Potluck

We ended up staying home from church with a sick kiddo today. As always, it was nice to sing and study as a family. We read from 1 Timothy 1, which includes the following verses:

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

It is easy to see that in the people around us, but if we're honest, we can often see it in ourselves as well. Ouch.

While the family played a game of Axis & Allies this afternoon, I did a bit more Christmas shopping online. All I had left was the hard stuff. I'm glad to be done with that! It's been a pretty quiet weekend, so hopefully we'll all be ready to face the rest of the week with enthusiasm.

I read today that Obama plans to use executive orders to get things done quickly when he takes office. It has always concerned me how easily Presidents can use that power, and how difficult it is for Congress to reverse an executive order. I hope he's not too quick to go after the freedom we have left.

Yesterday I came across something Toby had written to an online acquaintance which warmed my heart, and he's given me permission to share it with you.

I don't want to change anyone, especially someone I want to marry. Her parents will have raised her the way they feel is best, and I can get me a woman who believes the same as I do. Not only will that make less work for me, it will also help make sure I'm not enemies with my in laws, if you know what I mean.

I wish I'd been that mature when I got married.

Toby just submitted his first quarterly column for the state trapping organization's newsletter. I think he's going to have a lot of fun writing for them. He's also found another publication looking for trapping stories and is planning to send them something, too. God is so good, putting these opportunities in his path.

He is also good to let me enjoy watching my children become adults even more than I enjoyed them being little. Yes, I remember it fondly. But I wouldn't go back for anything. My goal was to raise adults, and the purpose of each day was to get them to this point and beyond, covered with the fingerprints of God. And regardless of my feelings, remembering that purpose gives me the courage to continue on with the younger children on the rough days. Not my will, but Thine be done.