It feels like I lost some weight off my head. (And, no, it's not that I finally lost my mind)! It was hair loss--actually a very welcome change. This is my new look, although I probably won't keep up with all the curls. My hairdresser loves to put curls on my head! It's fun for dress-up now and then, but far too much work for every day.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
New Look
It feels like I lost some weight off my head. (And, no, it's not that I finally lost my mind)! It was hair loss--actually a very welcome change. This is my new look, although I probably won't keep up with all the curls. My hairdresser loves to put curls on my head! It's fun for dress-up now and then, but far too much work for every day.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Are you tired? Worn out?
Sometimes life is just too much hassle, and too much weariness! The daily news is full of trouble all over this world, and absolute nonsense in high places! Sometimes I wonder if there is any common sense left in our judges and lawmakers. I just shake my head in disbelief at the decisions that are made by those who determine how our lives should be lived!
Where is wisdom? Where is common sense? Where is justice? Where is the understanding of right and wrong? Where is conscience? Where is morality? Where is decency? Where is truth? Where is human kindness?
We live in a very strange world now. It seems that everyone gets to choose whatever seems right in his/her own eyes, no matter what anyone else thinks, or how it may hurt someone else.
Even I sometimes fail to live up to what I know is right and good. Sometimes I tire of my own weaknesses and failures. I long to be more like Jesus. I've come to realize that the only way for that to happen in my life is to spend time with Him. He desires that even more than I desire it, and He knows how much I need that in order to survive a way-to-busy life, in a way-to-evil world.
I want not to just survive life in this ungodly world of ours, but to be an example of how He wants us to live -- to be a light in a dark place.
This morning during my "quiet time" (the time I set aside every day to meet with God), I found the key to refreshment when my soul is weary. I've read it many times before, but today it jumped right into my lap and made me go "Hmmmm..."
According to the Bible (The Message paraphrase), in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said,
Where is wisdom? Where is common sense? Where is justice? Where is the understanding of right and wrong? Where is conscience? Where is morality? Where is decency? Where is truth? Where is human kindness?
We live in a very strange world now. It seems that everyone gets to choose whatever seems right in his/her own eyes, no matter what anyone else thinks, or how it may hurt someone else.
Even I sometimes fail to live up to what I know is right and good. Sometimes I tire of my own weaknesses and failures. I long to be more like Jesus. I've come to realize that the only way for that to happen in my life is to spend time with Him. He desires that even more than I desire it, and He knows how much I need that in order to survive a way-to-busy life, in a way-to-evil world.
I want not to just survive life in this ungodly world of ours, but to be an example of how He wants us to live -- to be a light in a dark place.
This morning during my "quiet time" (the time I set aside every day to meet with God), I found the key to refreshment when my soul is weary. I've read it many times before, but today it jumped right into my lap and made me go "Hmmmm..."
According to the Bible (The Message paraphrase), in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said,
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
Today my heart hurts--a lot, for lots of stuff going on in my world--our world. Why does such sorrow and pain have to be a part of life? Why can't life be just full of fun and good stuff? Why does it have to include such awful, wrong stuff?
Sometimes I've heard people say that life would be so boring without the difficulties, but I disagree. I long for the good life--without crime, without tears and sadness, without injustice, without immorality, without heartbreak, without grief and sorrow, without pain and problems, without handicap and sickness, without evil and wrong.
Basically, I long for Heaven, where we'll see our Creator and Savior, face-to-face--the One who will make all things right and whole, the One who will wipe away all tears, the One who loves us and never fails us, and will continue to do so for all eternity.
Yes, Lord! Come, Lord, Jesus! This child of yours can hardly stand to wait!
Sometimes I've heard people say that life would be so boring without the difficulties, but I disagree. I long for the good life--without crime, without tears and sadness, without injustice, without immorality, without heartbreak, without grief and sorrow, without pain and problems, without handicap and sickness, without evil and wrong.
Basically, I long for Heaven, where we'll see our Creator and Savior, face-to-face--the One who will make all things right and whole, the One who will wipe away all tears, the One who loves us and never fails us, and will continue to do so for all eternity.
Yes, Lord! Come, Lord, Jesus! This child of yours can hardly stand to wait!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Showers of Blessing
The beauty in our days has become rather moist--downright wet! It rained most of last week, and again today. At least we don't suffer from draught. Thanks for the rain, Lord! There's beauty and blessing in the showers also.
We moved our son's fiance into her own apartment (in Portland) over the weekend. I'm sure she is glad to have her own place once again, although we already miss her cheerful presence around here. Our lower level is beginning to look quite a bit emptier than we've seen it since we first moved into this house two and a half years ago.
Today we took a drive back to Vancouver, Washington (our old stompin' grounds) to run an errand for our daughter. We ended up walking around the mall for awhile, and then having supper at a nearby restaurant before heading back home to the Portland, Oregon area. It's always enjoyable to go back to an area once known as "home".
Not much else to report around here. Life is good. We're enjoying the newness of spring as it grows a little more beautiful each week -- already eager for the constant warmth and sunshine of summer.
Of course, we also continue our wait for the outcome to Larry's job situation. It's been wonderful to have him working at home for the last couple of months, and we both wish it would continue until retirement happens. His three-month trial period is about two-thirds over now, and we have no idea what will happen a month from now. Only God knows, and we wait upon Him for that outcome, simply trusting that He has a plan for our lives--a good plan -- a plan for our good, and not for our harm.
We moved our son's fiance into her own apartment (in Portland) over the weekend. I'm sure she is glad to have her own place once again, although we already miss her cheerful presence around here. Our lower level is beginning to look quite a bit emptier than we've seen it since we first moved into this house two and a half years ago.
Today we took a drive back to Vancouver, Washington (our old stompin' grounds) to run an errand for our daughter. We ended up walking around the mall for awhile, and then having supper at a nearby restaurant before heading back home to the Portland, Oregon area. It's always enjoyable to go back to an area once known as "home".
Not much else to report around here. Life is good. We're enjoying the newness of spring as it grows a little more beautiful each week -- already eager for the constant warmth and sunshine of summer.
Of course, we also continue our wait for the outcome to Larry's job situation. It's been wonderful to have him working at home for the last couple of months, and we both wish it would continue until retirement happens. His three-month trial period is about two-thirds over now, and we have no idea what will happen a month from now. Only God knows, and we wait upon Him for that outcome, simply trusting that He has a plan for our lives--a good plan -- a plan for our good, and not for our harm.
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' " (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Beauty in the Days
Life is good, and life is short -- make the most of it!
Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring is in full bloom. The flowering trees, bushes, spring bulbs and lots of other flowers are parading all their glorious colors. The trees are already showing off their new leaves, or at least budded out with new baby sprouts. The grass is thick and needing to be mowed a couple of times every week. Today the sunshine was bright and warm (warm enough for summer clothes), and tomorrow promises to be even warmer. I couldn't resist opening all the windows to let the house breathe in the fragrant freshness of spring. Plus, I enjoyed walking around outside barefoot and sleeveless to get my own share of that newness of spring. Truly delightful!
It reminds me of the year (1997) we moved here from California. I thought, "What's all this nonsense I keep hearing about non-stop rain? It's gorgeous here!" Of course, I soon learned that it was an exceptional season of very unusual weather for this part of the country. Now, ten years later, it's exceptional again, and I'm lovin' it! (Maybe our soon-to-be daughter-in-law brought it with her from Southern California.)
It gives me the urge to spend all of my time outside. Forget the housework! Soak up the sunshine while it's here!
Yup, life is good, and life is short -- make the most of it!
Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!
Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring is in full bloom. The flowering trees, bushes, spring bulbs and lots of other flowers are parading all their glorious colors. The trees are already showing off their new leaves, or at least budded out with new baby sprouts. The grass is thick and needing to be mowed a couple of times every week. Today the sunshine was bright and warm (warm enough for summer clothes), and tomorrow promises to be even warmer. I couldn't resist opening all the windows to let the house breathe in the fragrant freshness of spring. Plus, I enjoyed walking around outside barefoot and sleeveless to get my own share of that newness of spring. Truly delightful!
It reminds me of the year (1997) we moved here from California. I thought, "What's all this nonsense I keep hearing about non-stop rain? It's gorgeous here!" Of course, I soon learned that it was an exceptional season of very unusual weather for this part of the country. Now, ten years later, it's exceptional again, and I'm lovin' it! (Maybe our soon-to-be daughter-in-law brought it with her from Southern California.)
It gives me the urge to spend all of my time outside. Forget the housework! Soak up the sunshine while it's here!
Yup, life is good, and life is short -- make the most of it!
Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
April Fool's Day!
Home again! We were in Montana all last week (since Saturday, March 24th), visiting with family and friends. It was wonderful! We arrived back home on Saturday evening, March 31st, to greet our son and soon-to-be new daughter-in-law Patti, who is now living with us until an apartment is found.
No, this is not an April Fool's joke! This is truly a dream come true for all of us! Jim and Patti have been friends since college days, many years ago (about 15 years or so), attending the same university and church in Long Beach, California. But, it was only about two years ago that they decided to try dating each other--long distance! Up until this weekend, Patti lived in San Diego, California, and Jim lived here in the Portland, Oregon area. So, for them, this dream has been in the making for a very long time!
It's hard to believe she's finally here, and we're so glad to finally have her with us. She starts her new job tomorrow (Monday), and will live with us for a little while. We've just finished pouring over maps to help her find her way to work tomorrow.
A new week has begun; a new month has begun; a new quarter of this year has begun; and a new adventure in life has begun. Now, I'm ready to go to bed, and get a fresh new start in the morning.
So much is happening in our lives in this new year!
Thanks, Lord, that You are in control of all of it!
No, this is not an April Fool's joke! This is truly a dream come true for all of us! Jim and Patti have been friends since college days, many years ago (about 15 years or so), attending the same university and church in Long Beach, California. But, it was only about two years ago that they decided to try dating each other--long distance! Up until this weekend, Patti lived in San Diego, California, and Jim lived here in the Portland, Oregon area. So, for them, this dream has been in the making for a very long time!
It's hard to believe she's finally here, and we're so glad to finally have her with us. She starts her new job tomorrow (Monday), and will live with us for a little while. We've just finished pouring over maps to help her find her way to work tomorrow.
A new week has begun; a new month has begun; a new quarter of this year has begun; and a new adventure in life has begun. Now, I'm ready to go to bed, and get a fresh new start in the morning.
So much is happening in our lives in this new year!
Thanks, Lord, that You are in control of all of it!