If Not

**This was written 5/14/19 and never published. I am publishing it today because it still holds true.  I was sitting in a coffee shop with a blinking cursor on my blank screen. It had been weeks since I was able to “get away” and have some “me time” to write alone, and I kept glancing at the time ticking away on my parking meter saying, “Think! Think! Write! Write! It could be weeks before you get this chance again.” But in my silence before the Lord, questions rose before me: “What is the ultimate goal of carving out this vocational time? What am I really trying to say?”  I love writing. It is one way that I worship and serve God and it brings me great joy to do so. I found it hard to find the time to sit in front of a computer and write once I had children. There were always other more “pressing matters” that I could attend to during the precious moments of naptime. This created angst and a pressure to squeeze out something great every time I sat down to write.  ...

  When I tried Whole30 several years ago, I was on the hunt for a good, clean burger recipe. After piecing together several variations, I came up with this! Parker was immediately hooked and I have been making it ever since. When we are not gluten or dairy conscious, we dress them up as described below. Parker always asks me to make them for company because they are simple and delicious! Burger Ingredients *Makes about 4-6 burgers 1lb ground turkey 1 egg 2 pieces bacon (chopped finely and cooked to remove grease) 1 T. minced onion 1 t. worchestershire 1/4 t. ancho chili pepper 1/4 t. cayenne pepper 1 t. cumin 1 t. chili powder 1/2 t. oregano 1/2 t. garlic powder 1 T. cornstarch  Fresh ground pepper to taste Combine all of the burger ingredients and form into patties. You can grill these but I like to fry them in butter on the stove. (Blackstone people, this is your moment). If you are going all the way with buns, butter and toast them while the burgers cook!  Fries 4 larg...

Thompsons love tacos. They love little tacos and big tacos. They love tacos at a restaurant and tacos at home. They love tacos for breakfast and tacos for dinner. If your kids love this book, you catch my drift.  We eat tacos for dinner about once a week. They are quick, easy, and delicious. But did you know they can be even easier? I prep these tacos (technically burritos since they are wrapped up in tortillas) often because they always come in handy!  I also LOVE making "breakfast burritos." I am someone who cannot skip breakfast and I definitely need to have protein. However, it is hard to prep a breakfast burrito masterpiece in the morning with 3 hungry kiddos underfoot.  Solution: mass prep and freeze. You can eat these right away OR store them in the freezer. I like to have them on hand for breakfast to-go or to add into a care package when I take someone a meal (give that new mama a simple, quick breakfast for her kids the next morning).  Here's the recipe: B...

 I was challenged by Emily over at Little Roots Co . to make a bible reading plan for the year. I decided to start in the book of Joshua since I was reading a novel about Rahab. Some of the recurring themes in Joshua are the sovereign leadership, protection, and provision of the Lord. In the case of the Israelite nation, God was conquering their enemies before their eyes and providing them with the Promised Land.  The first half of Joshua details the crossing of the Jordan (into the Promised Land) and the conquests of foreign nations, the most famous being the fall of Jericho. In chapter 13, we find Joshua, well advanced in years and reflecting on the many battles won in the past. God reminds him, however, that the job is only halfway done. The book opened with God telling Joshua to "be strong and courageous  1 " as he fought for the land that was promised. Now, God is reminding him "I myself will drive [the foreign nations] out from before the people of Israel. Only all...

 On February 19, 2021, we welcomed our third child into the world.    Eleanor ("Ellie") Ann Thompson 7lbs 3oz 19.5 inches long Born at 8:21 am Eleanor means "God is my light," and her name could not be more perfect for the season we find ourselves in. Esther Diane also reminds us of God's light as her name means "star." We named her after a beautiful and brave queen and my beautiful and brave mother (Diane). Although the etymology of Streator John has nothing to do with light, we often call him our "beacon of joy... and destruction." He has a vibrant zeal for life and people and trying new things.  Ann is the middle name of Ellie's paternal grandmother. "Grammy" is also a strong, beautiful and brave woman who loves Jesus fiercely and raised 18 children with love and compassion. She is full of grace and dignity and adds beauty to everything she touches.  Eleanor Ann & Morene Ann Big Sister and Big Brother were so excited to w...

 When I see the morning headlines Injustice in the news When violence, fear and hatred From mortal wounds now ooze May the posture of my heart show: Blood has been on my hands too  I have hated, I've neglected But the cross has made me new If grace and mercy have found me If my debt has been removed  Can they see that when I listen? Do they know I've been with you? Is it obvious that I am dependent  On your mercy all day long? Am I able to admit sometimes I may have got it wrong? Am I willing to pray "search me God" and "know my anxious thoughts?" Can I humbly admit at times I think more highly of self than I ought? Is my knee-jerk response simply a defense of my party, religion or race Or do my words, my thoughts, and actions  Exalt Jesus and His grace? And with that Grace, He's full of truth His word alone my guide (God show me where I misuse these words to cover up my pride) Does the placard of my heart say  "saved alone by grace" Am I quick...