Good conversation and Thai food

Today Ellis and I had lunch with a dear friend. We talked (Ellis mostly stared at the nearby restaurant patrons, who at first thought it was cute but then I'm pretty sure felt slightly awkward about her unwavering interest in them)...as I was saying, we talked, among other things, about meaning in life, meaning in the what of what we do, and how much of it matters to God. We decided (as good friends are often able to do when immersed in some good conversation with a heaping plate of Thai food sitting in front of them) that the what isn't as important as the how. Meaning, the question of 'how does one bring glory to God --by selling art on Etsy?', for instance (or not selling, as is too often the case...) is less relevant than the question 'how do I bring glory doing whatever it is I'm doing?' Well I can start by being grateful for the gifts I've been given and the desire I've been given to create. I could also start by ceasing to curse under my breath (or sometimes over my breath) when something isn't working the way I want it to---that's right sewing machine, I'm talking to you. And on and on...we had a long lunchandEllisiswakingup!

I'm curious about other thoughts, no matter how loosely related, others may have on this subject. My little darling is waking up so I can't ruminate any longer---but I'd love to read any of your thoughts. How's that for a sudden end to what might have been a thoughtful blog post??

Breakfast

Ellis had a healthy breakfast an hour ago, now I'm realizing I should eat one, too. Maybe then Ill have the brain function to think of something interesting to write about...maybe.

summer

Anxiety

I recently read a book entitled 'Calm My Anxious Heart' by Linda Dillow. I read through it slowly at times and at other times I read and re-read sections rather quickly. I began to recognize how often I depend on my own freakish ability to WORRY about things---things that have happened, things that are happening, things that could happen, and things that would never happen in a million years---and it was eye-opening. It was one of those books that causes you to put your money where you mouth is in regards to faith you claim to have. The faith I claim to have. The faith I do have. Because if I really have faith and trust in a loving God I can't also have faith in my own anxiety. So often I think that my worrying over something is responsible--- is preparing me for anything, is gaining me control. Ahh, control. So which do I want more of: (the illusion of) control, or the guidance of a loving God? Crap. That's like asking me which do you want more of: luscious chocolate cake or a nutrient packed, well-rounded meal filled with whole grains and vegetables? Well...I want to live well, live longer, have energy and health...but chocolate is sort of my drug of choice.

Honestly, I did actually just have some chocolate cake a few minutes ago, but more importantly I am aware of choosing trust over (the illusion of) control moreso than I have been in years. And guess what? It's not painful, it feels very freeing.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU. 1 peter 5: 6-7

How many of you parents would prefer it if your children worried that you weren't going to take care of them? If they worried you weren't going to feed them, clothe them, allow them to enjoy life, that you were going to forget about them...How often do we worry about those types of things? How often do we not trust that our Father in heaven cares for us?

Why get dressed when pajamas will suffice?

Here's one of my super-comfy, kid-friendly, yet stylish pieces of wrist-wear for mamas who need to add a little sumpin-sumpin to their jeans and t-shirt uniform. (This is what I was referring to in my profile nutshell when I mentioned my inability to be concise....because, let's be honest, this is a bracelet. It's a sweet bracelet.) Check it out over at Etsy :)













If you are also a stay-at-home parent, I wonder, how many days do you not get out of your pajamas? I'm brand new to this world, and I'm afraid what with having an online shop and being with someone who wouldn't mind being naked all day (my 18 month-old) that my motivation to change into clothes is going to dwindle to nearly nothing.

**I just added a description of myself to my brand new Twitter account (this interweb is really something, huh?) and it took 7 tries to get my description concise enough. 7 times of being told I made an error for saying too much. Ay.

Well, well, well, look who has a new blog.

Hmmm...what will this little blog become? Probably just peeks in at what I'm doing on any given day. Be it cooking (gasp), baking (double gasp), sewing, sanding, painting, drawing, teaching Ellis something cool (like what a caterpillar says), thrifting, craft-showing, gardening...those are the more notable things in my life. I'll try to keep the photos of me watching tv, cutting my toenails, and cleaning up cat vomit to a minimum.