Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of beginning of the day Geryll started liking me, the start of an adventure we continue in today. Along with other students from FBEP, we were eating dinner in the neon green lighting of an Afghan restaurant in Washington DC. I found myself seated across from Geryll, frumpy after a long day of being rained on, fighting to cover the shaking hands that attacked me every time I sat near this man with whom I was hopelessly in love.
I'd fought my attraction to Geryll for months, figuring I would never be smart or pretty enough for him. Ironically, he says he saw me in a with new eyes as I poured water for everyone. I did what came naturally from the gift of God in my life, and he admired it.

So much has changed since that night. I married the man I once couldn't see without a tripled heart rate. I've awakened beside him nearly every morning for 4 1/2 years. I've kissed him, fought with him, played with him and cried with him. Too often I've taken the life he shares with me for granted. The Lord has given us a home, a son, and a shared vision and ministry. His mercies sustain us today. "The Lord hath done great things for us, where of we are glad!"
My apologies to Geryll and Maria for the poor picture at the top of this post. Little did I know when I snapped it how significant it would be for me later.

Glimpses of Grace

Glimpses of grace! Only glimpses? Grace surrounds me, yet my dull eyes catch only glimpses. Oh, Lord, open my eyes and show me "what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe."

Last Wednesday I awoke mentally preparing for a sister's brunch later in the morning; then, stepped out of bed to realize my nausea. Geryll canceled the brunch and his work for the day then cared for me and Tristan.

Monday began with too many things to do. While I worked at the computer Tristan wailed on the floor. Anger surged and I responded roughly. All the while I heard His voice, calling me to calm down. The day rushed by and at the last minute I opened the cookbook- the one so familiar and well used- looking for a snack for after school company. My eyes moved to a recipe I'd somehow never seen before. All the ingredients were in my cupboard and the dough could be mixed by hand.

"My God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory." My needs for support in sickness, peace in frustration, and food for company all were met by his hand. He holds my life together. For this, I praise Him.
Bars from this recipe fed the kids at club Tuesday evening. I used chocolate cake with pb chips, yellow cake with chocolate and pb chips, and funfetti with no chips. Here it is:

Chocolate Chip Bars
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/4 C. oil
2 eggs
1/4 water
2 C. chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients. Pour into greased 9x13" pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 min.

Sweet Sisters

Weekends like this past one make me long for heaven and no more goodbyes. The Lord has blessed me with family love. Oh, I am grateful!

Baby Buddies

Erin: "So, Tristan, what have you been learning to do these days?"
Tristan: "I can pull off my socks."

Erin: "I see. You wear black socks from Walmart. I think I'll play with it."

Tristan: " That's mine! You give it back!"

Tristan: "Hee, hee, I got it!"
Erin: "So what, I'll just play with this butterfly."

Tristan: "Mmm, this sock is so good!"
Erin: "Boys are disgusting!"

"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalm 31:3

Congratulations, little sister!

It's official! Jana and Sammy are dating! I am happy for you, little sister. If only a plane ticket to Grenada were less costly. . .