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The weather is perfect: cool, breezy, sunny, green warmth. Not sizzling hot, but Minnesota perfect.

Next week Cherie and I have tickets for a concert in Uptown and a tour in south Minneapolis. Two evening events. I’m excited for both of them. Always enjoy seeing my fellow fans at the concerts of Asian pop groups.

My son Jim and his wife came over with my grandson on Sunday. We were privileged to have one of my Chinese students also with us—touring the Landscape Arboretum and the Chinese and Japanese gardens in particular.

Sunday was quite the day! Precious worship times, interesting sermons (I got to hear two ;)) and sweet fellowship. Aforementioned garden visits. The hybrid rose garden was also in full glory. I had to recover from all the activity on Monday!

This week I’m trying to paint the infamous bathroom downstairs. As I age my eyesight isn’t what it was, and it’s hard to do the same degree of painting that I did when I was younger.

Excited to get the basement back in order before I leave on the cruise to Alaska in August. I still would like to visit the last two states I haven’t been to in the 50 United States: Alaska and Hawaii.

Alaska in August—perhaps Hawaii this winter?

When Joe and his wife moved out to Washington state I was able to tick off Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. I loved taking Amtrak out there on the James J Hill line.

Our trip to see our daughter Margaret in New Hampshire got me to Maine, but that trip ended tragically.

Since I lived down south I’ve visited all the southern states. I’ve also been out west several times. Colorado—-how I love you! I’ve climbed your highest peak–Mt. Elbert!

God has allowed me a full life. I am grateful.

Today I count my blessings. I have had a few disappointments lately, but God is still good. Look at how HE has blessed me!

I have a goal this summer of “doing art” every single day. So far goals have been met! Whether it is a quick drawing, making a blanket, a sweater or just a dish rag—sitting at the piano and playing through Handel’s Water Music or something else beautiful—

There is an art show at my church in September. I want to get my acrylics out again after quite sometime. There is a theme from the book of Jeremiah. I am excited to get my thoughts out about it. I may use my largest canvas! It’s been waiting for something like this.

Painting skills will have waned, but that is aging. It can be more impressionistic. Realism has always been my forte. This will be an experiment.

Beautiful summer. Thank you God!

Tastes of heaven to come…

MARANATHA!!!

I’m not good at uploading photos to this site. I manage every once in awhile, but it always takes more time than I want to give. I should do it often and make it second nature.

If I could upload a photo, or several, I would show you the little flower garden that lines the front side walk. I would snap a picture of the hummingbirds that visit my kitchen garden and the feeder I manage to fill once a week.

Orioles and finches are eating my grape jelly.

Yukichan and Corwyn are enjoying the grass, freshly mowed, and doing zoomies.

Downstairs progress is happening on the ongoing basement renewal. One of my friends from my Bible Study has a brother-in-law who does finishing work. I’m so thankful! He had time today from other jobs to start on my bathroom. Drywall, tile, and Cherie and I will probably paint.

The bathroom has not been used since the whole system underwent replacement last winter. Since we are expecting more international guests we are so glad to see a light at the end of the tunnel regarding our facilities!

The basement waterproofing project is scheduled for late July. With all the rain I was worried about more issues in the part not yet done. Thankfully the new sump pump handled it all wonderfully.

As the buckling walls get reinforced, the waterproofing completed, I’ll ask our friend who is here today to come back and finish the rest of the basement. Drywall, studs, tile….

It’s such a big project and I’ve been at it since December. Who knew?

It was sad to see my finished basement go back to bare bones. The cupboards and built-ins are “toast.”

Since I was working steadily for about 3 months at school I let some housework slide. Cherie and I have tackled different projects inside and outside the house gradually. So much work! Especially with all the rain we’ve been getting! You would not believe how many young trees need to be cut down. Weeds are epic, too.

Brian’s family all live in the Spencer, Iowa area. They had a terrible flood last weekend. My heart just breaks at all the loss, material, they’ve had! Both of my brothers-in-law had significant water in their basements. Thankfully my mother and father-in-law’s house was dry. Still, they were cut off from part of town. The Little Sioux River came up higher than ever before there, or at least in decades. Rain to the west just poured into that river basin.

——

I just love sitting on the porch in summer. This summer the porch seems more inviting than usual. I’m thrilled with how cozy it is.

There have been workers installing some sort of cable out on the road. Thankfully they did not touch my Korean lilacs! I saw this big digging contraption bungle down into the ditch rather monstrously and thought my lilacs were going to be lost —but they managed to fine tune that machine and the direction it went. I’m amazed at modern day equipment and tech! Some lilies and echinacea did meet their demise. I hope they can recover next year.

Mosquitoes have been beyond anything I can remember. All this water!

I hear other’s gardens are doing well. Ours is not. Perhaps not enough sun. The oaks of Corgi Hollows are magnificent, but they make a good sunny garden spot challenging. Still, we’ve gotten some produce over the six years we’ve had this little kitchen garden.

Next year we plan to re-do the raised beds and “start” again.

I hope Ed will be able to help with that.

In the past week and a half I’ve been able to reconnect with several old friends. This was a treat for me. Some I hadn’t seen in years! Special friendships. It was good to see everyone.

This was an “upload” of activity at Corgi Hollows! So much going on. Cherie and I are happy to have quiet summer days, a bike ride, a horseback ride, a walk with the pups. Coffee or tea on the porch.

Cleaning, organizing, reading, learning. Sewing, mending, knitting, and crochet—

Some artsy activity too…

There is an upcoming art show at my church, Village, and I am excited to enter it! The theme is a verse based in Jeremiah about the tree planted by rivers. It’s going to be fun! I haven’t decided my medium yet, but I’m leaning toward acrylic on canvas. I rarely get those materials out, and this is the perfect excuse!

Ongoing music, too. So much. Rehearsal tonight…

Thankful heart.

Come Lord Jesus! MARANATHA!

These past few days have been full of meetings with friends. Now that school is out I have a schedule that has been open to seeing people again. It’s been a joy to reconnect with them.

God works in our friendships.

Several of my friends do not know Christ, so I am praying for them. Some of my family are needing Christ transformations too. I pray.

Praying for my friends and family is something I can do 24/7.

It isn’t “just praying,” either. Prayer is so powerful, and I am seeing the fruit of prayer!

My friends are surely benefiting from prayer!

I know that I am blessed by my praying friends. There is this sense of peace that fills your soul when you know that someone is praying, even right now. God is hearing. God is working. God has not left you alone!

It may seem like that at times.

The truth prevails. God is at work, and prayer is a helpful reminder of how HE WORKS.

Hearts are healing. God is in control.

What a privilege to be loved by Him. His love never changes! My perceptions may be all over the board—but God doesn’t change. He is at work.

MARANATHA!

—and passing time.

It’s summer and the porch is “open.” My little Scandinavian theme is going full force out in this comfortable place where birdsong is everywhere, coffee tastes wonderful, and quiet hearts are welcome. I’m out here typing and thinking.

I knew I was Swedish and Norwegian, but I didn’t realize how much. My brother did a test for that and I assume we have the same data background. It looked mostly from southern Norway and Sweden (adding up to over 80%) –with some Russian, Finnish, German, Northern UK, and Italian thrown in. Not exactly what we expected, but interesting anyway.

Fun to think about those ancestors.

Those Scandinavian roots run strong.

I am so grateful to God today. This time of year it is easy to be free of anxiety. The weather is gentle, the sun shines, breezes are calming yet evocative. I have good energy to complete tasks that have been waiting for the end of the school year.

Goals have been set and tried, thoughts are ordered, and past events are analyzed.

I’ve complained here on this blog about the stresses of fixing my house, repairing water issues, maintenance and upkeep.

This brings me to an acceptance that I must face the rest of my life alone.

When my husband died I didn’t think I’d survive a week without him. He was my rock, my fortress, my shield, my everything. He did it all. I was along for the ride.

Since he left for heaven I’ve had to make decisions, purchase stuff I knew nothing about, fix things, and generally survive living on an acreage in the country in a harsh climate. Minnesota is know for its weather extremes.

I’ve done poorly, but I’ve survived.

Four years of survival. I guess I can say with conviction that God is my husband, and He has watched over for me. For those who have taken advantage of me there is accountability, and it won’t be pretty.

God does work in mysterious ways.

I was chatting with a new friend from my international fellowship and I expressed my desire to “hide” and “fortress” (verb, here).

I have been “fortressing” for four years, all the while knowing that God is my Fortress, my Defender, my Guard and Protector.

There is something in a woman that (I believe) deep down desires protection. When pursuing an attraction in a husband there is a question of his ability to guard what belongs to him.

I am all for a husband guarding his wife. He should.

I am so glad God guards me.

Today I made fresh strawberry pie and it was so delicious. I used some German “tortenguss” for the glaze and it turned out so perfect with sparkling strawberry juice from Trader Joe’s. I admit I had two pieces with a bit of whipped cream from Costco.

Strawberry pie doesn’t have so many calories, right?

I used “Millie’s Pie Crust” in an iron skillet. You can probably search for that recipe over at the old blog, corgihollows.blogspot.com. It is no-fail pie crust.

The pool is closed this week at the YMCA, so I need to get to CrossFit tonight. The dogs have appreciated our daily walks.

The hay was mowed and baled this week, so we can get back to running the hayfield. Delicious smells everywhere.

Cherie, Jeremiah and I got the kitchen garden planted: herbs, carrots (not coming up) radishes, cucumbers, tomato plants, nasturtiums, peas (also not coming up). I planted Buttercup squash, pumpkins and zucchini this morning. I know it is mid-June, but I can still hope for some bright yellow flowers at least. I plant squashes for the flowers as much as for the fruit.

The raspberry patch is thriving.

I have pansies in the window boxes and planters. They are so easy to grow. My dear friend Anne gifted me a miniature rose and I planted that in the front door planter, too. It likes it there. I don’t have very good skills with roses, but I love them.

Peonies are glorious this year.

We’ve had light rain at just the right times so far. Perfect. So perfect.

My heart is so full it just aches.

I’m like that.

Thanks for reading my passing thoughts. We await the Savior of the World.

MARANATHA

White rabbit, twenty-three, black and white checkerboard, goats, horns, antlers, one eye covered—along with multiple other little “signal” images—all indicate an allegiance to the one called Baphomet.

As we approach the beast system the one who is the supernatural figure we have been warned of in Scripture will start to cultivate and condition his minions for his kingdom.

One of the ways to do that is through massive media onslaught. We are seeing these images in almost every form of visual content. Have you noticed?

Once you see it you cannot un-see it.

We are in an election cycle, with political opinion running high. Some of us have checked our involvement at the door, choosing to quietly practice good citizenship as the beast system seeps in.

I think of Nazi Germany often.

Holding to principles is the only way to navigate these treacherous waters. A worldview is vital to spiritual survival.

Francis Schaeffer used to talk about watershed issues, and I find them helpful in shaping a worldview.

Abortion.

For me it is a watershed issue.

If I were to bow to the Baals, Baphomet, I would practice infant sacrifice. Those supporting abortion rights are no different from these Baal worshipers.

You vote for a platform supporting abortion, you are a Baal worshiper. You have already succumbed to the code of Baphomet.

Check out your political platform. Vote accordingly.

I beat the drum of warning for decades regarding the prophetic timeline. We are in the last days, and we must stand firm against the system that is coming.

It is easy to be hoodwinked, so keep watch. There is a crown awaiting those who watch.

MARANATHA!!!

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Yes, I’ve been plagued by house repair and a completely full teaching schedule—with a few fun activities sprinkled on the schedule.

But I am still here.

Waterproofing a basement is not for the faint of heart. Neither is re-routing a septic system. Add to that the finishing and we have a project that is taking up over 7 months of thought and energy.

So I’ve been otherwise occupied.

Home ownership isn’t easy, and I have been quietly camping for the past four years, trying to keep things at homeostasis.

Entropy wins, and I needed to activate my thinking cells for a full-on assault on it.

Sometimes I just wonder about my inabilities, but somehow God helps me through the worst of it.

I’ve had a lot of self condemnation throughout this time of making decisions and going forward. I simply have to trust that God is bringing the right contractors to me, that they are not taking advantage of me, that all will be rightly fixed.

Yesterday I had a couple of Chinese students and one from the Philippines out for the afternoon. Cheri has quite a collection of swords. She comes by it honestly, since I was a fencer at the University of Minnesota, also for awhile in a “fechtverein” in Ingolstadt, Germany. Foil.

Cheri’s swords are more flash than function. My friends were interested in seeing them. One of the students is a graphic artist. Her work is absolutely stunning, extremely impressive. She was fascinated by the swords, and appreciated the beauty. I think Cheri’s swords may appear in a future graphic novel! This student graduates this weekend from college as is returning to her country.

I feel a pang of sadness as I say good bye to the brief (year-long) acquaintance.

Good byes. The pain of relationship. Separations are always factored into meetings, and when they happen too frequently we suffer.

Tomorrow I am scheduled to attend a trauma workshop online. These are extremely helpful when dealing with loss. No one should apologize for wanting counsel. Life is hard. Counsel helps and affirms that truth.

Two more weeks of school for me. Both packed. Then the summer begins and all of its hard work. The house needs so much attention. I’m hoping for energy and motivation to tackle all of my issues.

God provides.

Recently I was privileged to host esteemed international guests at my home with Cheri and Ed. Ed came back to help out for the weekends. (I miss him, but I’m so glad he likes his new place!)

The guests from Canada are special friends, and while the husband attended a conference, the wife and I had a blast “doing” the Twin Cities.

We shopped and went to an impromptu concert, shopped, went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, shopped, ate out—, shopped….

We went to church, too, and briefly visited the aforementioned conference.

We met with other like-minded individuals working together to spread light in a dark world.

My friend and I shopped, as I said. We visited the Minnetonka General Store, which is a lovely store full of gift items. It is always fun to shop there.

I saw a barrel full of sock monkeys and I decided to pass on a fantastic memory and tradition to my four grandchildren, so I shelled out the $$ and got four monkeys.

My Grandma Bessie was the one who made those Grand Sweepstakes State Fair Winner Crocheted Bedspreads. I’ve shown those before. She made 22 of them and they took her a year to make each one. She totally deserved winning the Grand Prize at the State Fair.

In her spare time she made other things…including sock monkeys, and I have two sock monkeys from those days so long ago. Grandma passed away in the early 1970’s. I was quite young, but I remember her well. I still treasure these stuffed toys she made.

Part of the fun was my two older brothers’ imaginative play-acting/puppeteer abilities using these two monkeys. One monkey was extremely mischievous, bordering malicious. His face was full of personality. “Monkey” would regularly pinch me. Hard.

“Mary” was the benign sweet personality. Her face reflected that too. A few stitches and a character was established.

I cannot describe the hilarity those two stuffed animals produced. Our mom would ban them from road trips, but inevitably they would sneak their way into the car, resulting in periodic banning from the back seat.

Remembering these times brings a chuckle even today.

I miss my husband, my brother, and my dad. I picture them up in heaven together. If they have coffee time up there there would be much laughter and joy.

Blessings.

Perhaps we will all be together for that Bridal Feast soon. Ready for the Rapture!

MARANATHA!

And oh, how the times fly!

Since our trip to Japan I’ve been extremely busy with my two jobs, visitors, trips, and events. It has been good. I just don’t have the time to write as formerly.

I have had funerals and losses, but in light of the total picture I am trudging ahead. My house has needed major work. Life’s necessities have drained me with decisions needing to be made, all exhausting. But….

I have joined the worship team at my church every Sunday, so that is quite the commitment. I attend my Bible Study, learning Chinese more and more, loving the fellowship with these new friends. Getting involved in these (mostly student’s) lives is a joy and a privilege.

One of my 2024 words was health. I had been neglecting my strength training (cross-fit) due to a busy schedule. I was convicted about losing my strength and health, so last week I committed to being faithful to my schedule at the gym! My gym people were so welcoming (and not judgmental!) at my return.

All these things going on, and now it is a break from school—hence time to jot down an update.

Last weekend I briefly stopped by the conference of pagans that is held in our city. Over 1,000 witches come to the cities to hold this meeting. I have a friend who attends these to keep everyone informed about the trends in the pagan community, as well as to share Truth with the attendees.

This year he had a team with him, all of them found opportunities to converse and witness during the conference.

I was glad to observe for myself, not attending any workshops, but I walked through the vendor area. I nodded at the druids.

Having attended the M.A.C.H.E. conference for many years (Minnesota Home Schooling Conference) I saw so many similarities! Satan is such an imitator. There was also a distinctly “Renaissance Fair” feeling. Lovely people selling lovely things. Pretty, shiny things like jewelry and crystals, garments and artwork.

My friend, Carl, reminded me that Satan is already defeated. My recent re-reading of Ephesians, and Watchman Nee’s book “Sit, Walk, Stand,” gave me the framework of the true spiritual situation. Satan may buffet and attack, but he is defeated. We stand in the strength of the Holy Spirit and He is the Victor!

Hallelujah. Praise to One Who set me free.

I had no conversations, but those that did reported that so many pagans are former Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists—-former “Christians.”

As the church we should be aware that so many people in our congregations are “at risk.” They are spiritually unstable and still seeking.

They are finding meaning in anything but the convictions the Holy Spirit is prompting. They run from truth.

As believers in the Word of God we are called to forsake our sin, to be filled with the Spirit, and to obey His Word. This is a hard calling. Many cannot make that decision to follow Christ whole-heartedly. So much sacrifice of self. It’s too hard.

They choose the easy route of self-satisfaction and the normal human condition of lostness.

The eternal consequences are unthinkable.

Are you praying for dear ones to be snatched up to Jesus?

The Lord has never been silent about the things to come. As we study His Word we become acquainted with prophecies and we can watch for events to unfold as predicted. We watch the signs.

Signs are all around us now.

One sign of significance is the upcoming eclipse. Isn’t it interesting that its path crosses several municipalities named “Ninevah?” Watchers watch. Watchers notice stuff like this. It’s always interesting to someone who studies Scripture to find patterns and signs. We all know the significance of these things.

Scoffers will scoff. There will always be those who over interpret the signs and seek to predict things more than Scripture has. It’s to be expected. Satan loves to use these false interpretations to discredit the clear patterns. Nothing is a coincidence. God had these signs planned from the beginning.

Watchmen watch. They notice things. They are looking up, anticipating the soon return of their glorious Lord and loved-one. Who else can be that One so loved and longed for?

Jesus. Come quickly.
MARANATHA!

All is well at Corgi Hollows. Today the basement floor is dry. It wasn’t two days ago.

Monday I have contractors coming to reroute the septic system, replace my basement floor and bath/shower, the sink, and put in a floor drain. Huge project.

I may seek basement water-proofers here soon. Water is still pouring in every time it rains, every time snow melts off the roof. Cherie is an expert watervac user.

But all is well.

My great God is giving me the hugs I so crave.

I know He is caring for me.

I know He is revealing the steps I should take in my vulnerability, my fragility.

Today is sunshine and warm.

Ed is almost completely moved out. He is living across town, and of course I miss him, but I am thrilled he has found such a great place to live. He is three minutes from his church, on the east side of the River like his job in St Paul, and has plenty of space for his “junk.”

Smile. He has an active brain and a good will. He always wants to help others learn skills—mostly tech related. He has a vast supply of tech stuff. To me it is junk.

He has that gene of being a genius techie like his father.

I took a day off of school today to prep the basement more for the project next week.

My three words of 2024, balance, boundaries, and health, have been great goals for me. The “b” words have prevailed these first two months. I haven’t had time for health yet, just busy getting out of depression and doldrums.

I am thankful to see a change in my mental state. I’ve gained 15 pounds, which I hate, but I can slowly work that off as I begin my swimming and gym regiment again. Dogs are begging for more time too. Out to the hay field we go. This unusual snowless winter has been great for running in the field.

Intermittent fasting is still my modus operandi, and it works well for me. I’ve almost completely abandoned cooking, but because I love Japanese food now I am still cooking rice and fish when I do cook. Instant pot rice is perfect!

I am looking into getting my visa to visit Hong Kong this year. I am ready to see my Chinese “son,” and try out my language skills. I’m learning Mandarin, but I think I will be able to manage a bit in a Cantonese environment.

Exciting. We all need something to look forward to as we wait for Christ’s return on this old earth.

If I happen to intersect with the news I can see that the world is on a fast track to the end. Thankfully my little quiet life goes on relatively unchanged. I love my students, my job meeting people at the hotel, my quiet Corgi Hollows.

Mom and I have settled into the state of widowhood. We keep an eye on each other.

All is well.

As soon as I get things reorganized and spring-cleaned I will start on my reading again. I have the greatest list of books on prayer—a new one written by a relative (given to me from my father-in-law) about prayer in the Middle Ages. It looks fascinating! (Thanks, Paul!)

My Chinese fellowship group is just wonderful. I love being with them, learning about their lives, celebrating life events with them. I love listening to them and making out words and phrases, understanding their language. It has been a huge blessing.

I am enjoying being a part of the worship team at my church, too. I am so thankful they let me participate. I’ve given up singing in choirs. I just have such a heavy heart when I think about doing that without Brian. That was our thing, our date night every week. I have run from choral music since his death.

I guess that is a battle I need to fight. At least I was able to listen to Christmas music this past year. Triggers are real. Grief can hit you anytime, anywhere, but triggers are always hard to deal with. For me, it is that sort of music, as much as I have loved it.

It’s getting better.

All is well.

Meanwhile I keep praying for new contacts and friends in Asia.

A new life.

A new interest.

All, as we anticipate the dawning of the new age. Rapture first! I’m ready.

There is a big prophecy conference in Orlando, Florida, this weekend. It’s online if you want to participate. I might try to hear some of it, if I can get my house ready for next week’s stuff. The line-up of speakers is absolutely stellar.

Just passing on the word about where to “get bread,” one beggar to another.

As I’ve been studying through the Bible with Village School of the Bible this year I have learned so much. As I leave my depression I have new thoughts about faith and our heavenly Father.

Blog posts may deal with faith more again in the near future. Not promising this, but I’m leaning toward it. Thoughts.

Maranatha!