Amber Can Cook

When talking to a friend the other night, he seemed surprised that I could cook. Not a big deal to me but a very big deal to him. By asking a few simple questions, I discovered that he'd grown up in a home where Sunday was the only day he got a home-cooked meal. I can't even fathom that...

Our conversation made me realize how spoiled I've been that, not only did I have entrees prepared from scratch, I had a family meal nearly nightly. Sure my siblings and I bickered over who sat where and who got the "pretty fork," but really, the time that we were able to spend at the dinner table was precious. We discussed our daily adventures, spent a little time confessing, shared our hopes and dreams, and talked about scripture and faith. It was a time where we were free to discuss anything and everything without concern over whether it was "proper" or the time limit.

Through our nightly conversation time, I learned who my family really was, the good and the bad. I can't imagine missing that during my childhood!! What a blessing to have the ability to be free to talk and share a meal with family. I never realized how rare a treat it was...

As Mother's Day has passed and Father's Day is quickly approaching, it's a great time to reflect on the priorities that one's parents have maintained. To my parents, communication and conversation was important, not only in their relationship, but also within our entire family unit. For that I will forever be grateful...

The joy and sorrow of a cousin's marriage

Yesterday, my cousin Lexi married the man she loves, Jesse Stamper. The wedding was beautiful, the bride gorgeous in her white gown, and the reception a time to look around and appreciate the blessing of family (and what a large and boistrous family I have...)

Following the reception, we gathered around to wish the couple well and squeeze in one last hug. As I stood looking around at my cousins, aunts, and uncles waiting for a moment of Lexi and Jesse's attention, I realized that in one sense we were saying goodbye. This morning there will be a family brunch, and then Lexi will be moving to Kentucky with her new husband (following their honeymoon in the Smokies). Of course we'll see her again; but her family will be established in Kentucky and that is where it will grow. We will share her joys and sorrows from a distance, over phone and email, rather than through a hug or a visit. Watching her walk down the aisle gave us cause for celebration, however, wishing her a safe journey causes us to pause in sadness. While leaving and cleaving is what God intended, it's not always easy.

I wish you well Lexi (and Jesse)... Don't forget where home once was. We'll miss you!

Today Features Extended Hours

Wouldn't it be nice if one morning, rather than waking up to the annoyance of the typical ring of our alarm, we woke to hear the alarm announcing that the day would feature extended hours. Like the mall at Christmas! Rather than having 24 hours to that particular day, somehow there'd be a couple of extras squeezed in there.

With a couple of extra hours a week, we could all take care of some of the stuff we either put off or only dream of. I could finish the great book I've started reading, play soccer with my niece and nephew, spend more time in prayer or devotions; maybe I'd even be on time to things. Seriously! Brenda would have one more hour to spend with Parker and David before going to Hackley; Kasey one more hour to talk to Mark before she was off to Grices. Just think of the possibilities!

For today, let's all pretend that we're living in extended hours. I just spent part of my hour washing my shower curtain and fiddling online... What about you?