If you look close you'll see our ferry boat coming into the "Inner Harbor" at Victoria. (This picture was taken from our hotel balcony.) 
Can you find me? Perhaps I'll just leave you guessing!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Vacation Photos
Two weeks ago today, I was getting ready to leave for our vacation -- Vancouver Island (British Columbia). Just a day and a half after returning from vacation, we picked up our grandchildren to keep them for a week. Yesterday I returned them to their mom and dad, so now (better late than never), I finally get to post pictures of our vacation.
If you look close you'll see our ferry boat coming into the "Inner Harbor" at Victoria. (This picture was taken from our hotel balcony.)
If you look close you'll see our ferry boat coming into the "Inner Harbor" at Victoria. (This picture was taken from our hotel balcony.) 
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Moments to Savor
Oh where, oh where has my little blog gone?
Oh where, oh where can it be?
With my grandchildren here,
Oh where, oh where can it be?
With my grandchildren here,
and my time thus spent,
There's just no time left for me!
There's just no time left for me!
No, wait...this IS my time! I'm having the "time of my life"--with my two precious little ones! We've been to the ocean (built sand castles and jumped in the waves); we've been to a wonderful, huge "fort" play park (no skinned knees or bumped heads this time); we've been to the library (checked out 11 books and read them all already); we've been to the big water fountains (twice) where all the kids run screaming through the cold water (no injuries, except to my ear drums); we've played with bubbles and sidewalk chalk; watched videos, gone for walks; played (wildly) with their dearest Uncle Jim (my son); and enjoyed snack times (twice daily). Hmmmm...what else is left to do?
Well, today we're going back to Vancouver, Washington (our old stompin' grounds) to play at the "pond" -- a nice little grassy green park with a small, kid-friendly beach, just a mile or so from where we used to live. Plus, we're doing one of those must-do "gramma-things" -- go shopping for some school clothes (one new outfit for each kid). Tomorrow I'm taking them to a hotel with a pool -- on the way back to return them to their parents. Mom and Dad have been working at a Christian camp this week, as counselors/dorm parents for the group of teens they brought over from Montana last Saturday. We'll arrive at the camp on Friday morning, just in time for the closing celebration, called "Say So!" -- a time filled with much excitement and tears as the teens who accepted the Lord during the week stand up and "say so"!
It's been a good week here, such a pleasure for me to have my two very special little grandchildren with me -- 8 yr.old Nathaniel and 5-yr.old Elliana. My time has belonged to them, and it has been well worth it! Moments to savor!
Well, today we're going back to Vancouver, Washington (our old stompin' grounds) to play at the "pond" -- a nice little grassy green park with a small, kid-friendly beach, just a mile or so from where we used to live. Plus, we're doing one of those must-do "gramma-things" -- go shopping for some school clothes (one new outfit for each kid). Tomorrow I'm taking them to a hotel with a pool -- on the way back to return them to their parents. Mom and Dad have been working at a Christian camp this week, as counselors/dorm parents for the group of teens they brought over from Montana last Saturday. We'll arrive at the camp on Friday morning, just in time for the closing celebration, called "Say So!" -- a time filled with much excitement and tears as the teens who accepted the Lord during the week stand up and "say so"!
It's been a good week here, such a pleasure for me to have my two very special little grandchildren with me -- 8 yr.old Nathaniel and 5-yr.old Elliana. My time has belonged to them, and it has been well worth it! Moments to savor!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
The Great Black Hunter
Pretzel is her name -- birds and mice are her game.
How she catches them, I just don't know!
Thirteen years old and getting slow,
but patiently waiting and crouching low,
she suddenly pounces before they go!
Catching those mice--I'm thankful for!
But, why must she grab the birds I adore?
Surely, she has no intention to kill--
just wants to impress me with her skill;
but, wouldn't it be nice if she only caught mice!
Friday, July 15, 2005
Cat-Scam
'Twas the start of the day, and all thru the house
Not a creature was stirring--not even a mouse.
I was all settled within my blue chair,
With Bible in lap, and sun shining fair.
When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Inside of my house, a bird was in flight,
Flapping and fluttering in, oh, such a fright!
Confused and dismayed, and crashing about,
Desperately trying to find its way out!
I stood there wondering, “What shall I do?”
Now, both of us frightened, and in such a stew!
Then came the idea—"I’ll go get my broom,
And gently guide that poor bird from the room."
But, wouldn’t ya know it—as I walked away,
My cat seized the moment and grabbed birdie to play!
That poor little bird was simply no match
For the pride of a feline who had landed her catch!
With glee in her stance, she carried her prize,
And played with her toy till it met its demise.
Failing to coax my pet from its prey,
“Oh, God, please help”, was all I could say.
I watched in sad horror as the bird grew still,
Yet my cat wouldn’t leave the side of its kill.
Now and again she would bat with her paws,
Apparently hoping resurrection to cause!
Into the air she’d flip the dead bird,
While paying no heed to my scolding word.
At last she tired of her exciting feat,
And I lured her away with a better treat.
I loathed what she did, as I cleaned up the mess,
But in spite of my feelings, I must confess…
I still love my cat, though sometimes she’s bad,
And does awful things that make me so sad.
When I displease God, I’m happy to know,
He always forgives, for He loves me so!
Not a creature was stirring--not even a mouse.
I was all settled within my blue chair,
With Bible in lap, and sun shining fair.
When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Inside of my house, a bird was in flight,
Flapping and fluttering in, oh, such a fright!
Confused and dismayed, and crashing about,
Desperately trying to find its way out!
I stood there wondering, “What shall I do?”
Now, both of us frightened, and in such a stew!
Then came the idea—"I’ll go get my broom,
And gently guide that poor bird from the room."
But, wouldn’t ya know it—as I walked away,
My cat seized the moment and grabbed birdie to play!
That poor little bird was simply no match
For the pride of a feline who had landed her catch!
With glee in her stance, she carried her prize,
And played with her toy till it met its demise.
Failing to coax my pet from its prey,
“Oh, God, please help”, was all I could say.
I watched in sad horror as the bird grew still,
Yet my cat wouldn’t leave the side of its kill.
Now and again she would bat with her paws,
Apparently hoping resurrection to cause!
Into the air she’d flip the dead bird,
While paying no heed to my scolding word.
At last she tired of her exciting feat,
And I lured her away with a better treat.
I loathed what she did, as I cleaned up the mess,
But in spite of my feelings, I must confess…
I still love my cat, though sometimes she’s bad,
And does awful things that make me so sad.
When I displease God, I’m happy to know,
He always forgives, for He loves me so!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Yesterday
Today is a new day, just waiting to receive new footprints and try out new efforts! (No, I did not say "try on new outfits"!) Today is a new opportunity to "start over" with new ideas, new plans, and new determination. Today is full of new hope and new courage! I'm so thankful that God gives us a new day every morning!
This morning it occurs to me that our yesterdays are important too! Yesterdays can be full of regret, or we can choose to let go of that regret and just focus on what was good about yesterday. Our yesterdays can be strong foundations for our todays and tomorrows!
Yesterday (July 10th) was the 37th anniversary of the day I met my husband -- on a blind date! I remember it like it was just...yesterday! Every detail of that evening stands out with incredible sharpness, and thirty-seven years have not dimmed the delightful memories! We went out with another couple (mutual friends) to play miniature golf. Every year, since then, on July 10th, we have relived that "yesterday" (and celebrated our "today") by going out to play miniature golf -- except yesterday! It rained!
Other than that disappointment, it was a very good day! The morning was spent at church--a very good time with God--really good! After church we enjoyed a delicious brunch at a nearby hotel and then spent a few hours flitting from store to store, catching up on some "necessary" shopping--fun stuff--really! In the evening we had a houseful of friends (17 people here)--our monthly "Home Fellowship Group". This is always a delightful evening! Last night it included a pizza supper, followed by our usual time of praise singing (with guitar), communion, devotional thoughts, sharing and prayer -- so totally refreshing! Even though Sunday was not a "sun-day", it was definitely a "Son-day", since Jesus was in it all!
Our yesterdays...todays...and tomorrows -- they're all in God's hand! He has every one of our days already planned for us! We can choose to cooperate or rebel against His plan, but it's always in our best interests to cooperate with Him! His blessing is the reward for our cooperation!
Father God, help me to cooperate with You, today, because You are the wise-planner and caring-keeper of all my days! "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be! (Psalm 139:16)
This morning it occurs to me that our yesterdays are important too! Yesterdays can be full of regret, or we can choose to let go of that regret and just focus on what was good about yesterday. Our yesterdays can be strong foundations for our todays and tomorrows!
Yesterday (July 10th) was the 37th anniversary of the day I met my husband -- on a blind date! I remember it like it was just...yesterday! Every detail of that evening stands out with incredible sharpness, and thirty-seven years have not dimmed the delightful memories! We went out with another couple (mutual friends) to play miniature golf. Every year, since then, on July 10th, we have relived that "yesterday" (and celebrated our "today") by going out to play miniature golf -- except yesterday! It rained!
Other than that disappointment, it was a very good day! The morning was spent at church--a very good time with God--really good! After church we enjoyed a delicious brunch at a nearby hotel and then spent a few hours flitting from store to store, catching up on some "necessary" shopping--fun stuff--really! In the evening we had a houseful of friends (17 people here)--our monthly "Home Fellowship Group". This is always a delightful evening! Last night it included a pizza supper, followed by our usual time of praise singing (with guitar), communion, devotional thoughts, sharing and prayer -- so totally refreshing! Even though Sunday was not a "sun-day", it was definitely a "Son-day", since Jesus was in it all!
Our yesterdays...todays...and tomorrows -- they're all in God's hand! He has every one of our days already planned for us! We can choose to cooperate or rebel against His plan, but it's always in our best interests to cooperate with Him! His blessing is the reward for our cooperation!
Father God, help me to cooperate with You, today, because You are the wise-planner and caring-keeper of all my days! "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be! (Psalm 139:16)
Friday, July 8, 2005
Backing up for a moment . . .
Anybody remember my post called "A Place to See It"? In it I described a sunset that was almost beyond description -- one which mesmerized me like no other -- a sunset that I didn't capture on film! But, fortunately, someone else did!
During the recent visit of my daughter, one of her friends (a long-time family friend) who lives nearby (somewhat) was also here visiting in our home. She asked if we had seen the amazing sunset and if, perhaps, it was the one that I had blogged about. She has posted pictures of that sunset in her photo blog, and it is a must see!!! (click here to see it)
(click here to read about it)
During the recent visit of my daughter, one of her friends (a long-time family friend) who lives nearby (somewhat) was also here visiting in our home. She asked if we had seen the amazing sunset and if, perhaps, it was the one that I had blogged about. She has posted pictures of that sunset in her photo blog, and it is a must see!!! (click here to see it)
(click here to read about it)
All According to God's Great Plan
A beautiful world - an incredible plan!
Created by God for the good of man,
All with a purpose -- to help us understand --
This wonderful gift from God's own hand!
God put within cats a sense of routine,
a desire to be clean and the need to preen,
an uncanny sense of precision and balance,
plus amazing ability to see the unseen!
God put within dogs the longing for play --
to romp and have fun night and day,
as loyal companions, always ready for love --
eager to receive and to give it away!
God put within birds to flit here and there --
to ride on the wind and soar through the air!
Always full of joyful expression,
they live out their days with nary a care!
God put within people the desire to learn --
truth to discern and evil to spurn,
a conscience to know right from wrong,
spiritual hunger and hearts that yearn!
All planned by God, so long, long ago --
our yearning to know and our desire to grow,
plus our need for the One who made it all so.
He's the giver of life and the Lord over all --
the One who died for our sins, His love to show.
Amazing love -- an incredible plan!
A wonderful gift -- all from God's hand!
But, without His mercy, and without His grace,
not a one of us could even hope to stand
in God's presence -- in that eternal land.
Someday I'll see Him -- face-to-face,
as part of His family, saved by His grace.
Together in Heaven, forever we'll be
in the presence of Jesus, in that grand place!
(All according to God's great plan)
Created by God for the good of man,
All with a purpose -- to help us understand --
This wonderful gift from God's own hand!
God put within cats a sense of routine,
a desire to be clean and the need to preen,
an uncanny sense of precision and balance,
plus amazing ability to see the unseen!
God put within dogs the longing for play --
to romp and have fun night and day,
as loyal companions, always ready for love --
eager to receive and to give it away!
God put within birds to flit here and there --
to ride on the wind and soar through the air!
Always full of joyful expression,
they live out their days with nary a care!
God put within people the desire to learn --
truth to discern and evil to spurn,
a conscience to know right from wrong,
spiritual hunger and hearts that yearn!
All planned by God, so long, long ago --
our yearning to know and our desire to grow,
plus our need for the One who made it all so.
He's the giver of life and the Lord over all --
the One who died for our sins, His love to show.
Amazing love -- an incredible plan!
A wonderful gift -- all from God's hand!
But, without His mercy, and without His grace,
not a one of us could even hope to stand
in God's presence -- in that eternal land.
Someday I'll see Him -- face-to-face,
as part of His family, saved by His grace.
Together in Heaven, forever we'll be
in the presence of Jesus, in that grand place!
(All according to God's great plan)
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Songs of Joy
Today is a blah day! My daughter and two little grandkids left today. They've been here since June 27th--filling our home with fun and noise for 10 days! Today is perhaps the first day that the laundry machines sit idle and the lights remain off in the main bathroom. The house is void of any appearance of company, except for the unmade beds in the guest rooms. The countless pairs of shoes that have been parked at the front door and in the laundry room have disappeared. Their favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and books are gone too. The house is quiet--too quiet--not just because they're off visiting friends in Vancouver today, but because they're gone--back home to Montana.
Oh, how I miss having them live close by! It's been almost a year since we all moved from Vancouver, Washington (us to Oregon and them to Montana), but time hasn't closed the gaping hole that was left by their absence. Huge tears roll down my cheeks, one by one, as I write this, and I know I was meant for family life-- surrounded by the sights and sounds of a noisy, fun-loving, happy family (I grew up in a family of 7)!
In my "quiet time" this morning I read in the book of Psalms about singing "songs of joy". My head tells me I need to do that, but my heart just doesn't feel like it! Psalm 137:4 says, "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?" Sometimes I feel like I am living in a foreign land, and it feels like my kids have also moved to a foreign land. How can I sing songs of joy in a foreign land, when so many of my loved ones are also off in a foreign land, away from me?
Sometimes I also long for my real home--Heaven, and I long for my eternal family-- the family of God (all those who love Jesus). Especially on days like today, when it just seems like something or someone is missing...that's when I realize that this is not really my "home". My home is where my heart is, and today it isn't here.
Lord, today I need your help with songs of joy . . . please help me to remember that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Thanks, Lord.
-----------------------------------------------
EPILOGUE
Feeling much better after a nap! Wow! What a difference some sleep can make! Now I'm ready to start anew! After I ate lunch and read for awhile, I began feeling very sleepy, so I turned on my CD player (several favorite praise music CD's) and comfied down on the couch with my pillow and blanket. Listening to "songs of joy", I quickly fell asleep and slept there for three hours! Now I feel much refreshed and the smile has returned to my face and to my heart! Praise God!
I've been dealing with a little bit of sickness since Monday--starting with just a hint of a sore throat and a cough which has kept me awake most of the night for the last three nights. So I was already dragging myself out of bed each morning this week. By yesterday morning the "sleep-deprived" headache had set in, and this morning we were up extra early for Sherry's departure. So, I'm sure all of that added to the sadness of them leaving, and left me feeling very low today.
As soon as they pulled out (at 6:45), Larry and I went out to breakfast. I didn't have the heart to tell him how yucky I was feeling, and I was hoping it would just disappear with the treat of breakfast out. When I returned home after breakfast, I had my "quiet time" and then just kinda wandered around the house, feeling a bit like a lost puppy, looking for my family. Then I went outside and refilled all my bird feeders, hoping the fresh air would perk me up, but nothing seemed to help.
Sleep was what I really needed -- sweet, rejuvenating sleep! Thanks, Lord! Now that it's late afternoon (4:30), I'm ready to start my day! Hmmm...what shall I do first? Guess I'll just smile and sing some "songs of joy"!
Oh, how I miss having them live close by! It's been almost a year since we all moved from Vancouver, Washington (us to Oregon and them to Montana), but time hasn't closed the gaping hole that was left by their absence. Huge tears roll down my cheeks, one by one, as I write this, and I know I was meant for family life-- surrounded by the sights and sounds of a noisy, fun-loving, happy family (I grew up in a family of 7)!
In my "quiet time" this morning I read in the book of Psalms about singing "songs of joy". My head tells me I need to do that, but my heart just doesn't feel like it! Psalm 137:4 says, "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?" Sometimes I feel like I am living in a foreign land, and it feels like my kids have also moved to a foreign land. How can I sing songs of joy in a foreign land, when so many of my loved ones are also off in a foreign land, away from me?
Sometimes I also long for my real home--Heaven, and I long for my eternal family-- the family of God (all those who love Jesus). Especially on days like today, when it just seems like something or someone is missing...that's when I realize that this is not really my "home". My home is where my heart is, and today it isn't here.
Lord, today I need your help with songs of joy . . . please help me to remember that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Thanks, Lord.
-----------------------------------------------
EPILOGUE
Feeling much better after a nap! Wow! What a difference some sleep can make! Now I'm ready to start anew! After I ate lunch and read for awhile, I began feeling very sleepy, so I turned on my CD player (several favorite praise music CD's) and comfied down on the couch with my pillow and blanket. Listening to "songs of joy", I quickly fell asleep and slept there for three hours! Now I feel much refreshed and the smile has returned to my face and to my heart! Praise God!
I've been dealing with a little bit of sickness since Monday--starting with just a hint of a sore throat and a cough which has kept me awake most of the night for the last three nights. So I was already dragging myself out of bed each morning this week. By yesterday morning the "sleep-deprived" headache had set in, and this morning we were up extra early for Sherry's departure. So, I'm sure all of that added to the sadness of them leaving, and left me feeling very low today.
As soon as they pulled out (at 6:45), Larry and I went out to breakfast. I didn't have the heart to tell him how yucky I was feeling, and I was hoping it would just disappear with the treat of breakfast out. When I returned home after breakfast, I had my "quiet time" and then just kinda wandered around the house, feeling a bit like a lost puppy, looking for my family. Then I went outside and refilled all my bird feeders, hoping the fresh air would perk me up, but nothing seemed to help.
Sleep was what I really needed -- sweet, rejuvenating sleep! Thanks, Lord! Now that it's late afternoon (4:30), I'm ready to start my day! Hmmm...what shall I do first? Guess I'll just smile and sing some "songs of joy"!
Friday, July 1, 2005
Partial Restoration
Due to technical difficulties of unknown origin, our computers have been unable to access the internet for the past twelve days. At long last, after countless hours spent with tech support, our system has partial restoration! WOO HOO!! Immediately after our internet connection was restored tonight, we went out to supper to celebrate!
Now that I've been off the internet for nearly two weeks, I've rediscovered life without it, and I'm not sure how I feel about re-establishing contact with it, so I may take it slowly as I decide how much of my time I want to give to it in the future. We currently have company from Montana (daughter Sherry and grandchildren, Nathaniel and Elli) -- they arrived on Monday afternoon, and will be here through next Wednesday or Thursday. So, it may be awhile before I post again, as I'm so enjoying my time spent with them!
For now . . . I've missed you all and will be back here when the time seems right!
Partial restoration . . . hmmmmmm -- just what does that mean? Well, it's a long story that's far too complicated to explain, but what I do know is . . . in my relationship with God, partial restoration is just not good enough! When I've been away from Him (by my own neglect of time spent with Him), and my connection with Him is unsatisfactory, I don't want only partial restoration! I want full restoration and complete renewal, because I desire nothing less than all that God planned for my life, and I want fullness of joy in my daily life, which He is happy to provide when my life is right with Him!
Partial restoration? It may be temporarily okay for my computer and my internet connection, but it is totally unacceptable for my connection with God!
Now that I've been off the internet for nearly two weeks, I've rediscovered life without it, and I'm not sure how I feel about re-establishing contact with it, so I may take it slowly as I decide how much of my time I want to give to it in the future. We currently have company from Montana (daughter Sherry and grandchildren, Nathaniel and Elli) -- they arrived on Monday afternoon, and will be here through next Wednesday or Thursday. So, it may be awhile before I post again, as I'm so enjoying my time spent with them!
For now . . . I've missed you all and will be back here when the time seems right!
Partial restoration . . . hmmmmmm -- just what does that mean? Well, it's a long story that's far too complicated to explain, but what I do know is . . . in my relationship with God, partial restoration is just not good enough! When I've been away from Him (by my own neglect of time spent with Him), and my connection with Him is unsatisfactory, I don't want only partial restoration! I want full restoration and complete renewal, because I desire nothing less than all that God planned for my life, and I want fullness of joy in my daily life, which He is happy to provide when my life is right with Him!
Partial restoration? It may be temporarily okay for my computer and my internet connection, but it is totally unacceptable for my connection with God!