When life gives you lemons...go to New Wilmington--Amish country.
Going to visit Amish friends is a guessing game. Are they home?? Is it some special auction day?? They don't have phones so an impromptu trip 50 miles away is a big gamble. Saturday was just such a beautiful day and I have missed my friends. Knowing that my husband was gone until after dark, it seemed a perfect choice. I just prayed the entire way that Providence would provide that at least one of my friends would be home.
I arrived at Sarah's first. Clothes on the line, buggy out...all good signs. Of course the poor girl was horrified that her house was dirty--you know the usual stuff that happens when you have four little boys; dirty dishes and toys. My house has looked like that before (even post-kids). She was relieved it was me and not her mother-in-law. It was a great time to give her a hand cleaning up a bit, for which I counted it a privilege. (Who wouldn't want to say that they could do dishes in a dry sink!!?--OK, just me.) We had a wonderful visit. Next I was off to see if Lizzie was home.
At Lizzie's house I hit the jackpot because her mom was there, too! Church was to be held at David and Lizzie's so the crowd has just left from pie baking, moon pie making and cleaning EVERYTHING!! And I do mean EVERYTHING! (Sarah said that church will be at her house in four weeks and she needs to paint the kitchen!) I was able to pitch in drying dishes.
Lizzie's mom, Katie, is a delightful woman. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile. And she has had some rough times. We were able to sit for a bit and visit, but it was close to dinner time and the benches had to be set up for the morning service.
So, I was able to see them all! Everyone was home! And...this is what I was fortunate enough to do that day:
Sing (try to sing) hymns along Rt. 422 and 19 -- note to self: take the Trinity next time--you mess up the verses!
Feel the warmth of the sun in the car.
Wash dishes in the dry sink
Sweep the floor
Dry dishes
See that Lizzie's daughter, Martha, has grown so much!
Hear about how Lizzie loves teaching in a one room school!--and even being all-time pitcher for baseball at recess
See that Wallie just plowed the garden
Buy fresh eggs for $1
Get the good news that Sarah is expecting another baby later in the summer--#5
Get "take-out" moon pies
See Sarah & Wallie's newly designed laundry area--it even has a hot water tank and a bathtub!
Drive Katie home
Sit with dear friends
A very good day for which I am very thankful.
A Poem by John Newton:
1 I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace, Might more of his salvation know, And seek more earnestly his face.
2 'Twas he who taught me thus to pray, And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r; But it has been in such a way, As almost drove me to despair.
3 I hop'd that in some favour'd hour, At once he'd answer my request: And by his love's constraining pow'r, Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
4 Instead of this. he made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow'rs of hell Assault my soul in ev'ry part.
5 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my woe; Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd, Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? "'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer pray'r for grace and faith.
7 "These inward trials I employ, "From self and pride to set thee free; "And break thy schemes of earthly joy, "That thou mayst seek thy all in me."
(thanks, Stephen)
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankfulness. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Thankful Thanksgiving
The Blairs got together for a delightful Thanksgiving feast at my sister, Ann's. She and Sarah (aka Martha Stewart, Jr.) had the house looking so festive! As with most of our family celebrations, everyone brings something to help out. We had quite a bounty from which to choose. Ann's turkey was beautiful and delicious. She worked very hard keeping the ole girl based. We had a smaller crowd than normal with Aaron and family with the Padron's in Atlanta and Keith and Nathan working and then Sam got called out and never made it. Still, I am so thankful to get together with Stephen and the rest of the family. It was so fun to see Taylor and Spencer, too.
After the Blairs, Stephen and I ran into Butler because Eric and Grace made an unexpected visit. I stayed longer than I really planned, but it was wonderful to see so many of the Johnsons...especially from out of town. Grandpa was at the VA and the Bodens were at his brother's. Of course, it was typical of the Johnsons to have enough food to feed most of the apartment complex! Cynthia sent over wonderful pumpkin pies for us to enjoy!! The Colwells were the only ones all present and accounted for and I am thankful to them for picking up the slack.
Poor Keith didn't get much of a dinner by the time I got home, but I made up for it last night with his own turkey dinner with some of the wonderful leftovers sent home.
Yesterday, I went Black Friday shopping for the first time in my life! That was an adventure! I was able to get some bargains, but you certainly can't be in a hurry! It was surprising to see so many people, but yet only run into the Wilsons and Jeannette, Emily's friend from volleyball, that I knew.
Today I did laundry and have most of it on the line. We have had a couple of decent days. Still chilly, but today we may almost hit 40. I am grateful for the sunshine...at least there is a bit of it today. After I came home from shopping yesterday, the sun was out and there was a good breeze and I hurried to put sheets on the line. Well, the neighbors started a fire not long after I hung stuff out. My blanket smelled of smoke, but the rest seemed fine. I rinsed it today, and so far, no smoke from the neighbors.
I would like to get a start on decorating for the holiday, but my sleds are put where I can't reach them, so Keith will need to do that some time soon.
This coming week is a busy one with something almost every day!
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent! Time is flying!
"The tender mercy of our God gleams with kindly light. I see in His mercy a soft radiance like the matchless pearls that form heaven's gate. Mercy is a melody to my ear as well as to my heart. Mercy is music, and to the brokenhearted, "tender mercy" is its most exquisite form.
If you are desperate and depressed, "tender mercy" is life from the dead. think of this in connection with God, and you will be struck with wonder that One so great is so tender.
God is love. Not only is He loving, He is love itself." excerpts from Charles H. Sprugeon, Beside Still Waters
After the Blairs, Stephen and I ran into Butler because Eric and Grace made an unexpected visit. I stayed longer than I really planned, but it was wonderful to see so many of the Johnsons...especially from out of town. Grandpa was at the VA and the Bodens were at his brother's. Of course, it was typical of the Johnsons to have enough food to feed most of the apartment complex! Cynthia sent over wonderful pumpkin pies for us to enjoy!! The Colwells were the only ones all present and accounted for and I am thankful to them for picking up the slack.
Poor Keith didn't get much of a dinner by the time I got home, but I made up for it last night with his own turkey dinner with some of the wonderful leftovers sent home.
Yesterday, I went Black Friday shopping for the first time in my life! That was an adventure! I was able to get some bargains, but you certainly can't be in a hurry! It was surprising to see so many people, but yet only run into the Wilsons and Jeannette, Emily's friend from volleyball, that I knew.
Today I did laundry and have most of it on the line. We have had a couple of decent days. Still chilly, but today we may almost hit 40. I am grateful for the sunshine...at least there is a bit of it today. After I came home from shopping yesterday, the sun was out and there was a good breeze and I hurried to put sheets on the line. Well, the neighbors started a fire not long after I hung stuff out. My blanket smelled of smoke, but the rest seemed fine. I rinsed it today, and so far, no smoke from the neighbors.
I would like to get a start on decorating for the holiday, but my sleds are put where I can't reach them, so Keith will need to do that some time soon.
This coming week is a busy one with something almost every day!
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent! Time is flying!
"The tender mercy of our God gleams with kindly light. I see in His mercy a soft radiance like the matchless pearls that form heaven's gate. Mercy is a melody to my ear as well as to my heart. Mercy is music, and to the brokenhearted, "tender mercy" is its most exquisite form.
If you are desperate and depressed, "tender mercy" is life from the dead. think of this in connection with God, and you will be struck with wonder that One so great is so tender.
God is love. Not only is He loving, He is love itself." excerpts from Charles H. Sprugeon, Beside Still Waters
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
More Thoughts on Thanksgiving by Dr. Hendrickson
Dr. Hendrickson at Grove City College has a great piece on the effects of affluence on civilization. He also gives some great reasons to be thankful.
Another piece to check out is by Judi McLeod. She writes about the current government and its ties.
The new world devised by Maurice Strong and George Soros, http://canadafreepress.com/
We are fortunate enough to be getting some meat for our freezer from a local farmer in a couple weeks. Knowing that our freezer needed, shall we say, help, I set about at cleaning it out and trying to get it organized. While I am pleased that we have room now for our meat, I am ashamed that I needed to throw away so much. Frozen veggies that were unrecognizable. Food that had "01" marked on it. I desperately need to do better about using what I have and get my freezer under control. What has happened is sinful and wasteful. There was chicken that I knew we were not going to be able to use before it had freezer burn. So this evening I figured I better get it canned. Thankfully, I was able to can six quarts of chicken. There is stew meat in the freezer, too, but that will have to wait for another day.
"Thy understanding in infinite; I know nothing as I ought to know. Thou canst not behold evil; I am vile. In my ignorance, weaakness, fears, depressions, may thy Spirit help my infirmities with supplies of wisdom, strength and comfort. Let me faithfully study my character, be willing to bring it to light, observe myself in my trials, judge the reality and degree of my grace, consider how I have been ensnared or overcome. Grant that I may never trust my heart, depend upon any past experiences, magnify any present resolutions, but be strong in the grace of Jesus..." excerpt from Self-Noughting, Valley of Visions
Another piece to check out is by Judi McLeod. She writes about the current government and its ties.
The new world devised by Maurice Strong and George Soros, http://canadafreepress.com/
We are fortunate enough to be getting some meat for our freezer from a local farmer in a couple weeks. Knowing that our freezer needed, shall we say, help, I set about at cleaning it out and trying to get it organized. While I am pleased that we have room now for our meat, I am ashamed that I needed to throw away so much. Frozen veggies that were unrecognizable. Food that had "01" marked on it. I desperately need to do better about using what I have and get my freezer under control. What has happened is sinful and wasteful. There was chicken that I knew we were not going to be able to use before it had freezer burn. So this evening I figured I better get it canned. Thankfully, I was able to can six quarts of chicken. There is stew meat in the freezer, too, but that will have to wait for another day.
"Thy understanding in infinite; I know nothing as I ought to know. Thou canst not behold evil; I am vile. In my ignorance, weaakness, fears, depressions, may thy Spirit help my infirmities with supplies of wisdom, strength and comfort. Let me faithfully study my character, be willing to bring it to light, observe myself in my trials, judge the reality and degree of my grace, consider how I have been ensnared or overcome. Grant that I may never trust my heart, depend upon any past experiences, magnify any present resolutions, but be strong in the grace of Jesus..." excerpt from Self-Noughting, Valley of Visions
Thanksgiving
In a "Me First" society, it is a challenge to take time to give thanks. We still live in the greatest country in the world. Our country has prospered the globe. With our farms, we feed the starving and with our gifts, we clothe and find fresh water for those in catastrophic circumstances.
Our forefathers came here to find religious freedom and thanked God for it and his Providence and provision on their first Thanksgiving.
Family, blessed friends, church family, the coming of a new pastor, a bountiful harvest and the ability to store it, a warm home with water and room for so many, money to buys things we don't even need...these are among the many blessings for which I am thankful. Above all that, God has richly blessed me with salvation. That is worth everything.
God has richly blessed us and we often forget to thank the one who gives us everything. I am challenged to remember to be the one leper who remembers to come back and give thanks to Jesus, who healed him (check out Luke 17:11 for the whole story).
"In Romans 1"18-32, Paul give a vivid description of the downward moral spiral of pagan humanity of that day, as God gave them up more and more to the wicked inclinations of their evil hearts. Near the beginning of the description, Paul writes, 'Although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their think, and their foolish hearts were darkened; (verse 21, emphasis added).
So their ever-increasing wickedness actually began with their ungodliness (failure to honor God as God) and their unthankfulness to Him....It may seem like a small sin to us, but God takes it seriously." excerpt from Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
May each of us be thankful today, tomorrow and each day for all that God has done for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Our forefathers came here to find religious freedom and thanked God for it and his Providence and provision on their first Thanksgiving.
Family, blessed friends, church family, the coming of a new pastor, a bountiful harvest and the ability to store it, a warm home with water and room for so many, money to buys things we don't even need...these are among the many blessings for which I am thankful. Above all that, God has richly blessed me with salvation. That is worth everything.
God has richly blessed us and we often forget to thank the one who gives us everything. I am challenged to remember to be the one leper who remembers to come back and give thanks to Jesus, who healed him (check out Luke 17:11 for the whole story).
"In Romans 1"18-32, Paul give a vivid description of the downward moral spiral of pagan humanity of that day, as God gave them up more and more to the wicked inclinations of their evil hearts. Near the beginning of the description, Paul writes, 'Although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their think, and their foolish hearts were darkened; (verse 21, emphasis added).
So their ever-increasing wickedness actually began with their ungodliness (failure to honor God as God) and their unthankfulness to Him....It may seem like a small sin to us, but God takes it seriously." excerpt from Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
May each of us be thankful today, tomorrow and each day for all that God has done for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pear update and much thankfulness
Things went well! Thanks to expert directions and pictures. I managed to get six jars and some left for eating.
It was a wonderful day!
It has been my privilige to see God work in a great way. He has been faithful and gracious. He cares greatly for His people and I have been granted a front row seat to see it all unfold. My heart is so full of thankfulness and gratefulness. And I am so excited to see what He will do in the lives of His people. I'm so happy I want to explode. God's love is amazing. He controls every small circumstance in our lives--big ones, too. This is a big one...HUGE.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17
With a grateful heart,
It was a wonderful day!
It has been my privilige to see God work in a great way. He has been faithful and gracious. He cares greatly for His people and I have been granted a front row seat to see it all unfold. My heart is so full of thankfulness and gratefulness. And I am so excited to see what He will do in the lives of His people. I'm so happy I want to explode. God's love is amazing. He controls every small circumstance in our lives--big ones, too. This is a big one...HUGE.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17
With a grateful heart,
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