Paw Prints Along the Path

Have you ever had an experience where you realize that what you thought would be a seemingly mundane encounter with someone is instead a divine appointment perfectly orchestrated by God himself? I have a friend who likes to say that Aslan is on the move when she sees God at work in her life or in someone's close by. I love that image of the Lord quietly padding about my life watching, working, and always loving despite my frequent oblivion to it. I had a conversation today that reminded me of this image and I felt so thankful for those times the Lord allows us to see the tangible evidence of his presence - his paw prints if you will.

Our family has grown close to a woman who I'll call "Hope" since I wish that so much for this sweet lady. Hope lost her husband, the love of her life, suddenly, back in the fall. He was hunting with a friend and they had taken a break. Apparently the spot where they chose to rest was breathtakingly beautiful because it caused Hope's husband to ponder God's beauty and the splendor of His creation aloud to his friend. After that, Hope's beloved dropped to the ground suffering a heart attack. He died right there in the woods. August, who had known Hope and her husband for quite some time, was one of the first people Hope called that painful day.

Last night, August and I were discussing plans for Brayden's upcoming baptism. I was telling him that we needed to figure out what Brayden would wear for the occasion. For many reasons, this baptism is ultra-special and I wanted him to wear something special but had no ideas what that might be. Instantly August's face lit up as he remembered that Hope had a little business sewing heirloom special occasion infant and childrens' clothing.

I was a little hesitant to call Hope since the baptism is only 10 days away but I did it anyway knowing it was probably a long shot. When she realized why I was calling, she told me the story of how she had been in her sewing room when she learned of her husband's death and hasn't been able to go back there since. She shared that her family members have been nudging her to get back to sewing but she just hasn't felt ready. She has been waiting for some special occasion to get her over the hump and back into the sewing room. Apparently, Brayden's baptism is just that. Her joy at the idea of creating such a special garment for Brayden was palpable over the phone lines. We set a time to get together and talk about ideas for the baptismal gown.

After hanging up the phone, I stood there stunned at how much Hope and I had needed each other today and didn't even know it. What began as our family's need is also being used as a healing balm in Hope's heart.

God could have kept me in the dark today and I wouldn't have known the difference. Yet, instead, He lovingly allowed me to glimpse the paw prints and I'm so very glad.

36 Week Joy!

1. Thirty-six week joy is knowing that the baby could come anytime now and would likely be just fine.
2. Thirty-six week joy is having my family deceive me by telling me the reason I need to put on make-up and dress nicely today is because today is "picture day" - when we take the Easter shot that should have been taken last Sunday. (see belated Easter shot above)
   
3. Thirty-six week joy is having 13 of my dearest friends congregate in my garage preparing to overtake my family room - unbeknownst to me.
4. Thirty-six week joy is learning that my sweet family has known about this secret gathering for weeks and weeks and not whispered a peep.
   
5. Thirty-six week joy is having said friends take me by total surprise by parading into my house with gifts, treats, and hugs galore. (Good thing for "picture day" - see #2 above!!)
6. Thirty-six week joy is having my 13 year old daughter, who is becoming quite the young lady, in the same room with all of my other treasured friends.
   

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Prov. 17:22

My house was full of cheerful hearts today and, boy, was it good medicine! Thank you, friends!

32 WEEKS!!

You can bet we're celebrating around here. Our little guy has stayed tucked in one more week and continues to grow and swim happily! Woo Hoo! Just 6 (six?!) more weeks to go!!

A few respite reflections from the past week:

• When your confined to one spot, surrounded by your most essential things, and experiencing periods of solitude throughout the day, the people in your world become all the more precious. When they walk into the room, you put aside what you're doing and engage with them- not because you know you should but because they really are more important than your agenda. In fact, they have become your agenda and you're aware of how much you need them. From the time our girls were little, we've always told them people are more important than things. What was a family motto has become more of a heart reality for me. We need each other. We really do. We need to connect with our eyes, with our hearts, and with our touch. When other things are stripped away, the magnitude of our need for one another becomes starkly clear.
• I desperately need my friends' encouragement and help. I don't like to admit this because it's much more comfortable for me to be self-sufficient and in control. I don't like to ask for help and I don't like to be a burden. (That's my pride speaking in case it's not glaringly obvious!) Yet my friends are right there driving my kids to and fro, doing my shopping, feeding my family, being voices of hope, and praying incessantly. I couldn't "do" this without them.
• I used to pooh-pooh virtual friendships. And while I believe friendship is meant to thrive primarily in our tangible, local circles, God is showing me that there is much wisdom, encouragement, and care to be found in virtual relationships. For that, I'm very grateful.
• I miss Mass terribly. I have my bible, other wonderful reading and music at my disposal but it's not the Mass and I feel the void. Oh, how I look forward to being there again in that sacred place.
  
• My girls are GOLD. I always knew they were pretty special but I'm seeing them rise to the occasion in ways that I never would have expected. They can whip of the clutter in the kitchen faster than me now. They are growing in servanthood - recognizing needs and moving to meet them, often without being prompted.
  
• If my girls are gold, then my man is PLATINUM. I can't even put into words how much my admiration for August has grown. His faith-filled response to the increased burdens and needs on him leaves me in awe. And as he serves us faithfully and cheerfully, despite his own fatigue (I've never seen anyone fall asleep so fast - anywhere, anytime!), he is constantly encouraging me to keep my eyes on heaven throughout this ordeal.
  

"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.." Eph. 5:25

That's my man.

Comfort Food - Chicken Corn Chowder

That yummy goodness which you see in the bowl is my friend Susan's Chicken Corn Chowder or what I sometimes like to call "heaven-in-a-bowl". (I think the formal name for it may be Illinois Prairie Corn Chowder but Chicken Corn Chowder just rolls off the tongue a little easier.) And tonight, we had some. With every warm, delectable spoonful, I imagine her cutting, chopping, and slaving away just to bless is with this savory goodness. It's one of the yummiest soups I've ever had and that's why I'm sharing it here. Whenever I make this soup for folks I'm always asked for the recipe. One day, hopefully in the not-so-distant-future when she has her own blog, Susan can post the recipe there and receive her due credit. Until that day, however, I get to share the love.......

CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER

2 chicken breasts
1 cup diced carrots
2 cups heavy cream
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup uncooked rice
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 t. dried red pepper (or more if you like a lot of zing)
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans sweet corn
2 T parsley
1 Bay Leaf
salt and pepper

Cook and dice the chicken. Add water to cream of chicken soup until you have 8 cups; bring to a boil and add bouillon cubes. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, corn, red pepper and parsley, bay leaf, and rice to boiling mixture. Let simmer for 30 minutes covered. Add 2 cups heavy cream and heat on low, uncovered for about 15 minutes. Add chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This soup is even better leftover. It's a good thing, too, because we've got plenty left for tomorrow and I hear snow's coming our way! Thanks, Susan!!