REACHING TO THE SKIES

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Knit & Crochet Butterfly

Hannah crocheted the wings and antennae. I knit the body. Hannah sewed it all together.

This adorable butterfly going in my Etsy shop today!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Yesterday I put my Russia 2013 scraps into a book. It was a bitter-sweet time. Sweet to remember that good time. Bitter to be so far from the country and people I love with no possibility of even visiting with this sick body. "Why, Lord?" The ache is deep, and sometimes those two, simple words are all I can ask my Savior.

Yet as I read God's Word I see I am not the first (nor the last, no doubt) to be brought to a different land and different plan than I thought best. Early in his ministry the apostle Paul thought Jerusalem would be the best platform for his testimony for Jesus. After all, those were the people who had known him since he was a child and they, of all people, would see what a difference Jesus made in his life. But God had other plans and sent him to other lands and other people (Acts 22:17-21).

Then there were the Israelites in captivity and exile in Babylon. They wanted to be their own, free nation, but God told them to settle in and work and pray for the welfare of that land. In so doing they themselves would be blessed (Jeremiah 29:4,5,7).

And then there is me. The need seems so much greater and the hearts more open in Russia. But God has anchored Hannah and me here in sickness. He has bound my parents here in caring for Dorothy... and their two, youngest daughters. I know God never makes mistakes. All things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

So I join Paul and the ancient Israelites in living where God has placed me. As I obey Him I will see what good He has in store here.

So will you.

Monday, May 23, 2016

At the Lake with Hannah

Noticing shadows with Hannah

Soaking up sun with Hannah

Thank you, uncles and cousins, for putting out the dock in frigid water!

Knitting with Hannah

Hannah's knitting: a first try at socks

My knitting: Maritime Signal Flag "L" Blanket (It will end up in my Etsy shop some day!)

Enjoying peaceful sights and sounds with Hannah

Seeing God in His creation with Hannah

Notice the carefully "planted" row of underwater weeds?

Watching and listening to birds with Hannah

We saw and heard loons! No pictures, though. They would have been "bird dots," as our family calls such pictures.

Being filled with good things with Hannah

Here's an ad: Buy Set Apart Girl Magazine no matter your age... and for all your friends! You will not regret it.

Easy re-heating and salad making with Hannah

Eating (and enjoying it) with Hannah

Filling my sandals with sand not with Hannah (Ha!)

Watching the lowering sun with Hannah

Seeing the colors of sky and water change with Hannah

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Sun Tea on the Deck

I am learning a few of the many good things God made the sun to do. We all know He made it to warm and give light to our planet. It helps plants grow (and people too, I suspect). It gives our body vitamin D. It lowers inflammation in the body. And it makes delicious sun tea. Rose hips tea anyone?