GRACE, AB, and Today

On Wednesday evening I experienced God's GRACE through the service and sacrifice of His daughters!! Let me tell you how (she doesn't mind my sharing her story)... several months ago a mother of one of our church children became pregnant under some very sinful circumstances. I will spare you the details... Anyways, she was a desperate wreck when she found out she was pregnant. I did the best I could to counsel her but this particular woman weighed heavily on my heart. A few weeks later I had been talking with our Youth Pastor who was also aware of what was going on, and she felt the same way. We both were moved to do something practical for her. So to make a long story short we explained to the Women's Ministries the circumstances the best we could and the Women's Ministries got their game on and gave her a wonderful baby shower. This is her 5th baby and first baby shower. Out of 20 women, only 2 of us knew her, but they came and brought tons of gifts (out of very tight budgets), words of blessings, games, food, decorations, and we poured prayer over this baby (God knows he'll need it!). As I left on Wednesday night, frankly exhausted after a very long day that wasn't about to be over, I felt so incredibily blessed to be in the middle of God's grace that evening. This woman has made some terrible choices, she's not saved, and I honestly don't see it happening in the immediate future. BUT we sincerely gave to her our love, time, energy and $. AND her other children know that we are a church that seeks out the lost and loves the unlovable. That The Salvation Army daily puts our feet and hands into practicing what we preach. There's an acronym that I always remember about grace - God's Riches At Christ's Expense. I slaved for two hours making Thai Rolls (thank you Stacie and Catherine) because she is diabetic and I knew she could eat these. Every time I felt grumpy about it I remembered what Christ did for me so that I could feast at God's banquet table. It was a wonderful evening of witnessing God working through all of "my" ladies lives!!

Every year, as a thank you to our Advisory Board members for another year of service, we host a Barbeque at our house. We plan for about 15, if everyone shows up. Paul grilled up some excellent Steaks and Chicken. He is a great griller. I'm afraid of it, really I am... I even worry when Paul's out there that it's going to blow up. I made a Greek Salad and Red Potato Dish. (I'll write these simple recipes below) It was a good time, but I am glad it's over. It was a lot of work! Hosting at the Corps is easier because it's a great big kitchen to work in and I don't have to worry if my bed's made, house is picked up, bathrooms spic-n-span, etc.

Last night was another playoff game for David's baseball team. Just when I thought it was over his team kept making it to the next round. They were really good... but not good enough, as last night they lost by 2 points. They didn't make it to the Championship on Saturday, which was personally fine with me because we have plans with the Browns. David's okay with it too, and is looking forward to Saturday's Lifeflight.

This morning, I'm going to run the kids up to Dufur Pioneer Cemetary. I saw it on my friend Stacie's blog and we just love that kind of stuff. We're going to do headstone rubbings. Hopefully it won't be windy. Then I'll spend the day- laundry, packing, laundry, packing, laundry, packing, etc. Which I happen to consider Salvation Army work because we are required to go to the General's Meeting. See how encompassing Officership is (ha!ha!).

I am also losing my voice! It is so hard to parent without a voice!! I swear I've been poisoned by the cherry crop dusters.

Greek Salad: (I love keeping this in my fridge for a quick snack)
Equal Parts of-
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Pepper, Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Cucumber, Sliced Olives, Cherry Tomatos, Feta Cheese. Toss together and mix in some Greek Salad Dressing

Red Potato Dish:
Boiled Red Potatos cut into chunks
Mix in Reduced Fat Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
Mix in a bunch of fresh Dill, chopped up (I add a lot, I love dill)
Bake in oven till nice and hot