Saturday, August 31, 2013

Remember Him

I'm sitting in my front yard with my dog.  There is a cool breeze blowing.  The sun is low in the sky, hiding behind the clouds that sit on the mountains.  I hear the sound of traffic passing and the birds returning to their trees.  It's lovely.

Oh, there are plenty of things that need to be done.  The laundry isn't finished.  There is a pile of dishes in the sink.  I haven't started thinking about dinner yet.  I could go on... But for now I will just sit and be still.

There is a time for everything - and it will all get done eventually.  But this time of evening is too sweet to work through.

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”  Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.  Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.  For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
                                                                                       ~ King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Close your eyes and know that God made this day for you to find Him, even in this day.

Enjoy this weekend with the ones you love.





Sunday, August 18, 2013

This little blog has been neglected of late.  Just two days after my last post, my father-in-law passed away. Both Mark's parents gone, just a bit over 3 months apart.  Now the flurry of activity to close up and sell a house that has been a home for so many for so long.

But it hasn't been all sadness, these last few months - there were two weddings in the family!  In addition to Steph and Kyle's wedding last March, a nephew and niece were married.  The next generation takes shape and life's promised hope comes.  All are occasions for family to gather and support each other.  That's truly what life is all about.

Typical... family and friends!


Tomorrow, our homeschooling year will begin.  It will be my 16th year teaching.  (Two have graduated, and two are still with me!)  What a journey this has been.  I'm so excited to get started.  There is something about the smell of new books and sharp pencils!  I've been longing to return to the comfort of schedule.   I've loved the freedom of summer, but every season is just long enough...

We are also arriving at the first anniversary of our community house.  God has taught us so many lessons on living and loving as a family.  I am so grateful!  I know God has a plan to use this house for His glory.  Lord, help me not be in the way!

So, what are the lessons I've learned during this season?  The "what ifs" of life are not the worst thing in the world.  I've lived through a lot of what ifs this year:  "'What if my daughter settles down on the mainland?", "What if Jean passes before Bob?", "What if there is conflict among those in our community?"  God is big enough for the "what ifs".  They don't take Him by surprise.  In every "what if" situation, God has shown us a new part of His character and provision.



There's the feeling in the air that we are turning a page. Only God knows what is ahead for us.  I take comfort in knowing He is there and will take care of the details.

Shooting in Paauilo - red-neck moments...

Family is expanding - Mr. & Mrs. Kauhane

New beach adventure on the Island of Hawaii

Cousins at the stables - cowgirls at heart!


Rock jumping at Kealakekua - not far from that "little grass shack"

Kealakekua sunset - perfect camping spot!

Cousins fishing off the rocks.

More sunset views at Kealakekua

Rigging the poles on Uncle Kevin's boat off of Kawaihae