Building a Vision of Scripture Study

    My students are maturing and their scripture study skills are expanding. This week we started reading with "Four Colors". 

    Getting "greener" is not just an environmental goal but also a goal for each of us to respond to the message and go and do likewise.

    As a seminary teacher I can hope that what we do each morning creates a desire in all of us to put our faith in Jesus and propel us forward to do good.
  Here we are at our best, doing our music in our morning devotional. Aren't we great?

                  Not buying it? Okay this is really us and my students are the best sports, ever!

Remnants From Romans

      As my students enter the classroom they see foam blocks in the pathway to their seats. I watch as they recognize the blocks as impediments and step around them. No one asks me why they are on the floor. It isn't until we are reading Romans 10 that they start connecting the blocks to the stumbling stone that Christ represents to the Jews. I ask why they didn't step across the blocks and use them as stepping stones. This discussion brings us to other words that Paul uses to describe our connection to Christ.

Heir

Carnal

Foreknowledge

Election

Spiritual

Stumblingstone

Inheritance

7 Little Words that lead to more discussion of Romans 8-10

   To be a joint-heir with Christ is an awesome concept and one that we mortals find hard to comprehend but I tried to stress the wondrous invitation to become yoked to Christ and find in Him the strength to yearn for salvation.

Sharing Knowledge

I am going over to assist my nine-year-old grandson in making his first loaf of Artisan bread this morning. We mixed the dough yesterday afternoon and it should be bubbly and light by now. I love sharing knowledge and feel grateful when my family finds value in the things I know. As I approach sixty, I know my influence on others will wane but I have many more things to share.

                      For example, caramelized onions in the Artisan bread are out of this world!

             Just add them into the dough when mixing and prepare to be swept away with rich, sweet, oniony flavor.

My Lucky Grandchildren

    There is nothing sweeter than knowing when you leave your grandchildren that they are so fortunate to have good parents. Here are my favorite shots this week.

   
                                             A joyful child with a cheering mommy behind her.

                                 A Daddy who offers the first cake bite on your birthday.

                                                  Parents who love with all their hearts.

Out About Town

   When the sky is beautiful and the sun warm it is time to go walking.

Our two beloved celebrities had to go incognito to avoid too many fans.

A walk to breakfast is ideal. We found a new place where they serve the best waffles and eggs.

On the way home a tree drew our eyes as a perfect place to pose.

Do I Like Parties?

  I have been celebrating a lot with women in my family and I have been wondering if I like parties? It is my nature to like the creating of an event but then finding the execution unwieldy. Some celebrations are active and the party is all about doing things together while others are about socializing and eating. The active parties require great organization to make sure all the details work for everyone. and the food parties take a lot of time to prep and cleanup. Even though you won't find me partying just for fun, I do respect the more social members of my family who can put on a grand celebration.  

    How about a letter boxing scavenger hunt? Leave clues, even pictures as clues, in different places in your neighborhood. Then set out with your friends and hunt for them.

    When everyone has documented that they have reached every clue, by stamping in their tiny field handbooks, have lunch at the park.

If you are just turning one it is surely time for a big food bash. Invite five or six families with toddlers and put out a spread.

     Decorations are a must so have family over to help with the preparations. 

   When it is time for your first cake be sure to invite everyone around to document that you have survived one full year of a great life.

   I find that taking an interest in what others care about is different than doing things the way others would. I certainly can be less party hardy and still enjoy meeting and being with new people and help make celebrations meaningful.

   Guacamole anyone?

Birthdays In February

    There are many women in my family with birthdays in February and I get to visit or Skype with them all.

                                                To Ollie, I am so glad you like my pillow.

To Vanessa, thanks for letting me bring breakfast.

                                    To Gracie, what a fun scavenger hunt through your neighbor.

To Gabi, it was pure sunshine with you.

         To my Moonbeam, sorry I wasn't there but I am so glad we got to play together before I left.