Every so often it seems we get ourselves in over our heads, and this is when my husband and I call it time to hunker down. It is funny how comforting it can be knowing that this is just a phase, a season of time that won’t last forever. If we just keep plowing ahead, we’re bound to come out on the other side eventually. Sometimes it is just a pile on the desk that must be dealt with. But that is usually in conjunction with other unforeseen events that require attention and time. Right now I think our children are all in hunker down mode, with more to do than should be humanly possible, or with a normal load but abnormal circumstances that makes the normal seem above and beyond. In due time, all will be back on track. But in the meantime, hunkering down means trudging right on through.
One of those hunker down times that I remember was when my husband was helping convert an old roller-rink into the present location of Logos School. One night he got home at eleven, and without thinking I said something like, “You’re home early tonight!” Then I realized how funny that was. I had adjusted to the hunker down mode more than I realized.
So you might not get a recipe out of me anytime soon (give me five weeks or so), and you might not hear from me very much (what can I say – the computer is by the kitchen and I can only hold my breath for so long), but I am actually still alive! Thanks for all the well wishes – we got to see “baby pinto” yesterday, waving arm and leg buds at us, and we are, of course, already in love. It is still hard for me to grasp how one (yes, one!) little baby, who is still best measured in millimeters can unsettle a family to this extent, but here we are, completely unsettled! I am redeeming the time by compiling yet more information for my booklet “Practical Puking: The Morning Sick Mother’s Guide” in which I will address many concerns that you do not read about in pregnancy books. I think I will include a whole section on keeping people you love from eating onions, how to ignore reader boards advertising Chicken Fritters, and what to do about the nagging problem of splash-back. Maybe even a section for journaling, with feminine cursive writing at the top “Places I’ve Puked,” and “My Most Embarrassing Puking Story.” I’m sure this thing would sell like crazy – right?!
We had fun yesterday at this year’s Fall Jolly, a fund-raising craft fair/tag sale/food and book sale that is hosted by our church one Saturday morning in the fall. This year it coincided with New St. Andrew’s Celebratio, so it has been a weekend crowded with activities. I snapped a couple of pictures at the Jolly before we opened the doors, but there was so much more than this, thanks to many willing hands. Next year maybe you all can come!
I’ve been thinking lately about the relationship of law and grace. Now when I say that, I do not mean I have been reading heady theological tomes. ‘Fraid not. But I have been thinking, and this is what occurred to me.
My husband often emphasizes that law exists within the larger context of grace. In other words, acres and acres of grace, and one tree of law. Thus, the Garden of Eden: lots of trees with good fruit to eat, and only one tree off limits. We often get this the wrong way around: we think of the relationship of law and grace as a forest of forbidden trees, with one permissible tree in the midst. Are you with me so far?
So when Adam and Eve were in the Garden, it was a place of grace. Grace, grace, grace on every side until the fateful day that they disobeyed God. Then it became all law, law, law for them.
I was thinking about a place like Logos School. For most of the kids it is a place of grace. They thrive like crazy. But for the kid who does not want to tuck in his shirt (for just one example), it becomes a place of law, law, law. If he would just tuck his shirt in, he would experience the grace. But as long as he insists on not tucking it in, it seems like everyone is just out to get him! Funny how our attitude and obedience affect our understanding of the surrounding context.
You may have noticed that you haven’t seen much blogging activity from the Liz (as we call her). And she has good reasons. In fact, I think the last time she posted up she was promising a recipe. No chance right now. Can you guess?
Amoretti has a fun new video, shot on location in England, featuring Bekah’s new fall line for lovely young ladies. (And take note of the helicopter shots!) Oh, and also:Â if you want to get your hands on one of the adorable fall outfits, you’ll need to pre-order at the website. (And just in case you didn’t know, those cute little girls cavorting around England are my Merkle granddaughters.)
Also featured is my talented niece, the jazz vocalist Michalangela. Enjoy her rendition of “England Swings”! This song will be available on itunes soon, but for now, you can check out her other music at the link above.
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