Keep the Way Clear

 A year ago,

our bathtub drain got stopped up.

Of course, it was while we were hosting some overnight guests.

I have many posts of "murphy's law" when we entertain!

When we could focus on the problem,

we surmised that there was probably some construction rubble in the drain.

This was a bathtub we don't use often enough to clog with hair or soap,

but there was something that completely stopped the drain.

Because of it's infrequent use, the red clay, wall mud, and any other mess just hardened to a brick in the drain lines.

As we researched how to clear it without the expense of a plumber,

Hot water was repeatedly listed as a cure and a prevention.

This led to a new Cleaning Day ritual.

On Mondays, I pour a teapot of boiling water down each drain - 

two showers and three sinks.

The drains have never been cleaner.

I never have to clean black mold from the sinks and s traps,

The pink mold in the shower scratches and drains is non-existent.

I also take the ice that is in the freezer to boil for the drains.

Why ice?

As a family of 2,

we don't go through a lot of ice.

When the icemaker backs up,

the water lines freeze and the ice maker ceases to make ice.

So 2 birds, one stone.

I keep freezer water line AND drains clear.

That's a win for me!

Green!

No, not money!

No, not Shamrocks!

(Though we did celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Shamrock Shake and some Corned Beef and Cabbage)

Green as in plant life.

I can tell that I am eager for Spring when it seems to come SOOOOO slowly!

Today is the first day of Spring, but it hardly feels that way outside.

But from the inside, things are greening up and the sun makes it looks like it should be warm.

I am enjoying the view from the front room. 

I planted some purple hyacinths and yellow tulips around the cherry tree.

I will look forward to their return each year.

The creeping phlox is blooming and spreading in the front rock garden

and a few winter pansies that don't really match are enjoying the last of the cool weather.

I look forward to filling in the tree ring with SunPatiens this year.

We watched 2 or 3 homes around the neighbor that planted these beauties last year 

and they bloomed from May to October.

This spot is particularly hard because of the full sun it gets in the afternoon,

but these beauties may be up to the challenge.

After 2 weeks ...

grass is greening and slowly filling in.

And I even mowed last week!

When You Must Adapt

 Hubby just got back from more training.

This time, he was in Davenport, IA to learn about combines.

As is my custom,

the house got a more thorough cleaning while he was gone.

More focus on corners,

closets,

all bedding ...

and repurposing.

After a year in our new home, 

it has become obvious that a home office for hubby was a little more important than a second guest room.

Hubby's office at work has no windows,

and he has recently had to "share" it with a coworker.

When both employees are on the phone,

it can be a little distracting.

So hubby has been working from home sometimes.

He graciously uses the garage,

but that can be cold in the morning

or hot in the afternoon.

So out went the little bed,

and in time ...

I will move the desk from the living room

and he will choose some artwork for the walls.

With an air mattress,

a fold-out chair,

or a murphy bed,

it can still be used for guest overflow ...

but so far that has not been a big issue.

I am thankful for the space in our home that allows hubby a place to work with fresh air and bright sunlight!

Will There Be an Asterisk?

 I Kings 11:1

"But king Solomon loved many strange women, ..."

I read this verse in my devotions last week.

I wondered ... "What would someone add to the description of my life?"

"What draws me away from the Lord?"

"But Sandra was distracted by her home."

"But Sandra shortened her Bible time regularly."

"But Sandra was lifted up in pride."

"But Sandra ..."

Solomon started well.

Remember his request for wisdom instead of wealth and fame?

Unfortunately, it ended with a "But king Solomon ..."

Unfortunately, we often have to add asterisks to Christian ministries or ministers these days.

I went to this college (*before this date or event).

This music source is good (*if you get the music before this date).

I went to this church (*before it loosened its standards).

I don't want a "But Sandra ..."

I don't want an asterisk.

I want to stay the course.

I want to be faithful.

I Never Finished

 I realized a few weeks ago that I never really finished the new home tour.

I had been a little stuck in a few rooms

or was waiting to finish something.

So I will continue the tour with the master bedroom.

I had been stuck on the curtains because I just had one color.

Then I was happier with two colors with one pulled back.

There are curtain lights behind the curtains to add just a bit of light as we chit chat at night.

There is the repainted dresser.

And yes, we are already using a fan, because it is too early to start the air conditioning.

It is fairly simple,

but I think we have landed on the finished product.

(unless I put a chair in the corner for reading)

The Happy Accident

 It appears that last week was the approved week to ship plants to Bowling Green, KY.

I am only waiting on some phlox that are supposed to arrive this coming Friday.

So last week, I spent working on the perennial bed.

I had a great time in a beautiful week digging, turning, planning, planting.

I even had the company of a crew working on the neighboring house one day.

Then we had a brief storm on Friday night.

As hubby and I watched the water running through the garden like a river and pooling in random spots,

we knew that if we didn't make a change,

the little plants would die.

So Saturday, he built me a dry creek - 

a sort of canal for the water to collect in.

I replanted and think that most, if not all, of the plants now have a chance.

What a blessing that we could fill the bottom with construction debris behind the house.

We could dispose of unwanted clay behind the house.

And our little garden has quite a bit of character ...

a happy accident.

a ready source of drainage rocks 

our pile of sod and clay

We spent the rest of the day learning more about "lawn farming."

Hubby aerated a small portion,

I removed some thatch,

and we patched some bare spots.

We just enjoyed a beautiful day together appreciating the blessing of our little home and its small piece of land.

A Good Word

 I have been much encouraged (and rebuked) recently by good words at the proper time.

About 2 weeks ago,

I ministered in music with a piano offertory in church.

It had been over 10 months since I had played in church

and over 3 years since I had played in a larger church.

I had many nerves but also the power of prayer by my hubby and a good friend.

The morning came to play and God blessed and answered prayer abundantly.

When we arrived at Sunday School (even a little late) the sanctuary was empty

and I could run through the piece (a real piano feels different than a keyboard).

Then two men encouraged me with their words after my practice.

It wasn't words to pat me on the back,

but words of encouragement.

Then before the service ... more words ...

again, not of praise, but of empathy, acknowledging those nerves as normal.

Then this past Sunday, I was encouraged by a lady who asked about a prayer request that I had given over a month ago.

Her words were a reminder that she was still praying.

All of these words were words that encouraged me

and rebuked me for not always having the same encouraging words for others.

Who doesn't like to be encouraged?

Who doesn't need to hear a good word?

Why shouldn't that encouragement come from me or you?

While the Cats Away ...

 ...the mouse will ...

January is a good month for training in hubby's line of work.

The tractors are sitting idle and that means less repair.

Hubby had training in Ohio last week.

I stayed home and ...

CLEANED!

There are some jobs that just require making a mess.

I had wanted to do a fall cleaning

but was interrupted by my little tumble.

Now I am mostly back in business and decided that his 2 days away

was the perfect time to deep clean.

So I went through the closets, cleaned walls, organized totes and bins,

and even threw out some more things.

One area that hubby wanted me to straighten a bit was the garage - 

his space that he shares with me.

He was pleased with the results when he return.

Happy hubby and happy wife.

Did I Mention that I Have to Paint?

Today is surgery day.

It appears that I get a plate and some screws.

And ... quite the lengthy recovery.

Hubby has been great helping his one-handed wife and just taking on a second job.

There are still some extra projects that have been going on.

I am glad I finished some projects that were already started.

In fact, I finished the dresser the day before the big fall.

One project was refinishing a dresser for our bedroom.

We sold 2 dressers that we had purchased when we married.

I had refinished them in OR, but we just needed to downsize.

We still have 2 dressers from hubby's grandmother.

But ...

we were tired of the French Provincial style.

this one is waiting its turn :)

So we turned it into more of a farmhouse look.

I was confused as to how to get the look I wanted.

I love the look of a wood top,

but the dresser had a laminate top.

I tried to sand, but to no avail.

Then I found a paint online that is made of wood chips.

I ordered it (again with survey money),

and it actually worked.

The top of the dresser was painted and then stained like regular wood.

I used "Coastal Blue" chalk paint and then distressed it.

And I spray painted the handles.

The other project was a console table that hubby made for the living room.

I so wanted a place to decorate for the seasons and a place to set things on the way in or out of the house (ie phone, wallet, bag).

It also is a good place to set a drink at night while relaxing on the couch.

Hubby quickly put this together using some leftover wood from the closet project and $12 of additional wood.

Stained top and shelf

Chalk paint on legs and aprons.

Transformation Beyond the House

 I have led a privileged life.

Really!!

I do not believe that I have EVER lacked for anything.

God has been so good.

I have been surrounded by a father, brothers, a husband, and many friends who give and give and give.

I have worked for many things,

but I have received far and above what I could ever deserve.

And this weekend, I realized that in many ways, I have exhibited an entitled spirit.

I wandered around my brand new, beautiful home.

I looked for where things would be placed.

And in essence, I mourned the things that would not get to stay.

I no longer have the excuse that "I might need it in the next house."

As far as I know, this home is fairly permanent.

Some things could not stay any longer.

And as I thought about the things that I needed to say goodbye to,

my husband said, "I should have gotten you a bigger home."

While I was "mourning," he felt like his gift was inadequate.

He had given what we could afford.

He had given all that we needed (we are only 2 people) and actually more than we needed.

And yet, I made him feel like it was not enough.

I have apologized to God and to him.

And realized that on this Tuesday Transformation,

I am the one who needs to change.

I'm Not A Nurse ... But I Can Dress Like One

 With age, comes change.

Changes in style.

Changes in preferences.

Changes in shape.

For years, I have "googled" modest skirts when shopping for new clothes through the seasons of life.

Often, I will be bombarded with attire from Middle Eastern religions (not exactly what I was looking for or who I want to support).

But I have also seen "scrub skirts" come up.

I believe that I mentioned them to hubby over 3 years ago when we still lived in NC.

Recently, I finally tried them.

I placed an order.

There were 2 different styles that I thought might suit me.

I ordered both in neutral colors like pewter and navy.

One (the more "sporty") arrived last week and the other is on backorder.

I absolutely love the one that arrived.

It is a pleasant change from my denim skirts and goes well with a summer t-shirt or even my athletic workout shirts.

It washes well.

It has pockets ... and lots of them!

It is lighter weight than a jean skirt.

And they are reasonably priced.

So, I pass the tip on to you ...

Maybe you would like to dress like a nurse ...

2-22-22 and Clear Direction

 From the start of our moving process,

we have prayed for clear direction - clear open doors and clear closed doors.

I have mentioned that this move was a bit more daunting.

America is a big country and we could move ANYWHERE!

We needed a good church to grow in.

We needed to have a job.

We wanted to be closer to family.

Neither of us wanted to be in a place with long winters,

but we wanted to be flexible on that as well.

When we began, we asked around for church suggestions.

We got some in IN, one in OH, and a couple in TN.

Originally we looked toward OH.

We were also systems go!

There was a John Deer dealer right near the church.

The pastor was preaching the Word.

The music was beautiful, well prepared, and conservative.

And we prayed.

We prayed for clear direction.

And God closed the door.

The church is a good church,

maybe even a great church.

But in 2 weeks' time,

He showed us what would be 3 red flags for us.

Back to the drawing board.

So we pursued TN.

Again, we loved the church.

The info on their site aligned with our own beliefs.

There were 3 different John Deere companies in the area around the church.

We felt no hesitation on the church, so we moved toward jobs.

Hubby had the jobs listed in order of his preference (or so he thought.)

I wanted one south of the church (closest to the church).

He leaned toward the big company east of the church.

But God led us to the one north of the church in KY that was mostly off our radar.

God directed the company to offer the "perfect" job

that hubby had not even applied for.

Then we began the home church.

I wanted a small town that would split the difference between work and church.

But again, God directed.

There were limited houses in that town,

and there were no apartments while we would wait.

So we returned to the town where hubby would work.

God led a future coworker to mention a new plan of homes just a mile from work.

And then we chose our home.

We thought we had.

We chose a small, but not the smallest home offered.

It offered more square footage, 

but I kept wrestling with the lack of cabinet and counter space.

So God helped again.

Right before we met with the builder,

they raised their prices so that the house was out of our price range.

The smaller house would have to suffice.

It is all we need (actually more than we need)

and offers a better kitchen (kind of important in my line of work).

Then we pursued housing while we wait for the new home.

I started with the idea of an efficiency, extended stay with a partial kitchen.

The rates were great.

But after I looked at reviews, I knew we couldn't stay there

(can you say roaches and bed bugs)

So I looked again,

and God directed the right google search.

And we found a beautiful 1 bedroom apartment within walking distance of EVERYTHING

that offered 3,4,5, and 6-month leases.

There were a few deposits, but not the normal mess.

And we can have our own bed, 

a full kitchen,

use our own masher and dryer,

and all-in-all better keep a routine.

All this to say,

God hears.

God answers,

And His ways are better than my ways and plans.

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?

'

Looking for Ministry

 It is not always easy.

It is not always comfortable.

But change is inevitable.

Sometimes the process is simple,

and sometimes the process takes more work.

Growing up, we were in one church for at least 10 years.

Since I was young at that church, I could just grow into ministries.

I never really had that displaced feeling.

I served in the nursery when all other teen girls did.

I cleaned when I was asked.

I became part of the music ministry as my lessons progressed.

Changing churches can create a large hole ...

a need for a place to serve ...

In our married life, we have been in 8 churches and will make a change again soon.

There is always the need to wait, a season without the usual service.

There is a need to let people get to know you.

There is a need to know the pastor's plan and direction.

There is a need to observe and learn how things are done.

Sometimes that pastor is burdened to find a place for everyone,

but sometimes that does not happen.

The wait to serve has often led me to unique ministries.

The "wait" created this blog.

The "wait" created a card ministry.

The "wait" has created children's choirs.

The "wait" has stretched us out of the "typical" in order to meet specific needs.

We are no party planners - but if fellowship seems to be the need,

then I guess God can use us in that role.

I have found in 7 of the 8 churches that playing the piano was a need I could fill fairly quickly.

In more than half of the churches, a teacher was a need.

At some churches, we were able to build (once a shed, once a retaining wall).

I have painted walls in at least 2 churches.

Of course, the cleaning ministry is USUALLY available.

But sometimes,

especially in small churches,

positions are held by long time members who are content in those roles

and the search is harder.

It is hard to change the way I serve.

Where do I fit in?

I know God wants me to minister?

I mentioned yesterday that we were working on the church Praise Service.

It is one way that we can help to focus a busy day often focused on food and football.

It is a way to look around and to hopefully let other people serve who haven't found their place.

It is a way to include more than the usual servants.

It is a way to focus our own hearts on Praise and Thanksgiving when there is so much "gloom" around us.

We are also working on another Christmas Eve Service - 

It was such an encouragement to folks last year with the most common comment being that it just helped to slow the holiday down to take a breath on Christmas Eve.

This service is fun because it involves decorating and the challenge that that brings.

Right now, we are experimenting with some ideas around the house to be able to light the service without the harsh overhead lights😊

So if you stop by, please excuse random Command strips on the wall, mason jars in various stages of decorating, stray glitter and snow, and LED candles!

All ministry is fun, but ministry that we can do as a couple is even more fun!

It encompasses our love of music, 

hubby's ability to teach, 

and a love of the holidays.

It allows us to minister.

Maybe you are still looking for your place.

Don't be afraid to look outside of the box.

There is always, always, someone who needs you and your gifts.

And maybe you have "your" place...

is there someone you can share with,

is there someone you can work with,

is there a way you can encourage someone else ...

and sometimes that is the hardest ministry - 

because it involves relinquishing control and my own desires.

When the Real "You" Comes Out

 We often use an example of a teabag.

You may not know what is in the tea bag UNTIL it is put in hot water.

It is then that the tea, the flavor, seeps out.

I must say that I was faced with that situation this summer.

When the heat turned up,

when things got busy,

when there were more demands on my time,

I could see what was inside.

Unfortunately,

Some days, I most clearly saw my own selfishness.

Oh, how I wanted a morning to myself.

Oh, how I missed one shopping trip a week.

There were easier ways of fulfilling the tasks presented.

Why couldn't things be done MY way?

In seeing my selfishness,

I could work on it.

I could serve as Christ wanted me to serve.

I could remember that one day I might need daily help.

One day, I might be asking for help in ways that could be simplified.

I could remember that life is not all about ME.

Jesus was a servant - He served with humility.

I needed to follow suit.

What are the pressures of life showing you today?

Instead of blame-shifting,

why not work on you?

Why not let something sweet come out of your teabag?

He Knows

Psalm 139:4-6

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

This year has been full of twists, turns, surprises.

Some events have been pleasant.

Some events have been unwelcome.

There are years that string together in difficulty.

There are other years of great ease and enjoyment.

Our service in Oregon began as an unknown.

How long?

How would it end?

What would be required?

That chapter is coming to a close.

The Author of that chapter knew how long.

He knew the end.

He knew what would be required.

He knew what I needed to learn in the past 3 years.

He knew of skills I needed to practice.

He knew relationships that could be healed.

He knew of people I could help.
He knew the people that would change me.

He knew my reactions, both good and bad.

The move to Oregon came with excitement and questions,

but it was all known to our loving God.

And now we face another "Adventure."

Our primary "mission" was completed in August.

In every move in the past, our destination was dictated ...

by job to Washington,

by pursuit of education to North Carolina,

by family duty to Oregon.

But now ...

a wide-open country.
Where is the next place of service

There is now the innate desire to fret, to worry, to doubt

when God wants me to trust, to have faith, to walk by faith.

He knows.

He knows the timing.

He knows the desires of my heart.

He knows the needs of my life.

Perhaps there are pressures and unknowns around you today.

Remember that He knows.

He is before you.

He knows your concerns.

Leave the cares with Him today!

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.

1 Corinthians 14:40
Let all things be done decently and in order.

Maybe our schedule is ordered to a fault,

but I do hope you have some type of a frame to hang your days on ...
Not a plan that pushes out spontaneity or ministry opportunities,

but a plan that gives you comfort knowing that you have a plan to accomplish the tasks before you
and maybe a plan that helps other people hold you accountable.

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).

I'm Sorry --- I Can't Be Proud of You

How many times do we hear it?

I'm so proud of you!

I'm proud of what I have accomplished!

I'm proud to be an American!

I'm proud of the stands I have taken!

I'm proud of my work!

I'm proud of my children!

But the Bible has nothing good to say about pride.

In fact, God resists the proud.

Perhaps He even gives thorns to help us resist pride.

II Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, 

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, 

the messenger of Satan to buffet me, 

lest I should be exalted above measure.

Paul easily could have been lifted up in pride.

Indeed, he was a great apostle, writer, teacher of doctrine.

He even listed his titles and accomplishments and were they not impressive?

He felt that His thorn kept Him from being lifted up.

Hubby and I were reading a book the other night about the Spurgeons.

Mr. Spurgeon - "the prince of preachers" - and yet the author relayed an incident in his early preaching ministry that stuck with him the rest of his life and perhaps held his ministry back.

It made us think of Paul's verse about his thorn.

I can think of  MANY areas that I struggle with in the area of pride.

I can also think of "thorns" that help me to keep those areas of pride in check (sometimes😖)

For years, I have excused it as semantics.

I said "proud" but I meant thankful, I meant pleased, I meant ...

but I don't anymore.

All things are supposed to bring glory to God, not me.

Perhaps we should use Bible phrases ...

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

 "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."

"But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord."

Think about it!

Would it be so bad to erase it from our vocabulary?

Do we really want to be described as proud?

Some Change

Multiple Meanings Ahead

It seems like there is change occurring all around us each day.

New rules, new policies, new stats ...

Right now America is going through a change shortage.

The signs in the store requiring exact change or credit and debit only are odd.

I am still earning some change daily.

If you have been reading long, you know that I love my Fitbit.

They should hire me to be an Ambassador for them.

I love the accountability and the challenge it gives me.

It has helped me to learn about my health and fitness.

Did you know that it tells me when I am getting sick?

Yes, my resting heart rate will skyrocket (at least 5 beats per minute)  a day or so before I go down.

The Fitbit also earns me money!

There is a website that lets you earn money for tracking your steps, your weight, your food, your water.

Whether you use a Fitbit, a Garmin, myfitnesspal, mapmyrun...

you just link it and earn points.

I earn about 500 points a week,

and after I earn 10,000 points,

they deposit $10 into my Paypal account.

Since we have two trackers in the house,

it is a fun little surprise every couple of months.

We have used the Achievement website for over 3 years with no problems.

If you are interested (and comfortable with the sharing of this type of information) and sign up using one of the links below, both of us get 100 points.

http://tinyurl.com/yxquyjfl

http://tinyurl.com/us4whla

And while we are on the topic,

hubby and I updated our trackers earlier in the year.

We have two trackers that are still perfectly usable and with multiple bands for each.

Check them out ... the Alta HR and the Charge HR

If you are interested, just comment or get in touch with me by text or email if you know me personally.

We would be happy to mail them off!

We will send them individually

but would be happy if they helped a couple or a family to challenge each other😀

**UPDATE**
the trackers have been claimed!