The weather continues to be glorious here in Portland, Oregon. The rains will return soon. That is fine with me. I actually enjoy the rain. The sound of it on the roof, the aromatic smell in the air, the greenery of all the plants, and the clarity it brings to my brain.
But My Lord, these blue skies and sunlight do lift one up!
Yesterday, I had another lesson from above. I had planned on practicing, cleaning, exercising and food prepping all day. But my son got home from work just when my piano practice had begun. He asked if I had gone for my walk. I had not. I told him I'd like to get a bit more practice done. Could we go in half an hour? He said, that would be fine. He needed to shower after a hard day's work. But he did not want to go to the "same old trail".
He said he would like to walk over the Tilicum Bridge into downtown Portland. I quickly said, "No, I have too much to do".
He scowled at me. My daughter, who was leaving with her husband and dog to the doggie park laughed. She said, "Mom did that to me last week. Said she was too busy!"
Oy, the crushing guilt!
I thought about my revelations through prayer and daily blogging. Yes, I need to be disciplined and put God and work in my priorities. But what were the two most important commandments that Jesus gave us? See for yourself:
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Adult children are included. My son is teetering on the brink of adulthood. Really, at age 23. He needs his family. And wholesome activities. And I need time with my family.
So off to Tilicum we went!
I am so thankful I listened to that quiet inner voice of mine. We had a wonderful time. Had some meaningful conversation. We crossed the bridge. It was so quiet and peaceful. Just bikes, pedestrians and the occasional MAX train.
We stopped for a bit at the Elephant's Delicatessan. My son had a bowl of soup. Tomato orange bisque. I tried a bite. Divine! I had a lovely drink: It was an apple cider vinegar drink with honey and cinnamon. I did a search on the internet and I could not find this anywhere!
So later that evening I made my own concoction at home. 1/4 cup Braggs apple cider vinegar, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 T of cinnamon and 1/2 T honey. I also added a splash of vanilla and ice. Very refreshing! And vinegar is known for it's health properties!
After our walk, we headed to the grocery store. We both re-committed to eating home cooked meals and packing lunches instead of grabbing take-out. My son has been spiraling down into the world of fast food drive-through. I have been frequenting my favorite restaurant haunts way too often. Need to save for our travels!
Last night we had my lentil soup from the crockpot. Then I baked marinated chicken breasts that I cut into chunks. I also roasted cauliflower, green beans, zuccini and red onions. The marinade was simply olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. We each had a plate. Divine!
I packed the rest of it into little tupperware containers for the week.
Then my son and I packed his lunch. Tortilla spread with cream cheese, sliced turkey and lettuce. Rolled up tightly. Trail mix. He will add fruit in the morning. His breakfasts will be granola, almond milk and coffee.
This morning I had leftover lentil soup with raw peanuts on top. And tea. This morning, before my daughter and son-in-law left for the shooting range with Honey Dog, she handed me a cup. It was a vinegar drink with lemon juice, honey and cayenne. Supports weight loss, we have read. It was invigorating!
And the icing on my cake? I got an email last night from a priest at a local Catholic church. They have an opening for a part-time pianist. He was wondering if I was interested. If only he could have heard me squeal and see me leap for joy! Yes!
I am ready for my day. Feeling happier than usual. God is good! And I am so thankful for my family, friends, musical acquaintances and students today.
I realize I haven't chosen a hymn of the day. The one that popped into my head just now, is "How Great Thou Art". Can't top that one! This hymn has an interesting history (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/h/o/w/how_great_Thou_art.htm)
But My Lord, these blue skies and sunlight do lift one up!
Yesterday, I had another lesson from above. I had planned on practicing, cleaning, exercising and food prepping all day. But my son got home from work just when my piano practice had begun. He asked if I had gone for my walk. I had not. I told him I'd like to get a bit more practice done. Could we go in half an hour? He said, that would be fine. He needed to shower after a hard day's work. But he did not want to go to the "same old trail".
He said he would like to walk over the Tilicum Bridge into downtown Portland. I quickly said, "No, I have too much to do".
He scowled at me. My daughter, who was leaving with her husband and dog to the doggie park laughed. She said, "Mom did that to me last week. Said she was too busy!"
Oy, the crushing guilt!
I thought about my revelations through prayer and daily blogging. Yes, I need to be disciplined and put God and work in my priorities. But what were the two most important commandments that Jesus gave us? See for yourself:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
~Matthew 22:36-40
Adult children are included. My son is teetering on the brink of adulthood. Really, at age 23. He needs his family. And wholesome activities. And I need time with my family.
So off to Tilicum we went!
I am so thankful I listened to that quiet inner voice of mine. We had a wonderful time. Had some meaningful conversation. We crossed the bridge. It was so quiet and peaceful. Just bikes, pedestrians and the occasional MAX train.
We stopped for a bit at the Elephant's Delicatessan. My son had a bowl of soup. Tomato orange bisque. I tried a bite. Divine! I had a lovely drink: It was an apple cider vinegar drink with honey and cinnamon. I did a search on the internet and I could not find this anywhere!
So later that evening I made my own concoction at home. 1/4 cup Braggs apple cider vinegar, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 T of cinnamon and 1/2 T honey. I also added a splash of vanilla and ice. Very refreshing! And vinegar is known for it's health properties!
After our walk, we headed to the grocery store. We both re-committed to eating home cooked meals and packing lunches instead of grabbing take-out. My son has been spiraling down into the world of fast food drive-through. I have been frequenting my favorite restaurant haunts way too often. Need to save for our travels!
Last night we had my lentil soup from the crockpot. Then I baked marinated chicken breasts that I cut into chunks. I also roasted cauliflower, green beans, zuccini and red onions. The marinade was simply olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. We each had a plate. Divine!
I packed the rest of it into little tupperware containers for the week.
Then my son and I packed his lunch. Tortilla spread with cream cheese, sliced turkey and lettuce. Rolled up tightly. Trail mix. He will add fruit in the morning. His breakfasts will be granola, almond milk and coffee.
This morning I had leftover lentil soup with raw peanuts on top. And tea. This morning, before my daughter and son-in-law left for the shooting range with Honey Dog, she handed me a cup. It was a vinegar drink with lemon juice, honey and cayenne. Supports weight loss, we have read. It was invigorating!
And the icing on my cake? I got an email last night from a priest at a local Catholic church. They have an opening for a part-time pianist. He was wondering if I was interested. If only he could have heard me squeal and see me leap for joy! Yes!
I am ready for my day. Feeling happier than usual. God is good! And I am so thankful for my family, friends, musical acquaintances and students today.
I realize I haven't chosen a hymn of the day. The one that popped into my head just now, is "How Great Thou Art". Can't top that one! This hymn has an interesting history (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/h/o/w/how_great_Thou_art.htm)
How Great Thou Art
Words by Stuart K. Hine
(1899-1989)
Based on the words of a poem by Carl G. Boberg (1859-1940)
Based on a Swedish folk melody, adapted by Stuart K. Hine
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then *I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim,
Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wanderHow great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Refrain
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Refrain
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamationAnd take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then *I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim,
My God, how great thou art!
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