Chicken Party. Seriously...

I am getting chickens in T minus 2 days and counting. YAYY! Three pet chickens which will subsequently provide our family with eggs (in a few months when they begin laying, provided our bulldog doesn't eat them in the meantime). We are picking up the coop from my sister-in-law's parents' house on Thursday. A completely pre-made and intact coop. Her parents are getting out of the chicken business. And the chickens are being donated by my good friend (whom I respectfully refer to as "the boss" ) Kim Thomas. In any case, I have decided that I must be a country girl after all. I have a (albeit really really tiny) garden, and (eventually) a yard full of kids, and as of two days, chickens. Well, okay, maybe not a farmer. Need a tractor or something for that. Perhaps a cow. Not likely. Oh well, I do knit. That's farmy, right?

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Johnmark,
I love you so much. You are my hero, my lover, and my best friend. I care for you more deeply than I ever thought possible. You embody the love of our Savior to me. You are humble, self-sacrificing, patient, and gentle. You lead me with grace, and by your strength in the Lord's faithfulness. You care for our children with a steady balance of discipline and love. You bring the Gospel of Christ to them. You teach us all with your example of servant-leadership. You imitate Christ in your love for the Church. You listen. You are slow to anger. I can not imagine life apart from you, and I trust by God's amazing grace that your spiritual fruit will only muture and sweeten as we continue to walk the road home together. I love you,

Taylor

Lots of Things

That is the title of the email JM sent me last Monday. It is an accurately blurry description of my recent life. And although I am completely exhausted at the moment, I did want to share a moment of clarity that I had about half an hour ago. I was walking through the kitchen carrying my sleeping Tabby to lay her down for an overdue nap. I glanced at what was left of the lunch I almost got to eat earlier in the day (which I am now consuming while blogging...veggie lasagna, by the way). I realized at that moment how wonderful and comfortable my life was. I have delicious (albeit leftovers) food to eat. I can choose whatever I want for a meal. I can go to the grocery store (like I did this morning) and splurge on a piece of chocolate cake, or some sparkling water (I bought both today). I can come home to my quiet, air-conditioned house that smells like clean (and unfolded) laundry and rest for a while before my kids wake up. I had a bath today. With wonderful Melaleuca shampoo (more later on that topic). My husband, bless God, wanted to work extra hard today, so he could come home early and give me a nap. What kind of husband is that wonderful?! Besides all of that, I have had so much time to read Scripture today. What amazing grace our Lord gives us. After reading several chapters each of Exodus, Job, Luke, and 1 Cor.(I am trying to catch up on my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan), I realized how much I have that I don't deserve, and how much I take for granted, and how much God loves and takes care of me anyway. I believe I will be among the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but wow. I am a citizen of it. My heart's cry is that I would become less on this earth, so that my glory could be in Heaven, and God's glory in all.