Thursday, August 31, 2006

Here I am again!

Now I know why I don't blog more often. I can't stop once I am on. Oh, yes, I was just going to get on "for a little while," and it has been an hour;I love searching your blogs and reading all the interesting things going on and commenting once in a while. What a phenomenon. Technology blows me away. I was watching a friend of Anna's last night work the computer at her house, and it was beyond words amazing! And I know my kids do the same. Boy, am I archaic.

Anyway, some quick updates. Took precious Faith to college Monday. Went well, but leaving a child away from home the first time is a strange feeling. I know God has great things in store for her, and that is exciting. It's just---wrenching, I guess is a good word--that letting go thing. How can one ever describe the love of a parent for a child? And to think, GOD loves us that way! And praise God, Faith is coming home tonight for the weekend so it is not all separation right away! Love you, Faith!!

Jared sang at the Shorebirds Friday, as most of you know. I, of all people, felt proud as a peacock. He sure has a gift. I have heard many renditions of our anthem and I have heard many people I know sing songs in public places, and this was about the best if not the best I have ever heard. No wavering or faltering. Wow. I don't think I am biased. Ask others. It was a fun night with whole family and the Singers and Perkins and others who stopped by. Fun, fun!

Yesterday Anna, Luke, Hope and I weeded the overgrown strawberry patch; I don't know if "Fun" applies here but it was not that unpleasant at all. Thankfully, the sun was not beating down, the soil was damp. It was not just a little overgrown, though. We are talking MASSIVE stalks, some at least 3 inches in diameter. And LOTS of little tough vines and weeds all woven around the good plants, choking them and hiding them. I thought of many spiritual acppications while I was out there. Letting the weeks take over in our lives, choking out the good, how they come out more easily when the soil is soft and damp...and so on. The worst thing was when Luke, my machete man at my command, hit a wasp nest by accident (that is rather stupid; who would do it on purpose? oh well). He was stung twice on the face, dropped the machete and cut his heel quite badly. I wondered about stitches, but it stopped bleeding....I washed it and put one the antibac cream; but it is such a hard place to keep clean! My kids are barefoot kings. After the weeding, Luke and I went over to the neighbors' and cut the grass (they are away), in the mist, because it sounds like great downpours could be on the way. I like grass cutting, push mower or riding. Yesterday it was push. I like it if I have time, that is. Why is there so little time, it seems, to do the things we love, to spend time with those we love? (P.S. Looking forward to spending some time with YOU, friend, on Monday!)

Last thing; I have been negligent of God's Word on a regular basis lately; I am so amazed each time how I run from the very thing(S) I need, especially God's words to me! Thankfully, he is the ever faithful one and does not give up on me. Anyway, He spoke to me so clearly yesterday. So comforting to know in the world of BILLIONS of people, He still loves ME and sends me messages designed especially for me! WoW!!! It was Proverbs 12. I won't quote all of it here, too much, but read through it if you feel so led some time. SOME tidbits, though, and then I close:
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown; BUT a disgraceful wife is like DECAY in his bones." v. 4

"The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood; but the speech of the righteous RESCUES them." v. 6

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man OVERLOOKs an insult." v. 16

"Reckless words PIERCE like a sword, BUT the tongue of the wise brings HEALING!" v. 18

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a KIND word cheers him up" v. 25

May my words and actions please my LORD. May pleasing the LORD be the desire of my heart. So long, dear friends!

Friday, August 04, 2006

Hey! From Shippensburg, PA

I can't write much because the library here only lets you have 1 hour a day and I have used most of that up. But I just wanted to say hi to everyone. MS was awesome. I did not want to come home. I love working hard like that. I think it has something to do with my works oriented faith--do something, and I am worth something. Oh well. God will keep teaching me, but anyway, I had a blessed and awesome time. What a privilege to give something back to the LORD for all He has done for me. As usual, I learned more about ME than I helped others, I am sure. What a selfish person I am! But overall, I was reminded over and over again how wonderful Jesus is. And what a Super terrific wonderful church family He has given us. And how about those young people??? We are so blessed at Providence! I am so thankful for you guys. You do honor to the Lord in your daily walks. Why am I in Shippensburg? I am away with my adorable husband. Practically all we have done is relax and read, read, read. We also visited some thrift shops and old book shops, but to most of you it would be boring. But I am very thankful. God blesses me again and again and again. More later. ABout to be cut off. LOVE you all.