FALL ~ COFFEE AND CANDLES

For weeks I have only posted "Thoughts for Sunday."  So many other things taking my time, but yesterday I took a break and had a "Wanda" day.  A much needed pedicure in the morning, and then a little Fall shopping for some cloth napkins, and candles.  I bought several candles, "harvest festival" ~ "white pumpkin"  and the one in the picture, "pumpkin sugar."  The pumpkin pie dish is from the thrift store for a dollar.

I sat on the couch this morning, with all the candles burning and the fragrance filling the room.  My orange coffee mug, with fresh brewed coffee with lots of real cream and only the peace the Lord can give when much is on your mind.

I want to thank each and everyone of you that have prayed for my dearest.  It's been a long haul, but I do believe we are getting some clarification and answers now that we have seen the lung specialists.  Linda Shin, MD has taken Don's symptoms very seriously, and has ordered a Cat Scan, breathing tests, cultures of the mucus he has been spitting for a long time.  Waiting for referrals, and tests can be taxing, but I'm so thankful to have someone who is going to get to the bottom of his lung issue.

Sometimes I have to chuckle at the "Golden Years".  They are mostly filled up with doctors' appointments, and aches and pains.  HaHa..but I have to remember what King David said in the Psalms. "I thank the Lord for my affliction, because it led me to trust the Lord more."  Amen!

I will try to visit all of you faithful friends, as I know there is much going on in your lives too.


 

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

TOO FAMILIAR?

 The disciples walked and talked and ate with Jesus every day.  They were eye witnesses to his miracles.  The blind could see, the lame jumped with joy with their healing.  He fed the thousands on the hillside.  The disciples saw, heard and felt it all.  They became so familiar with his miracles they forgot who HE WAS.

Shortly after the feeding of the thousands on the hillside, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat and Jesus said let's go to the other side.  It was night, and a terrible storm came up tossing the boat back and forth, wind howling, water coming in the boat, and Jesus was asleep on a mat.  The terrified men, ask Jesus if He cared that they die in the storm.  He calmed the storm with a word, and told his men how little faith they had.  They forgot WHO HE WAS!  God Almighty, Creator of the Universe.   Jesus said, as they started out in the boat they would go to the other side.  That should have been enough, but they forgot WHO HE WAS!

Dear Lord, increase my little faith, so I will never forget who YOU ARE and what YOU can DO!  The storms of life are so real, so scary, so huge, but You have told us in your Word, that you are with us and will NEVER leave us, so give me faith to believe that in every circumstance of my life.  I love You.  Amen

PS ~ I would ask for your prayers for my dearest, who has an appointment with a lung specialists on Tuesday.  He had been dealing with some health issues for several months, and it takes so long to get into see doctors, but God is good.  We were able to get his appointment rescheduled from November 30, to October 16th.  Another of God's miracles.  

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THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

 THE FRUIT OF PRAYER IS FAITH

Isaiah 26:3  "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."

Faith is the attitude as well as the act of a soul surrendered to God.  His Word and His Spirit dwell in that soul.

It is true that faith must exist in some form or another in order to bring forth praying.  But in its strongest form and in its greatest results, faith is the fruit of prayer.

It is true that faith increases our ability and efficiency of prayer.  It is likewise true that prayer increases the ability and efficiency of faith.

Prayer and faith work, act, and react together.

Loving Father, I surrender my soul to You.  Guide me in Your truth and lead me in the way everlasting.  Teach me to pray believing, and strengthen my faith as I pray.  I know that my faith and my prayers work together and faith always pleases You.  I love You.  Amen


 *The Power of Prayer E.M. Bounds

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEKEND

 I Peter 3:3-4  "Your adornment must not be merely external ~ braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of the Lord."

Dear Heavenly Father, as I read and meditate on this passage, I realize you are not saying I should have bad hair, not dressing nicely, or wearing jewelry.  That is just the out side.  That is temporal, and will all fade away.  You are concerned for my heart attitude.  Help me to think more about my gentle and quiet spirit, and spend more time cultivating those characteristics than being so concerned about my outward appearance.  Father, I want to please you on the inside and outside too.  I love You.  Amen.

****Billy Graham was once ask if women should wear makeup....I loved his answer.

"Even an old barn looks better with a coat of paint."   God want's us to look nice, but he's more concerned with our hearts.

Thoughts for Sunday

 Galatians 1:3-4 "Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of or God and Father to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


O Father, I live in a world that worships wealth and power and success.  But when You saw that I needed to be saved from the seductive idols in my heart, You sent a Savior.  And when You saw that I needed deliverance from my own sin, You sent a Deliverer.  The One You sent was Your Son and my deliverance cost Him his life.  Still You did it for me.  This was Your will, Your delight.  I worship You with all my heart.  I love You.  Amen

Maranatha Worship Bible
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THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

   

In Psalm 113, the psalmist calls us to a duty:

Praise the LORD!

Praise, O servants of the LORD,

Praise the name of the LORD!

Blessed be the name of the LORD

From this time forth and forevermore!

From the rising of the sun to its going down

The LORD's name is to be praised.

The LORD is high above all nations,

His glory above the heavens.

Then the psalmist asks a questions"

Who is like the LORD our God, Who dells on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

Make this my prayer O Lord!  I love You.  Amen.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

Genesis 15:1  The Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:  

"Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield,

your very great reward."

Oh God, You are my shield, my helper, my fortress, my deliverer, my strength, my refuge.  You are my glorious sword, my eternal protection, my loving God.  You are the horn of my salvation, the rock in whom I take refuge, the One who gives glory and lifts my head.  My heart trusts in You and leaps for Joy!  I love You.  Amen.

The God of Abraham praise,

Who reigns enthroned above;

Ancient of everlasting days,

And God of love.

Jehovah, great I Am,

By earth and heaven confessed;

I bow and bless the sacred name

Forever blessed.

                                                                               ~Thomas Olivers (1770)

MISSING TOM

 A couple of years ago, we celebrated my 75th birthday with a Alice in Wonderland theme.  Our dear friend Tom from Texas came as the Mad Hatter and the role fit him perfectly!

My dearest and Tom have been best friends for over 45 years and spoke on the phone several times a week.  Over the years Tom experienced two strokes, which he recovered from, then recently he had open heart surgery.  It was a tough go for several months, but then like Tom, he bounced back and was doing well.  In fact he was planning to move to California in a few weeks, when he was called home to heaven.  

We were shocked and saddened with this loss, but can only rejoice in the life he lived, the joy and laughter he brought to everyone he met, and the generous love he gave my dearest and me over these many years.

Tom, you are missed!  You will always be in our hearts.

JUST A SPLASH OF FALL

When we got back from our trip to Idaho, I decided it was time to pull out a few Fall decorations and put a splash or two up.  Wasn't ready for the complete job of emptying 2 bins, just to take down and do Christmas in a few months.  My body just ain't what it use to be! HaHa.
I love my Pilgrims so they will grace the table through Thanksgiving along with some Fall dishes.  Added a few Fall flowers to the yellow flowers on the table.  (That was easy ~~now I'm done!) 

I did add the Fall wreath around the porch light, and that gives my entrance a Fall look!

In the kitchen a Pumpkin bread with drizzle added to the smell of Fall in the house.
 

And a peach cobbler seemed a good idea for dinner.

Tonight is the last week of our Summer VBS and that has been fun but taking a lot of energy.  We start Kid's Time next week and I will only be teaching every other week.  That will help the energy level.  1st and 2nd graders, and 4 and 5 year old never run out of energy it seems.

Do you plan Fall decoration, or are you already ahead of the game?

PS ~ My header is from last year.  The bin with the pumpkin tureen and my other pumpkins are somewhere at the bottom of the storage unit....not digging for it!!  Maybe I'll find it when I pull out Christmas.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

  ~ MY HEART, YOUR HOME

 Isaiah 66:1-2  "This is what the Lord says:  Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.  Where is the house you will build for me?  Where will my resting place be?  Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?  This is the one I esteem; he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."

And what kind of habitation pleases God?  What must our natures be like before he can feel at home within us?  He ask nothing but a pure heart and a single mind.  He ask no rich paneling, no rugs from the Orient, no art treasures from afar.  He desires but sincerity, transparency, humility and love.  He will do the rest.    ~~A.W. Tozer (1897-1963)

Oh Lord, give me a heart that looks like a home to You.  I love You.  Amen!

A WEEK IN BOISIE

Sue, Dan, Diane, me, Don, and Lou

We had a wonderful week in Boise Idaho.  These are Aunt Trula's children and Don's special cousins.  As many of you know, when we retired and moved to Southern CA, we lived 6 years across the street from Don's Aunt Trula, and had the honor to care for her the last year of her life so she could stay in her own home.  

Don's cousins have been so wonderful and generous to us, but it was our pleasure to care for her.  So since her passing, we have had a couple "Cousin" reunions.  One in Bakersfield, and now a week in Boise.

Daughter Sue, and her husband Jerry hosted us at their home in Boise.  We had many hours of eating, and visiting on their balcony.

Next door is a field where horses live and roam over to the fence to see what we were doing!!

One evening we went to an open air theater and saw a live performance of "Mama Mia".  It was fun and energy packed, the live orchestra was magnificent.

Another day we enjoyed a Convention Center called JUMP and saw the most interesting tractor and steam engine museum.  Our guide not only knew everything about each and every tractor and engine, but is also the one who works on and maintains the exhibits!  A great several hours.

We did a river run on a raft that lasted about an hour and a half, but too busy having fun to get a picture.

I've been on a "computer break" for some time now, but finally had something I thought you might enjoy seeing!

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~ The Name

 Proverbs 18:10  " The name of the Lord is a strong tower, and righteous run to it and are safe."

Jesus, Your name is power

Jesus, Your name is might,

Jesus, Your name will break every stronghold;

Jesus, Your name is life.

Jesus, Your name is healing,

Jesus, Your name gives sight.

Jesus, Your name will free every captive;

Jesus, Your name is life.

Jesus, Your name is holy,

Jesus, Your name brings light,

Jesus, Your name above every other;

Jesus, Your name is Life.

~Morris Chapman and Claire Cloninger (1990)

Dear Lord, may this be my hearts daily prayer.  I will run to You, my strong tower and find safety in Your Name.   I love You.  Amen.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~~ NO ACCIDENTAL MEETINGS

 Proverbs 15:23  "A man finds joy in giving an apt reply ~ and how good is a timely word!

In God's plan there are no accidental meetings.  In each encounter God has a purpose for both the needy person and you.  You may be the one who can really help and counsel the person.

Determine to be an encouragement to everyone whom God brings across your path.  It costs little to say a kind word and to communicate a sense of support.  We never know where a kindness will lead, because only God can see the potential of the man or woman in our presence.  ~ Jerry White (1937)

Dear Lord, as I travel this journey called life, let me be ever ready to give an apt reply, a timely word, a word of encouragement and support.  You have said we will find JOY in doing just that.  We are here to be your voice, your hands, your feet.  Help me each day to see that there are no accidental meetings.   I love You.  Amen.

image~watercolor by wanda
 

THE PASSION OF DEVOTION

 Revelation 4:8  "Day and night they never stop saying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

The passion of devotion lies in prayer.  The spirit of devotion fills the hearts of God's children and characterizes their worship.  The inspiration and center of their joyful devotion is the holiness of God.  That holiness of God claims their attention and inflames their devotion.

There is nothing cold, nothing dull, nothing lifeless about them or their heavenly worship.  What zeal!  The ministry of prayer, if it be anythinbg worthy of the name, is a ministry of passion, a ministry of tense longing after God and His holiness.

Father God, I long to be in Your presence, singing praises with a spirit of passion and devotion to You.  I love You,  Amen

~The Power of Prayer by E.M. Bounds

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~ BREATHE ON ME

 Genesis 2:7  "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."

O Dear God, when You formed man in Your image out of the dust of the ground, You were building a temple. And as a creature of the dust, I too am a temple.  You have placed my name above the door and now You stand at the door and knock, waiting for me to invite you in.  Lord of heaven, come and be Lord of this piece of earth.  Come fill this temple with the living breath of Your Holy Spirit.  Make it a place of worship.  Find Your rest within its walls.  Be enthroned on my praises.

Breathe on me,

Breath of God,

Fill me with life anew.

That I may love what Thou dost love

And do what Thou wouldst do.

~Edwin Harch (1886)

 Maranatha Worship Bible
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY

Happy Birthday Molly.  You are 14 today, and a senior in dog years.

You have been with us since you were 6 months old.

Lot's of memories as you have traveled on many trips with us and seen a lot of things.

Still going strong at 14.  I think you plan on staying around since we treat you like one of our kids...HaHa.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

 John 20:16  Jesus said to her, "Mary."


Dear risen Christ, through Your death, sin has been vanquished and death itself has been defeated.  Reigning King, You have been exalted to the highest places and have been given the name above all names.  Every soul in all creation shall bow before You.  Yet You are not only the Savior of the world, You are also my personal Savior.  You call my name (Wanda).  You know me through and through.  Nothing about me is hidden from You.  What a privilege to acknowledge You as God Almighty and to walk with You as my Savior and my friend.  You know my name!  I love You.  Amen.

I have a Maker
He Formed My Heart
Before even time began

My life was in hands

He knows my name

He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls

He hears me when I call

I have a father

He calls me his own

JULY COOKING CLASS

 Eggplant Parmesan

 This recipe takes several steps, and that's always fun when doing a cooking class.  The slicing, the coating, the dipping the frying and then arranging the casserole.

No one in the class had ever tasted eggplant Parmesan.  No one was disappointed!

 It looks hard when you see all the ingredients, but once you have your assembly line ready, it's quite simple. The eggplant fries up into a lovely golden brown.

 The simple part is arranging the golden brown eggplant in layers with Marinara Sauce, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.  Bake for 35 -40 minutes, and enjoy!!!

One of the ladies brought a kale salad, another a loaf of homemade bread, and with the eggplant casserole, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch.

We ended up with a large group, but had enough for everyone to have a nice serving.

Next month ~ Homemade Apple Pie

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~~~ RELENTLESS LOVE

 Proverbs 3:11-12  "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Father, how You cherish Your children!  Your love is relentless and undeserved.  Even Your discipline is motivated by compassion.  Teach me to accept Your correction with humble gratitude. I do not ask You to withhold Your discipline, I only ask that You grant me the wisdom and humility to learn the lesson quickly.  I love You.  Amen.

I praise Thee Lord,

For cleansing me from sin.

Fulfill Thy Word,

And make me pure within.

Fill me with fire,

Where once I burned with shame.

Grant my desire

To magnify Thy Name.

~J. Edwin Orr

THHOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY

 In the Book of I Chronicles David is returning the Ark of God back to the city of David.  There was rejoicing, laughter, dancing and music as the Ark of the Covenant was returned.  Part of that celebration is as follows and is my prayer for today.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness

Let the whole world know what he has done.

Sing to him, yes, sing his praises.

Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

Exult in his holy name.

Rejoice, you who worship the Lord.

Search for the Lord and his strength;

Continually seek him.

Remember the wonders he has performed,

His miracles, and the rulings

he has given.

Would you join me in the freedom we have in Christ to rejoice, to laugh, to dance and to sing of his great goodness.  At this joyous celebration there was also gifts from King David.  Each person was given a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins.  

Lord, let our rejoicing be in the singing, dancing, laughing, loving and giving gifts in Your Holy Name for what you have done for us.  I love You.  Amen.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~ SPEAK UP

Proverbs 31:8  " Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

Lord, I am so grateful that You love us, regardless of our appearance, our wealth, our social or political status.  We cannot impress You, nor do we need to.  You have chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom.  In light of this, Father God, give me a compassionate heart.  Help me be as impartial in my love for others as You have been in loving me.  I love You.  Amen. 

Maranatha Worship Bible
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RECORD HIGHS

Southern California had a heat wave yesterday~  Setting records with 118 at Villa Ramona.  We stayed inside with the AC at 79 and had a nice cold chef salad for dinner.  Today it's only going to be 105.  The pool looked inviting, but in that weather.. it probably felt like a sauna!

Hopefully it will continue to cool off.....

Been really busy around here...hardly open the computer!! Perhaps one of these days, I'll get back to a regular routine.  Does anyone else find it hard to find time to blog???

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY ~ FREEDOM

 II Corinthians 3:17  "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, and are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit."

Father, I praise You.  Through Jesus You have removed the veil of doubt from my mind so that I might understand Your Word more clearly.  You have removed the veil of bondage from my heart so that I might live in freedom before You.  You have removed the veil of darkness from my face so that I might reflect You light to others.  Help me to live boldly before You, realizing that you have placed me here to fill my corner of the world with the hope and glory of Christ.  I love You.  Amen.

Maranatha Worship Bible
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A "FRENCH" ANNIVERSARY

 I have a favorite French Bistro in Santa Barbara ~ Stella Mares.  So quaint and special and that's were we celebrated 57 years of marriage on June 24th.

My choice was delightful.  No ordinary eggs when I could have blueberry stuffed french toast with fresh blueberries, raspberries and whipped cream.  It was dessert for breakfast, and it was heavenly.

 My dearest had Eggs Benedict and he enjoyed every bite!

 I love this garden room and requested when we made our reservations to be seated there.  I could move into a French Villa like this!

A couch sits in front of the fireplace and we sat after brunch and just enjoyed the atmosphere and reflecting on our life-long love for each other.

THOUGHTS FOR SUNDAY "IN THE QUIET OF THE MORNING"

 Dear Heavenly Father ~ In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.  I will lift my voice with singing to praise You again.  For it fills my heart with gladness that remains through the day.  In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name. *

You're calling me to a deeper place.  You are calling me to come away.  This is the day You have made to walk in Your love and grace.  And I will sing to You my King, forever and ever.  

I will rise up and worship Your holiness.  I will sing a song of Your faithfulness.  On the mountains and through the valleys.  Your love will be my peace.  And I will sing of Your love for me.  I love You.  Amen. **

*In the Quiet of the Morning ~ Wes Tuttle
**I Will Rise Up ~Mike Ash
Maranatha Worship Bible

A WHIRLWIND MONTH

A crazy wonderful month!  Jill and Tristan's visit from Oregon, and his 5th Birthday.  Aunt Michel gave him the party of a life time.

He got to see his Uncle Myk and big cousin Elijah and Aunt Chelenne...they had not seen him since he was one.

Uncle Myk (our son) hosted a wonderful Mexican BBQ.

The chili's filled with Mexican cheese were to die for.

Then off to another adventure.  Adventure City!! Just perfect for younger kids.

Aunt Michel, and our great grandson's Issac and Matthew joing for the fun day.

They kids rode all the rides and Tristan was having the time of his life.  The higher or faster they went, the more he love it.  Grandma got on this one!!!

UP, UP, UP we go....wheee!

Back to Grandma's and the playground and pool.

 Tristan and Jill both enjoyed the pool several times a day.

They are back home now, and the house is so empty and quiet.  Miss them so.  But what a great experience for all.  BTW, Tristan found a catipillar and put it in a jar...it made a cocoon while he was here, and became a butterfly in Oregon!

Just started our VBS that will go all summer on Wednesday's nights.  So the beat goes on....