Your Kindness, O LORD, Endures Forever

"I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise...
Because of your kindness and your truth,
you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me...

Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever..." - Psalm 138

Today, I'm giving thanks to our Creator for sunshine, the glorious beauty of Western Washington, flowers, trees, fresh salty air and water.

I'm thankful to live in a place with mountains and salt water, where you can commute to work by boat

...a place that a cruise ship company thinks is worth a stop

...a place with a bakery that makes these

...and especially these.

I'm giving thanks for fellowship with kind, whole-hearted, understanding, talented, intelligent, funny, wise women. I'm thankful for the gift of this vase of flowers - an early Mother's Day treat from one bereaved mother to another:

Thank you, Teri!

...and for the gift of our writing group, with its encouragement, laughter, inspiration, education and even the occasional tears.

I'm thankful for my family, for time and space to listen, learn and serve, for the gift of the NSA Northwest Speaker's Academy camaraderie and lessons, for support and insight into my work, and for the work itself.

I'm thankful to be able to "barter" (or "work off") the cost of the most wonderful bicycle I've ever ridden. I have not enjoyed cycling since high school, but this bike (6 years old, but new to me) is a revelation - it's actually FUN to ride! I'm thankful for a delicious brunch and bike ride with a friend who we originally met at Seattle Children's Hospital - and for her friendship. I'm thankful for a recent barbeque with Gregg's work peeps in a breathtakingly beautiful location, and for conversations wide-ranging, deep and not-so-deep.

I'm thankful to be able to host Gregg's family to celebrate Mother's Day this Saturday, and to spend Mother's Day with my side of the family - especially with our son, who is finishing his final exams today. I'm grateful that Gregg's mother and mine are both still with us, at 91 and 80 years of age, respectively.

Though life is not easy or simple, life is GOOD. God is GOOD. He makes His promises GOOD. We can be joyful and trust in that fact. Thanks be to our Creator!

This Guy...

...is coming home today for Easter weekend!

I can hardly wait to see him.

We have ribs marinating in teriyaki & garlic for a BBQ dinner tonight,

and prime rib roast (for company) tomorrow night.

Will be busy cleaning house and baking today.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Happy Birthday and Julie & Julia

We had my in-laws over for dinner on Saturday night. My mother-in-law just turned 89 (father-in-law achieved this milestone last August, when we were in Canada). Happily, my sister-in-law Linda (treasurer of Katie's Comforters Guild) and her husband Bill joined us, so we had a nice little party of six.

The night before this, on Friday, I went to a "Julie & Julia" dinner party - a tribute to Julia Child and her impact in bringing French cuisine to America - ladies only. You may recall that I hosted last year's event; this year, it was at the home of our friend, Julie.

Heidi & Julie

I have to say, there is nothing like a wonderful group of women, gathered together in the spirit of fun, fellowship and food.

 

When I saw the beautiful table that Julie had set for us, I thought, "Only a group of women would do this for each other." I just don't see guys appreciating all of this.



Men out there - am I wrong? Please tell me if I am, and I will retract that!

Our hostess, Julie, with Cami, Suzanne, Heidi, Denise, Kay, Pam, Heather & me

I made Brie en Croute, accompanied by pears, apples and crackers (both sweet and savory). We also had onion & anchovy tarts, cheese tarts, onion soup, salade Nicoise, beef tenderloin with mushrooms, roasted acorn squash, sorbet bombe and chocolate tart - and lots and lots of wine: champagne, sparkling, white, blush, red & dessert. There was MUCH laughter and loud talking. It got progressively louder and more raucous as the evening and festivities went on. 

Unflattering, but the camera doesn't lie...

 We planned ahead and had designated drivers; everyone got home safely.

Thank you, Julie (& Julia, for inspiring us)!

Photos courtesy of Julie