Tuesday...I'm back!

Aloha everyone!  You may have thought I fell off the end of the earth...  But no, I'm just trying to adjust to this new "schedule-free" summer.  Our family has been having a great time together.  I'll share some of our recent doings.

To end our school year, we went camping at Kualoa Beach Park.  It was a great long weekend with our church family.  Camping on the beach is so fun.  The kids have so much to keep them busy.  At this particular camp site, there is an island off-shore that was just close enough to kayak to.  Rebecca also made it out there on her surf board.  We swam and collected shells.  Andrew went crab hunting after dark.  And of course, Mark had to build his famous campfire.  S'mores all around.  Great fun.

Koolau Mountains on one side...

Kaneohe Bay on the other.

Empty beach was perfect for morning quiet time.  God's creation takes my breath away!

"Chinaman's Hat" where the kids played most of the day.  When Mark and I were in high school, we climbed to the top...I haven't been up there since.

Relaxing under the common tent.

Andrew and his catch of sand crabs...they were released back to their homes shortly after this was taken.





On Father's Day, we made another trip up to Waimea Bay.  It seems to be our go-to beach for barbecues.  Can you blame us?  

(Not our boat...  Maybe some day we can bring Pakele Nui up the coast.)

More burritos on the beach.   Our crowd keeps growing.  This time we were joined by friends Jess, BJ, Makana, Victoria, and Jake.  The word's out!  But the more the merrier.  I love having the kids' friends along.  And feeding the crowd is fun, too.  Mark and I are getting quite a system. 

I'm still looking for work.  I thought I had a position, but it fell through.  It's really stretching my patience.  I'm not sure what the Lord wants me to learn from this.  I keep returning to my theme for this year, Faithful.  God is a faithful God.  And I will continue to be faithful in trusting Him to see us through. 

In the meantime, I'm enjoying the time off of school.  These days are passing quickly.  Reading is a treat and my tan is finally getting the attention it needs.  ;)  Already I'm feeling the itch to get my curriculum planning started for next year.  Only 7 weeks until we start again.  Every year I promise not to put it off.  Perhaps you will keep me accountable to that goal...

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate you!

Family Photos Friday

We finally had the camera along on the last two family outings.  I'll share some pictures with you.

We headed to the north shore again last Sunday. 

This handsome fellow was strolling around the road-side shops. 

In the 40 years that I have lived on this island, I had never stopped by this cute shop. 

Curiosity got the better of us, and we went in. 

 There were antique collections of every kind cramming the counters. 

There was everything from bottles to beads, Coke novelties to license plates,

glass fishing floats to tourist trinkets.

Even this guy....

In your hometown, there is always something new to discover. 

Now I know where to go if I need a glass ball or an Obama surfer...

We finally arrived at Waimea Bay at about 4:30 in the afternoon.  Most folks were packing up.  We were just arriving for dinner and a dip.  Clouds were rolling in, but we didn't mind.

Steph calls this a red-neck moment. 

The rain tried to scare us away, but we stuck it out and had a great time.

 

Don't let the frown fool you, I had a great time.  I think I was realizing at that moment, that I have become my mother-in-law.  She has always been the one to cook on the beach.  But she never brought the usual hot dogs/hamburgers type food.  Always the unusual - great tasting stuff.  Here I am, in all my glory, grilling beef and chicken, re-fried beans, and serving them on homemade tortillas.  Kinda weird....

in a good way.

Steph, her majesty...with her fajita in one hand, and marshmallow stick in the other...

Rebecca, enjoying hot food on a cool day!

Andrew is our official marshmallow roaster.

Benefits of sticking around, even with the rain.

We stopped on the way home to watch the sun disappear into the ocean. 

The end of another relaxing Lord's Day.

This morning, we got up early to beat the crowd and headed out to the sandbar on Kaneohe Bay.  The weather was perfect!

Mark and Rebecca on Pakele Nui and Steph, Andrew and new friend, BJ in the water.

Andrew getting ready to take a swing on the halyard.

My turn.  

 That snorkel (far left corner) got left behind today....oops!

Mark, taking us back...

Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend.  Summer is officialy here!  I, for one, and ready for a new season!

Isaiah 42:1-12

The Servant of the Lord

 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him

and he will bring justice to the nations.

 He will not shout or cry out,

or raise his voice in the streets.

 A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

 he will not falter or be discouraged

till he establishes justice on earth.

In his law the islands will put their hope."

 This is what God the LORD says—

he who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,

who gives breath to its people,

and life to those who walk on it:

 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;

I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you

to be a covenant for the people

and a light for the Gentiles,

 to open eyes that are blind,

to free captives from prison

and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

 "I am the LORD; that is my name!

I will not give my glory to another

or my praise to idols.

 See, the former things have taken place,

and new things I declare;

before they spring into being

I announce them to you."

Song of Praise to the Lord

Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise from the ends of the earth,

you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,

you islands, and all who live in them.

 Let the desert and its towns raise their voices;

let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.

Let the people of Sela sing for joy;

let them shout from the mountaintops.

Let them give glory to the LORD

and proclaim his praise in the islands.

Multitude Monday

I celebrated a birthday this week.  I usually approach them with mixed emotions.  On one hand, I'm grateful that I made it another year...but, the numbers are starting to scare me.

I found a song that sums up my emotions lately.  I sang it for church a couple of weeks ago.

"Hallelujah"

Who can hold the stars

And my weary heart?

Who can see everything?

I've fallen so hard

Sometimes I feel so far

But not beyond your reach

I could climb a mountain

Swim the ocean

Or do anything

But it's when you hold me

That I start unfolding

And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

Help me to sing hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that

Rises over castles

And welcomes the day

Spills over buildings

Into the streets

Where orphans play

And only you can see the good

In broken things

You took my heart of stone

And you made it home

And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

Help me to sing hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

I'll choose to sing hallelujah

 
1000 Gifts list:  (262-268)

birthday breakfast in bed

gift certificate for a massage from my kids

cashing the certificate in on my birthday

my husband's silly sense of humor in cards

$10 jeans that FIT

friends that care

another family day at Waimea Bay

counting the days til summer is here



See other's gifts list here:

Multitude Monday?

(I know it's Tuesday...I started this yesterday, but didn't get it published.  Sorry...)

It was an action-pack weekend.  Just what I needed to de-stress from an emotional week.  This job hunting thing is really an emotional roller coaster.  I find a job to apply for that seems like it would work for me and the family, send in my resume, wait, wait, wait.  If I get a call for an interview, I get all excited, show up, give my best (try to explain who I am in 10 minutes...), then more waiting.  So far, nothing has come of the process.  Nothing outward anyway. 

So to get away, the family packed up and set out for Waimea Bay on Sunday afternoon.  Well, half the family.  We let a couple of kids stay with their friends...remember, I'm de-stressing.  (It was not the day to force a family outing.)  The water could not have been more beautiful.  This is a beach that's known for it's monster waves during the winter.  The Eddy Aikau surf meet wont even be held unless the waves are 40'.  But in the summer, the bay is calm as a lake.  The water was so clear, you could see your toes and the sandy bottom below.  Incredible.   This beach is also known for it's dangerous undertow.  When I was a little girl, about 5 years old, my dad had to come rescue me.  The tow started taking me out, and I couldn't get back in.  Ever since, I've had a profound respect for the ocean.  I'm not a huge fan of big waves.  So this Sunday, the water was so inviting, I stayed in for 30 minutes.  Not too cold, not too windy.  Just right.

After swimming we fired up the little beach grill and made fish tacos.  The fish was shark...very tasty!  Roll it into a home-made flour tortilla, add some beans, cheese, tomato, sprouts and salsa.  A great meal to watch the sunset.  Such a gift.  I was revived and at peace.

1000 Gifts (252 - 261)

sales on Craigslist

God's living Word

waking with a song in my heart

a husband that doesn't mind doing the dishes

the trampoline that brings their play together and bridges the age gap

clear water of Waimea Bay

parking place in an impossible lot

fish tacos, cooked on the beach

silence of sunset, all watching, followed by cheers as it melts away

crescent moon that smiles at me as it follows me home

Multitude Monday

See the heart in the sky?

It was a busy, but fun weekend.  Mother's Day was celebrated with the grandmothers and family over at our house.  Home-made pizza, bottled root beer and fresh strawberries with chocolate, brown sugar and sour cream for dipping.  Yum.

Still waiting on interview results....got one "no" for sure, but am waiting on two more answers.  What a process.  On the way to my interview last Thursday, I really started doubting myself.  It all started when in dug to the bottom of my purse for lipstick.  I never wear it, but it's in my purse.  I guess it's a mom thing.  Anyway, when I looked into the rear-view mirror to put it on (my mother never needed a mirror) all I could see were the flaws in my face.  The self-talk went something like this, "Look at those wrinkles, you're way too old for this...",  "Your teeth are so yellow.  You shouldn't even open your mouth..."  It was relentless.  The nasty voice in my head was going full force.  Thankfully, I had a few minutes to spare so I pulled over and took a few deep breaths.  Then I prayed.  I don't remember exactly what I said, but I know that the nasty voice had to go.  My Redeemer was with me.  He who made me, cares for me and loves me gave me the courage I needed.  I walked into that interview with my head held high - smiling.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Psalm 73: 25-26

 

This then is how we know that we belong to the truth,

and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence

whenever our hearts condemn us.

For God is greater than our hearts,

and he knows everything.

1 John 3:19-20

 

I am so grateful that I have a place to run when my heart condemns me.  God is so much greater than my heart.  It is so easily swayed and deceived.  He knows how to set my heart at rest.  All have have to do is run to His presence.

 

1000 Gifts:  (234 - 251)

 

prayer in the night for a sleepless son

hearts reconciled

new job prospects

encouraging words from a friend

divine appointments

going to the theater with the kids

peeling potatoes for mission meal

classic Audrey Hepburn movie for the family

injured bird recovering in a box

enough for today

great interview

crazy dream that makes you laugh when you wake

mother's and daughter's lunch

multi-generation hula

hand-made card and gifts from loving kids

loving memory of a mom in heaven

two more loving on-earth mothers


Join the Gratitude Community here:

Photo by Rachael James

Certainly

cer·tain·ly   /ˈsɜrtnli/
–adverb

1.with certainty; without doubt; assuredly: I'll certainly be there.

2.yes, of course: Certainly, take the keys.

3.surely; to be sure: He certainly is successful.

This word jumped off the page of my Bible this morning.  Certainly.  I don't often use the word.  It seems there are not too many things that I've been certain of lately, at least not in the dictionary definition of the word.  I might say, "I certainly hope it doesn't rain on Saturday." or "You certainly may not!" when one of my kids asks to have 5 cookies before dinner...  But listen to the word as Jesus used it:
 

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,  yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"  Matt. 6:28-30

He will without doubt care for you.

He will, yes, of course, care for you.

He will surely care for you.

Why do I have so little faith?

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1

LORD, help me have a "certainly" kind of faith today.  Amen.

Multitude Monday

Well, I didn't get the job that I interviewed for.  As my Grandma Gladys would say when she beat you at cards, "Sorry... goody."  I can't hide the fact that I really don't want to work outside my home.  I am going through the motions to be obedient, day by day, one step at a time. 

Living in today is the only thing that keeps the stress of life from taking over.  I must trust in the Lord today.  I have what I need today.  (Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need." NLT)  Looking to tomorrow only makes me freeze up in fear. 

Since today is Monday, I wanted to add to my 1000 Gifts list.  I've been keeping it going in my journal even though I haven't posted it lately.  I've also started my kids on their own journals.  It is such a great way to keep my eyes on what the Lord is blessing me with every day and it's wonderful to pass that habit on to my kids. 

There are so many things that God gifts me with that if I wasn't looking for them, I would miss them.  It's kind of like spring here in Hawaii.  We don't have the dramatic change from winter to spring that most of the world has.  Here, the plants and flowers are always around.  If I don't deliberately look for spring, I could miss it.  Some of the subtle ways that spring arrives are the way we don't need to sleep with the extra quilt on the bed, or noticing that the wind off the ocean is warmer now.  I don't want to take for granted the new life that is all around me.  And I especially don't want to take God's blessings for granted.  Recording my 1000 Gifts has greatly helped me stop and say thanks to the Giver of all good things.

(189-233)

waking to find Andrew reading in bed

an almost forgotten rose, blooming in the garden

a peaceful school day

a clean kitchen sink

when my husband comes to my rescue

a bush full of hibiscus

new mercy today

dreams that speak of God's input into my life

chocolate chip pancakes

using new leadership skills

friends who keep me accountable

kids learning to count the gifts

morning rain that refreshes the dry ground

beautiful bike ride with Mark

gracious worship team that rolls with my mistakes

yummy barbecue dinner

God's provision, again

special fellowship with SIL

learning to fight the fight of faith

feeling a part of a community of believers that's bigger than what I can see

alone time with Mark - to talk and be quiet together

the beauty of paradise right around us

a daughter who trusts us enough to confide

dancing for the Lord

heart to heart talks

full moon rising over Kailua

answered prayer for heart cleansing

grace that calms an anxious heart

smoothie for breakfast

time to be with the kids

morning at the Sandbar with the family

cool water dip that refreshes

awesome view of God's creation

afternoon with cool rain that's perfect for Sabbath rest



Be part of the Gratitude Community here:

Fatihful - God is true to His word.

I wonder if this happens to other bloggers.  You're going along just fine, posting at semi-regular intervals, then suddenly *wham* nothing...  Well, it happened to me.  I guess I got caught up in thinking that everything I write must be profound...(like anything is?)  Anyway.  That's my usual m.o.  I try to jump in with both feet, always into the deep end.  Then I wonder why there's all this water in my mouth... Gulp.  I've forgotten that getting better at anything takes time.

So, here I go again.  I'll try to remember the advice that I would give anyone else, "Just keep it simple."

Part of my challenge is that life is very stressful right now.  Between raising these four, wonderful, sometimes exasperating kids, and being there for Mark, and trying to finish up our school year, and taking my online worship leader's class, and actually preparing to lead a meaningful worship time, and being as frugal as I can to make ends meet... I've also been trying to find a part-time job. 

I haven't worked outside my home for over 18 years.  I've had my own business, but always worked it from home.  My kids don't know a mom who's ever been away on a daily basis.  That has been an amazing blessing to me and I am so grateful.  The time I've had with my kids has been one of the treasures of my life.  Now, just contemplating the idea of leaving the house for 4 to 5 hours a day can make me start to hyperventilate.  (No, really, I do!)  I know, many of you do that and more already.  I applaud you.  But I'm scared spit-less.  Now that I've actually taken the leap to start applying, the next excruciating step is waiting for a response.  I had a good interview last Monday - a week ago - and now am waiting...waiting...waiting.  I know that my time with my kids has become so important to me that I am in danger of making it an idol in my life.  I feel like Abraham, who's taken Isaac up the mountain.  I've agreed to take the trip but I'm desperately looking for an extra ram in the bushes...

My rock in the storm is always my relationship with Jesus and His Word.  I've found myself clinging more closely to Him everyday.  That's just the way He wants it.  As each day dawns, new mercy is given and received.  I know that I am in the palm if His hand.  I shall not be moved.

 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

 My victory and honor come from God alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

 O my people, trust in him at all times.

Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:6-8

God told me that this year would be a year of "Faithful".  He is true to His word.  How do you know that God is faithful unless you need to trust Him in a new way.  God, in His mercy, is taking me further on and further into my trust of Him.  That's what I asked Him to do...  Faithful.  He is, may I be in return.

This song speaks to me right now.  (Turn off the player at the top of this page first.)


Thanks for letting me be real...  Even while I wait, I'm enjoying the view.

My daily question to God...

"Where do I go from here...?"

The answer may change, but the promise remains.

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

Psalm 23

I've been working on memorizing Psalm 23.  Not the old, King James Version, but the New Living Translation.  I wanted something that would not be mindlessly rambled, but that would take an engaged mind, and heart in the saying.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.

 

As I daily work on my verses, I realize how many preconceived ideas I have about this familiar passage.  It is often read at funerals...  I had relegated it to a portion of scripture that was only for enduring the bad times.  The "valley of the shadow" times of life.  But the more I meditate on it, the more I'm convinced that this is a psalm for daily use, and is actually recommended for noon prayer when "praying the hours." 

 

Daily the Lord is my shepherd.  Daily He leads me in peace, by the power of His Spirit.  He cares for me daily - during peaceful times and when I walk through the hard times.  He wines and dines me in the face of my enemies.  He lavishly pours out His Spirit on me, enabling me to bring Him honor.  He daily pursues me with goodness and unfailing love.  That's what it's like when you live in the house of the Lord ~ forever!

 

This simple, familiar psalm that I once pushed aside as being trite (Lord, forgive me) is fast becoming my daily bread.  When I stop what I'm doing at noon to breathe its words, my perspective changes and peace washes over my soul.  I am reminded that being in the flock of Jesus is all I need.  He is the Good Shepherd, and being His sheep is bliss!

 

 

Read what others are saying about walking with the Shepherd here:

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An environment for life...

It's finally spring.  The April showers are falling and I hear that on the mainland, things are beginning to grow and bloom.  Living in Hawaii all my life, it's hard for me to imagine a time of year where most everything dies off and has to start all over again.  That just doesn't happen here.


Where I live, plant life is always growing full force.  Yards must be mowed, weeds must be pulled, trees must be trimmed, and something is always blooming.  The city doesn't have seasonal maintenance crews.  They work year-round.  I imagine they start at one end of the island, and by the time they reach the other end, it's time to start all over again.  Hawaii is an environment of continual growth.  I never have to wonder if it is the right time to plant something.  I just plant it - and usually it grows.  (If it doesn't, it's not the weather, its the gardener...)  I guess that's just life in the tropics.  We're close enough to the equator that we always have plenty of warm sunshine and lovely trade-wind showers.  The perfect climate for life. 

Do you see where I'm going with this?  It got me thinking about these verses:

Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.  Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)

It's a challenge for me to think of making my life an environment where new life happens all the time, in every season.  Just like in my natural world, I go through times of rain or times that are dry, but can something bloom even then?  Even in the dry times, is there an area of my life that can produce fruit? 

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing." ~ Jesus

John 15:4-5 (NLT)

As a child of God, I have been made new. In my old nature, nothing would grow. All was dead. But now I am living in new life of the Spirit of God.



It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own.

Our qualification comes from God. 

He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.

This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit.

The old written covenant ends in death;

but under the new covenant,

the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NLT)

The secret to having life and producing much fruit is to remain in the Vine.  A branch that is connected to the vine cannot help but produce fruit.  It is a by-product of being attached.  Living life with Jesus is like living in the tropics - living things can't help but thrive there. 

It may not always be spring, but in Hawaii, there is always something beautiful ready to harvest.  I'm striving to do the same! 

Aloha!

See other posts on Cultivating Life at:

Multitude Monday - Psalm 50

It's another beautiful Monday morning.  Even though life is stressful, I'm finding that keeping thankfulness before more keeps things in perspective. 

As I write this, the kids are sitting quietly at their desks, working on their school work.  The dog is sleeping under my desk.  The bird is chirping away with the birds outside.  And the spring sun is shining.  Glorious day!

Psalm 50:14-15, 23 (NLT)

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.  Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.

Here is this week's list of the 1000 Gifts:  (177-189)

riding my bike with Mark in the park

music being made from the heart of my kids

the blooms of the flowers in my yard

HUGE batch of back-yard bananas, ready to eat

praying together

God's faithfulness in the little things, too

courage to play my guitar in worship

health insurance when we need it

long prayed for prodigal, back in fellowship

peace that endures through turbulent times

constant reminders of His care

Join the others of this Gratutude comminity here:

The Harvest Has Come

Do you remember when I discovered the unexpected life in my yard?

Well, today, that same bunch of life is sitting on my table, ready to be made into banana bread. 

The Harvest has come!

 May the nations praise you, O God.

Yes, may all the nations praise you.

 Then the earth will yield its harvests,

and God, our God, will richly bless us.

 Yes, God will bless us,

and people all over the world will fear him.

Psalm 67:5-7 (NLT)