Getting Rid of the Dead Stuff

This was a two-shower day! I'm sure I must have gotten rid of lots of dead-skin cells in the shower today, but how silly it was to get all cleaned up first thing this morning -- only to get all sweaty and grimy as I spent several hours working outside in 80-degree temperatures. Last Saturday I began the project of getting rid of all the dead stuff in the yard, but didn't finish it. This afternoon I came closer to getting it done, but it seems the more I yank and scrape and cut, the more dead stuff I find!

At first I spent my time all alone with only my thoughts to keep me company, but then I discovered that my neighbor was out working in her yard also. So, eventually we found ourselves working side-by-side at the common border of our yards. We continued working together until both of us were aching and sneezing, after declaring several times that it was time to quit. What a great way to visit with a neighbor, plus come away with such a satisfying feeling of accomplishment for the time we spent outside enjoying the sunshine!

Isn't it funny how getting rid of the dead stuff can be both exhausting and exhilirating? Being outside in the warm sunshine is so wonderful, but working in the yard is so tiring! Cutting and pulling out all the old stuff is really a tough project, but it's only when the old, dead stuff is cleaned away that the new stuff really shows beautifully!

How true this in in our lives as well! There's no beauty or usefulness left in the old yucky, messed-up stuff that clutters up our lives -- it just prevents new growth from showing and thriving. That's why God does His work of pruning people. He knows just the right time to do it and the best way to do it.

Getting rid of the dead stuff isn't pleasant (in fact, it can be downright awful!), but it's so necessary and beneficial to new growth! Since new growth is so refreshing and beautiful, and pruning helps to promote new growth, why do we resist the pruning?

Up Close and Personal

After all these years of enjoying the Gaithers -- by way of music tapes and CD's, videos, and concerts, today I finally got to talk to Gloria Gaither--up close and personal! My son invited me to attend the chapel service with him at the Bible college where he works, to hear Gloria Gaither speak.

This was a very small auditorium compared to the one where I attended Bible school, so the setting felt quite homespun for such a celebrity guest. As I was sitting there (in a seat at the aisle) waiting for Jim to arrive, Gloria walked right by me--alone, just like any ordinary person, with no one paying any attention to her! I couldn't resist such an opportunity to meet her, so I got up from my seat (just a few rows from the front) and went to talk with her. What a grand moment for me--I loved it and could hardly believe it was really happening to me!

Unfortunately, the pictures I took of her when she got up to speak, turned out lousy, but she was a very good speaker and I enjoyed it all immensely!

After chapel Jim and I went to lunch at a funky little cafe in Portland (the Hawthorne District). "Big Daddy's BBQ" -- What a fun spot, and great food! (That's Jim sitting by the bright yellow flames on the window.)








When I went to use the bathroom, I could barely stifle my laugh when I opened the door . . . the toilet sat immediately facing me--not against the wall as one would expect. How very handy to be able to just plop down immediately as one steps inside! (The close and personal feel of a toilet stall, with the convenience of a full bathroom.) Plus, there was a back door -- I guess for making a secret escape if one needs to, rather than going back out the way you came in!

This is the second unusual toilet sight I've come face-to-face with in the last two weeks! (Last week it was a close encounter with a man carrying a toilet on his shoulder at the river.) Perhaps my new hobby will be watching for funny toilet sightings.

A Fragrant Season

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers, but lilacs are what I most enjoy sticking my nose into! Hmmmmm....how I love that fragrance!

When we moved from our home in Vancouver, Washington, I was sad to leave my lilac bushes behind, but I guess God knows how much I love lilacs! Lo and behold...He gave me another home with a lilac bush--bigger than I had before! While we've been enjoying all the other spring flowers in our yard, I've been keeping a close eye on my lilac bush (a tree actually), just waiting for the right time to bring some of those wonderful blossoms inside. Larry surprised me last night by placing a bouquet on the kitchen table after he mowed the lawn. That wonderful fragrance now fills our home!

On a different note . . .
Yesterday was a turning point for us in our frantic search for a new church home. As I was reading the blog of a family in ministry--Christian Associates International (the family I mentioned in yesterday's post),
I felt strongly that perhaps we should turn away from the focus of simply finding a new church home as soon as possible. It seemed that, instead, we should use this time of being "detached" as a time to simply enjoy visiting other churches--for the pure and simple delight of visiting a variety of churches--worshipping among God's family and observing other "communities" of Believers.

When Larry came home from work, we went out for our usual walk in the sunshine before dinner. I mentioned my idea of church "visiting" instead of church "hunting", and he was all for it! My thoughts and his thoughts all fell into place nicely, with complete agreement! So, today I am in a new place of peace with regard to our search for a new church home. When God decides to place us there, that will be soon enough!
Until then, we'll just enjoy visiting and worshipping in new places --
taking a deep breath of fresh air in this fragrant new season of life!

What in the World...?

Well, today has been a very interesting day, and a very good day!

It began with some email correspondence with a blog friend, Rebecca, after she let me know about a friend of hers who is in the process of moving here (to the Portland area). Of course, that perked my ears up right away! I'll be checking that out and getting in contact with them as soon as possible.

That big excitement had to be put on hold while I took off for Vancouver first thing this morning, to visit with my "adopted daughter" Jen.
I enjoyed spending several hours with her and her youngest son. We made plans for their family to join us on Mother's Day.

Since arriving back home in mid-afternoon, I've done lots of reading -- (the blog of the family who is moving here), letting some good stuff sink in. It all makes me wonder what in the world God might be up to in my life! Well, I guess time will tell.

In the meantime, Larry and I continue to wait on Him for His direction in our search for a new church home. So far, there is no indication of where He is leading us. We went through this same thing two years ago -- it was hard then, and it is hard now. We can only wait on Him, trying to patiently wait and trust Him for His direction. Meanwhile, we feel very detached and confused. In time, we know He'll make it plain to us, but for now . . . we wait and watch for signs of His leading.

Endless Days of Sunshine!

Lately we have been enjoying warm temperatures and clear blue skies. These seemingly "endless days of summer" have been a wonderful treat for the end of April! Today I met a couple of friends (Karen and Joan) for lunch and enjoyed eating outside in the glorious sunshine--in summer clothing!
Yesterday afternoon Larry and I soaked up the sunshine while strolling through "Crystal Springs" in Portland. It's a very beautiful garden, full of foot paths that meander in all directions beside ponds and rippling brooks, surrounded by flowering bushes and trees of all colors and varieties. Just think--this is only a tiny taste of our heavenly paradise!

Tiptoeing Through the Tulips

After living in the Pacific Northwest for nine years (exactly 9 years this very month), today we finally got around to going to the annual tulip festival -- Larry's first time and my second time.

Another Nice Day With Friends

Today was a day spent with friends -- almost the entire day!

First, I met Karen for lunch at a Mongolian Grill -- ummmm good stuff! Then we went to the theatre, where Julie joined us to see "Take the Lead". Pretty good movie too! It was a really good visit with Karen, and then a fun time for the three of us together! (Today's get-together was planned by Karen and Julie while I was in Montana--a fun little treat I've had to look forward to.) Our last time of fun together as a threesome was an overnighter at Julie's house -- kinda like a mini-retreat, just for the three of us. What fun we've had together!!!
(This picture was taken a year ago at a women's retreat we attended.)

This evening Larry and I got together with Julie and her husband Tom, for dinner at an Italian restaurant -- ummmm more good stuff! This has become almost a monthly dinner get-together for the four of us (3rd time tonight). It's fun to see it become a habit.

Oh! I almost forgot! My day actually began with an extra special treat -- a phone call from someone who has had a special place in my heart for several years, someone that Larry and I lovingly call our "adopted daughter" (Jen Beatty)--the one who gave me Pretzel (my cat) thirteen years ago. Last night, just before falling asleep, I thought of her and realized it had been quite a while since I had last been in touch with her (4-1/2 months). When she called this morning, she said basically the same thing to me. Amazing! Sometimes you just can't help but know God is in it! I love it when that happens!

Good weather, good company, good food, good movie, good friends . . .
It all added up to a very nice day indeed!

Free to a Good Home

This kitty was looking for a place to call home, so I snatched her -- right out of another blog.
(CML Shearings)

I found this picture amusing, delightful, and absolutely irresistable! Since this kitty really seems to be alive, I have named her "Smokey".

She doesn't require any food or litter box, is no problem at all to those who are allergic to cats, and seems quite loveable. What a find!

Thanks, Cary!

Lunch Out

When it's a beautiful day outside, this is more what I have in mind when I think of eating out!

Once again taking full advantage of our beautiful spring weather, I enjoyed spending some time with a good friend, Debbie, enjoying a long, leisurely lunch in the warm sunshine. This is Island Cafe--my favorite place to eat when it's nice outside. It's a little open-air cafe on the end of a long, floating dock in a marina, on the Columbia River. It's closed in the winter, and always draws a crowd of regular customers during the season of nice weather. Every year, as winter draws to a close and spring approaches, Larry and I eagerly anticipate their reopening, and usually eat there as often as once a week, or every couple of weeks between April and October.

As I walked down the ramp to the dock, I passed a man carrying a toilet on his shoulder. Yes, a real toilet -- I kid you not! It was all I could do to suppress the giggles that were rising up in me as he came toward me.
(I was thinking how convenient that would be for those inopportune moments that I sometimes suffer through.) I almost managed to walk by him without saying a word, but at the last second I just couldn't resist.
I simply said, "Porta-potty?", and he simply replied, "Yeah, sort of."
That was that! Dontcha just love those unexpected little chuckles?

After lunch, as I was driving to do a little shopping in the area, I spotted a time/temperature sign that showed the temperature as 98 degrees (Fahrenheit). I blinked and re-read the sign as it flashed the temperature again . . . yup, it said 98 degrees! I knew it was a beautifully warm day, but I also knew it couldn't possibly be that warm outside (maybe more like 68 degrees)--must have been someone's idea of a practical joke. It was a fun reminder that summer is, indeed, on the way, but also another reminder that you can't believe everything you read!

My dear husband took me out for dinner, some place a little further away than just outside the back door (like the previous night). We went to one of other favorite places called "Beaches". It is a great little restaurant that sits right at the edge of a pretty little pond about a mile from our house. We ate outside at the water's edge, and later walked a couple of laps around the pond.

What a nice day! Fun, friendship, love, laughs, warm sunshine, delicious food, good exercise in the fresh air, good conversation -- it just doesn't get much better than this!

Dinner Out

Yesterday was such a beautiful day, we just couldn't resist eating dinner on the deck -- first time this year.

On both Monday and Tuesday evenings we have taken full advantage of the sunshine and warm temperatures, going out for a walk as soon as Larry got home from work. Last night, as we were returning home, I suggested that we should eat dinner outside somewhere. Larry quickly replied, "The deck would be good--I'll wash the table off when we get home." (I was thinking "dinner out" -- not just outside our back door.)

So, "dinner out" was "dinner on the deck." It was lovely! We dwaddled there for a long time, soaking up the sunshine and the view from our deck. It's nice living here, despite the rain. It's green and beautiful, with lots of spring flowers, plus bushes and trees already in bloom. What a treat to have such nice weather in April!

I know I complain a lot about the rain, but it's where God has planted me for now, so I guess I might as well enjoy the benefits of my surroundings. Maybe we just need to eat dinner out more often.

Seeing is Believing!

In case you haven't noticed it yet, there is a new addition to my blog. It's a nifty little weather box, provided by "The Weather Channel". I noticed it on my daughter's blog yesterday, and immediately wanted it on my blog. It seemed like a very cool little item to have handy for my readers to be able to see what kind of a day it is at my house.

I was quite pleased with my new little e-weather gadget -- that is, until this morning.

Here I was, marveling at what a beautiful day it appeared to be today -- bright, gorgeous sunshine in a beautiful blue, cloudless sky. I was all excited about it until I clicked into my blog and took a look at my weather reporter, which told me that it was 38 degrees (Fahrenheit) and cloudy.
I turned my head and looked out the window at the sky . . . bright blue without a cloud in sight! Then I went to look at the thermometer which hangs just outside my front door . . . it said 43 degrees!

So, I grabbed my camera to prove I wasn't just desperately imagining a beautiful day. Sure enough -- it's exactly as I thought it was, despite what the weatherman says. Oh well! It just goes to prove you can't believe everything you read -- seeing is believing!
On second thought . . .
One exception to "seeing is believing" is the fact that faith is not by sight, but just the opposite. Faith is believing what God says (what we read in the Bible), but haven't yet seen with our own eyes.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

New blog Pic - April

O Happy Day!

Before I was out of bed this morning, before I was fully awake, Larry softly greeted me: "He is risen!"
My quick reply, sleepily mumbled: "He is risen indeed!"

As I arose from my bed and walked to the bathroom, instantly my heart was filled with song:

"Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
and He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!"

Yes! My Lord is risen indeed, and because He lives I can face tomorrow.

God sent His son -- they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal, and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future;
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son (to die on the cross--to pay the penalty for my sin); and whoever believes on Him (acknowledging that Jesus died in his/her place) will not perish (in Hell), but will have everlasting life (in heaven).

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter to One and all!

No Place Like Home!

It was a good trip, a wonderful visit with family and friends, but there's just nothing as satisfying as coming home to my own place and being reunited with the man who loves me dearly!

The last few hours of the 10-hour drive was very wearying, through pouring rain, poor visibility, high winds, and moderately heavy traffic. Once I even said aloud, "Lord, I don't know how I can keep going." My nerves had turned to mush, but I kept going, very eager to get home and off the road.

When I finally arrived, I walked around in my quiet, empty house, looking at everything so familiar to me, just soaking up the welcoming warmth of the place I most enjoy being--the place I call "home". Even the rain didn't detract from my feeling of peace and serenity. Although my husband wasn't home from work yet, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of a dozen long-stemmed yellow roses he had lovingly placed on the kitchen table to welcome me home.

It's been terribly gray and rainy here today, but it's still nice to be home. I love to hit the road, but I love even more the coming back home. This is where I rest the best. This is where I spend my time being held in loving arms--by the sweetest arms of all. This is where I totally unwind and relax. This is where I belong.

There's just no place like home.

Sunrise . . . Sunset

"On the road again...I just can't wait to get on the road again..."

One more sleep in my own bed till I hit the road.

my destination

Time Out!

I'm goin' to that beautiful land known as "Big Sky Country"!
(not to be confused with "That Big Beautiful Land in the Sky")

It's time to go to Montana, for a visit with my dad, some family friends, my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren; plus I get to meet my new grandpuppy!

Also while I'm there, I'll be participating in (and helping to prepare) a seder, celebrating passover among a small congregation of Messianic Jews, led by my friends, Louis and Cary (blogger CML Shearings). I am really excited about this trip--every part of it!