Another Update ...

Since the last update at the beginning of November ...

At the very beginning of November, we traveled to Oregon to see family.

We had a great visit with mom and one of hubby's brothers.

Being a more "open-minded" state,

we found a shop that made g-f donuts - and sampled all 4 of their flavors!

We even found a restaurant that was COMPLETELY g-f  

(as in, you could not even bring in "normal" food).

We enjoyed bbq meat and an awesome cornbread

and free cookies because it was our first visit.

Though we had a great time,

our hearts were also heavy,

because my family was also saying goodbye to our little nephew Timmy at the same time.

Many of you prayed for him specifically 2 years ago.

When we visited in November of 2016,

we thought that we met him and said goodbye in the same visit,

but God was gracious to give him another 2 years on earth 

to teach us so much more about love and compassion,

about judgment,

and about the ability to reach out to others.

It was of the Lord that we were also prompted to visit NY in June 

which allowed us to see him another time.

I finished teaching the 2-5 children's church in November.

It was good to be back in the classroom,

but I did determine that 2-3's are not really my age group.

I have a new respect for those teachers!

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving in NC.

We began with a walk/jog with 2 local friends.

And then had Turkey soup for lunch

and bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon (compliments of my brother-in-law in Alaska) for dinner.

December has been interesting in NC.

We have already had snow which is early for us.

It shut us down for 2-3 days.

But even in that, God gave us extra time to edit hubby's books

so that they could be completed by the New Year.

And now Christmas is upon us.

The tree is up

and plans are being made to celebrate with our church family here in NC.

Sunday afternoon we will be taking soup to share with a church family and then helping with the assisted living service.

Christmas Eve, we will spend with 2-3 other couples with a large dinner and games.

So excited to have a Happy Birthday party for Jesus on Christmas day with a couple and their 3 children.

Today, I need to make some trimmings for the potluck at work tomorrow.

Cranberry meatballs,

mini jalapeno cornbread muffins

and chocolate and mint crinkles.

Have a great day!

A Big Sigh ...

After 3 1/2 years ...

Hubby's study of the book of Isaiah is finally complete.

It is available to order at lulu.com or on his blog ilovethylaw.blogspot.com.

 And that my friends is where I have been for the past few months ...

editing is no small matter.

I still need to prepare the ebook,

but the major work is done.

Updates

And 2 months later ...

We have been busy.

September saw me primarily in the print shop at church.

30,000 Tagalog John and Romans being assembled for the Philipines.

I have enjoyed working usually 2 days a week in the shop for the past 3 months.

Sometimes collating,

sometimes inspecting and boarding,

sometimes using the glue binder.

We collated the last one yesterday,

now there are just about 5,000 left to bind!

Our big event was in October.

We took a road trip to Tampa, FL.

Some of our friends were attending a Baptist World Mission Conference

and seeking to be appointed as missionaries to Colombia.

Hubby and I went with them to watch their four littles during the day.

It was a ministry slightly out of our comfort zone,

but it was the right thing to do.

While we were there,

we were able to catch up with our nephew and his family.

They were home from Colombia for a brief time.

We enjoyed meeting our "great-nieces" and appreciated their love of family.

We also caught up one morning with one of hubby's sisters :)

We have also been editing hubby's new study in Isaiah.

After 3 years, it is finally nearing completion.

It will be published in 3 volumes.

Volumes 1 and 2 have been edited and physical copies ordered

and we are into volume 3.

We also had a missions conference at our own church which involved many nights

as well as meals for missionaries.

We really enjoyed the missionaries and a challenge to pray specifically.

The first care package idea went off fairly well.

We did an "open when" package.

The package was filled with letters labeled on the outside with "open when ..."

Church members wrote notes corresponding to the topic and some even stuck in little surprises.

"Open when you feel sick."  -  I included some Emergen-C

"Open when you feel bored." - one lady included word puzzles

"Open when you are tired." - an encouragement to rest, and a package of instant mocha

You get the idea.

We even put together an evangelistic box for a summer intern from hubby's work.

Now we are collecting food items for one more box before the end of the semester.

This is a great opportunity for new members at church to be involved

or even for those who are still deciding but want to have some ministry opportunity.

The students gave me some of their likes and wish lists were made available to the church.

Hubby has at least 2 more teaching opportunities this 2018.

I will be attempting Children's Church with the littlest people (2-5) in the month of November.

Soon we will be into the holidays,

so we will be searching for a family to adopt for the day.

Or maybe this year it will just be quiet holidays ...

with some extra rest.

I hope you will forgive the lack of posts.

Rejoice with us at God's provision of ministry opportunities.

God is faithful.

Always Faithful

So this week I am back to preparing an offertory for Sunday.

I have found that when the words of the hymn really mean something to me,

my nerves are lessened.

This week, I am dwelling on the words to 

"Great is Thy Faithfulness"

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.  “Great is Thy faithfulness!”  “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The world is ever-changing,

but He is faithful.

Sticking Power

Happy Labor Day, ALL!

We are enjoying a day off in celebration of all of hubby's daily labors.

I did a little babysitting this morning,

but then we enjoyed the afternoon together and even got to the big city of Asheville!

On another note ... MUFFINS!

Muffins are just convenient.

They are portion controlled.

They usually travel fairly well.

They cover snacks or meals.

It's a win-win when they are not sugar bombs.

So here's one with some sticking power - 

whole grains and protein - 

oh, and some veggies too!

We enjoyed them for breakfast - 

but they also make great snacks and/or small lunches.

Protein Muffins

8 slices bacon (I use precooked chicken bacon)

3 eggs

1 1/4 c milk

1 c cheddar shreds

2 cups oat flour (just throw oats in a blender and blend till flour consistency)

1 TBSP baking powder

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 TBSP sage

1/2 bell pepper chopped

1 c chopped spinach

2 TSBP coconut oil or butter

Set oven to 350*

Cook bacon and when cool chop into pieces

Mix dry ingredients with a fork

Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spatula

Divide between 12 muffin molds

Make about 25 minutes.

What's Missing?

Old

New

Look closely ...

What's missing?

I guess there are a couple of things missing.

The bright pillows will be back soon.

The bed skirt can come back soon.

But the headboard is gone.

We decided that rather than battle the bed bugs that had found shelter 

in all of the cracks of the headboard,

we would dispose of the headboard.

So far 5 nights without bites ...

Anybody Else Like Sleep?

Today, I am thankful for a new sleep aid.

For a while now, I have known that I have mild sleep apnea.

It is nonexistent if I sleep on my side,

so I have tried to stay on my side during the night.

Easier said than done.

I tried to put things along my back that would jar me awake if I were to roll onto my back.

The methods worked slightly, but my sleep was still poor.

My default was to sleep on my back.

We debated sleep studies that would probably lead to CPAP.

Oh, I did not want a CPAP machine!

So I searched and found that for some people with slight apneas,

mandibular adjustment can work.

Basically, that treatment involves pulling the lower jaw in front of the upper jaw.

It seemed far better than the alternative,

so I ordered a device.

Meet the Z Quiet.

WOW!

The first couple of nights were hard - 

slight pain in teeth

and adjustment learning how to swallow with the device in ...

but the results were phenomenal.

Less waking during the night.

No apneas with hubby having to push me back over to my side.

Mornings where I can hop out of bed with hubby.

Energy.  Real energy.

So excited.

Hubby is excited too - 

no more listening to me choking myself 😀

For William

While back in NY in June,

we were able to see all of my family.

One nephew reminded me that I do not look like my blog picture.

I am still working on getting an updated one with hubby for our blog profile.

But until then ...

William,

Here is a picture of your aunt ...

I need to stand up straighter ...

but that is the 2018 version of me 😉

Every Blessing

The song of this week is the hymn "Come Thou Fount."

Hubby and I hope to sing a duet of this old hymn on Sunday.

We are so undeserving of God's blessings and grace ...

but He just gives and gives.

Have you counted your blessings today?

Have you told God how much you appreciate 

all that He has done for you?

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy, never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love

Here I raise my Ebenezer

Here there by Thy great help I've come

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure

Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He, to rescue me from danger

Interposed His precious blood

Oh, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be

Let that goodness like a fetter

Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

A Cooler Meal

What a wonderful Lord's Day we had yesterday ...

food for the soul, encouragement from the saints ...

just an encouraging day.

We have also come off a beautiful 4 days with cooler temps.

I even had the windows open all day one of the days.

We are back to hot temps and my menu plan went out the window.

All we crave is fruit, cold things ...

Well, we need the veggies too,

and the protein.

How about a simple twist on a Potato Salad.

Perfect with a grilled chicken breast, smoked sausage, ...

Creamy Dill Potato and Pea Salad

1 1/2 lbs potatoes

12 oz peas

1/3 c plain greek yogurt

1/4 c mayo

2 tsp dried dill (or 2 TBSP fresh)

1 TBSP apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Cook cubed potatoes 10-15 minutes.

Add peas last 3 minutes.

Drain.

Mix in remaining items.

Chill.

Friday Forum: Care Packages

Yesterday, I mentioned college care packages.

I have plenty of friends/family in or shortly out of college,

plenty of family looking forward to college,

and many readers who have "been there, done that."

What would you love to see in a care package?

Thrifty ideas?

Theme boxes?

All ideas accepted.

Without a Name

At the beginning of the year,

I mentioned a goal of finding new ministries.

The struggle has been that we wanted to presume on our ministry.

I went to school to be a teacher.

Shouldn't my ministry involve teaching?

Hubby went to school to be a pastor.

Shouldn't his ministry be teaching or preaching?

With a prayer to find our place,

God has continued to show us ministry after ministry.

Sometimes ministry doesn't have a name.

Ministry can be faithfulness in the every day.

Ministry can be a smile.

Ministry can be a note.

Ministry can be just doing what you do.

This week,

I was asked to spearhead the college care packages.

Ministry.

Ministry that I already do.

But I can encourage others while doing it.

Hubby has helped with machine repair.

Hubby has texted Bible verses.

And he has ministered to others.

I write this to encourage you.

Ministry does not always have a name ...

it is not always "pastor," or "teacher," or "deacon,"

or "pianist," or ...

I may still struggle from time to time - 

but I am thankful for the peace and direction right now.

Good Night ... Sleep Tight ...

Can you finish the childhood line of poetry?

Unfortunately, I can ...

"...Don't let the bed bugs bite."

This week, my woman's work has been consumed with chasing and trying to eradicate bed bugs.

While this post comes with a bit of shame or embarrassment 

(though bed bugs are not a sign of uncleanliness),

I write it in case you ever discover yourself in the situation.

I don't know where we picked up the first "hitchhiker" - 

maybe from our travels in June,

maybe from a dinner guest,

maybe from a tractor,

maybe from a waiting room chair.

For the past 2 weeks,

we have found little spots of blood on the bed sheets.

With a mechanic, there is often a scab or scratch bleeding,

so we thought little of it ...

but they were becoming more and more frequent and we couldn't find the offending spot.

So I "googled" mysterious spots on bed sheets.

AAAHH!  Bed bugs.

We found them.

Fortunately, we do not react to the bites,

but I have the creepy crawlies just writing about it.

So we have sprayed,

we have spread diatomaceous earth,

we have wrapped the mattress and box spring,

and I have done LOADS of hot water wash!

And I am sure we will be on guard for months!

Day By Day

This week, 

the song rolling around in my mind is 

"Day by Day."

I will be playing it as an offertory tomorrow.

It helps my nerves when I focus on the words

and this song has always meant a lot to me.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

This week, the Lord has shown us His strength.

Last week, I mentioned a big decision.

The situation came up suddenly and seemed overwhelming.

By Sunday afternoon,

God had given us the answer

and His peace.

Not only did He give direction but He gave an understanding about other parts of our life.

"Casting all your cares upon Him ..."

For those of you who grabbed the non-specific prayer request last week ...

Thank you for praying ...

God heard and answered.

Keep trusting ... Day By Day

Simple Hack

We are blessed to receive free homemade soap,

I love the scents ... I love the natural product ...

but I don't like slime in the soap dish ...

It is not a problem anymore!

All it took was two large rubber bands (probably from some broccoli).

Just wrapped the rubber bands around the dish,

and set the soap on top.

Always have a dry soap bar!

16 on the 17th

Today we celebrate 16 years!

It seems like just yesteraday,

and yet so much has happened in between.

And we look forward to many more adventures ahead.

We tried to celebrate last Friday,

but I was just drained from the week.

We won't really celebrate today,

because we get to help with a teen get-together tonight.

But next Friday night,

maybe a quiet evening at home.

Just a simple supper ...

we are thinking mushroom soup and garlic toast.

And for the celebratory dessert ...

lemon-lavender cupcakes!

We have heard about this flavor culinary delights for so long,

it is time to give it a try ...

just hoping that they don't turn out tasting like SOAP!

Oh the Green

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for a Spring-like August.

It is as green as spring here in NC.

I have had to raise the mower,

and am mowing every 5 days!

I love mowing,

so this is a great treat

and the greenery all around is so much prettier than the typical August surroundings.

I am also thankful,

because the college students are coming back this weekend

and early next week.

It is fun to have their excitement back around us.

In Front of the Mirror

In the year of refocus,

I am spending time trying to put myself in others' situations.

I am trying to work more on grace and gracious living.

I am trying to give room for my own growth and for the growth of others.

I desire grace and forgiveness and want to give that to others as well.
Verses in the Bible on longsuffering jump off the page
and supplemental reading on acts of grace and open door living continue to drive home the point.

God continues to put reflections of myself before me in the form of others.
God is showing me that 

broken people hurt others.

I have hurt others in my own pain;

and I have been hurt by others 

and now see that much of it was because they were broken.
Grace demands the second chance.

Sometimes people can be helped,

sometimes they can't.

I have abandoned many relationships prematurely.

I was tired.

It was work.
The hurt caused seemed too great.

I didn't want to acknowledge any fault on my part.

It is humbling to admit brokenness and weakness.

Only in humility can broken people be helped.

God has also shown me that not every relationship can be saved.
There is a time to distance one's self.

If there is always an excuse,

if the fault is always in someone else,

the cycle of pain and brokenness will continue.
There are people who use for self-gain
and then cut off when crossed or when there is nothing more to gain.

There will not be healing until there is an acknowledgment of a need for change.

It is hard to know when.

Remember yesterday's post?

I need Thee every hour.

I need His help in my life ...

concerning my actions and responses

and concerning my relationships.

Every Hour

I have been enjoying singing at church.

For many years, that has not really been an option because I was behind the piano

Last week, hubby and I sang a duet.

It was mostly the familiar words of "Trust and Obey"

but with a different tune.

This week, my mind is enjoying the focus on "I Need Thee Every Hour."

A ladies group will be singing it in a couple weeks.

The words have been a blessing.

I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior!

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour,

Stay Thou near by;

Temptations lose their power

When Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour,

In joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour,

Teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises

In me fulfill.

 I need Thee every hour,

Most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son.

Perhaps the song has meant so much,

because we potentially face some big decisions.

Possibly in the short-term weeks ahead,

but definitely in the final months of the year.

Without God, we dare not make a decision.

Simple Chicken Burritos

Last week, I set aside the traditional recipes

and went in search of some new favorites.

I was feeling like I was in a great rut and needed to change things up.

So every day, we tried something new.

One of the favorites was a burrito recipe.

I cooked up one pound of chicken in the toaster oven.

I threw the cooked chicken in the kitchen-aid mixer to shred it.

Then I added one finely diced avocado and a cup of shredded cheese.

TADA!  Burrito filling.

I wrapped with an Aldi gluten free sandwich wrap

and browned in a greased skillet.

Simple and good.

But it did lack a little something.

I am going to try again on Wednesday and add a packet of taco seasoning to the inside mix because it was a little bland.

Did you wonder about the cheese?

Last I mentioned that we had totally given it up.

Upon further diagnosis of the situation

it was determined that hubby's daily "otter pops"

were not agreeing with him.

Crazy huh?

Update 8/30
We are thinking that it is the dyes in the popsicles that is the problem.
He had the same problems with Gatorade.

A Season of "yes"

The past 7 months have been a time of testing,

a time of growing,

a time of stretching,

a time of waiting on God and wondering how He wanted to use us.

We, as a couple, definitely like to minister as a couple,

but at the beginning of our ministry change,

it seemed that only separate ministries were offered.

Hubby was preaching once a month locally.

Hubby was supporting a men's prayer meeting.

I was singing in the choir and playing the piano again.
I could paint during the week.

We kept waiting on "together" ministry.

God laid one in our lap.

A chance to be hands-on in helping a missionary launch out.

And it involved getting out of our comfort zone.

And it involved just saying "yes."

There are times when God reminds us that though we are not ministering as WE planned
 (how presumptuous that is),

we can help in many ways as a couple because of our situation and stage in life.

And we are excited ... and looking for the next thing to say "yes" to!

Up To The Challenge

Over the past few years, we have pulled back from dairy foods more and more.

We have enjoyed almond/coconut milk and coconut based ice cream,

but the stronghold, the fortress, has been cheese.

Really, cheese is so good ... and is an easy source of calories and protein.

Recently, we have tried to give up the cheese ...

So suddenly the Mexican dishes which are a staple in a gluten-free home

are a little less appetizing (though they still appear frequently.)
Pizza?  Without Cheese?

I really don't enjoy cream-based dishes made with almond milk most of the time.

So, how would I meet the challenge?
Some things just haven't been duplicated.
Sorry, you can't make a grilled cheese with pumpkin filling (I tried).

But I have stumbled on some finds ...
I made parmesan out of nutritional yeast and raw cashews.
It worked on our pizza.

I came across a dairy-free southern favorite the other day ...

Biscuits and gravy!

We love biscuits and gravy,

but hadn't had it in awhile.

This gravy recipe had sausage,

gluten free flour,

and, ...

Wait for it ...

CAULIFLOWER.

I groaned too,

but I was SO curious.
Hubby was not surprised at my wonderment and was even game to try it
(after cauliflower ziti last week)

Sausage is a pretty strong flavor.

Could it overpower the cauliflower?

My curiosity bested me.

Friday night was the night for biscuits and gravy ...

SUCCESS!

Yes, the house had the awful cooked cauliflower smell
(An hour after with a strawberry lemonade candle burning and that was fixed),

but when blended with water and a little nutritional yeast, salt and pepper,

it was really quite good.

And now you have chalked me up as a kook instead of a cook,

but you just have to roll with it.

And a happy hubby, with a happy belly

is worth more than the acceptance of my readers :)

Derailed ... but getting back on track

Please tell me that I am not the only one ...

one who can be easily derailed from my plans and goals.

It can happen with schedules, with diets, with exercise plans.

I think that it started with a strange sore throat/sinus mess

 that has hit me 3 times in 4 months.

It is easy to get discouraged in sickness.

It is hard to just bounce back after 3-4 days of blah.

Then there was an enjoyable trip to NY - 

more change of schedule.

And we got to enjoy our niece for a week -

another change of pace.

In this time, I also agreed to paint at church.

At this point it is almost done ...

only two storage rooms and the sanctuary.

I love the work, but it is another change.

Friday, I took some time to reevaluate ... to get back on track ... to recommit.

I have kept up on reading and really have been challenged by some of the books I have read.

We have kept up with entertaining once a month and have even been invited to others' homes.

The Isaiah book is close to completion (at least the actual writing)

so we start editing soon.

But the Hebrew lessons have suffered.

I am excited to recommit to them.

This past month I have been encouraged to develop a skill that I enjoy,

to not be content to be stagnant.

I guess it comes from being around folks who are more advanced at it than I am.

I have started a church based music theory course to further develop my piano playing (and my piano teaching).

For years, I have avoided theory, probably afraid of failing.

It is the reason I did not pursue a music minor in college!

Some of our college kids have challenged me to go to the school to take it,

but, I always made excuses.

Not this time,

The course will teach theory, modulations, playing softly, arranging, transposing, playing congregation music, analyzing music ...

It will be a commitment,

but oh how useful it will be wherever God has us.

Those Who Challenge

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for those who challenge.

My pastor's daughter (and wife) recommended a book to me a while back.

I recently purchased it for our travels

(because reading aloud helps the time to pass

and keeps our tongues in control).

The book is

Small Acts of Grace

The book has been a real challenge to me to really look for ways to encourage ...

to act when I see those needs ...

and to look beyond a need to see that everyone needs encouragement.

Perhaps the biggest challenge so far was the author's reminder to remember needs

beyond the "urgent" moment.

So often I meet a need, I pray, I encourage while the need is "great,"

but when the need becomes the everyday mundane, I have ashamedly moved on.

While it is written to women, my hubby has also been challenged

and our guest this week has enjoyed the book too.

I am thankful for the ladies who recommended the book.

And I am thankful for the author who spent the time to write.

(Disclaimer:  Mrs. Gray does not use the KJV when she quotes scripture

and would attend more liberal churches than I would promote or encourage)

Not Obsolete

It's been awhile since the sewing supplies came out of the closet.

I suppose it was last December when I sewed some work skirts.

Sure an occasional mend job,

a new throw pillow cover,

...

Sometimes, I wondered if I was done with the sewing and sewing requests.

But the supplies are out this week.

Two jumpers in the books complete with modifications ...

and 2 dresses to go ...

And then,

some travel pillows ...

Oh ... and maybe a field trip to Hobby Lobby ... what fun!

In remembrance of gluten ...

We have been on vacation for a little more than one half of a week.

Currently, we are sharing in what we are calling a "Senior Trip."

While in a little touristy town,

we came across these.

I must have looked a bit too wistfully,

and hubby bought them for me.

Apple filled ...

Strawberry glazed ...

original glazed ...

blueberry cake ...

and chocolate sprinkle.

The consensus in the house is that the blueberry cake is closest to a real doughnut flavor.

I have enjoyed my walk down memory lane,

until Dunkin Donuts decides to make some gluten-free treats.

Don't Forget the Brides

June is typically the most popular wedding month.

This year it seems that May was more popular among the people that we know.

The wedding day is so exciting.

I enjoy seeing the excited bride in the dress of her choosing.

I like to watch the grooms expression as the bride enters.

I like to hear what music the couple choose (usually).

I like to see the "unity" object (not just a candle anymore).

The dresses, the colors, the flowers, the vows ...

The day is just exciting.

Weeks later, I enjoy seeing the pictures.

Off the couple goes.

There is wedding travel.

There is a new residence to turn into a home.

There are presents to unpack and thank you notes to write.

And then, we are on to the next thing ...

and the bride ...

she has entered a new world.

Perhaps she has left the hustle of college,

the bustle of the work environment,

maybe she has chosen to be a stay-at-home wife ...

and it is quiet and sometimes lonely.

Perhaps you are a "seasoned" wife and have forgotten those days,

but can I encourage to look for that "forgotten" bride?

Maybe she has asked if she can help and you don't want to "bother" her.

Invite her over to help even if you don't need the help.

Invite her to do an activity with your children.

See if she would like to join you on an outing.

Back to the Bench

This week, I am humming and singing one of my favorite hymns.

When hubby was leading hymns regularly,

this hymn was in the "oft-repeated" file.

On Sunday,

I returned to the piano bench after nearly 6 months of rest.

I was excited, but, there were also some nerves.

I was quickly set at ease when the first hymn chosen was ...

"Come Thou Fount."

God once again showed that He cares for every aspect of my life.

He met a need and calmed my nerves with one hymn.

Monday Forum: As The Temperature Rises

While not at its worst,

the temperature is rising here in NC.

With that comes the desire for different meals.

We don't desire hot soup,

heavy pasta meals and casseroles.

I have begun to use the "summer" recipes again.

We have a lot of grilled veggie sandwiches,

Mediterranean grilled chicken salads,

turkey burgers,

salmon patties,

various pizza varieties,

fish with rice and veggies ...

But I feel like I am in a rut ...

uninspired for the summer season...

What's on your summer menu?

Help spur my creativity again!

Not a Recipe

Typically, I post a recipe on Monday,

but I have not been using many new recipes recently.

We have been using the "tried and true."

But as I thought of recipes to share,

I thought of how I really am not a phenomenal cook.

I usually put my heart into it,

but it will never be Culinary Institute of America good ...

it won't be the "good" of the seasoned mom in the church who needs no recipe...

but daily, I feel like I am a great cook ...

Why?

Because I have a husband who encourages me.

He loves food, particularly healthy food.

Though the food may not always be what our taste buds would gravitate to,

he praises the health value,

the time researching,

the extra time to prepare minimally processed food.

Encouraging words can lift folks up.

Encouraging words can change the outlook of a day.

I was recently thinking of this as I thought of changes in life that a friend is facing.

She is in a rough time ...

changes,

some loneliness,

finding new expectations;

and she needs encouragement.

Is there someone in your home who needs encouragement?

Is there a friend who needs encouragement?

Maybe you will look around Walmart and encourage a stranger.

It doesn't take money,

just a little time and effort to see the need and to meet the need.

Success

If you prayed with us about the avocados and the guacomole for Saturday's wedding - 

THANK YOU!

We had 50 avocados and they were near to perfect.

One was a little hard, but there were no "rocks" and no rotting ones.

I bought 30 hard avocados on Tuesday.

Then I bought 20 more on Wednesday.

By Friday, I had to remove them from the basket because they were really

making heat (literally) and ripening well.

In the end, we probably could have done with 40 avocados,

but better safe then sorry.

The guac went together well,

transported well,

and still looked bright green at the reception.

The final recipe was ...

8 avocados

1 TBSP lime juice

1 tsp garlic salt

48 avocados

6 TBSP lime juice

6 tsp garlic salt

Now you know it - 

if you ever make guac for the masses.

Mother's Day Support

We have just come through Mother's Day weekend

and another birthday.

While the days are celebratory,

they also come with  a little heartache.

These are days that remind me that time is passing

and it has not been God's plan and design to give us children.

God has sent many along the path to shore us up.

4 out of 7 of our past pastor's wives have walked the road.

It was always a blessing to have at least one understanding look on the hard days

and to have sensitivity from the pulpit.

But this year, God sent even more.

He sent two ladies who had not just walked the road,

but were still walking the road.

They could truly walk beside me.

Isn't that a blessing?

We were even invited to share Mother's Day lunch with one of the families.

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for those ladies

and all of the ladies who encourage me

who walk with me

who remind me of the other joys of life

who can share truly empathetic tears.

Recharge

Sometimes there is no choice but to recharge.

I have had an absence on the blog because I have been absent from health.

Two weeks ago, I got a sore throat,

that became laryngitis,

that came with some feverish days,

that left a nagging cough that liked to hit in the middle of the night.

So for one week, I had no choice but to recharge.

I literally did very little but make the bed,

get meals together,

and rest.

Sometimes the body just needs rest.

There is still an occasional "tickle" in my throat,

but all in all I am glad to be "back in the saddle" again.

AAAHH-vocados

One of the foods that we have come to enjoy is avocado.

It is one of the "healthy fats."

It is a lot of calories without a lot of bulk on the super busy days.

It is just delicious.

We eat it plain,

we throw it in smoothies,

but our favorite way is as a simple guacomole.

We put it on toast once a week for breakfast

or eat it with taco salad or spanish rice in the evening.

And of course,

who can resist it with tortilla chips.

My simple guacomole is ...

mashed avocado

squirt of lime juice

couple of shakes of garlic salt

How easy is that?!?

Glad it's simple, because I will be making a lot of it this weekend.

I have done gluten free corn muffins for a wedding reception,

A gluten free apple pie a couple of weeks ago for a wedding reception,

and this week is guacomole!

If you think of it,

will you pray that I get the number of avocados that I need

and that I can time the "ripeness" correctly

so that the guac turns out okay?

Maybe the Burden is Not so Heavy

Eating gluten-free can often be a burden.

There are not quick stops at BK or Mickey D's when hungry.

There are many turned down invitations for pizza.

Each outing must be carefully planned if food is to be involved.

But then there are times when the burden can be a blessing.

Since our family has learned how to cook for us,

they have been able to meet the needs of many of God's servants 

in need of a special diet.

Saturday, I will be able to minister to some of the bride's extended family

by making a gluten free pie for the reception.

At the end of the month,

I can provide a lodging place and meals for a gluten free bride

so that she has one less thing to think about during a busy week.

I may also be able to minister to the girl friend of one of the groomsman.

I am thankful for this burden.

I am thankful for those who took the time to teach me about the gf lifestyle.

I am thankful that I have a unique ministry in this area.

Getting the Word Out

One of the difficulties of a physical move

or a ministry change is finding a place again.

Since I do not work outside of the home,

I rely on ministry and personal contacts to keep me busy.

Many people feel that if they ask for help, they will be a burden,

so I have to "get the word out" that helping is my job!

While I plan to continue local visits to folks and writing encouragement cards,

I am excited that I am starting to find outside ministries again.

I have the opportunity to help a young mother this week by watching her children.

I have the opportunity to help at a print shop field trip next week.

I am going to start what has become an annual event of painting again - 

it seems that I rotate between church or home each year.

I don't know how long each ministry will last,

but I will try to be grateful for each one.

The Best Advice

We are thrilled to be planning to go to a wedding this Saturday

and then again at the end of the month.

God has allowed us to have a small part in each day -

providing lodging, providing food, providing a stop-off.

As an "older," and in true "Mr. Smith" style,

hubby and I picked a verse of advice for each couple.

The verse contains their anniversary.

Not only does it give the best advice,

but when we read it through the years,

we are reminded to pray for that couple.

Saturday 5/5

1 Peter 5:5 

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, 

and be clothed with humility: 

for God resisteth the proud, 

and giveth grace to the humble.

Human pride wants its own way.

Humility is crucial in a marriage and ministry.

Service to others and self-sacrifice will yield Biblical success.

In our observation, the couple already possesses a heart of service for others,

and if they carry that into marriage,

God will bless.