Sugar, Sugar

We are redoing our kitchen. We. As in FBG and me. As in, we have been married almost 39 years and have never done anything like this together before. As in, everything is harder to do than it looks on HGTV (big surprise!). We have picked out paint, tile, appliances, sinks, countertops, and light fixtures and been to Lowe's so many times, I feel like we should invite all the nice employees over for dinner. We are about 80% done, and I am so glad to see the end in sight.

There is something however, that was up to me to do alone.

Find a sugar bowl.

Yes, last week I was on a quest for the perfect sugar bowl for my new kitchen. I went to TJ Max, Macy's, Pier 1, Bed,Bath and Beyond, and like the Holy Grail, the perfect one eluded me. I was willing to pay big bucks for the perfect bowl. I wanted something kinda funky, white, and different. I didn't have any luck, until I went to my favorite French store. You know the one I mean-"Tarjay"- and guess what! I found it!  Why, oh why, didn't I go there first? It isn't white, and not too different, but when I saw it, I knew it was the one for me.

Here it is:

 

You can have one too- for $1.99

SCORE!

Hobbits and Bacon

Are there hobbits behind here?

When you live in the desert, there are mornings that are just beautiful. Sunny, warm and begging for a bike ride. So after a cuppa joe (well, maybe it was two), I threw on my yoga pants and tee and took off.
I love to ride around my neighborhood. It's quiet with lots of trees and and lots of level streets- easy on the old bod! I especially love to ride in the morning...I can smell bacon, pancakes and coffee as I ride past homes and it all feels so homey.
On one street, there is a house with 2 of these cute gates. You can't tell looking at the picture but this gate is about 4 feet tall. It makes me think of hobbits, and I wish I could go through it and play in the backyard, like a little girl. But, I am a grown up lady, so I just snapped a quick, furtive pic and rode on.
Just wondering though - think the gate would fit in my bicycle basket?

Just a Tuesday

Five years ago, my BG (big guy) had major surgery- an aortic valve replacement to be exact. It was a traumatic time to say the least, including the "frantic, screaming wife" 911 call. Recovery was long and painful for him, but time passes and it became a memory. Over the last years, he has undergone many changes- physical (losing lots of poundage) and spiritual (walking closer to the Lord he loves). But, and there usually is a "but", about 2 months ago, he started having some shortness of breath and a tiny bit of chest pain...*sigh*

Today, he had a nuclear stress test- and no, we haven't heard anything and it went fine...but to be honest, it freaked me out. I sat waiting in that little beige room, surrounded by sick old men...and it freaked me out. We had a nice afternoon, but I couldn't quit asking him if he was ok...so tonight I read one my favorite verses...and if you know me, you know what it is..and I gladly share it with you.


Isaiah 41:10
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


If you are freaked out, scared or wondering how you will survive...just take comfort that He knows...and will hold you in His hands.

blessings,
critchie

Singing to the Lord

Today, BG and I had the joy of singing with the choir during morning services.  I hope we blessed the folks listening because I sure enjoy singing. We sang this old hymn and I thought I would share it with you. The Truth is so beautiful.

I Lay My Sins on Jesus

. I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious, till not a stain remains.

2. I lay my wants on Jesus; all fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases, He doth my soul redeem:
I lay my griefs on Jesus, my burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases, He all my sorrows shares.

3. I rest my soul on Jesus, this weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces, I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes His Name abroad is poured.

4. I long to be like Jesus, strong, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus, the Father's holy Child:
I long to be with Jesus, amid the heavenly throng,
To sing with saints His praises, to learn the angels' song.

Lyrics: Horatius Bonar

Growth Group

Every Tuesday night, my BG and I attend Growth Group. Some of you may call it Bible study or discipleship, but it is a group of believers who meet to study the Bible and then pray for each other. (And there is some coffee drinking and snacking invovled!)
The men pray with men and the women pray with women. I love the praying time the most. Hearing what other women give thanks for, and pray for, gives me encouragement in my walk. Being trusted to pray for their needs and hearing them pray for their blessings is such a privilege. God is so good!

Rainy Night

Welcome!
It is a rainy, rainy night in the high desert, and I am just brave enough to post my first post. I have had this blog in mind since August, but never have put my fingers on the keyboard to take the plunge.
So, taking a deep breath, let me introduce myself.
I am Lynda.
I am a wife, married to my FBG (favorite big guy) since 1973.
I am mother of 3 grown children- 2 awesome sons and a wonderful daughter.
I am a mother-in-law to the best spouses my children could have picked. 
I am a  grandmother to 4 rambunctious, adorable boys and one sweet, loving girl.
I am an only child to my mother, and a 3rd grade teacher.
I am also a sinner, saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.
I am so totally blessed.
I hope you are too.