Thoughts on Cauliflower

The other day, I gave Jack some cauliflower. It wasn't the first time he'd eaten cauliflower, but maybe the second or third. He was sitting in his high chair in the kitchen, and I sprinkled a few florets on his tray. I turned for a minute or two to rinse some dishes in the sink, and when I turned back around to see how the Little Buddy was doing with his vegetables, his tray was clear! I was so proud! However, as my gaze widened, I found that Lulu the cat was enjoying a cauliflower on the floor nearby. (Note to self: Cats enjoy cauliflower.) I looked more carefully and found that, to my dismay, camoflaged on the white linoleum, was all of the cauliflower I had given to Jack. He had decided that he knew better what to do with his lunch than I. Throwing it on the ground proved much more fun than popping it in his mouth!
I began ruminating on this one as I heated some more cauliflower (to be dipped in spaghetti sauce this time--the all-powerful sauce of disguise). I wonder if this is how the Lord feels about me sometimes. I thought of the parable of the talents. The master gave three servants money to take care of in his absence. Two of the servants doubled the money by investment--wise use--and were able to give much back to the master. The third servant buried the money, afraid of losing it, and was only able to return to the master the same amount entrusted to him. The master told the first two servants, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." However, the master was quite angry with the third servant, who had to reap the consequence of his laziness. (This is all in Matthew 18 if you care to look it up.)
I am often like the third servant--like Jack. Mommy knew that Jack needed vegetables for lunch, but Jack did not use the vegetables Mommy gave him as she intended. He wasted them by deciding that he knew better how to use them. Instead of nourishment, they provided temporary entertainment. The third servant did not make the best use that he could with the resources that the master entrusted him with, so he could not give back to the master as he might have. I, too, do not make the best use of the resources God has entrusted with me. I am selfish with my time. I do not minister to others enough, I do not pray enough, and I do not study the Word as much as I should in my free time. I am selfish with my money. I find myself not wanting to give at church, wishing that money could stay in my checking account to be used as I wish. I am like the third servant; I am like Jack.
The cauliflower was a good reminder to me to be seeking the Lord's will in the use of my resources so that I can invest them in His kingdom and offer them back to Him... not because He needs anything from me, but so that I can glorify Him more and more, thereby entering more fully into the joy of my Master!

A Lizard and a Pumpkin Patch

On Tuesday we went to the pumpkin patch with my MOPS group. Here are a few pictures...




Jack was more excited about dirt clods than pumpkins, and he even decided to taste one (a clod, not a pumpkin).

Earlier in the month, while Joah was doing some yardwork, Jack and I found and caught a lizard (later to be safely released on the woodpile).
Jack wasn't too sure about that lizard... See how he looks at it...

Good Times!

Whew! We've had a busy few weeks!

It started with an unexpected Steven Curtis Chapman concert (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) That concert (and his recent loss) was a wonderful reminder that everything we have was given to us by the Lord, and we must not take for granted any blessing that He has given us!

And then a bachelorette party for Jodie...
Here are Jodie and Jamie--my cousins--at Va de Vi in Walnut Creek where the bachelorette party was held... They're so cute!

Here are Jamie and me with another cousin, Holly... With so much family stuff going on lately, it's been good to reconnect with Holly! She's a fun girl! I hope we can hang out more!
Then, as usual, a few days after the bachelorette party, the wedding! Here is the beautiful bride, wearing my veil (something borrowed!) and Uncle Pete, who looked very dashing and distinguished in his tux...
And eight friends at the reception. (Sorry--it's a little blurry if you double click.)
The girls at the reception: Kristin, Jamie, Celesta, Lindsay, Hollie, and me! (Jamie is wearing the bridesmaid dress--isn't it cute?!)
The cousins at the reception: Matthew, Jamie, Holly, Heather, Jodie, Ashley, and me! (Only missing David, the other boy, who was there earlier, but we missed him for the picture!) And no, I'm not pregnant, even though I look it in this picture-- just full of good food from Ralph's catering! If you ever take a picture with me, remind me not to stand sideways!

The family with Pamela, our new edition!, at Matthew and Pam's small reception, the day after Jodie and Drew's wedding...
Jack was (really Joah and I were) dedicated at church this morning. That afternoon, my parents invited friends and family over to their house for lunch. We were able to get a picture of Jack with his parents, his grandparents, and all of his great-grandparents! As Oksana Newhouse reminded me at church this morning, we are very blessed to have so many family members to support us, and all are believers. What a wonderful legacy for Jack!
Of course, while Jamie was in town, we had to get a "buddies" picture, as tradition demands!
I'm ready for things to slow down a bit now. We don't have much big on the calendar for a while, until Joah's 30th birthday or Thanksgiving, whichever comes first!