Word 6. Bruised. More Lemon Bars & lemonade.

Oh yes. Or should I say "no". My sweet daughter has arrived at word #6. No. She sounds a bit like Mork from Mork & Mindy, says something that sounds like nanno and then just no. Perhaps trying to repeat "no-no"? I laugh inside and tell myself to not react 'cuz she isn't meaning it how I think she means it.
Yet.
The day will come.

I made lemon bars and lemonade today. I was given a huge bagful. As I was zesting the lemons and squeezing the juice out (which was no small feat mind you, I have 2 large cuts on two different fingers, insert "awwww" here). Anywho, as I was doing those tasks I was thinking back to my morning today and how a painful experience was already transforming me like I was taking these sour lemons and hopefully turning them into deliciousness. The bars turned out yummy, nice and lemoney. The lemonade. Well that's another story. My husband ended up doctoring it up with a ton more sugar than I used and it turned out great. I got a good laugh out of my lemonade incompetence.  It was a painful experience this morning. Still feel a tinge bruised by it. Ever been with people who come unglued and hurl really mean things at you verbally? Where your personhood/spirit is attacked? I know, probably "not for long" you're saying to yourself. It felt like 5 hours but was more like 5 min. Not looking for pity in this, just gettin it out. Not trying to sound like a self help book either - there may be a few too many of those on the bookstore shelves already. Here is what I gained from the experience today - to some it may be common sense but we have all grown up differently and have varied backgrounds.

• Just because someone thinks something about me does not mean it is true.
• Others do not have to agree or even understand my decisions/choices. They are mine.
• At the end of the day, I will do what is best for myself and my family.
• Prayer works, really works!
• I am very blessed.

(stepping of soap box)

I have a blessing book. A good friend, I love you CM, told me about it years ago. I have jotted down different situations/circumstances where I was worried, afraid, confused or utterly stupified and God pulled through for me. I look at this every once in a while to pray in gratitude but also to remember that my God has not turned his back on me, He has shown up each time I am in need. Really, He is always there. I am the one who turns away, darn human will. I can look in that book and see miracles. Things I thought that looked horrible turning out wonderfully, how I was protected from something, or how a new opportunity came up. Meeting my husband is in that book. Thanks FG, my brother-in-law, who was instrumental with his wife in my meeting my DH. Today will go in the book. God totally came through for me. 

I ask for peace, God. Peace for those who are in turmoil. Whatever the situation. Whatever their needs. Life-giving, life-altering  peace. For me as well, that I may awake refreshed and prepared to meet the day tomorrow with joy and that life-altering peace. Thank you for bringing the Omahaians here safely! 24 hours in a Honda Pilot with 6 kids and two adults. Whew!