We were recently given some boxes of cookies in gift boxes — complete with ribbons.

The boys saw only snacks. But the girls saw hair accessories.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
– Psalm 100:1-5

in case you’re looking for them.

UPDATE: Links fixed!

Sage Stuffing
Pumpkin Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread
Corn Bread
Basic Pie Dough
Best Ever Pumpkin Pie
Kentucky Derby Pie
Pecan Pie

That all the cool kids are hanging out at Faith and Family Live! for Coffee Talk today. Come join us!

A hawk swooped into the hen house, narrowed her eyes at a small brown hen she found sitting in a nest box, and held her feathered head high.

“I’ve been across the world,” the hawk sniffed. “I’ve seen miles of ocean brimming with bounties of fish. I’ve seen tropical islands where bright-feathered birds sing and play. I’ve seen the world. Don’t you want to see something more than the dingy gray walls of this old coop?”

Little Brown Hen smiled. She smoothed her feathers and clucked. The hawk flew away.

…

The next day, a dapper black horse stopped by the hen house. He tossed his glossy mane and whinnied to gain Little Brown Hen’s attention. His muscular back shone in the afternoon sun.

“I’ve been to the races,” he announced. “Stylish ladies and gentlemen stood in line and paid money to see me run. They cheered as I ran swiftly in the wind. When I crossed the finish line first, they covered me with blankets of flowers and took my picture for the papers. I conquered the world. Don’t you want to do something more than peck around this farmyard?”

Little Brown Hen nodded shyly. She stretched her wings before settling back on her nest. The horse galloped away.

…

The next morning, just as the sun was waking the world, Little Brown Hen felt a tiny tapping. She lifted one wing and saw a tuft of downy feathers peeking out from under her.

At last. The ball of feathers blinked its shining eyes at her, opened its beak, and peeped loudly.

“Cluck, cluck,” Little Brown Hen answered softly as a well of pride rose up beneath her breast. “Cluck, cluck.”

…

Moral: You don’t need to see the world or conquer the world to be the world to someone. Be what you are meant to be.

Note: This post was written as an entry in this contest — and it was a lot of fun to do!

My kids have. About 13,000 times.

Watch them all.

Thank God for you.

For your ready smile, for your cheerful attitude, for your loving care of everyone around you, for every beautiful bit that makes you who you are … we are forever grateful.

You bless us in so many ways. May God bless you in a special way today. Happy Nine!