Seven QTs: Post-Christmas Musings

--- 1 ---

I like to call this first segment "When Two Worlds Collide." It turns out the fabulous Mrs. Fulwiler and I were both Aggie Class of '99. Meaning if she attended commencement, we both sat through those same three (grueling) hours in the same physical location. Fascinating! It really IS a small world, Walt Disney.

--- 2 ---

Christmas is a real struggle for me to be open to generosity, mostly because I feel guilty about having people spend a lot of money on me...or for asking for things that are expensive. This is true of other gift-giving occasions as well, of course. The Hubs and I set a limit for ourselves to buy just one gift for each other. Christmas fail. We both could not keep to that limit. There was definite scaling back, but both of us just happened to see little things that made us think of the other, so we ended up with two main gifts and a variety of stocking stuffers. My mother in law is a really huge gift-giver. While I am sometimes a little overwhelmed in not the best way, I have learned that this is how she shows her love and affection - it is her love-giving language...quite literally. Of course, she lavished us all with gifts, me most of all based on a glitch with my wish list (which included some jewelry that was supposed to go on another list). I love every one of them and am trying very hard to overcome the guilt of knowing how much must have been spent. I am underneath it all so very grateful for the many ways in which she blesses us, not just materially, but with her love and support as well. We are richly blessed this Christmas and always. I'll be back next week with my five favorite material things I received. Gotta save something for later, right?

--- 3 ---

I will share my favorite gift that I gave this year. For the Hubs' gift(s), I went with a bit of a theme. We are both lovers of religious art and icons, and after "winning" the retablo style icon on retreat, and inspired by Britt's icon wall, I went on a hunt for religious art and icons of different styles. Who wants a monotonous art wall, after all? Etsy is my best friend for this. Etsy may be a bad habit, but I just can't quit her/him. I found a few small pieces which I was going to box up as my "one gift" for him, and then I ran across this:

Vintage 1910s Vespers Book artwork depicting the flight into Egypt

I couldn't resist - we had seen pieces like this at the DIA and it was just stunning. I thought about keeping it for his birthday, which is in February, but ... it is in February! Y'all - I cannot sit on anything that long! So, this became his second gift. It is definitely just as awesome as the seller described it to be. It was mucho fun to think out of the box/wishlist for his gifts this year. With a Gaffigan stocking stuffer to boot, I think the Hubs made out just fine...as did I for the record.

--- 4 ---

I have shared my love of Amazon.com here. Just to be sure we all know I am impartial and not on the dole just yet, I will also share my one pet peeve: the price fluctuation. Remember how I said I have trouble asking for expensive things? Well, I searched long and hard for a new dutch oven that was quality and affordable. I hit the jackpot finding a great brand under $40. Wouldn't you know it was quite a bit more than that when Christmas rolled around? Now it back down to under $40. I shake my fist at you Amazon. I shake my fist. In other news, they have some stellar customer service. My BIL ordered something with his Prime membership shipping that ended up being rerouted and quite delayed in delivery. Before he could even compose an email, he received a note from Amazon acknowledging their error, giving him a gift card and refunding shipping (though we are curious to see how a Prime shipping is returned). So, I only shake one fist at you Amazon.com. The other hand's giving you a high five. 

--- 5 ---

Darkness. We do a lot of talking about the light as we approach Christmas and in this season. Unfortunately, a great many people are so immersed in darkness that they don't experience Light. Sadly, we have lost another lovely soul to a battle with depression. Religious platitudes don't help here. She was a light. She tried to know Jesus. The disease won. That horrible, debilitating illness won. While I'm no statistician, I feel like we are reaching epidemic proportions of people losing battles with depression. We are reaching epidemic proportions of people thinking that death is a better alternative to life...that their life is not worth living. Sure, we could go into a tirade about how it is endemic in a society in which life continues to be devalued, how we live in a culture of death. While it is true, it doesn't help to bring back those lost souls. It doesn't help someone who is suffering from an illness that clouds their vision restore their sight. It's not about raising awareness, or raising money - it is about getting our hands dirty.

Those losses need to spur us on to love the hell out of everyone in our lives so they know that just their mere existence on this planet is of tremendous importance, no matter the darkness and no matter the disease. We have to look beyond the surface - we have to rekindle true intimacy. To be intimate friends so we know when someone is hurting despite their outward appearance. To know that when someone is hurting they need help, and if we cannot give them that help to reach out and connect them to people who can. I know I have limits to what I can offer, especially with a young family at home. I've been blessed to be connected to people who can give a lot more and do so quite selflessly. Know those people if you can't be one of them based on where you are in life. But love. Just love. Love tirelessly. When you fail to love, start over and love some more. Bring them Jesus, but know you are not the Savior. Sometimes darkness doesn't want to give way. When we lose, love even harder so we are that much closer to winning the next battle.

--- 6 ---

I spend a lot of time musing in my mind about whether the whole blogging thing is worth the time/effort with a small readership. This Advent and Christmas I realized that while I would love to build my readership, what I love about having started this venture is the community. In my young adult ministry days, I would try to explain until I was out of breath the very real and tangible nature of virtual friendships to a population that dismissed such a connection had real value. This community of faith filled writers, mothers, disciples and women (and some men too) have inspired in me a deeper thirst for our Lord, a greater desire to love my family and the world more selflessly, ways for me to serve more joyfully in the little ways instead of being stunted in giving while waiting for grand gestures, and to shed my insecurities to live more boldly as the woman God intend me to be. I am, as we all are, a work still very much in progress, and my pride gets the better of me as I want to give up instead of build up a readership, but I know I am in the right place because I see the small fruits of grace in my life. Thank you, fellow bloggers, for offering yourselves, your families, and your faith in this community. (Update: Evidence of these ties that bind - Hallie is posting the link up for Jen who is sick. Tell me how friendships don't grow through any resource God gives us again?)

--- 7 ---

One of my favorite fruits of trolling inhabiting the blogosphere are new family traditions. I have loved, loved, LOVED all the Advent/Christmas traditions y'all have shared over the past several weeks. We are inspired to begin some of those traditions in our own family. A few favorites? Why not?

• Keeping the Christmas cards we receive in a basket through the year so we can pick one every night and pray for those who sent it. (I think this was a Team Whitaker tradition.)

• Wise Men ADVENTures as an Elf on the Shelf alternative. Though we weren't really looking for a substitute, the Hubs loved this idea of having the wise men from our nativity set wander the house through Advent (and really through Epiphany) and creating a story of what they saw/did on their way to Jesus. I saw this on a few blogs, so I am sorry I can't remember where I saw it first to give credit.

• Sharing scripture at every family dinner. Ann Voskamp shared this tradition from her husband's family whereby they break open the word (the bread), as they enjoy their family meal so no one leaves the table without being fed body, mind and soul. Love, and with a Scripture scholar in the making at home (not me), I'm sure he could come up with something for each night. Not exclusively an Advent tradition, but one that would definitely make an impact on our prayer lives through the year. 

• Un-doing Advent. While we loved the new traditions we started this year and built on from years past, I loved Bonnie's post on not worrying about the "doing." It seems I didn't so much listen to my own reflection from the Advent by Candlelight where I spoke about resting with our Lord in preparation to receive Him. We definitely simplified this year, but I am prone to getting caught up in the doing. 

• O Antiphon crafts with the kids. Rosie at A Blog For My Mom posted their craft ideas and my "doing" side fell in love for next year. This year we made baby Jesus on the last day, but that was about it. A craft or activity per day that last week of Advent for the kids to really engage in the meaning of who Jesus is would be awesome, provided it doesn't become a stressful endeavor. In that case, I'll have to revisit Bonnie's blog.

And a bonus, just to add some light to your day to balance out that short rant on darkness, here is what the Hubs sent me while I was at work yesterday.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary - praying Jen is feeling better soon!

If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin, Facebook, and/or Twitter!

Five Faves: Garage Sale Edition

This was going to be the Wednesday I had it all together and got this post up before noon. I was on the ball (after I recovered it from the seals). Everything was mostly written just awaiting some photos and a decision on the Hubs' Choice Award favorite. Then, I would press publish and ... voila! Well, voila is happening a lot later than I planned. Life again is not always about my planning. What was supposed to be a quick trip to the store with the kiddos ended abruptly. There's nothing like a phone call coming from the Hubs' phone with someone else on the line that sends your throat into your stomach. Luckily, it was a colleague of his who is a friend of mine so the first words were, "he's fine" before there was an explanation of why I was getting a call. 

He really is okay - just had passed out and needed to be checked out. Praise God he is fine. That is never the first thought - my mind always leaps to the worst possible scenario first, perhaps as a self preservation mechanism. Either way, praise God he is fine. There have been some great posts on marriage, and strangely enough that's what Hallie's Fave Five highlights this week. I won't elaborate with my thoughts tonight, but I'll tell you that phone calls like that remind me how very very blessed I am by my husband. And how very thankful I am that he is fine. And how much fun we have together even when life seems to keep throwing curveballs and seems to be filled with the mundane. So my five favorites were really spot on with some of the mundane fun we have been soaking up this summer.

We have a new addiction at Casa McCormick. Garage sales...or as we like to call it, sale-ing. Sure, some people think we are avid boat enthusiasts, but we (and now you) know the truth. We have found some lovely new-to-us treasures over the summer, so here are five of my favorite finds as I link up with Hallie over at The Moxie Wife.

1) Outdoor benches & chairs ($20 for the set)

2) Tricycle for Li'l G ($1)

3) Rocking chair for Li'l G ($5)

4) Mirror for Li'l G ($3 + paint I already had at home)

5) The Hubs' Choice Award goes to the shelf in our beautiful new bathroom ($10).

Yes, I know - it's pretty much been a haul for the little girl, though the little man has gotten himself a few trucks to play with too.

And now, I bid you all a good night as another long day faces me much sooner than I would like. Be sure to stop by Hallie's at Moxie Wife and read up on those fabulous posts on marriage!

If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin!

Beatitude Attitude {vol. 8} - Revenge...

...is a dish best served cold...summer cold that is. I dared to call this summer cold dastardly last night, and today it is taking its full revenge. The positive side is that I get extra time to reflect on my blessings as I rest and try to keep my nose from running away or taking on too close a resemblance to Rudolph. The down side is that I really have to refrain from snuggling the babes or smothering them with kisses, which is so.stinking.hard when they are the most snuggable, kissable babes in toyland!!

Without further ado (or achoo, as it is in the moment)...

1) Blessed am I to have a beautiful family that I have gotten to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Given the Memorial Day holiday, I know there are many families who did not get to enjoy time with all their loved ones.

2) Blessed am I to have figured out that our yard is too small for swing sets or play structures. It frees us up to do some other things and take more walks to the park.

3) Blessed were we with absolutely beautiful weather for the weekend so we could enjoy time together outside playing and planting.

4) Blessed am I that that weather quickly turned to rain yesterday, both for the sake of my garden and for the sake of quashing the amateur fireworks that would have inevitably shattered the silence of sleeping children.

5) Blessed am I that this sickness didn't hit full force until after my shift at work yesterday, and that the next two days are my "work from home" days.

6) Blessed am I that the Hubbers doesn't listen to me and was able to take the day off work to give me time to rest, even after my insistence that we would be fine and he should go.

7) Blessed am I that the little babe has been sleeping through the night. I was so worried that I would have to get him last night and then make him sick as well, but he slept right on through like a champ! Hooray!

Share your blessings with us! To participate, add the link to your Beatitude Attitude post below, and please add a link back here on your post. Thank you in advance!

(Submissions close in 6d 20h 10m)

URL:	(URL of your blog post)
Name:
Email:	(Not visible)
	Trouble linking up? Try here

Link tool by inlinkz.com

If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin!

Beatitude Attitude {vol. 7}: In the Aftermath...

"The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

It seems surreal to write a post about how blessed my life is when so many are grieving and in shock after the storm in Oklahoma. News like this brings out the fight v. flight instinct in most of us, and in some of us a "fright v. flight" instinct. Some of us want to deploy and go help*, others become anxious for themselves and their children, and then others of us become detached and bury our heads in the sand because it would probably just be too much to admit that "but for the grace of God go I."

However you slice it, this should shake us out of our daily routines enough to take a good look at how much we have and realize how temporary the things of this world are. Imagine where you are - now imagine a mile around you decimated. Imagine two miles. Look at those tiny people (and not so tiny people) in your lives. Sure, those screams and antics are like nails on chalkboard right now, but what if you woke tomorrow to them ripped from your life? Even the screaming gets put into a bit of perspective. We are not here forever, those we love are not here forever - it makes it more evident that we need to be sure our lives and priorities are rightly ordered. It really shouldn't take tragic news for that perspective to wash over us. More on that in another post.

Today, while lifting up prayers for those who are suffering in the aftermath of this current tragedy, it is even more important that I live out of an attitude of thankfulness for all of God's blessings and how He continues to turn those things I think are "hardships" into fodder to draw me closer into the heart of Christ and teaching me to love more purely, which should be my first priority.

1) Blessed am I that God continues to use the smallest things, like sunglasses, to show me areas where I am still attached to earthly things so I may better follow Him and realize that the laughter of a child is more important than a pair of glasses...even if I might not acknowledge it right away.

2) Blessed am I that we have holy priests who help me to grow in wisdom and love leading me to greater holiness...now if only I would make a beeline to it instead of a meandering path!

3) Blessed am I that I have children who enjoy the simple things in life, and lead me to remember that there is joy in simplicity.

4) Blessed am I that we live by several parks within walking distance, so when the morning turns into a veritable whinefest, I can scoop up the babes and head over for some fun. There isn't a single whine or scream a good swing can't fix at least momentarily! After that, blessed am I that this house came with air conditioning, even though the upper level doesn't cool off well. Mama was not made for overheating!

5) Blessed am I that God waited to bring me my husband until I was on a path seeking Him. I can't imagine my life with someone who wasn't in love with Jesus or seeking to help me attain sainthood.

6) Blessed am I with a husband who adores his children...and whose children adore him, especially at the end of a day where I struggle to adore the littles!

7) Blessed am I that the Lord came seeking after me, even if I was slow to follow. I cannot imagine living without the hope of Christ or the wisdom of the Saints or the Sacraments of the Church or the promise of heaven. I need to get better about sharing that blessing in word and in deed, and get to writing more about my conversion. Summer project.

*If you would like to reach out to those affected by the tornado in Oklahoma, here are a couple of organizations who are already helping and can best help direct your charitable donations. In the aftermath of disasters such as these, it is important that we allow the experts to assess, organize and direct our efforts - please, oh please, do not just go to help - it often ends up adding extra chaos. Also, as a friend wrote quite wisely, "paying attention to the organizations that you are donating to is important - do they already have feet on the ground in the area and therefore know the community before the disaster? Does your money really go to where you want it to go?"

Catholic Charities - Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City have set up a site where you can donate whatever amount you would like. This will help them offer assistance and support to all affected.

Mercy Chefs - Mercy Chefs is a non-profit, faith based, charitable organization committed to serving high quality professionally prepared meals, during local, state and national disasters and emergencies.

Thanks, Jennifer and Ashley for those links!

I hope you will take a moment to thank God for all the little things in your life that you may take for granted normally. 

Belated Beatitude Attitudes {vol. 6}: Lemonade Stand?

Sorry to have gone missing in action this Tuesday - I've been feeling a little worn down and haven't had as much of an opportunity to write. Nothing like Jen's scorpion sagas, but enough to keep me away from the keyboard. Thanks, Anna, for reminding me that people do read what I write, and that we are all connected in a very real sense in this mystical body of Christ. Sometimes I allow myself to wallow in my self-created misery and forget that I do not exist in isolation but am part of a much bigger picture.

Today is a beautiful pre-summer day, so let's drink some lemonade! (When life hands you lemons...get it?)

1) Blessed am I that God uses people to shake me out of my self-pity. Thanks again, Anna! (If you don't read her blog, you really should. She has such a gentle spirit and her writing is poetically beautiful. Go. Read. Now.)

2) Blessed am I that God's mercy is new every morning. Even the darkest night eventually ends, and most of the dark nights of my soul are made darker by my own creation, so morning usually brings a new perspective and realization that I choose to sit in darkness much of the time since Light is always waiting. (How's that for a run-on sentence?)

3) Blessed am I that when we are in the land of meltdowns and mass chaos, the Hubbers stays calm. I never thought I was not calm, but these few days have proved me rather wrong. My soul is not still - praise God his is!

4) Blessed am I that in the midst of a tantrum (mine) about a craptastic day, the Hubbers took the kids to play and came back with flowers. Oh, I mean that Li'l G brought her mama some flowers, which are a rare commodity in our house since our feline companions would like nothing more than to feast on those tasty treats.

5) Blessed am I that even at my worst, Hubbers sees in me my best.

6) Blessed am I to have meaningful work and people I truly enjoy working with and learn from every day how to be a better person, and better mother and a better ambassador for Christ on this earth. In sometimes stressful work, it is a true blessing to have many days where I leave inspired to be better.

7) Blessed am I that God sends me little reminders every day of what He intends me to do. When I just want to throw in the towel, he sends the tiniest whisper of a reminder that he wants me to hone and use all he has given me as gift, be it photography, writing, mothering or simply loving. I have to choose to remember that it is all for His glory and stop moping when I'm not an internet sensation overnight...or ever. As I was reminded today, even if all my work is simply to reach one person, Jesus left the ninety-nine for one, and one is enough. Now on to returning some emails...

I pray that you are all enjoying some fine lemonade this week, and I promise to chin up and host on schedule as best I can from now on! Blessings to you and your families as we approach Pentecost - rain down on us oh Fire of Love, rain down!

Beatitude Attitude {vol. 4}: Noisy Coffee

Has it been a week already? Time flies when you've got little people running about!

1) Blessed am I when God breaks me down, because He builds me up stronger.

2) Blessed am I that others are patient with me as I try to find my way.

3) Blessed am I that others see me through the eyes of God, especially when I can't.

4) Blessed am I when the whining and crying of little people turns to laughter.

5) Blessed am I that spring seems to finally have stuck so we can play outside more!

6) Blessed am I when I am jolted out of my self absorption in time to catch moments of joy and beauty.

7) Blessed am I when the house is filled with noise - it is a reminder of life and joy and how richly we are blessed. Don't remind me of this when I am pulling my hair out later. :)

Bonus blessing: husbands who understand a need for coffee...

Yesterday

Today

What are you thankful for this week?

Five Faves: Sights & Sounds

Linking up with Hallie again this week to share my fave five from the week. This week I bring you my favorite sights and sounds... Unfortunately, the "sound" I recorded as a memo, so I'm still working on converting it to a non-flash video so all y'all iDevice users can see/hear the sweetness. And here is the hopefully compatible with all devices video. Thank you, YouTube.

~1~

Bedtime singalong.

~2~

Sibling bear hugs.

~3~

Superman with super daddy.

~4~

Crazy wrestling faces.

~5~

Partners in crime. Crimes of cuteness, that is. For now.

To check out what others are favoring this week, visit Hallie at www.moxiewife.com!

Beatitude Attitude {vol. 3}: Rejoice Always

The last week has contained a few days that have left me wondering exactly what the netherworld wants with me. In the wake of news that could leave anyone feeling as though the light might be fading, I am reminded that we are called to praise Him through the storm.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And so we give thanks and recognize the blessing hand of God in the midst of chaos and rubble, of tragedy and heartbreak, of simply crummy days we think may never end. Here are my seven praises for this week:

1) Blessed am I to have a husband that shares my sense of humor, who I can laugh with, cry with, pout with, and grow with, knowing that at the end of the day, we will wash off the day and start anew tomorrow.

2) Blessed am I with healthy children, even with their own little ailments. This week I am reminded that not every parent is so lucky.

3) Blessed am I to have meaningful work.

4) Blessed am I that God is patient and gentle in his correction of me.

5) Blessed am I to have some holy men as good shepherds in both our home parish and our "backup" parish who preach the name of Jesus, challenge us to live the Gospel fully, and preach the hard message of truth in our times.

6) Blessed am I that spring is coming here, and the sun has been shining at least a few times a week allowing for outside time with the littles.

7) Blessed am I to have joyful children who savor life and know Christ at such a young age, even through their tantrums and growing pains. I am amazed by them daily if I shed myself of the blinders of selfishness and busy-ness

.

Join me in praising God through the storms of life and link up with this post below!

A Love Letter From God

Today was one of THOSE days. You know, those days mama told you there would be? I was going on a couple hours of sleep from a rough night with Baby J, so however rough the day might have been otherwise, it was clearly amplified by infinity. I know that isn't mathematically possible, but just work with me here. Baby J pretty much spent most of the day irritated, which is completely unlike him. My money is on new teeth. Li'l G is two and a half...need I say more? Usually she is pretty helpful, but today was a contrarian day. Anything I asked was met with a "no" or "not yet" or even better yet, with this ridiculous new grunt she does that is like nails on chalkboard. Color me irritated. No amount of coffee would have helped, even if I could actually get a cup down the old hatch while it was still warm.

Throw in a necessary trip to the store for food and other sundries, like pajamas for my giraffe of a boy who keeps growing out of everything we own, and the morning was less than stellar. I will admit, baby J slept most of the time and  Li'l G did pretty well at ye olde market, aside from the throwing of things out of the cart, or fiddling with the packages until she opened them, or screaming when I asked her to stop. I am thankful I have developed mom blinders. I no longer actually see or care what people's reactions are. My focus is on her and on keeping my sanity. I'm sure somewhere someone thinks I'm the world's worst parent for a multitude of reasons. Oh well.

This isn't about that though. I know it seems that way, but it isn't. I hesitated to write this post tonight because I have been in such a foul mood that the Hubs could quite rightly point his finger at me screaming "liar, liar, pants on fire," though he may not come out unscathed. The point of the recounting of my terrible horrible no good day is that looking back on it, and even in the middle of it, I saw God writing me a love letter in short, sweet phrases.

Mother Teresa was quoted as saying she was a pencil in the hand of God who was writing a love letter to the world. Today he wrote it himself, unless Blessed Teresa was there and I missed it. It is possible. So here is my letter from God. I share it hoping if you have had a terrible day, you can see his hand writing in love to you through it all also.

Darling daughter,

I know you are tired. I know you want to quit. I appreciate you trying and doing what you need to do, even if it is the bare minimum today. Here are a string of green lights for you so you can quickly and safely go about your business. Not only that, but here is a parking space as close as possible to the store and right next to a cart return so you can put the babies right in.

Notice the blue sky and the sunshine. Didn't you just mention how you missed sunny days? Even though there will be rain, here is some sunshine to brighten your morning. As you go about your business, don't get frustrated when it seems not all you need is there. I have taken care of it - just look again. Be patient with G, she is learning just like you once did, and still do. 

I know that sometimes it seems like too much, and that nothing you are trying to do works. Listen, just listen. There is the silence you are craving, if only for a moment, enjoy it. Then listen to the sound of your daughter's voice singing praise to me! How sweet that sound to my ears! I know you feel helpless in easing the baby's discomfort, but you are not powerless. That smile, the laughter when you tickle his belly or toes, he can work through his discomfort into joy. Do that too. Seek and choose joy. 

I know the aches and pains and exhaustion. Just notice how those babies tonight fell asleep alone, and the sounds of their breaths as they sleep. Rest, listen, sleep.

Today will be a day of little things accomplished. Be glad for the little things. I know sometimes you just want to give up because you feel like it is too much. I will not give up on you. As you fall, and I know you will, I will take your hand and lead you back. Every minute, every second, every day, I will dust you off and pick you up when you think you cannot stand.You cannot fall so far that Love will not find you. Even when you give up on yourself, I never will. Good night, sweet child. I love you. Come rest in me and we will try again tomorrow.

With love,

From Love

Beatitude Attitude {vol. 2}: Overcome Evil With Good

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NRSV)

With the headlines over the past week, it can be tempting to believe that the world is a dark place and that there is nothing that we can do. It can even be tempting to seek vengeance in the name of justice. As I continued to reflect on the horror that is the Goswell case, a soft voice came to me in prayer seeking mercy, seeking intercession for his soul, the soul that was created by God to love Him just as much as mine was. I was reminded that Jesus asks for mercy for us and from us, to leave eternal justice to the Author of Life. When I logged onto Facebook earlier today, I came across this article shared by a priest in our diocese which is challenging, but so clearly gave me confirmation that the voice I heard was in fact the voice of the Lord. With him facing the death penalty (which I didn't realize until I read the article), I know the Lord is asking us to be that prophetic voice, making little sense in the ways of the world, but seeking mercy on this man's life, a life which somewhere allowed evil to be the louder voice, a life which still has the opportunity to repent and turn to God, unless we take his life into our hands and away from Him.

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-28,32,35-36

Then today. Today that threatened to make us lose our center, lose our perspective that good outweighs evil. Today when evil once again hit the streets, this time in Boston, taking innocent lives and wreaking havoc. Isn't that what evil likes to do? Throw us off our game enough that our senses become dulled by the numbness that enough senseless evil threatens to create, and maybe we will forget that there is a greater force at work in the world, that there is a Person who has made a promise that the gates of hell would NOT prevail.

Instead, I am reminded that the light came into the world and darkness could not overcome it. I am reminded that we must actively seek to do good rather than get pulled into the darkness. Mostly, I am reminded how very blessed we are. With that long reflection, here are my seven points of gratitude this week.

1) Blessed am I that all those I know who might have been in the Boston Marathon area are safe.

2) Blessed am I that my faith continues to inform me that light overcomes darkness, even when it seems like darkness just won't subside. (Not a reference to spring in Michigan, either!)

3) Blessed am I that I have a job that provides me great flexibility to do what I need to for and with my family. That includes the ability to spend the afternoon in the warming spring weather out with my littles.

4) Blessed am I that Li'l G is an amazing girl, though she is growing up so fast. Tonight she actually cleaned up all her blocks and toys by herself while I gave Baby J a bath. All by herself! Then she heard J Dawg crying in the tub when I ran the water, so she put on her sunglasses and came to distract him. We are so very blessed with beautiful children, inside and out.

5) Blessed an I that I have a Hubbers who works two jobs so that I can enjoy a flexible part time one and stay home with the kids more.

6) Blessed am I that I have a Hubbers who supports my hobbies and passions, and encourages me to write and photograph more often.

7) Blessed am I that the Hubbers does laundry. We would never have clean clothes for ourselves otherwise, but the littles would look great!

In this Easter season, let us never be so filled with sorrow that we forget the joy and promise of Christ risen. Let us always be thankful for that, alleluia!

7QT: Bacon, Maternal Health and Li'l Rocker G

Congratulations to Jen at Conversion Diary on the birth of her son, Joseph! Please keep Jen, Joseph and the whole family in prayer as they wait for their sweet boy to be released from NICU. For more Quick Takes this week, visit Grace at Camp Patton (who is guest hosting) at www.camppatton.com. 

Now, get ready, get set, here we go!

~1~

We've given up our cable, but it seems like I still see a metric ton of commercials. I've shudder to think what lifeforms from a different planet or a future generation will think. Clearly, men of this millenium have some serious issues with ED (you know, THAT dysfunction). I mean, there must be a HUGE epidemic given the number of commercials I see. I'm amazed there are any babies being conceived at all! I won't get on my soapbox about how ridiculous I think this is, and how much more ridiculous the health care coverage inequities are. (For instance, no one argues against prescription coverage for this problem, but apparently we have to stage a national outcry for them to not remove mammogram coverage for women over 40.) Oops. Stepping off soapbox now. 

Perhaps a bit too far...

~2~

The Iowa pig farmers have a powerful lobby. Bacon is all the rage. It's everywhere. I'm not complaining. I love Iowa and I love bacon. Props to you hog farmers, props to you. You make some tasty treats. 

~3~

Having had complications with low blood pressure and hemorrhaging when Baby J was born, this article about a modified wrap helping to reduce maternal mortality really hit home. I'm so thankful that we have access to the best medical care in the world, and that I never knew at the time exactly how serious the complications were (though the extra several hours and multiple nurses kind of tipped me off a little). Praise God for those trying to even the playing field for women in matters of life and death - it's not a game after all. Thanks to Just Jilly for passing along the link.

~4~

This week we had some fun with a playdate at a kids playzone thingamabobber. Yes, that is the official name. Li'l G takes a little time to warm up when we get somewhere with a lot of people. Once she has figured things out, though, it's off to the races. She loved this little place, though it was a bit on the pricey end for mama. It was set up with themed mini-rooms for the little people. G's faves? Top of the list was the music studio with guitars and piano. The kid thinks she's a rockstar. Next? ALL the rooms. Somewhere there is a meme there. Thanks to Jenna from Call Her Happy for the invite! Perhaps at a future playdate the kids will actually play WITH each other.

~5~

With a little homage to En Vogue, we are "back to life, back to reality" this week. Having the Hubbers home for a week over Easter break was a welcome treat, and a lovely taste of summer break to come. Sure, Li'l G gets away with a lot more and everyone's routines go down the crapper a bit, but it is nice to have the whole family at home and be able to go on small adventures together. Looking forward to the zoo and other little day trips. Who knows, maybe we will even get a little family vacation in this year that involves sand and sun!

~6~

I've been working on trying to be more thankful for everything in my life instead of pining for more or different. Sometimes, the littles get frustrating. Then they do something that makes me melt. Last night I was putting Li'l G to bed, which is sometimes an arduous task. She does love to snuggle, which I love. This particular evening, once we finally settled down, regular snuggles weren't enough. As we were cuddling, she grabbed my hand, wrapped my arm tightly around her, and used my hand as her pillow. I sometimes feel like the perpetual mean mom, always saying no, and I wonder if that is how she sees me. Last night I knew that wasn't the case. Regardless of mean mom who tells her no, last night she wanted mom as her blanket and pillow - she couldn't get close enough. Love.

~7~

Along those lines, both kids astound me even through the tough moments. Every day Li'l G is becoming more and more a little unique person, with likes and dislikes, imagination and creativity, new expressions and language, soaking in everything we do and making it her own. For instance, the girl loves her Veggie Tales. I am forever finding Veggie Tales stickers everywhere. She loves kissing on her little brother, who loves pulling her hair. She has invented Veggie Tale City, where the Veggie Tales live (aka Family Christian), which she loves to visit with her dad. She is moving beyond mama to try out "mommy" and "mom." I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I do love "mommy." Judah for his part is looking more and more like a little boy instead of a baby. This was so very clear as I was re-reading some of my posts from last summer that had pictures of him as a baby. Little man is becoming a real, live boy! He is starting to stand unassisted too, so undoubtedly walking will soon ensue. Lord grant me strength...