To the envy of all . . .

Our Steffer, homemaker extraordinaire. This woman does it all. Dearly missed at our last posse meeting, we had to settle for Marie's pie. What a pity! In case there is any question, Steffer adds incredible insight and wit to our discussions, as well.

It's true.

Where's Joycey??

All right. I haven't seen Joycey of late. That means I'm going to pick on her. I must be feeling better. Yup, I think that's what it means . . .

So, Joycey, what are you up to, girl?

We've gone to the dogs today...

From the midwest to SoCal, this is Tyler. We rescued him from a nonprofit animal shelter two years ago. Taken to the rescue without identification of any kind, he was named "Skeeter" -- a very lame tag to hang on this full-blooded cocker spaniel. Renamed by me on the ride home, Tyler fits him well. He has become Daddy's boy. I am not used to such treatment and have threatened to find a dog that knows me as the Queen I truly am.

Will we be hearing from Cosmo and Bailey today??

A Dog's Life

Since Beth showed you my pack, I'll share with you one of my favorite dog photos. This is Mason, the "middle child"; he's the only male and should be listed in the dictionary beside the words "couch potato." This dog can sleep in more positions than any animal in the history of created animals, and this picture shows him at his best.

Aren't they cute?

Here they are -- Jennie's three -- the Midwest Menagerie.

Think of it: 12 feet, 3 long tails, 3 inquisitive noses, 6 beautifully expressive eyes, 6 perky ears, and 3 hearts that beat wonderful notes of love. All of this adds up to. . .

Much challenge as Jen works hard to keep the house "showcase ready" as they prepare to sell and relocate.

It's me again...

Yes, it's me again. Whiny little me. (Aren't you glad I joined this blog??)

And here's my question for the day: Why can't God sanctify us by a more pleasant means?? Why are trials His means of grace in my life to make me more like Christ? Why couldn't a week on a beach do the same thing? Is there no eternal change possible from a really good cinnamon chip scone and a venti decaf, non-fat white chocolate mocha??

Instead, I have to interact with real estate agents who ask for the moon...and show them the love of Christ.

I am called to wait graciously in line while the person in front of me decides what to order, changes her mind, adds a dessert, and THEN begins to look for her wallet in her oversized purse to pay...and I'm called to think lovingly of her all the while.

I must anticipate the arrival of plumbers and electricians without a skepticism that would inwardly accuse them of a lack of integrity and desire to rip us off.

I am called to be a helpmate day by day and hour by hour to my husband as he wrestles with the pressure of a job and the ultimate responsibility for our home...and I am to reflect my Savior in all that I say, think, and do as a wife.

And through it all, I must struggle against the arrogance in my heart that leads me to think, deep down, that I can do all this in a strength other than His.

Sigh.

You know what brings hope? That His grace is sufficient. That through Him I can do all that He's called me to do. That with God nothing is impossible.

Those words are true for the next five minutes of my life...and the five after that...and the month after that...and the decade after that.

Glory be to God. I WILL overcome because He overcame.

(...and thanks be to God that He was kind enough to make someone smart enough to create scones and mochas.)

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

looking out

How do I prepare?

Lord, would you please tell me what is going to happen next?

I feel as if there are so many things "in the wings", just waiting to happen.
I am sitting in the audience. There is so much going on "behind the scenes"
All I can do is observe – and wait. I have never been good at waiting.
The anticipation is starting.
Michelle having her baby... Katy's future and Katy's Future.
Mom living with us, for how long?
Dad declining...sometimes quickly. Chris coping.
Did I leave anything out?