Suffering?

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to  your decrees.

Psalm 119:71

New Living Translation

Resting

 In June, Jonathan was praying for God's will in his life. He was at a turning point between continuing his work at Catholic Charities or attending graduate school.   Last week, we were able to spend a few  days with Jonathan.  Now, he is studying at the Uppsala Universitet.

Today, I continue to rest in the character of God.  We are safe and secure in His love.

Visiting home

A visit home.. short and sweet... Saturday dinner with friends from high school...Saturday night visit with my sister and great nephew... laughing... sharing...Sunday morning worship @ my home church... where I was dedicated as an infant...where I was married... where my babies were dedicated..

Sunday message... repentance...forgiveness...dedication...  a call to follow Christ... obedience...

Fellowship after church...

Mason's cool root beer @ Cracker Barrel

















The trip home...I met this couple, celebrating 42 years of marriage.  I asked, " What is your secret?"   He said." 75/75"  I looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"  You have to give more than 50 %.  They are from New Castle, Indiana.  Yes, they agreed to be on the blog. Married life should be full of joy and fun. 

All around the city

All around the city...horses..to celebrate the  upcoming   World Equestrian Games...this horse Urban Legend

This horse... Mechanical Horse












Blue Grass Champ

Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, Kentucky

Trust

 Who do you trust?  ...

I have been reflecting on trust for the past two days.  It all started with a leak in our roof. We are in the midst of gathering estimates to make the repair.  After calling several local businesses, we now have two very different quotes.

 The first estimate was $175... the second $750.  How is that possible? Interesting... one man shared, "If they say you need new flashing, don't believe them."  Later the same day, another repairman said,  " You need new flashing..." He also went into detail about other issues.   Tomorrow, I will contact another business to secure another quote.   Bottom line, Jerry and I will have to trust someone to fix our roof.  We will ask questions, check references, and use discernment.

Trust is foundational in relationships  We trust our parents.  We trust teachers to give accurate information.  We trust our husbands to be faithful.   We trust our friends to tell us the truth.   In business relationships, we hope restaurants will offer healthy food, our auto mechanics will fix our transmission, or the dentist will not perform unnecessary drilling. Sadly, sometimes the bond of trust is broken.  If we are fortunate,  the relationship and trust can be restored. In other cases, we learn and move ahead.

Who do you trust?  

The following is from a wise Jewish man,  " Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

I have found that God's word can be fully trusted.  As my faith has grown... so has my trust in a faithful God.

Wedding Planners

Wedding planning, pre martial counseling, and selecting my bridal dress, it seems  so last  century.  Oh, it was...
As I celebrate my wedding anniversary, my  memories seem vivid.  My wedding planner was tender, thoughtful, and available.  As my minister's wife, Mrs. Brooks was the natural selection to help me with the details of the wedding. Mrs. Brooks displayed  a calm and serene force in the midst of my nerves.

Earlier this month, Mrs. Brooks at the age of 92 ended her journey on earth.  Up until her death, she was a faithful member of the church. In recent years, she attended services in her wheelchair.  Her familiar smile and words of encouragement will be missed.  Her eight children will have wonderful  memories  of faithful wife, loving mother, and grandmother.  Today, she is at home.

Who delights to hear from you

Prayer

 "Every time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory.  Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ and expect great things."

Andrew Murray

Who travels by train...

Mother and son traveling from Seattle to Indianapolis to visit family

Sisters traveling to South Dakota for 50th High School Reunion

Canadians from Winnipeg traveling to Fargo, North Dakota to Chicago to see Lollapolooza concert.

Amazing crews... who serve with a smile In the midst of the busy summer vacation season... Amtrak crews simply serve with joy... No reality show here...
Traveling from Cincinnati to Portland Oregon....I was on the train for  over 72 hours..Looking back at the faces and places, I experienced a sense of community with other passengers. I  shared holy conversations... friends looking forward to  connecting to classmates after years of separation,  a grandmother visiting  with great grand children, and college friends  traveling to attend a concert.  Each encounter provides an opportunity to connect .

The fragrance of flowers

On my kitchen counter, I have flowers from the Bluegrass Farmer's Market. ... Beautiful... but no fragrance...

 

Sunday, August 8...Building Faith, Friendship and Community

  Sitting in a familiar pew, I returned to my home church this morning. Surrounding me, I see familiar faces of my church family. I am home.  Last Sunday, I attended two different services with Larry and Bobbie. Main Post Chapel at Fort Lewis in Washington, was the first service I attended. 
Visiting a chapel service at Fort Lewis was eye opening experience...praying for the those who are deployed or will be deployed...praying for those who have been touched by loss... prayers for our leaders...Larry and Bobbie are leaders in a ministry that serves military families.  As a retired colonel in the Air Force, Larry knows first hand the challenges of deployment.  As a wife and mother, Bobbie now serves as a mentor and teacher to young mothers and wives. My  heart is full.
The picture.. the sanctuary at Main Post Chapel... Singing hymns in this chapel ...words cannot describe the beauty.

Overcoming Fears

Little by little, I am overcoming a fear that can literally make me sick.  On most days, I never have to face my fears.  Then, all of a sudden, I am in a new place, new surroundings, where I encounter my fear in a new place ...  ugh... 

Everything was fine until we reached a  certain point in  Mt Rainer National Park. Looking outside the car window, I glance straight down. Then, that old ugly fear returns to me. Talking to trusted friends is helping.  I actually suggest, "We have seen enough... it is time to go home."   They laugh... Larry continues to drive.
Over the next several hours, I experience some amazing views. Later in the afternoon, I actually relax on a stone ledge overlooking a portion of the park.

The views ...
Larry and Bobbie

Looking down, ( Yes!) I take a picture here.... there is a stream at the bottom.  Can you see it?

Fear Not, I am with you
Isaiah 41:1 - 13

Saturday, July 31 in Puyallup, WA

Farmer's Market ~  Secret Garden in Sumner, WA ~ Shopping

Walking in Oregon and in Washington.... I need new knees!

My days have been full.

Shopping @ Puyallup's Farmer's Market

A small view of the Farmer's Market...

Rescue Greyhounds available for adoption

The Secret Garden Tea Room in Sumner, WA

Lavender loving ladies Bobbie and Fran. We spent the afternoon shopping the stores in Sumner.

How do you describe your perfect vacation?

Traveling across the country on an Amtrak train has been one part of my dream vacation.  Add to train travel, I include time to visit with dear friends, time to relax, reading, quiet time, then... add sight seeing...
But, train travel is not for everyone. Train travel is more than the mode of transportation, for me it is part of the vacation.

...waiting for the public transportation in Portland

What is Ninja Plate Lunch?  I don't know ...

Part of China town in Portland

A relaxing afternoon, Jan stitches a baby play blanket

Larry and Bobbie... dear friends from Puyallup

Multnomah Falls in Oregon

Ahh...

Last Wednesday, I arrived in Portland, Oregon.  The long train trip to visit with friends....from the train station to the hotel.... from check in to check out the experience @ the hotel was near perfect...the visit with friends.... perfect

Cemmemorating 100 years of Glacier National Park

This year marks the 100 anniversary of Glacier National Park. On May 11, 1910, the park was designated as a National Park . I was able to see part of the Glacier Mountains, valleys, and clear waters. As the train was  slowly winding around the mountains, the views were simply majestic

In one of the train cars, one group of Mennonite women were singing, "How Great Thou Art".  In another car, passengers are playing cards and drinking wine. It was an eclectic group of passengers, young, old, white, black, Asian, and Hispanic.  I was trying to take picture after picture and soak up every part of the experience. I was struck by the beauty of God's creation. While vacations are sweet, do I miss the every day beauty in my life?.  Am I distracted by the other things?  Every day look for beauty in God's creation.

Young @ Heart

What is your favorite part of traveling?  Planning the trip? Sight seeing...shopping...relaxing...spas...visiting family...for me...

I love to hear stories.

On the journey to Portland, I met this charming couple. Last weekend, they attended the wedding of their grandchild in Chicago.  Now, they were traveling back to California.  Married for over 60 years, they both were born in California...it was a delight to visit....one interesting tidbit of information...Mrs. Young's great grandmother traveled to California in a covered wagon... Wow! What a family history.   I discovered some sweet nuggets along the way. Take time to listen to the stories that are in your family.

 Early Wednesday morning, I saw Mrs. Young with her Bible open on her tray.  What a sweet way to begin the day.

" I will extol the Lord at all times,

his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the Lord

let the afflicted hear and rejoice

Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together

Psalm 34 1-3