Abiding Forever

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

1 John 2:15-17

(picture by Sam vdH)

Meet the new one...

This is our adorable new 7-week old squirrel-chaser-in-training.

Last year, our outdoor cat, Mason, died. Daddy, not being super-fond of cats, was willing to let the role of mouse and chipmunk catcher remain unfilled.

However.

Several months ago, we were having trouble with the "check engine" light being on in two of our vehicles. When Daddy took it in to the car doctor, the mechanic said it appeared that the gas lines had been gnawed. Squirrels! And when Daddy asked how best to prevent it, guess what he said?

GET A CAT!

I think I like the guy.

So Daddy finally gave permission to begin a cat search. Or cat wait, anyway. We kinda hoped one would simply adopt us, or that we'd find a free kitten in need of a home. But at last, about 4 weeks ago, my fellow pie-maker and friend from the Orchard, Ernestina, called me and said they had barn kittens! I ran over the next day with Tyler to check them out. At the time they were 3 weeks old, and far too small to bring home. The only problem with waiting, though, was that they might get just big enough to be scared of people and not make a good pet.

Well trust me, Elsie Jane was worth the wait, and has made a wonderful pet! And judging by the expression above, will make a fine squirreler as well. Ahh...I love kittens.

Day by Day

Day by day, and wich each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here.

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour.

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid

"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation

So to trust Your promises O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation

Offered me within Your holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a Father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the Promised Land.

"Day by Day" written by Carolina Sandell Berg;

translated by Andrew L. Skoog

And this day, God deemed best to take my dear Grandpa home. After a many-year's fight with lymphoma, and a few day's fight with pneumonia. Loved so much for his "grandpa-ness", kindness, sense of humor, and patience in teaching us so many things. We're going to really miss him, and it doesn't seem real that he's gone, honestly. But so glad for the time we did have. And in God's providence, we all were able to spend a couple days with him and Grandma both last month at Luke's graduation. God is so very good.

(pictures all the credit of Sam vdH)

New every morning...

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul,

'Therefore I will put my hope in Him.'

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:22-26