will be born. Another blessing in our lives as well as a responsibilty as we know we are to pray for all our grandchildren, whether biologicall or those of our heart.

Mmmm, I need to clean house today, there is clutter everywhere. A shipment from Oriental Trading of SS crafts to be put away, but where is the question. Notes with different thought scribbled on them laying all over, (I write them as a thought comes to me) to help create a message for a retreat I will be speaking at in October. Clothes to be put away or ironed sitting here and there begging to be noticed. When I was young everything had a place and everything was in it place. Don't know what happened along the way, (maybe part of it is a VERY small house) but I do know that these things are indicators of a busy, full life and an active brain. Things I thank God for, as the alternative is emptiness and self absorption. And considering that, I'll just tidy things up, going about my day with a song in my heart.

I think I found my groove! Blogging is sooo much nicer than facebook. To each his own but I'm definetly more comfortable here. It's kind of like journaling on the internet. And I absolutely love to read other blogs. Makes me feel like that person dropped in for a cup of coffee/tea and shared their heart with me. Who would have ever thought, thanks Becca!

A nice way to start my morning, with a fresh cup of coffee! My precious husband often rises before I do and puts it on to brew. Today as I made my way to the coffee pot I peeked in the sun room where Don sits to drink his first cup and eat his daily container of yougurt. Usually he sees me and says "good morning" but today his attention was focused elsewhere. You see, since his surgery last August Don has lost the ability to read and track effectively so he seldom does read anymore. For his birthday years ago I bought him the bible on cassette to listen to on his way to work, and there he sat this morning with his ear phones in and the bible open on his lap to follow along. Nothing could be more priceless to me than to see my husband communing with his Lord. His devotion and faithfulness in the face of lifes adversities is an inspiration to me. When one way of doing something failed him he just tries to figure out another way. LORD BLESS THE ONE WHOSE LIFE IS SUCH A BLESSING TO ME AND HIS FAMILY.

Each time I write something I read it over carefully, checking for errors. When I feel it's good to go I publish it. THEN, when I read it on my page I find an error, how humbling.

Isn't spring just a glorious time! OK, I know it's still winter but not for long. God got a head start on the calenday this year and the early flowering cherry trees are in full bloom, not to mention daffodils etc. On the way to and from church we were treated to their beautiful dainty blossoms which looked a lot like hundreds of cotton candy on a stick littering the lanscape. As women we can easily tune in to God's desire and efforts to provide us a beautiful enviroment to live in. We make this attempt in our homes for our families. Sometimes we forget that those attempts imitate God's creative nature and get frustrated or lazy in our carry through. But God is faithful to decorate his world in beauty for each season. Thank you God!

Our youngest son Doug and his wife Brenann are preparing to become foster parents. They have one son, Cooper who is 1 year old and when I first heard they were considering this adventure my grama's heart went directly to Cooper. Is he going to get all he needs with the added demands of often confused and hurting children? Could these other children pose a threat to his well being? But after listening to Doug share about their training and education regarding child rearing and care they have received I felt better. No, these other children do come with baggage but then who is to say another sibling wouldn't inject some problems of their own into the family equation. What I know is that Doug and Brenann love Cooper with all their hearts and will always have his best interest at heart. I am proud of them and their willingness to reach out to these children, their home is definitely bis enough to share with others and their hearts are big enough to share their love and Gods love too. My part is to love, support and pray for them!

My work can often be both heartrending and rewarding at the same time. Last night was one of those moments. A 1st. floor resident came to my desk to say she had just heard a terrible thud from the apartment above hers. Knowing that 94 year old Bill lived above her I grabbed my pass key and cell phone and ran to his room. Upon opening the door and entering I found Bill lying on the floor with his chest of drawers lying over his legs. My first question was "Bill are you hurt, in pain or not?" He responded that he was OK so I righted the chest and knelt down beside him to better ascertain his condition. He was lucid, but groaning. I told him I was going to call 911 so they could check him out and help him up, (we are not allowed to move them if they've fallen) and got him a pillow for his head. When I put the pillow under his head he calmly said, " I just wish I could die." I proceeded to call 911 but those words kept playing through my mind. When I went back to him I asked why he'd want to die and he said "I'm such a burden to everyone." I assured him he is not a burden, as a burden is something heavy and oppressive but when you love someone their care is a blessing not a burden. Later as I wrote up the accident report I had time to ask myself, "Do I view those under my care as burdens or blessings? " I hope and pray it will always be the later.

Inaugural Blog

Thanks to a helpful friend I'm moving into a new world of communication! Yah