Thoughts for Thursday

What am I cooking tonight? Nothing!  The kids are eating leftovers because Mr. Red and I are off to the Phillies game.  Let’s hope they win, I’ve had terrible luck lately.

What am I reading? Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.  I’ve had this thing for Russian novels lately, which means I don’t get through many books (I’m guessing they are all so long because what else do you do in Russia for 9 months of the year!)

What are my weekend plans? Running (I’m training for a 1/2 marathon in November), yardwork, and the farmers market on Saturday. On Sunday we are expecting Tex!  Can’t wait to see her and catch up!

What are my prayer intentions for the day? Praying hard for a 4 year old boy named Nathaniel who has an aggressive form of brain cancer.  Nathaniel’s Dad and I went to law school together.  They are an amazing family that has been given a very heavy cross.  I pray they receive their miracle.  Please remember them in your intentions.

What is one product that is making my life a little easier? New Crayola markers on sale for $1.00.  My kids love to draw and I love the independence.

What am I grateful for? My husband’s new job as an in-house attorney.  The hours are very kind to our family.  It’s amazing how much happier we are when Dad comes home for dinner.

What have I done for my marriage this week? Set aside time for Mr. Red.

What’s challenging me lately? My sweet beautiful baby Claire.  She isn’t interested in nursing during the day (only 10.5 months!!!) and she is refusing to take a 2nd nap!  At 4pm each day she begins to scream, and scream she does until her bedtime (which used to be 7pm and is now 6pm).   My nerves are shot at the end of it, and it really is amazing that such a sweet little girl can be so happy for the first part of the day, and so miserable at 4pm.

What is one task or project on my agenda for the week? Finishing my curriculum for a high school writing class I’m teaching at our local homeschool co-op.  This is a first for me, and I’m really looking forward to it.

Something that made me think? The diagnosis of our friends’ son with brain cancer (see above).  Nathaniel’s life reminds me daily that we are not in control, and that our present sufferings and crosses are often very small compared to what God asks of others.  I am humbled beyond measure at the grace and peace of his parents, and even more grateful for the amazing gift of my own children.  Nathaniel’s sufferings this week have born great fruit in my own soul, and I have never met little Nathaniel.