Of Seven Blessings

It's April and snowing, but we live in Minnesota, and this is as close as I could bring spring things to the cold without hurting them. au contraire.

The past two weeks have been hectic in so many ways, but God is faithful, and because of this, I realize every day how much more blessed I am in the midst of a whirlwind.

Helping – Helping is always good, but this week I was very excited to help, as the request came from multiple fellow students. Each needed a sample of a certain paper format, and having completed the course, I had the finished paper stored on my computer. It is a bit ridiculous, but I do so love it when people read what I write (and actually like it…). 

Playing – One can never play too much, that is, on the piano.  Last week my siblings and I played for a fairly large group of people at a quaint complex.  Keyboards are hard to play on after competing on pianos sporting the name Steinway or Yamaha, but we made do, and the few mistakes that were made were overlooked, as it was worth it all just to see the joy we were able to bring to the people there.

Light – I have been so very excited recently because of the light that we are being exposed to.  When seven o’clock enters stage left, the world is no longer one of glum. The sun is finally waking from its hibernation, and Spring is starting to emerge (despite the snow).  Light makes the world not only bright but also warm. The boys played barefoot outside, and our wonderful swing is no longer only befriended by snow sitting upon it.

Struggle – “…in the midst of this inner turmoil…” (A quote from <an unremembered episode of> Adventures in Odyssey, anyone?)  It is good for us; healthy.  If we would not have to struggle for anything, we would not place much worth in it.

Philosophy Class – I noticed how I have been getting vague in these posts, and it is never fun to read about vague things, so here is something really real and specific that has been an immense blessing over the semester.  I love this class; even though it starts at 8:00 am. The best part? Our Dr. is an amazing Christian who is passionate about (philosophy, yes) being a “careful belief acquirer.” He’s also so personable and passionate about document fragments from hundreds of years ago, fragments such as pieces of copies of the New Testament and Plato’s Apology. Attacking the brain-in-a-vat and infinite regress problems are only part of the excitement, for the most important thing is that we are reinforced to examine our thoughts and beliefs, keeping God at the forefront, despite any philosophical “problem” that may arise.

Surprising Others – Yes, it may be a blessing to receive, but giving and surprising others is the best.  Much apologies for not using wonderful adjectives there.  If it is so very exciting for me/us to give to or surprise others, take a moment to think about God and how blessed he is when we receive His gifts; His magnanimity ultimatum. Period.

Anticipation – It is half the fun of something.  There are so many exciting events happening this time of year, and one of the best is getting ready for working as well as gardening.  Soon we will have bees. The months will bring raspberries and potatoes (contrasting produces, I know...), and other such wonderful stock. There is a special element to working for these things. And the best part? Waiting and working with family, as we can all be anticipatory together.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Of Seven Blessings

Correlating Verses - About this time last year, I was assigned a fifteen-minute presentation for my college health class. Though a bit intimidated, I made my power-point and memorized my "stuff,"and on the day of, I stood up and had a truly exhilarating time talking about joint health (of all subjects) in a room full of teenagers. Reading  Hebrews 12 recently, I came upon favorite verses (12-13) which makes me think of the presentation every time I read it:

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."

Why a blessing? Because we are weak at times, and it is only by God's grace our joints are lubricated and put back into place!

Finding - It's sad how closed-minded we can be at times.  (Maybe it's just me; how closed-minded I can be at times.)  Anyway, there are so many people we interact with everyday, and even though we can in no way be everything to all of them, we can still show Christ.  Yes, it does take effort, but remember, we're not doing this alone. I found friends in an unlikely place and was able to encourage them. Now those God given opportunities, that is what is called a blessing.

Yawning White - Is it just me? The snow seems to be yawning, saying "Yeah, yeah, I'm leaving soon, stop worrying, I'll be taking a long nap." Waking up to the snow melting off the roof was a blessing, because it means the white is tired, and God's Spring will burst forth from its dormant state.

Kindred Professors - They are the best.  It is a skill to stay a student while also developing a genuinely respectful friendship, but it is worth it, because they are people with their passions and lives as well.

Inspiration - A great blessing: Elements around us give us ideas, ideas which help us complete, or start projects, or even put an end to bad habits.  Perhaps its something for an art project or even something for design, but whatever it may be, inspiration for creativity is from our heavenly Father.

Surprises - Again, I must argue that giving is oft more exciting than getting, especially if it is a surprise for someone.  Recently it was someone who's been giving of their time to teach others, and a little expression of gratitude on our part is just enough.

Holy Week Services - Easter is near, and it is a pity I do not have a Spring break so I can spend even more time thinking about it. However, services during Holy Week are so wonderful, because they allow you to let your mind be saturated with the weight of Christ's love.  We think he was so wonderful, but we the deplorable, the aberrational, only know that because he first loved us.

Have a blessed Easter, everyone; He is Risen Indeed!

Of Seven Blessings

A Surprise - You know when it's your birthday, but you don't want anyone to know because you hate it when they sing? Or maybe it's because you just don't want others to know. Anyway, while presenting Luke 24 in a Nursing Home recently, we found it was one of the residents' birthday, and consequently, we did end up singing to Madge. But just think: How may birthdays are hum-drum? I was so glad we could make her day even a little bit better by recognizing her birthday and giving her even more reason to celebrate.

Working - I love hard work. There is nothing in this world like working your heart out and then collapsing knowing a job is well done. Not that I always collapse, mind you... However, various events need people behind the scenes, people who work, and this person (...i.e. me) loves to be behind the scenes working. It is hard, but it's a blessing because it not only teaches endurance and teamwork, but steadfast, persevering joy.

Flowers - It is not Spring yet, but a bit ago, I was given flowers.  Flowers are exquisite, and it is wonderful to have some life in the Winter, as they are little pieces of Spring. Out of place as they may be, the created entities bring joy always.

School - I a trying to fool myself right now. As one who takes a placebo for her headache so am I at this moment, so go back to telling myself that I am blessed.  I have been going through long tedious marathons of study, but I do not have to pay for it.  It is a gift no matter how hard; it is still a gift.

Memory - What would we be without our memories? Every time April nears, I remember re-roofing our house when I was in Swan Lake.  Memories are webbed, fluid and either solidified and vivid or short and fleeting, reminding me yet again that what I put into my memory, or the "tablet of my heart" is so very important. I'll write about that too.

Competition - I used to abhor, despise, loathe (whatever you will) it. But it is a good element in healthy doses, as it pushes me to do better for my Creator.

The Last Day - Dad is home on the weekend; how is that not a blessing? I had a get-together for a class, but since it was not required, I decisively skipped out to spend time with my family.  Some of my chums asked why I was skipping, and I explained.  Imagine my joy when they all lauded me for my "legit reason."  Being together is so important, and unfortunately, sometimes people just do not realize it. I do have to step back and skip, but missing out on those things is far better than missing out on time spent with family.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Of Seven Blessings

It's always busy around here, and anticipating Spring makes everything even more busy.  I can't wait for the flowers.

Grapefruit - It's exquisite. Is it not wonderful how creative God was, even with fruit? I am taking a study break currently to write this, and cannot wait to finish the tropical tastiness.  Alright, I understand if some cannot stand this fruit, but it is citrus. And guess what. Citrus is good in the season of anticipating for Spring.

1 Peter 3 - Over the past week I had to examine arguments for empirical evidence for the existence of God. It was long. So I read 1 Peter 3 afterwards, because for some reason, all the letters of Paul are more than endearing.  I love how when we read the letters, we see new meanings and applications that mean so much more each time they are read.  I'll have to post about it in completion so it is understood why 1 Peter made it to my blessings list.

Gray Days - Some say these days make them feel sluggish and depressed, but I like the gloom.  This morning was quite weird. Quite. Rain rained and suddenly turned to snow, which promptly became rain again once the temperature rose to thirty-three degrees. Exactly.  How particular when it seemed it could not make its mind up in the first place...

Oil Pastels - I just rediscovered them two weeks ago, and it is shocking how enjoyable they are. I mean, one's hand does become tired after all that blending...but hey, what's not to lose? It's a blessing because God is always showing me the little things that are special.  I'll have to write about that too!

Siblings - Over the past two years, they've been incredible and wonderfully encouraging. Yes, they tease, but I do too. God "sets the lonely in families." I could say I am never lonely, but we all know that is never true.  My siblings are amazing, and since I have them, I need to tell them and make sure they know that. (Psalm 68:6)

Tea - Apologies if it has been featured previously. However, I became deplorably ill over midterms, about the worst time to get sick (well, next to finals, that is), and the graciousness of those around me, along with tea, got me through. Deplorable illness happens rarely, but when it occurs, it holds on like a rat terrier to a rat (shame for me likening myself unto a rat... ce la vie). Anywho. Tea is good for the sick, not V-8 juice.

Worship - Growing up, I've been ever, always, forever exposed to music. A bit ago I was so joyful. (Not to say that I am not now, either.)  And do you know why? Because I was able to just stand in God's presence and sing.  That is not just a little blessing; it's magnanimous, and that is why we worship. (And for the curious, the sheet music is for Come Thou Fount.)

Hopefully I'll post some more literary stuffs soon.  Have a beautiful weekend, and endure the snow! 

Of Seven Blessings

Plays - Mahalia. Words are not enough:  A dear friend of our wrote a musical (yes, we have friends in high places), and gave us a cassette tape recording when we were all very young.  Being the gospel lovers we are, we not only listened to the tape, but we grew up with it, quoting it like most children do Pixar movies.  Imagine our surprise and delight when we were given complimentary tickets to a fabulous performance this past weekend!  It is such a blessing, and seeing Mahalia live for the first time ever was exceedingly exciting.

Dumps - just when Minnesotans think we're in the last stretch /again/, we get another cold snap or dump of snow, reminding us of the unpredictability of the beautiful place God's given us to call home.

Air - (On the other hand, after the dumps...) The snow was melting yesterday, and even though the sinus prevents the senses a bit, it is getting warm, and the snow won't be able to be oppressive much longer.

Notes - I got mail, and it's oh-so-nice to get it.  People don't realize how good it is to give and get hand-writ notes.  It's friendly, that's all. I wrote my masterpiece on that, and someday I might just have to showcase it here. >>Hint hint: You all could make someone's day by writing a note; just do it!

Standing Up - Standing up for people (ahem, my friends).  Sometimes, perhaps because I don't care what others think about me, I can say things without people gawking.  The other day someone made some uncouth remark about a friend of mine, and I just told them to stop.  It's so dumb to shovel dirt on others, and I don't approve.  So watch out. If I am around when you say something uncouth, I won't sit silently. And If I say something wrong, don't let yourself sit silently either. We are not here to be silent.

Joy in Giving - I have a friend I've known for quite a while, and their 18th birthday was this past week, so I made a pretty card. In my excitement I completely forgot to take a picture, but it was a dark silver and mahogany crepe/tissue paper flower complete with pestles and stamens. It was attached to the card on the petal of a flat music sheet flower that opened up into a card, but the best part is seeing the joy in a person's face when I give them something. This was priceless, and I know it blessed them, but it also blessed me to know it was enjoyed thoroughly.

Switchfoot - Awesome; period the end.  Whenever I get under, I listen to them.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.  The Word is ever there, but Switchfoot is a little helpmate.  I don't care if it's "bang bang" music for a sick person.

Of Seven Blessings

Greetings!  This week I have pictures; quite exciting.  

Librarians - We stopped by the library because I received an email notifying me of an item on hold. It has been a long-awaited film, very much anticipated by all.  However, when we arrived at our destination, it was apparently not present, as there had been a mix-up. Disappointed at the fact that we practically drove there for no reason, we were about to leave when one of the librarians called to us from the desk with a suggestion of films.  I know it is their job...but this was different.  If a librarian can be helpful, I can too.

Words - I find it amusing the way people relate to one another, and when people do so with choice words that are encouraging, uplifting, and pleasant, it makes words all the more enjoyable.  Edify; and use words wisely.

Medical Tape - Even though I use lubricant...fingers still split on account of dishes et cold weather.  However, medical tape is the rescue, and although it is never very pretty, it is practical, and practicality forever prevails for me.

Invitations - They make you feel thought of. (And do not most people like to be thought of?)  This is a blessing this week because I was invited to serve at a very special dinner.  I was very blessed, because this is something I have been intrigued about for a great while. 

Science Fiction - I cannot express my appreciation for it quite enough.  I suppose I read "dark" novels because they make me more appreciative of life, of esse, of being.  The world is "dirty," as a little friend once quipped. 1984, A Brave New World, Lord of the Flies, and Fahrenheit 451 are only a few, but they assist in setting me up to be ever more grateful for my Savior.

Walking - It is more often than not a subject of mine, but as of late, the skies are quite clear.  Clear skies are wonderful to star-gaze into and walk under, and it is even more exhilarating to singularly walk the driveway in the massive, still, cold.

Little Friends - They have so much to say (every moment of the day) and always want to play. But why not; they're priceless. (Even if all you end up doing is building a gargantuan lego-house with a colorful wall).

Of Seven Blessings

Quite busy, this week was! I reached 2013 page views today, so that was a mite exciting. But here's the blessings:

Sharing Stories - There’s always something going on around here, and sharing stories keeps us in touch with one another.  Lately it is either a literal (book) story, what God's showing us, or simply something interesting that happened, especially when everyone sees events from different points of view.

J. S. Bach – His works are completely and utterly quintessential to the classic selections of music.  It is ever invigorating, relaxing, or astounding.  semper.

Country Noises – This is a bit of a weird blessing, but it is one.  It always happens when I am tired or overwhelmed with school, so I run outside.  That’s not a good way to solve ‘overwhelmedness’, but after walking about in the cold for a bit, the animals start their shenanigans. The coyotes begin to wail, and the owl tries to hush them.  When they have started, the neighbor’s bellowing beagle begins to bawl, the snowmobiles start to crawl at rapid paces, and I remember how silly it is to be overwhelmed.

Short Drama – I witnessed some of the best short presentations of solo drama, right in our speech group.  The “beginning speaking” division held their little showcase this week, and hearing the life each presenter put into their piece was amazing, even they were retelling Puerto Rican and American folktales.

A Long Driveway – This might seem outright ridiculous, but I do appreciate walking the long driveway.  I could never walk up and down the one in Minneapolis without being seen as quite strange, but this is different; this long driveway is a blessing because I get fresh air every time I check the mail or put out a letter.  The family’s more practical reason is that it is a blessing because it puts space between us and the road…but I digress.

Air on the Strings – I love classical guitar, and I came home to Dad playing (Handel, to be exact).  Why a blessing? Perhaps because it is nice to hear someone else playing, but it also gives me joy to see another take joy in their God-given abilities, especially when it is my Dad.

Common Courtesy – There are many types of common courtesy, but this week there is one courtesy in particular that is venerable. When people, even acquaintances, use my name when speaking to me, it shows not only a certain level or respect, but also of consideration.  I try to give others this respect, and, in doing so, I have found how much more polite and considerate it feels to have it ‘done unto me.’ Thank goodness for etiquette.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Of Seven Blessings

I love the cold. Perhaps it is because I was born into it, but who knows.

Wind bites, pure cold is an invigorating and a beautiful thing, and I have something to share.

Psalm 84 –  This Psalm's second verse speaks of longing, even fainting for the courts of God, and if you have ever in your life ached for someone or someplace, whether in body or spirit, you might have some idea. His place will be so lovely! How wonderful to ache for God's dwelling place; it is an ache worth feeling, worth living with.

Passes – dominus est maximus bonus! I passed a competition level last week; God is so very good to me, and I am so thankful I can give my all for Him in everything I do, even if it be a competition.

Solitude – Yes, I do enjoy being around people, bu I love a good solitude. Times like those mean meditation on the word and conversation with my Heavenly Father.

The Cold – Perhaps it is simply me in Minnesota, but after a weekend of five degree or below zero weather, I was in awe. I have never experienced such an appreciation of such pure cold. Not wind, not snow, but still, silent, cold.

Affirmation – Recently, friends and acquaintances have been extremely encouraging and affirming, and God has been blessing me tremendously. I do not deserve it, but He is lavishly generous despite all that.

Confrontation – I am pretty nasty. No, not pretty; ugly nasty. I judge people too often, and (also too often) I have little no patience with people, but for some reason, God always chooses to give me grace. Suddenly the fact that one person has their quirks and another their obsessions is not a nagging problem, but that specifically particular element to his or her character. I slip: All the time

But God.

Those two words, but God, repeatedly remind me that he confronts me (through others as well) to mold and refine me, even though I slip quite too often. It is always time for dross removal!

Watching the Sun Rise – Brilliant indeed: God is the master painter. Rising before the sun is sometimes hard, especially in the winter, when all is cold, quiet, dark, and seemingly dead. Before long the black turns to blue, and slowly but determinedly yawns into gray, which does not remain for any special length but becomes a spring board or palette of color in the sky once the sun creeps up from the beyond. Each is akin to a fingerprint; no two are alike.

Thanks for reading!

Of Seven Blessings

Yes, 'tis shorter this week, mostly due to school, scholarships and competitions, but at least it's here. Count your blessings!

Hosting  - Trust me, this is not the easiest to do, but serving is the main point here, and it is rewarding. In one of her books, Edith Schaeffer, speaks of how effective hosting/hospitality can be in showing others you care about them.  And you know what? It's never awkward; God blesses when you serve.                      

Prayer - We always need it! Over this past week, I prayed for people, and then surprised them by "following up" and communicated the action.  Seeing their blessed faces, even if they were not able to communicate back to me, was enough.                                                                                                  

Health – God has allowed me no sickness for months, and it has been invaluable, because doing school while sick is absolutely horrendous. I am also thankful for my family's health.

Tea and Toast – The perfect snack.

Little Trips – To Rochester and back!

Opportunities – Going to sing, going to play. Going to practice, going to write. Performing drama, being a light.

Co-ops – Who doesn't love all the little kids running around?

Have a wonderful, blessed week!

Of Seven Blessings

Giving - It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).  As of late, it was two pairs of mittens  to bless others, and the best part of this giving was the fact that it wasn't for any particular reason. I just did it, but I ended up being blessed as well.

Confidence – Not in me: My confidence does not lie in myself, but in him who redeemed me.  That's a blessing.

Reading with Family – We like to read aloud, and the fact that we can enjoy different literature genres together gives each of us a greater appreciation for the many great works.

Studies – (And no, not school studies.) Currently, I am taking in (or reading) various intriguing, challenging, and faith based books.  It's good for my soul, and God is so good to bless us with Christian authors who write to encourage.

"A Change in the Weather..." – There was a snowy day, and there was a sunny day.  It was nice to have a slight change, as the snow had almost disappeared, thanks to the biting winds. (However: The wind and fluctuating temperatures had a great deal to do with the erosion of our snowman, and though we enjoyed the weather, our snowman did not, as today marked the day of his tragic but natural decapitation.)

Soundtracks – I do admit that movie soundtracks make up a large percentage of my music library, but I was blessed with a new and special one.  This soundtrack traversed from across the pond, from the composer's studio in England to my possession.  Because it had never been universally or even nationally released, Nick Bicat's soundtrack for the 1982 film The Scarlet Pimpernel is particularly special.

The Little Things – Unexpected journeys, writing drafts that are haphazard and then randomly decide to '"turn out," opportunities to write outside of school, and piano runs that behave.

Tomorrow I'll post a recent shoot I did, but for now, have a wonderful weekend!

Of Seven Blessings

This week, I am essentially getting ready for my last semester in high school. I won't spend much time on it; if one really wants to hear of it, I am not opposed to being asked.

I never imagined I would be where I am, where God has brought me, doing all that he already planned for me to do. But enough of my musings; I aught to write of the blessings!


Food – Because we couldn't celebrate a family member's birthday on his specific day, we did so a few days ago, with our grandparents. On accident, the food prepared by others beforehand was somehow forgot, so I stepped up and volunteered to make a tasty birthday dinner. I had three hours.  I survived (and thankfully everyone else did, too), but I found it interesting how changed plans do not bother me as much as they used to.


Piano – I have a piano competition coming up, and it's really intimidating because I am driving to another city just for the competition. However: God's been so very good, as my piece is coming along as well. The reason I wrote piano as a blessing is because I had one of the most amazing piano lessons this past week.  I am still trying to figure out why, perhaps it's because I am excited for the competition, but whatever it was, I had a exceedingly exciting lesson. The end.


Clean Rooms – So much time off from school should be spent in relaxation, especially if you go into shock from break, feeling useless and having no deadlines.  I decided to change that this break, and so I took a day and cleaned my room, because relaxing doesn't need all of my time. A clean room is a simple blessing, but it's even more relaxing and inviting.  I also have to study in my room, and a clean study space is also much easier to focus in.


PSEO Books – (And PSEO in general.) I have one shelf I keep all school books on, and at the moment, they look a bit intimidating.  It is a bit ridiculous that the art books are so very huge, but the more hefty are the Nortons.  Oh Nortons, you anthologies of criticism... . In all honesty, I am excited about them; each holds a different experience, an experience waiting for me to experience it.  I probably won't be so epiphany-minded about them in a few months, but at least I do not have to pay the seven hundred dollar bill! (...blessing)


Old Friends – (Yes, I have old friends.) This past week, we went to visit my parents' old church, and some dear missionary friends of ours.  We only see them every year and a half (or so), but it's never awkward.  And it shouldn't be: We are united in Christ, and greeting one another with that in mindset sets a stage for connectivity that cannot be broken. Though we do not see them every week at church, ever visit them, or spend extensive time with them, simply knowing them is a blessing because it stresses the fact that we hold a brother and sisterhood bond in Christ.


Water - Living far North has its quirks. Our water is not exactly wonderful (very hard, sodium high), unless it is straight from the well.  If we drink it from the tap, it's not nice water unless it's after a beautiful rain.  I am not that picky about water, but it wouldn't be good for us to drink all of our sodium, either.  We have a system though, and we're thankful for gallon jugs of clean water.  


Finding a Book – Scout and Morgan Books; three thrift stores; Cambridge Christian Books; Bear Books.  No finds.  Our church is offering a semester course on apologetics, and I, being the analyst and thinker I am, prayed about the study, then decided to try it out. Finding the book was not as easy as I thought, though.  Every time we asked of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ, the clerks would escort me to the “used religion” sections.  I had to keep my self from laughing, but I also cringed at the sound of used religion.  It sounds horrific; but it made me so very grateful for my personal relationship with my merciful Savior.  The last place we checked was the ugly, horrendous, hideous, and grotesque-looking library in Cambridge.  I can't complain, though as even the ugly library is a blessing, for in it, I found one, single, hardcover 1991 edition.  The librarian did not understand my exhilaration, nor did she respond to my thanks.  We found the book, and I think I'll enjoy the course.

Have a great weekend!

Of Seven Blessings

I neglected my writings this past weekend due to sheer exhaustion, but I am up and running again. From now on, I hope to post this section on every sixth or seventh day of the week.

After the bustle of Christmas and New Years, we were able to spend some much needed time at home, simply relaxing. Bidding the world goodbye, we holed up in our "mansion on the hill" and listened to the repeated cries of others exhorting: "Don't let the fires go out!"

This call, to not let the fires go out, reminded me of how often our hearts need to be on fire for our Savior, which is why I am posting of thankfulness, because when I am thankful for Him, I love Him; and when I love Him by being thankful for blessings he gives me, it is just one small way to give him glory.

Snow - In order to get our mail, we must first trek down our long driveway.  The other day, while I walked in the middle of the road, the snow was falling in a light dusting and delicate flakes clung to my scarf and mittens. Snow, here and now is a constant reminder of God’s utmost attention to detail and intricacy.

Splitting Logs - No matter how hard it is (or how long it takes…) the effort spent on log-splitting lends the heat and warmth of the fire a more weighty meaning.  We’re proud of it, yes, but God blesses us with work so we can benefit and rejoice in him for the fruits of our labor.  (And trust me; laboring in this way is quite worth the exertion.)

Animal Tracks – Living where we do has its surprises, although we are never actually surprised.  We find up to five or more different kinds of tracks.  The phrase “when the cat’s away the mice will play” is all too true, for when we go to bed, the coyotes, mice, rabbits, deer, and lone cats emerge.  In the morning, we wake to find evidences of scampering and prowling. It’s on my list this week because I think these signs of life are entertaining blessings.

Sledding Hills - Three pastures means three pastures, but since we have a house on a hill flanked by two of the pastures, one possesses an exceptional downward slope.   This downward slope is advantageous in more ways than one: Dangerous jumps and paths with quick turns are the most exciting, but parents are content, no driving is necessary because the hill is outside our front door.

Stories of the Old Testament – I can never get enough of them.  I love reading books, and one of the reasons is because I am able to observe personalities and characters interact with one another.  With the Old Testament, however, God gives us the “big picture,” and reading these stories makes me think about how ridiculous I am at times. (And I thought the Israelites were obnoxious!) In all seriousness, the stories bless me because each one speaks to a different area in life, areas which need attention, and the stories only emphasize that I am a work in progress. 

Two Days - Over the past week, there were two days we spent completely at home, not going anywhere. Even the grocery store was not graced by our presence.  After New Year’s Day, I relaxed (well, washed dishes), read books, baked bread, knit, listened to music, and practiced my own music.  I also went sledding in the dark with my brother (do not try this at home…), and we almost died laughing at ourselves. 

The Hobbit – When our entire family was together for an afternoon, we took a literal unexpected journey to the Cinema.  Our unexpected journey was pleasant and enjoyable, and we watched The Hobbit.  From 4:30 – 7:30 pm, the other movie-goers had to put up with the family of six directly below them.  We probably guffawed too loudly at our favorite parts, but we did refrain from cheering at certain others, but only for consideration of others.  It was the first movie we saw together as a family, and yes, that classifies it as a blessing, as every member enjoyed it. Immensely. So here's a little poster. I loved the design in it, especially the way everything blends into everything else without seeming crowded. Design is amazing, but God's even more amazing to bless his people with creativity!

Have a good week!