How sweet to be 1

One year ago today, God gifted to me what I had been waiting for all my life.

Long, long ago, I prayed for a little girl with whom I could share life's journeys. We would dream together, share joys and tears, and carry each other's burdens.

Happy Birthday Isobel! Your name means "God's promise," and wow, what a beautiful promise you are!

Watching history unfold

The earth is groaning. And right now her labor pains swell throughout the Middle East. For too long, the people have been downtrodden, humiliated and oppressed. But no more. They are fighting back. For dignity, for freedom, for their voices to be heard.

I'm moved as I watch and read about the revolutions happening in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan. Hundreds of thousands gathering in the streets and in front of government buildings, protesting corrupt and repressive regimes and demanding the removal of their despotic leaders. The images tell me a story about a region whose people are desperate for change.

But what kind of change hangs in the balance? Will power shift from one form of tyranny to another? Or will democracy take root and flourish? I believe my Middle Eastern brothers and sisters want the same things we all want: peace, freedom and opportunity. Most importantly, I think their uprising is a response to what lies at the core of every human being: to be treated with dignity.

I pray this revolution would bear good fruit. I pray the people's voices would be heard. I pray for the lives lost-- that they would not have died in vain.

Be like a child

One of my favorite rituals is prayer before bedtime with my 5-year-old. I have shared many sweet, intimate and vulnerable moments with my son, Caden. He's always teaching me something new about faith.

Jesus tells us to be more like children. The innocence of a child can burn away the dross of the world. I was reminded of this a few nights ago:

"Mommy, when I go to heaven I won't have to pray anymore because God is already there."

I was moved to tears. Caden has a profound understanding of God. He also know that there's something beautiful and perfect waiting for us beyond this life.

"I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven."

--Book of Matthew, Ch. 18, Verse 3

Blackberry bliss

So yummy.

Painted toes

When Caden wants me to paint his toenails, I usually convince him that "Boys only paint their big toes." (This way, I can selfishly delay any discussions about gender roles, societal norms, etc.)

But today, he got his way. "Why should girls have all the fun?" he asked.

Can't argue with that...