And in a moment ... it's gone ...

 Was it a fast month for you?

It was for me ... at times.

The month had its share of hard grey days,

but has ended with quite a bit of sun.

And now - Valentine's decorations are up

and Valentine's boxes and bags are ready to be assembled.

Happy Day!

We are to February and things will hopefully start to get a little busier:

a survey trip, house hunting, and moving.

It is exciting.

We enjoyed a special treat this weekend.

While searching for gluten-free tortillas all around town on Friday (which did not exist),

I landed at some of my less-frequented stores.

One store that I landed at was Wheeler Dealer.

It is basically a "bent and dent" store.

As I wandered through the store,

I saw this in the freezer.

As I said, it is a bent and dent store,

so freshness is questionable,

but I bought one.

Who can resist a crusty loaf of bread.

We enjoyed it the next day with our Thai Crunch Salad.

It was delicious and amazingly soft.

So good in fact that hubby took me back on Saturday to buy the last 3!

We enjoyed it with our soup on Sunday as well.

And the menu for this week:

Sunday:  Korean Chicken Soup (with toasted cheese sandwich)

Monday:  Salmon Cakes, Roasted Brocolli, and Cole Slaw

Tuesday:  Chicken Tacos

Wednesday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday:  Jackfruit Sloppy Joes

Friday:  Something with French Fries :)

Slow and Steady

 

It will never make us millions.

Hubby will never be able to quit his job,

but for years I have been taking surveys to make a little extra spending money.

It might cover a new Fitbit from Amazon.

It might buy hubby a new tool for work.

It might fund a coffee or dinner date.

It might supply stamps or trinkets to celebrate holidays.

Sometimes, I begin to wonder if the nickles and dimes are making a difference.

Is it really worth the effort?

It probably is not really worth the time, 

but after years of surveys,

I have seen that faithfulness has its rewards.

I am receiving more profitable surveys

as well as more sample products that serve to stretch the budget

(shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, candles, ...)

I am thankful for a "big" survey this week.

Occasionally, a survey comes by that offers $75 - $100 for an online interview.

The interviews typically last an hour or less.

I had one about a month ago where I was asked about tissues.

And on Tuesday, I had one about breakfast preparation.

I am thankful for an easy half-hour interview with a generous payment.

I am thankful that God has given a little extra for upcoming expenses 

whether a survey trip,

moving supplies,

moving expenses,

or just anything ...

Give Up Control

Who is in control?

My flesh always wants to take the reins.

I want to orchestrate things.

I don't like to trust.

I don't like to rely on others.

There are so many uncertainties in life.

I can try to plan,

I can chart, graph, spreadsheet until there is nothing left to document,

but I cannot control everything.

And I don't need to.

I have a God who fights for me.

I am His.

I am His child.

I am His sheep.

I am in His hands.

The child doesn't worry because mom and dad are there.

The sheep trusts the shepherd.

When God is in control,

I need to hold my peace and watch Him work.

Sure there is wisdom to be used.

Sure I am not to face the day blindly.

Sure I am not to be lazy.

But worry should not be a part of my day/

Just give it up, Sandra!

It does you no good.

 

The Human Pin Cushion (or Dart Board)

 Hubby and I successfully gave blood on Saturday.

It was a little bit of a frustrating event, but successful nonetheless.

The blood bus was short-staffed,

the appointments were running about 30 minutes behind,

and then ... the girls could not find my veins.

So I am a little bit bruised on both arms,

BUT

we did not feel the drain in energy that we felt last time - 

so I will claim that the choice of foods was a success.

And we will not wait so long next time between donations.

We are socked in with cold fog.

Yesterday it broke for about an hour

and it was the same today.

I did get out for a run, but it was a little dreary.

The solar-powered girl (me) is struggling,

but it makes a move to a different climate that much more exciting.

I just pulled a batch of gingerbread cookies out of the oven.

I made a similar batch of sugar cookies yesterday - and they did not last long.

In all fairness - the recipe only makes a dozen.

It does make the house smell good.

And this cookie is so good with a cup of tea.

We also enjoyed a warm pot of Cod Chowder tonight.

Hubby's brother had brought us Alaskan cod and it worked perfectly.

I just love the potatoes in a milky broth - but the fish was ok too.

And this week in family dining ...

Sunday:  Leftover Vietnamese Beef Soup

Monday:  Cod Chowder

Tuesday:  Tuscan Skillet

Wednesday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday:  "Chicken" Pot Pie (Substitute White beans for the chicken)

Friday:  Chicken Nuggets and French Fries

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

 On this Thankful Thursday,

I pause to be thankful for a body.

I am thankful for eyes to see the beauty around me in the Pacific Northwest

(especially the breaks in the clouds during a rainy week).

I am thankful for a nose to smell the candles burning in the dining room and the diffuser in the bedroom.

I am thankful for ears to hear peaceful classical music and a Rosetta Stone Hebrew lesson in the background while I type.

I am thankful for the legs that carry me throughout the day and the little aches and soreness that remind me of all that they do for me each day.

I am thankful for the tastebuds that can make a simple meal or snack so enjoyable.

I am thankful for the ability of the body to repair while enjoying a night of sleep.

I am thankful for the fingers that connect effortlessly (most of the time) to my brain to type, play the piano, or write.

I am thankful for a heart that beats sure and steady without a noticeable thought.

I am thankful for the nerve endings that can sense a handshake, a pat on the arm, a hot burner to be careful of.

I am thankful for a spirit that feels love and care and compassion - 

that connects to people in unique ways.

Sometimes I want to complain ...

I want to utter discontent with the way I was created.

I wish I could run faster ...

I wish my body didn't change shape through different seasons of life ...

I wish I was taller ...

I wish I didn't need lenses to read and drive ...

I wish, I wish, I wish ...

but when I dwell on this body fairly ...

I am blessed.

I don't deserve God's goodness to me in the health and strength that I have.

When You Just Can;'t Stop Decorating ...

A home should be a home.

A home should be unique.

A home should show a part of who you are.

 After we took the Christmas decorations down,

I was ready to pull out the valentine's decorations.

It is what I normally do.

I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY!

But ...

hubby suggested some winter decorations ...

...which I don't own...

and it is not the season of life for buying new decorations ...

So - DIY google search to the rescue.

Raid the craft box - 

and the laundry supplies,

and print some free printables ...

VOILA!

garland from Christmas made of burlap ribbon and lights

snowflake die cuts from teaching days

snowmen made of clothespins, paint, markers, and a chenille stem scarf

free printables

and one of my many pairs of gloves

another free printable

and a sock snowman stuffed with rice and beans and decorated with stray buttons and pompoms

And Valentine's Day is coming soon enough - 

not too many more days!

Getting Ready to Donate ...

 This week, I had a definite goal while making the meal list ...

we needed a lot of vitamin C and to maintain a good level of iron.

We needed real food that would truly nourish us.

We are giving blood again this weekend.

It has been a while,

but last time we hadn't really taken care of ourselves before giving,

and the recovery was a little longer than we expected.

So crack down a little more on the sugar

and just do right this week.

Did you know?

that donating blood can lower blood pressure

that donating blood can reduce the chance of cancer

This week's meal plan:

Sunday:  No-Chicken Noodle Soup

Monday: Sesame Ginger Bowl (shrimp, broccoli, peppers, rice noodles)

Tuesday:  Rosemary Salmon with Veggies

Wednesday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday:  Lentil Taco Skillet

Friday:  Power Bowl

Saturday:  Vietnamese Beef Soup

Just Some Little Things

 "We would worry less if we praised more. 

Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction."

 - H.A. Ironside

Thankful Thursday Again!

Today, I am thankful for the apple pie that finally got baked for hubby.

Today, I am thankful for a little extra rest when I've overdone it.

Today, I am thankful for the gift of prayer that allows me to turn it all over to God.

Today, I am thankful for the clear Word of God that leads and directs when human judgment can be clouded.

Today, I am thankful for a warm pot of soup on a grey, stormy day.

Today, I am thankful for simple children's songs that stay in my mind all day and remind me of God's love, goodness, and mercy.

Today, I am thankful to watch a heart soften and change after much prayer.

Today, I am thankful for leftovers that make lunch box packing easier.

Today, I am thankful for the wide variety of foods that can make up my grocery list for tomorrow.

Today, I am thankful for encouragement in the rough patches.

Speedbump or Hiccup

 It is Tuesday Transformation Day ...

There are times when you realize that there has been a quiet transformation,

an inner transformation,

a change that possibly only you can see.

In the midst of trials and tests, you can often see what is inside.

It is similar to the tea bag ... it is the heat that draws out the tea flavor.

In every move that we have made, we could claim a Bible reason why the move was correct.

Once a promise to the military, once a call to education to serve God better,

once a need to honor a parent.

Of course, there is a confidence that that Bible reason gives.

But in the flesh, a trial can bring doubts and fears that shake the confidence.

Recently, we have started relabeling the trials ...

Get this ...

They are now "faith-building speedbumps" or "faith-building hiccups."

The trials may slow us down,

but perhaps that is because we are trying to get ahead of God and His plans.

Isn't that a fun change of perspective?

The speedbump and the hiccup are only there for my benefit.

My faith is being strengthened.

The testimony of God's faithfulness will be greater because of the magnitude of His working.

Maybe "reframing" has long been a part of your days,

but if not, why not try it?

'

50% Reduction!

 On Friday, we had a huge answer to our prayers

(and hopefully yours too).

I was checking Penske rates - and our "all in" across the country was reduced by 50%!

Not only that ... it was the bigger truck which will cut down on last-minute decisions and sales

(and possibly stressed-wife tears).

I booked a truck - for our best guess date to our best guess town.

It can be canceled for free and changed for free - though any changes could incur rate changes as well.

I will continue to check prices ... and we can all continue to pray, 

But we are thankful for a prayer-hearing God and His answers.

My dear friend left her earthly body on Friday night.

We are thankful that she is out of pain and rejoicing in heaven tonight.

Though we are still in the winter fog and grey.

We have also had some breaks in the rain - Happy Day!

Hubby and I were able to run together on Saturday

and then separately today!

What a difference that makes in our health and dispositions.

Hubby has also been helped by having at least 2 weeks to teach.

It is a life-giving activity for him as it is for me.

It is also good to hear feedback of people taking things to heart

and being convicted by God's Word.

This week has little out of the ordinary.

One trip to Eugene with a friend,

but primarily cleaning around the house.

I also get to mail some "happy mail" this week to the winners of the Saran Wrap Game.

And now for this week's menu ...

SUNDAY:  Leftover Winter Vegetable Soup

MONDAY:  Salmon with Fennel and Chickpeas

TUESDAY:  Blackened Chicken Bowl

WEDNESDAY:  Breakfast for Dinner (Quinoa Patties, Eggs, Avocado, Smoothies)

THURSDAY:  Minestrone

FRIDAY:  Fish and French Fry Fix

SATURDAY:  Power Bowls and Leftover Minestrone

Lunches included leftover Chicken Soup, Burritos, Twice Baked Potato and Chili, Homemade Pizza.

Assurance

As a church pianist, I have been to many funerals.

Some were as a church friend who wanted to help the family with music.

Some were as a pianist helping the pastor minister to a family in the community.

Some were for the extended family of friends.

There is such joy when the pastor and family know that the deceased was assured of his salvation in eternity.

There is such an awkwardness when that assurance is not there

and there is a sadness knowing that the separation may be eternal.

Until August, I had never been at the bedside of death.

Today, I once again held the hand of a woman about to see Jesus.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that I could talk about heaven,

I could talk about seeing Jesus,

I could talk about being together again one day.

I am thankful that I could sing songs of trust and faith and peace.

I knew that my friend would leave her pain behind and instantly see our Savior very soon.

I am thankful that there is assurance in the true gospel.

There is no "might," there is no "if I'm good enough,"

there is no "maybe."

There is only ASSURANCE.

Romans 10:9-10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I am also thankful that this world with all its struggles is not all we have.

I am thankful for a home in heaven that will far exceed anything that I could possess on earth.

I am thankful for friends who can become family in situations where family is absent.

God is good all the time.

All the time, God is good.

The Unseen Minister

In my life, I have had the opportunity to have many ministries that are "front and center."

The pianist is rarely hidden.

The teacher is typically loved and appreciated openly.

These are not thankless ministries.

Tomorrow I will begin a new ministry.

I will be sitting with a hospice patient when scheduled throughout the week 

in order to provide respite for her primary caregivers.

Even this could become a "known" ministry.

But so many of the ministries that I have been blessed to have are because of others.

I did not pay for one piano, organ, or flute lesson.

...the unseen ministers were my parents ...

Though I did contribute to my college tuition,

I did not pay for the entire education.

... again, the unseen ministers were my parents ...

I have freedom each week to minister in different areas,

but that is because someone is working hard all week behind the scenes

so that I can be home and available to help as needed,

so that I have resources to meet needs,

so that I have stamps to mail letters.

... the unseen minister is hubby ...

Each ministry is due appreciation and I encourage you to appreciate the minister that you do see,

but how about sending a note to an unseen minister this week?

Surprise them with thanksgiving for their sacrifices that are often unrecognized.

Happy New Year!

 Welcome, 2022!

It is always nice to have that "fresh" start.

2021 was full of new experiences and 2022 will be as well.

I am treating 2022 as a new adventure!

I hope you have made some plans for the new year.

I have not made any "resolutions" per se, 

but there are always things to work on.

We have a goal to purchase our first home after a move back across the country.

I desire to read more in the evenings.

I want to keep writing notes to others and sending them the old-fashioned way.

Of course, there are always goals as a homemaker.

I want to continue to build my plant-based menu ideas.

I want to be more aware of my spending.

Today, the Christmas tree came done.

The ornaments were put away and the tree was prepared for the dumpster.

Tomorrow, I will put up some winter decorations or jump directly to Valentine's Day decor.

Tomorrow will also bring a focus on Zone 2 - the kitchen!

That is hubby's favorite zone for me to clean

and my least because the "clean" lasts for such a short time.

And the meal plan for the week ...

Sunday - leftover turkey and gravy (frozen from Thanksgiving) with mashed potatoes and peas/carrots

Monday - Veggie Burgers and French Fries

Tuesday - Vegetable Stew

Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner 

(Rice and Sausage Breakfast Casserole - without Sausage and cheese add black beans)

Thursday - Asian Pad Thai

Friday - Winter Veggie Soup

The only experiment this week was tonights veggie burgers.

I often eat frozen veggie burgers, but hubby hasn't enjoyed them.

Tonights meal was a success.

The burgers were moist and flavorful.

We enjoyed with pickles and either may or mustard.

Next time we will put some guacomole on top!