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!

Back in the Saddle

In August, I was given the opportunity to return to the classroom.

I am now teaching the 3-5 year olds at church.

For months, it has been a group of  5 year olds,

but we have 2 joining us this month from the nursery.

I always enjoy the challenge of teaching and classroom control.

I love to see little people learn new things and assimilate facts.

I love to see how many different aspects of learning I can fit into the brief 30 minutes.

They are a great bunch and I am enjoying the class immensely.

I tried a new classroom trick with this bunch at the beginning to help with sitting nicely in class.

I gave each child one or two plastic coins.

I told them that they had to hide them under their feet.

If I saw them, I would take them.

Guess what?

Far less wiggles!

The idea was an adaptation of a trick that another teacher used for teaching girls to sit modestly.

She gave each girl a quarter to hold between their knees.

If the quarter did not fall,

the students could keep the quarter.

It worked for her girls,

and it worked for my wiggle worms! 

Teaching Giving and Friendliness

 It is hard in the days of wickedness that we live in.

It must be fearful to be a parent in this day and age.

Who can be trusted?

How can you teach friendliness to your children while also teaching about strangers?

My tablet and its happy face is an example of a momma who was/is doing a good job.

I was visiting a local Walmart one early Saturday morning.

As I sat on a bench waiting for hubby to finish some business,

I saw a little boy giving a sticker to someone he met while leaving the store.

It made me smile.

Then I smiled even more as he said to his momma, "I want to give that lady a sticker."  (ME!)

His momma looked a little concerned not wanting to bother me,

but I said "hi" and asked him what he had.

Maybe he received a sheet of stickers from the greeter, or maybe he had picked stickers out in the store.

I asked if he wanted to put it on my shirt.  He didn't.

On my jacket.  He didn't.

He wanted to put it on the back of my hand - my wrist actually.

It was such a simple act, but made my day.

When I got back to the car, I put my sticker on my tablet -

a reminder to be kind and giving to others.

Do People Still Do That?

 I recently began a new homemaker project - 

and one that I never thought I would do.

I have recently taken to darning socks.

Hubby's work boots appear to "eat" socks, especially at his big toe.

For a while, the bad ones just became cleaning rags.

They were perfect for staining wood or applying polyurethane.

But, then it seemed like I was making sock purchases too often.

Hubby suggested darning the socks.

How hard could it be?

Turns out,

it is not hard.

With a doll head to keep the hole spread and some thicker thread,

the holes were soon fixed.

While it won't be my favorite pastime,

and no one will show my work as a model,

it is prolonging the life of a few socks.

Life is Short

I just got out my cards, stamps, stickers, ...

I do this weekly.

There is such joy in the action.

Who can I encourage this week?

Which card will arrive "just at the right time?"

But today, it is a little bittersweet.

I began sending weekly cards in early 2020.

It began when a friend in our church started cancer treatments.

I had no idea what to say, I didn't know her well at the time, 

so I sent her a card containing a verse each week.

Sometimes I commented on the verse, 

but often times it was just a verse.

She became a good friend as I helped her navigate a small part of what was going on.

We became friends as we cleaned her house, traveled to appointments, and navigated city streets.

We became friends as we enjoyed piano duets when she felt well.

Soon I added more people to my verse card list -

the sick, the shut-in, and those facing trials.

The list grows, and the list shrinks.

People get well,

and people reach the end of a trial.

For 3 and 1/2 years,

her card has been in the weekly stack.

This week has been a reminder that we are not promised a tomorrow.

I have one less card to write today.

My dear friend is whole,

is not in pain,

is not balancing appointments,

she is "home."

Just a reminder that life is short -

a reminder that God left us in His Word.

James 4:14

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Off Plan? Don't Make Assumptions!

 One thing that I am trying to work on is not making assumptions.

While it may be fun while people watching ...😊

(see, there is Matilda, she is a grandma from Texas entering Walmart to buy fruit snacks for her 80 grandchildren

or there is Annabelle, she is a teen entering Walmart to buy press-on nails and a cola),

it is not fair or helpful when critiquing others or assuming I know their motives.

I can easily assume the worst in others instead of giving the benefit of the doubt

or asking for clarification in a kind way.

Go not forth hastily to strive, 

lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, 

when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:8

A silly example happened this week as I made my meal plan.

Friday - fast food night at home (nuggets and french fries with a green drink)

Saturday - Spaghetti

Sunday - Corn Chowder

Monday - Chicken Jambalaya

Tuesday - TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Hubby stopped at Tuesday and said, 

"So we are going off plan?"

Why would he say that?

Ground beef

condensed soup

cheese

green beans 

and tater tots

would not typically be a weeknight meal.

Usually, we save these "comfort" foods for a Friday night.

But he assumed I was making the familiar,

when in fact,

I was making a vegetarian Tater Tot casserole.

Onions

mushrooms

red lentils

green beans

peas

corn

red pepper

and yes, the more processed tater tots on top

It was not far off plan.

Some of the rainbow - green beans and peas, yellow corn, red pepper, white mushroom and onion

lots of fiber and protein with the red lentils

and still gluten and dairy-free!

His assumptions did not hurt anyone.

In fact, he was just supporting me to help me make good decisions for our meals,

but my assumptions about others can be hurtful.

And not only can they be hurtful to others,

but they can bring shame and embarrassment to me!

Safety

 How often do we take our health and safety for granted ...

at least until they are threatened.

About 3 weeks ago, B.G. was in the path of a tornado.

I was home alone that day and watched the skies get darker and darker,

watched the wind get stronger and stronger,

and heard the alarms on my phone,

and even spent some time in the closet because it really was getting "wild" out there.

The skies were so ominous, that our nephew spending the summer just south of us texted to see if we were alright :)

We came through unscathed

and very thankful for God's hand of protection,

not just in the storm, but every day.

We currently have 4 friends on our prayer list that are battling very serious health issues.

As we continue to hold them up in prayer,

we are reminded that our health is in God's hand.

We are not guaranteed perfect health and strength despite our human efforts.

Acts 17:25

...seeing he giveth to all life, 

and breath, and all things;...

It is easy to expect God's blessing

without asking for it or thanking Him for it after it is given.

Hubby often remembers to pray for our home and for our vehicle

and I am rebuked for having a somewhat "entitled" mentality.

God doesn't owe me anything,

but He has blessed me beyond measure.

Prayer Works!

 I mentioned that last week our church had VBS.

I was excited and nervous.

I hadn't taught in over a year.

Usually, when I have taught, I know my students.

I know how many students I will have.

I know what backgrounds they come from.

The church had "blitzed" flyers and sent out mailers.

The bus children were excited to bring guests.

What would happen in class?

How many students would there be?

The story time was the last item of the night.

They would have a rally.

They would make a craft.

They would eat a snack.

They would have game time.

Then they would come to Bible time.

Would they be rowdy?

Would they just be ready to fall asleep?

Would they be on a sugar high?

People were praying.

They were praying for each child,

They were praying for me.

They were praying for an atmosphere conducive to learning.

And God was pleased to answer in the affirmative.

I do not believe I have ever taught a class with so little need for correction.

I do not believe I have ever taught a class where the vast majority "got it."

And it was not the teacher,

it was answered prayer.

Perhaps you used to be a visible "doer" in a ministry, 

but are now limited in your ability to be out front.

Please know that a behind the scene ministry of prayer is greater than the outward ministry.

Prayer works!

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.

Remember

 As the beginning of April rolled around,

a blog post also rolled around in my mind,

but it never made it into the blogosphere.

At the beginning of April, 

we celebrated an anniversary -

the anniversary of our move.

What a year it has been!

There has been a new location.

There has been a new job position in a new location.

There has been a new church.

There has been the purchase of our first home

and ensuing payments and lessons about home ownership.

There has been injury.

There has been healing.

There has been the resuming of old ministries

and the finding of new ministry.

We have been studying Deuteronomy 5 and 6 at church.

They are chapters on remembering, reviewing, and teaching about the past,

Hubby and I have rehearsed so many blessings - 

God is faithful.

Though we have no children to rehearse the blessing with,

we will share with anyone who will listen.

Change is exciting and hard.

But if God is leading,

if God is in the change,

if you will leave self and rely on Him,

He will show Himself faithful.

And just to set the record straight,

He is faithful even when we are not,

though the outcome may not be what we are looking for.

Frustrating, but profitable

 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times:

Unless she had turned from me, 

surely now also I had slain thee, and saved he alive.

Numbers 22:33

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; 

but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, 

as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 50:20

Oh, how frustrating the roadblocks of life are!

I don't want detours;

I don't want delays;

In essence, I want my way.

But just as God used an angel to spare Balaam

And God took Joseph on a detour to save the entire nation of Israel,

So he uses the detours in my life for my good or the good of others.

I haven't figured out the reasons for all the detours,

But the longer I live,

The more I understand some of the detours.

And I am reminded to be patient in them

And to let God do the work he want to in my life.

Thanksgiving, Stewardship, and the Goodwill Dilemma

II Samuel 24:24  

And the king said unto Araunah, 

"Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: 

neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. 

So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not look around and thank God for my home.

This is not really a new concept - I have always seen our homes as a gift.

God has always provided the right place at the right time in miraculous ways.

I have always been thankful for a place to practice homemaking ...

places to practice new skills...

places to adapt and change ...

from the one-bedroom apartment of a newlywed,

to a two-bedroom apartment on the Pacific Coast,

to a single-wide trailer for college families,

to another single-wide trailer right next door,

to a two-bedroom duplex in a town near enough to care for family,

to my own home ...

But ...

I have noticed as I clean and tidy and organize

that the "new" home inspires a greater desire to do a good job.

Again, it wasn't that I never cleaned my home or put my all into it,

but it seems that because this home cost more than a "pretty penny,"

I value it more.

We tend to value that which has a greater cost to us.

Have you noticed this as prices rise?

Do you think before you just hop in the car?

Do you contemplate before sticking the "non-essential" in the grocery cart?

Is it worth it?

David recognized this when it came time to offer sacrifices.

He wanted his sacrifice to have weight and value.

As I cleaned one morning,

I was ashamed that I don't see all of God's gifts as items of great value.

All His gifts deserve proper stewardship and care.

Thus the Goodwill Dilemma ...

... and a challenge to me and a word to the wise.

I love Goodwill when I have the time to search for great finds.

(Of course, some stores are nicer than others.)

It is fun to find the styles of yesterday on sale today.

It is fun to find "deals" on skirts, dresses, shirts, home decor, and housewares.

And yet, I have also observed the lack of care and stewardship that sometimes comes with the bargain purchase.

I have noticed families that purchase "bargains" so that there is no hardship when the children make a mess or when the children are rough with the purchase.

While I agree with that idea in theory, and there are definitely seasons where this makes sense, and it does help to provide training times for children with less stress,

in practice, the "bargain" also often causes the parent to fail to teach the value of clothing, toys, or furniture.

Because it costs next to nothing, the children can throw it, rip it, jump on it, or leave it in the yard.

And why is this a problem?

Because the children (or I for that matter) may not learn good principles of stewardship.

We do not learn how to care for what God has provided.

We may not see the difference between the "bargain" item and the item at another person's house that might have cost quite a bit more.

Good stewardship of the funds God provides may involve shopping at Goodwill or yard sales,

but it also involves taking care of the bargains that God sends our way through these means.

Reliance and Faith

 I often think that I have to go through this test so frequently.

Is waiting really necessary?

Haven't I practiced patience enough?

There has been a lot of waiting in my life:

Waiting for the "right one" until I was 26,

waiting for children,

waiting for the next move,

waiting for a house.

But it always comes back to God reminding me that

"We walk by faith and not by sight."

It is ok to not know the future.

It is ok to wait - because it always yields God's best.

It is ok if His ways are not my ways.

Right now it seems that we wait on the house.

The "new" government holiday prevented some things from being done,

so it looks like closing will be moved a little.

But even in the waiting ... I still have an apartment until the first week in August.

And I am paid up on storage through the end of July.

It is no surprise to God!

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 ...

I No Longer Live in Oregon

 Another tale for my younger readers who love to see that I am just a real-life human and make plenty of mistakes.

It is said that 

"Those who do not learn from history

are destined to repeat it."

And so ... I guess I did not learn from history.

In June of 2019, we moved across the country.

Right away, we needed a bed and a lawnmower.

Quick as a wink - I ordered a bed and a mower from Amazon.

How exciting that they would be delivered in just a few days!

At least it was exciting - until I realized that they were being delivered to NC!

It all worked out - 

I caught one delivery and turned it around.

And some friends rescued the other delivery and got it returned.

I partially learned my lesson.

When we moved, I changed my Amazon address right away.

... and then I proceeded to order from Ebay ...

... without changing an address.

And so I go through the process again.

I ordered a work bag for hubby

and the next day it was out for delivery ... in Oregon!

A dear neighbor rescued my package and helped to return it.

And a new order is placed.

Maybe I will completely learn from history this time.

On an odd note:

Just last week, we noticed 2 vehicles with Oregon plates in our parking lot.

When we arrived home from church on Sunday,

we saw the family leaving their Oregon car and introduced ourselves.

Not only were they from Oregon,

but they were also from ALBANY, Oregon.

Small World!

The Right Tools for the Job

 Every job requires tools.

Hubby has needed hand tools ... And lots of them.

Sometimes a car is needed.

Sometimes a computer is all that is needed.

In Oregon, my job required reusable bags.

Laws required us to bring our own bag or be charged per bag.

At first, I bought some fairly unstructured ripstop bags.

They were light, easy to throw in my purse.

They worked well around town ...

... Most of the time.

One day, I walked to town.

In my purchase, I bought some eggs, some clearance items, some fruit.

As a walked home, my back began to feel damp.

"I must be sweating!"

But I wasn't sweating.

As I walked, a few of my eggs had broken and were oozing through my bag and down the back of my skirt.

Later, I purchased the right tool ...

A tote box!

I just love them.

I have five tote boxes and 2 less structured cooler bags.

They were easy to pack at self checkout.

They traveled well.

My fruit got home unbruised.

And as I do all my shopping on foot these days, 

They are definitely the right tool for the job.

Why Exercise?

 Exercise is a daily part of my life.

I actually dislike it.

It takes time.

It takes effort.

I feel sore the next day.

BUT ...

It strengthens me.

It builds my endurance.

It challenges me.

It reduces stress.

I gives me more energy.

It doesn't happen immediately.

For a while, I have to envision the results.

But then it surprises me.

One day I jog without being winded.

One day I lift something easily that used to be hard.

One day I see that muscle more distinctly.

After our bout with sickness last month,

we finally got back to running this week.

Hubby and I went out for our WOG.

I got my heart rate up and we enjoyed the sunshine together.

We look forward to building those lung and leg muscles again.

Faith is the same way.

It must be exercised in order to be strengthened.

And in much the same way, you wait to see the results.

Our trials have been relatively few,

but in recent days, we look back over nearly 20 years and see where the trials have yielded results.

I smile when I look at the gas reports and the last time gas prices were this high.

When?  July 2008 - right before we moved from WA to NC - 

to start school with no job lined up!

And God provided.

We have lived in a town, in a home, in a state that is designed for engineers, computer techs, and 2 income households for 3 years.

We can't really afford to live in Oregon.

BUT - God provided abundantly.

And today, the slow build of strength that these trials have yielded is seen as we face the future with more confidence than we might have in the past...

not confidence in ourselves, but confidence in our God.

And now we envision the increased strength that this move will provide.

More confidence in God.

More stories of miraculous provision (as we have already seen).

So maybe you have a trial before you ...

just remember that the trying of your faith is designed to produce fruit in your life.

God knows the timing, the situation, the trial ...

... and He is already there.

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?

'

The Gentle Rebuke

 This morning, I mentioned that yesterday had been a tough day.

We were flying high - very high - over the weekend.

We had planned a survey trip for hubby to our possible new location.

All systems go!

The church seems good (dare I say great), 

4 possible job locations within an hour of the church,

and the thoughts of finally purchasing a home.

This might even be our final move.

And then ...

I started researching moving truck prices!

Yes, that was the stinger - the derailer.

$10,000 to rent a truck between OR and TN?

Yet only $3,000 to take one from TN to OR?

Do you see the difficulty?

I actually went to a few sites thinking that the first one had a glitch in the online calculator.

It seems that we are not the only ones wanting to leave the liberal west coast.😀

The flesh immediately wanted to get mad,

to cry,

to ask why.

I am going through the Minor Prophets with my Sunday School Class.

I felt like the prophets.

Why was I being punished for moving to OR to do right?

I moved 3 years ago on Biblical principle

and truly believe that we are moving again in God's plan.

So why the hurdles?

(Should have just thought on Amos in which God promises not to forget works of any type - good or bad)

And then God, as He does, brought the gentle rebuke ... in the funniest ways.

We had bought 2 books that came recommended to us.

Neither one turned out to be what we expected, 

but we opened the book that we were reading together last night ...

This is the chapter title that greeted us ...

Trust God to Deliver in His Own Unique Way

And as we finished that chapter, the next chapter title screamed ...

View Your Current Crisis as a Faith Builder for the Future

And then, in the devotional book that I was reading,

I awoke this morning to this Proverb ...

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Proverbs 24:10

Yes, God, I get it.

Another reminder that Sandra is not in control.

Another reminder that I don't have to understand.

Another reminder to just rest.

Another reminder that His ways are not our ways.

And as I stand back,

I can see that maybe God wants me to hire a moving company for less than it would cost me to DIY

and thus give me a more comfortable drive across the country.

I can see that maybe God will keep asking me to trust and drop prices in the final hour.

I can see that He doesn't need my money or my wisdom.

I can see that I still have a long way to go in the area of trust and faith.

And one more gentle rebuke ...

Sandra, you are helping to plan a Praise Service for TONIGHT!

You are presenting Psalm 103 in song.

Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

He has always been faithful and will continue to be!

I don't know what may try to steal your joy today,

but listen to your gentle rebukes.

And if you can't hear yours ...

at least listen to the ones that God sent me.

The Eyes of Man

 "Hell and destruction are never full; 

so the eyes of man are never satisfied."

Proverbs 27:20

As a teacher, I often see this truth lived out in my students.

When the birthday bag comes out, so does the "green monster."

Instantly, many children are planning what they will pick for their birthday.

I hear often, "I wish I had."

"You could get me that for Christmas."

But while I may mask my discontent and desire for more,

I see it in my own life as well.

With a pending move in the new year comes thoughts of a new home,

a new town,

a new neighborhood.,

and dreams ... lots of dreams.

And sometimes the dreams get out of control.

This morning I read a little devotional that began with Proverbs 17:1

"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,

than a house full of sacrifices with strife."

And I felt the gentle reminder that while it was ok to look and plan,

while it is definitely good to pray specifically,

while it is good to know the needs,

...

but it is also good to recognize discontent and greed.

And I remember that God has always provided over and above.