James chapter 3 has some tough things to say to me: * "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more srictly." * "...the tongue is a small part of the body but it makes great boasts." * "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is restless, evil, full of deadly poison." * "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition , there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Whew! Tough sometimes to look in the mirror...

WEAR HATS AND SUNSCREEN PEOPLE!!! My husband saw the dermatologist today. He has had many, many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers through the years. Today they did two biopsies and multiple liquid nitrogen 'blasts' all over his face and arms. We didn't know about sun protection when we were growing up in Southern California. But we all know better now! WEAR HATS AND SUNSCREEN! Save yourself lots of grief in your later years.

Made a first today; Gluten Free mini pneapple upside down cakes. How do they look?

We're doing this really cool Bible study method with our small group right now. We are Studying James, one chapter a week. Each week we answer three questions: 1. What would you title this chapter? (Can't use what is printed in our Bibles.) 2. What is your favorite verse in this chapter? Why is it your favorite? 2. What is your most challenging verse in this chapter? Why is it your most challenging. We are on Chapter 2 this week. Here are my answers: 1. "What Does Real Faith Look Like?" 2. Verse 17. Christianity seems to me to always ask, "What are you going TO DO with Jesus?" Faith is an action word to me - it's about DOING. But in the doing I have to remember Ephesians 2:8-9 that tells me I am saved by GRACE and grace alone. But I am so overcome and changed by that grace that my reaction has to be ACTIVE; doing, giving, serving, loving. 3. Verse 10.It's hard for me to think about God like this. It is so different than the way we think in our society. If we bread one part of the traffic law (speeding, running a red light, etc.), we don't automatically break ALL of the law; like murder or robbery. But God is absolute. That is why I need a Savior. Jesus tells us (Matthew 5) that hating someone in our hearts is the same, in the eyes of God, as murdering them. Breaking just a little bit of the law - if only in our hearts - is the same as overtly breaking all of the law. Wow. Thank you God for the change and redemption that comes because of Jesus.

Well, It's been a long time. Sorry to anyone who has been looking for me, although I don't think there are too many any more. Ha Life has moved along. I am retired. Again. And thinking about finding another kind of work as a nurse just for a little more money. It is hard to make an old nurse stop working for good. We'll see what happens. Our greatest joy is our family. This picture was taken Mother's Day, 2013. That's Stacy on the left holding Baby Ryann (who is almost two now). Next to her is Jen holding Charlie who will be four in January. Then is Matt with Jack (five) standing in front of him. Rod is next. Then me with my arm around Mackenzie (nine). Tailor is 17 and a senior in high school now. Mike is kneeling in front with Madison (almost seven) snuggled up next to him. And every day we cling to one another and to God who sustains us praying that our lives bring glory to Jesus our Lord and Savior. Blessings to whomever happens to read this. I will endeavor to be more faithful with posting (now that I am re-connected). Cathy