not alone

Please pray for Genevieve and her precious family as today was the day of her radioactive iodine treatment, the first day of her quarantine. Words fail me...

(You can read her blog linked to the right of this page, entitled Turquoise Gates.)

opportunity

Today I see opportunity. It is a day to rejoice in the unchangeable goodness of the Lord. I have the opportunity to influence my children by modeling peace and joy. This is Wisdom's call to me. Complete trust in the One who places kings on their thrones. We will respect our president- elect. We will pray for him in earnest. And we will recommit to living out the love that governs our ideals, by His grace. Today IS a new day.

humble pie

I was pleasantly surprised when Manda woke up early this morning and asked when we were going to go vote. Maybe they had been paying attention after all! Earlier this year Steve and I took them on a tour of our Capital Building and I had one of those, "Will you LISTEN to me, I'm TRYING to TEACH you something here!" moments (snarled with hushed flailing)! "WHAT is a bill? And WHO passes the bill? What is the House of Representatives?" Sigh. "Oh, never mind". Anyway, not one of my finer mothering or teaching days. So over the course of the presidential race, we have prayed for our current and upcoming leader, emphasizing the responsibility and privilege it is to vote and pretty much left the civic lesson at that. Honestly, I was a bit proud of them for their eagerness and interest today. They had several good questions about the candidates. I wasn't quite sure that Ayisha was catching it all though. As she concluded her physical therapy appointment this afternoon, her therapist asked her what her plans for the day were. Ayisha heartily replied, "We are going to bake cookies and then vote for the American Idol!"

daily cares

This week-end we wallowed in bounty. Caramel sugar highs, a late card game with friends, a chicken coop built with neighbors (I'll post pics soon), homemade applesauce canned and happily lined up on pantry shelves, a messy children's closet cleaned out and reorganized. I am thankful.

And yet, this coming election has me burdened more than any before. I lament over our broken nation and an increasing division amongst the Church. I battle fear for my children's future, for our collective rights as parents, citizens and human beings. My heart churns for babies unborn and their knowing mothers. I wonder how I can be salt and light, bringing healing in Jesus name. In the midst of it all, I am gently reminded to repent of my own sin. Relieved, I cast my cares on the One who does not change like shifting trends. For,

"All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall. But the Word of the Lord stands forever." 1 Peter 1:24&25