A Wise Woman

Last week was Volunteer Appreciation Week at work.  Along with a few other ways of showing our appreciation, we hung inspirational verses, quotes and lyrics in the office.

That is when I came across a site with all Corrie ten Boom quotes (click here for more quotes).

“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” 
― Corrie ten Boom

Her story is so powerful.  If you're looking for a good read, you'll never tire of "The Hiding Place" or any of her other books written while traveling the world after the Holocaust.

It's just so amazing that her story and the choices she and her family made are true.  Nothing is more powerful than followers of Christ living whole-hearted, allowing Christ to move where all seems lost and impossible.

I love this short story from "The Hiding Place" that Corrie shares from her childhood memory.  There's such wisdom in her father's response to her question.  Maybe you've heard this before, but it's so worth reading again:
“And so seated next to my father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, "Father, what is sexsin?" 
He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case off the floor and set it on the floor. 
Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said. 
I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning. 
It's too heavy," I said. 
Yes," he said, "and it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."

Painting and Blessings

We've been doing just a bit of painting recently.  I'm not sure the pictures will do it all justice, but I'll share a few (mostly because I'm a fan of pics in blogs).

This past week we painted the baby room and the family room a very faint gray.  Is it grey or gray?  Anyway, I couldn't believe how much I loved the color in the baby room.  It had been a baby blue from the previous owners, and it looked nice.  But the gray is just so calm.  I hope to share more pics of that room once later.

(Above) Baby room in progress.

I wasn't so sure about the family room at first.  This has proven to be the most difficult room over all to just feel finished and happy about.  We've changed furniture, rearranged the room umpteen times, hung and moved pictures just as many times and even painted an accent wall.

Finally, I believe we're now on the right track.  I am very happy with the color, position of furniture and what we have on the wall.  Of course, there are more changes (hopefully) to come over time to this room.  But if that doesn't happen, I would still be happy with how it is now.  mostly. :)

(Above)  Family room in progress.  Good bye green accent color and ALL the nail holes in the walls.

(Above) The pre-painting picture of our coffee table.  We painted it and a side table black so all of the tables in the room would match.

(Above) The coffee table painted, walls patched and painted, and the room in harmony.  Not the best pic to see the new wall color.  Come visit to see how it turned out.

(Above)  Another side table we painted black.  You can see the paint color a little better in this picture.

Finally, I just celebrated my birthday this past week.  I have had a wonderful birthday month with friends and family and date nights with my husband.  He is so good to me that putting it in words just wouldn't justify my feelings and thankfulness for him.  But telling you that he helped me on my quest for the perfect red high heels should give a little insight into how much he cares for me.

(Above) Do you see my new, red shoes?

Perhaps if I see you on Thursday, you will get to see these beauties IRL. :)

Happy Thanksgiving all!

I vote. I count.

I recently met a woman who was about 7 months pregnant.  We talked for a few minutes about being pregnant, and she said, "I don't think women really tell you what you should expect."  I totally agree.

I'm not sure I should be the one to the blow the cover on this well kept secret.  Basically, let's say, if a woman did tell all that a pregnant body may experience, you would think the description fitting for a truck-driving, over-emotional, queasy, old man.

And my husband's been wonderful. Each time I tell him something new that's happening to my body (like he's my doctor or something), he seems far less surprised than I am.  "Well, of course, honey. You're pregnant."

There are some perks to being pregnant.  My nails have gotten nice and hard and long.  Perfect for painting, which was not common before. and there's also, well, ummm... well... okay, not much. But I'm looking forward to the day I actually have a big enough baby bump for others to see the joy I'm carrying.

Today, I'm off to see my grandparents and maybe do a little baby shopping, just for fun. I've already voted, which means I count.  I've painted my nails a beautiful shade of pink/orange.  And written this blog post... all before 9 o'clock.  It's nice to start feeling well enough to get up and do things before noon again.

Enjoying Today.

Week 17--  I went to the doctor this morning and heard the baby's heart beat... 140 beats per minute. wow!  I also could hear the baby moving about.  This is so amazing to me as I haven't felt the baby move yet, and in some ways, it still doesn't seem real.  I'm so thankful for this little miracle.  My mind keeps going to: Children are a gift from the Lord.  so true.  At our next visit, we will find out the sex of the baby.  I'm really looking forward to calling the baby he or she.  I kind of go back and forth on whether I think the baby is a girl or boy.

Above is my blooming cactus I inherited from a friend who moved.  It was in sad shape 

when I got it.  I just love seeing it's bright pink flowers blooming!

I've been reading "Light Force" by Brother Andrew (author of God's Smuggler... a must read).  I love books I get sucked into and have a hard time putting down.  This one has been a real challenge and eye opener as Brother Andrew shares his experiences and insights of encouraging the Church in Jordan and Israel.  As a Western Christian, I feel I've only heard one side of the story.  But there's never one side of a story, and "Light Force" shares the story of Jewish AND Palestinian Christians... the Church.  And all of the pent up frustration, hurt, humility, hatred, anger, etc. on both sides that makes it so difficult for peace.  During a conversation between Christian Jews and Christian Palestinians, one of the men in the discussion says, "I'm a citizen of Heaven."  That can be so hard to remember going through our days, but it's true for every follower of Christ.  

Above are my mums from McNamara.  They're still blooming and beautiful. I put them by the front door to welcome guests, and so I can see and enjoy them.  What a wonderful greeting!