“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8

In this verse I find such assurance that our God is a good God. The way that He expects us to treat others says so much about Him.

• We are not to take advantage of others. Rather we are to do what is just and fair.
  
• We are to love mercy. Wow! This is contrary to the human tendency to pay back and retaliate. Rather, the Lord wants us to show kindness to those who don’t deserve it. This is what He does for us.
  

Also, the Lord says that we are to walk humbly with Him. I take this to mean that He wants me to:

• Take Him at His Word; believe Him!
  
• Believe that He means what He says; obey Him!
  

May the Lord enable us, with the eyes of faith, to know, love and appreciate Him more.

How about you, dear blogging friends? Would you like to participate in Spiritual Sundays, too? Just read about it and link up at Charlotte and Ginger’s Spiritual Sundays site.

My friend Susan of A Life of Grace did a blog post about a blogging theme called Spiritual Sundays. I need all the help I can get to draw nearer to the Lord and keep my mind on Him, so joining in a special Sunday meme is a great opportunity.

One verse that has often helped to quiet my heart in difficult times is found in Psalm 37:1, “(A Psalm of David.) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Verse 3 directs further, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”

The thoughts I take from this verse are:

1. Nothing good will come from focusing on all the bad things that happen in this life. It’s OK to be aware of evil and to fight against it using godly means, but to fret about it will be hurtful.
   
2. As I trust the Lord for my spiritual welfare, it is His will that I trust Him also for guidance and protection when evildoers trouble me or others.
   
3. By God’s grace, I will ask Him for wisdom in difficult situations.
   
4. By God’s grace, I will focus on Him, not on circumstances.
   

How about you, dear blogging friends? Would you like to participate in Spiritual Sundays, too? Just read about it and link up at Charlotte and Ginger’s Spiritual Sundays site.

Becca, of Becca’s Buzz, is the hostess for Give Me Five Monday. Her prompt today is Give Me Five reasons you can be thankful this year.

• I am thankful for the promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (emphasis added)
  
• Two grandchildren were born safe and sound this year, Claire on August 15^th, and Koen on October 26^th.
  
• We are privileged to be members of a faithful and loving church family.
  
• In this slow economic time, we have food to eat, money to pay our bills, and a cozy home.
  
• Our children are a joy and a blessing to us.
  

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…September 28, 2009

Outside my Window…It’s raining! There’s nothing so cozy as an evening rain, and the woodstove cheerily blazing.

I am thinking…that soon it will be time for daughter Laura’s baby to be born. She has invited a couple of her sisters and me to be with her during this birth.

From the learning rooms…I am getting a lot of practice with solving the equation y=mx + b, where x and y are points on a graph, b is the y intercept, and m is the slope, or rise/run. This is in 8^th grade math. In 7^th grade math, we are doing stem and leaf plots to compare data.

I am thankful for…the truth expressed in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

From the kitchen…Tonight we had Roasted Red Potatoes, steamed broccoli, hard cooked eggs, with Ranch dressing, catsup and shredded cheddar cheese on the side. So delicious!

I am wearing…black skirt, white blouse, and a soft red and black patterned sweater jacket.

I am reading…Impossible by Nancy Werlin. I set this aside for a week because it saddened me so much, but my girls assure me that it is a good book with a satisfying ending, so I plan to continue reading it tonight.

I am hoping…my back continues to get better so that I can be a more useful person.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the automatic pencil sharpener as the kiddos settle in to doing their homework.

Around the house…The wind was really blowing today. I enjoy our invigorating autumn winds. Thankfully it will be a while yet before all the leaves are gone.

One of my favorite things…is hearing from our kids. Our oldest son just called, and we are passing the phone around. Now, we just need our two big boys to visit.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I just want to keep up with cooking good meals this week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Daughter Kayla enjoys sailing in her dad’s little Pelican sailboat.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…August 3, 2009

Outside my Window…it is dark (due to the late hour), damp and cool. We’re back to our temperate, Pacific Northwest weather. We’ve had a decent dose of summer. I don’t mind the usual at all!

I am thinking…our young people should be getting home soon from their evening out. One of our grown sons treated his younger brother and sisters to dinner and a movie tonight. What a nice guy!

From the learning rooms…I’ve almost finished reading Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones. I think I will be a much better paraeducator this coming school year if I can remember and apply some of this helpful information!

I am thankful for…God’s holy law, which describes what is right and what is wrong. If we want to know what is pleasing to Him, it is possible to find out. God didn’t create us, and then leave us without an instruction manual for life. What a relief!

From the kitchen…I finally got some bread baked this evening. I’m looking forward to fresh buttered toast with my coffee in the morning.

I am wearing…my denim skirt and chocolate brown tee shirt.

I am reading… Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotsen.

I am hoping…three of our older children have a good visit with friends in southern California later this month.

I am creating…or rather, I am nurturing a calm spirit within. I find it all-too-easy to fret when I see wrong beliefs leading to wrong actions. In any event, the Lord says we should not fret because of evil doers.

I am hearing…a computer humming loudly. My husband is repairing an old computer, which is sitting on the table just to my left.

Around the house…much of the lawn is crispy brown. The weather has been so hot and dry. We haven’t been watering the apple trees this year. I wonder if the apples will be especially small?

One of my favorite things…is getting work done at home. The laundry is all caught up, the kitchen is clean, and my husband and I even took the time to watch ‘Morning Light’, a movie about the Transpacific Yacht Race’s youngest team ever to compete.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…tomorrow I do more work on behalf of my elderly mom. She is refusing to walk now, and sometimes refusing to feed herself, so I’m required to find a skilled nursing facility for her next home. It’s weird that, though she is well, and just as strong as she was a couple weeks ago, she has decided that she no longer ‘can’ walk. She refuses to lean forward to put the weight on her walker, so, of course, it’s of no use. Very puzzling.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Daughter Rebecca snapped this photo of a huge Barnes and Noble bookstore in Baltimore, MD while she was participating in a Presidential Classroom session this past week. We do enjoy our local B&N, though it’s far from this size!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…July 27, 2009

Outside my Window…it is truly summer! The sky is a clear, slate blue. As you look off into the distance, you can see the haziness which means high humidity. It should reach 90 degrees today. At 60% humidity, that feels mighty warm to those of us used to summer temps in the 70s/80s. There is a wee bit of a breeze, which we are augmenting with fans.

I am thinking…that my husband is going to want to go sailing during this lovely summer weather. Perhaps it’s not breezy enough out at the bay yet.

From the learning rooms…I have not yet read the 8^th grade math books with which I need to be familiar before school begins again. I also want to review some books for the English Language Learners teacher at the middle school.

I am thankful for…God’s providential care over all His creatures, and His special care for His dear people (Romans 8:28). He tells us not to be anxious about anything for good reason.

From the kitchen…I am not allowed to use the oven today. I guess our company will be served ice cream for dessert this evening! For dinner I plan to serve coleslaw and shrimp.

I am wearing…my jeans skirt and a seersucker blouse. Perfect summer attire.

I am reading…I finished reading another book by Georgette Heyer, entitled Frederica. This book had some truly funny parts, involving younger brothers and a very large dog.

I am hoping…that daughter Rebecca learns a lot during her Presidential Classroom session this week in Washington, D.C. She is studying global health.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the fan oscillating on high speed.

Around the house…there are dry, brown patches on the lawn. It has to get really hot and really dry for that to happen in northwest Washington.

One of my favorite things…is being edified by faithful sermons on Sunday. I am thankful for our pastor and our church.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…As my back is healing from a chronic sprain, I am planning on doing less reading, and more cleaning. I still am not to do any lifting, but my dirty refrigerator is calling to me!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

It looks like the weather is beautiful in Washington, D.C., too. Rebecca took this photo with her cell phone and emailed it to me.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 8, 2009

Outside my Window…It’s 11pm, so I could just say it’s dark outside. For you, however, dear Reader, I got up out of my comfy chair, and stepped outside so I could more accurately describe what it’s like ‘outside my window’ just now. The first thing I noticed was the slightly damp air that smelled like…going camping! Summer must be almost here!

I am thinking…that it is totally God’s mercy to me that I’m ever sorry, truly sorry, for the things that I have done wrong, and that I have asked people and the Lord for forgiveness for those things. It’s not that I’m such a much, in and of myself.

I’m also thinking that the Lord tells me to always correct others with gentleness, including those who are hardened in their sins and probably never, ever will be sorry for what they have done. God will make all things right. I can, by His grace, simply LET GO OF IT! 2 Timothy 2:24.

From the learning rooms…Tomorrow is the BIG DAY for some eighth grade students with whom I work; they will be presenting their Breakout projects to a panel of teachers and parents for evaluation. Passing on to ninth grade is conditional on successful completion of this project.

I am thankful for…a lighter, more cheerful heart. I was saddened by the long-standing impenitence of someone with whom I was talking a few days ago. I will continue to pray for that person, and seek to stand firmly for what is right, without being rude or bitter. That is not what God calls us to do.

From the kitchen…This was an uber busy day. Once again we enjoyed BBQ hamburgers, with all the fixin’s for dinner. Daughter Rebecca whipped up some decadent brownies, which we served with mint chip ice cream.

I am wearing…day time clothes when I should be in pajamas. I’ll be seeing cross-eyed soon.

I am reading…I just finished reading a book I loved, Goody Hall by Natalie Babbitt. I became so fond of the hero who doesn’t want to be a hero, Hercules Feltwright. Another well-known book by this author is Tuck Everlasting. Hercules reminds me of someone I love very much in real life, who would be very embarrassed if I were to name him. However, if all the male members of my family read this book, they will know if they are the one. It will be that evident.

I am hoping…to go to bed in a very few minutes!

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…our old doggie licking her paw. She’s a bit obsessive-compulsive about it.

Around the house…it is oh-so-quiet.

One of my favorite things…is watching a favorite old movie with my daughters. Tonight Rebecca, Lydia and I watched “While You Were Sleeping” with Sandra Bullock. She is such a sweetie. We had a good time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I’m looking forward to an honors celebration for our second son at Western Washington University this Friday afternoon. He is this year’s graduate of distinction for the Computer Science Department. Congrats, Dearie!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Sweet granddaughter Carly recently turned one year old. Isn’t she the cutest little birdie you ever did see? That’s me, her Grammamomma, feeding her some of her birthday ice cream cake.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 1, 2009

Outside my Window…a summer-like evening, with the scent of newly-mown grass on the breeze.

I am thinking…what a silly girl I am to stay up late to do this post.

From the learning rooms…only 8 ½ days of school left! We are very busy!

I am thankful for…every good and perfect gift, coming down from the Father, with whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

From the kitchen…This was such a busy evening. After the senior awards ceremony at the high school, I made myself a delicious sandwich on an Oroweat 100% whole wheat Sandwich Thin, a new bread item at Costco. I mashed half an avocado, and seasoned it with my new favorite HOT chili sauce, Sriracha by Huy Fong Foods. Dessert was a slice of apple pie, also from Costco.

I am wearing…my multi-shades of blue V-neck sweater and black dressy skirt.

I am reading…Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones. If you work with students, read this book!

I am hoping…that the 8^th grade students whom I am helping with their final projects get them done on time, and earn passing grades! This is a high-stress time for the Special Ed kids and staff.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…daughter Lydia saying, “Goodnight, Mom! I love you!”

Around the house…the doggie is turning in circles, settling down for the night. Bonnie Boy, one of our cats, is sprawled out on the study floor, near my husband’s desk. The children are all in bed, where I should be, too!

One of my favorite things…is rejoicing with those who rejoice. At the Senior Awards Ceremony, I was blown away by the accomplishments of many of our high school students, including some who earned full tuition scholarships. Daughter Debra was named outstanding student for the English Department. What makes this so amazing is that she learned to read at the end of seventh grade, after becoming severely ill when she was ten years old. It is such an accomplishment to move from Special Education to this mainstream award in such a short time. She has fulfilled all state academic requirements for high school graduation. Congratulations, Debra!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Lydia is going to a concert with a girlfriend’s family tomorrow, Lyd and Reb have a soccer game on Thursday and Debra graduates this Friday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…This shirt design, drawn by daughter Lydia, will be used for the Everson-Nooksack Summer Festival:

I don’t know if Lydia consciously tried to do this, but the characters look like Rebecca, then skip the little guy, herself, and Seth!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

The drive to church this morning was beautiful, the epitome of spring time freshness, after the heavy rain last night. Fluffy cumulo-nimbus clouds, flowering cherry trees, tulips, leafy raspberry vines – What could be lovelier?

This Sunday was special for us, too, because our youngest son, 13-year old Seth, made his public profession of Christian faith, after successfully completing the membership class and being interviewed by the church elders. The fact that this was HIS desire, not some cultural dictate, means so much to me. May he grown in his love and devotion to the Lord!

Another blessing I called to mind was that all nine of our children are seeking to live to God’s glory. What a comfort and encouragement this is to their momma! Though Rick and I have worked hard (and enjoyed our kids a lot, too) we know that it is God who regenerates our children. This, too, is His gift.

It was a blessing to freely meet together to worship the Lord, and hear God’s Word preached twice today. The times of visiting with friends afterwards were also refreshing.

When we got home from church this afternoon, daughter Debra got ready to sort her medications. She could not find her most expensive and necessary medication, which I remembered picking up from the pharmacy. A phone call to the pharmacy confirmed this as fact. I began looking everywhere for those meds: in the car, in the van, throughout the house, even through the garbage. I thought maybe I had thrown away the little bag that the meds come in without taking out the bottle. I remembered that I had run errands for my mom on the day I picked up the meds, so I drove half an hour over to her place thinking perhaps I had left the bag there. Nope. You can imagine that I asked the Lord to help me remember, all the while thinking that I was truly going dingy.

I returned home after my search, still unable to think where those pills might be. I pulled out the box where we keep her meds, and there they were! Deb had somehow missed seeing them, panicked, and I had not thought to check the most obvious place. Whew! I am so thankful to the Lord. Even if we could have come up with the money to replace the medicine, I don’t think the pharmacy is allowed to refill a prescription that has just been filled.

I mustn’t forget to mention that today included time spent with married children and grandchildren, another blessing to this gramma. Diederick and Carly are just so funny (and fun).

One of our grown sons called this evening to tell us he is treating us to a Katie Melua concert this coming Saturday! I guess he knows I always have excuses for why I’m too busy to do things, so he just buys the tickets and tells me when the event will be, getting me out of my comfortable routine.

That son also told us he has been selected as the graduate of distinction from the Computer Science Department of Western Washington University for this year. Congratulations, Dearie! I thank the Lord for giving him a sound mind, and the willingness to work hard.

I conclude with a picture of a dandelion. I love these flowers, not only because they are bright and cheery, but also because they mean summer is on the way. I hope you have much for which to be thankful to the Lord, as well.

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 15, 2009

Outside my Window…It will soon be dark on this breezy, chill Sunday. We experienced some slushy rain or wet snow early in the day that didn’t stay, but the foothills did keep their fresh coating of snow. Since I am feeling a bit chilled myself, I’m not venturing out for a walk this late in the day, but will continue to appreciate the warmth emanating from our woodstove.

I am thinking…of the sermon we heard this morning on James 1:2-4,

‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.’

The world thinks that joy comes from avoiding trials, which makes sense if the goal of one’s life is to be comfortable, healthy and wealthy.

For the Christian, trials are part of one’s sanctification. Though trials are not ‘good’, in and of themselves, they are used of God to:

1. Deepen our trust in God
   
2. Build our character
   
3. Teach us discipline, and
   
4. Make us more like Christ
   

From the learning rooms…We para educators at the Middle School are going to receive some training on the 16 ‘Habits of Mind’ of successful learners. At this point, I will simply list the ‘Habits of Mind’ for you:

1. Persisting
   
2. Managing Impulsivity
   
3. Listening with understanding and empathy
   
4. Thinking flexibly
   
5. Metacognition (Thinking About Thinking)
   
6. Striving for Accuracy
   
7. Questioning and Posing Problems
   
8. Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
   
9. Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision
   
10. Gathering Data Through All Senses
    
11. Creating, Imagining, Innovating
    
12. Responding with Wonderment and Awe
    
13. Taking Responsible Risks
    
14. Finding Humor
    
15. Thinking Interdependently
    
16. Remaining Open to Continuous Learning
    

(This list is from an article by Arthur L. Costa.)

I am thankful for…time to think and reflect, a quiet evening, our dog lying companionably at my feet, and so many more things. The rest of the family are at church this evening, while the two daughters just recovering from flu and I remain at home. I think I’m still well. Every so often I get really chilled, so am trying not to get to close to others, and am washing everything on ‘hot.’

From the kitchen…Today was a ‘day off’ for me, thanks to daughter Laura who showed hospitality to all the members of the family who are well, plus some out-of-town friends who are here for a visit. (Hi, Shawn and Tammy! I enjoyed seeing you this morning at church, and visiting with you both a bit there.)

I am wearing…typical attire for Sunday and this time of year. My clothing themes are COMFORTABLE and MODEST. OK. Here you have it: I’m wearing a deep red stretchy Tee with a black/red/white low-waisted over-blouse, dressy black long-ish skirt, and black leggings.

I am reading…The Life Force Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook. Think: Lose the 3 Ps:

1. Processed foods
   
2. Packaged foods
   
3. Prepared foods
   

There’s a lot more to the book, but that’s how far I am into it, and must say I feel like I’m learning some valuable information. I have always thought of us as eating a healthful diet, but there’s room for improvement!

I am hoping…to stay well. Each of the children has been sick with this terrible flu. I don’t want it! This is a trial I do not wish to welcome!

I am creating…lots of vegetarian dishes lately (though The Life Force Diet is not a vegetarian book). I personally am cutting back on all animal products, but especially dairy products, to seek to gain control of my slightly ‘over’ blood cholesterol level.

I am hearing…the quiet hum of my husband’s computer, and a daughter coughing upstairs. Did I mention that this flu ends up with a body-wracking, headache-inducing cough? Poor kids.

Around the house…things are looking neat. We’ve been doing some extra cleaning to try to make this a healthier environment. Outside, my husband has the fruit trees pruned. I’ve asked the children to think about what they want planted in our garden this year. My favorite fresh garden veggies are broccoli, zucchini, and leeks. I think we’re also planning on Romaine lettuce and tomatoes. Tomatoes take a lot of TLC to prosper in our cool, short, damp growing season, but we’re going to give it a try!

One of my favorite things…is playing Lexulous on Facebook. This is a spelling game like Scrabble. If you notice that posts have been scarce lately, well…I’ve been relaxing playing Lexulous at the end of a busy day rather than blogging.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow I’ll try to schedule a doctor visit for our 13-year old son to see how badly he injured his nose while (unsuccessfully) doing a flip on a friend’s trampoline late Friday. I was told there was lots and lots of blood, yet he sounded fairly calm when he called home to tell us about the mishap. It didn’t seem like an emergency room issue at the time, but his nose is swollen, and he assures me that it still hurts. So…We’ll see what the doctor has to say.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This is an old family photo taken at Rick’s parents’ place many summers ago. Five of the children are grown now. Only the youngest four are still at home, and the youngest is 13 years old, and taller than me now.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!