Category: Uncategorized

Dear Readers, Corgi is tapped out right now, multiple levels of stuff, juggling time commitments, and fielding many, many blessings.

Basement: waiting for the contractors to appear again. I know that they are also tapped out, as Minnesota had one of the wettest summers ever and everyone is getting their problems fixed. I have my guy lined up to do the finishing of the downstairs family room whenever the water-proofing is complete.

This mess started last December and I have been quietly giving it to God on a daily basis. I’m praying for a habitable haven at Corgi Hollows again soon. It is in God’s hands.

My trip to Alaska was marvelous. I thought the ship, Zaandam, was very elegant and just the right size (1,500 guests, 500 staff) and pleasing to the eye. It had a type of pipe organ in the middle of the ship, so I was thrilled. The seas were incredibly quiet. I never imagined how stable and peaceful the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of North America could be. I barely felt any waves. Maybe I’m a natural seafarer. It’s my Viking blood.

I saw orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea otters, seals, salmon running, bears…eagles…

Glaciers. Changing blues of the sea and sky, mountains topped in snow, layers and layers of ranges stretching to all sides.

I caught a bad head cold in Glacier Bay. It was really cold! I didn’t have a hat, and my demise was apparent by late that evening.

I spent the day we were supposed to be in Ketchikan in my stateroom sleeping. I’ve experienced being sick on ship now, too. The full cruise experience! I’m actually thankful.

I would definitely consider a cruise in the fjords of Norway someday.

I met many interesting people on the trip, had a wonderful time with my friends and fellow travelers. We really get along well traveling! Such a blessing.

Since I have ONE MORE STATE to visit of all the 50—Hawaii—I’m thinking about my travel plans for there already! Maybe 2025 is the year to visit that state.

Forty-nine down, one to go!

I’ve got my first subbing job lined up in September, two weddings to plan for, a trip to Mexico–maybe? –to meet Rocky, my “person” and musical artist. We texted last week, and I’m excited to meet him in person. I’ve been praying for him, and God opened up a door to meet. You know I’ve been praying for influencers now for three years. God is doing amazing things in my life.

I may slip down to Dallas, Texas to visit the Institute for Creation Research museum. I’ve wanted to go there for years! I love their daily devotional, “Days of Praise.”

God is cracking open the door for interpersonal healing, too. I’m amazed at how he gently leads and works in our lives. Severed relationships are beginning to heal.

Beginning.

My wonderful cousin is here for a week to help celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday. Her birthday is in November, but this is fair time, great weather time, and all in all a perfect chance to celebrate my mom.

My cousin is my mental medicine, too.

I’m so blessed.

Ed loves his new job. Cheri starts classes here in a week — Friends are coming to visit all throughout September.

What a time to give praise to the God who loves us and cares for us!

I could get all poetic about it.

God is good. Jesus is coming SOON!

MARANATHA!!!

I love having a front row seat on some VIPs in my life. My friend was miraculously saved in an accident on Interstate 35 yesterday, but not only her.

Her husband, her niece, five people from India, and several others survived what could have been a terrible accident. Three vehicles were totaled.

God is doing Big Things.

This friend told me an interesting story just the day before and gave me permission to write it here. I was inspired.

Her parents were medical missionaries. When her dad attended school in Chicago back after WWII there were three Japanese students they invited to their home for Bible study. These men were Buddhist.

The landlord of their apartment told them that he wouldn’t allow the Japanese to be in his property, so biased against the Japanese he was, after the war. He gave an ultimatum: move or don’t have them over.

They moved.

The Bible study continued. All three men became believers in Jesus.

One weekend they all trooped up to Minnesota to see the family and experience winter in this state. They went sledding, had a wonderful time.

On the way home they were asked, “What was the most fun thing this weekend?”

One of the Japanese gentlemen replied, “Seeing how your father treated your mother with such reverence and sweetness.”

This man went on to become the top executive of an oil company in Japan. Every single time he spoke at an event he shared about the sweetness of Christian marriage. He shared his faith.

Isn’t that a great story?

You never know what impact you may have on someone that reaches far beyond your own scope.

Your attitude, your character, your comportment matters.

You are watched.

For the KINGDOM!!!

MARANATHA!!!

It’s a political year, an Olympic year, a “last days” year…

It’s a year to cull out the people that drag you down, that have chosen a different path to tread.

I’ve written about this before, but these thoughts are still with me: it’s okay to move on!

Some of us have the personality that clings to people, each encounter with another human. If it doesn’t end in warm fuzzies we feel defeat and even guilt. We want everyone to love everyone.

As believers we strive to love—–everyone. Jesus told us to love our enemies.

That’s hard.

What does that look like, increasingly, in this world of 8 billion humans?

Lots of prayer.

Go ahead and let people go, but follow them with your prayers.

As people began to mock and deride me for my beliefs last election year I was stunned. When Brian died I shut down, a natural breaking point occurred. The dross in my life was skimmed off, and I was freer, let loose from the chains of bad relationships.

I kept the gold, the silver. I pray for those I “lost.”

God filled up my life with more gold.

Let go of the weights that press on you. Soar with the Holy Spirit and His breathtaking power in prayer.

God answers prayer. Jesus is coming soon. See the signs.

MARANATHA!

Corgi Hollows is buzzing with activity. I’m changing sheets for new guests daily, practically. The beautiful weather continues.

I ordered some mosquito repellent things recommended by one of my Chinese friends. I hope they are effective. I’m going to have to hand them out to my visitors. I’m still covered in bites.

The little pests are not going away! I stepped out at 3 am last night with Yuki and came in with feet covered with bites!! This is a memorable year for mosquitoes.

I wonder if they are as bad “up north.”

God is healing my heart.

Our pastor just completed a series on James. I said he should start over again—because it was so profound, so much more to learn! He laughed and agreed. Yesterday he introduced a series on the Holy Spirit.

The thought of this Person and His interaction with me —-not Jesus, not God the Father, yet God, hit me differently as my pastor spoke of Him.

The Spirit, and the verses quoted about the Holy Spirit, surprised me yesterday. Nothing I haven’t heard before, just a different take, a different time, a different conviction.

As my heart has been dark for quite awhile, trauma cut off my spiritual antennae, I have relied on my foundation of faith. I’ve relied on hope.

But I am starting to feel the love, too.

And that is a delicious feeling after a drought.

No number of words will convince anyone to be patient and wait for such a subjective experience—it happens individually, in God’s timing, in His way.

I can imagine Elijah’s wait for rain.

God knew he would answer prayer. I know God answers prayer. The waiting time can be dark and lonely, frustrating, wearing, discouraging, full of pain and even anguish.

Uff da.

I’m feeling a bit of rain, though. The dry, cracked ground of my heart is feeling a sprinkle.

It pays to have a grounded faith.

As I’ve said hundreds of times (literally): worldview matters. Faith matters. Theology matters, even. I stand on a foundation which embodies HOPE.

Faith, Hope, and Love.

How desirable and fresh, beautiful and sweet that third thing is—

LOVE.

MARANATHA!

We get to be together forever. That is love. (And we are all PERFECT there. Wow.)

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.