The Glass is Half Full

This past week contained a two and a half day Migraine bender. One converse-blessing about getting migraines, it makes me SO appreciative of when I feel good, and what that feels like. It accentuates what if feels like to be me.

You all know the proverbial question, "Do you see the glass as half full, or half empty?" I've always been more of a half full kind of girl. Lately, that has exhibited itself in my feeling drawn to all kinds of projects. (Unfortunately, cooking has not been among them, but I trust that the lulls will eventually rebound, so I am patient with myself in this regard - and ask the patience of my family as well.) ;p Sometimes there just seems to be so much that I want to do, to grab onto, to incorporate into the remaining days I have in my time here. They're probably small potatoes compared to other's dreams and aspirations. I don't desire to become a body-builder, or begin an orphanage in a third world country, or in any way make my mark on this life for all the world to see. But I yearn.... I yearn to fill and be filled.

What has topped my list have been things of a more intangible nature. My parents will be coming for a visit, for one. I have had ideas tumbling around in my head that I need to put on paper for what I want to do while they are here, new places we have found that I want to show my Mom. I just heard of a French Bakery near our church where they serve pastries and creme brulee 24 hours a day - we simply must investigate! Light frivolities, perhaps, but these moments will remain after the visit, sweet in our minds like sugar on our lips. We will savor them long after their time here has passed, and I so my anticipation is two-fold.

Reading has been another priority of indulgence lately. A self-professed bookworm since as far back as I can remember... side track memories - my mother reading fairy tales to me; my favorites were Babushka and the story of Snow White and Rose Red. My first BIG WORD was mystery, and my first grade teacher was always telling me to slow down during read-aloud time. I consumed Gone With the Wind during the summer just before I turned ten, and learned the following summer that books are always better than movies, no offense to Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable.... ok, back to the now. I have been compulsively gratifying my reading desire these days. The Bible, cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, devotionals, blogs, scholarships, travel suggestions, e-mails. Reading has so monopolized my time that the American Constant, television, has had very little space in my waking hours. Radio has actually been it's second. Partnered with reading, and rearranging my daughters' schedules so that it's presence is ensured in their days as well, has been re-tackling the craft of writing with them. A year ago or so, I stumbled across a delightful writing curriculum titled, Jump In! Utilizing the workbook and coupling it with my enthusiasm for the art, provides a real zest to my energies. I love the written word!

The Nutritional Education category of my blog contains some of what I have been processing and adding to my life on this front. For those of you who have not listened to Cheeseslaves' podcast from the past week - there is much to digest there. I'm still working on it. And I am quite excited about the upcoming online classes I've signed up for with Wardeh at GNOWFLINS.

On the spiritual front, I have been praying over an opportunity presented at Girltalk. February 1st marks the beginning of a 28 day challenge, and although I am a devout non-overachiever dedicated to striving for simplicity amid the commotion of life, I have felt led to participate in both. The first is the 5 O'Clock Club. I have long adhered to the belief that among those earthly delights that give us a foretaste of heaven, lie bubble baths and sleep. However, the Lord has been impressing upon me for a time now (you know how He does that), that my day needs to begin sooner than I've been rising. So, my hand had to go up... eventually... to this one. Those words the Lord gave us, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" were penned for just such times as these.

The other was actually easier to step up to. It's the FAM Club, and is intended to be a one-meal-a-week fast for the salvation of family members. My daughters' salvation is my greatest hope for them, so Thursday's lunch will be given in prayer and fasting for my address before the King of Heaven.
'Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.' *
For this hope, I will fast and pray.

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.**

Whether I feel me or not, my cup truly is more than half filled. It overflows.

* John 3:3-6
**II Cor 1:5