Category Archives: Beauty

The Lily of the Valley ~ Charles W. Fry

 

Charles W. Fry (1838-1882) & family

Courtesy of Salvation Army

 Words: bio Charles W. Fry, 1881; first ap­peared in the Sal­va­tion Ar­my’s The War Cry, De­cem­ber 29, 1881. Fry wrote the lyr­ics in Lin­coln, Eng­land, while work­ing with the Sal­va­tion Ar­my.

The Lily of the Valley

I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.

Refrain

He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

Refrain

He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessèd will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessèd face,
Where the rivers of delight shall ever roll.

Refrain

Ht: Cyberhymnal

More of Seattle In July

We had a wonderful time with family and friends on the fourth. Check out Lana G’s picture collages taken at the party. I’m thrilled she took photos to capture the day. Fellowship, burgers, salads, gazpacho, yummy desserts and continuous games of Mexican Train the Chicken foot version. Today I’m posting photos from our Tuesday tour of downtown Seattle and beyond with my brother Leonard and his wife Mandy from Dallas.

First stop was Piroshky, Piroshky across the street from the main market and a few doors from the original Starbucks.

Here’s a little Russian lady making some of our favorites. I had the Cabbage and Onion, Dear & Mandy had the Potato and Cheese, and Leonard had the Beef and Cheese. A great way to start our tour.

We saw some fish being tossed and L & M bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Then we had some liquid refreshments with Leonard’s caramel apple.

The view of West Seattle on our way to the car.

Across town to Queen Anne Hill and Kerry Park.

This was another beautiful sunny day in Seattle.

 

You can even see Mt. Ranier!

We walked down to the end of the street to see the Western view across Elliot Bay.

There was a little garden where these beautiful hydrangeas were blooming…

 

and this lovely Dogwood variety.

Off the hill to Fremont and we discovered that the troll is still there. Unfortunately Lenin is still there, also.

Home again, home again, jiggety jig.

These are my flowers from the market. They smell wonderful.

Photobucket is holding all the photos of mine from this post hostage as of July 2017.

Seattle Continued ~ Whidbey Island

Photobucket is holding all the photos of mine from this post hostage as of July 2017.

Monday Dear, my brother Leonard, his wife Mandy, and I took a ferry to Whidbey Island.

The car and passenger ferry is a short 20 minute ride from Mukilteo to Clinton on the South end of Whidbey Island.

Heading for the dock at Clinton.

We drove about 10 minutes to the great little town of Langley. Our first stop was Garibyan Brothers Cafe for a Lamb Kebab Sandwich, a ground Leg of Lamb Burger, Hummus platter and Stuffed Grape Leaves. We had the Russian Raspberry Creme for dessert.

Leonard and Mandy in the restaurant.

Views of Camano Island and Saratoga Passage.

This is the main street in this town with restaurants, antique shops, general stores, bakeries, and art shops, to name a few.

We drove north to Greenbank Farm and took a walk in their fields to get to these glorious views.

The day was so mild we could stand on the ferry outdoor deck on our way home.

The Puget Sound with the Cascade Mountains in the background.

Beautiful ~ Aaron Spiro

   Beautiful ~ Aaron Spiro

You are beautiful
You are beautiful
Jesus, You are oh so beautiful

You are wonderful
You are wonderful
Jesus, You are so so wonderful

And I’m surrounded by You
And I’m surrounded by You
Jesus, You are oh so beautiful

You speak for those who cannot speak
You’re the mercy to the poor and needy
You’re the bright morning star
You’re the sacrificial offering
The renewer of the mind
You’re the peace be still and know
You saved this soul of mine
You’re the master, the maker,
the sculptor
Majestic and powerful
You’re the radiance of God’s glory
You’re the final word from God to man
The laughter, the poetry, the plan
You’re the dove of peace
Lover of a sinner

Written by Aaron Spiro, c. 2002 Birdwing Music/ASCAP/Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing

Works For Me ~ Goodwill

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a bargain hunter. Goodwill in Washington (not California!) has been a very good shopping friend of mine. I have found countless treasures there. Today I’m sharing one of my daughters prom dresses that I purchased at Goodwill for $7.  She’s the one in the metallic grey dress. Now some kids probably wouldn’t do this but she bragged about the cost and where the dress came from to all her friends. The necklace and earrings that she purchased cost more than the dress! When I wanted to give up shopping at Goodwill for lent Katie exclaimed, “Now what good would that do?” So y’all shopping at Goodwill works for me, it might work for you, too.

 

Just yesterday my daughter and I went to Goodwill and I found all 7 of the Chronicles of Narnia books for $1.49 each. They are the Full-Color Collector’s Edition. So Goodwill works for me for clothes, books, housewares, purses, etc. etc.

Now go on over to Rocks in My Dryer to see more handy dandy tips!

Show and Tell Friday ~ Old Tin

“Show and Tell Friday”

This is a great old tin that is from Carrs of Carlisle LTD ~ England. I especially love the sentiments written on it. My father gave this to me just last week. He decided I should have it because it was filled with writing paper and envelopes and he knows I send letters and cards to people more regularly than some…

Bless This House

Be To Her Virtues Very Kind ~ Be To Her Faults A Little Blind

And I Oft Have Heard Defended ~ Little Said Is Soonest Mended

Smooth Runs The Water Where The Brook Is Deep

The Noblest Mind The Best Contentment Has

And as my late Uncle Paul used to say “No complain, No explain.”

Go on over to There’s No Place Like Home to see more show and tell.

Photobucket blacked out all my photos and is holding all my photos hostage as of July 2017.

Neighborhood Evening Walk

 Psalm 16:11 ~ You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

 

Proverbs 11:28 ~ Whoever trusts in his riches will fall but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

 

Ephesians 5: 1-2 ~ Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ has loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

I wish you could smell the wonderful fragrance of this Night Blooming Jasmine. The development that we live in has planted these flowering shrubs in all the common beds. Makes for a wonderful fragrant evening walk…

 

Isaiah 40:8 ~ The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.

 

Isaiah 44:22 ~ I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Our marine layer mist comes from the Pacific over the Santa Monica Mountains to envelope our mornings…

Photobucket blacked out all my photos and is holding all my photos hostage as of July 2017.

Camarillo ~ Local Hike ~ Santa Monica Mts.

Dear and I are going on an 8 mile hike in these mountains today. We are hiking with fellow employees from Amgen’s Transition Group. Lord willing, if we come back alive, (rattlesnakes and mountain lions, oh my!) I will post photos from our adventure tonight. The hike we are doing is from Sycamore to the Sea…

 

This is a view of the city Dear and I live in California. It is taken from Boney Mountain above Camarillo.

 

Boney Mountain is part of the Santa Monica Mountains. This shot is taken of the Pacific with the Channel Islands in view.

The Boney Mountain Overlook is a 7.5 mile round trip hike, 1600 ft. elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate in difficulty. It includes breathtaking views of shear rock faces, a lovely waterfall, and great vistas. There are some very steep unmaintained sections and there have been rattlesnake sitings and warnings.

That’s a avid hikers description for you. A more down to earth description is… difficult hike, hard to climb areas, worth the effort but it is an effort. Another tip is to drive to Circle X Ranch and start the hike from there. This puts you at a friendlier beginning point. (so I’m told)

So here you are walking, hiking, buddies & enthusiasts. Another good reason to come visit Dear and Ellen B.  Our 1 bedroom condo can only sleep 2 extra cozily. There are some very nice hotel/motels close by. I might not do the hike with you but I can drop you off at the trailhead and pick you up…I don’t know it might be that whole rattlesnake thing…yikes!

The Long Weekend ~ Dears Home ~ Washington

As of July 2017 Photobucket has blacked out all my photos and is holding them hostage on their site.

This has been a weekend filled with hard work, heart to heart talks, revelations, and family togetherness since Dear has been in Washington for the long weekend. My husband whom we call Dear has been working full-time in Southern California since March of 2006. He comes home to Washington on holidays and vacations. We love our home and life in Washington so we’ve been living in a sort of denial that Dear is living full-time in California. I’ve been dividing my time between Washington and California (still the denial issue). This split time brought pain and comfort to myself and Dear. He’s been able to feel through our oneness that he still has input and physical touch through me with his children. The pain comes from our separation from one another and then the pain of separation from my children. Well on May 3, 2007 the Lord told me clearly that this dance between Washington and California needed to come to an end. Starting mid July, I will be living full-time with Dear in Southern California. The Lord clearly impressed on me that He is fully capable of caring for my children when I am absent in body. He has arms long enough to reach and care for them. This weekend we informed our youngest, the daughter (she’s 21 years old) that I would be taking my car, more stuff, and myself to California on July 14th-ish. Our boys and daughter in law were informed earlier. Dear wanted to tell our daughter so she was informed this weekend while her dad was here spending quality time with her. So pray for us in our transition that God would continue to grow us up in Him. Here are some photos of our labor and  love as the weekend begins…

Dear and I started off with the breakfast of champions donuts and eggs before any of the adult children were up. (The bearclaw donut was my whole WW point allowance for sure) Really though, I’m thinking we worked it all off with the big yard to clean up. 🙂 Hoping, hoping…

To the yard that needed some major work… Dear does the weed wacking

and I do the mowing. This is my new mower that goes on with the turn of a key!

We make a fine team.

Next Dear moved on to pressure washing the walkways…

and the deck. Nice to have all the dirt and mold and moss washed away.

After all the hard work was done, Dear, Katie and I went out to eat to the Blu Water Grill in Kirkland. (If you read my sister Lana’s blog, Above the Clouds, you’ll remember the beautiful photos she posted from this restaurant last week).

I tried to duplicate her photos to no avail….

but you can imagine the ambiance.

Katie and Ellen on our way home for a quiet evening, another shot of Lake Washington in Kirkland. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Dear and I leave today to California. I’ll be posting from there through June 23rd. Blessings!

Before and After ~ Daughter’s Room

I decided to bless my daughter by cleaning her room. She is 21, working, going to school and was just in her best friends wedding. Things have gotten away from her (now that’s an understatement). So I put my praise music on and got busy!  Enjoy the before and after photos.

Katie was so thrilled when she came home from school and saw her room. We went out to dinner because mom was too pooped to cook after this transformation. Katie picked up the tab. Katie’s babushka (grandmother) wanted me to let Katie know that she was proud of her for taking me out to dinner. And yes, I got permission to post the pictures from “the daughter”.

As of July 2017 Photobucket has blacked out all my photos and is holding them hostage on their site.