*Midsomer

One thing I do is repeat to myself over and over again: "Pain is just a sensation. I choose to interpret it negatively."

I do think it helps me manage migraine pain.

We have a massive, kid made with markers, sign in our house that's says "Triclinium" because my kids made it for our Roman feast to celebrate our completion of our unit on Rome.

I told them about your post because I did a double take seeing "triclinium" out in the wild. 🤣

No. But now I'm going to ... 😆

And two of them are taking advantage of the one that gets to eat a big bedtime snack.

However, I DO know what they are sokng and what that don't know is that I'm letting them. And eves-dropping on their kindness to each other. 😊

3. We have to cancel a surgery tomorrow because our 9 year old has a piece of wood (sliver) in his hand and they told us yesterday our portion was 20k. Nope. That can't possibly be correct, based on our deductible.

4. I still think it's horrific a CEO was murdered

(The above doesn't even factor in the older individuals who want to know when one of our kids plays basketball so they can come cheer him on. Nor does it count the young family that brought a treat to encourage one of my kids who needs hand surgery this week.)

The depth, the heart, the love, the care, so tangible. Community incalculable and incomparable to our previous large church.

Over and over again I was reminded how rich my little family is in the blessings of God. Our little church we joined two years ago.

Our community garden is set to help provide produce for our refugee community. Our hope that the church can help in mental & spiritual health of the body and the neighborhood.

After eating, we looked back at the year. We were given info on finances of the year past and goals for the coming year.

We heard our lead pastor explain some of our 2025 vision which includes meeting the needs of our neighborhood.

The sermon sparked my mind to consider Syria's fall, the prisons free, along side the secular West celebrating the reopening of Notre Dame all in the theme of this week's advent theme Peace.

After the service we ate together (beef and veggie soup or chicken tortilla soup).

I considered as I joined in singing and prayer, the very tangible physical needs of the body - food to meet the hunger.

During the service, my heart was warmed at the sounds of my kids reciting the Nicean Creed.

Then he says "I hope we don't run into the horse defense... I told the assistant coach that."

Me: Did he laugh?

Him: Yes. He said it was very funny.

Nerdy kids are the best.

Also, I hadn't had a chance to print it out myself yet, so it's really cool to have a hard copy.

This last week, a friend (who is also a writer) gave me a printed copy that has their feedback in the text on Sunday.

I'm both thrilled and terrified to look at it. (Yes, it's been in my possession for a few days and I haven't looked at it yet.)