Oregon Trip

Mt. Hood with Mt. Jefferson in the background

I just got back from a mini-vacation.  It was peaceful and relaxing.  I always enjoy rebooting at my dad’s home.  From the front room window, I enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Hood (weather permitting) or watching the hummingbirds and finches in the fountain turned bird bath.  They are in the Willamette Valley on a couple of acres of land.  Jeanine does a beautiful job of caring for the lawn, pasture, garden and home.

On occasion I think about moving down there but then realize that it wouldn’t be the same.  I’d have to find a job since I don’t have a husband to care for me.  Knowing that I would not have the same freedom to enjoy their home and fellowship in the same way that I am able to do when I visit.

I am blessed to have family that lives in a place of peace and beauty AND a job that has great benefits including vacation time.

Women's Ministry

My church’s Women’s Ministry hosted a Priscilla Shirer simulcast on Saturday.  What a great event to have at our church.  It was a great day – fellowship with other Christian women.  There were 50,000 attendees registered for the simulcast.  These attendees were throughout the United States, Japan and other countries.  Some of my small group was able to attend the event so we were able to sit together along with some other gals.

What a blessing our Women’s Ministry is to me.  Our church’s sermons and ‘philosophy’ are very seeker-oriented.  So to have something to encourage those of us that are Christians to continue in our growing more like Christ is wonderful and to be honest, refreshing from the ‘soft treading’ and ‘hip’ sermons/philosophy.

Surprises are Awesome

Woohoo ~ our surprise birthday get together for my Dad was fabulous!  He had no idea when he walked in Saturday morning.  All his daughters (4) were there, his wife, his two sisters and we were able to skype with his brother.  What a great time was had by all ~ fellowship and food.  The weather was a bit crazy, rain and wind pretty much the whole time I was there (Wed-Mon).  My aunt was able to catch this picture on Saturday!

This, That & the Other

A week until I am on a mini-vacation.  I get to visit with family and slip away from my job and community for a few days.  I pray that it is a joyful time of fellowship and re-energizing for my body and soul.  The last 2 months have been hectic at work, although that hasn’t pushed into other aspects of my life (other than an eye tic that won’t stop!).

My small group is in the middle of a book we are reading and discussing.  We usually do some type of study; however, a couple of gals were interesting in this particular book.  More 'book news' ~ I have just finished reading most of Charles Dickens’ works [I think I may have missed one or two but will double check].  Hmmm, I am lagging behind in crocheting – I would like to make some items and maybe put them on www.Etsy.com to sell.

I am amazed that it has been about a year since I started wearing skirts and headcoverings all the time.  I wasn’t sure how it would be in the winter; however, this year we have not been inundated with precipitation as the East Coast has.  So all in all, the adjustment to wearing skirts (or dresses) only has been extremely easy.