Welcome 2010

The author of this New Years prayer is unknown. I think it expresses my New Year's wishes pretty darn well:

God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises, thank you for the gift of a new year. May it be a time of grace for me, a time to grow in faith and love, a time to renew my commitment to following Your Son, Jesus. May it be a year of blessing for me, a time to cherish my family and friends, a time to renew my efforts at work, a time to embrace my faith more fully. Walk with me, please, in every day and every hour of this new year, that the light of Christ might shine through me, in spite of my weaknesses and failings. Above all, may I remember this year that I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

The Christmas People

The Christmas People Foundation was started by a Group Health employee who as a chaplain saw that the the local shelters had wonderful Thanksgiving dinners but often not so much on Christmas. They prepared and delivered 800 gourmet Christmas dinners this year.

They were cooking in a rented building about 5 minutes from the folk's house yesterday. I was able to deliver the 13 dozen cookies Diana, Jim and I made last Saturday. I was also able to provide them a beautiful poinsettia from Chris at work.

What a fun visit! I asked them lots of questions but mostly just followed them around. They were very welcoming and even insisted on taking a picture of us Group Health employees with the Poinsettia!

Santa's Christmas People elves did a fantastic job and God willing I will visit and help them again next Christmas!

Mary Did You Know?

Have been having lots of fun listening to Christmas music on youtube. Kenny and Wynonna really seem to put their heart into this performance. Merry Christmas!

Christmastime

Family polar bear Lugnuts (don't ask) is guarding our living Christmas tree. Silly Christmas crafts are done and distributed to friends and family. Christmas dinner is purchased. Cookies have been cooked. Christmas cards in mail. Christmas festivities have been attended.
I'm joyously tired!

Sunday evening at the kennel

Newcomer from AZ wants back inside! It's rainy and cold outside!

Warm Beach Camp Lights of Christmas

Had a great time last night at the lights w cousin Diana. Had just about everything Christmas including carolers, petting zoo, nativity scene, beautiful crafts, and of course cute kiddos.
Photos courtesy of cousin Diana photography!

Yup, that's a real Christmas tree on our bulletin board

Our department at work has a bulletin board which we take turns decorating. The ladies at the front desk decided that we should have a real Christmas tree bulletin board for December. People brought in their favorite ornaments and several of us went a little overboard making paper snowflakes.

By the way, got the good news today that the reduction in hours I was told about won't start until 2010. It's a blessing to have a little time to plan for a reduced paycheck and a little extra time on my hands!

Book Club Christmas Party

Had a very enjoyable evening at Kathleen's. Wonderful company, wonderful conversation and wonderful food. Missed our absent friends. Had an amicably heated discussion about Expecting Adam - always more interesting when people don't see eye to eye on a book. Martha Beck - inspirational strong survivor or whining child neglector?


Jonathan was kind enough to take our picture.

Kitty Marley really warmed up to us by the end of the evening

Happy Birthday Diana!

Had the chance to celebrate cousin Diana's 35th tonight. Picked up nephew Ben at the UW and joined the folks and Diana for a movie. Saw Men Who Stared at Goats with George Clooney and Ewan McGregor. Very funny movie in parts and some great acting!

Were joined at dinner by Diana's friends from Snoqualmie Pass with their baby. What a beautful loving family! So glad that mom and baby are now healthy after some serious health issues. Also wonderful to see Diana feeling so much better!

Storefront on the walk to Bellevue Transit Center

Joseph's lullaby

One of my favorite Christmas songs, and one of the newest. This video is of the original artists Mercy Me.

Cabela's - a sportsperson's mecca

Today our car mysteriously headed towards Cabela's in Lacey. I have noticed this phenomenon often in the past.


There is a Cabela's airplane hanging from the roof near the entrance.


We saw lions and bears, oh my! The tigers were missing because they are endangered.


I preferred the living animals. There are all sort of game fish in the walk through aquarium underneath the stairs. By the way Jay, the fishing section takes up most of the main floor!

Not sure why there is a sculpture of a man canoeing hanging from the roof.

This can't be a bald eagle perching above the stairs, can it?

The first week of Advent already

Had a great Christmas at Thanksgiving with Dekkers from Yakima, Cousin Diana from London, John and family from LA and the local Requas as well.

Can't beleive that it's officially the Christmas season now. Very interesting reading at church this morning from Jeremiah which predicts Jesus' coming:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure: this is what they shall call her: "The Lord our justice."

Happy Thanksgiving quotes

From Dear Abby:

Oh, Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service, that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen

From Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation:

It is more than good at this time to be reminded that this day was set aside to thank the Lord for what He has done on behalf of our nation, as well as personally, and to repent with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience.

May the Lord in His great mercy, pour out His Spirit upon you, your families, His church, and this nation this Thanksgiving Day.

Tis the season already?

Passed this car on our walk to Everett Station tonight. Must be thousands of Christmas lights on it. Think I saw a Christmas tree made of lights on top. Fun!

Wonder what the weather is like out there

Happened to go to the NASA website today for the first time. While we have been having a cold and rainy Saturday (after a cold and rainy week), the second space walk at the International Space Station was taking place. Don't often hear much about the space program so think I will go to NASA website more often. Saw pictures of the Mars surface taken by the rover also. Cool!

Sunday PM - Saw an update that astronaut Resnick just became a father while he was working. I'm sure he wishes he could be there but what a great family story to hand down for generations! Cigars all around in space!

Book Club meeting for November

Had a wonderful visit last evening with the awesome book club dudettes. We missed Carol, Pat and Laurie. We got so organized! We now have a phone number list and a birthday list. Thanks Jan.

I had the opportunity to meet Kathleen's son Jonathan and wish him a Happy Veterans Day. So happy that he is back safe and so proud of him. Know his mom is too!

We discussed the book of the month Water for Elephants a bit, but the conversation kept turning to other topics. That's one of the things I love about book club!

We planned future book club choices through March. I am putting them on the list which is on the right lower section of this blog. I am also going to start a suggested book section since we had so many great ideas yesterday which we will put in reserve for future reading.

Book club ladies rock!

Remembering John Nelson, PLU coach

My friend and co-worker Michelle has a son on the football team at Pacific Lutheran University. She has been sharing stories frequently about how awesome it is to be a part of Lute football. Sounds like they really are concerned about inspiring the young men to be the best Christian adults they can be.

Nellie the movie is the story of John Nelson, a man afflicted with a bone fusing disability. Nellie suffered terribly in his life but the end of his life was spent joyfully, helping the PLU football team, and helping the young men on the football team learn important lessons as they helped him with everyday tasks.

Recently borrowed the movie from Michelle. I think what really hit home with me was that Nellie was one person who definitely knew God's plan for his life. He was there to help the football team, on the field, but more importantly to teach them about life off the field.

Very proud of niece Brit's cool school!



Here's a quote from the memorial service: “Nellie always said ‘I want to play football someday, and I’ll play when I get to heaven,’” Westering told the crowd. “I’ll close with one last thing. Nellie, you’re in the game.”

Appropriate bible verse for today, I think

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

His will really is a mystery. Taking my recent challenge of the flu :( as a chance to slow down and listen to His word. How can God talk to you if you are always running, hurrying, talking etc.?

Writing the earlier part of this post reminded me of my favorite bible passage of all time:

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A very reassuring and loving verse I think. It means so much to me that I had Jer 29:11 a dove and an olive branch tatooed on my ankle this August. Maybe weird but I am so glad I did that.

By the way, does anyone else wish God handed out an "instruction manual" with His plan for our lives??!!

Sorry Emily - I "borrowed" your halloween picture

Jim's sister in Missouri sent this picture of Mac with all 5 of the great-grandchildren. What an awesome picture! I hear he got to trick or treat with the kids. We feel so blessed that Jim's dad is getting great family time like that.

I think I am learning how to embed videos!

John and Glen talking about new movie I Love You Philip Morris

Some greyt news

This week was full of swine flu news at the clinic, unemployment news from loved ones, and political unhappiness from other loved ones. Thought I would share a YouTube video about Greyhound Pets Inc. They make me happy. May you all be blessed with finding what makes you happy too. Hold your loved ones close and remember that we will get through any hard times together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAFRRLBl1Aw

By the way, turn the sound up if you can - great music!

New faces at the Greyhound Pets Inc. kennel

They're being aloof for the camera but these girls had the best time chasing each other and getting attention





Mr. Leaner - a greyhound sign of affection

No one wanted to look at the camera!

Except this sweetie

We ran, played soccer, chased each other, and gave out lots of love and grooming. Then we got out the puppy cookies (dog biscuits) and string cheese.

Beautiful Texas Gulf scenery

Put in a link (on the right)to brother-in-law Bill's pictures of his motorcycle trip to the gulf. Love the seascapes and awesome trees! Turn the sound up - Bill chose great classical music.

King County Library

OK so instead of greeting new puppies this morning I went here (distribution center)

And instead of playing with the puppies, we did puzzles, read the numerous mags and newspapers and chatted. Yes, we did sort some books too!

Waiting on the greyhounds

Greyhound Pets is expecting 19 dogs from AZ tomorrow morning. We are starting to get updates as to the driver's status. The quicker the better as most drivers don't give the dogs potty or water breaks. Hope to be there to greet the newcomers but have to work Saturday mornings at the library.

Was supposed to be at a celebration potluck for the P-patch tonight but couldn't handle going back out in this rainy yucky weather. Enjoying reading the blogs. So cool that Jan is blogging! What a fun form of self-expression. Very grateful tonight for so much.

Book suggestion from Chris

Friend and co-worker Chris highly recommended Blessings by Anna Quindlen. I read this book a long time ago and recently rediscovered it thanks to her suggestion. Ms. Quindlen does a great job of weaving together the lives of a rich elderly woman, her ex-con groundskeeper and the baby left on their doorstep who brings them together.

Probably any parent already knows how loving a child transforms lives. This book reminded me how magical that love can be.

By the way, Anna Quindlen wrote the forward to the copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn that I read. Interesting coincidence!

The Wonderful Betty Smith

Just finished two of her books - Joy in the Morning and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Joy in the Morning is probably the lesser known of her two books and is an old favorite of mine. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one that people often read for school but one I have missed until now.

Both seem semi-autographical judging from Betty Smith's life story. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of young Francie growing up poor but with dreams of writing until a teacher suggests she stop writing such "sordid stories" (based on her life). Francie looks up sordid in the dictionary and bitterly disputes that definition of her life and her family.

Joy in the Morning is the story of a young married woman Annie who also has dreams of writing in spite of lack of money (her husband is a struggling law student), lack of education and other family responsibilities. Annie "collects" interesting people in her life and re-writes famous novels in an effort to understand them.

Betty Smith seems to discuss the subject of education (or lack of) frequently. Francie's mother and grandmother both realize that education is the only way out of poverty. Annie has not finished her high school education and feels very inadequate next to the coeds.

Both books are very beautiful trips back in time as Betty Smith weaves in some historical facts. Her dialogue is natural and her characters are unforgettable.

One of my favorite parts of Joy in the Morning is when Carl comes into Annie's room at the hospital after the birth of their child. He sees what Annie has written in her ever-present notebook.

"They say He looks down and sees the little sparrow fall. But did He look down and see me? I'm more important than a sparrow." His eyes smarted with tears as he wrote under her words:"Yes, you are! and I love you, Annie"

11/30/09 Just found the bible verse which apparently inspired Betty Smith's title Joy in the Morning. What a reassuring reminder of God's love for us. If only our human relationships could always be short on the anger and weeping and long on the joy!

Psalm 30:5 (New King James Version)

5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Happy Birthday Jim!

I love you sweetheart

Morning prayer from the Franciscans

Jim found this prayer at his Dad's house. It was on our bathroom mirror for a long time. Was cleaning today and found it on our bulletin board.

***********************************************************

Lord as I greet this new day, let me be ever mindful of your divine love. Guide me toward demonstrations of love and and kindness for everyone I meet today. Help me put your command to "Love One Another" to work in all I say and do. Grant me generosity of sprit. Open my mind and heart to others that I may seek ways to show the power and the wonder of "Love At Work" in Your name.

Amen

St. Thomas More P-patch update

Got an email from the P-patch coordinator. Lynnwood food bank tells her we are 3 pounds shy of donating 1500 pounds of produce! I know that it was put to good use - the food bank people tell me that they are getting more and more people on Wednesday (distribution day).

Had to brag about the great people I have met at the garden. My contribution was not great but hope my yield next year will be better. I think in sportscaster lingo this was a learning year!

I think the coolest thing about being involved in this project is that it is a very comfortable way to meet and chat w people at church. It is nice to see some familiar faces on Sunday.

Our RV week-end - Camano Island

Drove the entire island. What perfect fall weather! Everywhere we stopped this week-end we scoped out "perfect" RV campsites. Found great ones at Camano Island State Park.

Our RV week-end - Chuckanut Drive

Chuckanut drive is awesome! walked down to the beach at one of the many pullovers to catch the sunset.

Our RV week-end - Lake Goodwin

Didn't want to take the RV far for the first trip so stayed at an RV park on Lake Goodwin in Stanwood. Owners Deanna and husband Randy give us all sorts of helpful advice. Great folks!

Our RV week-end - Skagit River

Hiked into the Skagit River at Rasar State Park. Lots of salmon visible in the river and one young fisherman was carrying out a beauty. When asked the common fisherman's inquiry "what's working" the boy's father replied "patience!"

Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Spent some time at lunch w the folks at these beautiful gardens. Perfect weather and a nice visit before the folks head to CA and AZ.