Apples of gold in settings of silver

Next to the Faith chapter of Hebrews, I think the book of James, in particular the first chapter, is my favorite place in the Scripture. I often turn to James at the end of another study or book, kind of like a refresher before moving on the something new. And every time I read it, there's some precise application to whatever issues I'm facing.

This time around finances are stressing us out. And here's what I found:

James 1:2-4: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1:9-11: But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass her will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance if destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

I'm also struggling with some parenting issues, trying to find the balance between teacher and mom, discipline and grace, freedom and the law:

1:5: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to you.

And I was also strengthened in my commitment to my daily time with the Lord. To let nothing keep me from His presence, first thing in the morning:

1:24 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

Thank you, Lord for your Word! It is indeed a lamp for my feet.

My Favorite Things (for right now and in no particular order)

I didn't jump into this meme right away, because I always have a hard time thinking of my favorite things. I have too many. And the list changes all the time depending on my current obsession... But I've seen a couple lists lately that inspired me, so here's mine, (for now...)

My husband, who, after nearly nine years of marriage, still writes me love notes

Valentine's Day, because despite all the hype and commercialism, it reminds me...

Old, old, falling down houses with beautiful bones and an air of graciousness and patience

My children, still playing peacefully together after two weeks of Snow Days

Wood stoves

Wood floors

Vacuum cleaners

built-in bookcases and wainscoting

a lime in my water bottle

Eight o'clock wake up times for children and a half-hour with the Lord to start my day

My husband, who still (after nearly nine years of marriage) surprises me with wine and chocolate on a fairly regular basis

Pink-- fuschia, actually. Despite my age and size, unfortunately.

Jazz vocalists. Not the real jazz, the "lite" stuff-- for non-fanatics. Such as Buble, Sting, Connick, Jr. and such as those. Perhaps "lounge music" would be a better term?

Paying five dollars for something and selling it for ten. It's the German in me. What can I say?

Finding cool music on Youtube.

Stripes.

Blue and yellow. Or blue and white. Especially blue and white kitchens.

My (finally finished!) blue and white kitchen.

Toille. Especially blue and yellow toille.

Bird-printed fabrics. Birds in general.

Teacups. Tiny spoons. A tea table laid with mis-matched tea cups and saucers, tiny spoons and lump sugar.

Going to bed early with a good book. Currently, Elizabeth George.

All detective fiction. Especially British detective fiction.

Blogging.

Gardening. Flowers and veggies, both. Feeling dirt in my hands and watching seeds turn into food and beauty.

More Potty Talk

For some reason, Judah has chosen as his symbol of manhood and maturity, his daddy's hairy nose. It's not unusually hairy-- just your typical man-nose. But it fascinates the boy. He talks about wanting hairy noses all the time. Witness the following conversation this evening...


Judah: Daddy stands up when he kinkles.

Me: Yes, he does.

Judah: Daddy has hair in his nose, do you have hair in your nose, Mama?

Me: Well, a little bit (honestly at all cost to personal vanity)

Judah: Do you have booguhs?

Me: Not right now...

Judah: I have booguhs in mah nose. (pause) I wish I had hair in mah nose.

Me: Why?

Judah: To cover up the booguhs!

So that's what it's for! I always wondered...

Should I be worried about this?

Over heard, from across the house...


Judah, in a gasping voice: I'm wounded! I'm dying, hurry Sofi, hurry!

Sofi, frantically rushing towards him with his dino water bottle: Here, soldier, here, drink this potion! It will heal your wounds.


Later that day...

Judah: Mama! Don't take my wadah boddle off my belt! It's my potion! I need my potion!

Overcome by Nostalgia

And now, friends, you can be too! Join me in a nauseating wallow in sweetsweet memories :)



















































By the way, Sofi is the baby in all those pics.

Just call me Carrie

This snow has gotten me LOW, folks. We've been snowbound for nearly two weeks now. J hasn't had a full day of work since the middle of last week! We've been able to get out for essential groceries, but not much else. Thankfully we haven't lost our electricity, as many have, and the Lord's kept us safe on our few trips Out. But. It's been...ummm...interesting. On Tuesday? I shut myself in the bathroom for a little cry right around dinner time. J very kindly said he'd watch the kids the next day so I could go out and get some perspective the next day. I find perspective in the sale racks in several various outlets stores around town.

So yesterday, Susi and I Went Out. It was FUN. We went shopping and I bought the cutest bag ever (which I will eventually show pictures of, once the snow melts and motivation and energy return) and a pink hat and some cute tops.

Then we went to this place called The Studio, an ultra-posh hair salon and day spa where I got my hair cut and styled. By a she-male. !!!!!! I am officially old now. For two reasons;

1) When s/he walked into the room (looking very slim, trim, blond and female) and announced in il basso that s/he was Eddie and would I please come this way, I frantically swiveled my head around for a moment looking for a body to match the voice, realizing only juuuust too late for polite subterfuge that the deep, masculine voice was coming out of the lipsticked mouth of the slender blond standing right in front of me. !!!

2) Eddie asked me if I attended H-High School and assured me I didn't look a day over twenty and couldn't possibly have two kids at home. *sigh* Next thing you know hairdressers and checkout girls will be politely offering me free coffees on Tuesdays and Thursdays...

Then after that, we went and bought and consumed some outrageously caloric pastries for which I will be doing penance at the gym later today. All in all, an excellent day in the City.

Coveting your prayers

I know I've been severely delinquent on this blog lately. Trust me. I will be back and explain all. It'll just be a while yet. I will probably lose most of my readership, but the Lord is just keeping away for the time being.

I'm writing today to introduce y'all to another blog and ask for your prayers for a dear, dear family. Myers and Laura Carpenter (and Lillian) have been friends of our family for many years. We go to church together, run a business together and our kids practically live with each other. Judah and Lillian have been best of friends since birth.

Laura is expecting in April. In December, she and Myers discovered at a routine ultrasound that their daughter has a severe heart defect. They have named her Gwyneth, placed her in the hands of the Lord and are praying for His healing and protection. You can go to their blog and read more about their journey, updates on Gwyneth and more details of her condition.

Would you go and leave them an encouraging comment? Would you join me in lifting Gwyneth up in prayer?

A particular request... if any of you know the Philadelphia area at all, they'll be moving there soon and I'm sure would love to have some insider info on the city-- particularly ideas for keeping active toddlers entertained!