Truly My Mind

A blue post-it note surprised me above my pillow. The contents:

My Mind

The mournful drip of rain sounds in my head,

Filling it up with all the fierce floods of dread;

"What if this happens? Oh no, what if this?"

These echoes resound till the sun like a kiss,

Brushes away all those dark clouds of doom.

Now joy, hope, and peace fill up all that room.

The rain is all gone and the sun reigns supreme,

And trust blossoms up like a fresh watered tree.

I love you.

Because my mind does tend to be overactive, my jumpy, first reaction was, "How did she know? Did I tell her how my thoughts can carry me away? Is it written all over my face?" My second thought was, "What a blessing that my firstborn can comfort me with words of truth and hope." I'm so thankful for this girlie and her poems and other musings.

Happy 14th birthday!

Oh my! Look at the height of this young man! May he continue to grow in wisdom and stature.

We woke up on his birthday (January 27th) to a requested breakfast of cinnamon rolls and homemade eggnog!

We traveled south that day about 3 1/2 hours to stay with friends for the night and celebrate his birthday with his friend whose family is moving back to America. We were thankful that Elijah could have this time together with him and say goodbye. We enjoyed chocolate (of course!) cake and ice cream.

Ready to rock our house down! He can play acoustic guitar pretty well so when the family that moved was selling this, we thought he would enjoy it.

Elijah adds so much to our lives through his wit, his thoroughness, his adventure, his discipline, and his thoughtfulness. May the Lord use this next year to mature him and make him more like Christ. Love you buddy!

His kind provision--Carrot cookies

When Elizabeth was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a few years ago, I knew that finding treats for her to eat in this wheat-filled society could be tricky. With time and recipes from friends we were able to put together a repertoire of yummys. However, when visiting friends houses it is nearly impossible to find something gluten free on the tea table, save a stray olive or date. Elizabeth is a trooper though, doesn't complain and sips her mint tea (which equals about 5 cookies in sugar content anyway!).

My friend "Minnie," an intuitive studier of our family, always tries to look out for Elizabeth. One time she made her a coconut creation (which I ate in abundance) that she claimed had no wheat. Elizabeth was a little skeptical (was she SURE that there was absolutely no flour?) and not as adventureous with food options, but always smiles and gives Minnie satisfaction. This last visit she came bearing this treat (pictured above). She called it a "carrot cookie." Hmm...and what is a "carrot cookie?" She replied that it was cooked carrots and honey, rolled in sesame seeds. My heart was so warmed that she went to all of this trouble that I grabbed one off of her tray and popped it into my mouth. My heart continued to be warmed though I did begin to plead with God to spare me from eating another. :)

It is a thoughtful friend to go the extra mile for our family. I am so thankful for Minnie and her kindness.

No crab or steak, but mighty fine food!

Josiah and his dad planned a restaurant night.

We placed our order and the plates were made just for us! I ordered a hamburger, baked potato, fried egg, french fries, and a lemon water. (I overheard Josiah ask, "So dad, how do you make a 'lemon water'?") The presentation was beautiful and it tasted delicious! I raved about it all night!

Happy customers who ordered soda instead of "lemon water."

The tomato and onion chopper and the egg fryer. His lemon water quenched the thirst too!

The fry guy.

Introducing Edgar the Eggplant

After being rejected from his Veggie Tale friends because he actually HAD arms, Edgar came to visit us.

Cute, squishy, and zealous.

He was purchased with this other produce--peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini--for all under $2! Thanks for making us smile today Edgar!

"Don't worry mom...

...this isn't dangerous at all."

I'm impressed, but not convinced!

Happy Birthday 12 year old!

My Josiah was born on December 30, 1999 right before the dawning of the new millenium. He is our kid of new ideas, new jokes, new kicks, and lots of fun. We are thankful for him!

We enjoyed a tagine with some dear friends.

And had a fun day that included some American football.

May the Lord give him much joy and wisdom in his 12th year of life!