It is what it is...

We have some bad genes in our family and it seems with each generation the symptoms of autoimmune disease show up sooner.  It appears to be connected to food and the list of what we can eat and not get sick is growing shorter. 

I have individualized lists for grandchildren to consider when planning family meals and snacks for my Nanna's snack jar.  I could whine and cry about it - believe me, I've been tempted to do so - but we've adopted the saying, "It is what it is." 

We will do the best we can to make educated and prayed-over food and lifestyle choices.  Then, we leave the rest to God and believe what the Bible says that He will cause all this to bring about good and His purpose for each individual in our family.

Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

Let's do a little word study.  Look at what the following words mean in the original Greek: (info from New Testament Word Study Bible)

Perseverance - to stay under the pressure
Proven character - proof of trustworthiness, genuineness
Hope - expectation of obtaining some good

Tribulation - whatever that looks like in your life - is being used by God for a positive purpose because He loves you and is bringing you along in the maturing process.  We have to keep our eyes on hope and not get bogged down with feeling sorry for ourselves in the tribulation.  I do have my days...


Light Fixture Option

The light fixtures in my daughter's condo are dated so we tried to figure out how to update them without spending money.  She had an extra zebra print black and brown lamp shade.  I unscrewed the glass cover off the light fixture over the wet bar area, then used the same hardware to attach the lampshade.  (She put the glass cover in storage to put it back when she moves out.)  It is an improvement, but would have been better if the shade would have been large enough to cover the shiny gold. Now she is looking for a large drum shade that will work on the light fixture in the dining room.  If you want to do the same, you will need to measure from the ceiling to the end of the center pole in the fixture.  The round piece in the middle of the shade will need to accommodate that distance.