tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72666582265923483752024-03-06T20:56:11.493-08:00HomshotsSnapshots from our lives to yoursMary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-85330456100450982352018-12-31T16:02:00.002-08:002018-12-31T16:04:22.503-08:00Good Bye 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some may say it is good to see you go.<br />
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Some may mourn your closing.<br />
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Some may curse your very existence.<br />
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Some may rejoice in all the blessings you brought.<br />
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May will end this year as lost in sin they began it.<br />
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My prayer is that in 2019 many will find the love of Jesus and know his love and peace that overwhelms and secures their future at the feet of Jesus.<br />
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Good by 2018<br />
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<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-59512662767004088032017-01-02T11:12:00.000-08:002017-01-02T11:55:19.785-08:00Daily Thoughts - Genesis 1:1-3:24Reading from The One Year Chronological Bible - New Living Translation (CB-NLT)<br />
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Day 1 - Genesis 1:1-3:24<br />
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Genesis 1:29-30<br />
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<i>Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground - everything that has life." And that is what happened.</i><br />
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God made a distinction between the plants and who was to eat them. Seed-bearing plants for man while the green plants was for the wild animals, birds and small animals. Nothing earth shattering really except that God is interested in the details of life. He created exactly what was needed for man and for the animals that He made. If He was that specific about the purpose of the kinds of plants, than how much more is He interested and specific about the details of my life!<br />
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When I fuss and fume about the details of my life and try to "fix" them, I am circumventing God's work in my life. I am usurping His authority and rightful place in the daily details that make up my day.<br />
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Genesis 3:4-6<br />
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<i>"You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman. "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it too.</i><br />
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Eve listened to a talking serpent. CRAZY! but apparently that was the norm. I would not even get close enough to a serpent to hear it speak. If I see a serpent I don't stick around.........or do I? See the serpents .....the animals......well I can identify them.......the slither on the ground, they sun themselves on the sidewalks in the park where I like to walk. But those are not the "serpents" of my day. The serpents of my day can be gorgeous to look at and comfortable to listen to. I recognize their voices when they talk. They are the "norm" of my day. I DO engage in conversations with them. I DO stop to listen to them. I do not think it crazy to hear them speak.<br />
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Not only did Eve engage in conversation with the serpent but she was convinced of the "wisdom" the serpent espoused. "<i>You won't die! God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.</i>" What foolish conversations from the "serpent" in my daily life am I listening to and allowing myself to become "convinced" of the "wisdom" he shares with me? <br />
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Eve not only listened to the serpent and allowed herself to be convinced of the false wisdom that was spoken she also placed her faith in the fruit of the tree. "As soon as you eat IT....you will be like God." Rather than going to God as the source of wisdom she allowed herself to be enticed by the wisdom "IT" would give her. Am I seeking the wisdom that comes from God or the wisdom that comes for "IT" which promises me what only God can give?<br />
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Finally Eve took the fruit and shared it with her husband who was with her. As a wife she was caring for her husband......sharing with him, loving him, engaging in life with him. BUT what she shared with him was deadly as you and I both know. Are the things that I am sharing with my husband building him up or are they deadly? What about the things that I share with my daughter? With my family? <br />
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Genesis 3:16<br />
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<i>Then He said to the woman, "I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you."</i><br />
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"<i>You will desire to control your husband.</i>" That driving force in me that wants to control my husband and all that he does is a direct result of sin. It is not because I know better and I have done the research but a direct result of sin. Doing research and becoming informed about issues that effect him and me as well as our family is NOT a bad thing. It is actually good and wise as we can see elsewhere in the Word; rather, the use of that information to control and manipulate Arthur is a result of sin and IS SIN. May I see it for what it really is!<br />
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<i>God, I pray that the food that I serve my family today......physical and spiritual food will bless them and give them nourishment and strength. Help me to discern the voice of the serpent in my life and to go to you for wisdom and salvation. Thank you that YOU are in control of my life, Arthur's and Dacia's. Thank you for today!</i><br />
<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-4967629022744841882016-12-17T23:19:00.001-08:002016-12-17T23:42:53.465-08:00Day 17 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our favorite "date" spots. </div>
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Dacia enjoys sitting at the counter and watching them bake.</div>
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Arthur and I enjoy a date while sitting at one of the cafe tables and people watching.</div>
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Peppermint Mocha<br />YUMMY!</div>
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Pain d'Noel!</div>
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Baby, it's cold out there!</div>
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BRRR!</div>
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But so fun!</div>
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Selfie overlooking Lake "O"</div>
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This was supposed to be a selfie of "us" but...</div>
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we were photo bombed by this beautiful TWEEN!</div>
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Dacia and Dad!</div>
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Dacia and Mom</div>
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She has an arm!</div>
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But Dad had a cool aim today!!!!</div>
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We enjoyed the blooming flowers in the area!</div>
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Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-58582639958972760292016-12-16T23:15:00.000-08:002016-12-17T23:19:34.042-08:00Day 16 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tia sitting watch from my bedroom. Guarding the neighborhood from all the dangerous cats and squirrels.Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-45157067252288109382016-12-15T23:13:00.000-08:002016-12-17T23:15:01.539-08:00Day 15 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sliding on the streets!</div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-45737295586464123252016-12-14T23:07:00.000-08:002016-12-17T23:15:10.061-08:00Day 14 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Snow that will hopefully stick around for a few days.</div>
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Edited later - The snow storm that shut down the city. It would remain for several days and provide hours of fun for Dacia.Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-14902261601466225112016-12-13T23:00:00.000-08:002016-12-17T23:06:41.788-08:00Day 13 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0AxWCFgW2c/WFY1WQOMuWI/AAAAAAAAC-o/lpEY07XMCiMBraOkl1mLIZMG6waid8lugCLcB/s1600/IMG_5757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0AxWCFgW2c/WFY1WQOMuWI/AAAAAAAAC-o/lpEY07XMCiMBraOkl1mLIZMG6waid8lugCLcB/s320/IMG_5757.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We have enjoyed strolls at the local mall this month. </div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-51077312900232416222016-12-12T22:58:00.000-08:002016-12-17T22:58:19.893-08:00Day 12 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9PNHmtP1LZFqwFYIEwSEx_OItcxeaNzq9j7SFL5hxj2nnE18igWS5MRYs_L8wpznmSUCobRjN0lYoZgCZNugdUSpkMKDPU1jSTcv5lbz82zAHRrUsfXI2ZZLPjkmnRGG1Q_PbL6rWJ0/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9PNHmtP1LZFqwFYIEwSEx_OItcxeaNzq9j7SFL5hxj2nnE18igWS5MRYs_L8wpznmSUCobRjN0lYoZgCZNugdUSpkMKDPU1jSTcv5lbz82zAHRrUsfXI2ZZLPjkmnRGG1Q_PbL6rWJ0/s320/IMG_5782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We were walking through the mall and what to our wondering eyes did appear but Santa strolling around on his "turkey break". Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-26513580578396655582016-12-11T22:39:00.000-08:002016-12-17T22:39:48.127-08:00Day 11 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9cyxM1zaUE/WFYu7tCNW4I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/MCm05vZgOooYqSvc_09WQC0zn5sgDpZuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9cyxM1zaUE/WFYu7tCNW4I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/MCm05vZgOooYqSvc_09WQC0zn5sgDpZuwCLcB/s320/IMG_5846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nothing like Sunday morning worship with my church family.</div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-70285817173794329502016-12-10T19:04:00.000-08:002016-12-17T19:18:41.944-08:00Day 10 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kp2frHeztE/WFX_AN2rilI/AAAAAAAAC-A/D52eQoCmZ7szUcfPaCRp6fND16zHdGG9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kp2frHeztE/WFX_AN2rilI/AAAAAAAAC-A/D52eQoCmZ7szUcfPaCRp6fND16zHdGG9QCLcB/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hanging out at the bookstore on a gray Saturday afternoon.</div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-54947364538798348332016-12-09T18:54:00.000-08:002016-12-17T19:03:38.003-08:00Day 9 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd-oO0rSPOA/WFX8DZwIt7I/AAAAAAAAC90/qJxEzyN0UmUhAQ2dZNzOHtGCZrpv-ME1QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd-oO0rSPOA/WFX8DZwIt7I/AAAAAAAAC90/qJxEzyN0UmUhAQ2dZNzOHtGCZrpv-ME1QCLcB/s320/IMG_5825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chocolate Mint Tea from Trader Joe's</div>
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Mom's Christmas hot pad that she made many years ago. </div>
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Miss her!</div>
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Christmas gift from Arthur's work</div>
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Would you like an almond roca? Cashew?</div>
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Peppermint? Dark Chocolate?</div>
<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-91017704165926284242016-12-08T18:46:00.000-08:002016-12-17T18:53:24.550-08:00Day 8 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr_L2HWZB5tdMME-AeuHaKhUUn5cPIJtTpr4chBb96aRNvlSejmtTfE6ounaGBR9uCGe34RgH9QxyvEOTs6MEarUcV9OKj0uqMzlacOumkx0aul81PhPwTFJkhRagUiMRh-RBVo62blg/s1600/IMG_5815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr_L2HWZB5tdMME-AeuHaKhUUn5cPIJtTpr4chBb96aRNvlSejmtTfE6ounaGBR9uCGe34RgH9QxyvEOTs6MEarUcV9OKj0uqMzlacOumkx0aul81PhPwTFJkhRagUiMRh-RBVo62blg/s320/IMG_5815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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SNOW!!!!!!! Looking from our front porch to the trailhead across the street. It will likely all be gone by tomorrow. We had a "snow" day. Dacia was so excited!<br />
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Enjoying the snow day by curling up with a good book by the fire. SHHHHHH! Don't tel her this was school too. Reading Pride and Prejudice. Studying the illustrations!Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-12398920275024594602016-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:002016-12-17T18:46:07.051-08:00Day 7 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5HYwkzDAIQP_mAIcdNUMXgWC54qYZgNSvIP4O5P3VUqjIGkP5XHLzW0UUUQFup825dR7mGDB53sjLgjuQpdSGGG0FxYyPvV-idL7_xKlLq6k6vTJp-3515SwnEubhQQj1bf8-G0aimI/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5HYwkzDAIQP_mAIcdNUMXgWC54qYZgNSvIP4O5P3VUqjIGkP5XHLzW0UUUQFup825dR7mGDB53sjLgjuQpdSGGG0FxYyPvV-idL7_xKlLq6k6vTJp-3515SwnEubhQQj1bf8-G0aimI/s320/IMG_5814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sweet, SWEET girl organized a surprise birthday luncheon for my 50th birthday. When did she grow up to be so big and mature. She is an amazing young woman of God.Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-71996034322803468862016-12-06T18:41:00.000-08:002016-12-17T18:42:13.055-08:00Day 6 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oG3qdDM7yIM8hA8_ANSlDUvcti5ssCvOPlC3n7O-gZXj-D1IaEaEkSsplIvSWYbPMsIoZmZEWjRnV6iahqqp90t4AbwGMto-AOeGGP6hNwVGXd_rJfFQa9Ckod97ahPBLBDskcWUFIY/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oG3qdDM7yIM8hA8_ANSlDUvcti5ssCvOPlC3n7O-gZXj-D1IaEaEkSsplIvSWYbPMsIoZmZEWjRnV6iahqqp90t4AbwGMto-AOeGGP6hNwVGXd_rJfFQa9Ckod97ahPBLBDskcWUFIY/s320/IMG_5764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look who we ran into while walking around Bridgeport earlier this month!!! </div>
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My old pals....Raggedy Ann and Andy!</div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-1043166577647634612016-12-05T18:22:00.000-08:002016-12-17T18:28:11.318-08:00Day 5 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pa Keon is a favorite breakfast but expensive to buy ready made. Here is my first attempt at making one sans a recipe. Pretty good for a first attempt. The <a href="http://lulouscreations.blogspot.com/2016/12/pa-jeon-korean-scallion-pancakes.html">rough recipe</a> is over at my other blog: LuLu's Creations and Designs. <br /><br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-50943934971143410872016-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:002016-12-17T18:18:30.631-08:00Day 4 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Handmade by my grandmother many years ago. One of my favorite Christmas items that I actually keep out all year long. Along with this wonderful cardinal, she sewed quilts one of which was a wedding gift to Arthur and I even though she had died many years prior to us meeting! <br /><br />She was an amazing lady. She was born in the early 1900's and lived to see the car become a common place mode of transportation. She worked as a librarian. Lived through two world wars, Korean War and Vietnam War. She saw the telephone become a common household fixture as well as electricity, indoor plumbing, running water, radios and televisions. She played the piano and the organ beautifully. <br /><br />She loved God and was devoted to Him wholeheartedly. I am also privileged to own her Bible and several of her devotional books. Reading her notes in her Bible and her devotional books is such a wonderful encouragement to me.Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-21957842565972462232016-12-03T21:56:00.002-08:002016-12-03T21:56:51.540-08:00Day 3 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0H0Q9RbcM/WEOumYgMWsI/AAAAAAAAC8E/HYDHtNknwpQ6HP32_v5rbierqGNuLviSwCLcB/s1600/15272221_10210490684200059_2967534756825568117_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0H0Q9RbcM/WEOumYgMWsI/AAAAAAAAC8E/HYDHtNknwpQ6HP32_v5rbierqGNuLviSwCLcB/s320/15272221_10210490684200059_2967534756825568117_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In addition to the December Photo Project, I have been on a personal mission to do something with the family each day in the month of December that pulls us all together. With it being Saturday, I asked the family to join me by going to the local high school for a craft bazaar. While we had a good time together it fell rather flat. We decided to head over to the local mall and walk around. Oh the memories and fun that we had. As we were leaving to go to dinner we passed by the Corner Bakery Cafe and was invited in by the manager for a dinner on the cafe. It was the "training night" before the big opening next week. What a wonderful evening that we had. <br /><br />Here Dacia is showing Dad how to play Color Switch. Computer games/games online are not our favorite thing but they are Dacia's. We are stretching our comfort boundaries and embracing things that she likes. In the process we are finding new things that we enjoy with her. I love my sweet tween girl! She adds so much life and fun to our lives.Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-36310911046628373572016-12-02T21:23:00.003-08:002016-12-02T21:23:46.065-08:00Day 2 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEs3lonnxBw/WEJWpWnpANI/AAAAAAAAC70/dYDQsJgeeSssABWtv0lbozizsng87hGTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEs3lonnxBw/WEJWpWnpANI/AAAAAAAAC70/dYDQsJgeeSssABWtv0lbozizsng87hGTQCLcB/s320/IMG_5748.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just another squirrely Friday evening at Fanno Creek Lodge!</div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-38813778840949665372016-12-01T22:12:00.001-08:002016-12-01T22:12:29.531-08:00Day 1 - December Photo Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5tjVNPHt2Y/WEEOxow2nvI/AAAAAAAAC7c/3JYAWQSkGqcXhhW-LbTyqGK8NGXfujmSQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5tjVNPHt2Y/WEEOxow2nvI/AAAAAAAAC7c/3JYAWQSkGqcXhhW-LbTyqGK8NGXfujmSQCLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am participating in the December Photo Project this year. It was started a number of years ago by a Christian woman in Nebraska and quickly spread with the help of her friends. This is my first year in participating. I do not have any claim to be a professional photographer. I just love capturing memories that mean something to my family.<br /><br />This photo represents home sweet home to me. Arthur LOVES Christmas lights so we have these up ALL year long! Yes, even in the summer if someone in the family is out late, these lights will be lit waiting for the family to be together once again in our wonderful lodge! </div>
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(If you want to join in the fun of the December Photo Project, hope on over to the host <a href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/">blog </a>and join the fun. You can also look for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/decemberphotoproject/">Facebook </a>group if that is easier for you.)<br /><br />#DPP2016</div>
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<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-54388269586202270102016-12-01T12:57:00.002-08:002016-12-01T20:10:23.860-08:0026th Anniversary of Dad's Homegoing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This photo was taken two weeks to the day that my father was killed. Today marks the 26th anniversary of his homegoing. He was a wonderful family man. Here is a little more about my Daddy. (For some this will be a repeat of what they know about him. For others this will be new.) <br />
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(1) He loved to play men's softball and did throughout his life. He played college ball as a catcher. This was before catcher's wore any protective gear. He was hit in the wind pipe by a ball once and ended up in the hospital for several days.<br />
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(2) He loved the outdoors. At my childhood home in St. Louis, he lovingly planted about 20 trees on our property because he loved seeing them bloom.<br />
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(3) Besides winning many awards for his stone and brick work as a top notch stone and brick mason, he was an accomplished woodworker. I love his handiwork.<br /><br />What a wonderful treat in February when I was able to visit One Logan Square in Philadelphia where my father worked my sophomore year. The night that we visited it was COLD but I was able to go into the foyer of the business building and into the hotel to see the building today. When we moved away from Philadelphia, the building was not yet finished. Interestingly, the hotel is now part of the hotel family that Arthur works for! <br />
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(4) He loved, LOVED the Word of God. I know of at least three small Bibles that he read so often that he wore them out. I cherish the one of his that I have. I also have is journal of notes. <br />
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(5) One of my fondest memories is of him reading his Bible in the corner of his room early on Sunday morning. He loved going to church so much and would be up early on Sunday morning reading and praying and prepping to teach whatever Sunday School class he was currently assigned.<br />
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(6) He was my 6th and 7th grade Sunday School teacher! Much of what I know and love about the Lord's Prayer comes from his teachings.<br />
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(7) He originally wanted to be a forest ranger when he went to college. He spent one year north of Couer d'Alene, Idaho planting trees. I have been able to see some of those trees all grown now. I have to be honest that I was a little emotional seeing those trees and realizing he had planted them.<br />
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(8) He loved birds! I give him credit for my love of birds.<br />
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(9) He was a man of prayer. When we were cleaning out his work truck after he died, we found what seemed like hundred of 3x5 cards with prayer notes on them. He never had a radio in his truck instead he would pray while he drove wherever he went. He prayed for the salvation of my Uncle Jim. I learned that Uncle Jim became a Christian before he died which is many years after my Dad died. At one time I knew how many years this was but suffice it to say it was over 25 years! Don't ever give up praying for the salvation of your loved ones!
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(10) He was quirky at times. He was a red headed Swiss that would wear a Swiss hat on St. Patty's Day. LOL! Somewhere I have that hat!<br />
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Love you Daddy!</div>
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<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-72221807659423862032016-08-01T10:00:00.003-07:002016-08-01T10:01:40.053-07:00Bible Study Method #1As I train Dacia Grace in studying the Word of God, I want so share a little about what I have found online. There are many free resources out there that serve as great encouragements in our studying of the Word of God. <br />
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Good Morning Girls is a world wide group of women that study a section or a book of the Bible together for a set period of time. The method that used is S.O.A.K. or S.O.A.P. Here it is explained in a blogpost which also has a video embedded in the post. May you be encouraged as well.<br />
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2015/01/how-to-use-soak-bible-study-method-bible-coloring-chart/">How to use the SOAK Bible Study Method</a>Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-70357583614791254132016-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:002016-01-09T10:31:24.895-08:00SImple Woman's Daybook<span style="font-size: large;">Outside my window...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>once again I see the gray of January and the rain coming down. So thankful for the rain and the way that it is preparing the earth for the upcoming Spring and Summer. Praying it will have a lasting impact on the drought like conditions we have experienced last year.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am thinking...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>the passage of time. In some ways time passes so quickly and in other ways it crawls along at a snail's pace. As a mom, time is passing through my fingers and Dacia is growing up so quickly. As I look at the world around me and see the sin and the devastation it causes, time passes slowly as we wait anxiously for the return of Christ to this dark world.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am thankful ....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>for God's goodness and peace. This week found me in the Emergency Department of our local-ish hospital with scary symptoms. If it were not for God's peace, I think I would have gone crazy. God in His mercy and goodness intervened and I was given a clean bill of health.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the learning rooms...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>we are learning about the Roman arch, the Roman aqueducts and how to draw architectural sketches.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">From the kitchen...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am working on menu plans which will include cooking from the pantry and freezer with some fresh veggies from our Organics to You delivery. Pork tenderloin and albacore tuna tenderloin are on the menu as well as shrimp scampi.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Currently my favorite breakfast item is ricotta cheese on toast! Yummy! Toast, ricotta cheese, sliced pears and drizzled with Turkish honey and sprinkled with chopped English walnuts. Or toast with ricotta cheese and strawberry jam splashed with Balsamic vinegar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am creating...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>a file of photos for Arthur to take to his parents when he goes to see them later this month. While their mind slowly slips away, photos of the family bring them so much comfort and are a practical way that we can show them that we love them.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am reading...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>On This Foundation by Lynn Austin. It is the second book in The Restoration Chronicles which tells of the years following the Exile when the Jews rebuilt the Temple and the wall of Jerusalem. God's promise to protect a remnant of the Jews regardless of their sinful ways encourages me so much today. If He loves these sinful people so much, will He not also love me in my sinfulness?! Thank you Jesus! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am praying...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>for the peace of Jerusalem. Our world needs peace but it will only come with the return of the Prince of Peace. Maranatha!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am hearing...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Wayne Watson ......... Yep, it is a throwback music type of day. Listening to the songs of my high school and college years this morning.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Around the house...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>it is quiet as Dacia is at a grade school event. The last Forts and Floats that she will attend as a grade schooler. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!?! She is in beginning to count down how many months......no weeks......remain in her grade school career. How is that possible? WOW!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite things...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>time with my family. This week's medical emergency really awakened the frailty of life. Time to cherish those times together. As trite as it sounds we are not promised tomorrow. We are not even promised the next moment. Make the one you are in right now count!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A few plans for the rest of the week...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>focusing on school and watching to see what Divine Appointments God has in store for me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Picture Thought...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-82067292438332828282016-01-09T09:58:00.003-08:002016-01-09T10:00:07.657-08:00Light in the Dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not the clearest of photos but I seriously love this photo. Dacia loves wrapping up in her firefly lights and reading at night. Makes me think of the way God is the light in my life. I long to wrap myself up in His light as I walk through my days in this dark world.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me </i></div>
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<i>will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."</i></div>
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<i>John 8:12</i></div>
Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-9569362150070665542016-01-03T17:10:00.001-08:002016-01-03T17:12:50.557-08:00Keeping It Real!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't feel like I have any clue what I am doing homeschooling. I don't feel like I have any business homeschooling. I don't feel like I am doing a good job homeschooling. Matter of fact there are times, I know I am not doing a good job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BUT GOD......... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is the one that has called Arthur and I to homeschool. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BUT GOD.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is the one we have chosen to obey and submit to in all areas of our life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BUT GOD.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looks at the heart of man rather than the outward appearances. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can look at the outward appearances, the educational outcomes, the test results, etc. and see what man sees...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OR...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can choose to look at the heart and see that I am leading a little girl down the path of young womanhood and see that today she loves God more than she did yesterday and more than she did last year. I can choose to see that God is at work in her life and in mine and in my husband's life. I can chose to look at the outward signs of success or I can look at the BUT GOD moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I choose today to look at the BUT GOD moments. Will you look at them with me!?!</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet </i><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and a light unto my path.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Psalm 119:105</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></i>Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266658226592348375.post-34670914969734547492016-01-01T11:53:00.003-08:002016-01-01T12:08:54.721-08:00Wisdom of the Ages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0uIN8HmqXk/VobZKWYA4JI/AAAAAAAACv8/LQi9rp-K0CM/s1600/936559_10153825340403622_4607527505702817329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0uIN8HmqXk/VobZKWYA4JI/AAAAAAAACv8/LQi9rp-K0CM/s640/936559_10153825340403622_4607527505702817329_n.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />Mary Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874374579013785124noreply@blogger.com0