One of a Kind

"The Creator has made us each one of a kind. There is nobody else exactly like us, and there never will be. Each of us is His special creation and is alive for a distinctive purpose. Because of this, the person we are, and the contribution we make by being that very person, are vitally important to God." ~Luci Swindoll

We need to be who WE are, not who someone else wants to make us, or who we think others want us to be! You are the only you on this planet. You are one of a kind. You are a here for a reason, so find out what it is if you haven't done that yet. YOU can change the world, even if it is just a small part of the world. Each life you touch, each nice thing you do, changes the world. You never know how throughout the day whose life you will touch, what difference you will make. Sometimes, it can feel like we aren't making a difference anywhere, even though we are trying. However, you are planting seeds everywhere you go and those seeds may grow and blossom into something, someone who reaches the world and makes a huge difference in society. You are important. Live everyday like you are a life changer, because you are!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Off to Camp

I am in a whirlwind of things that need to be finished up today. I leave for a week of middle school camp tomorrow and there's a lot left to do! I have to take most of my own food, since I have so many food allergies, so that adds a lot to the 'to do' plate. I'm trying to simplify watering the garden for my hubby since he will be home alone all week. My specific job at camp is to be in charge of games. It's amazing how hard it is to plan games for 150 + kids! The camp we are going to is loaded with things to do for their free time, but for the specific game time, I am planning blindfold dodgeball, a scavenger hunt, wacky olympics, and a hunt for the camp leaders who will be hiding around camp, along with a few standby games, just in case. After listening to the weather last night, it looks like I need to be prepared for a possible day of rain. So, there won't be many postings here over the week, but please check back soon!! Have a blessed week.

You

"You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." — Max Lucado

When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself. Genesis 5:1

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

I challenge you to read Psalm 139 and see how much you mean to God. When you read it, absorb it, don't just glance through it.
One of the pastors at our church just found out his wife has cancer and she is telling everyone not to focus on the cancer but on Psalm 139. What a testimony her life is; to those trying to comfort her, she's bringing comfort to them. What is God telling you as you read it?


Psalm 139
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Worry

I'm trying to finishing touches on my end of middle school camp for next week. I must say, I'm not sleeping because I keep waking up thinking of things I need or things I have to do. Add to those thoughts all the crisis's going on with family and friends, and rest is tough to attain right now. I know I need to get a grasp on my thoughts, and know that everything for camp is going to work out fine, and to continue to pray for those I love that are not well, or struggling in some way. God doesn't want us to worry. We need to hand our stuff over to Him. Some day's are easier than others to do that, however. Why do I worry about things so much? I pray about it and should trust that God is going to take care of each situation. I mean, what does my worrying help? It doesn't. It just drags me down and wears me out. If I truly trust God, then I need to give Him each situation and let Him work out each issue. So, I am going to work on that today as I finish up my camp shopping.


"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke 12:25

Pet Peeve

Okay, so life has been a bit stressful lately, so I have to talk about one of my pet peeves today. If this is something you do, sorry to offend, but I just don't get it. There is one thing I really wonder about. Okay, there are many things I really wonder about, but this one is one I really wondered about today as I was out shopping for game supplies for middle school camp. Why is it that people have gotten so lazy that they can't put on some actual clothes when they go to the store? Now, I'm not saying that people are running around naked, thank goodness, but many are without actual clothes. There are so many people running around in their pajamas all day, in public, and it really drives me crazy. I don't want to see your belly, or other parts that are hanging down to your belly because you forgot to put on under garments, popping out of your too small tank top pajama shirt. What's even worse is when the pajama bottoms waists are rolled down and if the person moves wrong, it could be an x-rated scene! I also don't want to see Rolling Stone or Sponge Bob pajama pants on a 40 year old man! And, most of these people wear fuzzy slippers along with the pajamas!! Think of the germs that get on those slippers after they are worn out into the public areas, and then into the bedroom. Ewwww!! Why do so many people think that every day life out in public has become a sleepover? For those who wear their jammies all day, check out the CLOTHING section in your local stores because they make nice, comfy shorts, capris, jeans, nice t-shirts, and tank tops that are actually for wearing as a shirt, not pajamas. If you want to be comfy, I don't have an issue with that, but please people, put on actual clothing that they sell OUT of the sleepwear section.

Live Intentionally

Don’t let your life speed out of control. Live intentionally. Do something today that will last beyond your lifetime. ~Barbara Johnson

I know I have been thinking a lot lately about life, and have been trying to be more intentional about living my life so that there are no regrets. What will you do today that will be remembered, that will live on, that will make a difference? Are you living intentionally every day, or are you just going through the motions of life? Take time to think about it, and if you need to, make some changes.

Did You Ever Wonder?

Did You Ever Wonder?



For those, like my parents, who cannot watch this video because they still have dial up, it's a little girl asking a lot of questions some of which are:

Did you ever wonder why the sun rises? Why we can't see the wind but we can feel it? How the wind blows? Why the wind blows?

Where do ideas come from?

Did you ever wonder how hummingbirds can fly 60 mph and come to an abrupt stop? How their wings can beat 70 beats per second?


Did you ever wonder how a sneeze zooms out of your mouth at over 100 mph?

Did you ever wonder how a mustard seed the size of a pinhead



can grow into a very large tree?



What do you wonder about? Or have you lost your childlike wonder and don't even notice those type of things anymore? When was the last time you watched a little kid and their excitement as they experience life? Watch their eyes and the excitement of their wonder! Do you still remember God in the little things? Do you have a childlike wonder when you think about God? Why do we let that wonder leave us? I challenge you today to remember that wonder and to work on getting it back. Focus on what God has done and who He is and remember that wonder. Take some time to set aside the distractions and just focus on the wonder of God, the wonder of creation, the wonder of life.

How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! Psalm 111:2-4

Summer Fun

The nieces came for a visit over the weekend. Saturday was packed with activity, after we arrived at our house in the early afternoon. First, it was time to play ball with our dog while running through the sprinkler







After the sprinkler and lunch, we watched 101 Dalmatians and played while we waited for my hubby to get home. He was at a men's event for church until mid-day, but as soon as he got home and washed the mud off himself from playing tug of war, we headed to Spokane. Spokane wasn't in the plans, but they insisted that they get to go to the carousel with their uncle since he missed the last trip. We had fun, but there was an annoying carousel attendant who walked around the shorter than last time rides, at an amazing pace. Not sure why he decided to do laps through those of us trying to enjoy a carousel ride but he sure did them fast and every time, he would bump into us as we sat there,
attempting to enjoy the ride!



After the five short rides on the carousel, we decided to head back to Idaho and grab some dinner at GW Hunters, and then we went to play mini golf. Hubby and I have never played mini golf so fast! The girls went through the course at lightning speed!! I think their favorite hole was the one when they hit it in the hole, it traveled underground to another green and popped out. They were fascinated at how the ball started out on one green and ended up on another! They were so fascinated, they played that hole about ten times each. We finished up mini golf just before sunset.



We came home and ate some 'ice cream' we made in our Vita Mix. We just add a touch of soy milk and lots of frozen fruit. Yummy and no sugar or preservatives!! This particular batch had organic blueberries and organic strawberries. We had two very blue faces in the house as they enjoyed the treat. The evening ended with watching a funny movie about dogs, and a slumber party in the living room with all of us landing on the couch, and our big air mattress. Today, we did some shopping and bought a few books, then took them home. We had a great time with the girls and built a lot of memories and had a lot of laughs. I don't know about the girls, but I know that a certain aunt and uncle are completely worn out!

Summer

The bountiful harvest of summer is upon us. I picked a handful of raspberries last night, finally! Usually the raspberries are done by now in a normal year. We are enjoying our lettuce, kale, peas, fresh herbs, and mixed greens. The tomatoes are coming on nicely and I look forward to when they ripen. There are two zucchini's close to being ready and my flowers are producing abundant blossoms right now. Ah, the joys of summer! Take some time to enjoy summer this weekend, because it's going by fast.

Do You See Him?

We have an amazing God. Take some time today to reflect on all the great things He has done—and let your emotions reflect your joyful heart! Look around you and see the wonder of God. If you put away the distractions, you can see God all around you. He has made all of creation and He shines through it. Don't be confused-don't worship creation. Worship, and be in awe and wonder of the one who made it!

The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. Psalm 19:1-4

They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. Romans 1:19-21

Lilies

I have a new favorite flower in my garden. I purchased this beautiful lily in May at our local farmers market. It is putting on a beautiful show right now and I am enjoying it's grandeur.

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Luke 12:27-28

Where flowers bloom so does hope.- Lady Bird Johnson

The Earth Laughs in Flowers- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Surprise Gift

"How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it." ~G. Elliston

Sometimes you get wonderful blessings when you least expect them. Tonight I came home from my first day of a full day of work in three weeks, tired and wondering how I could be so tired from just sitting at a desk. I came to the conclusion it was from lack of fresh air! I've been outside a lot, and have gotten quite a bit of fresh air in the past weeks, but in my little gray cubicle, fresh air is not too readily available. I checked the mailbox when I got home and there was a large brown package taking up my the entire mailbox. The mail person had shoved it in there so much, I had to get my hubby to get it out of the box. I saw it was from Aspire, http://aspiretoleadaquietlife.blogspot.com/, and wondered what she sent me. Aspire and I have never met in person, even though we are from the same home town, but I know I feel like we have, and feel like we have built a special friendship over the past few months. This friendship came about through our mutual friend Jenny Meyer's inspiring life. Aspire has sent me a lot of health hints and has gotten me addicted to green smoothies every morning. She sends me encouragement on a regular basis, as well. Well today, she sent me some wonderful gardening supplies. The special gift and card arrived at a perfect time. I believe God whispered in her ear that I needed a blessing of encouragement right now. It is wonderful to receive surprises like that on occasion. It can bless and encourage the heart to an amazing level, and give the boost you need to make it through the day or the week. Thank you so much for the gift and for the blessing!!

Who can you bless today with a random act of kindness, also known as a blessing? Listen to God whisper in your ear, and then be obedient to His promting. You and the receiver will be blessed.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy - they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust

"No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted" ~Aesop "The Lion and the Mouse"

"A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost, he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." ~St. Basil

Adventures in Fishing

We went casting out at a local lake over the weekend. I can't call it fishing, because there weren't any fish biting. Hubby caught a little one, but that was it. We saw thousands of fish that were about an inch long in one area. We were out in our little aluminum boat, with our 2 horse power, almost as old as I am, motor. The motor is just a little bit faster than rowing, but it does the job of getting us from one spot to another, as long as we aren't in a hurry. It was a beautiful evening, and the lake was crystal clear!! There were a lot of very large boats out on the lake and every time they would go by us with their motors wide open, we would have a two foot wake to deal with. Our dog went along for the ride. She enjoys being in the boat but was getting hot so we tried to find a place to let her out to swim along the shore that wasn't private. The only spot we could find was very steep and rocky, but we pulled up to the large rock and she got out. I was sure that I heard nature calling as we pulled in so I thought I should get out and explore the steep hillside as well. I literally was on all fours, pulling myself up the mountain at a couple points. I was praying I didn't fall, straight down, on the large slate rocks below me. I kept muttering and sputtering and knew I would never get back down alive. To top it off, I had on backless shoes so that added to the fun! As I got to a spot where there was actually a couple inches to stand on, I looked out over the beautiful lake, looked down at my husband at the boat a couple hundred feet straight below me, and had no idea why I crawled up this cliff. I turned around as I was saying 'I know I'm going to die going back down' and there were ripe huckleberries!! I was thrilled that my last meal was going to be a tummy full of huckleberries! After a good ten minutes, my husband got a bit worried that I was no where to be seen. He was yelling for me, although I didn't hear him. He finally came up to see if I was okay, and there I stood, with purple fingers! There was still one bush I hadn't discovered, so he quickly picked those berries, and enjoyed every one of them. They were delicious! He told me I needed to come back down to the boat and I said no, I didn't want to die. He told me I wouldn't die and turned around a left me to come down the mountainside by myself. I thanked him! Of course, it was so steep that two of us couldn't be in the same area at once, so I had to do it alone. He did help me at the steepest point, where I lost my footing and was heading over the edge fast. I finally made it back to the boat, quite dirty because I finally just sat down and slid but I made it. Next time I hear nature calling, I may have to survey the area a bit more before answering the call! However, I did enjoy the huckleberries.

Winds and Fire

The winds yesterday were a very powerful force. I was out playing ball with our dog on the new lawn, and at one time the wind gust was so strong, it literally blew me backwards and I could not push myself against it. I have a couple pea plants, many flowers, and tomatoes that broke off, but compared to those in the Spokane Valley who have lost their homes to a fire that raged through the area last night, and yet this morning, I will not complain. It was horrifying last night to watch people's homes burn to the ground in a matter of moments. We went out to take some sunset pictures and saw the huge, angry billows of smoke coming from the fire. It's unbelievable to hear how many fires there are around the region today, around 50-60 new ones it sounds like. To see pictures go to http://www.krem.com/.

Today, I ask you to join me in praying for those who have lost their homes and for the safety of the fire fighters.

Time Flies!!

I just have to ask, does anyone else want to yell 'Stop!! Summer is going too fast! Slow down, please!' What happened to the lazy days of summer that we experienced as kids, when the days were long while we rode bikes, played kicked the can, went swimming, hung out with friends? I cannot believe how fast this summer is going! My hubby asked me to go for a quick motorcycle ride around the neighborhood tonight, and it took me an hour to get out there because I was doing three things at once, and when he finally sent me a text message asking me to join him outside, I got the clue! I realized while on that ride that I haven't even taken time to look at the night sky this summer, and enjoy the stars. I usually love to sit outside on a summer night and enjoy gazing at the stars, but haven't done that yet this year. I am having a hard time believing it's mid-July and really, there is only a few weeks of summer left. I think the fact that the extra, extra long winter of 2008 lasted until about six weeks ago may have something to do with the fact that summer seems so short, but I also think extreme busyness is very much part of the problem. I am trying to find some time to just take a few breathes and relax and enjoy summer but don't see much time in my overbooked calendar for that to happen. I have a garden and flower bed that need weeded, a pile of books that want to be read, a dog that thinks she's been forgotten, a bike that has not seen the rides it should have seen this summer, a row boat and fishing license that have not been used, and a highly stressed out body that needs a bit of a break! I know part of it is my fault, but as much as I try, life just gets more and more busy, instead of slowing down a bit. So, as I finish this post up, I just wonder if I'm the only one having this type of summer, or if others feel this way as well???

Day in Spokane

My mom, sister, and nieces came down yesterday and we took a trip to Spokane to visit Manito Park, Cyrus O'Leary's, and the carousel at Riverfront Park. We had a lot of fun, and the girls would still be riding the carousel if we would have let them! I believe the girls rode it five times! It got pretty hot by the time we left mid-afternoon, and the three adults in the bunch were starting to get a little too dizzy from going round and round and round and round on the carousel! It was so hot, that the youngest in the bunch said "I'm so hot, my tongue is sweating!" We all thought that was a new one!! The flowers at Manito were very pretty and we spent a lot of time chasing butterflies. We built a lot of great memories and had a lot of laughs!

Do Your Loved Ones Have Proof?

The proof that you love someone is not that you have warm affectionate feelings toward them. The proof is in your actions, your words, your sacrifice, your willingness to give the best of yourself, and your willingness to get nothing in return. ~Katherine Walden

The world tells us that love is all about what we feel, the warm fuzzies and 'what can someone do to complete me' and if we don't feel like loving someone, then it's okay to just walk away. That isn't love. Love is giving, not receiving. Love is sometimes difficult. Love is also rewarding. Love shouldn't have strings attached or 'I will love you if you love me.'

1 Corinthians 13 tells us exactly how to love: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance..................Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Wow, can you imagine how the world, our communities, our homes, would be different if we really loved that way? It may seem nearly impossible to do, but if you give it a try, you will see a difference in yourself and in those around you. Does your family and those close to you know that you love them, no matter what? Do they see it in your actions, your words, and how you live?

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 1 John 3:18-19

Wow, What A Weekend

We had a whirlwind weekend. We went up north on Thursday evening to spend time with family for the 4th. The weekend included a trip to the parade, then a quick picnic, then up camping with my parents, my sister and her family, and my cousin Gary. After arriving at my parents house, we realized we had forgotten most of our food, and it was still sitting at home on the table. Guess that's what happens when you are rushing like crazy to get out of the house to try to get up north before darkness fell over the very busy roads! We survived, even without half the food.

Camping was fun and included watching the fireworks from a high ridge line with my sister and nieces. We went for a drive before heading out to the ridge to watch the fireworks, which were only fifteen minutes long, I think. They were pretty, but very short and they were set off before 9:30, so it wasn't even completely dark. We pulled up to the ridge line just as they started. Fortunately, we weren't a few minutes late, or we would have missed them!! One niece was worried that it was getting dark and the bears were going to come eat us and we needed to leave. We kept trying to assure her that we were probably making enough noise to keep all things away.

On our drive before seeing the fireworks, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I must say that God's show was more amazing and more enjoyable! The colors in sunset were absolutely beautiful and received many ooh's and ahh's from our nieces.

We enjoyed relaxing, walks, playing, and a couple drives. The three dogs that were with had a great time, as well, being able to go swimming in the creek and play with the nieces for hours.


These two turkeys hiding in the daisies also had some little ones with them, but they scurried off too fast to get their pictures.



We drove home late Saturday night with my mother-in-law along. It was funny to walk in the house and have to unpack an amazingly large box of packed food, that never left the house. Yes, there was the bread, corn on the cob, bag of freshly cut lettuce, seasonings, s'more fixings, and some other snacks that we were missing for camp.


Sunday involved a whirlwind trip to central Washington to take hubby's mom over to meet some of her friend's so she can go on vacation with them. It was a long, almost eight hour round trip drive! It always is a long drive, just one way, but was even longer since we had been camping and were tired to begin with. Our dog looked like a bobble head dog as she rode in the back of the car, trying to stay awake. Her head would go up and down, up and down, until she finally gave in and went to sleep. It will be good to hit the bed tonight and get some good sleep, after a long, full, great weekend.

Independence Day

God bless America with...............

PEACE for all who are troubled

GRACE for all the needy

COURAGE for all who fear

STRENGTH for all who are weary

FAITH for all who are seeking

HOPE for all who are uncertain

PROTECTION for all who serve

WISDOM for all who lead

~Roy Lessin

Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. Psalm 144:15

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thank you to all who have served and are serving to keep this country free. I appreciate you and I am humbled by your sacrifice.

Hard Times

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. James 1:2-4

Sometimes, life is just hard. There's no way to happy it up or try to understand when life seems to hit hard and we sit baffled by what is going on and on and on. Lately, life has been hitting extra hard with family and friends, and some of it is out of my realm of understanding. One thing I do know is that I can't imagine going through the trials of life without God. I can't imagine not being able to pray, talk to Him, and know that He is always there. I don't know how people go through the tough times in life who don't know Jesus, I really don't. At least I can cling to hope through life's battles and know that He never leaves my side, He is always there to hold my right hand and telling me not to be afraid, and He will help me as it says in Isaiah 41. So, as I go down the bumpy road of life right now, I may not understand the why's but I know that God is near. I know that through the tough times, God teaches us and we come through the other side of those times a stronger person, if we allow Him to use our pain to help us grow our faith. I know that this life is temporary, and that what really matters deep down, even though I may lose sight of that once in awhile, is the prize that waits for me at the end of this crazy life on earth, when all the trials will be gone and there will be no more tears or pain.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Romans 5:3-4

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 5:6-7