I began reading a hardback edition of the New English Translation of the New Testament today. It's written like a book so I want to read it like a book.
Jesus had preached what has come to be known as 'The Sermon on the Mount.' "When Jesus had finished this discourse the people were astounded at His teaching; unlike their own teachers he taught with a note of authority."
Their own teachers laid down their law, and burdened their people;
not lifting a finger to help them carry that burden.
Do this. Do that. Don't do this. Don't do that.
They operated out of a desire to control others rather than having an internal authority that leads.
Authority is deep-rooted in a person's character.
What one says to do is no different than what one does.
This authority comes from the inside out.
Control comes from the outside in.
It's like trying to put a lid on a bubbling spring.
Control is interested in behavior.
It's not interested in a person's attitude or character.
Control is about the appearance of a thing; what's on the surface.
Control does not consider a person's heart.
I looked up these two words in Webster's.
Authority-power or influence resulting from knowledge, prestige; the power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action, or make final decisions; jurisdiction
Control-to exercise authority over; direct; command; to curb; restrain; regulate
One 'earns' the right to have authority through the influence of integrity, knowledge, and prestige.
One 'takes' the right to control by forcing one's own will over another's to direct, command, and regulate that person's will and behavior.
No wonder the people were astonished at His teaching.
For He spoke with the knowledge, prestige, and power that was His
before the world was formed.
If we understood authority
we wouldn't need to be control freaks.
When I was in my teens, I went to a Woman's Retreat where Matilda Kipfer was speaking. She said something that I never forgot. She said, "Manipulation is as the sin of witchcraft because it makes people do things against their will."
Oh, God.
Help me understand.
Help me operate under Your authority
and not out of my own need to control.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hertzler Doings-Oct.29-Nov.4, 2012
Mon.-Rainy and windy. Guys worked around here. Washed and cleaned in the morning. Alli came over and Susan, Alli, and I watched 'The Bucket List' and 'Sense and Sensibility.' I made some peanut butter cookies. Had toasted cheese and tomato soup for supper. Judy called telling me that she accidentally threw away a vital part of her smile. She found it later.
Tues.-Slept little last night between Sandy's storming and Phil's snoring. Took Susan out to Anatomy class. Met Candi at the Japanese Restaurant by Sun Chase. So thrilled with her happy news. Picked up Susan, went to Bailey's to figure out car lock situation, then to Walmart and the Post Office to mail a package to Makenzie, then to Healthy Living, and then back to the Japanese Restaurant to have supper with Betty and Kelly. Just starting to catch up with Betty and we had to leave for a 6:00 basketball meeting at the school. Came home and put groceries away and then I went down to our KNIT group house and got to hear the last half of Beth Moore's first teaching on James. There are 17 ladies signed up for the class. We are from the neighborhood. Alli was there for the first time. I met Dawn S. We range in ages early 20's to late 50's. We're from a number of different churches. My mother belonged to a neighborhood Bible Study group for over 25 years. They had great times together. I'm thrilled to be part of something that encourages unity across church cultures and unites us in the truth that is ours in Christ. Got to home around 10:30. A lone coyote was howling. It wasn't far away. I started to walk towards it. It had to be just on the other side of the first gate behind the silos. Suddenly I thought again and decided not to face the lone coyote alone.
Wed.-Susan studied muscle names and functions for Anatomy while I went to Lynchburg to the leg doctor, Sam's, Walmart, and Kohls. Came home and canned nuts. Put nuts in glass mason jars. Do not put on lids. Put in oven at 200 degrees for one hour. Take out one or two at a time. Wipe edge of jar with damp cloth and screw on lids. They all sealed. These will keep for years and years. Saw this on homestead survival on face book.
Read that 62 are dead from the hurricane Sandy, and that 6 million are without power. Atlantic City, NYC, have really been hit. We don't get the news but I read about it online. Some people are sarcastically joking about the lack of the storm in these parts and the hype that accompanied the storm. I am thankful that it didn't hit us, but there are those whose lives will be forever changed because of this storm, and I don't think we should make light of it. Many prepared more than those of us who didn't need it but all of their preparation did them no good and things got way out of their control. Gleaning for the World was at Sam's Club today asking for donations to help those on the east coast. I think they are a good group to give things too. They'll get supplies to where they are needed. As will MCC-relief.
Took Susan to CC for youth group. Was following a car on the way home and then realized it was Janelle. I followed her into her driveway and she had just been trying to call me to see if I wanted to see scary Micah. He was dressed like a bloody person with a knife through his head. I'm not so sure I liked it but I think he liked that it scared me a little bit. Phil picked up Susan for me so I could soak in the tub with a good book.
Thurs.-Profitable day. Got the remaining years schedule written out for Susan day by day week by week all on one paper. Made some vegetables and beans and black bean soup. Need to lose 15 pounds in two weeks! Insurance company is after me! Did wash, exercised, saw Dr. F. Watched two movies with Susan that I can chalk up to Social Studies after she had worked on school for several hours. One movie-'Lost in the Barrens' filmed way up north and the other in Australia.(Captain Johno.) Guys working in Richmond and getting home late. Potato soup is warming on the stove for them.
Fri.-Dragging all day. Doing a serious detox. Eating mostly vegetables and beans. A bit of rice. Rice crackers. Applesauce. A piece of cheese and a few walnuts. Feel shaky and hungry. Headachy. I'm breaking out in hives and my right arm, right leg, and scalp itches. Am quite sure I also need to stay away from corn. I've been wheat free for about 6 weeks and now I'm going deeper. No more raw sugar or sucanat in my coffee. Weaning off of caffeine. Took a walk to the river and thought I lost Ollie to a female turkey. He went right in the river after Angel and enjoyed it so much he started to walk down the edge of the river. I couldn't call him back. Finally, I left and thought I'd walk down the field aways and try to cut him off. But just that quick, he was running beside me. He would run up to be beside Angel and then wait for me to catch up and then run up to be beside Angel and then wait for me. I brought in alot of green tomatoes and most of the red ones. The frost had already hit the plants last night. Also cut most of the lettuce and pulled up more radishes. It's supposed to frost really heavy tonight. I covered the crops in the cold frame with a blanket and the Thai mat. Susan is feeling lousy too. Detoxing. Exercising. Studying British Lit. We made a huge container of applesauce and I baked an applesauce cake from The Mennonite Cookbook that my mother used to make. I served it warm with warm applesauce over it for dessert at suppertime. Alli picked up Susan around 6 and then went to dance practice at New Life. Got the nicest note in my message box from Becky and Mark. Encouraging words. Life giving words.
Meredith came by to pick up the trailer to get more apples tomorrow. She brought me two pints of honey from The Rancks and also some of her own apple cider. She's bringing us more apples, too, as a thank you for using the trailer. I love my nieces and nephews so very much. Listened to a few sermons on-line today and took some notes. Phil's washing his hunting clothes in no-scent detergent to get ready for muzzle loader season tomorrow.
Wendy B. posted on face book that she thought we should post what we like about the candidate we endorse instead of posting negative comments about the one we do not. I posted, "Mitt is so handsome." She haha-ha-ed and said that was not exactly what she had in mind.
Sat.-There was a heavy frost last night and my beautiful flower garden is fried. I brought in green tomatoes yesterday and put them in the back room in a cardboard box to see if they will ripen. Today was a great day. I called Crystal, my best friend from grade school/high school who is a pediatrician with a medical question as a favor for a friend and she had ready professional kind answers. Freeman, Philip, Michael, Susan, and Phil were getting their weapons ready to go muzzle loader deer hunting in the late afternoon/eve. As I write this, they are still all out and it will be dark in half an hour. I tidied the house, washed clothes, made some food, and went to visit Dianna and had a wonderful time with Henry and Isaac, two of the greatest little boys God ever made.
Sun.-Nice morning at home with the family. Got to church a little late. Good service and learned some things about the anointing oil that I'd like to blog about on its own. Came home and had vegetarian chili and watched Monk and visited with Michael before he went back to Liberty. Philip went to Lapps for the eve. Susan took a nap. Ollie is adorning our hood as I type. Earlier he was pecking at the door and we let him in for awhile. It's not quite 5 and the sun is setting. I'll like getting to bed early and waking up early. Detox Day #4. Third day of hives. Lost 2 pounds only. Staying on this side of hungry. Mind is clear and joints are not as stiff. I have never detoxed this deep before. Missing my wheat and popcorn, especially on a Sunday. But nothing tastes as good as healthy feels and I'm getting there. So, help me God.
Tues.-Slept little last night between Sandy's storming and Phil's snoring. Took Susan out to Anatomy class. Met Candi at the Japanese Restaurant by Sun Chase. So thrilled with her happy news. Picked up Susan, went to Bailey's to figure out car lock situation, then to Walmart and the Post Office to mail a package to Makenzie, then to Healthy Living, and then back to the Japanese Restaurant to have supper with Betty and Kelly. Just starting to catch up with Betty and we had to leave for a 6:00 basketball meeting at the school. Came home and put groceries away and then I went down to our KNIT group house and got to hear the last half of Beth Moore's first teaching on James. There are 17 ladies signed up for the class. We are from the neighborhood. Alli was there for the first time. I met Dawn S. We range in ages early 20's to late 50's. We're from a number of different churches. My mother belonged to a neighborhood Bible Study group for over 25 years. They had great times together. I'm thrilled to be part of something that encourages unity across church cultures and unites us in the truth that is ours in Christ. Got to home around 10:30. A lone coyote was howling. It wasn't far away. I started to walk towards it. It had to be just on the other side of the first gate behind the silos. Suddenly I thought again and decided not to face the lone coyote alone.
Wed.-Susan studied muscle names and functions for Anatomy while I went to Lynchburg to the leg doctor, Sam's, Walmart, and Kohls. Came home and canned nuts. Put nuts in glass mason jars. Do not put on lids. Put in oven at 200 degrees for one hour. Take out one or two at a time. Wipe edge of jar with damp cloth and screw on lids. They all sealed. These will keep for years and years. Saw this on homestead survival on face book.
Read that 62 are dead from the hurricane Sandy, and that 6 million are without power. Atlantic City, NYC, have really been hit. We don't get the news but I read about it online. Some people are sarcastically joking about the lack of the storm in these parts and the hype that accompanied the storm. I am thankful that it didn't hit us, but there are those whose lives will be forever changed because of this storm, and I don't think we should make light of it. Many prepared more than those of us who didn't need it but all of their preparation did them no good and things got way out of their control. Gleaning for the World was at Sam's Club today asking for donations to help those on the east coast. I think they are a good group to give things too. They'll get supplies to where they are needed. As will MCC-relief.
Took Susan to CC for youth group. Was following a car on the way home and then realized it was Janelle. I followed her into her driveway and she had just been trying to call me to see if I wanted to see scary Micah. He was dressed like a bloody person with a knife through his head. I'm not so sure I liked it but I think he liked that it scared me a little bit. Phil picked up Susan for me so I could soak in the tub with a good book.
Thurs.-Profitable day. Got the remaining years schedule written out for Susan day by day week by week all on one paper. Made some vegetables and beans and black bean soup. Need to lose 15 pounds in two weeks! Insurance company is after me! Did wash, exercised, saw Dr. F. Watched two movies with Susan that I can chalk up to Social Studies after she had worked on school for several hours. One movie-'Lost in the Barrens' filmed way up north and the other in Australia.(Captain Johno.) Guys working in Richmond and getting home late. Potato soup is warming on the stove for them.
Fri.-Dragging all day. Doing a serious detox. Eating mostly vegetables and beans. A bit of rice. Rice crackers. Applesauce. A piece of cheese and a few walnuts. Feel shaky and hungry. Headachy. I'm breaking out in hives and my right arm, right leg, and scalp itches. Am quite sure I also need to stay away from corn. I've been wheat free for about 6 weeks and now I'm going deeper. No more raw sugar or sucanat in my coffee. Weaning off of caffeine. Took a walk to the river and thought I lost Ollie to a female turkey. He went right in the river after Angel and enjoyed it so much he started to walk down the edge of the river. I couldn't call him back. Finally, I left and thought I'd walk down the field aways and try to cut him off. But just that quick, he was running beside me. He would run up to be beside Angel and then wait for me to catch up and then run up to be beside Angel and then wait for me. I brought in alot of green tomatoes and most of the red ones. The frost had already hit the plants last night. Also cut most of the lettuce and pulled up more radishes. It's supposed to frost really heavy tonight. I covered the crops in the cold frame with a blanket and the Thai mat. Susan is feeling lousy too. Detoxing. Exercising. Studying British Lit. We made a huge container of applesauce and I baked an applesauce cake from The Mennonite Cookbook that my mother used to make. I served it warm with warm applesauce over it for dessert at suppertime. Alli picked up Susan around 6 and then went to dance practice at New Life. Got the nicest note in my message box from Becky and Mark. Encouraging words. Life giving words.
Meredith came by to pick up the trailer to get more apples tomorrow. She brought me two pints of honey from The Rancks and also some of her own apple cider. She's bringing us more apples, too, as a thank you for using the trailer. I love my nieces and nephews so very much. Listened to a few sermons on-line today and took some notes. Phil's washing his hunting clothes in no-scent detergent to get ready for muzzle loader season tomorrow.
Wendy B. posted on face book that she thought we should post what we like about the candidate we endorse instead of posting negative comments about the one we do not. I posted, "Mitt is so handsome." She haha-ha-ed and said that was not exactly what she had in mind.
Sat.-There was a heavy frost last night and my beautiful flower garden is fried. I brought in green tomatoes yesterday and put them in the back room in a cardboard box to see if they will ripen. Today was a great day. I called Crystal, my best friend from grade school/high school who is a pediatrician with a medical question as a favor for a friend and she had ready professional kind answers. Freeman, Philip, Michael, Susan, and Phil were getting their weapons ready to go muzzle loader deer hunting in the late afternoon/eve. As I write this, they are still all out and it will be dark in half an hour. I tidied the house, washed clothes, made some food, and went to visit Dianna and had a wonderful time with Henry and Isaac, two of the greatest little boys God ever made.
Sun.-Nice morning at home with the family. Got to church a little late. Good service and learned some things about the anointing oil that I'd like to blog about on its own. Came home and had vegetarian chili and watched Monk and visited with Michael before he went back to Liberty. Philip went to Lapps for the eve. Susan took a nap. Ollie is adorning our hood as I type. Earlier he was pecking at the door and we let him in for awhile. It's not quite 5 and the sun is setting. I'll like getting to bed early and waking up early. Detox Day #4. Third day of hives. Lost 2 pounds only. Staying on this side of hungry. Mind is clear and joints are not as stiff. I have never detoxed this deep before. Missing my wheat and popcorn, especially on a Sunday. But nothing tastes as good as healthy feels and I'm getting there. So, help me God.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Hertzler Doings-Oct. 22-28, 2012
Mon.-Catch up day. Michael flew over the guy's working, Travis included, and waved his wings. Inspired them. Mom and Dad called in eve. and Phil and I had a nice chat with them
.
Thinking about 'underbelting.' In the karate tournament this past Sat., a number of the kids were under belted. They wore a 'lower skilled' thus different colored belt to compete with lower skilled kids even though they were higher skilled. They did this so they would win more medals. The lower skilled kids were frustrated to tears and their parents were totally ticked off. And who were the real losers? The kids who won because their parents encouraged them to cheat in order to win more medals.
I wonder if we do this in Christendom. I wonder if I under belt so I look like I am less so I look like I am more in comparison to others. I wonder if I under perform so people don't know what I really can do so I won't be made responsible for more. What color is my belt of truth?
Tues.-Took Susan to Anatomy class and had lunch at Appleby's with DDF. Susan found a ride out to Liberty Baptist with the Rozier's for play practice. Found a book at Goodwill last week about 3 sisters running a B&B. One of them is on the pastoral search committee. The story tells about their search and find of a pastor. The former pastor was their father and the pastor of the church for 50 years. Relevant book.
We met Kathy and Tom L. at the Babcock House for supper. Had the most incredible medium well done steak, mashed sweet potatoes with apples, asparagus, salad, and spinach crab bisque, and shared 'a slice of sin' with Phil-gluten free chocolate 'cake'. Oh my. Jerry was insulted that I didn't want my steak more rare. He says it ruins it to make it less rare. We all went over to Liberty afterwards so they could hug Susan good bye. When she and Philip were over at Happy Valley the other day, Kathy's brother and wife and their friends were there. They saw Susan and asked, "Is this the Susan who mows your lawn?" "Yes," said Kathy. "And she sits in that tree with her weapon and brings home the bacon, too." We brought Susan home from LBC and Philip and Phil moved all the roaster chickens over to their new pen. Much easier to do in the dark. A few more weeks until butchering day. Fun Fun!
Wed.-Achy and dizzy. Arm itchy. Ate out twice yesterday. Dessert. Too many tortilla chips Mon. and chips all weekend. Not getting enough water.
Read Heb. 11. By Faith Sara received strength to conceive and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Or, we could say it this way. Because she judged God as faithful to keep His promises, she herself had faith to receive strength to do the impossible. Too often, we try to conjure up faith to believe God to keep His promises, but if we believe that God has faith-that He Himself is faithful to keep His own promises to Himself-then we can have faith to receive the strength to do our part in His keeping of His promises.
Canned 17 jars of applesauce from most of the 3 bushels Meredith gave us for using the trailer to transport apples for her to resale and make into apple cider. For supper, I made a kettle of chunky applesauce, Freeman's bear/pork link sausages, mashed potatoes, and succotash.
Graham came out to Calvary Chapel tonight for youth group. Doreen and I caught up in the parking lot. We both headed our own ways and I met her after church at our meeting place on 460. Hopefully, we'll start getting together on some Weds. and we'll bring Graham to CC. That's the plan, anyway.
Michael flew to Dulles Airport and back this eve. He had three new experiences added to his 'file.' Cross country flying, 2 hours night flying, and landing in a very big airport. He was thrilled and nervous at the same time.
Thurs.-Nice morning at home. Sat on my mother's chair on the porch, reading Rosalee's George MacDonald book while sipping on a mug of coffee. Sun bright and warm. Beautiful days are about to replaced by a Frankenstorm. Systems from north, west, and hurricane from south are about to converge on the northeast in a few days. We may lose power and get lots of rain. I want to make potato soup and vegetable soup ahead of time so it will take less energy to heat them up. Will keep tub full of water and fill up our drink coolers with water too. Oil lamps are ready to go. Must freeze some large containers of ice to put in fridge in power goes out to keep things cool. Must gather all the lettuce and tomatoes too before they are ruined. It's supposed to hit us Sat. and by Tues. eve. it's supposed to get down to freezing. I am loving these warm fall days. But, I'm praying for a cold winter. We must have the ticks and bugs killed off. Lord protect the bees and good little insects but the ticks must go.
Made apple oatmeal muffins. These are a winner. And no sugar. Just honey. Put two mystery meat roasts in the crock pot. Tidied house. Went out to LBC for play practice from 2-8. Dropped Susan off and went and got my hair cut. Yikes! It's really short. Went to Walmart and Krogers and then back to LBC to set up pizza supper for kids and then watched the performance, "Get Smart."
Been having internet troubles. Apparently, the downloading of blueprints used most of our internet time for the month. Haven't had a chance to write much. Maybe because I am in taking in mode. Reading and reading and reading and thinking and thinking and thinking. It will have to come out eventually.
Fri.-Warnings of big storm headed this way. Cold air coming down from north, rain from west, and hurricane Sandy from south all to meet in the northeast. Made potato soup, chili, pb oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies, baked oatmeal. Took Susan out to Liberty for play performance. I went to Baine's during the Jr. Play and got a decaf and sat outside at the little table writing pastor appreciation notes. Went back over to church and 'helped' the senior girls get ready during intermission. They didn't need my help. Enjoyed watching 'Get Smart', especially appreciating the miracle of Hunter as he played Maxwell Smart. It was nearly a year ago that he had that terrible accident and where his brain was badly damaged. I remember when his family rejoiced that he could brush his teeth. Now he has memorized hundreds of lines and is more himself than ever which is truly a wondrous miracle. Thank you dear God.
The white dove is flying around with other birds of his kind. Philip says they are pigeons. But that white pigeon looks like a dove.
Sat.-Cleaned house. All wash finished. Took Susan out to Liberty for another performance. Walked on the sidewalks around the church for about 20 min. with walking sticks. Watched the Jr. Play. It was so well done. Fairy Tales in a courtroom setting. Phil came bringing Tommy and Bethany with him for the Sr. drama. Went until about 9:30. Susan played a blond and she did really well as did all of them. We stayed for awhile afterwards, cleaning up to get ready for their church service tomorrow. Then took Susan to MacDonald's while I ran to Walmart for a quick trip. Guy in parking lot was battening down the cart holders in the parking lot with cement blocks. When high winds come, they start to move across the parking lot since they are not anchored down. Went back to MacDonald's and joined the rest of the cast and their parents for a late night french fry. Got home around 11:30. Michelle was there, picking up Bethany and Tommy.
Michael worked around here today and got the wood stove up and running and a load of trash to the dump.
Sun.-Sweet Sunday Celebration Service-baby dedication, communion, baptism, pastor appreciation, and good sermon. Came home and had lunch with Michael, Philip, Travis, and Jordan. Philip and Michael made spaghetti with sausage and Alfredo sauce. They had left over ribs from their party last night that they saved for Susan, Phil, and I. Mike went back to school. Philip went hiking and the boys went their own merry ways. We three watched the Bucket List. My first time. Liked it. Also watched an Alaskan movie about a couple who gets stranded.
Concerned for Pa. Del/Md., Conn. family and friends. Looks like Sandy is going to be rough on them. Pa friends posted pics of empty shelves in Walmart.
I am pretty ready but I will be glad if we don't lose power. Some are sarcastic about 'the big storm' that we don't seem to be getting, but that means that somewhere else, others are getting it. I'd rather have practice runs before we get really hit because someday, it will be our turn. Just as knowledge is power, so is the practice of that knowledge power. The more prepared one is, the less one will be scared to face the storm. But some 'storms' come suddenly without warning and one can only trust that one's well is deep enough and one's pantry is stocked enough to survive the ferociousness of the storm.
.
Thinking about 'underbelting.' In the karate tournament this past Sat., a number of the kids were under belted. They wore a 'lower skilled' thus different colored belt to compete with lower skilled kids even though they were higher skilled. They did this so they would win more medals. The lower skilled kids were frustrated to tears and their parents were totally ticked off. And who were the real losers? The kids who won because their parents encouraged them to cheat in order to win more medals.
I wonder if we do this in Christendom. I wonder if I under belt so I look like I am less so I look like I am more in comparison to others. I wonder if I under perform so people don't know what I really can do so I won't be made responsible for more. What color is my belt of truth?
Tues.-Took Susan to Anatomy class and had lunch at Appleby's with DDF. Susan found a ride out to Liberty Baptist with the Rozier's for play practice. Found a book at Goodwill last week about 3 sisters running a B&B. One of them is on the pastoral search committee. The story tells about their search and find of a pastor. The former pastor was their father and the pastor of the church for 50 years. Relevant book.
We met Kathy and Tom L. at the Babcock House for supper. Had the most incredible medium well done steak, mashed sweet potatoes with apples, asparagus, salad, and spinach crab bisque, and shared 'a slice of sin' with Phil-gluten free chocolate 'cake'. Oh my. Jerry was insulted that I didn't want my steak more rare. He says it ruins it to make it less rare. We all went over to Liberty afterwards so they could hug Susan good bye. When she and Philip were over at Happy Valley the other day, Kathy's brother and wife and their friends were there. They saw Susan and asked, "Is this the Susan who mows your lawn?" "Yes," said Kathy. "And she sits in that tree with her weapon and brings home the bacon, too." We brought Susan home from LBC and Philip and Phil moved all the roaster chickens over to their new pen. Much easier to do in the dark. A few more weeks until butchering day. Fun Fun!
Wed.-Achy and dizzy. Arm itchy. Ate out twice yesterday. Dessert. Too many tortilla chips Mon. and chips all weekend. Not getting enough water.
Read Heb. 11. By Faith Sara received strength to conceive and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Or, we could say it this way. Because she judged God as faithful to keep His promises, she herself had faith to receive strength to do the impossible. Too often, we try to conjure up faith to believe God to keep His promises, but if we believe that God has faith-that He Himself is faithful to keep His own promises to Himself-then we can have faith to receive the strength to do our part in His keeping of His promises.
Canned 17 jars of applesauce from most of the 3 bushels Meredith gave us for using the trailer to transport apples for her to resale and make into apple cider. For supper, I made a kettle of chunky applesauce, Freeman's bear/pork link sausages, mashed potatoes, and succotash.
Graham came out to Calvary Chapel tonight for youth group. Doreen and I caught up in the parking lot. We both headed our own ways and I met her after church at our meeting place on 460. Hopefully, we'll start getting together on some Weds. and we'll bring Graham to CC. That's the plan, anyway.
Michael flew to Dulles Airport and back this eve. He had three new experiences added to his 'file.' Cross country flying, 2 hours night flying, and landing in a very big airport. He was thrilled and nervous at the same time.
Thurs.-Nice morning at home. Sat on my mother's chair on the porch, reading Rosalee's George MacDonald book while sipping on a mug of coffee. Sun bright and warm. Beautiful days are about to replaced by a Frankenstorm. Systems from north, west, and hurricane from south are about to converge on the northeast in a few days. We may lose power and get lots of rain. I want to make potato soup and vegetable soup ahead of time so it will take less energy to heat them up. Will keep tub full of water and fill up our drink coolers with water too. Oil lamps are ready to go. Must freeze some large containers of ice to put in fridge in power goes out to keep things cool. Must gather all the lettuce and tomatoes too before they are ruined. It's supposed to hit us Sat. and by Tues. eve. it's supposed to get down to freezing. I am loving these warm fall days. But, I'm praying for a cold winter. We must have the ticks and bugs killed off. Lord protect the bees and good little insects but the ticks must go.
Made apple oatmeal muffins. These are a winner. And no sugar. Just honey. Put two mystery meat roasts in the crock pot. Tidied house. Went out to LBC for play practice from 2-8. Dropped Susan off and went and got my hair cut. Yikes! It's really short. Went to Walmart and Krogers and then back to LBC to set up pizza supper for kids and then watched the performance, "Get Smart."
Been having internet troubles. Apparently, the downloading of blueprints used most of our internet time for the month. Haven't had a chance to write much. Maybe because I am in taking in mode. Reading and reading and reading and thinking and thinking and thinking. It will have to come out eventually.
Fri.-Warnings of big storm headed this way. Cold air coming down from north, rain from west, and hurricane Sandy from south all to meet in the northeast. Made potato soup, chili, pb oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies, baked oatmeal. Took Susan out to Liberty for play performance. I went to Baine's during the Jr. Play and got a decaf and sat outside at the little table writing pastor appreciation notes. Went back over to church and 'helped' the senior girls get ready during intermission. They didn't need my help. Enjoyed watching 'Get Smart', especially appreciating the miracle of Hunter as he played Maxwell Smart. It was nearly a year ago that he had that terrible accident and where his brain was badly damaged. I remember when his family rejoiced that he could brush his teeth. Now he has memorized hundreds of lines and is more himself than ever which is truly a wondrous miracle. Thank you dear God.
The white dove is flying around with other birds of his kind. Philip says they are pigeons. But that white pigeon looks like a dove.
Sat.-Cleaned house. All wash finished. Took Susan out to Liberty for another performance. Walked on the sidewalks around the church for about 20 min. with walking sticks. Watched the Jr. Play. It was so well done. Fairy Tales in a courtroom setting. Phil came bringing Tommy and Bethany with him for the Sr. drama. Went until about 9:30. Susan played a blond and she did really well as did all of them. We stayed for awhile afterwards, cleaning up to get ready for their church service tomorrow. Then took Susan to MacDonald's while I ran to Walmart for a quick trip. Guy in parking lot was battening down the cart holders in the parking lot with cement blocks. When high winds come, they start to move across the parking lot since they are not anchored down. Went back to MacDonald's and joined the rest of the cast and their parents for a late night french fry. Got home around 11:30. Michelle was there, picking up Bethany and Tommy.
Michael worked around here today and got the wood stove up and running and a load of trash to the dump.
Sun.-Sweet Sunday Celebration Service-baby dedication, communion, baptism, pastor appreciation, and good sermon. Came home and had lunch with Michael, Philip, Travis, and Jordan. Philip and Michael made spaghetti with sausage and Alfredo sauce. They had left over ribs from their party last night that they saved for Susan, Phil, and I. Mike went back to school. Philip went hiking and the boys went their own merry ways. We three watched the Bucket List. My first time. Liked it. Also watched an Alaskan movie about a couple who gets stranded.
Concerned for Pa. Del/Md., Conn. family and friends. Looks like Sandy is going to be rough on them. Pa friends posted pics of empty shelves in Walmart.
I am pretty ready but I will be glad if we don't lose power. Some are sarcastic about 'the big storm' that we don't seem to be getting, but that means that somewhere else, others are getting it. I'd rather have practice runs before we get really hit because someday, it will be our turn. Just as knowledge is power, so is the practice of that knowledge power. The more prepared one is, the less one will be scared to face the storm. But some 'storms' come suddenly without warning and one can only trust that one's well is deep enough and one's pantry is stocked enough to survive the ferociousness of the storm.
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