Diapers and Autonomy

Today's brief post on Conversion Diary is worth clicking on to read in its entirety; the quote below sums it up pretty well:

But to buy into that mentality, the idea that I would be happier and my life would be better if I could just do whatever I want all the time, would be to fall back into the spiritual morass I found myself in before my conversion to Christianity.  As I’ve said many times before, one of the most shocking truths I discovered when I converted to Christianity was that autonomy is not the path to happiness. The golden calf that I spent most of my life worshiping turned out to be a dead idol. I always thought that the secret to a fantastic life was to optimize on getting as much autonomy as possible so that I could do whatever pleased me, whenever I felt like doing it. Boy was I surprised when I found out that that kind of life left me amused but not deeply happy, and that the only source of real happiness — of joy — is God. And you only need to glance at a crucifix to be reminded that God is the God of self-sacrifice.

My Life Changing Diapers

Leave out the atheist phase while substituting "pride" for "laziness" and changing the numbers to reflect our ten years of parenting six sanctifying blessings, and this post could be mine.  However, Jen has once again said it better than I could.

Recent Sundays

Last Sunday was cookie baking with Emily.  Thanks for the flamingo kit, Uncle Stan!

This Sunday was Grandad's 59th birthday.
I wonder why the little granddaughters wanted in his lap.

When we need some entertainment, Daddy performs magic tricks--after his nap, of course.

Mommy's trying to learn magic, too, but just can't seem to get the hang of it.

Facing the Last Enemy

To Accept What Cannot Be Helped

This was a very well written article about courage and love at the end of life.  Of course, it was very sad, but I also think it was beautiful on many levels.  The details of each person's story will certainly differ, but I can't help but think that if an agnostic and her family can display such strength of character, how much more should we?

HT:  Rick at Dry Creek Chronicles

One Thousand Gifts in a Nutshell

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

     Sarah Ban Breathnach as quoted by Ann Voskamp in chapter three of One Thousand Gifts

A Little Extra Real Food Motivation

Krispy Kreme Deconstructed

Isn't it amazing how photography can make the mouth water?  Scrolling down, however, makes me more motivated to make our own--once we're finished with this candidas diet, that is.

A Favorite Floridian

 

When Uncle Stan comes in the door, the pint-sized photographer is too excited to hold the camera steady.

 

Here's a clearer picture (from the three foot perspective) of the man the kids have decisively dubbed 

"The Funniest Adult."

The tough guy is cautiously optimistic.

 

Grammy is excited to see Uncle Stan, too, but this particular look of delight is due to the fact that she was finally able to untangle the wind chime Uncle Stan gave Eva.  Eva only held it for a few minutes, but it took a bit longer than that for Grammy to sort through the results.

 

Electronic entertainment is always involved no matter who visits.

We love us some good company.

Good to see you, Uncle Stan!

Keeping Souls

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children . . .


                                                                 Deuteronomy 4:9