tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34006023848060027752024-03-05T21:33:15.011-08:00Blogging AlongBobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-85279133480502034402023-06-21T03:00:00.001-07:002023-06-21T03:00:00.142-07:00Hodgepodge Feels Like Summer<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<p> <span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. Hello Summer! In the northern hemisphere anyway. What's something on your summer bucket list? Do you have an actual summer bucket list? If not, use your hypothetical list.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">We are actually about to adventure out West. This has been on our summer Bucket list for a long time...and we'd planned and cancelled it once due to 2020. We are very excited as none of us have even been. We will head to Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas in our loopy route through national Parks visiting old friends. So excited!</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. What for you is the defining scent of summer?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcg8LqH3a19lXKJaZVlzYp6zRvUVVLURvsY1hDDT4hx2q2rjHFWWpoLMyrjFEjjz12Yj_MWYFCuN8sc3f1azbia0LdDEbgvuEPs-msHNxxTHocZlov4ycdJOcbTM7LQszLoKNQyJxwavYHLTCZiNIe1SIzbZHultXNlp1tkg8kQjDV3kTgcofe-uiK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcg8LqH3a19lXKJaZVlzYp6zRvUVVLURvsY1hDDT4hx2q2rjHFWWpoLMyrjFEjjz12Yj_MWYFCuN8sc3f1azbia0LdDEbgvuEPs-msHNxxTHocZlov4ycdJOcbTM7LQszLoKNQyJxwavYHLTCZiNIe1SIzbZHultXNlp1tkg8kQjDV3kTgcofe-uiK" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm going to go with SUNSCREEN. I am a pale Woman with a pale nerdy husband and pale children. Hahaha.<p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. What's a (music, food, wine, or flower) festival happening in your part of the country that you would like to attend if tickets/travel/timing was no object? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I don't live too terribly far from the tulip festival in Holland...Michigan. LOL! We have gone there for several summer vacations because my husband worked close to that area on a project when the kids were little but we've never gone to the Tulip Festival.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6wzfnjsXupet9HmJejjAd28ouYiW2sRv-XmczFEe-kXDHz609234a56Io9IS3kJon9uBfdRIGupVRLgbYXG4G2xNoanCQ-W-BuJfI19IkC5R9i8qSxSU9uCytm7ugi1JNlbFs0WsYJLcc-WW-dlkWluALmHU21xCAH9Ohc7D2MNkGdRBfRzqA6-l_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6wzfnjsXupet9HmJejjAd28ouYiW2sRv-XmczFEe-kXDHz609234a56Io9IS3kJon9uBfdRIGupVRLgbYXG4G2xNoanCQ-W-BuJfI19IkC5R9i8qSxSU9uCytm7ugi1JNlbFs0WsYJLcc-WW-dlkWluALmHU21xCAH9Ohc7D2MNkGdRBfRzqA6-l_" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. Apparently a military whistle blower claims the US has a UFO retrieval program. What say you? Do you believe aliens are out there? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Sorry...Aliens, no. Spies, yes.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">5. Besides your wedding day and the birthdays of any children you may have, what are three of your top experiences in life? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. When our parents met our babies.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. Traveling...anywhere and everywhere.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. Parenting...in many phases it is the tops. I can think of highlights of every season. I have really loved being a Mom and Domestic Engineer.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">6. Insert your own random thought here. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I have really good intentions of visiting ya'lls posts and commenting...especially to you delightful few who comment so sweetly...but somehow between typing on a Tuesday and scheduling posting on a Wednesday (I set an alarm to link it cuz I've forgotten more than once).... The week takes off on me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnh9afQT7ix9YrIJ00i1EQAEkRN5n6seEdzvwKUyhLJBCugydOmhhj1rCCWap-wuvY_cvb9kzScFDU6hwj9T9D1bG6oGN3Q95iNNsNFU-F86ALOB_N6E3bL3mHPPe4aCk9Q1qsW6kGa7rfIqyag27pWrb6c-A-GVKSSXJHnDxhIuGdV91BYW0PIt_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnh9afQT7ix9YrIJ00i1EQAEkRN5n6seEdzvwKUyhLJBCugydOmhhj1rCCWap-wuvY_cvb9kzScFDU6hwj9T9D1bG6oGN3Q95iNNsNFU-F86ALOB_N6E3bL3mHPPe4aCk9Q1qsW6kGa7rfIqyag27pWrb6c-A-GVKSSXJHnDxhIuGdV91BYW0PIt_" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-80465540704097058102023-05-24T03:00:00.003-07:002023-05-24T05:36:09.455-07:00Brotherly Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </span></div>
<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><b>1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother? Older or younger? Did you raise brothers? Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.</b></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: arial;">I have one sibling, a <i>brother</i> who is almost 11 years younger than me. In many ways we are more like only children. I have oldest child traits and he has youngest child traits and we both have only child traits. I adored him when he was a baby. It was like having a live doll to play with every day. I helped teach him animal sounds and read to him a lot but when he learned to say, "You're not my Mom" those days ended...haha. I was gone to college around the time he was 7-8. He was about 13 when I got married and I think we started building a stronger bond when he'd come visit me on his own in the summers. Now we both are married with kids. He lives pretty far from me but I'm hoping to see him at Christmas.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: arial;">I also have a girl and boy, in that order, but they are barely 23 months apart. They've always been buddies. That's changed a bit since they hit puberty but they are still friends. This makes me really happy. Recently, I've seen my son step into his brother role. My daughter is quiet and sweet and sometimes misses sarcasm and her brother has kindly explained some comments and protected her. He has also encouraged her in getting her license. This is probably because she's his ride for the summer but I have noticed a very brotherly kindness in offering to travel with her to certain destinations since she's still slightly nervous solo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiRRGcTUeUeB8sQAJONYWI8kocUFczw186qNeao3VDp14YJckcSZ-njHKlYUVZd8Vz7CDfdY3xpW_rEZFRhNAfy3DNcFq5FWN5eaWdgPSM9yyB9BsZJNo_F-zAZHgipCLDqkZ3BAuAb72ylRTesmu3y7K5gb0jn2jp7FYoFZ2ecVoHR42v6vji-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="245" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiRRGcTUeUeB8sQAJONYWI8kocUFczw186qNeao3VDp14YJckcSZ-njHKlYUVZd8Vz7CDfdY3xpW_rEZFRhNAfy3DNcFq5FWN5eaWdgPSM9yyB9BsZJNo_F-zAZHgipCLDqkZ3BAuAb72ylRTesmu3y7K5gb0jn2jp7FYoFZ2ecVoHR42v6vji-Q" width="192" /><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3_ZxNUDvES7vV4zw8dKEXHwcVX4wzsN2a5eDTCB9CrSTu-AR1hFlED4BLYNO4yPUSOcg0Juwd6KThimB_u8rRfTyGqnqaM7dVHZlsWY715bPV2yQrXLG6WhC3LAuLCXnE8gKpz8zub1IMyCS1m79oInEPEkkuoIIjBfHOXsYyEJMqgzTedPmPzA" width="180" /></span><br /><br /><br /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2. A great book you've read or movie you enjoy that features brothers? </b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">BOOK: </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">Grief is a Thing With Feathers by Max Porter</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MOVIE: Onward</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Something you think is overrated? Something you think is underrated? </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Air Fryers are over-rated. I have a convection oven. I'm not giving up any more counter space. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">The complexity of things like the internet, google maps and even my phone camera are underrated...things I use almost every day now <br />and yet I remember before they existed. My kids will never know.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>4. How much does your past shape you? What parts have shaped you the most? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I just read a good book called,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Putting-Your-Past-Its-Place-ebook/dp/B00WAHAQJQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CSPT6J7VO33Y&keywords=putting+your+past+in+its+place+by+steve+viars&qid=1684867177&sprefix=putting+the+past+in+it%27s+place%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> "Putting Your Past in Its Place: Moving Forward in Freedom and Forgiveness"</a> by Stephen Viars. It really speaks to this question. </span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lives grind to a halt when people don’t know how to relate to their past. Some believe “the past is nothing” and attempt to suppress the brokenness again and again. Others miss out on renewal and change by making the past </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">more</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> important than their present and future. Neither approach moves people toward healing or hope.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor and biblical counselor Stephen Viars introduces a third way to view one’s personal history—by exploring the role of the past as God intended. Using Scripture to lead readers forward, Viars provides practical measures to</span></span></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">understand the important place “the past” is given in Scripture</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">replace guilt and despair with forgiveness and hope</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">turn failures into stepping stones for growth</span></span></li></ul><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This motivating, compassionate resource is for anyone ready to review and release the past so that God can transform their behaviors, relationships, and their ability to hope in a future.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: arial;"><b>5. What's your favorite simple pleasure? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">I really enjoy iced coffee in the summertime. It's even sweeter now that my son has joined me in this simple pleasure.</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDM5CYciLEn5VNwiRwJYaI8PSZNQlUTE0zz-mGwLOifyB2bgcQ4pRB2sZgzK9eCeyXy6SOJKuc1TK2__36BeLWpqSNlDIMxFJwsuMAUr41Zpqbr_NX8RntDBUce3M2n01zHKAMqaSFIb8lAaPbqoRBOHQGYCR6TXPadr7Rmueb9Bw88w6tdbrqVw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDM5CYciLEn5VNwiRwJYaI8PSZNQlUTE0zz-mGwLOifyB2bgcQ4pRB2sZgzK9eCeyXy6SOJKuc1TK2__36BeLWpqSNlDIMxFJwsuMAUr41Zpqbr_NX8RntDBUce3M2n01zHKAMqaSFIb8lAaPbqoRBOHQGYCR6TXPadr7Rmueb9Bw88w6tdbrqVw" width="180" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>6. Insert your own random thought here. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">It's finals week for my kids. Lots of studying...and a few tears already. Sigh. I'm ready for this school year to be over. The kids are both taking summer classes to open space in their schedules for other things Junior/Senior years, etc. So, there will be a week of ease before they jump into that...It's a busy season. One of their classes is PE <br />2...and my random thought is that I better up my exercise game because in July we're going out West on a great adventure and I don't want to be left in the dust.</span></span></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-40866995722030414302023-05-17T02:00:00.002-07:002023-05-17T04:19:55.589-07:00Springtime Surprises Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG-DME4K5T5dY_E5lMOm3awoTWEXCaUDKPDdlhiN4H_Y_KHtyMLA_bLr4r5N9NGiUyNHmVRTB6ojm5fh7dkYWFm3tcMQFrCX8Oyv-dbbyJA2cZrLgo5iwK9qia3fO2OdhmPEH322DUUN_-6hNDsYb1R8bVhzajwRCw_JbLW6qxmEZ3YdaXj49E9w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG-DME4K5T5dY_E5lMOm3awoTWEXCaUDKPDdlhiN4H_Y_KHtyMLA_bLr4r5N9NGiUyNHmVRTB6ojm5fh7dkYWFm3tcMQFrCX8Oyv-dbbyJA2cZrLgo5iwK9qia3fO2OdhmPEH322DUUN_-6hNDsYb1R8bVhzajwRCw_JbLW6qxmEZ3YdaXj49E9w" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6_FgwQ3ZtdZ2SFeY3vrVZlsevUES0mdBBPvem7mL8CzdFneIYG9ZPzG0kB8Y8iHia_1ZNl7q-SjsMTmMEZTbiEzCqPiFScilXay1VsyBgTDnER_INyhl7DgJkHybupSZfzG-ZqwRDv0cpESaQmyticJeEhu0wnD20tivt9prxRseSdjDmowhTSw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6_FgwQ3ZtdZ2SFeY3vrVZlsevUES0mdBBPvem7mL8CzdFneIYG9ZPzG0kB8Y8iHia_1ZNl7q-SjsMTmMEZTbiEzCqPiFScilXay1VsyBgTDnER_INyhl7DgJkHybupSZfzG-ZqwRDv0cpESaQmyticJeEhu0wnD20tivt9prxRseSdjDmowhTSw" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><br /><b>1. What surprises you the most about people? </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">Well, I find myself wanting to turn this answer into a gripe about all the bad things people do that 'surprise' me...but I'm really not surprised cuz the world is broken and I know this...OR I could go with being surprised by kindness but the truth is I rarely if ever find myself surprised by that these days. Sorry...first question and I'm on the struggle bus.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Sometimes I'm surprised by people's special gifts and talents and that's always delightful. I love artistic and musical gifts and even mathematical and scientific gifts are interesting and surprising.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><b>2. Would you rather have a chauffeur, nanny, gardener, maid, personal shopper or cook? Tell us why that one? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">After thinking about it I will go with maid. I don't like to dust, so therefore, I don't...and it feels like things get dirty as soon as I clean them...especially floors. I'd love a weekly maid.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">As the days wane on my chauffeuring my kids about, I value those times in the car a lot more and so I wouldn't want to hire that out. A few years ago I might have jumped at this one though.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">I enjoy gardening and have a pretty easy level of plant life set up around our house. I will simplify our vegetable patch when my dear daughter is no longer at home to help me. Maybe I'll just go all flowers so I can have fresh bouquets to share and set around my house. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">Personal Shopper sounds ridiculous. I don't shop that much and when I do grocery pickup I figure I'm kind of my own personal shopper. Plus I love thrift sales and all the fun is in rummaging yourself. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">Cooking, again I enjoy it, so I wouldn't want to take that out...although I've heard it's very difficult to cook for two...and that makes me sad. I currently love my son coming into the kitchen, snatching the top off the crockpot, stirring about and sniffing...and then eating seconds or thirds and telling me how wonderful it all tastes. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><b>3. May 18th is National Notebook Day. No idea what that means but let's run with it anyway. What's something you currently keep in a notebook? Have you seen the movie The Notebook? On a scale of 1-5 how does it rate? (5=a favorite, can watch and re-watch and re-watch again) </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">I am not a fan of The Notebook movie. I am a fan of notebooks. I am notorious for using 1/3 the pages and never filling them up...or keeping them blank because they're pretty and I can't decide what to write in them. Currently, I've been keeping the notes to book studies I'm doing so I can refer to them if I ever need them. I fold a page between each book.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><b>4. Do you like mushrooms? Last dish you made or ate that had mushrooms on the ingredient list? Your <i>favorite</i> dish that calls for mushrooms? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">I love mushrooms. I used them in Beef Stroganoff a few weeks ago. It is probably my favorite dish with mushrooms. It's simply beef tips with a brown sauce with onions and mushrooms...then I add egg noodles and a dollop of sour cream.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><b>5. What would you say is the most annoying thing people do in public? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">The phone annoys me. I'm not opposed to people needing their phones...like if you're looking at notes for a lunch mtg, or taking a call from a kid, etc. but if you're sitting there ignoring the person who made time to spend with you 'in person' that's just rude. And smart watches are just as bad.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><b>6. Insert your own random thought here. </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">I'm growing a pot of chamomile and lemon balm for the first time this year. I imagine calming tea times. I am also dehydrating my own green powder because I'm cheap and can use the dandelions in my own yard, thank you.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuuLPsnypQnWiJYRLmNM8dQ_0Vqu4Kzu3H1VWbvmMnEH_brPfUVDP1-V4AL_k5DVal9JW4lB-VDxMYhyLDZU5IER-7BY6zz9flcf9iOfEAs_5B1k-qCaQEA18GdgfvRvXXVlD7RTxEd264sGdbdtAnAz_LAGqkGGtrEW1Yrzzwq7nd7MxkZBH22g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuuLPsnypQnWiJYRLmNM8dQ_0Vqu4Kzu3H1VWbvmMnEH_brPfUVDP1-V4AL_k5DVal9JW4lB-VDxMYhyLDZU5IER-7BY6zz9flcf9iOfEAs_5B1k-qCaQEA18GdgfvRvXXVlD7RTxEd264sGdbdtAnAz_LAGqkGGtrEW1Yrzzwq7nd7MxkZBH22g" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-57618666110143826202023-04-26T03:00:00.002-07:002023-04-26T15:33:13.605-07:00Bird Lover Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </span></div>
<p><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: georgia;">1. April 26th is National Audubon Day, honoring John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his detailed study and illustration of birds in their natural habitats. Do you have a bird feeder? Any birds in your home decor? Have you ever owned a pet bird? What's your favorite bird? </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGJi6LnhzZ110qZuzNjn_VPwklh9IDJbiASH_xnblxiuMT3CiJMqcuqMSnFMxa01angesf8-gOn3LMblCXOXYY38MoABtLmpFA0i5HeoxqDognRwnpPXBbG5i97Ge6gi_3LtiItWWhgbEV59l1fk1L1Wy0u76D8VW9b8v6_6gmJs99Pp3k7sZVoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGJi6LnhzZ110qZuzNjn_VPwklh9IDJbiASH_xnblxiuMT3CiJMqcuqMSnFMxa01angesf8-gOn3LMblCXOXYY38MoABtLmpFA0i5HeoxqDognRwnpPXBbG5i97Ge6gi_3LtiItWWhgbEV59l1fk1L1Wy0u76D8VW9b8v6_6gmJs99Pp3k7sZVoA=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>I attribute my love of birds to my parents. We had Audubon and Peterson books all throughout my formative years. We kept a running log of birds we'd spied in the binoculars by the door. My Dad made amazing bird carvings that I now get to showcase in my home. I have a rescued nest filled with eggs/shells I've found abandoned...along with a feather collection.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>This winter was the first I tried to go without a bird feeder...it's in a difficult spot to fill, I thought I'd cut costs and I had a lot going on...but I <i>really</i> missed it....especially chickadees and cardinals. I do have my oriole feeder up this spring and one hummingbird feeder for any early travelers.</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSeOW2ohmP6yGbD4Cwxeh33HAik7DAHssT9znwiNVBUJMYkGXAz6jpQVA4DGtHWoepXTmXJZAybXbpcbJ60URZ1MIVgqtl-GSveTWFOHigBhhe5BpsrsNcS1codAAzD1gV4OZCBo_WqemEQOW_eLEcJ2o-YrRtppXxzBN7asOtJWqwiAtwO9wdkw" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSeOW2ohmP6yGbD4Cwxeh33HAik7DAHssT9znwiNVBUJMYkGXAz6jpQVA4DGtHWoepXTmXJZAybXbpcbJ60URZ1MIVgqtl-GSveTWFOHigBhhe5BpsrsNcS1codAAzD1gV4OZCBo_WqemEQOW_eLEcJ2o-YrRtppXxzBN7asOtJWqwiAtwO9wdkw=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">My favorite bird is the chickadee...short and spunky, like me!</span></span> </span></b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">2. What's something you took to 'like a duck to water'? </span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Reading...I learned easily around 3 years old and never stopped!</span></b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">3. Empty nest, nest egg, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, birds of a feather flock together, or the early bird catches the worm...choose one and tell us how it currently applies to your life. </span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Early bird catches the worm. I get up very early these days so I can see my teens before they head to school. I've found it to be a surprise blessing. I get to watch the sunrise, pray for them, and get some stretches in before I have to jump into other tasks. </span></b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">4. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds...your favorite seed and a favorite food or dish made with that seed or topped with that seed? Have you tried all the seeds on the list? Any you don't care for? </span></p><p><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: georgia;">I have tried all of these seeds. I'm a seed fan. My friends and I call them 'hippie seeds'...haha. I have a recipe for protein balls that I will attach. Super easy and fun snack to share.</span></span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4K_RB9YWZ_jAnoLck7CystIjc-e6EiwUdQv57zyg8RTWthHD_IWnQO6DXPFgKp21pqqhsjjEywQb58c8dju8szuqMvjaMJtVGzU6MfZOje7fcBWSEKDgMwHYJDp53n2Yq1TaFoe8s69J6DjQ4q4-4b_fYwEz9y8WNSjgRKN6mzDuJ45XYcy2njQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4K_RB9YWZ_jAnoLck7CystIjc-e6EiwUdQv57zyg8RTWthHD_IWnQO6DXPFgKp21pqqhsjjEywQb58c8dju8szuqMvjaMJtVGzU6MfZOje7fcBWSEKDgMwHYJDp53n2Yq1TaFoe8s69J6DjQ4q4-4b_fYwEz9y8WNSjgRKN6mzDuJ45XYcy2njQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></span></b><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">5. Something in the past week that made you 'happy as a lark'?</span></span><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: georgia;">We've had the opportunity to have friends over for Friday games and dinner...and also hosted a gaggle of college kids for Sunday lunch. My happy place is hospitality. My heart was " happy as a lark!"</span></span></b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">6. Insert your own random thought here. </span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Finally cut up some fabric to begin my 'canning quilt'...I haven't done much sewing since February...I don't know that this will be the final layout but it's a start. I have A LOT of fruit and veggie fabric because I've been collecting for years. The idea is that it's canning jars on the countertop as viewed from above. </span></b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixQ7mYYdkkD17hvGhBC1dP-0ZvJ0EzY9YbfddiTdl6766hrcdeFeqvdAJrnNVEXq9br83IMEFabDMd76ckvds3432k0PZtZLTlXsnTDVZIyh1g3FtjDcipXQ9SGO56pQTrgbp0c3rkN1tj3DrCF8NKRhzWy7t_lhi2jRjr0uKdf1G_K5NAHvbyCA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixQ7mYYdkkD17hvGhBC1dP-0ZvJ0EzY9YbfddiTdl6766hrcdeFeqvdAJrnNVEXq9br83IMEFabDMd76ckvds3432k0PZtZLTlXsnTDVZIyh1g3FtjDcipXQ9SGO56pQTrgbp0c3rkN1tj3DrCF8NKRhzWy7t_lhi2jRjr0uKdf1G_K5NAHvbyCA=w400-h225" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><br /><p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-26872426186513105872023-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:002023-04-21T08:34:13.482-07:00Enjoying My Teenagers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnsZuUUi1gjFeMoS19lVimV3UYkZByrPo-KRSyw-YdRYwK0DveAezZYp3_ggWJ9_G55fG2L734I361HZ9g3jyxHd-s-ec-30TMJK8aFFboNFIqc7PUOd5x7AdcYcL-xYqOKVAjKFAmkKGvI1V0DNu_6bGo9UPS_U-WbKnJO0k0E5vDIgfrJ3BkFQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnsZuUUi1gjFeMoS19lVimV3UYkZByrPo-KRSyw-YdRYwK0DveAezZYp3_ggWJ9_G55fG2L734I361HZ9g3jyxHd-s-ec-30TMJK8aFFboNFIqc7PUOd5x7AdcYcL-xYqOKVAjKFAmkKGvI1V0DNu_6bGo9UPS_U-WbKnJO0k0E5vDIgfrJ3BkFQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I enjoy having teens. They are bright and interesting. They are hilarious and fun. Oh sure, there are days when I'm tempted to worry when they make goofball decisions or display a lot of uncomfortable emotions...but overall I'm loving this season of life....<i>if teaching them to drive doesn't get me killed.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're going through so much in this developmental stage...emotional, physical, spiritual. So much of the parental distress I encounter among those who are hating the teen years, stems from poor discipline in the younger years. Because the foundations of discipline and authority weren't laid down early, they are unable to fully switch into solid instruction. This is frustrating for everyone...their teens and them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please don't hear me saying this from some lofty mound... 'we've done it perfectly'...that's <i><u>not</u></i> what I'm saying. If anything, I see our early mistakes quite boldly in our little mini me's faces and behaviors. I do see areas where we've had to go back and shore up some discipline and re-assert authority. We've all (our teens and us old folks) had to be reminded to bow before the Ultimate Authority. God has needed to humble us and help us live in obedience to His will and ways. A recent metaphor used with one of our children is, "the box of privilege you live in will be small until you can show us responsibility and self-discipline in these areas." The more they respond to godly discipline, the more instruction we can bestow and knowledge they can build. <i>Hilariously, I agonized over that last point and decided on metaphor...lest anyone thing I literally put my teen in a box. LOL 😂 </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, there are fun days in parenting teens. And those days are truly great. I get glimpses of who they will be as adults...it's so very close on those days. I'm delighted at the more frequent cross overs to friendship. I am still firm on the 'I'm your parent, not your friend' concept...meaning 'My <u>job</u> isn't to be your buddy and have you be happy with me." However, it does make my heart happy to see them coming out the other side...and <i>choosing</i> to be our friends. I love when my daughter comes skipping up to me and says, "Mom, do you want to hear something funny?" Or when my son chats with me in the car about friendships and projects and lovingly rolls his eyes and hugs me after I've sent him another dorky capybara meme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And even on those days of foolish decisions and overwhelming emotions...I am blessed to have God's Word to guide us...to focus our heart's on what pleases Him most. God is the perfect parent. His Word lights our way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please share with me any <u>words of encouragement</u> you have from your own journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-66385323351065024152023-04-21T07:55:00.002-07:002023-04-21T07:55:24.121-07:00What are you reading? February/March Check-in<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7XsMgVwduLcPswCppkwk_99IWBbvbkFLN0azIjit4v993WIit843fQNXVnTbmn6qFGwbz-NwI4fXR_oEHoJ895cH5IHhdZ2yQtMPn-9fbtgj-vg58B9cUxvnpwqjuYe6g0RTnoE6EhncG7pBaXoVBm-qjEEi3lTyc2A7yVYHnZZJjJ5aIAn0-1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7XsMgVwduLcPswCppkwk_99IWBbvbkFLN0azIjit4v993WIit843fQNXVnTbmn6qFGwbz-NwI4fXR_oEHoJ895cH5IHhdZ2yQtMPn-9fbtgj-vg58B9cUxvnpwqjuYe6g0RTnoE6EhncG7pBaXoVBm-qjEEi3lTyc2A7yVYHnZZJjJ5aIAn0-1Q" width="320" /></a></div><br />I just realized that the February reading check-in never posted...so I will add on March and post them together. I have been busily reading. <p></p><p>I am working to incorporate more audio books into my life. I have been listening to them as I go for walks...my attempts at exercise. I find it hard to multitask while listening. I either stop listening and have to back up the recording, or I mess up what I'm trying to do or cook. I think if I had a commute or long car ride audio books would work splendidly. </p><p>I have been reading a lot of fiction at bedtime. I've had some rather heavy counseling cases and fiction helps my brain slow down and focus on something else than the problems at hand. Sometimes that takes a few hours...and sometimes I read 'just one more chapter' haha.</p><p><b><u>Read:</u></b></p><p><i>Fiction: </i>(On my nightstand because I don't have to pay attention and highlight while I read)</p><p>Garment of Shadows by Laurie King</p><p>Island of the Mad by Laurie King</p><p>Riviera Gold by Laurie King</p><p>Castle Shade by Laurie King</p><p><i>Non-Fiction:</i></p><p>Adorned by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (reread for women's ministry)</p><p>Untangling Emotions by J. Alasdair Groves & Winston T. Smith (reread with group)</p><div>The Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson (annual reread)</div><div><br /></div><div>Conflict Resolution by Lou Priolo </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b><u>Audio:</u></b></p><p>Therefore I Have Hope by Camron Cole</p><p>How Long, O Lord? by D.A. Carson</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>In Process:</u></b></p><div>Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung (re-read w group)</div><div><br /></div><div>Audio: Saints Sufferers and Sinners by Michael R. Emlet</div><div><br /></div><div>Audio: The Problem of Pain by CS Lewis</div><div><br /></div><div>Heaven Rules by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are you reading??</b></div><div><br /></div>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-23530583339154798112023-04-21T07:35:00.004-07:002023-04-21T07:35:54.908-07:00Hodgepodge 500 <div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. Last time you drove/flew 500 miles </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">(ish)</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">? What's a place you'd like to visit that lies approximately 500 miles from your current location? </span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>For Spring Break we flew to VA to visit family.</b></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipeokhjc5nEKNpTjvRnTWlAvOLUJl8KMbF6awgCJVmed4wYChIxbekP8vekJH-ulbHwljS6ItY8fvQ9UCd3xZCSeeuhRtycZkSxcJ5j6I-RquN0ZhkDGXkraTCrqoYuylO9cXTdd5MKWFI-Uej3h_So6rHt3U9ecvHqrnUMpCXe-Ne6-UUPXB0cw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipeokhjc5nEKNpTjvRnTWlAvOLUJl8KMbF6awgCJVmed4wYChIxbekP8vekJH-ulbHwljS6ItY8fvQ9UCd3xZCSeeuhRtycZkSxcJ5j6I-RquN0ZhkDGXkraTCrqoYuylO9cXTdd5MKWFI-Uej3h_So6rHt3U9ecvHqrnUMpCXe-Ne6-UUPXB0cw" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7abQ6FzCsJ0TPkEjitFucXdkGsLeKjnnfzbPvwBNWIh2UngiPtxKwxl2vWX9MboPrGMDkGFuas5noT80PxxhPHkzSLDwezcv9DI5vJ_yugwDCNAeJm0lcFM4NQWEvLlBgGNjojiaDPfrCQfFipfNcvoyaDmUXMf2QA1mJvXTJoa6JB6hDmdGm-A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3279" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7abQ6FzCsJ0TPkEjitFucXdkGsLeKjnnfzbPvwBNWIh2UngiPtxKwxl2vWX9MboPrGMDkGFuas5noT80PxxhPHkzSLDwezcv9DI5vJ_yugwDCNAeJm0lcFM4NQWEvLlBgGNjojiaDPfrCQfFipfNcvoyaDmUXMf2QA1mJvXTJoa6JB6hDmdGm-A" width="260" /></a></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br /><b>I'm very much looking forward to our driving out West this summer. It will be one of our last big family trips...and much more than 500 miles. The kids are getting older and wanting to get summer jobs...so I know the time is fleeting.</b></span><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. Tell us about a time recently that it felt like you were 'racing against the clock'. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>I find lately that I have days open to my own planning that are busy but relatively slow paced...that are then followed by days where I'm too closely scheduled and I am 'racing against the clock' from one errand and appointment to another. I really need to find a way to scatter things up but that doesn't seem to be the way of things.</b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. Have you ever attended any really large sporting events? What was your impression of the experience? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby, The World Series, FIFA World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Daytona 500, The Olympics, The Masters, Wimbledon, The Boston Marathon, March Madness, Tour de France, Monaco's Grand Prix, The Open (golf), The Ryder Cup, The Stanley Cup Finals..of the events listed which would you most like to attend in person? Or maybe one that's not listed? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>I have not attended any large sporting events. I don't enjoy large crowds. I barely make it through high school sporting events and I'm only there for the band (my kids are in marching band/pep band). We do love watching the World Cup every four years and I would go to that if I got the opportunity.</b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. Are you an iced tea drinker? If so, do you drink it year round, or only in the spring and summer months? Do you make your own or buy it bottled? Sweet or unsweet? Flavored? Lemon or no lemon? How about a Long Island Iced Tea? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>My husband is an iced tea drinker...I am a warm tea drinker. He drinks it all year round. In an attempt at being more healthy he has gone to unsweet tea with maybe some stevia added.</b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">5. April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day...do you volunteer in some way? Tell us about it. If not, tell us about a volunteer you appreciate. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>I've spent a large part of my life volunteering. As a pastor's kid I was 'voluntold' in many ministries. When the kids were little I volunteered in their schools...pretty much doing para work for free. I am still very involved and will be Band Booster president this coming year. I also volunteer heavily in our church and volunteer as a biblical counselor for our community.</b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">6. Insert your own random thought here. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaHEgC3vu5v6VEK_QVUBtHAxybqmjN2FqLOp6iSQKLlLw0z2cBoRJf-dRj5eCedQAD7jy3qx_2rd24uMjWOG1IS6ceTH9r9LNrPftRB1o1p42fvH41Z0XyyDYMlC3mQDRIgvCHbQnVbYrSxYlgZ59DsRtOv01lEmvLnaXEberci801g-wPPuFjYA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaHEgC3vu5v6VEK_QVUBtHAxybqmjN2FqLOp6iSQKLlLw0z2cBoRJf-dRj5eCedQAD7jy3qx_2rd24uMjWOG1IS6ceTH9r9LNrPftRB1o1p42fvH41Z0XyyDYMlC3mQDRIgvCHbQnVbYrSxYlgZ59DsRtOv01lEmvLnaXEberci801g-wPPuFjYA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>Spring break brought a lot of illness and our family is just now digging out of weeks of a respiratory/viral awfulness. I'm thankful for the slow down that illness can bring...and for the beauty of springtime.</b></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-86019803124047085162023-01-11T10:00:00.003-08:002023-01-11T10:00:56.983-08:00Grace 2023<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfic--bLYUmoNwWIiRBxx5sVFhKsx1TvL7IXnf3OqFYAtz9uY7GFRGZMowFdhTiWgMCPx2lscvCY0R0KG3wTbEhPrwxaWRyHDFxYFMyA81YNESghjaFmNkIG27i9ZgDNN4HwvNbmeOazPDOo2fJ_gYzaxIKLOhVX3qu1cRaLCGI19GVXZi6x1tA/s3780/6E644BA4-DAF6-4354-8256-3646F835907F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfic--bLYUmoNwWIiRBxx5sVFhKsx1TvL7IXnf3OqFYAtz9uY7GFRGZMowFdhTiWgMCPx2lscvCY0R0KG3wTbEhPrwxaWRyHDFxYFMyA81YNESghjaFmNkIG27i9ZgDNN4HwvNbmeOazPDOo2fJ_gYzaxIKLOhVX3qu1cRaLCGI19GVXZi6x1tA/s320/6E644BA4-DAF6-4354-8256-3646F835907F.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my sourdough loaves that turned out pretty!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>For the last decade or so I've picked 'a word of the year.' For me, it has proven helpful to have a topical focus for each year. God has chosen to use these words to deepen my spiritual growth and keep my gaze on Him. The last two years...I've had Dwell & Abide and, amid deep suffering, God has used these words to keep me in His Word, for which I am deeply grateful. </p><p>I had a real struggle choosing a word this year. I started considering Hesed...due to my recent reading of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inexpressible-Hesed-Mystery-Gods-Lovingkindness-ebook/dp/B07KPPMXFC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=33L91PXZ7FQ32&keywords=hesed+michael+card&qid=1673459209&sprefix=hesed%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-2">Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mastery of God's Lovingkindness by Michael Card</a>. But, I decided it was a bit too wide and involved. It would probably require a re read of the book and I have other books on my long list.</p><p>So, I then seriously considered Humility. </p><p>This leads me on a bunny trail to explain a concern I have with this whole "choosing a word for the year" <i>thang</i>. I have noticed it's led to a certain amount of superstition in the christian church and even myself. It's ridiculous for us to think, 'If I don't choose difficult topics such as patience, humility, etc. than God won't refine and teach me in those areas.' God is absolutely faithful to make us more like His Son. He will focus in whichever areas He sees we need it most. It doesn't matter if I'm in agreement. Also, my fears on choosing difficult topics stem from a skewed or inaccurate view of Who He Is. He is gentle and lowly...He knows all about me and yet desires to draw me close. Any pain that he brings or allows is for my refinement, not my destruction. So, all that to say...I didn't choose Humility (<i>lol</i>)...it was too scary. <u>But</u>, God is still faithfully humbling me and working on crushing my Pride. I would expect nothing less.</p><p>Where I landed for this year was Grace. It seemed gentle and simple. Boy, was I wrong. I am currently just collecting ways I hear it used...and then I'm going to start parceling out what God's Word says about each. It brings up interesting connections...ie. Grace/Mercy, Grace & Gracious, Grace-filled...I've already uncovered what I think are some incorrect uses or maybe just secular uses of the word...'giving myself or others grace'...'it's all grace'...etc. It will be an interesting year. It makes me thankful that I have decided to write again. </p><p>Do you select a word focus each year? Why or why not? If so, what have you chosen and how can I be praying for you.</p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-19955161115859336382023-01-04T02:00:00.002-08:002023-01-04T02:00:00.186-08:00What are you reading? January Check-in <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRxOcw31VciU75cCa2ePK43R0J1opB_5ifXTKVi1QRSp0FzWU7V5vIh9gjGpVg10tL4vPJZtMtt3yjszoWb2-jEu94Gb_6wpYWoAbxaM4H-_UiiKywp96Yhw3reLMfNrLhvVj7m_pcgmpl0OMqHsN1lCVqg-nRuLhe7d3l6nddLgxJhtxBt0-A/s4032/1F1BB907-9AAD-4EC7-A572-95AC1E62C018.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fRxOcw31VciU75cCa2ePK43R0J1opB_5ifXTKVi1QRSp0FzWU7V5vIh9gjGpVg10tL4vPJZtMtt3yjszoWb2-jEu94Gb_6wpYWoAbxaM4H-_UiiKywp96Yhw3reLMfNrLhvVj7m_pcgmpl0OMqHsN1lCVqg-nRuLhe7d3l6nddLgxJhtxBt0-A/s320/1F1BB907-9AAD-4EC7-A572-95AC1E62C018.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a new <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CSB-Notetaking-Bible-Floral-Cloth-Over-Board/dp/1535970103/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1CI5RQ03GQTHA&keywords=journaling+csb+hardback&qid=1672780470&sprefix=journaling+csb+hardback+%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-7">journaling bible</a>...a new version to me...CSB. It has a linen cover...it's hardback. All of things are new and I'm loving it. I haven't gotten a new Bible in a long time. As I type that I think how incredibly blessed I am to have multiple bibles, in multiple versions, beautiful and marked with all I've learned by God's grace over the years. He has done a lot through His Word in me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untangling-Emotions-J-Alasdair-Groves-ebook/dp/B07JDDSX8N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OZQP4TLNF2TN&keywords=untangling+emotions+groves%2C+j.+alasdair+smith%2C+winston+t&qid=1672780354&sprefix=Untangling+EMotion%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1">Untangling Emotions</a> by Groves & Smith - this is a reread for me. Our small group is going through it together. I read it quickly a year ago, per my normal method. It is a joy to read it slowly and with a trusted group of friends. Their insights are very helpful to me in learning to love better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fruit-Her-Hands-Respect-Christian-ebook/dp/B004QS921K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MQNH9VZUP20E&keywords=the+fruit+of+her+hands+nancy+wilson&qid=1672780298&sprefix=the+fruit+of+her+ha%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1">The Fruit of Her Hands</a> by Nancy Wilson - this is also a reread for me. I try to read this annually because it's very helpful to my marriage. Our marriage has undergone a lot of stress these last few years and all of the truths in this book help get me right side up and viewing things biblically.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garment-Shadows-suspense-featuring-Sherlock-ebook/dp/B007JC2ELA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16TZQ0IZKJKE5&keywords=garment+of+shadows+by+laurie+king&qid=1672780270&sprefix=garment+of+sha%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1">Garment of Shadows</a> by Laurie King - I love the Mary Russell series by this author. Recently my hubby gifted me with the missing pieces of my collection so I'm re reading them. It's been so long I can't remember exactly how they end and certain details. I stayed up until 1AM finishing this so it goes down as the first completed book of 2023. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ESV-Prayer-Journal-Days-Humility/dp/1433581930/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HNTA325E60T9&keywords=humility+bible+study&qid=1672780148&sprefix=humility+study%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-2">30 Days of Humility</a> by Crossway - A close friend is doing this with me. I don't feel I have time to join a group study...but we're going through this bi-weekly. I think it's silly how superstitious we can be about studying things like patience and humility as if it will bring trial into our lives. As if God, who only gives good gifts, wouldn't decide we're getting lessons on it whether we 'choose' them or not. Ha. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you happen to be in the blogosphere...I'd sure love to hear what you're reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-49177884029225664612023-01-03T12:55:00.000-08:002023-01-03T12:55:17.783-08:00HP: A New Year<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="width: 273px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" alt="From this Side of the Pond" width="273" height="273" /> </a> </div>" rel="nofollow"><img alt="grab button for From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /></a> </p><p><b><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. Did you set any goals for the new year this time</span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> last</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> year? Did you meet them or miss the mark? Tell us more if you're comfortable sharing. </span></b></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">I am always setting goals...but the last few years have been such a blur of suffering and just surviving that I haven't kept up well. I have survived (praise the Lord) and am just now beginning to feel like myself again. I have made some new goals...all manageable. I don't know that I've lowered my expectations but I've gotten more realistic. I am hoping I'm learning to not hold on too tightly. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't remember the last time</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">I smiled weightlessly, without worry</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">Faking it becoming my mantra</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">And pushing through second nature</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">But yesterday, I smiled </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">all day</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">And I noticed it.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">Slowly, joy is returning.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;">~Selina Bergey</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>2. What are three words that might describe the kind of person you were this past year or describe in some way how your life looked? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Sinner, Sufferer, Saint....I've heard this used many times in counseling to help evaluate a whole person but this year I've examined each very personally. I pray that this gives me greater compassion and love for others.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>3. What's something new you ate, saw, heard, or experienced in 2022? What did you think? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Caregiving. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Always pray to have eyes that see the best, </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">a heart that forgives the worst, </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">a mind that forgets the bad, </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">and a soul that never loses faith.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. <b>Oxford Dictionary has announced it's word of the year for 2022, and it's this-<i>goblin mode</i>. Huh? Have you ever heard this phrase? Used this phrase? It's defined as <i>"a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations."</i> </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>This year they allowed the public to choose amongst three finalists. You can read more about that <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/goblin-mode-oxford-dictionaries-word-of-the-year-2022/" style="color: #6e698f; text-decoration: none;">here</a>. </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I would love to know what constitutes "the public"...I haven't even heard my young friends use goblin mode. Gotta say the "unapologetically" part of this definition is unsettling.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>If you were in charge, what word would you declare word of the year for 2022? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I would choose Duolingo because our whole family has gotten into using this app. We are all learning different languages which has been hilarious and fun. I am getting to the point where I'm going to need a real text book and some friends to practice with but the app is super fun.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>5. Any special plans for an end of year celebration in your house or town? <i><a href="https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/holidays/articles/worlds-best-new-years-eve-parties" style="color: #6e698f; text-decoration: none;">The travel channel </a></i>says the world's best New Year's Eve celebrations will happen in <i>Copacabana Beach-Rio de Janerio, the Orlando theme parks in Florida, London, Sydney, New York's Time Square, Edinburgh Scotland, and Paris. </i>If you could attend any one of these which would you choose? Tell us why? </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">During the day we played lots of games as a family. It was fun and relaxing. Poor Em had her wisdom teeth out the day before so I made enchiladas. I forget that they're so easy to make. They turned out delicious. We saved the fizzy sparkling grape juice for another time since she couldn't have carbonation yet and we didn't want to leave her out. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I'd love to spend New Year's Eve in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's a beautiful city at any time of the year...and the people are lovely. I love following @mylittleedinburgh on Insta. She makes me want to go back for another visit.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><b>6. Insert your own random thought here. </b></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I'm sure I've said this before...but perhaps this year I will actually do it. ' I would like to spend more time in this space.' Writing is good for me...cathartic. So much has happened since my last post...after surviving a Stem Cell Transplant my Dad got Graft Vs Host Disease and passed away August 2021...my Mom was in assisted and living six hours away from me...my brother and I sorted and sold my parents home...and then in August of 2022 I moved Mom to live closer to me...the transition was bumpy even though a lot of careful planning was done beforehand. And it continues to be an adjustment...I struggle to carry an enormous amount of responsibility without adding in self pity and selfishness. Some days I fall on my face. Every day God picks me up...and carries me. </p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-72859191740557915802021-06-23T15:23:00.002-07:002021-06-23T15:23:18.573-07:00Happy Hot Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<p> <span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. What's something that reminds you of your grandmother? Tell us why. </span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31785m_hW2Xbm1NE7k2KzwisUdJ0R1W-KUFpaXLvJMyOoaVTZa8uSTnUBJcRNQSLpw3YecYfaEaotzY6lXP_nTqa4299O42ny9mgU8cE8iAKbmiuEfscP6EV2vScJCZD1Pg17DZDJA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31785m_hW2Xbm1NE7k2KzwisUdJ0R1W-KUFpaXLvJMyOoaVTZa8uSTnUBJcRNQSLpw3YecYfaEaotzY6lXP_nTqa4299O42ny9mgU8cE8iAKbmiuEfscP6EV2vScJCZD1Pg17DZDJA/" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br />This bone china strawberry tea cup. I use it daily. Ironically, she was allergic to strawberries...but she loved this pretty mug. When I wrapped my hands around it I can picture her hands wrapped around it.</span><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. Is your life currently more '<i>moonlight and roses</i>' or a little more '<i>every rose has it's thorn'</i>? Elaborate. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I think I'm coming out of a season of 'every rose has its thorn' with various trials but I'm not sure I'd exactly say I'm in a 'moonlight and roses' quite yet either. Seems like sorta begging for it to say that. Summertime always feel sort hectic to me...I struggle to enjoy the wild ride of activities.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. June 23rd is National Pink Day...favorite thing you own in any shade of pink? Favorite thing found in nature in any shade of pink? Your favorite pink food or beverage? Your favorite shade of pink? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I have a dusty pink V-neck t-shirt that almost works as a neutral. It's very soft. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">These are pink roses from my yard. The darker rose is from bushes at the side of the house. The lighter is my family rose from Scotland. They smell amazing.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzCgZipEGCsr1jCNEfBOEOTP6T3EiVbMqExNSypyBTv1tX-CDxrmv0sYUhPYUYBCx4QVsVzeicgjU3KxKo-a7UqMUbevNmo2Qo2El6icqFocI1A77Q4JsFQBzWrXnQP6MbJUQabIh6w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzCgZipEGCsr1jCNEfBOEOTP6T3EiVbMqExNSypyBTv1tX-CDxrmv0sYUhPYUYBCx4QVsVzeicgjU3KxKo-a7UqMUbevNmo2Qo2El6icqFocI1A77Q4JsFQBzWrXnQP6MbJUQabIh6w/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. Last thing that had you 'tickled pink'? </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I finally finished my counseling certification...got my Congratulations email. It was ALOT of work and a long time coming. I'm so happy! </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">5. What are two or three words that describe your style. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Classic Jeans</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Black</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Sandles/Toms</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">6. Insert your own random thought here. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMO0o18qtZGg89MX-s-NwpZ57dtGg46Cdl2NW1NdfomagLqMn_eikWgk6geNC2RcP9mAtJwLteJOYhSWTLJPS2gNRG8yxxwL1lFXKT4E3kIPtfi0BDgUFXFvDTvOsGF2DTG-2-xkceQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMO0o18qtZGg89MX-s-NwpZ57dtGg46Cdl2NW1NdfomagLqMn_eikWgk6geNC2RcP9mAtJwLteJOYhSWTLJPS2gNRG8yxxwL1lFXKT4E3kIPtfi0BDgUFXFvDTvOsGF2DTG-2-xkceQ/" width="320" /></a></div>Summer fun times here...Glad for a break in the weather after a SUPER hot week last week. So glad for water guns and water balloons. And AC...very grateful for AC!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEWCgl8Nro6es2E2HCZsryXV23uLY3c5tCBF84_Ccn-CF_Ne3gwKtURbAB2PyxHzvF3-K-owLJ5n3W9KrL4lVYt53vv24VeUKAIedUIaaYXeX6RbO2aSXg8IL9lYfNRo075EnBXO5KA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEWCgl8Nro6es2E2HCZsryXV23uLY3c5tCBF84_Ccn-CF_Ne3gwKtURbAB2PyxHzvF3-K-owLJ5n3W9KrL4lVYt53vv24VeUKAIedUIaaYXeX6RbO2aSXg8IL9lYfNRo075EnBXO5KA/" width="180" /></a></div>Loving coffee time with my girl baby...She is enjoying coffee finally...and just started driver's ed classes online this week. They grow up so fast.<br /><br /><p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-70810649771267043492021-06-16T13:06:00.000-07:002021-06-16T13:06:36.925-07:00I Won't Last A Day Without You, God!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TRUqk1QV-lWstKWULv_w0cfSW_49b4jsp0sTpQMcgaU_BlFcR7TEuQExgpqfxuoKyzeyKV2JFWLFHs_XM4DAbDSe2fOpaZd6Ssk76XorQDTL_UrzoO_Bsqd1jbbUBS1oAXhyphenhyphenS1hdPQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TRUqk1QV-lWstKWULv_w0cfSW_49b4jsp0sTpQMcgaU_BlFcR7TEuQExgpqfxuoKyzeyKV2JFWLFHs_XM4DAbDSe2fOpaZd6Ssk76XorQDTL_UrzoO_Bsqd1jbbUBS1oAXhyphenhyphenS1hdPQ/w240-h320/IMG_1174.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Sometimes I'm struck by love songs written for mere mortals that could be worship songs to my Savior. It reminds me how easily I put these expectations on my marriage or friendships. <u>Always, perfectly</u> be there for me... <u>always, perfectly</u> keep your promises...<u>always, perfectly</u> shower love upon me...It's unfair because they simply can't hope to measure up. But my God, His love never fails.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This song is a great example...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Day after day I must face a world of strangers <i>(I am a stranger here...this world is not my home)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Where I don't belong, I'm not that strong <i>(O Lord, I need you)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">It's nice to know that there's someone I can turn to <i>(He will never leave me or forsake me)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Who will always care, you're always there <i>(I am His, forever)</i></span></span></div><div><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Touch me and I end up singing <i>(He even sings over me and quiet me with his love)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Troubles seem to up and disappear <i>(He delivers me from all my fears)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">You touch me with the love you're bringing <i>(through your precious Son Jesus)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">I can't really lose when you're near <i>(We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">When you're near, my love <i>(God is close to the brokenhearted)</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">If all my friends have forgotten half their promises<i> (God always keeps his promises)</i></span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">They're not unkind, just hard to find </span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">One look at you and I know that I could learn to live</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Without the rest, I've found the best <i>(Indeed, I have)</i></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">When there's no getting over that rainbow</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">When my smallest of dreams won't come true (So many unfulfilled longings)</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">I can take all the madness the world has to give <i>(I CAN'T take it...I need God's help)</i></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">But I won't last a day without you (God)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're curious for the full lyrics, without my parenthetical thoughts, you can find them <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=lyrics+i+won%27t+last+a+day+without+you&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">Here</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for tagging along for an overly analytical musical adventure.</span><p></p>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T70TcvEU15E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-8767303150065552602021-06-09T16:43:00.001-07:002021-06-09T16:43:00.276-07:00June Bug HodgePodge<p> </p><div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a></div><div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p></div><b>
1. Something you've seen recently that's 'cuter than a June bug'? </b><div>I consider these peeps to be pretty cute! We managed to get away for an unplugged week in TN before the crazy of summer began. I really loved the cuteness of seeing their faces and spending time with them at waterfalls, around campfires and across board games. <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCftu0v16aa8CInYvjh7g0rWj0bWGzS5zqon8zKNdyBvjZFGGvjOfbESGcwznRP_D4kfKxU9xTtLfMuwSO1XeTG1Q2_DYgMQuUu1pbKb54Sgt_P1SfK9PNi1aULMhdlpxqv-ZA8KwyRg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCftu0v16aa8CInYvjh7g0rWj0bWGzS5zqon8zKNdyBvjZFGGvjOfbESGcwznRP_D4kfKxU9xTtLfMuwSO1XeTG1Q2_DYgMQuUu1pbKb54Sgt_P1SfK9PNi1aULMhdlpxqv-ZA8KwyRg/" width="295" /></a></div>While wading (yes, bravely with my phone/camera)...I got a picture of this cute water 'bug'...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekcrO5q9aJVS5R3jXWdS9ZaWczd8PwmvqGd8fqI8LsK9-U3qmnkY1qIwuG2TT-jcFjMLd60QfIwa0K3Qf2_mk4h8cLW2LEOfbOOHWt2KMt9G4qSYFCXNCEvXaJ56jGfScrL1pOmj_ug/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekcrO5q9aJVS5R3jXWdS9ZaWczd8PwmvqGd8fqI8LsK9-U3qmnkY1qIwuG2TT-jcFjMLd60QfIwa0K3Qf2_mk4h8cLW2LEOfbOOHWt2KMt9G4qSYFCXNCEvXaJ56jGfScrL1pOmj_ug/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><b>2. Tell us something about where you were and what you were doing in June of 1988? If you weren't born yet, June of 1998. Or if that doesn't work, June of 2008. </b></div><div><u>June 1988:</u> I was in third grade. I had Miss Dailey as a teacher. I loved school. I remember all of my teacher's names. I feel like school let out in June when I was growing up. We didn't go back until labor day. Now that's about a month different. My kids get out in May and go back in August. </div><div><u>June 1998:</u> I graduated from high school. It was kind of weird because I graduated from a school I transferred to at the end of my Junior year and then I went to the community college for half the senior year. My friends were largely back in upstate NY where I'd grown up. But, I do remember my grandparents coming and I was very excited to be going to college on a full vocal scholarship.</div><div><u>June 2008:</u> I was the married mommy to two adorable children...a three year old and one year old. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8r8_vjuIjCL728uMRNXwinfV9MsVU2-n69Z9VbCndeP_cZuRuA2ovG81P8W06fs4aUKfqm4QdQBFdti2L4tm2mG-qXrehgJSbPhhSVdrydM9CGTww9_9Gz968DEUxkbNIj5ms4MdpQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1674" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8r8_vjuIjCL728uMRNXwinfV9MsVU2-n69Z9VbCndeP_cZuRuA2ovG81P8W06fs4aUKfqm4QdQBFdti2L4tm2mG-qXrehgJSbPhhSVdrydM9CGTww9_9Gz968DEUxkbNIj5ms4MdpQ/" width="196" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>3. A place in your home or outdoor space where you feel 'snug as a bug in a rug'? </b></div><div>My sewing room/office...this has become more and more my refuge over the past year. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is my current project...these are from a pinwheel exchange and I want to get them into a quilt before the Winter state guild retreat when we can reveal what we did with ours to each other. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBmqfQBrJENcUywXdpjCqDIPSkg1ag7FjdRSiuJoEeVtH5BGfg4QCveWDEnVMeJF_rUGCpJV5zyXvboKvo-5WcmOocyKJBMLH8pQJI23aRk16Vl-sSn9BK-6G3ABB652f_1HsrvMTlg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBmqfQBrJENcUywXdpjCqDIPSkg1ag7FjdRSiuJoEeVtH5BGfg4QCveWDEnVMeJF_rUGCpJV5zyXvboKvo-5WcmOocyKJBMLH8pQJI23aRk16Vl-sSn9BK-6G3ABB652f_1HsrvMTlg/" width="180" /></a></div>I've been working on a counseling certification and much of that has been virtual, so my design wall became a lovely back drop for counseling and the sewing room became my snug, cozy, private space.<br /><br /></div><div><b>4. June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Month. Do you normally get your 4-5 servings each day? What's a favorite summer dish you make/serve/like to be served-ha! made with one of your favorite summer fruits. A favorite summer dish made with a favorite summer veg? How do you feel about cooking in the summer months? </b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv43eBvjiocA4HI6Y95qnZyVr0wdAOZa8qBtijA5GDB5_f-F3P3Yd9Za_WBNQ2ddHwStUBs4Bj9QXD7Hdu0FsS5ZS4UThvJuighWNnrMhjDF7XW-e75pRjqSztslH4AhyphenhyphenjMpv539MsA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2888" data-original-width="3493" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv43eBvjiocA4HI6Y95qnZyVr0wdAOZa8qBtijA5GDB5_f-F3P3Yd9Za_WBNQ2ddHwStUBs4Bj9QXD7Hdu0FsS5ZS4UThvJuighWNnrMhjDF7XW-e75pRjqSztslH4AhyphenhyphenjMpv539MsA/" width="290" /></a></div></b></div><div>I love fruits and vegetables. I don't think I've had one I don't like. We really enjoy oven/grill roasted veggies with just EVOO, salt and pepper. I regularly roast cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and asparagus. Strawberries are in full <i>boom</i> here and are sooooo good. I've made jam and we ate a whole bunch plain. I'm debating picking another time but I don't want to be greedy. Peaches are just coming into stores here...and I make a fresh peach ice box pie that is amazing if I do say so myself. It's my son's favorite. It's pretty much peach jello and fresh peaches in a graham cracker crust. </div><div><b>5. Do you have a summer reading list? If so share a title or two we can add to our own. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b></div><div>I highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Lowly-Christ-Sinners-Sufferers-ebook/dp/B086GWZ6CY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=gentle+and+lowly&qid=1623197268&sr=8-1">Gentle and Lowly</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Seven-Names-Korean-Defectors-ebook/dp/B00JD3ZL9U/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+girl+with+seven+names&qid=1623197301&sr=8-1">The Girl with Seven Names</a>...</div><div><br /></div><div>Upcoming on my list are...<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untangling-Emotions-J-Alasdair-Groves-ebook/dp/B07JDDSX8N/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=untangling+emotions&qid=1623197098&sr=8-1">Untangling Emotions</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Making-C-Lewis-1918-1945-Apologist/dp/1433567830/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+making+of+cs+lewis&qid=1623197240&sr=8-1">The Making of CS Lewis</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun fact about my reading habits. I generally have a long list of need to reads for counseling education, etc. So, I 'bribe' myself to read those tougher, nonfiction reads...by 'rewarding' myself with fiction before bed. So, I've always got an Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes on my nightstand for said reward purposes. I have the complete works of both. </div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>6. Insert your own random thought here. </b></div></div></div><div>My Sweet Emma helped me pass out runner bibs at our church's annual 5K-10K...We usually do it as a family but the boys were down with back pain and allergies...It was as sweet time.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWdcb27GDyncluydlY2f_oSB3w2pR-1F8dxwbuZcmIHS3f8WwcufHCRNW7lEqfU1igc-PCS7gmPWnfcHHEkJ_AuzEl0uJ5qM1Dm-klWR_o3kA9DJebrRqM7r6TillYfS7tqmmmFaJCg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWdcb27GDyncluydlY2f_oSB3w2pR-1F8dxwbuZcmIHS3f8WwcufHCRNW7lEqfU1igc-PCS7gmPWnfcHHEkJ_AuzEl0uJ5qM1Dm-klWR_o3kA9DJebrRqM7r6TillYfS7tqmmmFaJCg/" width="320" /></a></div>I'm about to head off for a few days of sewing with friends. I'm very excited. I'm off to pack...hopefully not everything but the kitchen sink. I try to be a light packer but I think of too many possibilities. </div>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-81762890621902619872021-06-04T18:03:00.001-07:002021-06-04T18:03:58.171-07:00Five Minutes of Slow<p><img alt="slow" class="aligncenter wp-image-7669 pinit-hover" data-attachment-id="7669" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="slow" data-jpibfi-indexer="0" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-title="FMF Writing Prompt Link-up :: Slow" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://fiveminutefriday.com/2021/06/03/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-slow/" data-jpibfi-src="https://i0.wp.com/fiveminutefriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FMF-Square-Images-Round-6-85.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/fiveminutefriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FMF-Square-Images-Round-6-85.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/fiveminutefriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FMF-Square-Images-Round-6-85.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/fiveminutefriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FMF-Square-Images-Round-6-85.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,800" data-permalink="https://fiveminutefriday.com/2021/06/03/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-slow/fmf-square-images-round-6-85/" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://i0.wp.com/fiveminutefriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FMF-Square-Images-Round-6-85.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1" width="400" /></p><p>Ready...set...GO!</p><p>After a season that was absolute, full out sprint....God gave me <i><b>slow</b></i>. Not a full stop...but certainly a decided stroll. </p><p>He knew I needed it...to lean even harder into Him. There was an adrenaline rush to the fast...a no nonsense clarity to the, "I can't do this and I need you Jesus... a "I am weak and You are strong"...a "gather yourself and RUN"...</p><p>So, in ways the <i><b>slow</b></i> held hard lessons...quiet, waiting, lonely. And...I found in it a chance to abide...to dwell deeply...to await His perfect timing and to see His ways are always best. To again renew and embrace being a helper to my husband...who needed me to go <b><i>slow</i></b> and care for his injured back...and a time to embrace my mommy-hood...to kids who needed me to go <i><b>slow...</b></i>listen and love. </p><p>And now as things begin to gather...the old, familiar busy days of summer activity...the <b><i>slow</i></b>, abiding remains...the love for an <i>early</i> morning of <b><i>slow</i></b>...and the rich, abiding. God continues to give opportunities to trust Him more.</p><p>STOP.</p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-30815075293204944162021-05-30T05:00:00.003-07:002021-05-30T05:00:00.233-07:00Sunday: Disturb us, Lord<p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV2NoPlj7W2j2h36AjuPFr6QvknLvFWrStMszUdHQj8e4_PXXaiTV8mbIciTrhJcptB0rvJpnCu_2DRj85dC0Z3VD4idUwLxOFk2ZXxZXsb2VPVPdmchqPwllER61n4qFK1mziIiaGg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV2NoPlj7W2j2h36AjuPFr6QvknLvFWrStMszUdHQj8e4_PXXaiTV8mbIciTrhJcptB0rvJpnCu_2DRj85dC0Z3VD4idUwLxOFk2ZXxZXsb2VPVPdmchqPwllER61n4qFK1mziIiaGg/w400-h400/DA0BD455-DC5D-4319-ADC9-34588F1C7404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Disturb us, Lord, when<p></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We are too pleased with ourselves,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">When our dreams have come true</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Because we dreamed too little,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">When we arrived safely</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Because we sailed too close to the shore.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Disturb us, Lord, when</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">With the abundance of things we possess</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We have lost our thirst</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">For the waters of life;</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Having fallen in love with life,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We have ceased to dream of eternity</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">And in our efforts to build a new earth,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We have allowed our vision</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Of the new Heaven to dim.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">To venture on wilder seas</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Where storms will show Your mastery;</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Where losing sight of land,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We shall find the stars.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">We ask you to push back</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">The horizons of our hopes;</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">And to push back the future</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">In strength, courage, hope, and love.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">This we ask in the name of our Captain,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Who is Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Lato, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">-Sir Francis Drake, 1577</span> </p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-65045016376878386942021-05-29T06:42:00.000-07:002021-05-29T06:42:10.703-07:00Before and After: Master Bedroom<p>I finally decided to makeover the master bedroom. I don't know if <i>makeover</i> is exactly the right word. The past few months has included the consideration of possibly moving to a place where we could better accommodate caregiving for family. With that being on the table I was very slow to do any upgrades that weren't necessary and <i>resale</i> became the word of the day. It turned out not to be the best way to care for our family so we won't be moving for the foreseeable future, which allowed me to open some paint and go for it. My Loverbrains thought this was a bit silly, cuz no one sees this room but us, but he loves the finish. So, that makes it worth it. </p><p>Before: I made the gray, roman blinds and they were beginning to droop. Very tricky to make, just saying. I apologize for my photography skills but the room is quite large and has a vaulted white ceiling. It felt very builder beige blah. Also, the art had worked with our previous wooden bed but was too small now somehow.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEsUbXOTzkcq-IoqcweO_xdGzkhFQoDK2fIT_az3Fbm3nvhdj1s48oYBBY-RxAtF8xW6rkVQmxAtkSPCQmYS-1Kv0EgAkT3OzF1ERNQiCTFJ1XLS4nI5iX-50eXFZpbjmt0ttmvjc4A/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEsUbXOTzkcq-IoqcweO_xdGzkhFQoDK2fIT_az3Fbm3nvhdj1s48oYBBY-RxAtF8xW6rkVQmxAtkSPCQmYS-1Kv0EgAkT3OzF1ERNQiCTFJ1XLS4nI5iX-50eXFZpbjmt0ttmvjc4A/w400-h300/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br />1<br /><div style="text-align: left;">SO, I selected a beautiful shade of blue...Refuge by Sherwin Williams. I painted just the one wall and created a collage out of mirrors I'd been collecting over the years. We added cordless, bamboo roman shades and hung heavy black out linen/brocade drapes. I added a plant too. I may still add a dust ruffle to the bed. I haven't decided. I love it. It's very much a room to exhale in...a refuge. </div></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvt0fAhu9IPYJR8uSikCWG79auasdzdVmMqDNRW2rXZqmFSw-HVs6QKmvmfK-SYNrMeEw7VowXOJ26wfMbS9LUh36qJ3VJeonzMOncG1vRHTbStmw9zlUSY8B3a9heTiN-b08Trk61A/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvt0fAhu9IPYJR8uSikCWG79auasdzdVmMqDNRW2rXZqmFSw-HVs6QKmvmfK-SYNrMeEw7VowXOJ26wfMbS9LUh36qJ3VJeonzMOncG1vRHTbStmw9zlUSY8B3a9heTiN-b08Trk61A/w400-h400/1FFA11E1-DE96-4F1A-BD58-D36256B6C228.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr></tbody></table></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-26668893599298400272021-05-27T14:41:00.001-07:002021-05-27T14:41:43.119-07:00Thoughtful Thursday: Time alone<p> Today, I had tea, with jam and bread...for any other Sound of Music fans out there. I have had a lovely hiatus of alone time lately. Maybe even too much. I can get all inward and overly analytical. Today was probably one of my last alone days for quite a while. School is ending tomorrow. Grandparents are coming to visit. A quick, 'off the grid' vacation to TN is in the works, followed by a serving trip, VBS and trips to see loved ones and their new, squishy baby. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT913CWhXt1naqMc5P-Mer6j-Axy0Dvi04p2hnIFVgyfZiFysSPyqaikJ1vEQYkzZdJfRJUMU9CM3uy0vGLPWuz3wN8gh1Ui3vjsy5dWfkuuBY-eCTu4p1-kTPjr-meIl2lk4c5HphCQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT913CWhXt1naqMc5P-Mer6j-Axy0Dvi04p2hnIFVgyfZiFysSPyqaikJ1vEQYkzZdJfRJUMU9CM3uy0vGLPWuz3wN8gh1Ui3vjsy5dWfkuuBY-eCTu4p1-kTPjr-meIl2lk4c5HphCQ/" width="320" /></a></div>I made some freezer jam. It's so beautiful. I'm always alarmed at the amount of sugar. Yikes. But, it's a sometimes food, right? We still have a lot of berries just for eating these next few days. I made it alone. Clinking and smooshing in my kitchen. Scrubbing and wiping. Quiet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkxOjadvX6Cj2sRLHyEWhCJ-LmR99isNZVhZcq2NGWdBncL7uM4TkZViqDQvVrfBnyajoAusKqb6NpAXqTF-P0xHU2QsNMJGqRnlsskbu5tqYZLZy9osDtbHi4_bGrO8A1H7NN5T2kw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2888" data-original-width="3493" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkxOjadvX6Cj2sRLHyEWhCJ-LmR99isNZVhZcq2NGWdBncL7uM4TkZViqDQvVrfBnyajoAusKqb6NpAXqTF-P0xHU2QsNMJGqRnlsskbu5tqYZLZy9osDtbHi4_bGrO8A1H7NN5T2kw/" width="290" /></a></div>The weather has been humid and full of thunderstorms lately but this morning was clear and beautiful with a light breeze. Perfect for berry picking. If my back didn't remind me I was over 40 I would have picked forever. I didn't want to be greedy though either. Last year we experienced a bit of a "hoarding' around here and fields were picked clean very quickly. I never got into a field...so no jam, apple butter, or canning happened. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuyksVSwPHCxkfP7MLrtcISIcXWTVrl8BLNwxdB3nVOkBPY-S8nDwIXYwJ2wPozA589JqBzSVU2qLa3VrKpvMdHjKFk04d7eCBjq5T2Jra9rIXTcCu82Np_1Z_4WVi5ReqkQUBvx-iQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="4032" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuyksVSwPHCxkfP7MLrtcISIcXWTVrl8BLNwxdB3nVOkBPY-S8nDwIXYwJ2wPozA589JqBzSVU2qLa3VrKpvMdHjKFk04d7eCBjq5T2Jra9rIXTcCu82Np_1Z_4WVi5ReqkQUBvx-iQ/" width="320" /></a></div>Usually, I berry pick with my kids but when I saw the chance to get into the field I decided to take it. My girlie is learning to drive this summer. The boy child is very into playing and teaching board games to his friends. So, today I picked alone...I listened to others chatting around me a wee bit...and thought how good it was to be quiet...here the birds and the breeze...breathe the berry scented air...squish the mud underfoot. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gPEzGoFjVmQ85yq9EqCqww9gbe_6-M06SH41_72aQSLKHAh6wxHHnFyJRe4GAYMTMuaf2ew9rR6VSUIurjrQDNHydE11n0N6eOkR3_few89HySQsqiVqHJrjGnX8lYzh9YofvMBsTw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gPEzGoFjVmQ85yq9EqCqww9gbe_6-M06SH41_72aQSLKHAh6wxHHnFyJRe4GAYMTMuaf2ew9rR6VSUIurjrQDNHydE11n0N6eOkR3_few89HySQsqiVqHJrjGnX8lYzh9YofvMBsTw/" width="320" /></a></div>I've felt a bit tender after the season of discipline and trial we've just come through. I find my usually extremely extroverted self shying away from gatherings. I have been tired in every way...and feel the expectation is for me to be my normal cheery self but sometimes we go through things that change us...and we just want some time alone. I hope I'm ready to jump into the summer season...maybe a little more sober minded, serious...not necessarily a bad thing...just different. I can say with confidence that God is good, all the time. He is close to the broken hearted. He is good and does only good...no good thing does he withhold. He will never leave me or forsake me. <p></p>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-56341673284537450412021-05-26T07:24:00.001-07:002021-05-26T07:24:12.760-07:00Memorial Day Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 273px;"> <a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<p> <span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. We're approaching Memorial Day Weekend in the US of A...will you mark this in some way? If so tell us how. According to</span><span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g27455860/memorial-day-activities/" style="color: #6e698f; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-decoration: none;">a list found here</a><span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">some things you might do in honor of Memorial Day would be-</span><i style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">shop in a Veteran owned business, learn to play a patriotic song, watch the Memorial Day concert, take a virtual tour of the White House, write a letter to a soldier or a soldier's family, fly a flag, attend a Memorial Day parade, donate flowers for a soldier's grave, put together a care package for a soldier, and take a moment of silence at 3 PM (the National Moment of Remembrance)....</i><span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">of the ideas mentioned are there any you will try?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">We will fly a flag and talk about why the day is important. Sometimes we watch a parade in town. </span></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4071764655292497598" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 646px;"><p>2. What's something recently that made you 'come to attention'? </p><p>We've been going through a season of discipline and trials and waiting...As we've started to come out the other side, many things have caused me to "come to attention" regarding my priorities at home, in marriage, in parenting, in ministry, etc. Hard is not bad, it's just hard and sometimes it gives you better perspective.</p><p>3. In what area of your life do you need to 'soldier on'? </p><p>I think whenever you're in a time of waiting...just plugging along and being faithful...'soldier on.' Makes me think of a song "The Warrior is a Child"...<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XNUNNNS18Jc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>4. As a long weekend approaches and summer draws near, what's a favorite food from your childhood you think about adding to the menu? </p><p>This time of year I always think of my Mom's potato salad. It's the best. I generally make firecrackers...mini saltines soaked in oil, ranch powder and red pepper flakes...yum.</p><p>5. Your favorite patriotic movie? </p><p>I love the movie Iron Eagle...<img alt="Iron Eagle - Wikipedia" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/Iron_eagle.jpg" style="height: 394px; margin: 0px; width: 253px;" /></p><p>6. Insert your own random thought here. </p><p>It was fun to join in today. I am always inspired by the Hodgepodge...and had time today. I want to make commitments and plans to be more consistent in blogging but maybe I'll be more likely to write if I don't put those pressures on it. I miss you lovelies. </p></div><div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #eeeeee; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666666; font-size: 10.800000190734863px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px -2px 0px; padding: 5px 10px;"><br /></div>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-88077846073088235192020-06-10T01:00:00.000-07:002020-06-10T01:00:05.871-07:00No dice, No regrets Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 273px;">
<a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. Last thing you said yes to? Did you regret it?</span><br />
I agreed to host a shower that I probably should have thrown myself. Now I'm essentially a venue for an inexperienced hostess. I'm trying hard to be mature and flexible and not lose my mind. I regret not offering to take it over...or throw a separate party but regrets don't mean much...time to paste on my smile and fix my heart and go love my people.<br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. No big deal, no contest, no dice, no hard feelings, no ifs ands or buts, no kidding, no offense, no pain no gain, no way...choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.</span><br />
No dice...I not that this is used to mean 'no deal'...but, I'm thinking about how happy I am that the sweet friend that we've been having over for Taco Tuesday since her hubby's passing is able to come over again in person since virtual Taco Tuesday is tricky and we were all tired of dice games. We discovered that if we all had the same amount of dice we could play almost any dice game via Zoom...Yahtzee being the favorite. So glad! So there, NO DICE, Covid!<br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. Thursday June 11th is National Making Life Beautiful Day...in this strange season how are you adding beauty to your days/life?</span><br />
The garden is looking beautiful...and I'm managing to keep a hanging plant alive for the first time in a long time. I think working on our attitudes and loving each other well is the best way to make days more beautiful though.<br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. According to an article found </span><a href="https://time.com/3901783/fruits-vegetables-season-june/" style="color: #6e698f; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; text-decoration: none;">here</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">, these six foods taste better in June than at any other time of the year-strawberries, asparagus, peas, peaches, beets, and garlic. How many of these have you tasted so far this month? Anything on the list you'd say 'no thank you' to trying? Rearrange the list starting with your favorite (1) to your least favorite (6).</span><br />
Peaches-I have made two peach pies so far this month!<br />
Strawberries-I can't seem to get into a field to pick because the demand is crazy and they are letting high risk into fields first and then getting stripped clean by noon. It's a bummer. Maybe I'll have luck at the farmers market. Probably won't get enough to make freezer jam this year.<br />
Peas-I love fresh peas but I rarely buy them. As a little girl I grew them with my grandma in the summertimes I spent with her.<br />
Asparagus- I love them grilled but haven't seen any good bunches yet. It's a bit early yet.<br />
Garlic- I use garlic in almost everything I can! (I tried to rate these from 1-6 but I really love them all). I am thinking of buying some tails from a friend for a stir-fry.<br />
Beets- pickled beets! Yum! This year I haven't had any yet...still too early but I did have kombucha with beet and cayenne from a friend. It was amazing!<br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">5. Describe your current mood in three words.</span><br />
Tired. Busy. Introspective.<br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">6. Insert your own random thought here.</span><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I finally started the final phase of counseling certification two weeks ago. It has been as hard as I thought in most ways and I'm glad I stepped out of many things to make space. In some ways it's been more encouraging and exciting than I thought though. I wish I could turn off my brain at night though...it just keeps going and going. It's going to be a long haul. I'm at the bottom of a mountain looking up...wondering if I have what it takes.</span>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-4799407589088925982020-05-13T06:50:00.000-07:002020-05-13T06:50:41.230-07:00Farkle Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 273px;">
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1. Ever played the game Farkle? Are you a risk taker? In games only or also in life?</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, we have played the game Farkle. I think there's a few versions of it too...one called Spicy Farkle. Our family is very into board games. I am not a gaming risk taker, per se. If I get to the point where I recognize I can't win I will work to make it more difficult for the leading player though. I'm not a risk taker in life, either. I like the saying "I love spontaneous </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>activities, provided they are carefully planned." </b></span><br />
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2. What's your favorite thing about your yard or whatever outdoor space you may have?</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">I miss the screened porch we had at our old house. I enjoy the little porch seating area on our front porch here...especially when we have the flag hung because it makes a shaded, secret place to read. </span></b><br />
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3. Tell us about the most interesting building you've seen or been in.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">When I travelled to Scotland with my grandparents I saw some old castles that were very interesting. My cousin and I were especially intrigued with the "bathrooms"....holes in the walls that went straight down to the moat. Never really had the same images of castles in my mind after that...hahaha.</span></b></div>
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4. In this current season of social distancing, what's something you've come to realize you take for granted in more ordinary times? Do you think you'll make a conscious effort to appreciate whatever that 'it' is once normal life resumes?</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">I took for granted hugging people. In fact, I had to work at remembering who wasn't "a hugger" in my social circle. I feel sad to think I may not be able to just grab and hug those I love again as I greet them and bring them into my home. "New Normal" is a term I'm not enjoying.</span></b><br />
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5. Share a favorite song with a springtime flower in the lyrics somewhere.</div>
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6. Insert your own random thought here.</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of my dear friends met her Savior yesterday, face to face. She was a MAF pilot in Papua. She was a bright light for Jesus and our family will be missing her very much. This is one of the last pictures she sent to us. She was so full of joy to be there after years of training and language school. </span></b><br />
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Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-43739994952869047492020-04-29T10:16:00.002-07:002020-04-29T10:32:48.946-07:00Super Hodgepodge!<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 273px;">
<a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sometimes after I exercise I feel very strong and super. Sometimes after I bake bread or make laundry detergent I </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>feel</i></span><i> very industrious and that's as close to super as I get, I think.</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am not a fan. I do watch them with my husband sometimes. I find them very intense/stressful and have to watch something happy afterwards or I can't rest. I like The Incredibles. I know that's animated but it should count. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures? </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I had just seen the dentist before all of this so I'm good for a while. I'll try to not eat sugary things or open things with my teeth. I am having an allergic reaction and am </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>attempting</i></span><i> another </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>virtual</i></span><i> meeting next week with an allergist. I am hoping for a blood draw order since they can't do the scratch test. </i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel '<i>not</i> so youthful'? Tell us why. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I exercise I feel healthy and youthful. When I learn new technology or use it like a pro I feel youthful. I spend a lot of time mentoring college students...when I realized that many of this years seniors were born the year I graduated from high school I did not feel so youthful. When I need help/instruction with technology I feel not so youthful. My face, currently in a state of allergic reaction rash, is not making me feel so youthful either.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I dread the grocery store. </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>How</i></span><i> people, even with masks and socially distanced, won't make </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>friendly</i></span><i> eye contact or greet one another. You can feel the fear. The X marks the spot all over the floors. </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>All</i></span><i> the masked faces. </i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Insert your own random thought here. </span></div>
<i><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: center;"></span>I am finishing up a baby quilt binding this week. I am also finishing up rewrites for my counseling exams. I also finished a book for one of the groups I'm leading...and I think I started 3 to take it's place. I am on a bland diet in an effort to calm this allergy. I went from prednisone last week (zipping around like an espresso fiend) to benedryl this week (sloth like efficiency). </span></b></i>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-49647303294296472442020-04-22T09:01:00.000-07:002020-04-22T09:01:07.634-07:00Hodgepodge Quietude<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 273px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="From this Side of the Pond" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRuAtS5twKIvM2vqFIO-fL88GYXRokBxeiIpDlzRf_rH9E43TfCNlR7PdiQZEUNHgWb2NBQpV1xEmcdseLM7y135rJtAQV05Q2F4wkcxzSP4W7iRbToh_9DALKmNPYUj2ko7fHnLQ1g/s1600/hodgepodge-button.png" width="273" /> </a> </span></div>
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I have resolved to keep more organized with reading and sewing. I think I've done better than in past years. I haven't met some goals because very obviously, life has changed. I ended up making 50 plus masks and that certainly wasn't on my radar. I also resolved to eat less carbs and exercise more consistently. I have not consistently done this...but I'm back on track this week.</i></span></b><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">2. Where do you go to find quietude?</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have made my sewing room a place of quietude. I hauled a rocking chair and all my devotional/reading stuff up there, and a place to set my drink. I used to spend my morning in the study but my Loverbrains started working in that space so I couldn't concentrate and it was not quiet or peaceful. But, the items in the sewing room, the fact that I can close the door, open the window and listen to the birds, listen to any music I want, and concentrate on reading, helps me find peace in the chaos.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Bubbles (for the kids to play with...you're never too old)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Beans (coffee)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Beans (pinto)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Beans (jelly)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Bengal Tea (my favorite tea, helps me with my quietude)</span></i></b><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Survival mode. I tend to have way impractical expectations. Turns out even for quarantine. I had to readjust this week...for the wellbeing and happiness of my marriage and family. In many ways we are in survival mode for the rest of the school year, for meals, for what quality time looks like. This means that screen time is longer than I'd generally prefer. This means we need space from each other more than we need time together on some days. We need to survive and there's no special formula for what this looks like right now.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths." ~Charles Spurgeon</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Life's storms prove the strength of our Anchor."</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"David didn't need to know Goliath's strength, because he already knew God's."</span></i></b><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">6. Insert your own random thought here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I am pushing myself to work on my counseling exam rewrites. They are due by June and I only find anxiety in procrastination. I have decided to use the time my children are </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>working</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>on</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> remote learning to focus on this. I find it very tedious. I have to cross </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>through</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> what I've </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>written</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> and rewrite in red which is boggling for my eyes and mind. Ready for this part of </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><i>certification</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> to be over. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-69908927354685513612020-04-16T07:31:00.001-07:002020-04-16T07:31:11.736-07:00#AtoZ Challenge: Impossible, Just, Kind, Loneliness & Mighty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Challenge Accepted: Letters I, J, K, L & M! </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I love this hymn. It is so encouraging to my soul!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><b>impossible</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! <b style="font-style: italic;">Nothing is too hard for you." </b>Jeremiah 32:17</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so thankful for these Truths. On days when I feel so overwhelmed with how life has changed and I'm tempted to worry about the future ahead, I'm thankful for a firm foundation for my feet as I continually place my Hope in God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span class="woc" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">“<b><i>Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.</i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="woc" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I have been studying God's Attributes with a group of lovely college girls. It is amazing and encouraging to repeatedly see how He is Perfect in each attribute, how they all go together and don't contradict each other. It is hard to wrap our finite minds around but He is Infinite, Immutable, <b><i>Just</i></b>, Wise, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Everywhere Present, Love, Good. Praise Him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been struck especially with God's incredible patience and </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>kindness</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to me during this time. Oh, what a petulant child I can be...and He is ever the Perfect Parent. He lovingly deals with my </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">loneliness </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span>confusion<span style="font-family: inherit;">. He reminds me of Himself through His Word. He has given me a godly, loving husband to lead me and has provided for my every need. He has surrounded me with Christian friends, the Church, who lift me up in prayer and hold me accountable to live out my faith and walk in the Way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right now I am spending </span>a lot<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of time in Psalm 34 and Psalm 91... My God is so big, so strong and so <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mighty</i>...there's nothing my God cannot do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="indent" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 35px; text-align: justify;">will abide in the shadow of the <b><i>Almighty</i></b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="ln-group" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I will say to the <span class="divine-name" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span>, “My refuge and my fortress,</span></span></div>
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my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">I will bless the <span class="divine-name" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span> at all times;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="indent" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 35px;">his praise shall continually be in my mouth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="ln-group" style="font-family: inherit;">My soul makes its boast in the <span class="divine-name" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span>;</span></span></div>
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let the humble hear and be glad.</div>
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Oh, magnify the <span class="divine-name" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span> with me,</div>
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and let us exalt his name together!</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">I sought the <span class="divine-name" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">LORD</span>, and he answered me</span></div>
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<span class="indent" style="margin-left: 35px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">and delivered me from <b><i>all my fears.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent" style="margin-left: 35px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;">Psalm 34:1-4</span></span></div>
Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-75822144649355040542020-04-15T04:36:00.001-07:002020-04-15T04:43:32.920-07:00Wednesday Hodgepodge<div class="from-this-side-of-the-pond-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 273px;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't know that I'm a fan of karaoke but I've never examined why until now. I guess, I feel that it's silly and because I actually sing at church, weddings and funerals, the comparison is too hard. But, I haven't had many opportunities to try it so I don't want to knock it too hard. I enjoy singing along and harmonizing to my favorite songs at home so I might like it, I suppose...but I think I'd tend toward taking it all too seriously.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I listen to music primarily through Amazon Music. I have created some playlists so I just tell Siri or Alexa to play My Exercise Jams and she does. I have finally learned to take all my many CDs and make them MP3s...but I never seem to have the time to scan more than one or two. <i>And no, I don't have more time now</i>. I have a lovely new vehicle but when we got it I almost turned around and took it back because despite it's many bells and whistles it has no CD player. This is what has pushed me to scan and embrace streaming...because my car can play those with ease. I have to say when I get it all done it will be easy and fabulous. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being close to everyone in my home for a loooonnngg time has been taxing to me. Please don't give me a lecture on how we're <u>safe</u> at home and there are opportunities for <u>bonding.</u> I know there are and you're right but some days...'<i>Calgon, take me away</i>.' I did come up with a way for my Loverbrains to indicate when he was available or not, since his work from home schedule seems so constant. This little El Ed wifey gave him a red and green post-it to stick on his laptop. Works wonderfully! Most days the kids are doing well with the remote learning but occasionally we still have frustration and tears. I have to say their teachers have been going the extra mile plus 5 to help them succeed. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">PB & J? Tuna from the can? Dry cereal?? Boy, that's tough. I mean, I'd open that freezer (really fast) and yank out the ice cream. Hahahaha!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">*editory note: I misread this question and had physical exercise in mind. I'm just going to go with it.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. I love jumping jacks. I don't like burpees. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. I love Bodypump. I don't like Barre (makes me feel like a hippo ballerina).</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. I love walking fast. I don't like running (jogging, maybe...if it's a fast walk).</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. I love PiYo (both Pilates and Yoga). I don't like Yoga without an instructor.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. I love working up a sweat housecleaning. I don't like that my Fitbit won't count that as exercise.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Insert your own random thought here.</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our fridge broke Easter morning. The whole day wasn't normal at all but it was good. Our pastor was faithful to preach God's Word to us and it spoke right to everything we were dealing with that day. The fridge probably won't be fixed until Friday at the earliest. I am thankful for saved college mini fridges in the basement. I am thankful for an upright freezer that was empty due to our delayed half cow delivery. I am thankful for friends who let us drop off our condiments to store in their fridge until further notice.</span></b></div>
Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3400602384806002775.post-56289100833738790252020-04-11T05:53:00.003-07:002020-04-11T05:53:38.928-07:00#AtoZ Challenge: H- Happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things that make me happy:</div>
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...praying with my Loverbrains, while standing on the stairs so my head fits perfectly on his shoulder...</div>
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...hugs from my boy, who is almost a teenager but still hugs me tightly each morning when he comes downstairs...</div>
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...drawing with my girl, who finds her words when she is drawing, and shows her soul when she is playing her horn...</div>
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...snuggles with our old dog, whose snores and grunts make me smile, who seems to know when I am sad and comes to offer me her belly rubs for comfort...</div>
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...creativity in technology, that makes seeing some loved ones possible, that makes checking on my peeps a reality, and that gives some community amid isolation...</div>
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...correspondence, happy mail from friends, sharing the joy of sending joy with my kiddos, stationary, pens, pencils...</div>
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...Springtime, lovely birds chirping with a relentless push for happiness, flowers and green popping out all over, showing that Creator God is in control of my days...</div>
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...Sewing, hoarding went to being prepared, 35 masks done, some time for other sewing, and sharing this skill with others...</div>
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...Music, playlists of Church Jams that restore my soul with God's Word, soaring melodies, gifted lyrics, so true...</div>
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...Reading, that allows me to escape for a while into another world, or teaches me things I need to know to move forward...</div>
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...Coffee, the process of French Press, the sound of the grinding beans, the sound of water simmering, the swoosh of the stopper, the smell of heaven...</div>
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Bobbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12273950960263126267noreply@blogger.com0