A Moment in Front of the Camera

I often write about our escapades with Dani and our battle with her disabilities. I do this because I am convinced it helps others who are in the same situation. I also share about my husband and his godly wisdom, guidance, and support through all our years together. I don’t, however, speak much about our son, Drew. Though fun, intelligent, creative, and kind, Drew is actually quite shy, so out of respect I keep a lid on many things I would otherwise love to write about. It’s just something a mother must do.

His college major supports his natural tendency. Like my husband, who is a professional photographer, Drew feels most comfortable behind the camera and has thus chosen a major in film. Avoiding the front of a lens as if it were the plague, his true joy is found behind the camera, which is why getting any kind of a picture of him is akin to striking gold. We happened to hit the jackpot Easter weekend when my husband snapped a picture of him on the deck, as a result I am proud as a peahen (that’s a girl peacock). Why am I happy? Because I treasure something very special about our son Drew. His ability to communicate.

Jimmy and I will never fully know Dani due to her disabilities. She cannot talk or share her feelings and because of this we must wait until we all get to heaven to meet her fully. This privilege, however, has not been stolen from us when is comes to our son, which is why we never take it for granted. I absolutely love talking with Drew to hear how he feels, what he's planning, how he thinks, and what his opinions are. It simply fascinates me to hear him express himself and I thank God for every moment I get the honor to do so.

It's tempting to mute our children by telling them to be quiet or tune them out as we go about doing our own thing. We think they either have nothing to say or what they say is unimportant, failing to understand what a privilege it is that they can express themselves. It is something we often take for granted, at least until it's taken away.

If you haven't stopped to marvel at your child's ability to communicate, take the time to listen to them today. Pay attention to what they say and thank God for their ability to think, reason, and express themselves. It is a gift that enriches life beyond measure. Treasure every word your child says, pray for them without ceasing, and savor the moment, for one day it could all be gone.

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4 a.m. Surprise!

Thump…thump…thump…thump! My heart was racing as I whipped my head out from under the covers. Vibrations on the bedroom floor woke me from a dream that I was trying to find a dressing room in a department store. Asking the sales clerk where I could try on my assortment of clothes, I was shocked to see she led me to a men’s single bathroom! Too stunned to question her guidance I figured it was all she had available, so I entered the room, locked the door, and commenced searching for a clean place to drop my belongings. That’s when the tremors began.

Relieved to be rescued from the men’s bathroom, I opened my eyes to see the source of this predawn quake. It was Dani, at the foot of my bed, marching like a soldier. Scantily clad in only her night top, underpants, and one sock, she was getting dressed for her day at the workshop. Too happy to contain her joy, she decided to join me in my bedroom.

Pulse still pounding, I crawled out of bed and escorted my half naked bright-eyed baby back to bed. “Just a few more hours sissy. Then you can go to work,” I whispered in her ear as I covered her up and headed back to bed.

Now, I gotta say. I’ve been woken up in the middle of the night by many things. Crying babies, a full bladder, Jimmy snoring, hot flashes, the neighbor’s house alarm, barking dogs, and thunder and lightening to name a few, but this is the first time I woke to the beat of marching. Having worked nights at the hospital for many years when the kids where young, I covet a good nights sleep. This, however, was worth the wake. What a joy to know Dani loves work so much she’d get up at 4am to go. It makes my job of assisting her during this time of adjustment a whole lot easier.

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Some Good News and Some Bad...

Dani’s testing was complete and I sat with the director of the workshop to see if she had gotten the job. “Well, I have some good news and I have some bad. The good news is we want to hire Dani. We feel she is very smart and can do a good job. The bad news is she’ll need a lot of one-on-one assistance and since we are hiring a total of ten individuals, she will need to be hired last. We’ll hire Dani, but she won’t start work until the end of summer.”

With her words still ringing in my ear, my mind reflected on the events of the last two weeks. Hives from head to toe, anorexia, weight loss, and utter hopelessness over a mere five week wait for this evaluation; surely an additional five-month delay would prove to be detrimental for Dani, not to mention me.

As panic began to saturate every fiber of my being, I heard myself desperately suggest, “Is there anyway I can bring her here to work a couple of days a week and be her one-on-one until she adapts to the routine?” My question surprised even me, but the director’s response proved to be equally astonishing, “Sure. I don’t see why not.”

In an instant my world took a breakneck turn. After weeks of allowing myself to entertain the idea of being foot loose and fancy-free once Dani went off to work, I was instead reeling from the notion I would be joining the workforce with her. How long would this last? When will I find time to write and work for my ministry? Why Lord? Why must I give even more? I had a litany of questions for God and by sunset I was struggling with second, third, and fourth thoughts as I questioned what I had gotten myself into.

Then Easter came. The Holiest of holidays marked by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and I found myself humbled by the reality of how little was actually being required of me. After all, it was His sacrifice that has set me free. Free to live full and complete in Him; none of which involves suffering or death. A simply short-term inconvenience, that’s all this is. Couldn’t I do this small thing for my child after all Jesus has done for me?

Yes, Lord. I can do this for her and I commit to do it with peace, joy, and gladness, for I know this is how You would respond. Help me to share Your goodness in all I do so I may be a blessing to those I meet and work with at her workshop. Thank you for Your sacrifice that was perfect and complete. You have risen! You have risen indeed! I choose to rise to the occasion as well.

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Happy 7 Month Birthday Ecclesiastes!

Back To School...Intermediate Dog Training

A quick review of the basics. No jumping...and you get a treat.


INTERMEDIATE CLASS OF 2008
Three Students Total:

"TEDDY"
Ecclesiastes' 80lb German Shepherd friend from puppy class.




"BELLA"
Ecclesiastes' petite 13lb girlfriend. They met in puppy class and still love each other to bits.




"ECCLESIASTES"
Pooped on his first day back to school, my 7 month old sugar cookie weighed in at 67lbs.

Dani's Day of Testing

I could hardly sleep last night knowing today would be Dani’s long awaited first day at the workshop. She’ll be going in for a day of testing to see which job best suites her and our family is absolutely thrilled!

We’ve watched her become more and more despondent over the last two weeks as she waited for what’s seemed like an eternity to begin work. She quit eating, lost 7lbs, moaned and groaned continually, became one humongous hive, and had me so worried I took her to the doctor twice. On our second visit the doctor confessed he couldn’t find a thing wrong with her. That’s when we knew stress was getting the better of her and it was time to begin treating her mind!

Since Dani is such a visual person, I decided last week to driver her by the workshop. Maybe seeing the place would reignite her optimism. Slowly we drove past the building as I lifted my camera and snapped a picture and though it made me feel a bit like a private detective, there was nothing secretive venture that day. The mission was clear, my daughter needed hope and she needed it pronto.

Arriving back home I quickly printed off the picture and placed it above the calendar on her bedroom door. We placed a smiley face sticker on Tuesday March 18th, her testing day, and marked off the days to the current day. “Look Dani! We only have four days until you go to work! Isn’t that fantastic?” Though not enthusiastic at the time, her demeanor slowly began to change as we marked off each passing day, and by yesterday she was smiling, happy, and eating just like the good old days. Hope had been restored! The picture and calendar had done the trick.

Now I must go get us both ready for this big day. Dani slept like a log but I am nervous as a cat. I suspect some dear prayer warrior prayed peace over her and forgot to cover me. At any rate it's time to keep the faith and move forward. I’ll keep you posted.

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Broken and Beautiful

Last week was one of the worst weeks I’ve ever had. Dani’s hives hit an all-time high, which in turn flared her Autism to the max. With Jimmy back to work traveling full-time, I had no help and by the end of the week I was ready to pull my hair out. Things seemed to go from bad to worse and with Dani coming down sick, Saturday proved to be the icing on the cake.

Jimmy had a photography class to attend, which meant I had to take Dani with me to Ecclesiastes puppy graduation. She didn’t feel well, but it was his graduation and I didn’t want to miss. Fully aware it might not be a good idea I gave it try, and it wasn’t a good idea at all. We ended up bolting from class twice so she could go the restroom to vomit.

Last week was simply the worst. It was so bad I couldn’t help but wonder why I didn’t break. You know, go over the deep end and do something drastic like run away. I was literally pushed to the proverbial edge, yet somehow never broke. Furthermore, I knew I wouldn’t and the notion of this perplexing fact amazed me so much, that after some prayer and pondering, I came to a conclusion. I didn’t break because God was breaking me.

You see when we snap or go over the deep end, it’s because we are attempting to handle the pressures of life in our own human strength. As each trial mounts atop our shoulders we become more and more unstable and begin to melt down mentally, physically, and emotionally. That’s when we do drastic things like run away, have an affair, overspend, overeat, or end it all.

Being broke, on the other hand, is when God lovingly and methodically tears down our old self in order to build us anew. It is just as painful, but it involves great purpose and benefit. In His hands we are pealed, stripped, poked, and prodded, then molded into a new creature designed for His perfect work and will. The most wonderful thing is that though He breaks us, He never leaves us broken, which is why I love Mark Schultz’s song entitled, “Broken and Beautiful.” How true this is. There is nothing more beautiful than a child of God broken, rebuilt, and renewed in Him.

Dear sister if you feel as though you are going to snap, take it to God. Never attempt to handle things on your own or you will eventually crack. Instead, allow yourself to be broken under His skilled hand. Give Him all your wants, desires, fears, and disappointments. If you are angry, tell Him. He already knows. If you don’t understand what He is doing in your life, share that with Him as well, then ask Him to reveal His will for your life. If you are tempted to do something drastic or extreme, you are working in your own power and need to give it all to God. Trust me, you can do it!

Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the LORD says — He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

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Graduation Day!

Ecclesiastes graduated from Puppy Class today. We'll have two weeks off before beginning Intermediate classes, then back to work again. Rest up pup!

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Follow Him

John 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

When I decided to get a dog I prayed for one that would be endlessly devoted to our family. He needed to be gentle, selfless, and even-tempered. I chose a male Labrador because, if there is any difference between the two, females can be more distant and independent. When picking from the litter, I chose Ecclesiastes because he fit the bill. He was a submissive yellow male Lab at sixteen weeks, and continues to love each member of the family immensely. He rarely chooses to be alone, which during this puppy stage is quite handy. He doesn’t realize it, but his desire to be with us serves as a constant baby monitor. Someone always has an eye on him and it’s fabulous!

His dedication frustrates me a bit though. I always feel bad when he lays at my feet asleep and gets up to follow me out of the room. It doesn’t matter if he’s fast sleep, if I walk out of the room for a moment, he will follow. I’ve tried saying, “You can stay there Ecclesi, I’ll be right back,” but he follows anyway.

His dedication frustrates me for another reason. It puts mine to shame. When he’s chewing a bone, eating, or playing with a toy and leaves it all to follow me, it's convicting. I invariably ask myself, “Do I stop what I am doing to follow God when He begins to move? Or, do I watch Him go ahead as I remain in my comfort zone?” The truth, dear sister, is in order to serve God we must follow Him, which involves countless interruptions, changes, and moving beyond our comfort zone. A true servant of God seeks to be with Him no matter the cost or inconvenience. She sticks by His side watching His every move and gladly moves ahead with her Lord and Master. Her desires are second to His and as a result, she receives honor.

There is no question that God brought Ecclesi into my life for reasons far beyond that of being a companion. Though cute, furry, and fun, he's a four-legged reminder of the servant I must strive to be. Who would have thought a canine could be so convicting.

P.S. – Shortly after this was written, Ecclesiastes chewed up the remote control to our Bose stereo! Apparently his built in baby monitor was working at the time.

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A Must Read

I just finished a wonderful book by Jennifer Rothschild entitled, "Self Talk, Soul Talk, What to Say When You Talk to Yourself." Oh how I wish I could have read this in my earlier years. It is simply fabulous. Honest and transparent, Jennifer shares her struggles with negative and degrading inner dialogues that often plagues her. She shares how to counter these destructive thoughts, which is based on Philippians 4:8, “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

I suppose I love this book because misery loves company. Finally, a book that deals with the true issues we face in life, yet so rarely talk about. Pointing out the wise words of Solomon, Jennifer uncovers the power our inner dialogue has over us. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7 NASB) How utterly true! What we say to ourselves deep inside ultimately determines who we become. When we think negative thoughts, we pull ourselves down. But, when we meditate on God’s truth and recite it to ourselves repeatedly, we bloom and grow beyond measure.

It’s taken me a while to finish this book because I was so busy highlighting sentences, tabbing pages, writing on note cards, and turning to my Bible for further study. My once pristine "Self Talk, Soul Talk" book now looks more like a workbook, all because I don’t want to forget a thing.

If you battle low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, this book is a must read. You can visit Jennifer’s website to read an excerpt and purchase your own copy at www.jenniferrothschild.com. Enjoy!

Visit Nancy's Website: Olive Leaf Ministries

Soul Cleaning

Shortly after we got our puppy, wouldn’t you know, the vacuum broke. Now, I can live without my oven, the toaster, and even a DVD player for a while, but a vacuum? No way. Ranked high with the coffee pot, microwave, curling iron, and cell phone, my upright is one modern convenience I have no desire to live without.

Our old machine was a good one, until the day it died. Then, suddenly, in the middle of the living room it began to smell like burning rubber and blew the housebreaker. I called Jimmy to the scene where he promptly pronounced it dead. Within three hours we had completed our research on the best vacuums to buy, picked out a model, gotten dressed, and was heading to Sears.

We decided to go bag-less, so we chose a vacuum that uses cyclone power. After a little assembly Jimmy was soon testing it on the same turf that had taken the old one’s life. To our utter amazement, this high-powered machine not only worked, it worked extremely well. On its maiden voyage it collected an entire canister full of dirt and fur!

My reaction to the efficiency of this contraption has been a surprise. On one hand I’m thrilled to know our home is cleaner than ever, but on the other I’m embarrassed at how much this thing collects. Instead of our “private dirt” being sucked into a bag, sight unseen, I must face the reality of what inhabits my home. I’m happy with how good it works, but the truth hurts. I really am a neat and tidy person, but to look at my vacuum you'd never know.

My mindset has changed since we bought this humbling appliance too. As I watch the debris collect in the clear container, I am reminded of my sin and the importance of daily confession. Without daily cleansing, we too become like a filthy carpet, dingy and soiled from lack of care. With this in mind, I pray a lot while vacuuming. “Lord cleanse me of my sin. More importantly, help me see my sin so I can confess it and weed it out of my life. Make me fresh and new in the power of your Spirit and use me to do a good work.”

Perhaps you don’t like to vacuum the carpet. It’s one of those things few of us find invigorating. If this describes you, I encourage you to use the time to pray. As you clean your carpet, cleanse and refresh your soul as well. Then empty the canister and start anew with God. You’ll be amazed at what a good soul cleaning will do!

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Sunday Morning Snow!

Another storm blew through...then the glory of God shone bright! Like a Holy kiss good morning, the beauty of God's creation awaited us at the dawn of this new day. As if going to church to worship Him wasn't privilege enough, He was gracious to blessed us with an extra measure of His majesty.

Psalms 145:7 "They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."



Time to play before mom and dad go off to church.



Full Speed Ahead.


Done!


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Happy Birthday Ecclesiastes!

My little golden sugar cookie with two chocolate chip eyes and a big prune nose is six months old today!

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Cabin Fever in Kansas City

I distinctly remember the weatherman predicting a mild winter. But nothing could have been further from the truth. We’ve had more snow, sleet, and freezing rain this winter than I can recall in years. Today is no exception. It may not look bad, but it's extremely slick outside and with area schools and events closed again, I too, have had to cancel my day’s events.

To keep myself busy I vacuumed the carpet, washed three loads of laundry, and worked on my ministries’ outreach. Now, it’s noon and I’m bored. As I hopped into the shower to warm up, I had a thought. “The blog! Yes! There must be others just like me homebound by this vast storm. I’ll send my ladies a note. After all, misery loves company. Right?”

If you’re stuck somewhere, for whatever reason, I hope you find cause to celebrate. I can’t tell you how quickly my boredom vanished when I thought of you. And no sooner from smiling at the thought of you did other blessings come to mind. “Oh, how thankful I am that Ecclesiastes (our pup) is calmer today than he was yesterday. Today he's mellow yellow! Thank you, Lord. And Dani is in such a good mood. What a pleasure to be stuck at home with her on this cold winter day. And the appointment I had to cancel for today was easily rescheduled for Monday. Thanks to God for taking care of that.”

If you’ve come down with a little bit of cabin fever yourself, let me encourage you to think of something good. You don’t have to come up with a long list, just think of one. Then, like bait at the end of a fishing line, more pleasant and fond thoughts will come naturally. Thank God for your job, health, family, and friends. Simple as each may seem, added together, they greatly enrich our lives. Determine to praise God for all that is good in your life. I promise you it will lift your spirit!

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Guardianship Complete

I was close to tears before I took the stand. All I could think to myself was, “Don’t cry! Whatever you do don’t cry or they’ll think you don’t want to do this.”

There was something about the formality of requesting guardianship of our daughter that made it so serious and somber. In reality nothing was going to change. My husband and I would continue to do the things we’ve done for Dani since the day she was born, but in order to continue, we had to appear before a judge and ask for permission.

I took the stand first and was nervous as a cat. Raising my right hand I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…so help me God, then sat down behind the microphone and explained our case. With relative ease the judge confirmed Dani’s need for a guardian and soon we were on our way home, continuing as before.

Today felt like the halfway mark in our lives. While other parents our age are visiting colleges, planning marriages for their children, and even awaiting grandchildren, we acquire guardianship and prepare a will. Instead of pricing dorms, we contemplate caregivers, adult care facilities, and co-guardians. I never dreamt in my late forties these would be my main concerns, but they are and they weigh heavy on my mind.

I’d be worried sick if it weren’t for the knowledge that God has a plan. Psalms 72:4 assures me that God defends the weak and needy, and I trust this truth with all my heart. Our God has a great love toward all who love Him and His faith endures forever. (Psalms 117) He will not forget or neglect our little girl a single day of her life, and this gives me tremendous peace and comfort as I enter into the latter half of my life.

I don’t know what decisions you face today with your child. They may be as joyful as waiting for that special grandchild, or as painful as a terminal disease. Whatever they are, trust in God’s plan for your child. Never worry or fret, instead turn to Him and pray!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Our Day in Court

We hired a lawyer to represent ourselves and the court assigned an attorney to represent her. The date was set and today is the day, so off to court we go.

We haven’t done anything wrong. I wasn’t caught speeding and I don’t have any outstanding parking tickets. The only thing that happened was the birth of our daughter, nineteen years ago. Born deaf, Autistic, and Failure to Thrive, she is completely unable to care for herself. She cannot defend herself or express some of her simplest desires and needs a guardian to care for her every need, which is why we are going to court.

When Dani was born we thought what all parents think when they have children. We assumed she’d grow up to eat pizza, watch movies with her friends, head off to college, and then settle down with the man of her dreams. But for Dani this will never happen and today serves to confirm this sobering fact.

I won’t deny that I yearn for our little girl to be normal, but I’ve long since learned that I can’t have all the things I want in life, even some which I deem noble and good. The will of God spans far deeper and wider than my finite mind can comprehend and my job is not to try to change His will, but rather to do what Christ has called me to do, reflect the image of His Father. I do this by caring for our daughter as best I can. As I commit myself to her, I reflect what He does for me. Not my will, but His will be done. This is the lesson that’s taken me nineteen years to learn.

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The Tour

Our tour of the workshop yesterday went wonderfully. My husband, Jimmy, said he knew from the moment he walked in the door that it was the right place for our daughter. The program director showed us all areas Dani could potentially work and the current projects they were working on at the time. I marveled at how well the employees worked, but above all was amazed at how productive each disabled individual was. Calm, happy, and hard working, they enjoyed what they were doing and appeared very satisfied.

Our daughter, Dani, was quite interested in the workshop too. After the tour, while walking to the car, Jimmy asked her if she would like to work there. She nodded “yes” and proceeded to have a peaceful look on her face the rest of the day. Clearly she craves to be productive like everyone else.

The workshop has agreed to hire Dani, but we still have hurdles to overcome. She must learn to be more independent in areas such as toileting and completing tasks for the job, but we trust God will help her reach these new heights set before her. Truth be told, Jimmy and I have limited her ability to do many things. As one who is a bit of a perfectionist, I often do things for her to get them done right the first time. I don’t let her learn from trial and error and now see how wrong it’s been to hamper her in this way. From here on out, however, we are turning over a new leaf and handing the reigns over to her. She seems excited about the whole prospect of working on her own and to be honest, Jimmy and I are quite exited too. Surely the Lord will guide, strengthen, and protect our little “Mephibosheth!”

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A Tour of the Workshop

Today is February 4, 2008. Back in December of 2006, a dear friend gave me Max Lucado’s book “Facing Your Giants” for Christmas. I never read a book I don’t feel God is leading me to read, and though I felt God wanted me to read this, I didn’t feel the time was right. As a result, it’s sat by my “prayer chair” for over a year, until last week when I felt compelled to pick it up and begin reading.

I shared in my book “Freedom” that I pray particular Bible characters over each of my family members. I pray for God to help Jimmy be a Joseph, the young man thrown into the well by his brothers who succeeded against such terrific odds. I pray for the Lord to bless our son Drew with great strength and faith as he did Daniel in Babylon, and I pray for God to protect and provide for our little disabled Danielle the way He cared for Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth.

I cried uncontrollably today as I read chapter 14 “Tough Promises” as Max shares heartwarming examples of God’s unfailing love throughout history, one of which was the story of Mephibosheth. It touched me so deeply, because today my husband and I are going to visit a workshop for the disabled, which we think the Lord is leading Dani to work. With fears and anxieties running through our heads, concern for her safety and happiness is paramount. I can’t tell you how awful it is to have a child who cannot tell you how she feels, how her day went, or what she likes or does not like. Sending her out from under our protective wings is by far one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.

But, as I read chapter 14 in this book that’s been waiting for me for over a year, God breathed new hope in my heart as I read Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” This promise is for me and do you know how I know this? Because, I love the Lord with all my heart and this promises that He is faithful to those who love Him! He has a grand and mighty plan for our family and will no doubt protect, provide, and watch over His little disabled lamb all of her days. I find utmost comfort in this knowledge.

Well dear ones. It’s time to dry my eyes, make some coffee, and get ready for the day. We have to be at the workshop in three hours. Please pray for us as we navigate these unchartered waters. With God as our captain, it will no doubt be a little scary, but a whole lot rewarding!. That’s just the way He works! I’ll keep you posted on what happens on the tour.

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Loving Well Conference

Oh ladies! I just completed a Beth Moore conference today held at my church called “Loving Well” and we had a marvelous time. Presented on DVD, women from all over the Kansas City, Missouri area attended the conference and was blessed. We explored an issue everyone faces at one time or another, loving those who are difficult to love. We learned about the four different kinds of people we are called to love: those who are a joy to love, those who are a bit testy, those who far from us such as strangers, and those who are our foe. She explained each in hilarious fashion and left everyone with much to think about.

The most awe-inspiring truth I walked away with from the conference is the fact God is love. For Him it is not an emotion that comes and goes or depends on how we act. It is who He is. Steady, strong, enduring, and abundant. God is love. With that said, as He seeks to abide in us, His essence of love should live in and through us more and more each day. It should be seen by and shown to those we encounter, even those most difficult to love.

Sisters. This is one touching and insightful conference; one I recommend to you all. If you are women’s group leader or know someone who is, let them know about this conference. It will be a terrific eye opener!

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Onion Goggles

While driving down the road to pick up my friend Debbie (who I wrote about in the prior blog) I burst out laughing as the DJ on the radio listed off the current kitchen utensils everyone must have. The top three were: collapsible funnels, collapsible strainers, and last but not least…onion goggles! Yes…onion goggles. When I heard those two words together I lost it as I envisioned the look on my neighbor’s face as he pulls his truck into his garage and catches a glimpse of me in my kitchen window wearing goggles. Would he hit the wall, brake hard, or give it gas? I don’t know but his expression would be priceless.

As handy and needed as onion goggles may be, I could never dawn such kitchen apparel. They’d surely mess up my hair and knock my contacts off center. With that in mind I still wonder what they cost and how many have been sold. After all, even though I’ve never heard of such a thing, they made their way onto national radio.

The creativity of man is a marvelous thing. The human mind is so ingenious it never ceases to amaze me, which prompts me to ask, have you ever wondered how people dream up the things they do? How can man be so creative? Well Genesis 1:27a tells us exactly how, “...God created man in his own image...” There we have it. The answer is simple. Inventions, gadgets, and discoveries come from the fact we were created in the image of God, which means our God is extremely creative, fun, inventive, and purposeful. He knows all things, made all things, and is forever full of wonderful surprises. That’s what makes Him a breathtaking God! Never boring, dull, or monotonous, our God is the Father of all inventions; we are simply tools that reflect that image.

Dear sister let's give Him the glory for onion goggles and all the other things man has invented over the years. And, may we give special thanks to Him for giving His Son Jesus who died on the cross so that we may be saved for eternity. No more tears, no more suffering, no more onions, and no more goggles. Praise His Holy Name!

Visit Nancy's Website: Olive Leaf Ministries