Desiring to keep my life so simple and clutter free that I can keep my focus on my God, my family, and my home following the principles for women found in God's Word.
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Wednesday, December 23, 2020
The Absence of Pride in the Christmas Story
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
In Case You Are Free
One thing we have enjoyed doing this season
is planning a Christmas Eve service at our church.
I learned a little bit of PowerPoint to prepare the carols.
We are decorating tonight with fresh greenery and LED candles galore.
Hopefully, there will even be some crockpot potpourri with a pleasant Christmas smell.
It will be a simple service,
no fancy choirs,
no orchestras,
but there will be Scripture readings,
lots of familiar carols,
and a Bible message.
While most of my readers are in the Eastern time zone,
if you are still up at 7 Pacific (10 Eastern),
you could join us for our service.
It would be a pleasant background for your last minute wrapping or cooking.
It would be a way to prepare your heart for Christmas morning if you have not already had a service
and you are not in great need of sleep.
One of my favorite preachers will be bringing the message
and some of my Sunday School students will sing and play duets.
And here's the link.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Timing is Everything
This post has been in my mind since Thanksgiving,
but I can finally sit, breathe, and actually write it ...
and give it a Christmas twist.
Timing is everything,
especially if it is God's timing.
But when the fulness of the time was come,
God sent forth his Son,
made of a woman,
made under the law,
Galatians 4:4
The birth of Jesus seems anything but perfect.
Poverty, stables, shepherds, death plots.
But God knew what He was doing.
He sent His Son at the perfect time.
A year and a half ago,
knowing that it was what God would have us to do.
But just because we knew it was God's plan did not mean that it was without struggle.
It came with human struggle.
We missed friends in NC.
We were far from our family in the east.
We were "useful" for 6 months of the year
and seemed to wander for the other 6 months.
We were in a liberal state during riots and protests.
The struggle was human.
Because God had told us to go
we should have let His peace reign.
He provided a home,
in a pleasant neighborhood close to town,
with a job not 10 minutes from home,
with "flexible" hours,
and He had made it all happen.
But He, in His grace, chose to show us His perfect timing this fall.
He moved us at the perfect time.
In October, we found out that this was the time we were needed.
Our family in Oregon was now in need of care,
not just a little care, but possibly end of life care.
Cancer and heart disease had struck and hit hard.
God moved us before Covid.
He got us settled before we were thrust into a new world of medical appointments.
There were no months of warning,
there was no time to prepare for a move,
there was no time to quarantine when we were immediately needed.
God knew that.
God set it up.
He could see what we could not.
And now you know where I have been,
and you will excuse any long absence.
For a little while at least, the medical appointments have slowed down.
We are enjoying a simplified Christmas season -
one that had to cut a lot of the pleasant, but "fluff," elements of the celebration
in favor of our most focused Christmas ever (I think.)
I have enjoyed writing 3 verses of the Christmas story or Christmas prophecy each morning and really dwelling on small pieces instead of the whole story.
I have been more thankful for God (and His timing)
and am, at least for now, remembering to trust His way as best.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Choose Your Hard
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays,
I "enjoy" an interval run.
It is far from enjoyment.
It is an exercise in discipline.
I warm up for 5 minutes, run for 3, walk for 2, run for 3, walk for 2, ...
I continue for 35 minutes or 6 cycles.
As I ran last week on a particularly drippy day,
I thought of how much motivation it took to get myself outside.
I do not enjoy this activity ...
... at least until I reach the end,
... until I sleep so well at night,
... until I see the resting heart rate and blood pressure lowering,
... until I feel the accomplishment of beating my 20-year-old self.
There are a lot of hard choices.
I saw a quote that said something like ...
Work is hard, being broke is hard,
Choose your hard.
Exercise is hard, being unfit is hard,
Choose your hard.
Communicating is hard, not communicating is hard,
Choose your hard.
Marriage is hard, divorce is hard,
Choose your hard.
You get the idea.
I run because I want to stay mobile and healthy.
I want to enjoy the life I have.
I want to avoid the doctor when I can.
I value mobility more than I despise the intervals.
So you may face an issue that requires discipline.
It may be a hard choice.
But the alternative may not be easy either.
Make the effort to be disciplined today.
Choose to spend time with the Lord.
Choose to memorize His Word.
Choose to eat right.
Choose to take care of your body.
Choose to speak with grace.
Choose not to react in anger.
Choose the best hard.
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Filled to Overflowing
What is filling you?
In so asking, I also ask ... what is flowing out of you?
This week, we have heard much about politics.
It has been an unusual week.
But the question is: Are you filled and overflowing with Scripture?
I was challenged to look at a thanksgiving passage each day this month.
The first verse on the list included this verse.
And I thought, what is filling me?
A life saturated with the Word will spill over into the lives of others.
What is spilling?
Is it profitable?
Nothing is more profitable than God's Word!
As I thought about this, I prepared for church with a specific verse on my tongue.
Habakkuk 2:20
But the LORD is in his holy temple:
let all the earth keep silence before him.
I want my words to be God's Words and to overflow with life for others.
Are you ready for church tomorrow or for work this week?
Are you saturated with the news?
a book?
a movie?
or with the life-giving Word?
The choice I want is obvious,
but it will take discipline and focus.
But oh, it is worth it!
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
A Challenge for November
Our church family has been challenged for the month of November.
The challenge is to pray for another family in the church each day of the month - 30 days.
The challenge includes sending them encouragement,
letting them know why they are appreciated.
The challenge can even include gifts of gratitude.
I guess it is kind of a "Secret Santa" or "Secret Sister" type idea.
But doesn't God work in your heart as you focus on others?
Don't you sympathize more and criticize less while you are focusing on the needs of another?
Isn't there a blessing in looking for the good in others and holding others up?
While our challenge was done so that no family would be left out,
is there someone in your sphere that you would commit to encourage this month?
Monday, November 2, 2020
Just Turn it Over
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
It seems like there are
cares,
worries,
concerns,
stressors
all around us.
God already knows my burdens and cares,
but He wants to hear from me ...
every burden,
every care,
every worry.
I can thank Him as I turn every care over to His loving care
knowing that He will deal with the burdens in His will and way.
Lord, forgive me when I have an apathetic approach to prayer.
You want to hear from me.
You want to show yourself strong on my behalf.
Monday, October 12, 2020
Another Month Gone
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the quinoa and toss to coat. Once coated, add the lentils, onions, carrots, butternut squash and all herbs and spices along with the beef bone broth.
- Bring to a boil before reducing the heat to a low simmer. Cover and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes until the quinoa and lentils are cooked, adding water (and/or stock) as needed. Gently turn the ingredients occasionally to ensure that they don't stick or burn, and to ensure that there is enough liquid in the pot.
- Once the quinoa and lentils are fully cooked, discard the bay leaves and juniper berries and stir in the coconut oil.
- Turn off the heat and cover the pot for at least 15 minutes to allow the ingredients' flavors to meld together.
Friday, September 18, 2020
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
I Have An Addiction
Saturday, September 12, 2020
WAITING, PATIENCE, BLESSINGS
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Looking for the Little Things
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Not Later, How About Now?
or more than just when packing to move.😀
Did you check any of the undesirable jobs off of your to-do list?
Funny thing is ... after I mentioned some of those jobs,
I was actually forced to address some of those dreaded jobs.
The day I wrote that blog, hubby came home sick.
So when he recovered, ALL the bedding got washed-
duvet cover, pillows ...
and since he was also in the living room ...
throw pillows and covers and blankets in there as well.
I really liked the not so gentle prod to get moving
and downloaded a phone app that gives me a good list of those infrequent jobs divided by week.
The first week was fairly easy - entryway, dining room, and hallway.
It did include the cobwebs outside the door that needed to be removed.
Last week, the focus was on the kitchen,
so the cupboards got washed,
the dreaded refrigerator cleaned,
and the stove cleaned.
Because of the holiday on Monday,
I haven't started this week's focus rooms,
but it will be the guest room and the 3 bathrooms.
Since I just scoured the bathroom floors,
this shouldn't be too bad.
And once again, I am forced to address some other undesirable jobs.
This actually does have to be put off for at least a day or two.
The Eastern Oregon fires are creating a great mess in our little valley.
The air is thick with ash and there is a silvery dust EVERYWHERE outside.
So the newly formed cobwebs are emphasized and the whole house exterior will need to be washed down.
The sidewalk will need to be washed.
So while it won't be addressed until the air clears,
there is no choice but to get out there and get it done.
Oh, and I guess the car will need a good cleaning as well.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Always
God knew that the apartment fitness center that we were ready to use would be closed for Covid.
Monday, September 7, 2020
Happy Labor Day!
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
The Comfort of a Schedule
Are you a regimented person?
Love it?
Hate it?
I suppose we are all wired differently in this area.
Hubby and I are definitely creatures of habit.
It has come to our attention as we interact with others
that our schedule is not only a framework for us,
but a framework for them as they relate with us.
"Let's get together ... just not Monday or Friday, right?"
"Did you make it on your run yesterday?"
"How was Burgerville last night? You went, right?"
"You didn't walk yesterday, you run on Saturday mornings"
My mom knows what days I am cleaning and shopping.
The church people know when we interval run mostly because they see me huffing and puffing down the street.
By now many have figured out that USUALLY on Friday night we will be headed to Burgerville
(we will make an exception this week so that we can grill our own burgers on Labor Day).
There is comfort in the structure.
There is an ease of scheduling because I know that everything has a time.
It is fairly easy to make plans because I know when hubby has to study and what nights are free.
I know when I can work on "wife" projects after dinner and when we will have moments as a couple.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Maybe our schedule is ordered to a fault,
Not a plan that pushes out spontaneity or ministry opportunities,
and maybe a plan that helps other people hold you accountable.
Monday, August 31, 2020
Change of Plans
So I posted last week's menu plan ...
and it flew out the window.
The men at work decided to share and share some more
and hubby came home sick on Wednesday morning.
So for about 4 days,
it was more nothing or very simple meals that would settle well.
Jello - mashed potatoes and gravy - simple sandwiches - eggs - toast
So this week's menu has quite a few repeats from last week
(though they are not really repeated).
And hubby did bounce back rather quickly.
He was back to work on Friday
and though we skipped our Saturday interval run, he did join me for a long walk around town.
Sunday
Eggs, Toast, Avocado, Breakfast Sausage
One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Skillet (a McCormick seasoning packet)
Grilled Cheese
Monday
Eggs, Toast, Avocado, Breakfast Sausage
Leftover Tuscan Chicken with a side salad
Southwest Sweet Potato Hash
Tuesday
Yogurt Parfaits
Chef Salad
Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa
Wednesday
Smoothie
Leftover Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa
Almond flour Pancakes and Fruit
Thursday
Yogurt Parfait
Veggie Egg Salad
Kung Pao Chickpeas
Friday
Quiche
Chicken Burritos
Sweet and Sour Shrimp Rice Bowl
Saturday
BLTs
Panera Salads
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Not Now, Maybe Later
I have quite a few of those jobs.
"MAYBE LATER" jobs!
You probably do to.
I accomplished two of those jobs last week.
The first was the linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms.
While they do get cleaned weekly,
I realized that I had not really scrubbed / scoured them since we moved in.
It is one of those jobs that doesn't yield a dramatic result,
but it needed to be done.
So out came the vinegar and the baking soda.
Out came the rubbing alcohol to shine it all up.
Was it a huge transformation?
No!
But it needed to be done.
The second was the shower curtain liner.
It was brand new when we moved in and then was scrubbed in February,
but it needed to be done again.
Not my favorite job.
Again, only semi-satisfying results.
But it needed to be done.
I have a few more "maybe later" jobs hanging out.
The entry way that gets covered with spider webs and bugs.
Discouraging because within 2 days it will need doing again.
But it needs to be done.
Curtains need to be washed and pressed again.
Pillows need to be washed and dried.
The refrigerator is in need of a good cleaning.
So what are you putting off?
Why not check one of those items off this week?
And as a little side note:
If you are one of my nieces and nephews reading the blog,
why not grab one of those undesirable jobs this week.
I know you can do it.
Monday, August 24, 2020
What's on Your Plate?
It has been a long time since I posted some ideas of what we are eating this week.
Our Breakfast meals are the same every day except Friday and Saturday.
Lunch is typically leftovers, sandwich, or salad.
Dinner is the variable (unless you are looking at Sunday night, Wednesday night, or Friday night).
Sunday night is a grilled cheese.
Wednesday night is Breakfast for dinner night because it is usually a little easier to digest while sitting in church.
Friday is our night to have burgers at Burgerville (though it is open for Panera or Jimmy Johns as well)
What's going on this week?
Sunday
Eggs, Avocado Toast, Breakfast Sausage, Fruit
Sausage and Pasta
Grilled Cheese
Monday
Eggs, Avocado Toast, Breakfast Sausage, Fruit
Sausage and Pasta (leftover)
Chicken Taquitos and Smoothies
Tuesday
Yogurt Parfaits
Sausage and Pasta (leftover)
Thai Chicken Pizza
Wednesday
Smoothie
Chef Salad
Sweet Potato Hash
Thursday
Yogurt Parfait
Veggie Egg Salad
Burrito Bowls
Friday
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Chicken Burritos
Burgerville
Saturday
Brunch - BLT
Tilapia, Roasted Broccoli, French fries or mac and cheez
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Time for a Reset
While not totally ignorant in the realm of electronics,
there is always a fair amount of frustration that comes when a device does not work as expected.
My beloved Fitbit is often the prime culprit.
It won't sync.
It won't scroll through the screens.
It is just acting peculiar.
And then it is time for the reset button.
Just the simple act gets the device working as designed.
Something had gotten in the way and need to be cleared.
I feel like life recently has put me in the need of a reset.
It is easy to fill "dead" time with amusements (literally without thoughts).
The "shutdown" gave an "excuse"
but there really is no excuse for not using every moment wisely.
God keeps putting his finger on my heart.
Lessons in Colossians about the new "clothes" or traits that I should be wearing.
Lessons from Philippians on forgetting the past and pressing toward things before me.
Communication with a young woman who was conscientiously curbing her screen time.
The desire to be the best example to those around me while watching some bad habits creep in.
I just need to hit reset.
Clear the clutter.
Choose the best.
Focus on things that are eternal, things that will last.
Practice godly disciplines in time, in thoughts, in Bible Study, Bible Memory, and Prayer.
No, the Tuesday Transformation is not a picture from my house.
It is not a change in my physique.
It is prayerfully a change of mind that leads to a change in action
(yeah, that's the definition of repentance and the basis of a true reset).
Monday, August 17, 2020
This Day in History
Most of my readers (family and friends) were in the same place on this day in history 2002.
It was a warm, humid day in NY - Latham, NY to be exact.
It is the day that I married my sweetheart.
18 YEARS!
It is hard to believe it.
And yet, so much has happened.
So much has changed.
We have changed as individuals and as a couple.
Hubby laughs when I say something bold or act with confidence.
I don't know if it is age or his influence on me, but I am more outspoken then I was back then.
Our first year (ok, our first 5 years of marriage) was spent on the go.
If hubby was not working, we were exploring.
Today, the perfect weekend is a "wog" together, brunch, and peace and quiet.
We are happily "homebodies."
We have made cross country moves 3 times,
lived in 4 states,
lived in apartments, trailers, and duplexes.
And some things haven't changed.
Our home is typically still quiet, just the two of us.
Despite our ideas, the Lord never opened the door for "full-time" ministry.
And we still enjoy being a couple and spending time together.
We celebrated on Saturday.
Yes, there was a "wog."
There was a brunch.
We mini golfed for the first time in years (we think since NY 2003).
We enjoyed cold brew coffee lattes at home.
And I made shrimp scampi and blackberry lemon bars for our celebratory dinner.
The lemon bars are perfect for a summer evening and the blackberries are plentiful right now.
Ingredients
CRUST:
FILLING:
Instructions
CRUST:
To make the crust, combine oats, almonds, sugar, and salt in a food processor.
Blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add oil and then add water one tablespoon at a time, blend just until mixture comes together.
It should easily press together, but not be overly wet.
Sometimes it may only take 2-3 tablespoons, so it's important not to add all of the water at once.
Bake in the 350F oven for 10 minutes.
Remove and let cool while you make the lemon filling.
LEMON FILLING:
Blend until smooth.
Carefully pour mixture over the oat crust and sprinkle berries evenly over the filling.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the filling in the middle has set.
Remove and let cool before placing in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Store remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Friday, August 7, 2020
Things That are Different are Not the Same 6
Legal Drugs.
It's not the only state that has voted in recreational drugs,
but it is the first one that we have lived in.
It is common to see the dispensary symbol (a green cross) around the area.
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Time Away
I know,
I returned only to disappear ...
but I had good reason.
Last Friday,
we pulled one of those silly road trips ...
you know, the one where you drive 8 hours
to spend 36 hours
to drive another 8 hours.
That leads me to a "Thankful Thursday" post.
I am thankful for a change of scenery, time away, and time with family.
We spent last weekend in Boise, ID.
We went to see family
including meeting a new nephew-in-law and 2 great-nephews.
We were primarily visiting a hubby's sister who is more like a second mom.
And yes, we were spoiled over the weekend.
She is also gluten and dairy-free, so no real traps to avoid in the food department,
they introduced us to a great flatbread restaurant
and treated us with time on the water.
We hit the water early to avoid a busy waterway (and less than half-dressed people).
It was chilly and the water choppy when we started,
but it calmed down and warmed up before too long.
(The highs in Boise while we were there were 105-110)
All in all - a good trip.
But it did take a bit to catch up from the weekend
plus we are in the process of updating some technology around the house
which also takes so extra time
thus my extended absence.
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Not Forgotten
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
I'm Sorry --- I Can't Be Proud of You
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Some Change
It seems like there is change occurring all around us each day.
**UPDATE**
the trackers have been claimed!
Monday, July 27, 2020
Don't mind the excess ...
I will make use of it.
In fact, a church friend brought some to share last Wednesday.
And aren't they so much prettier when the boy working in produce has not used it like a baseball bat?
We enjoyed "Faux Crab Cakes" made with zucchini tonight.
And tomorrow I will try a new muffin recipe complete with zucchini, applesauce, dates as the sweetener ...
sounds like a winner.
I am just in zucchini spirits because just writing these ideas makes me long to put some dish with zoodles (zucchini noodles) on the menu this week.
Hope you are enjoying some of the fresh fruits and veggies of the seasons.
The blackberries are just about ready here in town.
In fact, it is a struggle to pass so many as we walk to and from town - I just want to stop and snack! - I just have to find a good place to pick and a good time to do it. In the PNW, they grow like weeds! Then it will be time for a pie, I think.