thankful thursday

Today I am thankful for...

...a good day in the bookstore and working with staff here at FB

...two friends who stopped by the bookstore to shop and talk

...a quiet morning break

...fresh rain-washed earth this morning

...i ran credit card sales with no bloopers!

...the chance to help with some prep for Teachers Week handouts

...a cappucino

...cheerful people who taught me the routine of dish-washing =)

big sister, little sister

my refuge

I love Scottish castles. Mysterious, ancient, secure, and romantic, they speak of the long ago.

I can picture a kilted laird, his dirk in hand, standing on the ramparts of the castle and ready to protect the frightened villagers who shelter within the castle's walls. I see a clan of men ready to do battle while the bagpipes ring a battle cry over the mountainside. I can imagine arrow and sword as powerless against the massive stone fortress.

Psalms 18 tells me that I have a refuge far more secure and impressive.

When encompassed by Saul and his armies, David writes:

O Lord, You are my Rock, a firm Foundation when life shifts beneath me.

You are my Fortress against attack,

A Shield and Protection from the enemy of my soul,

My Deliverer from all evils, within and without.

God, You are my keen and firm Strength, in You I trust and rely.

You are indeed the Horn and the Seal of my salvation,

A High Tower whereunto I continually resort in my time of need.

I will call upon You, O Lord, whom I love devotedly;

Your praise will be my battle cry.

So shall I be saved.

Psalm 18:2,3 (a paraphrase)

family picnic

Cousins on the boat ride to a Minnesota island

Erika, Caitlin, and Chelsea

Myself and Grandma

Us girls-the cousins-and Grandma

Dad and Mom

Thankful Thursday

Today I thank God for...

...Health and strength for a new day

...His presence wherever I am

...The gift of music

...Waking up to a powerful thunderstorm

...Egg salad

...Friends who are only a phone call, email or text away!

...Memories to treasure

...A Christian heritage

...Pencils and notebook paper, hands down my favorite writing material

...Smell of fresh paint

...Little people

sunday's hymn

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear;

And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here.

The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,

But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back.

My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.

His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim,

He knows the way He's taking, and I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen.

Bright skies will soon be o'er me where darkest clouds have been.

My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free,

My Saviour has my treasure, and He will walk with me.

-Anna Waring

And a beautiful recording of such heartening words.

dryden trip

At long last...some pictures of our family's time in Dryden, Ontario. As a family getaway and a chance to help the NYP mission, we spent four days in Canada doing work projects. The pictures tell more succinctly. As a credit, many of these are not my own, but my sister's snapshots.

A reminder of God's promises...in particular, His presence and purpose

for this wayfarer in her transitioning.

Caitlin with Connor and Erika on the dock. What beautiful scenery we saw as we walked, or boated on the lake, or experienced in the view from the kitchen window!

A fun game of...hmmm...Swing the Triangle?

Instructions for Fun Use: 5 people hanging from triangles, 5 pushers to give extra momentum, and a strong grip as you swing and fly!

We were introduced to Indian bannock via our friends. Delicious in a blanket around a hot dog. I hear it is also great fried in oil. Thanks to Letha we have the recipe, and we'll give it a try.

Caitlin, Chelsea, Cameron, Brooke and Megan waiting for the next assignment.

We cleaned apartments, shampooed carpets, stained playground equipment, washed windows, and many other things. It was good to work as a family again.

An evening treat at McD's. Letha, Jen, Kendra, and Morgan.

This picture shimmers with evening glow. Three of my siblings surely enjoyed their rides in Norm's two-seater. What a thrill!

Sunset at the point was just as much of a treat to me.

So, a good trip with many memories.

I'd do it again in a jiffy! =)