They say a picture paints a thousand words, so I’ll let this photo explain why I missed last week’s SEP.

My new grandbaby, Isaac Timothy, was born last Saturday morning. He was a few days early, but he’s healthy and growing. We are grateful!

Sweet Lucy is adapting well, but it’s challenging. She’s only 15-months-old, so there’s only so much she can understand. Sometimes, she gets a little desperate for her “Da,” like when he was out shoveling snow. She was looking everywhere for him—even under his pillow! I finally picked her up and helped her pound on the window until he heard her and waved back. I’m thankful her daddy holds such a special place in her heart. That bodes well for her future.

The past two weeks have had quite a lot of snow for us New Englanders. We had our second snow hurricane last week. It brought terrible destruction to coastal cities, and the wind and heavy snow took out the power in many communities—including our own. I think it may be the first time all three power lines in our town went down. We retreated to Maine to stay with my sister, the Historian, whose power rather miraculously was restored. It ended up being a very special time. It was our last family gathering before Isaac, but it was also our Mother’s birthday. Being together is exactly what she would have wanted.

I guess snow pictures might get boring, but I really do love the snow. And, different kinds of storms create a different scene.

My neighbor’s fence looked like he’d hung a woolly garland.

It’s a wonder more branches didn’t break. What you can see resting on the red car bounced right back up—25 feet?—as soon as the snow melted off. It was awesome to see the white everywhere. I know heavy snow makes clearing it a much harder job, but it does make everything look like a marshmallow world!

Aside from snow storms and new babies, Lucy decided she likes spaghetti. This is pretty big news, because Lucy is a bit of a picky eater. I tried to make a video to show her parents she really did eat the spaghetti, but it took so long for Doug to feed her I had to stop it—the video was getting too long. But, she did something super-cute, so I saved the video. And, now you get to see it, if you like.

She waits so patiently to be fed, but Doug seemed a little caught-up with the task that she finally puts her hand up in wonder. That is her classic move anytime something curious happens. So fun. ❤

Well, that’s not a very thorough account of the past two weeks, but it’s the happiest highlights. I like to meditate on the good things, you know? The lovely and pure things. The hard and bad things, the trials and suffering, they have a purpose in the life surrendered to Christ, but they aren’t meant to be our focus.

God bless you today. Hope you have many happy highlights to meditate on today. 🙂

When Saturday arrives, I look back through my photos to remind myself what I did (or didn’t) do that week. I don’t have many pictures this week, because I got hit by a pretty bad cold on Monday night. That kinda shut me down.

I found a few, though.

I downloaded this from Facebook, to text a friend. She was dealing with Fear and Doubt, and I think this is just about the best verse for all those mind tricks Satan likes to play on us.

 

I follow “C.S.Lewis” on Twitter. Well, not really—just someone who shares a quote of his every day. This quote reminded me of an important lesson I seem to keep forgetting.

 

On Sunday, Tim took Lucy for a swim. I love watching him be a daddy.

 

I have two sisters: the Philosopher and the Historian. As Tim & Lucy swam, I noticed this beautiful plumeria, and I thought to myself: where else in New England could a plumeria thrive in February? The Historian has a way with plants. She is a nurturer, though, so I am not entirely surprised. It is one the qualities she inherited from our mother.

Looking at the week ahead, I have a lot before me. Lots of praying to do. We’ll see how things go.

God bless you! 

Last year, three friends published books. Three! I have rather impressive friends, don’t I? Today, a fourth friend’s book was published, and her book has something very different about it.

Now, really, each book is unique and quite special, and I think you should check them all out. However, A Peace Unfettered by Qene’ Manon Jeffers is different, because I had the distinct privilege of writing the forward. I was so surprised and honored to be asked to do this, but when Qene’ asked me I couldn’t help asking: “Are you sure about that?!” I was not worthy, but I could not refuse someone whose words have meant so much to me.

A Peace Unfettered is also different, because it is intended to spiritually minister to you. Her stories, all based on her real life, will encourage your heart and inspire your faith—no matter where you may find yourself today. In fact, if you are struggling in your walk of faith, I especially encourage you to keep a copy close at hand. Her stories are short, sweet, and spiritually sound. They will give you lift, a burst of hope right when you need it. She also shares a miraculous healing she experienced two years ago. You will be in awe of God’s healing power, as you read how He brought her through a life-threatening illness.

You may read a short excerpt from the book and learn more about Qene’ on her author’s page: CLICK HERE. Check out all of my friends’ books!

“Rollerskating in a Buffalo Herd” by Rosalie J. Karjala (June 2017)
“Simple Things” by Suzanne Schaffer (July 2017)
“When We Were You’re Age” by Anne G.D. Smith (December 2017)
“A Peace Unfettered” by Qene’ Manon Jeffers (February 2018)

A LOVELY DAY FOR A WALK
We have a snow storm outside right now, but earlier this week it was actually warm enough for Lucy to take her very first stroll outside.

Getting to be a grandparent with the Saxophone Player is probably my favorite thing ever.

COW
I just love cows. Can’t wait to take Lucy to a farm this Spring, and introduce her to the real thing.

 

We had a snow day this week. Lots of ice followed.

Spring is coming, though!

Looking forward. Yet, enjoying the moments. Like eating popcorn with Lucy.

Putting others first is very expensive. I can only afford to do it, when I am putting Christ first above all. I can only live in peace when my own desires are unmet, if I’ve determined to die to myself and live for Him. Those are decisions I have to make daily, even multiple times in one day. My selfish and prideful urges are very strong.

Met a young, homeless woman this week. I just wanted to bring her home and feed her soup. Bowl upon bowl of soup. How many girls like her are out there? Why isn’t her mother feeding her soup? These are questions that never leave me alone.

Lucy lives up to her name. She is the light of our life. This week, she tasted her first tostada, and she liked it very much.

 

The coffee and donuts I take to Great Hill are an act of faith. I came close this week to just bringing a couple small cups of coffee. It was nice to see that box emptied out.

I really hope we haven’t damaged our granddaughter. She seriously loves “White Christmas.” She wants to watch it every day. Every. Day. Not just the musical numbers, either. She watches the whole thing. She wants to read the book every day. She wants us to sing her the songs every times she see us. She “dances” to certain songs. Tries her darnedest to sing along. I think she would love nothing more than to have a Bing Crosby stuffed doll—if that was even a thing.  I’m not sure what to make of it.

Have you read the memo? Do you plan to read it? We live in interesting days, don’t we? We need to pray. Things are not normal.

I really enjoy Jan Markell’s radio program. Olive Tree Ministries is the organization, and “Understanding the Times” is the name of the program. It’s not for everyone, but I find it timely and appropriate. I listen to it on YouTube. CLICK HERE This week she interviewed Michelle Bachman, Part One. Part Two will air next Saturday. Little bit of trivia for you: Jan used to babysit Michelle. Small world, huh?

Hope you all are staying away from the flu. God bless and keep you and yours today, and in the week ahead.

 

G R E E N S
Ate a bunch of spinach this week. That made me happy.

R E D
This crossed my path on Facebook this week and made me see red—the red marker I wanted to use to blot it out! This is a terribly wrong message for at least three reasons.

1. The only wounds that have healing virtue are the wounds Christ endured for our sake. Proof #1 Proof #2
2. If your greatest “life message” isn’t the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the new life you found in Him, you do not have a godly ministry.
3. Ministry belongs to God. He calls, anoints, and appoints. He gets to decide HOW He uses the vessel He has chosen. The vessel does not decide how it will be used.

I don’t know why RW is so revered by so many Christians. I really don’t find him to be very devout or to have sound doctrine.

P I N K
We had a warm day today, so Lucy and her parents made it out to the park. The overalls she is wearing were once worn by her Mommy.  I know it’s really weird that I saved some of her baby things for so long, but I really have not regretted getting to see Lucy use them. She’s such a precious lamb. We ate popcorn and watched her favorite movie tonight. Best part of my day.