Monday, January 29, 2007

Encouraging Truths

I was able to go to worship yesterday for the first time in a month. What a blessing to get fed!

Here is something we proclaimed:

from the Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day #9

Question 26: What do you believe when you say: "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?"

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth with all that is in them, who also upholds and governs them by his eternal counsel and providence, is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father. I trust in him so completely that I have no doubt that he will provide me with all the things necessary for body and soul. Moreover, whatever evil he sends upon me in this troubled life he will turn to my good, for he is able to do it, being almighty God, and is determined to do it, being a faithful father.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Winter days

How am I spending my winter days? Well, I've visited Wales (the setting above,) Spain, spent quite a bit of time in England, traversed the states; and I've even spent some time in my current home town of long ago, thanks to a wonderful book by an author who grew up here.

I've also been traveling to "not so interesting" places. Doctor's offices. The three of us have ventured off into different treatment realms. One of our doctor's suggested this. We had all been keeping to the same treatments as the other, but now we are off on our own. We'll see if any one of us leaps ahead in terms of good health. This tri-plan method is more work for the nurse (me) and the pharmacist (you know who) and the parents (that's us, too.) It's a lot to get to and keep track of, but hopefully we'll have some noticeable results soon.

Friday, January 19, 2007

"Life," wrote a friend of mine, "is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along."
from A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

January Beauty

My one year blogiversary is today. Here's some pics from around my world. Thanks for visiting and encouraging me this past year.



Friday, January 12, 2007

Too many voices

One of the disadvantages of getting a second or third opinion, is... well... having two more opinions; more voices running through our heads.

No one can figure out what is wrong with us, but everyone has suggestions about what to take or not to take, what to eat or not to eat.

It's confusing, to say the least.

I'm on a new protocol of medicine and supplements from the Colorado doctor. I'm not noticing any helpful results. In fact, I've caught a cold. This, added to my many pre-existing symptoms, makes me as good as useless.

Even though Christmastime has passed, I need to keep reminding myself of it. "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Whate'er My God Ordains (3)

Whate’er my God ordains is right: Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine, Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall: And so to Him I leave it all.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday, Erin!



A poem for you on your birthday, with lots of love!


To a Young Lady
William Cowper

Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade,
Apt emblem of a virtuous maid
Silent and chaste she steals along,
Far from the world's gay busy throng:
With gentle yet prevailing force,
Intent upon her destined course;
Graceful and useful all she does,
Blessing and blest where'er she goes;
Pure-bosom'd as that watery glass,
And Heaven reflected in her fac
e.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Whate'er My God Ordains (2)

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

"That was the best hot cocoa ever!"


So said my daughter last night.

I've had some success (and help) in the kitchen lately. It's so great when the kids rave about something that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free; I could just do a jig (if I wasn't so tired!) But when my husband tells me that my gf, df, and sf Scalloped Potatoes and Ham tastes just like his mom's--well, I want to shout "Hallelujah!"

Besides the potato hotdish, I've recently made Swiss Steak, Filet Mignon with Tarragon (the wonderful part about purchasing a half of beef,) Tuna Sandwiches, and Hot Cocoa, all new recipes except the tuna, but we hadn't had that for a long time and so it seemed new. If any of you are looking for gf, df, and sf recipes for these, let me know and I'll post them.

Yesterday, a friend helped me sort my special recipes that I've gathered since we've been sick. (This seemingly small task daunted me. Thank you, friend!) My recipes had gotten very disorganized and were in two different folders and I couldn't find anything when I needed to. Now they are ready to go into an accordian folder. Since many of them are new, I'll try them out first before putting them somewhere more permanent.

More food related thanks: Thanks to those who pop over with a plate of leftovers every now and then. Brent can eat these -which leaves leftovers of the allergy-free food I make- which means less work for me the next day. I want to thank a neighbor friend who shares her daughter with us to help in the kitchen during extra stressful times; and the daughter who cheerfully allows herself to be volunteered. I want to thank my mom for calling me for my "I wish I had the energy to make these treats for Christmas" list, shopping for the special ingredients, making the treats, and sending them cross-country with her love. And last but not least, to my husband who use to prefer to do any other part of my job besides cooking. I think he's starting to like it now. Our future empty nest stage might just contain fun evenings of cooking in the kitchen together ;-) .

*Edit: Add gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free Chicken Nuggets and Sloppy Joes to new recipe successes.

Whate'er My God Ordains

Whate’er my God ordains is right: His loving thought attends me;
No poison can be in the cup That my Physician sends me.
My God is true; each morn anew
I’ll trust His grace unending, My life to Him commending.

Whate’er my God ordains is right: He is my Friend and Father;
He suffers naught to do me harm, Though many storms may gather,
Now I may know both joy and woe,
Some day I shall see clearly That He hath loved me dearly. a 17th century German chorale