Shilah Writes

The last two Sundays, the message was about wading out a little deeper into the level God would like to take you spiritually. Both messages were based on Luke 5.  We have been blessed beyond measure both times.  Last Sunday we were blessed because we had just moved to an old house in town the day before, heading into the unknown of what our life will be like now.  This Sunday, we were blessed again because we found out during our first week in town that our beautiful house in the country indeed did not sell.     Now we feel we are plunged into even deeper water.  The question I battled last week was, "Why do we feel God's goodness so much more when things are going how we think they should?"  God is still good even when things don't work out according to plan I know this, but it is a lot harder to believe.  This is what grows our faith in God; Faith that God provides exactly what is needed at the right time; Faith enough to say thank...

I was asked to arrange flowers at Jevon & Priscilla's wedding.  This was her bouquet.  She had Christmas colors which were very pretty. This is what is taking up all our time.  We bought this house in town.  It was foreclosed on and now that she is ours we know why. First, we had this big tree in our back yard that needed to come down so we can put in a storage shed and have room for a garden. Bruce hired a North Bench Fire Department buddy to climb and cut as he went.  He limbed his way to the top and then started lopping off the big stuff from the top down three foot pieces at a time. Scared the stuffing right out of us watching...  That is not a moon on this photo.  I think its a water spot on the camera lens. Wish I could claim the moon theory. A nice surprise.  Hardwood floors. We might uncover the kitchen eventually, but for now we just have to paint and get moved in. Laife turned 14 in the midst... ...

  A few things that bring me joy... Cozy evenings in the living room snuggled close to the fire...   These colors of green... And a few thoughts on what joy really is... The dictionary says it something a person delights in... Scripture says it something we find through searching and suffering... I always thought it was a bubbly happy way of being... until I was tested... It's been a very interesting study and I would love to tell you all I learned in the bible verses and other outside sources but I think the most fun for you would be to study it yourself.  JOY is attainable to all.  It seems to be much easier to achieve when you have less physical things. It seems that each person has different things that bring them joy depending on Whom or What they put their hope in.  The JOY of the Lord is my strength... The wise men were filled with exceeding great joy when they found the star which led them to Jesus where they fell down and worshippe...

I know its not very wordy but sometimes pictures say more than words. Not in this case probably. Just trying to make it OK not to write anything much. Our autumn went zooming by without a moment to catch our breath. I realized this morning that we got through when I saw snow on the ground.  Fall is over and Winter has started. I can't remember the details of it all, aren't you glad? Now I don't have to bore you with it.  Highlights are as follows: School starting.  Jeep transmission problems which took a month to figure out.  Buying a car. Taking a road trip to a wedding and relatives in OR. Putting the house for sale.  Selling the Honda. Training in a new sub for the mail job. Laife's baptismal. A 4x4 deer shot by Laife. School sale projects in full swing. And so much more I can't remember. Life. I haven't honestly liked everything in the last couple months but am thankful at the end of it I can say thank you to God w...

Thought for today... Forgiveness... A fall blessing... forgive those who trespass against you and accuse you falsely for My sake... Let ME be the color that is added to your life... God's blessing on me.  All around us God's blessings are falling on us.  Sometimes I'm like the little five year old that throws a temper tantrum when not given the long awaited toy for which she or he was longing.  I watched a grandpa one time build a dollhouse with great care for his granddaughter.  He spent many hours tweaking things so it would be just perfect for his precious grand daughter upon the opening.  His face was filled with deep contentment and peace as he painted each room and laid each little carpet.  When he was finished; he was pleased with his creation.  The little girl that opened the gift took one look at the house and promptly screeched out "but, I wanted the red one!"  I was shocked with her reaction.  I mean, really? My h...

Out for dinner last Sat evening with Danny and Kristy. We were celebrating Kristy's birthday and remembering our cruise to Alaska last year.  I asked April to come over yesterday and hang out with me while I attempted to make salsa and pickles and she made this... pickled peppers... or peppercini... I know thats not spelled right... or something fancy like that.  She's one of those gourmet ladies... And then Kristy came to pick my green beans which won't quit and of which she was ever so grateful.  Or not.  Who LIKES to do green beans? my great big salsa mess...We had such a fine time gossiping and sharing strong opinions...  

I have a whole summers worth of lessons floating around in my head' so beware.  No, I will not bore you with all of the clutter but a few basics that I need to say for the record.  Here goes... When I was young and immature, my sisters and I would make funnies about a man we knew, whom I will call "Mr. Monotone".  We would mimic him and his behaviour as we folded the couch full of clothes for our patient mother.  She would hear us and even laugh at us occasionally but more often than not she would say, "Now girls, that man is somebodies daddy and some ladies husband".  At the time I only understood that I felt sorry for the kids and wife.  Now I know what my mom meant.  The hard way.  God is good in showing Himself and His ways to us. Here is what I should have understood.  God blessed a union and called that married-in-love-couple, a home. He gave them children.  He said in His Word; "Wives see that you reverence your husbands." He ...