Soul Carving

Since I last posted: We've discovered we're going to have another little one join our family. I've spent 2 months enduring grueling morning sickness and effectively hiding from the world until emerging relieved and thankful at the start of my second trimester. I've taken part in a world-wide conference where I obtained inspiration on how to find happiness and fulfill my own, unique destiny. (As a result of the conference, I've also discovered a latent super-power which I'm learning to hone!) I've started a Women's Scripture Study group in my community which meets weekly to discuss truths learned from God's word. My sweetheart and I have celebrated 16 years of marriage. We've driven nearly 3,400 miles across seven states to visit family.  I've published another article at A Voice of Gladness detailing my personal experiences learning about God's grace.  I've also done about 100 loads of laundry, ch...

This is what 34 weeks along with baby # 7 looks like: A big belly since baby girl is growing rapidly, (I've actually gained 4 lbs since this picture was taken) and a smirk, because I'm happy to be having another little one join the fam, but annoyed at pretty much anyone and everything else. Life is good, even though most of it is either too personal or too chaotic to allow me to share much of it here on the blog. But here are 2 truths (and no lies) I'm learning right now: 1. God is patient. And you should be, too. With yourself, your family, your co-workers, and that idiotic driver in front of you. Practice patience. Be happier. 2. Human bodies are a-maz-ing. Don't criticize them, and don't abuse them. Take some time to reflect and thank your body for all it does for you, even if it's not what you hoped it would do. (there's something else to be patient with - your own body!) That's all for now. Over and out. Choose happiness.

       Ever read the novel "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens? Neither have I. But I know part of the story. A poor boy, known as Pip, with no connections to speak of, is granted sponsorship from an anonymous benefactor which allows him, among other things, to study at the University and make something better of his life than he would have otherwise been able to.        In a very real sense, I know my Heavenly Father has great expectations for me -- 6 to be exact. Richard and I found out about 4 months ago that we will soon be blessed with a new addition to our family!  I feel much how I imagine the hero of Dickens' novel must have felt. I saw the two lines on my pregnancy test and initially felt absolute shock. (It's absurd, really. I mean, I wouldn't be taking a test unless I had some suspicion that I might be pregnant, so why am I always so surprised when I see the positive result? I think in part it's because I've known the c...