Cookie Monster Visit

The Cookie Monster found an awesome website (from a friend) and paid Kendall a visit during nap time. She awoke to a special treat. It didn't take much to get Miss Lazy Bones out of her bed when I uttered the word, "Surprise" followed by, "Snack". She all of a sudden became Miss Up And At 'Em.

I've blogged before about Kendall's nasty little food allergies. The site I was introduced to is foodallergymama.com. This awesome mother of five has children with food allergies which are much worse than Kendall's. And instead of wallowing in self pity or asking all the "why" questions, she decided to do something good from it. You know, make lemonade from lemons. I spent a little time meandering around her site this afternoon. I reminded myself how blessed I am to have a healthy little girl (as she feels about her children) and Kendall's allergy, which is slight-moderate and should be outgrown by age four, is really not a big deal at all.

I don't know if this mom professes to be a Christian, but she did remind me today of two things. First, God's grace is sufficient. The use of the word "sufficient" does not fit in the box of "good enough to get by" that we sometimes put it in. God's grace is abundant, all-sufficient, everything we need and lacking nothing. We don't need God's grace plus a little something extra. God supplies ALL we need for strength and grace to face any circumstance in our lives.

Second, "God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." This mom is finding good in the hand she was dealt. And we "being evil know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him" (Matthew 7:11) comes to my mind as well. Situations that look bleak to us can be used for God's glory. In fact, everything in our life should be be done for and because of God's glory. So I thank God for sweet Kendall. I thank God for the food allergy because I know God will use it for good. He wants to teach me something about myself, teach Kendall about His love and grace, and show others through us that He alone is worthy of all glory. And sometimes that involves walking THROUGH something instead of a miraculous healing.

And really, in writing this in the context of food allergies, I am being convicted of other areas of my life where I need to solely rely on His grace and view the circumstance as an opportunity instead of a burden.

Whew! All that said, I had fun baking these d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s cookies (with no milk or egg ingredients) for Kendall this afternoon. Seriously, y'all, they are yummy yummy in the tummy tummy. High five to Food Allergy Mama! Click on her site earlier in this post for a direct link. Here's evidence from an eighteen month old...

"Kendall, where is your cookie?"

"Right here, Mama."

"Take a bite, Sweetie!"

"Hold up. I need to get in a better spot."

"There! Now that I'm settled on my rocky zebra, I can eat my cookie!" said Kendall in all her glory and "nap time hair".

"Mmmmm...yummy!"

"Show Mommy your cookie." (in attempts to capture pure cuteness)

"It's right here," responded the literal-minded tot. (Not quite what Mommy was going for, but an accurate answer none the less.)

So, the cookies were a success. And my child is not missing out on good 'ole milk and cookies today. Eat up, Princess!

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