Sunday, March 29, 2009

Like A River Glorious


Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.



Song: 'Like A River Glorious'
Written by Frances Ridley Havergal
Photo: 'Dawn on The Columbia River'
Compliments of art.com

Friday, March 27, 2009

Finds On A Rainy Spring Day

Last Friday my dear little mother and I met my cousin, Mrs. C., and her husband, Mr. V., in a neighboring community. Our plan was to stop at an estate sale advertised in the paper, visit an antique and collectible shop we have wanted to check out and have lunch together. The estate sale was more than I had hoped for - the house and garage were filled with treasures and collections belonging to someone who must have gathered them over a lifetime. Her house was filled with beautiful things and it didn't take long to realize we would have more fun than imagined. She had things hung on walls throughout her home. China cabinets and display cases were filled with collections and gorgeous china and crystal and depression glass. It was almost too hard to comprehend. In the dining room was the table where I spent the most time. Time to decide what I would buy and what I would not buy. The long table was filled with cups and saucers that captured my heart. Any of them would have been a wonderful addition to my growing collection. But I had to focus and choose just one! That was my rule in the interest of frugality. Not a rule I wanted to make but one that seemed reasonable. Finally, after a long time I carefully chose the very first beautiful cup and saucer that took my eye. It's a bit different than anything I own.

I love the subtle design inside.On a table near the door I saw this turkey. I think he will display a harvest arrangement in the center of my table at Thanksgiving time.After lunch we said goodbye to Mr. V. and we girls headed to the Oregon City Antique Mall where we browsed and enjoyed spending time together. In one of the booths I found a real bargain. In a plastic bag that was stapled shut at the top and marked with black pen I was excited to find what was labeled 'lace pieces - three dollars'. I knew right away that there were more treasures inside than I wanted to leave behind. What a wonderful surprise when I got home and opened the bag. There was an old, crocheted top - most likely from a camisole.Look at this gorgeous crocheted butterfly - there is one on the front and another on the back!A crocheted collar was next. . .With another butterfly!Another crocheted collar and two tatted pieces were among the collection.And yards of crocheted lace - each one different than the other.Just before we left the antique mall I found this sweet, old handkerchief for five cents. I couldn't leave it there - I needed to add it to my other treasures. The treasures found on that rainy Spring day were special. But the real treasure was the wonderful time spent with those dear to my heart. They are the real treasure and our time together is more valuable than anything money can buy. Priceless, for sure.

I want to share the new blog of a dear friend of mine. She and I have quite a story to tell. How often does a deep friendship develop between you and the person who was your boss after you both leave the organization where you once worked? Not often. But that's how it began for us. We have dreamed dreams together, shed tears together, held each other's hands in the tough times and celebrated in the good times. I hope you will visit my dear friend, Betty, at her new blog - Sammy Girl. You won't be sorry.

Today my dear mother, Mrs. C., Mrs. B. (Sammy Girl) and I are driving a ways to a very big estate sale conducted by a friend of my mother. The lifetime belongings of both of her parents will be sold in a large pole barn and the home where they lived for many years. My dear mother has had a sneek peek and we know it will be worth the drive. We're excited! And you can be sure I'll show you what I find! No doubt about that.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Just Joey. . .

Just Joey

the rose I'd love to add to my garden

and

Joey

the little dog who has stolen our hearts!

I shared here a bit about the sweet gift my daughter gave me for my birthday - the birthday that is still a few months away! And I shared my dilemma about his name. Our oldest granddaughter named him 'Jerry' while he stayed with them for a few days before coming to live here. It didn't take long for me to decide what to name him! When my sweetheart came home from work the day the puppy arrived he was greeted at the door by this sweet little fellow. My sweetheart said, 'Hello, Jerry.' I was across the room and I thought he said 'Hello, Joey!'

'That's it,' I said with an excited voice. 'That's his name. It's the perfect name.'

'What?' my sweetheart asked.

'Joey, that's the puppy's name! It just fits him - it's right. That's what I want to name him!'

And that's how he got his name. Everyone here agrees with me - it's the right name.

Joey came home from our daughter's house in a little hooded sweater - a gift from her to him. It didn't take long for him to get the hood off his head. . .

Investigate everything. . .And get tired enough to need to stop and break.Rest - sleep. That's what he does best. Curled up in his little bed. . .Hanging out the front. . .Or wherever he gets tired.He loves to go outside. There are lots of new things to see - and smell - and hear. He's small enough that the step down from the house to the patio must seem like a giant leap! He won't try it - no siree. No way! He's afraid to try. He waits to be carried out. If I wait a bit too long, he whimpers. A pathetic, tears-at-your-heart whimper. Works every time!

Once he's outside there's no stopping him. He loves the adventure.

He's a bit reluctant when it's time to come back in. Not reluctant to step up into the house - reluctant to stop playing and come back in.But it's not long and he's back inside - ready for another nap! Oh, the life of a puppy!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Odds And Ends And A Cup Of Tea

I wish you could come by today, knock on my door, sit for awhile and chat over a cup of tea. I would ask about your family and what you have been doing and I would tell you all about my dear ones and give you the latest news. Our son, Mr. J., arrived home from his missions trip to Europe on Friday afternoon. He spent the weekend resting and relaxing and enjoying time with his family. There was time to debrief, catch up with each other and just enjoy the blessings of home.You have asked how our daughter and her children are doing since losing their young husband and father in December. They are doing as well as possible in a difficult situation. Our daughter, Mrs. M., is a strong young woman. She is moving forward and making good decisions for herself and the children. Each day is a challenge as she adjusts to life as a single mom. Her kids are out of town this week. Our son-in-law's cousin and her husband have become more involved in the childrens' lives. They own a condo near Anaheim, California so they asked to take the kids - Miss A. (11), Mr. C. (8) and Miss E. (6) - to Disneyland for Spring Break! I tried to beg and plead with the kids to let me go with them! I offered to ride in the trunk of the car, in their suitcase - or their pocket - but no amount of appealing to their hearts got me a place on this trip. They offered instead to bring autographs from Micky and Minnie. And maybe a few more of our favorite Disney characters. Of course we are thrilled that they can go. And our daughter is enjoying a few days with her best friend who arrived from out-of-state for a visit.And I would share my exciting news with you! Later today I am getting a puppy!! A gift from my daughter. He is a miniature Doxie (daschund). The sweetest little guy. It all started when I took our oldest granddaughter, Miss A., to the pet store so she could see the new puppies! Next thing I knew my heart had been stolen by this little guy, but I walked away. Soon my daughter devised a plan to give him to me for my birthday - my August birthday!! Isn't he the cutest little fellow? And look at Miss A.'s eyes - she's pleading with me, 'Please - wouldn't you like to have him?' He has been at my daughter's home for a few days while I worked to puppy-proof our home. He came a 'home visit' the other day and it was fun. Miss Savannah, my cat, wasn't sure about him! Today he moves in to stay. I haven't yet decided on his name. Miss A. named him 'Jerry' - not the name I would have chosen for my puppy. She knows I may not keep that name but she hopes it can be part of his name. As you and I talk over tea I would ask if you think I should keep that name just because she chose it, or should I choose a different name? I've thought of calling him Jeremiah, which would be close to 'Jerry'. Miss A. likes that idea. Some of my family and friends think that it's too big a name for him - too many syllables. Especially for a little guy. I do have a name in mind that includes Jeremiah as his middle name but I'm still undecided. As we sip our tea I would ask if you have any suggestions. Any advice? For now I plan to bring him home and watch him romp and play, get acquainted for a day or two and then make it official. And when it's official - I'll be sure to tell you!

Edited to add: A name has already been chosen and it suits him to a T! The dear folks closest to me agree that it's the perfect name. It all happened quite suddenly not long after he arrived at our home. I misunderstood what my sweetheart called him - and I loved the name I thought he said. I'm gathering photos of our dear little pup and in a day or two I will formally introduce him to you. And I'll reveal his name at that time!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Instruction For Difficult Times

Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters,
one final thing.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent
and worthy of praise. . .
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Phillipians 4:6-9
(New Living Translation)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Travel Update

Recently I shared here about our son's travel to Europe with a special missions team and I asked you to pray for their safe travel. Thanks to our son, Mr. J., for urging me to join Facebook where I've been able to see photos and read updates of their travels and experiences while overseas. The first few days they were in Amsterdam where they met with missionaries, pastors and church leaders to discuss the work they are doing in their part of the world. They attended and participated in church services and heard incredible testimonies of the faithfulness of God. They have been challenged by the passion and experiences of many of the people they met. They have had opportunities to tour the area and see many famous places. Oh, how I wish I were there, too!

Mr. J. in Amsterdam

The last few days they have been in Brussels. While there they have spent time and stayed at the Continental Theological Seminary. The seminary is in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw on the grounds of the former Rattendaal castle. The history of the property can be traced back as far as 1174. Through the years, ownership of the property passed through many hands. During World War II German forces occupied the facilities, and after the liberation of Belgium, it became a school for Jewish young men. It was purchased in 1977 for the theological seminary.

While in Brussels, they met with the seminary president, spent time with the students and attended their chapel service. One of the missionaries took them on a nighttime tour of Brussels. Yesterday they visited Waterloo, the battlefield where Napoleon was defeated (The Battle of Waterloo), they saw where the Communist Manifesto was written and many more historical places. They spent time at the European Ministries Center meeting with ministry leaders who are reaching out to the people of Europe. Returning to Brussels for the evening they attended a service at the Latin American International church service which was formed by a group of about 500 Latin American immigrants. The services there are in Spanish. The Oregon District Superintendent, the head of the team, spoke and they had the honor of praying with some of the people at the close of the service. Today they head back to Amsterdam and will stop to see Corrie Tennboom's house *.
The chapel at Continential Theological Seminary

What a blessing - and a comfort - to this mother's heart to have the privilege to share in their updates and to see their faces and some of the places they are visiting. Most of all my heart is touched to know that they are making a difference by being there - a difference in the lives of the people they have met. And a difference in their lives. They will never be the same again.

Thank you for your prayers and your emails inquiring about their status. It means much, not only to me but to each one on the team.

*Cornelia Johanna Arnolda ten Boom, generally known as Corrie ten Boom, (April 15 1892 – April 15 1983) was a Dutch Christian Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. Ten Boom co-wrote her autobiography, 'The Hiding Place' which was later made into a movie. In December, 1967, Ten Boom was honored as one of the Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Wearing Of The Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day

From the heart of a lassie
Who is a wee bit Irish
To yours

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
-- An Old Irish Prayer --

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, River, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord
And let there be light.
---
Lord, the light of Your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, River, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord
And let there be light.
---
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence,
From the shadows into Your radiance,
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, River, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord
And let there be light.
---
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness.
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, Shine.
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, River, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word, Lord
And let there be light.


Song: 'Shine, Jesus, Shine'
Words and music by Graham Kendrick

Friday, March 13, 2009

Prayer For Safe Travel

I have a prayer request from my heart to yours today. Our son, Mr. J., boarded a plane headed for Amsterdam just over an hour ago. He and several other men are part of a district leadership team from the denomination in which he is ordained. They will arrive in Amsterdam after many hours of travel ready to meet with missionaries and Christian workers there to see what is happening in ministries in that part of Europe.
Some time during the next week they will travel to Brussels, Belgium where they will also spend time with missionaries in that area and be part of the ministries there. One purpose for this trip is to observe how God is using those ministries to reach the people of Europe with the love and grace of God. And they certainly will be an encouragement to those they visit.Before heading home in about a week they will spend time in Leiden, Netherlands with missionaries and ministries there and they will participate in some creative ways God is using His children in that part of our world.Their schedule is full but they hope there will be a bit of time to see some of the area where they travel. If not, they don't mind - they know they will be blessed by the beauty of the Kingdom of God on the other side of the world. I know they will return home with changed hearts. They will certainly have a new perspective on life and I know they will have an increased burden to pray for our brothers and sisters in other lands. And, perhaps, there will be new ways to assist the ministries so far from home.

We are thrilled and in awe that our son was chosen to be part of this team. The team is headed up by the District Superintendent and three other district leaders in Oregon. A number of other ministers make up the team that was chosen for this task. Would you pray with me for their safe travel and the mission they have undertaken? Even though we are not travelling with them we are still part of the team - and you can be, too. If we pray for them and the task before them we play an important role. They need us to hold them in our hearts and in our prayers as they go. And would you pray for the dear ones they leave at home? From my heart to yours - thank you. And may you be blessed as you pray for them and for the responsibility God has given them 'for such a time as this'.


Scripture quote from Esther 4:14
Photos from allposter.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Hide and Seek

Have you ever had something in your home that had to be there and you didn't like the way it looked but you couldn't make it go away? I think most of us deal with things like that and we live with it - until one day a brilliant idea 'pops' into our brain and we know exactly what to do to disguise or hide it! Well, I have had one of those 'things' for way too long. I've thought about it, experimented with some possibility and I finally found exactly what I wanted to make my not-so-pretty necessity look like it belongs in my living room. I've been looking at this sub-woofer speaker - part of the surround sound system - for w-a-y too long!A day or two ago I suddenly had a brilliant idea. I tried it and I love it! I knew I wanted to cover it up but I also didn't want to affect the sound it produces. It had to be something fairly thin and it had to be something that sound could travel through. If you recall my recent rummaging and thrifting finds you may recognize one of my pretties as the answer to the dilemma. The thin, rather tired linen piece with the gorgeous hand-crocheted lace was perfect for the speaker. It blends in with the color of the speaker and the color of our new entertainment center. White and antique white. The beauty of the old linen adds exactly the right touch to the sterile look of technology. Adding a basket of silk plants gave the look I wanted. Just right. Perfect! I love it!!When you come down the hall from the bedrooms you see this view now. It's just right. What a change.I'm always amazed how something so simple can make such a big difference. And how something found while rummaging and thrifting can bring such pleasure and make the whole room come to life. It took a while to find the solution to my problem. But it was worth waiting for! It was a game of Hide and Seek. No, it was really Seek (the solution) and Hide (the problem). An old game played in a new way!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

You Are God's Idea

Today we celebrate two people who were God's very special ideas.

Our dear son came into this world, into our hearts and into our arms thirty-five years ago today. We have never been the same since that day. Mr. J., you were an answer to prayer and a miracle to our hearts. We love you very much and are more proud of you than our words can express, dear son.

Eleven years ago today God blessed us again when our first grandchild was born. Miss A., you are a precious young lady and we can't imagine life without you. You bring joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces. We love you - you are so special and we will treasure you always.

Celebrate today, dear ones. It's your special day! There's no one like you - you were custom designed by God above. He planned and packed you on purpose for His purpose. You were set apart for special work that God knew only you could do. When I read this little devotion I thought it was written just for you two today. You were both created by God - His design.

God planned and packed you on purpose for His purpose.

Heaven's custom design.

At a moment before moments existed, the sovereign Star Maker resolved, 'I will make ________.' Your name goes in the blank. Then He continued with, 'And I will make him/her _______, _______, and _______ and ________ and _______.' Fill those blanks with your characteristics. Insightful. Clever. Detail oriented. Restless. And since you are God's idea, you are a good idea. What God said about Jeremiah, He said about you: 'Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.'

Set apart for a special work.

From: 'Cure for the Common Life'
Written by Max Lucado

Photo: 'Hope - Baby Hands and Feet'
Photographed by Laura Monahan
From allposter.com

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Rummaging and Thrifting

Yesterday seemed like the beginning of rummaging and thrifting season. Early in the day I picked up my dear little mother and we drove to a neighboring community to get my cousin, Mrs. C. Our first stop was at a big church rummage sale where I bought a few household odds and ends and some wonderful old linens. I couldn't resist this delicate piece of fabric with a sweet embroidered edge and beading for ribbon at the top.

I found two little blue heart buttons still on the card, a 'circle' of hand-crocheted trim. . .And a thin, old dresser scarf with beautiful crocheted edging on both ends.Not long after we left the rummage sale we drove by a flea market! I made a quick turn-around and pulled into the parking lot. There were a lot of things I easily could have brought home with me but I had to be strong and not buy it all. The moment I saw this cup and saucer I knew it was mine. The birds on the cup and on the saucer are similar to the Western Meadowlark, the State Bird of Oregon. And they are yellow!Just as I turned to walk toward the car I spied this cute little shoe. And I knew it 'had my name written all over it'! The yellow background with sweet blue and pink butterflies captured my heart. It had to come home with me. The price was right and soon it was safely tucked in my bag.Our day continued with stops at two nice thrift stores and lunch. I bought quite a few books, a nice wall clock, and a big basket. I'll read the books and then pass them on to my dear mother and my cousin. I have plans to use the basket in my Christmas decorations - and I'm certain I'll come up with other things between now and then. The clock will be on the wall near the hot tub so we can enjoy quick moments of relaxation in the water when we don't have the time to leisurely forget the rest of the world.

The weather was perfect! Blue skies and sun. We had a great time. The best part was just being together - the three of us, away from home and loving every second of our day. More than once one of us would say, 'Oh, this is just what I needed today!' As we travelled home we dreamed and planned up more things to do together. And things to include my sweetheart and Mrs. C's hubby. We planned thrifting and garaging and rummaging days for the three of us girls and excursions for all five of us. We have places to go and things to buy. We're going to be busy. If you come by before we leave, I'm sure there will be room in the car. We can squeeze you in. Think of the fun we could have!

Monday, March 2, 2009

An Expo Experience

I shared here that I was going away for the weekend to spend with a dear friend and to attend the annual Sewing Expo near Seattle. What a weekend! It was filled with things to see, things to learn, things to buy and, best of all, time with a friend who is dear to my heart. Unfortunately, this year no photography was allowed - and it was strictly enforced. I'm not sure why but I suspect it was to protect copyright laws and to prevent vendors' ideas and projects from being copied and sold by some not-so-innocent photographers. As I walked through the rows and rows of vendor booths with wonderful and, at times, nearly magical things to see I felt so bad. I felt bad that I couldn't share them with you - bad that you couldn't see them. There were booths of buttons and laces and ribbons, booths of beyond-your-fondest-imagination needlework, booths of fabrics to delight your heart, booths of sewing machines of all kinds and tools to help you craft the finest possible creations.
I took several classes and there were many more I would have enjoyed. I learned a lot of wonderful tips and tricks and got answers to questions that needed an answer. The teachers were among the 'who's-who' of the sewing world. My favorite was taught by Nancy Zieman of 'Sewing With Nancy'. She is a great teacher and she has the best sense of humor. I loved it when she dropped something on the floor behind her podium. She laughed and said if she were taping her weekly television program she would have said "Cut", the camera would have stopped, she would have picked it up and they would have gone on. Instead, she had to lean down and pick it up while we all sat and watched. In the future I will definitely sign up for more of her classes. And there were others whose wit and knowledge made class time pass far too quickly. And I learned a lot from people around me. Some of the best tips and tricks were overheard while standing in line waiting to get into class. And quiet conversations over lunch with a stranger who asked to share the table with me were among the special moments.
What did I buy? Not as much I would liked to bring home! I gave myself a budget and I took cash to back up my budget. I bought several patterns and a book, some sewing 'tools' and gadgets and odds and ends of little things I couldn't leave behind. My wish list still has quite a few things on it and it didn't even include any big items. I didn't buy any fabric this year. I thought about it. Long and hard. And I decided there was nothing I couldn't live without. And I really need to finish some projects and use fabrics from my stash before I add more. I avoided the large, open areas where machines of all kinds were being demonstrated. I knew if I even watched them at work I would want one. I purposely didn't go near the dealer who handles my machine, the machine I haven't begun to really learn. I knew I would be told that my machine couldn't possibly do what the new ones can do and I didn't want to hear it! I wanted to come home and love my machine and take up the challenge to learn everything it could possibly do. The bottom line? I wanted to be contented with what I have!
The trip north was fantastic! The weather was perfect - a crystal clear day with blue skies, mountains standing majestically nearby and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest at its finest. And the best part of all was time with my sweet friend. Time in her home where I was warmly welcomed and cared for. Even her dear little dog was happy to see me. I can't wait to visit her again. And I'm looking forward to returning to Expo next year. Next time I'll have a wish list longer than my arm! Guess I'd better start saving my pennies and dimes now so I'll be ready.


Photos compliments of allposter.com