end of an era

When you work from home and your commute consists of a dozen or two steps from the kitchen or living room to the third bedroom office, retiring seems kind of anti-climactic.

No office party, no gold watch (though I am sure he would prefer a fly-fishing rod or a digital camera), no 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' at the end of the business day today.

Which is fine with Pat. He'll shut off the computer at about 5 p.m. EST and that will be it (tho' the boss has asked him to be available for consultation over the next few months). I'll give him a hug and a kiss and sing 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow', if he wants me to (he won't).

I'm so proud of him. Fifteen years ago, a childhood friend and fishing buddy asked him if he would be interested in working in the newly formed marketing department of his company. The newly formed marketing department would consist solely of Pat.

Pat said yes. God' s hand was clearly evident in this. Pat had recently been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and the very physical work of being a fishing guide was exhausting. Joint pain, fatigue and headaches were constant companions in the early stages of the disease (thankfully he is feeling pretty good these days). Plus it would be very nice to have a job with health benefits.

In the ensuing years Pat has built the marketing department and the company. Once his domain alone, the marketing department now employs 10 full time people and 7 part time people. All of them have the privilege of working from home. And I hear Pat on the phone throughout the day - he is a very encouraging and affirming 'boss'.

In addition to this the local printing company (Northwoods) built an extra building and hired 4 full time and 2 part time people to handle all the extra instructional materials generated due to the increased number of seminars. The local post office increased their employee's hours to handle the extra mailings. All of the law enforcement officers for our little town were trained for free.

Revenue for the company tripled and nearly quadrupled.

Well done, Patrick! With God's help and the administrative mind He gave you - you've accomplished quite a lot. First from a little office tucked in the woods; now from a spare bedroom.

In all this time, Pat has visited the main Chicago office once. Yay for telecommuting!

So now. On to retirement.

First order of business - a trip. The plan is to visit all the kids and other family members and Northwoods friends. And proudly and tearfully watch our youngest graduate from college.

But at the moment this gargantuan storm is standing between us and them:


We'll be watching the weather closely and hopefully timing our travels to avoid straight line winds and tornadoes. Good traveling companions they are not.

When we return home, there will likely be a lot of this:


~~~~~~
Thanks to Tonia for featuring some of my (extreme) ideas for living a low- impact -green- frugal life. Check it out!

Happy Birthday, Joshua!

My, how time flies. Two years ago we welcomed this little guy into the world. I had just left my Wisconsin home of thirty years, spent a few days with Jon, Kristi and Joshua and then headed for Tennessee. As I left Joshua that first time, I bawled. Not delicate little tears but wracking, heaving sobs (it is hard to drive like that). I was afraid of the distance - that I would not get to see him, be part of his life.

Well, God , in His mercy has shown me that I need not fear. That first year I saw Joshua 3 times. As well as the next year. And it looks like the same will be true this year.

Thank you LORD. Thank you for this precious little boy . Thank you that he is being raised in a godly home.

And thank you that we get to see him in six days!!!!


Happy , happy birthday Joshy!

once again, a day of contrasts

Today, I take food to the funeral of a young man (16) who drowned in an area river.



Today, I need to buy/make 4 sympathy cards one for the husband of a sweet lady who passed away over a week ago, two for the mother/daughter at Bible study who lost their sister/aunt and one for the wife of our (retired) college president who died yesterday.

Today,though, I am excited about our trip up north.

The choir sang this beautiful song in church Sunday:

Where Joy And Sorrow Meet
------Avalon

There’s a place of quiet stillness ‘tween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
Mending grief and life eternal where joy and sorrow meet

There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet

There’s a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet

There’s a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep
And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep
There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet.

My excitement is tempered by the pain and grief others are feeling. I pray that their sorrow will be touched by the joy spoken of in this song. For I know that He is faithful and the God of all comfort.

packing

dianthus - last year's Mother's day gift - blooming this year in anticipation of the day

Growing up, I viewed a summer trip with the same eagerness and excitement generally reserved for Christmas or my birthday.

We would wake up early (like 4 or 5 a.m. early) and get settled in the back of the station wagon. Seat belts were not a concern back in those days and Dad had made a bench to go across the floor of the back seat. The four of us would take turns sprawling across either the back seat or the 'way back' of the station wagon. Mom always packed something interesting for us to look at in the car - books, comics, magazines, coloring books.

Vacations were fun - the destination and the getting there. We would sing. Loud and proud. We would snack. We would sleep and we might bicker. A little. We did not have DVD players in the back of the car, instead we would enjoy the scenery and play license plate games. We would stop at Howard Johnson' for lunch and I would blissfully order chocolate milk (a rare treat). When traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Dad would always honk the horn as we went through the tunnels (loved that! - then and now, I'm so easily pleased).

We would sleep during the pre-dawn hours and groggily awaken to the rising of the sun. To grandmother's house we would go.

I still prefer to get up super early and get a head start on the day and on the road. By the time the sun is up, I love to be well on my way.

Last night from 2-4 a.m., though still in bed, I was busily mentally packing my suitcase. I don't want to take a ton of stuff, but I want to have enough. We have several different events this trip. A birthday party for a two year old (yay, Joshua!), a graduation for an almost 22 year old (yay, Daniel!), times with family, times with friends, someone will be fishing, and we will go to church. The gamut runs from formal (church and graduation) to informal (picnics, campfires and fishing). The temperatures will range from 30*-80*(ahh, May in the Northwoods), so I have to keep that in mind too.

I think I have figured out what I need to take, so, in slightly obsessive compulsive fashion, I will probably do a trial packing today.

That way I can get some much needed beauty sleep tonight.

Here's a packing list for someone who travels only carrying a carry-on.

protection

Mom and Dad and Kimmee paid us a short visit the other morning. As they walked home, they came across this fellow:

So, they came back to get us so we could meet him.

He was not very friendly; snapping turtles rarely are. But thankfully he was not aggressive either.

He just pulled into his protective shell and waited until we went away.
This snapper, though as ugly as all get out(and huge - bigger than a dinner plate - more like a platter), is divinely protected.

Which reminded me....
A few months before Pat retired, he began to research insurance options for us. He is too young for Medicare (and I'm certainly too young for Medicare), so we needed a plan to replace his work benefit.

We came up with a relatively reasonable one and filled out all the paper work (and yes boy there was a lot of that!). They would let us know within 48 hours if we were approved. 48 hours came and went. No news. We took our trip and returned home. 12 days later, still no news.

Pat called and got the run around. He finally was told that they had not received his medical records. He called they Dr.'s office and had them (re)sent. The insurance company still claims they have not received his records, but that did not stop them from debiting our credit card for the first month's payment.

Our policy from Pat's work expires Monday.

At the 11th hour, Pat was talking to our friend/neighbor/pharmacist who highly recommended a local independent agent. She wrote up a very reasonable policy and we are insured. We canceled the policy that we never really had and are waiting for a check to be sent to us (I fear we may be in for a fight on that- that may keep my retired hubby busy for a while).

So, we are covered. Protected. Just like our turtle friend.

Knowing we were nearing the deadline on insurance, I spent some time praying for God's wisdom and guidance. He certainly answered that prayer.

And another cool thing - we are scrimping and saving more than usual around here for a number of reasons. Yesterday I went to the grocery store asking God to help me keep my total bill under $50 and still get everything we needed.

When the total appeared - it was $50.90. Close enough for me, but she had forgotten to put in a $.50 coupon which was automatically doubled.

Final total $49.90.

Thank you, LORD!

ordained praise

our azalea is in full bloom

Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

² From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

³ When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

⁷ all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

⁸ the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

⁹ O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Our little Praise Kids did a great job last night. Not perfect, of course, but they sang with all their hearts. One of the gals, who had only been able to attend a few rehearsals, thought it her duty to sing all the words way before the song ended, but other than that very minor glitch I was so pleased.

They sang at our evening service, which is much more informal than the morning. It was a good fit and the congregation was very affirming.

We rehearsed one last time before the service. By the time we finished we had 10 whole minutes to wait. I could tell they would not sit quietly in the front pew for 10 whole minutes. So I took them up to a third floor Sunday School room. We spent several minutes vigorously dancing the 'hokey-pokey' (yes, me too, sometimes I have no sense of decorum) and that seemed to get all the wiggles out.

They are very sweet girls and I will miss working with them.

~~~~~~

Our neighbor dropped off tons of rhubarb on Saturday. After I finish the mowing this morning, I'm canning rhubarb sauce.

~~~~~

Cute kids praising the LORD, free rhubarb and beautiful azaleas - twas a wonderful weekend!

garden delights

the first of our irises popped out this morning - love irises

Every morning, there are new treats in the garden. So many beautiful flowers, and now we begin eating from the garden. The first lettuce was snipped and added to our salad. We have been snacking on our radishes. And they are very good. I added some pansies to our salad too. Edible and pretty!

Just a few more thoughts on minimalism - I received a nice, thoughtful email on the subject from my good friend kjh. Unfortunately, I can not access my gmail account on my computer, only on my phone.

She read my original post (before my accidentally deleting it in a ditzy blond moment). She reminded me that I had said that my possessions can be used to bless and minister to others.

For example, if you want to take some food to someone in need, this requires some sort of kitchen equipment. In addition, I have used my clavinova to record music which will be used to accompany my little Praise Kids on Sunday night. My Bibles and reference materials enrich my personal Bible study and hopefully help me live a more Christ like life (and add to the discussion in Bible study and Sunday School).

And kjh, you were spot on. The two people that I referenced were young men. No apparent attachments. Their belongings are exclusively used to serve them.

I have a lifetime of belongings that have been (and hopefully will continue to be) used to serve my family and friends and neighbors and my church.

That said...there are a few things I could get rid of....Severe storms are headed this way, making for a good day to clean closets!

dust catchers part 2

Last night I wrote a rather longish post regarding minimalism (though I suppose that a post on minimalism should be short, hmmm?). Thought provoking; witty. At least you will have to take my word for it. I somehow deleted the whole thing.

In it I outlined 5 reasons why I would like to be a minimalist and 5 reasons why I will never be a minimalist. Now of course, I can not remember what they were.

super fragrant pollen dispersing holly

My thoughts on minimalism reminded me of a camping trip long ago. We were headed to Lake Superior with a group of friends. For the better part of a week, I piled up the things I wanted to take camping; things to make our trip comfortable and to cover every eventuality.

The pile included:
Our camping box (contains cooking and eating stuff) a BIG basket full of towels and tablecloths and rain gear and pillows, sleeping bags, tent, cards, bug spray, sunscreen, camp chairs, yada, yada, yada.

One shelf in the fridge dedicated to food for the trip; one shelf in the pantry dedicated to food for the trip. I thought of everything.

Shortly after we arrived at the camp site, my friend N. pulled in. We were busy setting up, figuring out where to put stuff - what should be left in the car, what should come out.

N. and her kids set up their tent. Then they put a pitcher of juice on the picnic table and a lantern. That is all they had! Oh, and maybe a few granola bars in the car. I'm not even sure they changed clothes all weekend. But what difference does that make when you are camping?

It took me hours to plan and pack. It took her five minutes.

And I bet they had just as good a time as we did.

Lesson learned. We don't need as much stuff as we think (please feel free to remind me of this as I pack for our trip next week).

one reason not to be a minimalist - priceless pictures of little brothers styling in leisure suits
and he is just as cute as he was then - still have that leisure suit, Roger?

Here are a few more links for you to peruse regarding minimalism. 51 things, seriously?

Karen has been pondering minimalism lately. Here and here.

super fragrant pollen dispersing laurel

I sent Pat (WHO RETIRES ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!) a link regarding a potential second career for him.
This career would supplement our retirement income and make a small dent in our the pile of stuff that no self respecting minimalist would have.

So, I'm curious, and would love some feedback - are you a packrat or a minimalist?

dust catchers part 1

scene from our visit last weekend to the farmer's market

Have we had the pollen around here! You too? Thankfully neither of us are allergy sufferers.
Those who are have been miserable.

Because of our windows-open-whenever-possible policy, we have had a lot of pollen in the house too. Even if the windows weren't open, we'd track it in. It is everywhere! Pat washed down the front porch and garage and driveway a few day ago. This weekend, we'll get the back porch.

Tuesday's steady rain washed away the rest of it, so hopefully I can get on top of the dusting now. (Dusting is my least favorite household chore, but the fragrance of the laurel, lilac, rose or holly wafting in through open windows makes it bearable.)

Yesterday I dusted and dusted and dusted. And my thoughts turned to my recent web wanderings regarding minimalism.

If I were a minimalist, I wouldn't have to dust so many things.

I'm not sure what it is about minimalism that intrigues me. The simplicity, yes. The frugality, yes.

And the fact that minimalism reminds me of this passage of Scripture from Luke 12:

¹⁵Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

¹⁶And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. ¹⁷He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

¹⁸"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ¹⁹And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

²⁰"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

²¹"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

²²Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^a]">[a]? ²⁶Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

²⁷"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! ²⁹And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

I've been pondering these words and wondering if I really believe them. What I mean is, yes I believe them, but is there any evidence of that in how I live my life?

More thoughts on minimalism tomorrow.

loropetalum on the west side of the house

I've tried to get online for over a half hour to no avail so I'm texting it in. We had a lovely steady rain yesterday. Needed and nice. Have a great day!

have I got a deal for you

cherry blossom

As we count down the days toward retirement; and the days until we hit the road for a few weeks, my thoughts turn now, more than ever, toward money saving strategies.

(Yesterday I made homemade french dressing using the leftover 'juice' from refrigerator pickles and today I plan to make some homemade pancake syrup for the leftover syrup from home canned peaches.)

Pat is working on the insurance angle. We are too young for medicare (esp. me lol), so we need to find an affordable policy. Major medical with high deductible and low(er) payments? No prescription card for even lower payments? Trying to balance out all the 'what-if's' is a bit mind boggling.

While Pat crunches numbers, I am staying out of the grocery store and planning meals around what we have on hand. We are eating from the refrigerator and freezer - trying to end up with an empty fridge and a freezer. ( I will put frozen water bottles in the freezer to help it run efficiently while we are gone.)

The father of a man in our Sunday School class died over the weekend and our classmates are bringing some food to the family. Blueberry muffins, okay? Perfect! With the self-rising flour I mistakenly bought a few months back and the remaining blueberries in the freezer, I can show some love to some friends and accomplish my goal of using up what we have on hand.

I have been surprised at how little I have needed to buy these past few weeks. Just a few perishables. It is nice to not have to shop.

However, when we return from our trip, I will return to my stocking -up -the -pantry ways. And I just heard on the radio yesterday about a website that has all your grocery store flyers in one spot - to make it easier to compare prices. Just enter your zipcode and find the best prices on the foods you eat!

simple, productive

We made our first trek of the year to the Amish farmer's market. Lots of bedding plants for sale, some baked goods and greens. Despite the fact that it is more than a mile off the main highway, and you have to go through a one-lane road under a train trestle (their road is called "Needle-Eye" - well named!), there were dozens of cars there.

We came away with spinach, lettuce, cucumbers and some sticky buns (hangs head in shame). They make the most delicious sticky buns! Too good to resist.

Saturday afternoon was spent in the garden. All the tomato plants and basil and the free hostas are now planted. Now onto flowers (glads, zinnias, cosmos to name a few) and a second planting of radishes and lettuces (we harvested our first radishes on Saturday!).

All in all, a productive weekend. I had my last official practice with my Praise Kids last night. One brief 'dress rehearsal' on Wednesday and then they sing Sunday night. Should be fun.

Hope you had a great weekend - I'm heading out now to water and weed!

apple blossoms

planning and planting

Every once in a while, my horsie neighbor shows up down by the gate across the road. So, I go visit him, apples/carrots in hand.


He is a nice fellow and doesn't mind posing.
It is beautiful down there, though I do watch where I walk (poison ivy and snakes, ya know).
Up close and personal. Got any more treats?
How's this?
In case you don't have the lovely weather we are enjoying this weekend and are stuck inside, here is a website for your perusal. It was featured last night on the news and offers lots of alternative (and generally money saving ideas) for products you probably already have around the house.

a few of my favorite things

fragrant lilac just beginning to bloom

We have a string of picture perfect days lately. Yes, we need rain and yes, it has been warmish, but the days have been beautiful. Every morning it seems that something else has just begun blooming.

One of my favorite activities is to sit out on the back porch (no fancy porch furniture as of yet, just an o-l-d card table and chairs) and spread out my Bible study materials. Special pen, notebook, favorite worn Bible, concordance and a cup of tea.

As I study and write, the fragrant holly bush aroma wafts past me. Very soon, the lilac will join. The birds at the feeder call to each other. And the mockingbird perched on top of the holly tree goes through a litany of songs...none of them his own.

The sun is making its way up into the sky and after the washing machine does its work, I'll hang a load of laundry on the drying rack on the back porch; taking full advantage of solar power.

Then off to the fruit market. I noticed yesterday, when Mom and I were at the library that the vegetable bedding plants had arrived. I'll probably buy too much and come home and plant, plant, plant.

And count my blessings. I am so grateful to be able to spend a day like this.

one stop shopping

At choir? Who knew?

One of the gals at choir cares for developmentally disabled adults who frequently work at a mushroom packing plant. When there are over-runs, she brings them to choir. Portabella, button mushrooms and enoki. I brought home mushrooms for us and for the folks.

Another gal decided to divide her hosta plants. She had about thirty bags of hostas in the back of her truck. I (being greedy) took two.

We have the luxury of planting hostas here that will not be eaten by the deer. Our northern four hoofed neighbors enjoyed the salad bar of hostas we offered them. Here, we don't see many deer. Although I did see three on the way to the dentist yesterday (which went fine, thanks for asking).

Free mushrooms and hostas at choir. That should encourage good attendance!
~~~~

Today, Mom and I do story hour at the library, then I scurry off to Bible study.

Once home, I will try to figure out the best spot for two bagsful of hostas in our non-shady yard.

I hope you can get out and enjoy some time outside today!

mpbflmph

From our pink dogwood tree (for you, Becky!)

Its off to the dentist for me again this morning. One more, final (I sure hope!) extraction.

Hopefully I won't develop dry socket this time (or as my friend called it - dry rot - lol).

I sure have had fun these past few weeks - teeth extractions, colonoscopy...Like they say:
'Gettin' old ain't for sissies!'

the other side of the world

As I was getting a little spring cleaning and organizing done, I pulled an old shoebox-sized box out of our closet yesterday.

It primarily contained letters from the mid-80's, some from both of my grandmothers (so good to hear their 'voices' again) and many from my parents.

At that point in time Dad was working in Saudi Arabia. All four of us kids had left home, and as my brother puts it - 'Mom and Dad ran away from home'.

Mom directed at preschool there for ex-pat children, Dad worked at a desalinization plant for the General of Electric, though several of my friends were convinced he worked for the CIA.

They attended an underground church (complete with hidden Bibles and hymnals). Mom had to be very careful how she dressed when out in public and was not allowed to drive.

One of the benefits of working in the international division was frequent R&R trips, so they were able to do quite a bit of traveling, mostly in Europe. They could not travel to Israel, or Dad would not have been able to get back into Saudi. And did you know that many Arab airlines will not even fly over Israel? I'm not sure if they are refusing to recognize its existence or afraid of getting shot down.

I paid the bills while they were gone and tried to keep in touch with all the sibs, aunts and uncles and grandmas. Since this was before email and texting were available we communicated the old-fashioned way. Letters. I've read several of the letters with many more to go.

I was a littleconcerned about having my parents all the way around on the other side of the world, but knew they were making the best of it. In fact, I think they had a pretty good time.

Sure sounds like it in the letters.

bloomin'

crabapple tree

Currently blooming in our yard:

• tulips
• grape hyacinths
• lilacs
• dogwood
  
• apple trees
  
• crabapple tree
• cherry tree
• blueberry bush
• loropetalum

It is such a pleasure to walk around the yard and smell the beautiful fragrances and see the lovely flowers; each so different; each carefully and imaginatively crafted by our Creator.

We are thoroughly enjoying this time of year as the yard wakes up and dons more colorful attire each day.

Course the weeds are growing too, but that it okay - gives me an excuse to get outside and get my hands dirty!

~~~~~
Kimmee had a set-back yesterday but seems a little better today. She was one sick puppy!

week in review

My.

We certainly had a variety of things going on this week.

Mom and Dad made no fewer than 5 trips up to the big city(45 minute drive one way). Dr. appointments and such. The first two days of my week were consumed with my colonoscopy, on Wednesday I drove two hours one way to have lunch with a dear friend (we had a wonderful time!).

Then on Thursday, KimmeeSue (Mom and Dad's sweet dog), who had not been herself all week, took a turn for the worse. After the local vet's had closed, natch.

Back up to the big city. The emergency room veterinarian hospital is only open when the other vet clinics are closed. Several local vet clinics feed into this. Kimmee was admitted for the night - diagnosis - pancreatitis. They hooked her up to an IV and we left her there. sniff We arrived back home a little after 11 PM.

This emergency room closes at 7 AM, so Kimmee had to be picked up at 6:30 AM and transferred to our local vet. That was my job since Dad had a Dr. appointment in the big city at 9 AM and though my parents are amazing, they still haven't figured out a way to be two places at once.

KimmeeSue finally was released late yesterday afternoon. Though better, she is still not her perky, peppy self. Recovery is going to take a while. Pancreatitis is treatable, but not curable.

It is a beautiful spring day today. We are hoping to be able to enjoy it. And stay out of our cars.

sensory deprivation part two

While prepping for my um... 'kaleideoscope', I had a cup of chicken bullion for lunch. It smelled so good and I sipped it slowly, savoring each sip.

A little later when I was standing a few feet away from Pat, he opened a carton of raisins. They smelled really good too - funny, I had never paid much attention to raisin fragrance.

I attribute my heightened sense of smell to the fact that I was not consuming any food.

In the morning when I walk, I just listen to the birds, roosters, dogs, the occasional coyote and sometimes cows and horses. I can recognize the sounds of various neighbor's cars as they start up for work. No portable music for me. I prefer natural sounds.

When the house is quiet (no television or radio), I can hear various hums of fans and refrigerator motors or the dishwasher. Though I love listening to music, I also love the sound of quiet.

Sometimes it is good to be deprived, so you can appreciate what you have.

behind me before me

peach blossom on the neighbor's peach tree

Today's agenda is much more pleasant than yesterday's. A friend of mine is visiting family in Nashville and we are meeting betwixt hither and yon for lunch. So looking forward to seeing her.
~~~~~
Yesterday's procedure went fine. Only one little polyp which is going in for one little biopsy. I won't have to have another colonoscopy* for 5 years (though I am a master of procrastination when it comes to things like this...could easily stretch to 7 or 8 years...).
~~~~~
I saw this quote this morning on a friend's facebook status:

"I am more and more assured that is does not matter so much WHAT we go through as HOW we go through it." Amy Carmichael
~~~~~

*haha - blogger offered an alternate spelling for colonoscopy - kaleidoscope! Don't think so!

no blog post today

cuz I'm kinda bizzy.

Have you had yours?

post Easter

Our neighbor gave us this sign last week. They were distributed by our church a few years ago and are to be displayed the week before Easter with the plain side facing out. The Easter morning - turned to show that 'HE IS RISEN'!

It was a glorious Resurrection Sunday. Beautiful weather, beautiful music at church - I love singing the 'Hallelujah Chorus'. It always chokes me up to see the people in the congregation rise to their feet.

I'm near tears anyway most Easter Sundays. Contemplating what Christ has done for us - overwhelming. I'm so grateful. Eternally grateful.

~~~~
I mentioned in this post that my neighbor (yes, same as above) and I are planning to put some of the five M's into practice. We try to get out and walk with each other several times a week. So, we are challenging each other to Memorize Scripture. We are using the Monthly Scripture Memory Plan (pdf file) from Revive Our Hearts.

Walking, memorizing and meditating on His Word. So thankful that God has seen fit to give another neighbor and friend who is willing to do this.

m&m's

Our Sunday School class is studying John Piper's book Why We Believe the Bible. In last week lesson he encouraged us to make our study of the Bible pleasant, precious and practical.

To this end he recommends keeping in mind these 5 M's as we embrace our Bible studies:

• Memorize
• Meditate
• Make music
• Minister
• Mind

My neighbor and I are putting this into practice. I'll share more about that on Monday.

Have a blessed Easter as you reflect, remember and rejoice at all that Christ has done for us!

It's Friday

but Sunday's a comin'!

It's Friday...
Jesus is praying, Peter is asleep. Judas is betraying...
... but Sunday's a Comin'.

It's Friday...
Pilate is struggling, the Sanhedrin is conspiring, the crowd is vilified...
they don't even know that...Sunday's a Comin'.

It's Friday...
The disciples are running in every direction like sheep
without a shepherd, Mary's crying, Peter's denying
...but they don't know...that Sunday's a Comin'.

It's Friday...
the Romans beat my Jesus, they robe him in scarlet,
they crown him with thorns,
...but they don't know, Sunday's a Comin'!

See Jesus walking to Calvary, his blood dripping,
his body's stumbling, and his spirit's burdened,
but see it's only Friday, Sunday's a Comin!

It's Friday...
The world's winning, people are sinning
and evil's grinning...it's Friday

The soldiers nail my Savior's hands to the cross...
They nail my Savior's feet to the cross...
Then they raise him up next to criminals...
it's Friday, but let me tell you something...

Sunday's a Comin'!

It's Friday...
The disciples are questioning, "What has happened to our King?"
and the Pharisees are celebrating that their scheming has been achieved...
but they don't know...it's only Friday.
Sunday's a Comin'!

It's Friday...
He's hanging on the cross, feeling forsaken by his Father,
left alone and doubting, can nobody save him?
Oh...it's Friday...but...
Sunday's a Comin'!

It's Friday...
The temple veil ripped from top to bottom - the earth
shook - the rocks split and tombs opened.
The centurion screamed in fear 'Truly He was the Son of
God!'
... Sunday's a Coming

It's Friday...
the Earth Trembles, the sky grows dark,
my King yields his spirit...
it's Friday...hope is lost...death has won,
sin has conquered...and Satan's just a laughin'

It's Friday...
Jesus is buried, a soldier stands guard,
and a rock is rolled into place...
but it's Friday...it is only Friday...
Sunday is a Comin!

People are saying 'As things have been, so they shall
always be. You can't change anything in this world'
... but Sunday's a Coming!

It's Friday...
Satan's doing a little jig saying 'I control the whole
world'
... but Sunday's a Coming!

It's Sunday!!!
The angel like dazzling lightning, rolled the stone
away, exclaiming, 'He is not here! He is risen!'
It's Sunday!!!! It's Sunday!!!! It's Sunday!!!!

text from here

hello, April

Pondering this anti-April Fool's quote this morning:

'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.'

Jim Elliot