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Morning Devotional...


De-Cluttering and Re-Centering
by Scotty Smith

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matt. 6:19-21 (NLT)

Lord Jesus, a little work in my attic and garage, closet and drawers this week made these your words "pop," like fresh paint on old walls. Where did all of this stuff come from? Clutter is like zucchini; it just seems to keep spreading and multiplying. How did I accumulate all these things? Once a "treasure," now most of these things are just a bother.

What concerns me far more than my attic and garage, are my mind and heart. The older I get, the less storage space there is; and I don't want to finish my journey into eternity with a distracted mind and a cluttered heart. So Lord, help me de-clutter and re-center on you. I want to live more like Mary in a Martha world (Luke 10:38-42). In a world of multiple distractions, I want to finish my days with one consuming affection—making and keeping you my primary treasure.

Jesus, I love you because you first loved me; and I'll treasure you, to the extent I really believe you treasure us (and me), as your beloved Bride and eternal inheritance. So by the Holy Spirit, once again, rearrange the price tags in my heart, Jesus. Once again, let my heart declare, "I consider all things rubbish compared to the surpassing excellency of knowing Jesus" (Phil. 3:7-10).

Once again, let my relationships and schedule, attic and garage demonstrate my delight in you. I'm so glad that you love me the same, with or without my clutter; but I know I will love you much better with a focused and free heart. So very Amen I pray, in your triumphant and tender name.

What a time we've had lately with health issues!  Poor Jeanne has been in and out of the hospital and is still very unwell.  Let's remember to pray for her.  For me?  It's been a very trying time since last November 1 when I experienced a stroke and now have polymyasitis.  Steroids help this and I'm noticing that I'm being helped in the last couple of weeks.  Lots and lots of doctor appointments, blood tests and other tests.  I thank you for your prayers on my behalf during the past many months of trials.

Hi, friends,

I'm so thankful for the decluttering alert. I'm in that phase of my life right now, for before long I believe my children will press hard for me to live with one of them. I'm praying for a clear mind on that matter.

I'm so sorry to learn of all the pain and suffering we are enduring. I pray for each of you and trust our Lord to uphold you with His strong right hand.

Today is a quiet day, so I don't have lots to report. It's a great day when I hear from longtime friends, and I had such a call this afternoon. It certainly was good to hear from her.

Well, y'all have a great afternoon.

Ruth Ann

Pat, de-cluttering of "things" is what #1 son and I are in the midst of.  There is "stuff" I brought from my first marriage, Gene brought from his bachelor days, my mother's things from her marriages, my father's things from his last marriage....  Why oh why do I still have most of them?

But de-cluttering and re-centering mind is also difficult and even more important.

Thank you, Pat, for this devotional to remind me of what's most crucial.

---

I'm starting to build up a little of the strength that was lost from days of lying in a hospital bed.  Like Pat I've had multiple tests and blood tests and now it seems the important thing is to keep things on an even keel.  I am so grateful for prayers that have been said and ask that they please continue.

My two hospital stays were certainly orchestrated by our Lord, putting me in a room both times with a lady in much, much worse condition than mine, making it hard to do anything other than pray for them and offer thanks for myself.

What a timely, heartfelt and helpful devotional, Pat!  We have been trying to de-clutter, too, but it seems stuff multiplies overnight, almost!  And I, too, am trying to clear things from my mind and heart that are not helping me live my best for the Master.  Thank you for those thoughts.

Jeanne, I didn't realize what a trial you have been enduring.  Now that I am aware, I shall be more diligent to pray for you.

Pat, dear one--I do pray for you.  I hope you are doing better now.  I will call and see if you feel like picking up; if not, don't worry.  I will try again another day.

We are to take Beth's van to Garden tomorrow for the repairs.  I hope it won't take too long to locate the problem!

Love you all!

Oh, my!

Since posting the new "Thoughts for the Week", I've had two lovely phone calls.   The first one was from Gord Brown.  How nice to hear from you, Gord.  But you didn't post! 

And I've just hung up from being able to speak to Janet!  What a precious friend Janet is and for so many years now!  Thank you Janet for phoning me.

And thank you for the nice comments in here regarding the devotional topic this week.  I get Scotty's emails each day and this one really spoke to my heart during the past week and I decided to share it with you all. 

Dear Pat:  May I send along a prayer for your comfort in this long recovery?  We only met once here when you were traveling through - on such a long trip.  So enjoyed the little visit and very glad to meet in person.  May you be surrounded by loving family and friends on this very time of recovery!

Ruth Ann:  Nothing beats the sweetness of being with any of the grands - and our own children as well.  May you be comfortable and safe in your necessary recovery.

Ken:  Good to "see" you post.  We do enjoy hearing from you. 

Janet:  I donated your book - Beth's story - to the church library.  It is too good to be only in my house -

Here, we are happy to have cooler nights so the windows are wide open now.  Sometimes, I cook cauliflower in the microwave steamer, mash it and add a little butter.  Good!  tonight, we had fresh peaches and wonderful corn all from this state. 

The excuse the volleyball girls gave for their skimpy outfits - it is easier to clean off the sand.   

Hi everyone.  Another clear day with virtually no chance of rain. Only two things on my schedule for today.  The first is to attend my noon meeting and then at 4 pm Pat has another chiropractic appointment.  She can hardly move without severe pain and is having to use the walker to get around.

Yesterday we had a very nice surprise when the doorbell rang and it was our kind neighbor's across the street bringing us a small ham, some steamer vegetables that re fixed in the microwave and a pecan pie.  So the main structure of our evening meal is set.  I may fix a salad.  We have some mushrooms in the refrigerator that I need to get fixed for Pat.  She said they are easy to fix. 

Pat, thank you for that fine devotional for this week.  Did Scotty write this devotional? We did de-clutter a lot before we made this last move but I notice some empty spaces in cabinets and closets now being occupied by something.  It was indeed a delight to see your postings and an indication you may be feeling better and certainly hope the improvement continues. 

Ruth Ann, I am confidence you will make the proper decision on whether to live with one of your children.  I know it is a hard decision but you obviously have a loving and caring family.

Jeanne, another very pleasant surprise to see you posting yesterday.  You raise an interesting question as to why do we keep so much "stuff" that is never used.  When the time comes things have a way of working out.  Glad to read you are beginning to feel stronger.  Please take care of yourself.  You and Pat and our other friends are in my prayers. 

Janet, hope the van repair is not to expensive or take too long. 

Carol, Pat often fixes mashed cauliflower and mashes it as a substitute for potatoes.  We now have an agreement that she will leave my portion of cauliflower, as well as broccoli, raw as I like both that way and really don't like them cooked, although have eaten a lot of both. 

Hi, friends,

I wonder, Pat, is this the Scotty who used to be active in our group? He seemed like such a fine young man.

I'm to have lunch with my daughter today. It's so nice to get to see her when she has the time to meet.

It's time for me to go, so, y'all take care and let the Lord pour out His precious blessings on you today.

Ruth Ann

The Scotty that the devotional came from is not Scotty who we all know on the site.

This is a Pastor and I get his email prayer each day.  The first time I wanted to share his work (about 2 or 3 years ago), I wrote to him and he had a look at our forums and said, "Share them all you want."  So when I saw this one, I thought, "OK, here's one that I'm sure will be a blessing to all of us."


Scotty Smith at the Gospel Coalition

Good day everyone!  It is a beautiful day here in Big Sky Country.  Fall is in the air, and I am so excited that I will soon see summer in the rear-view mirror    After our "decluttering" experience in 2012 when wildfire took our home and most of our belongings, Alesia and I have been serving on the volunteer fire department to help defend others.  As much as my job has me traveling the country, I do what I can to try and stay close to home mid-summer when peak fire season is happening.  The cooler nights and heavier morning dew we are starting to enjoy hint at the impending arrival of a less risky wildfire pattern and allow us all to breathe a bit easier.   

My mother has been living with us since last November, following the passing of her husband.  Over the weekend I took her to help her sister in South Dakota, as she was to undergo major ankle surgery today.  Evidently Aunt Judy had some kind of episode last night, which doctors fear could have been a mini-stroke.  She didn't experience any pain or numbness, but basically lost her thoughts for a spell and everything and everyone seemed to be in the distance.  So her surgery has been postponed until her primary physician checks her out and approves her for the procedure.  Thankfully my mom is with her and her daughter is nearby to assist.

The trip home yesterday took me through some very heavy (yet awesome) thunderstorms in the Rapid City area.  Unfortunately the lightning sparked some wildfires in SE Montana, and the high winds escalated things quickly.  They are out of the area we protect, but concern for the safety of those impacted by the fires, as well as the firefighters, has become almost a familial thing for us.   

Pat, I am glad you addressed the author of the devotional, as I was wondering if Scotty Boy was the author.  I've thought of him from time to time, does anyone here know what he is up to and how he is doing?  I recall him being very active on this forum when I first joined.

All this talk about steamed cauliflower has me way too hungry too darn early in the day!  Salt, pepper and grated cheese on top, and I can eat an embarrassing quantity of the stuff.   

Not sure if I mentioned previously here, but our daughter was married in May.  Here primary goal in life has been to become a devoted wife and mother, following Christ's leading.  She found a devout young man to create that reality with, and we are excited to see what the Lord brings in their lives.  So no grandkids yet, but we do get to "babysit" the grand-dog now and then when they travel.

I hope and pray that you all have a week immersed in the grace and mercy of our Father!

Our church went up the river yesterday to do some baptisms and have a picnic. While I was standing on the bank taking pictures, I began to feel light headed and like I was going to pass out. I walked over to a shady place where I could sit down and it kept getting worse. Debbie Withers, gave me water and another youg man came to help. they said there was an EMT present so called him over, Kevin was so efficient at taking care of me, talking to me, taking my pulse etc. Some one gave me water, Debbie poured water on my neck and head, eventually I was able to scoot over to the waters edge and put me feet in the water.
mean while Bill Saltmarsh laid hand on me and prayed. Once I was able to get to my feet and walk I was given some Gatorade for my lost electrolytes. I was helped up the stairs by that same young man and taken to my chair. Thank you Jesus for Kevin, Debbie, Bil and the young man. I feel like they saved my life and I surfe;ly felt like I was a gonner. What a scary situation.

Ken, what a wonderful newsy post.  It's so good to see how our Lord works, getting your mother to be with her sister when she was especially needed and the lovely Christian marriage for your daughter.  So good of you and your wife to help others after suffering such a loss yourselves.

Marilyn!  What a scary situation!!!  Do you know what caused it?  Was it the heat or is the answer still to be found? Will you be checking with a doctor?  Let us know, please.  Praise the Lord for friends there to help you.

The EMT said it was probably the heat and dehydration. No I'm not going to the doctor.

    Good evening to you all.   Well you all have been busy talking about clutter and when I talked to Pat ( Big Sister to me) I told her that our sermon on Sun. talked a bit about that. But the problem is that we buy to much junk and forget that we have done this     Well we have just had a wonderful holiday away with our family at a cottage and also our 4 grand kids and we had such a wonderful time God gave us such a great weather and the lake was so nice and warm and the kids had so much fun in the water.

Pat it was so good to talk to you and will pray for you.  May the Lord give you much strength day by day.  Thank you for your devotional that you put in.

Larry.   Hi hope that Pat will feel better and get some relief from the pain and that you are doing well. May the Lord richly bless you and also give you much strength

I hope that you all will have a fantastic week and that the Lord will give you all many oppertunities to be a witness for him and also be able to give to others help and strength.  Praise the Lord for his goodness to us all.

Hi Janet.  Hope that you will not have to much problems with the vehicle getting it fixed.

Marilyn.  We have a radio station that started something called Church On The Beach and it meets every Sunday in the Summer months and it is so awsome to have the waves coming in all the time during the service and a couple of weeks ago they had water baptisim and 12 people were done such a witness.

Well must go to bed now may the Lord richly bless you all All our love to you.  Gordon and Noreen.

Thank you so much for sharing this!  It is exactly where my life is right now, in the middle of clutter.  May God continually remind me of the waste and things I have stored up on Earth and send someone in to my life that could use the excess bounty!  Barb

Hi everyone.  Another very warm and soon to be hot day here in South Carolina.  In an hour I will make a quick trip to COSTCO for a few items, including getting the car filled with gas.  The morning chores have been completed and I fixed scrambled eggs with ham and cheese and green onion for Pat's breakfast.  She still is in a lot of pain but was able to get some sleep in her easy chair.  I have no other plans requiring me to leave the house the rest of the day.

Pat, I have opened Scotty Smith's website and will check it out this morning. 

Ken, it sounds like you all have a very busy life.  I admire our firefighters and the great work they do.  You are not the only one looking forward to some cooler weather, although we certainly won't experience what you will have during the winter months.  Sorry to read of your aunt's episode and hope it was nothing too serious and the surgery will be able to be completed shortly.  Your daughter has a very worthy goal to be a devoted wife and ultimately mother. 

Marilyn, dehydration can do some very serious things to folks.  I hope you are all right now. I saw the condition our son has been in twice since we moved here with dehydration and it can be very serious.  One of the GP's I have seen told me that about 70% of the cases of older folks he sees are dehydrated.  Glad you had folks around you that knew what to do. 

Gord, I know what you mean about forgetting some of the things we have purchased and things that clutter up our lives.  Sometimes when I search for something I find something else I had totally forgotten I had.  It sounds like your family had a great holiday at the lake.  As you well know from what your wife has gone through, sometimes I just takes awhile for things to get better. 

Barb, nice to see your posting and welcome to this discussion.  New folks are always most welcome. 

Sunniland Barb!  Welcome to CP.   

We are back from scoping out a place for my five friends and I to meet for coffee or lunch.  There is a new place called Kneaders (meaning bread kneading) and they close for Sundays.  I love to hear that Sunday is still remembered by a few as a family day after church.  Must report that the croissant was heavenly - and we do like coffee refills. 

Pat:  I am going back to see Scotty Smith's website.  thank you. 

Wow!  Lots of wonderful posts here yesterday and today!!

Sunniland Barb, WELCOME to CP!  I think you will like it here; good, helpful, friendly people in here, who are always willing to chat, offer advice, or pray for needs.  Do come back often--every day would be lovely! 

The van wasn't ready when we left Garden City yesterday.  They called this morning to tell us it has several problems:  The short causing the headlight to be out is in the power distribution box, and the part for that is $600 for a new one; but they have a used one that works for $250; the front brake pads and rotors are very worn and need replaced, that is $237, and he also said the front tires need replaced, $300, tires balanced and wheels aligned, for another $90!     Darrel okayed all but the tire replacement, wheel alignment and balancing, which he feels he can get done here in town for less.  So, no, it isn't a cheap repair.  Had Darrel or I been driving the van, we probably would have noticed some of the problems, but John isn't as much aware.  But we do want to keep the van in service so they can come to church and do other things they want to do, for as long as Beth is able, so we will pay the bill and thank God we have the money to do it.  We will make another trip to Garden to get it as soon as they call to tell us it's ready.

When I went to see Beth today, she said John is sick again.  I wish he would see a doctor about that problem; it's happening too often.

Carol, I hope others will be blessed by reading Beth's story.  Thanks you for sharing the book.

Pat, I always enjoy talking to you, but so wish you were back to full health!  I miss your emails, posts, and our visits on the phone.  And I was hoping I might be able to come to Guelph and visit you.  God knows, and I know He cares.  I think it's unfortunate that some of the people we feel so close to live so far away that we hardly get to see them, but maybe in heaven our mansions will be next door to each other! 

Jeanne, glad you are feeling better, and may it increase daily until you are 100% again!  We appreciate all you do to keep CP running smoothly!  (((((hugs))))) 

Marilyn, be sure to carry water with you at all times when the weather is hot.  We want all our members here and healthy.  That was a scary incident.  I'm always reminding Darrel to drink more water and know I need to, myself.

Gord, good to see a post from you, it's been a while!

Larry, it sounds like you are becoming more and more adept at putting meals together!  I'm sure Pat appreciates the help.  Hope she is feeling better again by now.  I know chiropractic treatments really help me!

Ken, what a wonderful treat to see a nice long post from you!  So happy for your daughter, and do be careful around those fires!  I thought how selfish I felt, talking about too much 'stuff' when you lost your home!  Really puts thing into perspective!

Ruth Ann, I hope you will be able to stay in your own apartment as long as you want, but it's so nice for your children to want you with them.  Sweet!

Sweet blessings to each of you!

200

Hi everyone.  We have another clear and warm morning and headed up to 95 degrees this afternoon.  I have a relatively quiet day planned with only Pat's chiropractic appointment in the late afternoon and then preparing dinner for Scott on his weekly visit with us.  Just two more weeks to go until we will start back with the Wednesday night dinners at church.

I was checking on the cost of the new medicine my cardiologist prescribed called Entresto, which is now being advertised heavily on TV.  I was shocked to find that the Walmart cost was about $425 dollar for a 30 day supply.  Fortunately I can get it through the mail order pharmacy that Blue Cross/Blue Shield uses and it is $107 for a three month supply.  Needless to say I wrote my doctor's office yesterday to call the prescription in to the mail order pharmacy as I will not buy the medicine at Walmart.  This takes the cost from $5.99 per day down to $1.17 per day.  That is quite a significant difference.   

Carol, the new eating place you scoped out sounds very nice.  I join you in really enjoying croissants.  They make a nice change from bread periodically.  I have been using the sandwich rounds in lieu of loaf bread for some time.  They make a very nice part of a sandwich. 

Janet, car repairs are now out of sight along with a lot of other things. Sorry to hear that John is sick again.  I am gaining a little bit of confidence in the kitchen.  At least we won't starve.  I stocked up the freezer again yesterday with my trip to COSTCO.  The microwave is also becoming a very good friend.   

Greetings friends!

Today is supposed to be in the 90's here, but the next three are forecast to be under 75 with some significant rain - a very welcome forecast indeed!

I, too, would like to welcome Sunniland Barb to CP.  While I am not as much a "regular" as many others here, I believe you will find great fellowship in this community!

The discussions around the cost of things from medication to auto repairs is really frustrating.  So many things impact the prices we have to pay, but it seems that along with the high cost we get poorer quality, lackluster service, less safety, etc.  There are a lot of factors that have contributed to creating this mess over the years, and I don't see any relief in the near future....unless Christ returns soon 

Marilyn, our church will be having a river baptism here in about a month.  I joked to our pastor last week that we better hurry while the water is warm because one of the ladies being baptized is in her mid-80's!  When our rivers cool down in the Fall, the temp can be trying for young folks....I think it might be the ultimate test for an 80-something year old heart!  Glad you were well attended during your heat episode, that can be very dangerous.

Janet, my recounting of our fire was in no way intended to make anyone feel bad.  This will sound strange, but it was really one of the best growth events of my life.  Yes, we lost a lot of things that can't be replaced and we would like to have them back.  But we also got rid of a lot of physical things that we didn't use anymore and had basically become a burden to move, store, maintain, etc.  It was kind of liberating to lose a lot of that stuff.  Similarly, I tend to carry a lot of non-material burdens in my heart and on my mind, which I am now more prone to allowing Christ to take away from me so that I can better focus on what He wants me to do here and now.  I am not perfect about doing that, but it is a work in progress.  Another huge lesson was around dwelling on loss and how to deal with that.  You see, when we lost our place, so did 72 of our neighbors!  Many lost much more than we did and many did not have insurance to rebuild.  Some had pets, horses and other animals lost in the fire.  Helping those people during this period kept our focus on what was really important, so we tended to lick our own wounds less.  And there were subsequent fires that season, and helping to fight them was yet another way to do the same.  So to this day, my wife, daughter and I all have a more utilitarian view of "stuff."  Sure, we again have some un-replaceables, but for the most part we are very laissez faire about material things and we continue to be a bit more attentive to identifying and helping others when they encounter challenges in their lives.  Wow, that got longer than I intended   

Before y'all go to bed tonight, take a peak out the window and check out the beautiful full moon!  It isn't officially "full" until tomorrow, but it will look full tonight.  Some Native American tribes called the August Moon the Sturgeon Moon, Full Green Corn Moon and the Blueberry Moon, but they all kind of look the same to me 

Below is a shot of it from last night, but I call this one a Dianthus Moon   

I hope you all are enjoying a day full of His blessings!
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Beautiful moon shot, Ken.

Thanks for your witness about "stuff" and your (and your wife's and daughter's) attitude about material things and helping others.

Ken:  Many thanks for your great picture - the title fits!  I missed your story of the fire and will try to find it in the older posts - however, it is always uplifting to read someone's challenge has been one of the the best things in life.  That river water sounds like it will be chilly. 

Janet:  Ouch 

Gord:  Your holiday sounds like it was a perfect gathering.  Everyone deserved that special time.

Hi, friends,

I was involved in a very stressful situation with one of my children yesterday. As it ended up, I realized how exhausted I was. So, rested last evening and today, and now feel much better.

Barb, it's so nice to see you with us. Join right in the discussion, we welcome all contributors.

May God richly bless all who come here, and even more blessings for Pat and those who work with her to keep this site running and tidy.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  Another hot day in store for us.  I just got the trash bin, some cardboard for recycling and my broken window to the street as this is pickup day.  Scott put the new replacement window in for me yesterday evening and it is nice to look out this morning and not see a broken window pain.  It appears that the carpenters finished their work on the new house across the street and I expect the shingles to be put on next although they haven't yet been delivered. 

We had a nice visit with Scott last evening and enjoyed the meal that I had worked on all day long, off and on as could only work a little while and then had to sit down and rest. 

I woke up around 5 am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to listen to the audiobook I am currently into.  I had my shower/shave and laid back down and read through all of my email and the messages here on the three discussions I follow.  I didn't want to get up until after 8 as knew Pat would be sleeping, which she is still doing.  As soon as she awakes I will water my plants and fix our breakfast.  Since this is Thursday I will pick up my friend and we will go to coffee.  I will then take him home and go back downtown for the Wisdom class at the church.  I think I will eat a sandwich out for lunch and then make a quick stop at Aldi's for some fruits and vegetables.  When I get home I can then rest before taking Pat for her chiropractic appointment.  I spoke too soon yesterday about her feeling better as she had a pretty miserable day anytime she had to move around.  I know she is not going to get better overnight but just keep hoping the treatments and time will help her get back where she can walk and move without pain and having to use the walker or cane. 

Since I have written a short book above, I will be brief on further comments today.

Ken, beautiful picture and interesting posting.

Thank you all for your postings.

Hi everyone on this Friday Morning.  I am looking forward to a quiet and restful day at home today as have been on the go all week and by yesterday evening was totally exhausted.  I went to bed early and slept for over 9 hours.  I didn't get home yesterday until 2 pm and had to leave again at 3:45 for Pat's chiropractic appointment.  Fortunately, I had prepared salad for us earlier and so had a quick meal with ham and salad.  I did fix her a good scrambled eggs, green onions, cheese and ham breakfast with a bowl of strawberries for breakfast.

I got a nice surprise yesterday when I went to the mailbox. There was a package of treats for freckles and a card addressed to her. The card read Dear Freckles I hope your can enjoy these treats there is no wheat, corn or soy and they are gluten free. love from Judy and Laura at the Adult foster care home.

We will have to drop by there for a visit on Sunday after church to say hello to the ladies. I had told them that she shouldn't have regular treats. Judy and Laura are mother and daughter, the daughter walks the mother every day up our street in her wheelchair.

Ken, thank you for telling us how you and yours handled the loss of your home and your "stuff."  I really do admire your attitude.  I do try to hold "stuff" lightly and not get too attached to things.  I know we aren't going to be taking any of it with us; and the less we leave for our loved ones to deal with, the easier it will be on them when we graduate to our eternal home. 

John is feeling better now and able to go spend his days with Beth again.  She misses him sorely when he's sick and cannot come.

We went yesterday and brought the van home.  They had cleaned it so nicely, inside and out!  That's service I can appreciate! 

We got another box of peaches today, even bigger and nicer than the first two boxes!  And I read about an easier way to prepare them for the freezer which I'm going to try!  Love those peaches! 

It was cool and overcast this morning, but has really gotten warm as the day progressed.

We drove to Amarillo on Wednesday to visit Darrel's sister and her husband.  She is doing a little better, but he is worse.  It's tough to see our loved ones' health failing.  Wish we were closer so I could help them.

Marilyn, that was really sweet of those ladies to send Freckles her very own "care package!"  How thoughtful!

I'm really glad tomorrow is Saturday, meaning we don't go to the gym.    I'm sore!  Kristi has really been giving me good workouts!  Whew!  But by the time we do peaches and some other produce, plus some from our own garden, I won't be loafing! 

Blessings to each of you!

Snow on Mt. Evans today and 3 days ago it was on Mt. Elbert..

Our winter bible study friends group of six met at the new bakery and I had a raspberry chicken spinach salad and bought a loaf of rye bread.  Everyone liked the new meeting place.  Next week is the larger church group meeting for a breakfast.   Several have very ill or weak husbands so they love a short time out.

It seemed like a good day here to make clam chowder and the rye bread went well together.  Two days from now the house will be full with family and friends.  My list is really long. 

Hi everyone.  We had a very nice late afternoon rain yesterday that lasted for a couple of hours and it didn't seem quite as hot.   Our high for today is predicted to be 91 degrees with a chance of late afternoon showers again today.

Yesterday was a laid back day although I managed to stay busy.  I did the weeks washing/drying and putting away.  Then I fixed dinner.  I fixed Tilapia (the first time I ever fixed fish) and the Balsamic Mushrooms that Pat likes (also a first).  Happy to say both turned out well.  I haven't a clue yet what we will have for dinner tonight. I plan on staying home all day again today.

Marilyn, an unexpected gift that shows how much your visits with Freckles means to these folks. 

Janet, I have to say, while I don't sit and worry about it, I do on occasion think about what a job it will be for our son someday to deal with our household things and particularly Pat's sewing equipment and supplies. Glad to see that John is feeling better and able to resume his time with Beth. Glad you got the van back so Beth and John are able to get out of the facility for a bit.  Sorry to read that Darrel's BIL is worse.  It sounds like you have a another busy day planned for today.

Carol, nice that you friends like the new bakery.  Probably a good thing I don't live close by as that sounds like my type of place.  Do you make the clam chowder with milk/cream or with tomatoes?

I have done a full day's work since getting up at 5:00 this morning!  Want to know what I've been up to?  Well, first, I put a chicken in the crock pot, along with a packet of Buffalo seasoning.  That was lunch for today with plenty left for tomorrow.  Then I spent my two hours with the Lord, by then Darrel was up, we visited for a bit.  Got dressed and went out to the Farmers' Market; didn't buy anything as we have a lot of vegetables on hand.  Went by the store to get orange juice to use in putting more peaches in the freezer.  Home again, I cut up a big batch of green, light green and red peppers, onion, and mushrooms; sauteed those and bagged them for the freezer.  They are wonderful added to meats later!  Cut peaches, removed seeds, dipped cut side into orange juice, placed cut side up onto cookie sheet and into the freezer. (When frozen, will bag them.)  Prepared eggplant and fried it for lunch, ate that along with the chicken and a sliced tomato.  Now, when I finish this, I am going to rest and finish reading a book on my Kindle!  (I know, TMI.  Just wanted you to know I'm not always lazy!  LOL 

Carol, that sounds like a lovely place to meet with a few friends and enjoy a little treat!  And it is good to have a little break now and then.  I know it takes a LOT of energy to prepare for and entertain guests, so I am thinking of you!

Larry, in spite of your limited energy, it sounds like you are becoming the family chef....and successfully, too!    I know Pat appreciates you and your loving efforts.  God bless you!

Darrel got the new tires put on the front of Beth's van this morning.  One thing remains to be done, and that is taking it to the automotive place for the alignment.  I don't know if John got his drivers' license reinstated or not yet.  When he does, they are good to go!

Now I am heading to my recliner to rest and read!  Happy afternoon to you all!

I am so thankful for when I fell walking up two steps from the garage, not carrying anything, that it is only bruises.  We are both resting after quite a day of working on installing a new router (easy) but now other stuff isn't working. My day has been kitchen & cleaning work and it sure gets tiring at times.  Almost everything is ready except to cut up watermelon tomorrow and start that wonderful crock pot with the calico bean dish.  Our children are fixing everything else - I only made a few dishes.  It was hard to stop cooking for the crowd. 

Janet:  So sorry that you and Darrel seem to have picked up more duties.  Perhaps you can gift John with a good organizer and fill in dates of what should be attended to and when?  Would that help?  That is a nice idea with the peaches - they are from the Western slope, are they not?  Yummy this  year.  My neighbor froze some with Agave syrup for her husband - he cannot have sugar.  We are just eating them daily - the corn is really sweet this year too. 

Have a good evening.  Watching some of the Olympics - love the rowing.  I used to watch them at the U of Washington years ago.   

Time to start a new week HERE