On Grace

I'm feeling a bit sentimental this week and a little weepy (it's almost "that time"). So I will forgo any of my own thoughts and share a poem I read recently...and this is to you mom:

On Grace
Some people tell me I was free,
When I believed in Christ;
And by my power got victory,
When all the world enticed.
I think they did not know my heart,
Nor theirs. Let it be said,
That I for one had sought no part
In rising from the dead.
They wonder at the sovereign rights
That I allow my King,
And puzzle at the worship heights
To which his rule gives wing.
But I will rest in God's grace today
On this (I need no other);
He did not give me any say,
But chose for me my mother.

John Piper, in A Godward Life, part 2

Confessions of a Design Star junkie

hello friends. I have no deep thoughts today. I just wanted you to all know that I am a Design Star junkie. What does this mean? It means that I LOVE hgtv and especially Design Star. We don't have cable, but we can watch the episodes on our computer now. Actually, Mike and I both like watching. We discovered our similar interest in design one vacation some years ago. Now, when we do go on a vacation (or at home, on the week-ends) when Abigail is taking a nap, we watch! Sometimes I get a little sick of it, but usually I just can't wait to see more and learn more. The only problem is when I start pretending that I am a design star! Like today, I just decided to "clean out" Abigail's room. But it turned into an almost all day project of re-arranging furniture, toys, and we even painted! At least, she did get to help with some of it, so I didn't feel too guilty, like I ignored her all day.

Anyways, just thought you would like to know. And if you've never seen design star, or if you have, right now you can vote for Season 3's winner!