Author Archives: Ellen

For a Day or a Lifetime…

Besides our mattress (no box springs) these are the only furnishings left in our home for us to sit on. No TV but we still have internet. Today, Sunday, we went to church and said our goodbyes. We went out for breakfast after church since we have packed up all our dishes, etc. After breakfast we put our trailer on “offer up” and immediately got several inquiries on it and sold it within 2 hours. The couple who came to pick up the trailer also took two large “free” items we had on the curb, win win. Less items to take to the dump. We gave a few potted plants and patio decor to our neighbors. Then we made a trip to son #1’s to sit on a couch and watch the Sounders game. We also transported our two top hat blueberry bushes to their patio. We left one of our cars there and came back home via a new hamburger joint in Bothell. We’ll have one more sleep at this old house and then we’ll transfer our temporary residence to son #1’s home.

This was the classic Bothell sign we stopped on the side of the road to climb up to in the 90’s and take this shot for our Christmas photo. Since then a new college has been built on part of this site and the sign was removed.

A new sign has been added recently to replace the old one. I like the old one better. When we moved to Washington in 1988 our first home was in Bothell. Our current home had a Bothell address until the city of Kenmore incorporated in 1998, the year we moved to this old house. We’ve lived in Bothell and Kenmore more than a day but less than a lifetime.

This will be my last post from this old house.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Words: Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836.

Camping at Home…

We are down to a two person section of our couch and a mattress on our basement floor at this old house. We still have our patio furniture on the deck so we have a table to eat at. It’s like camping around here with just a few essentials for everyday living. Once the TV and mattress are loaded we will move into son #1’s home.

From there we will make trips to son #2 for house hunting.

While we are here daughter and son in law are helping us prepare for our move along with son #1 and daughter in law.

The plus side of our mattress being moved down to the basement is how nice and cool it is down there compared to our upstairs bedroom. Cooler, darker and quieter. We’ve had several days of hot hot weather here in the Seattle area. The hottest day is suppose to be on Sunday. So thankful and grateful for our kids and how helpful they are and for our friends who have helped us out, too. Looking forward to cooler days next week!

 

Adieu to California

Our dear old Pop’s signature farewell to us. He always said it three times. A friend of our niece’s left this sign on her doorstep the day after our Pop’s funeral. Such a sweet thoughtful gift. I think all of us will be having these signs made soon.

Heading home to continue to empty out our home. We’ve got 7 days left. Thank you once again for your prayers and encouragement. I really do appreciate all of you.

When the Day of Toil is Done ~ Hymn

When the Day of Toil is Done

When the day of toil is done,
When the race of life is run,
Father, grant Thy wearied one
Rest forevermore.

When the strife of sin is stilled,
When the foe within is killed,
Be Thy gracious Word fulfilled:
Peace forevermore.

When the darkness melts away
At the breaking of the day,
Bid us hail the cheering ray:
Light forevermore.

When the heart by sorrow tried,
Feels at length its throbs subside,
Bring us, where all tears are dried,
Joy forevermore.

When for vanished days we yearn,
Days that never can return,
Teach us in Thy love to learn
Love forevermore.

When the breath of life is flown,
When the grave must claim its own,
Lord of life, be ours Thy crown,
Life forevermore.

Words: John Ellerton, 1870.

There is More to Come…

Moisi’s kids at his funeral, oldest to youngest, Kathy, Vera, Ellen, Tim, Steve, Lana and Leonard.

The next generation. Moisi’s grandchildren and great grandchildren with spouses.

It was an exceptional day of mourning and rejoicing for the life God gave to our dear old Pop.

When I get back to a place of quiet in my brain I’ll post a complete recap of our laments and our rejoicing.

California Here I Come…

…right back where I started from.

Thank you so much for all your kind thoughts, prayers and wishes for me and my family as we bury our dear old Pop and as we work on our big move across the state. I appreciate all of you and your compassion to me. This verse from the New Testament will be read at the end of our Pop’s eulogy.

James 1:12

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Gettin Better All the Time…

On Saturday the troops arrived to help us fill our 2nd Container.

We were so pleased and thankful that the container got filled by 3pm. Our helpers worked hard and efficiently and we were grateful for the excellent help. The filling of this second container worked better than our first and we are hoping the next one will be easier still. On Monday another container will be dropped off and this filled container will go back to the yard.

We took Sunday off from our mad packing schedule to recuperate and relax. After making blueberry pancakes for breakfast, using the fresh picked blueberries from our bush, I joined in online to a church service at Parkside church where Alistair Begg preaches. At eight I watched the World Cup Final match seeing France win over Croatia. Late in the morning I shopped for a few more bins and then we ate out for linner (lunch/dinner). Our kitchen is getting down to the bare necessities. I’m now watching some Seattle Sounders Soccer, too. It feels good to have a down day here.

When we were in Colville we took some photos of hay being rolled on July 7th.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines!

Box Me In…

We are ready for our strong armed helpers to arrive tomorrow to fill our second container to be stored at a yard while we wait to find a home to move into. The third container will be dropped off on Monday and the full 2nd container will be on it’s way. We will work on filling the third container when we get home from my pop’s funeral in Southern California.

Choosing joy in the midst! Hope all is well with you dear bloggy friends!