Oh Tristan

He has been a challenge and mystery to us from the day he was born. We are still scratching our heads over this one. Apparently God felt it necessary to grow us in the areas of patience and wisdom. Bless it. Tristan can be sooooo sweet and charming though. He is a snuggle bug (hence his nickname, Bug). He loves to be in the presence of his family and absolutely lives to be ALL UP IN YOUR SPACE. He rises early, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to play (taking after Greg…morning people are so annoying).  He is a ball of enthusiasm and mischief.

And he FEELS.

He has BIG FEELS all the time. He goes from ear piercing screams to bubbling laughter in the snap of a finger (if only it were that easy). He’s hilariously candid and joyful and so so so cute…when he isn’t writhing on the floor with screams and gnashing of teeth over not getting the exact sippy cup he wants but hasn’t asked for but thinks we are all psychic and isn’t it obvious it’s the clean one in the cupboard and not the one he has been using all morning. Sigh. He will blissfully play in the sand and water for hours on end just don’t say it’s time to go or he will KILL ALL THE THINGS. He absolutely cannot stand to sit in a car seat with 5-point harness. I often wonder, while he’s screaming and stiffening his body like a board to prevent me from being able to secure the harness belts, if he is thinking, “Do you like wearing a straight jacket like this, lady? What is next…a rubber room? I need to be FREE!” And don’t even try to dress him in a shirt with a tag at the neck. He will LOSE IT.

His Daddy says he’s stubborn. I’m not sure from where he ever picked up that trait.

 Ahem.

Tristan is now 3. Someone please remind me why we continue to birth babies knowing they will someday have to be 3? Give me a straight jacket and a rubber room. On second thought, I may enjoy the solitude too much and they’d send me home.

Among these struggles Tristan has some serious tummy issues. Long story short… his tummy ails him so his behavior worsens and he is often inconsolable. We have so far figured out that he is extremely gluten allergic (probably Celiac status) and according to a recent blood allergy test he is allergic to practically every grain and tree nut known to man. That list includes soy, almond and coconut people. Take a quick look in your pantry and tell me how many things contain those ingredients. That’s no joke.





In my opinion, because of his tummy woes his speech has suffered. At first we thought he might be hearing impaired but an ABR test ruled that out. Yep, a few thousand dollars later and the little stinker can hear perfectly. We began speech therapy but because our insurance is pretty much worthless neither the ABR nor therapy was covered so we had to discontinue it. He managed to pick up new words and his comprehension is right on target. He’s very smart. Bless his heart, he just can’t get the words out of his mouth.



Well being 3 does have one perk…the Arlington ISD will now enroll him in speech therapy pending an assessment at NO CHARGE. Sweet! So we hit our knees and began to pray that God will place him with a wonderful therapist with whom he can connect and feel comfortable. The first step, however, was the assessment.

His assessment was at 10am which is pretty late into our morning. On the way there T hit full meltdown mode. It all began when I asked him to put his shoes on to walk to the car. I know, right...the horror. You would have thought I asked him for a kidney. When we managed to get to the car with shoes on he quickly realized he was going to have to sit in his car seat and well that just wasn’t happening Moms. I wrestled him in and frazzled as I was drove him screaming the entire way to our meeting. I wrestled him out of the car and into the building where the halls echoed loudly. I was practically dragging him at this point and I could tell everyone thought I was doing a really great job as a Mother. One lady with a soft sweet voice greeted him while another made a bottle of bubbles magically appear from her desk drawer.

Snap!

T realized there were more people in the room than just him and me and …like a switch…he got cute. Like puppy-eyed, blonde hair, pouty lip, catching bubbles kind of cute. Well played kid.

I was just thankful they witnessed a little piece of that action I am graced with EVERY LIVING DAY. It’s super precious.

He brought this cutie pie alter ego into the assessment with him and had soon charmed the socks off the two assessors. (No I’m kidding ya’ll. He really is a sweetie. His alter ego is who I dragged into the building with screaming and gnashing of teeth.) T answered every question. EVERY question. And he answered them all correctly. He loved all the manipulative games and the picture flip book. They were greatly impressed.

Unfortunately and as suspected, Mr. T has a pretty serious speech delay. He has very few consonants and replaces them with a “w.” He tries, at least, to say and repeat words. They just won’t come out right. But praise the Lord he has made a way. After a meeting with the instructors, speech therapist and us, T will begin therapy on a weekly basis. He will be picked up by an instructor from his daycare across the street and brought by bus to the school for therapy. Now tell me God wasn’t in those details that we just so happen to place T in a daycare right next door to the school that offers speech therapy. A great friend of mine would say, “Coincidence? I think not.” Amen to that!

One of my all time favorites from Spring 2013

While each and every day has its own set of challenges and troubles, God is in control. He so loves us and loves our T man. We won’t worry about tomorrow because we trust the Lord. The instructors are confident in T’s ability to progress quickly in therapy because as they said, “He’s one smart dude.”

And so dang cute I can’t hardly stand it.

Matthew 6:34 MSG Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34 NIV Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Morning people

One of T's favs...Meme

T & his Bubba

Another one of T's favs...Grammy

Run the Race

As many of my friends and relatives know by now, I am training for a marathon in December. Training began in June with the group from Luke’s Locker in Colleyville. My friend, Cardiologist, and employer, Dr. Wray, encouraged me to join the group. Our conversation around the office has made work days a lot more enjoyable. We joke about our tired legs and snail pace in the Texas summer heat. It’s really been a lot of fun.

Yet it’s such a struggle.

Each day has its own set of challenges. One morning I may pop awake ready to go while other days it is everything I can do to get out of bed. Some runs are energizing while others are draining. My muscles hurt. I’m tired. I’m HUNGRY. It’s hot…so dang hot.

I’ve only been routinely running since the beginning of the year when I trained for Cowtown half marathon in February. It was an amazing experience and accomplishment I will never forget…both a physical and spiritual high. Every time I ran I listened to worship music while lifting hands, praising Jesus, and singing out loud when I felt moved. Jesus fueled me.

Recently I have focused more during my long runs on talking with others getting to know them than on listening to music or praising Jesus.

And I have struggled.

I have felt like a lead weight…heavy…weak. I longed for the lightness and the lift I felt before. Every run drained me and I just didn’t understand. Is it the heat? Is it my diet? Is it stress on my body? Maybe it’s a little of all of those things. Mostly, it’s Jesus.

I set my goals before my God. This isn’t me. This isn’t my style. I’m not a runner first and child of God second. No wonder I was struggling.

This past weekend our group run was a giant 18miles…new territory for this rookie. I heeded the advice of a great friend and runner in regards to preparation. I ate the right things at the right time, got good sleep, and took enough fuel for my run. While all of those things are great, a runner loses confidence when the mental game defeats you. So I armored up by making a playlist of worship and tempo songs. I wasn’t facing Goliath with only a sling shot and a rock…I was bringing Jesus.

And there it was…the confidence and lightness in my Spirit I had been longing for all this time. Jesus had my back, my side, and the path set before me. Some of the runners and I sang and praised Jesus all along those 18 miles. And we were strong. We were uplifted. Praise the name of the Lord.

My encouragement to you is that no matter what your course is today…4 miles or 18… cool weather or hot… uphill resistance or fast… you got this. Set your eyes on Jesus and run the race set before you. Obviously, I am not only talking to runners but to anyone with a struggle today. Whatever the Goliath is in your life…take it to Jesus. With every step and every breath you take praise the name of Jesus. Call on his Spirit power to strengthen you and rebuke all else.

There are so many issues on the daily in my life that trip me up…a mean-spirited coworker, a stubborn child, a scary diagnosis, too many hats to wear and too many tasks to get done. All of this stuff comes along as we race towards the finish…that you can bet on. Living a life in relationship with Christ is not the absence of obstacles…it’s choosing to draw on the strength to overcome them.

He is mighty to save. (Zephaniah 3:17)

And if you’re really lucky, God sends helpers along the run…great friends who speak life and love in truth over you. Friends like Daniel who messages you the day before a long run to help you mentally and physically prepare because he has been down that path before and has learned a thing or two. Friends like Angela who cheers you on from start to finish. Friends who cut you slack when you are hard on yourself. The friends who never judge and always encourage. Friends like Becca who wakes up early with you to run hills or a parking garage. The friends who send you a devotional or scripture verse just because they were thinking of you. The Jesus friends.

 

Oh my soul.

And don’t get me started on my man. He’s a runner’s spouse and that takes a lot of commitment and support. Greg is my biggest fan and greatest supporter. I couldn’t do it with him.

Thank you, Jesus, for your outpouring of blessings. I am undeserving.

Hebrews12:1b-2 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

 

Epiphany

I'm so behind on my blogging. I've been meaning to post this one for over a week.

Do you have that one friend who every time you see her you pick up right where you left off no matter how long it has been? You know that friend who will ask you what seems like the simplest of questions only to find yourself bearing your soul. The kind of friend who listens…like really listens with her eyes locked on yours and an open mind. The kind of friend who doesn’t judge you, yet always challenges you to be a better version of you. I do. I have a friend like that, praise be to God.

I saw this friend one Friday night after not having spent much time with her in months. We embraced and agreed it had been too long since we hung out. She asked me how things were going with my kids – a simple and pretty common question among mommies, right?  Then I began my explanation, “Oh girl I was just asking for prayer for my relationship with Tristan. Now that Micah has gone to Kinder and it’s just me and T I can really focus on him which is something he has probably craved his entire life, but hey he’s the second child so you get what you get. Anyway, I can really focus on understanding him. Today I wanted to just hang out with him so we made pancakes and baked zucchini bread and oh man how that boy LOVES to cook. He’s a picky eater but he really loves to cook and I just know we are going to have so much fun cooking together when he grows up. I mean I just haven’t loved him well because I’ve always been so in love with Micah.”

And then my heart sank…

There it was…this epiphany moment…how is it that I haven’t been able to find the words or get my tired Mommy brain around these simple truths? Tristan needs me.  He needs ME. God gave him this crazy, type A, high energy, hot tempered Mommy because he needs me. We are so much alike. Our tempers are explosive. Our energy MUST be expensed. Yet we love passionately.  We both adore Micah and Daddy.

Oh how this Mommy needs Tristan.

He is teaching me to be a praying Mommy…a patient, flexible, creative, Mommy. Sadly, most days he gets an at-her-wits-end crazy Mommy but God isn’t through with me yet. God is showing me all the ugliness in my heart …the selfishness, pride, impatience, and anger. It is painful. Growing and stretching and transforming to the likeness of Jesus is often so very painful…not because God is cruel, but because I am so attached to my stuff  I feel like He is amputating a leg. How ridiculous that I have allowed satan to convince me I cannot survive without my stuff, so much so that I believe it’s a useful appendage?

Lies straight from Hell.

My stuff and all its ugliness is a parasite that will be my demise. It is destroying me and everyone around me. Thank you, God, for loving me so much to not leave me in this state of decay. Lord, thank you for cutting away every part of me that steals life instead of gives it. Thank you for your mercies new with each day. You teach me daily that I can be a better version of me than I was yesterday by your grace if I only pray to you and call on the Holy Spirit power.

He reminds me of Tristan’s life verses and how much truth they speak over us.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.” -Jerimiah 17

Lord, help me to trust in you every moment of every day. When tantrums come, tempers heat, and tears fall, I will trust in you. When sleep is lost and the crazy train pulls in, I will trust in you. When there are more tears than laughter in a day, I will trust in you.

He's just sooooo cute...it saves him every time.

 

 

More to come about this little cutie in my next post. More about Micah man and all his awesomeness and even more blessings from my amazing friends. God is good!

Rock Climbing

I recently went indoor rock climbing for the first time. Basically, I LOVED IT. Like cannot wait to do it again and again and again I may have an addiction loved it. There is something about strapping yourself into harness and belaying yourself to another human being that calls for a lot of guts…and trust. And both of those can be a challenge at times.

So here I am in this rock climbing gym with a dear friend of mine listening to instructions on how to safely climb and belay. I’m excited and nervous and checking my friend’s face for signs of confusion as this hippie kid explains how to belay my butt down from the rock. She was experienced at belaying having worked with her husband at the rock gym a few times before. So I’m solid. Let’s do this…

The Ascent

There is nothing like standing at the bottom of a rock wall looking straight up at it to make you feel, well, small. My strategy was to just go for it. Just start climbing and see where it takes me. I made it only half way up the first time and got stuck. My hand cramped and I couldn’t focus on the next step. After warming up a bit, I think I got the hang of it.

On one particular ascent I was advised by a fellow climber to take the gray trail up. The climb was at a corner where two walls meet. It wasn’t…eh, easy…as was told to me and I got stuck. I couldn’t see my next move and almost gave up. My friend and fellow climbers on the ground who had a better picture of the wall called up to me to reach for the wall to my right. So I went for it. Now I’m straddling mid-air in the corner of these two walls. Awkward. But hey…awkward worked. I continued to climb to the top of that wall, pausing to absorb the awesomeness of the moment.

Jesus has the big picture. He knows what your next move should be. Call out to him. Seek his guidance. He will not steer you wrong.

Last week was rough. My emotions had been everywhere. My fuse short and temper hot. We found out our youngest has many food allergies that are causing all his GI and behavioral issues. His tummy was upset a lot. His behavior was awful…lots of screaming fits and physical battles (just sit in your car seat for the love of Pete). There was an endless stream of challenges and inadequacies flowing in faster than I could process. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I was drowning…spinning out of control and I crave control.

Why was God allowing this fierce attack? Was it the mission trip to India that sparked satan’s interest? Is it that my marriage has been flourishing and communication improved? Was it that I was preparing my oldest for Kindergarten? Or maybe the new ministry my friend and I are launching with the local Life Shelter? Lord, what gives?

Maybe it’s all of it. Or none of it. I’m pretty sure it’s most of it. Ultimately, it’s a promise that God makes to everyone of his children that he will continue to do a good work in us, pruning away all that is harmful or dead until we are like Jesus. I have work to do. Sanctification can be painful sometimes.

Back to the rock wall… every ascent had its set of challenges. I had to focus, strategize, and contort my limbs in ways I did not know they could go. I had to dig deep using every ounce of strength I had. Sometimes my own strength was enough to get me to the top…most times it wasn’t. Some rocks were hefty and gripped easily…other were mere nubs only a few fingers or the tip of your shoe could hold. Every one of those rocks required strength and trust. Strength and trust. Strength and trust. Several times I got stuck.  I called down to my friend that I was ready to come down. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is also quite challenging.

The Descent

In order to descend the climber must let go of the wall. Ahem…I said LET GO. You simply grab the rope, lean back and trust that the friend on the ground will belay you down slow and easy. Seriously, this was more challenging than climbing the wall for me. Don’t get me wrong…I trust my friend with my children. But I’m a control freak. I can’t just let go and trust.

Epiphany

When I mustered enough guts to let go, it was amazing! The adrenaline was surging. I was laughing like a hyena and shaking like a leaf. But it was amazing. What a relief to let go of the burden of holding your weight to a wall by clinging only to a few nubs of rock. What a joy to swing freely and lightly in the air after the hard work of climbing was done.

The other day I am standing in my kitchen baking muffins for my boys who are making lots of noise in the background I’m trying to tune out and pondering again just what in the world God is up to with these relentless challenges. And He whispered… let go.

Well I lost it right there over the pumpkin spice muffins. My incredible Father in Heaven spoke gently to my heart to just let go. Now I could burst into song from Frozen but I will spare everyone. But for a type A controller like me letting go is a big deal. Who better to trust with my life…my mess, my stuff, all my feels…than the One who created me and authored every day of my crazy life?

 Yes, Jesus. I let go. Take all this stuff and all these feels I can’t bear alone. I let go. Forgive me for holding on too long. The weight of it is killing me.

And in that moment I remembered what it felt like to let go of the rock wall. I felt lighter, free, held, and stronger for having climbed.

Jesus is worth trusting with your life. He is the ONLY one trustworthy. He has never let me free fall to my demise and he promises to never let that happen. He is our refuge and strength. A help in time of need. In His strength we can do all things. Climbing a rock wall and even letting go.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

Cast your cares on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

…though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his right hand. Psalm 37:2

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:5

Beauty from Ashes

Dogs are amazing creatures. They are unbelievably loyal and unconditionally loving. They teach you that training a youngster with routine and discipline has valuable lifelong effects. Dogs teach you the importance of friendship, fun, and riding in the car with the wind blowing through your hair.

Dogs can also teach you about aging in all its indignity. And one day it’s time to say goodbye to an old friend. You experience sorrow and grief… maybe for the first time or maybe it’s a familiar place…a place God needs you to revisit for perspective, sharpening, refining.  I have to admit that grieving through loss is not new to me.

2/13/2002 - 8/5/2014

Yesterday, I kissed a furry little snout one last time and bid my faithful friend farewell.  She was getting old and thin and I knew the time was coming soon but we are never really ready to lose someone we love. Now this may come as a surprise to some, but I sobbed -- horrible, uncontrollable, ugly sobs. The boys didn’t know what to think of me. They were all genuinely so concerned with why Mommy was so sad. They wouldn't leave my side and smothered me with hugs and kisses.

My  Lord. Thank you for those precious moments.

A friend of mine blogged just yesterday about seeing Jesus in the ordinary moments of her ordinary life. It was a great comfort to me to read her words in the midst of my grieving.  You can read it here and I suggest that you do. She’s a beautiful writer. So I’m reading her blog and sobbing and praying and thanking God for all the years he graced me with such a sweet companion.

This little girl was given to me as an encouragement to be brave during a very vulnerable, scary time in my life. She accompanied me to big ol’ Texas in 2002…my Exodus, if you will. She was at one time the only thing I could call my own and the only friend I knew. We grew up together. She has been by my side through the beautiful transformation that comes when a soul surrenders to her Lord.

I realize that this may all be a little too sappy to be over a dog (especially for me). And it is. And I’m just not getting the words right ya’ll but it’s more than just a dog. It’s an entire chapter of life with all its hurt, tragedy, joy, love, birth, and breath. God has been so faithful to me…to my boys. I feel like this post only gives you a small glimpse of a big beautiful canvas God has painted that is our life…our journey. God is so faithful.
 

And what is the beauty to find among the ashes…

…a concerned 3 year old looking deep into my eyes asking, “Mommy? Cwy?” and giving kisses to any knee, shoulder or elbow he can reach.

…a sweet 5 year old drawing picture after picture filled with hearts and Jesus and love to cheer me up.

...a caring husband who stepped in during the hardest part so that I didn’t have to endure it.

…and friends who met us in our grief to let us know we were not alone.

That is one beautiful life. How did I ever get here?

That same scenario can be replayed in any sorrowful or joyful situation we have encountered as of late and it will play the same. Immanuel, God with us, every step of the way. Never once did he leave us.

Friends, either choose to see the grace of God in the ordinary moments that play out your life or choose to sit in your sorrow…your sin…your loneliness…your selfishness. Those who know me well know that I can totally be a Negative Nancy and wallow in self pity and depression. I’m trying to be better in Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). I’m trying to ask God to give me eyes to see his light in the darkness. I’m trying to look for His extraordinary love in the ordinary moments. I’m learning to embrace His love, count my blessings, and love like this moment may be the last…

…because it just might be.

Fancy enjoying PB pie on her 12th birthday

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. –Isaiah 61:3

Our family anthem…

 

 

A Year

A year.  So much life has happened in a year and I haven’t written a word about it. That’s kind of how I am. When I’m treading in deep waters all my energy is in staying above water…surviving. Now a life preserver has been thrown and it’s safe to go limp.

I won’t try to recap an entire year in one blog post. I will start with today. Who the four of us are today because of the year we lived.

June 5. Today is the anniversary of one of the most difficult days my little family has every faced. Greg had an amazingly successful quadruple bypass surgery. Here is a passage from a blog I never posted written a day after his surgery…

“Needless to say, June 5^th has been by far the hardest day ever lived for both me and my guy. No other day has brought me more on my face. No other day has led literally hundreds to the foot of the cross, interceding on our behalf. No other day has been more painful, more emotionally draining, more… covered in prayer, more anointed, more beautiful, or more glorifying to God.”

God is a god who provides.

Instead of beach vacations, campouts, and road trips, our little family spent last summer recovering from heart surgery. We did our best. How do you even get your mind around what that would look like at any age much less at 33 with two toddlers? Seriously, you just don’t.

Thank God for his love. I can’t get over it.

We were swarmed with support from family and friends. Things we didn’t even think needed taking care of were taken care of. The lawn was getting mowed regularly. Dinners were delivered. Activities for the boys were planned. Visitors to keep Greg company while I worked. Details so many in number they would have consumed our family had God not put them on each individual’s heart. That’s the body of Christ, ya’ll. Jesus people pouring out love.

Today we celebrate the overwhelming grace and love poured out by God and through his people. We are undeserving, but oh so grateful. We celebrate our two precious boys who are now 5 and 3! They are both so cute I can’t stand it. There growing bond and love for each other is amazing to watch. It’s truly an honor to be their Mommy. They fill our lives with so much joy, frustration, laughter, adventure, dirt, noise and love. God’s good gifts.

I want to share some pics from both their birthdays. If you don’t know this about the Meeks, we LOVE birthdays! In fact, we love them so much we have “birthday months” (this works well because we each have a birthday in a different month). All month long you get first pick on things like what/where to eat, tv shows or movies, treats, activities and outings…you get the picture. It’s a blast.

Micah’s 5^th birthday theme was his favorite…Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Can’t blame the kid…those Turtles are pretty awesome. I catch myself laughing at their jokes and especially when Micah quotes from one of the many movies we have. His favorite quote, “We know women” says one turtle. “No we don’t,” says another turtle, “she’s the first one we ever met.” (said about April) I’m trying not to read too much into why this is his choice of all the things he could quote. I already know he’s a lover and not a fighter. I can already hear the giggling girls in his future. Sigh.

There aren't as many pics to share from Micah's party. I guess it's time to finally even things out a little bit. We have 3 hanging pictures in the house of Tristan....22 of Micah. Oops.

We had the party at the house and invited 5 friends (drop-off, no parents). Micah is so low maintenance sometimes I forget to make a fuss over things. I probably could have done a better job with this party but February is a hard month weather wise in Texas to plan anything. 

Ninjas in training

take out

love these guys

waiting for action

turtle zip line

let boys play in back yard...boys see laundry line...viola! turtle zip line

Cowabunga Dudes!

 

Tristan’s 3^rd bugday was at our community garden. He loves to be outdoors and dirty and all that fun stuff. The young and old all had a really great time. What Mr. T lacks in words and speech he makes up for in charisma! He was so excited to celebrate his “d-day” that he literally jumped for joy.

 

caterpillars, carrots, and watermelons hand-paint art by T, M, and their buds

showing Grammy, Meme, & Uncle Ricky his garden

We love our community garden! T got the party started in the playground.

Uncle Ricky and sweet T. Oh these two.

Who wants to bug hunt? (T squealing and jumping for joy!)

Daddy helping T hunt for bugs

best buds

These two adore each other. (T & Meme)

 

"CHEEEEESE!!!" The amazing s'mores cake was made by Uncle Ricky.

T gobbled it up!

See? He took it seriously.

popcorn...T's favorite snack

ooooh...presents!

"Mi-ey Mow" Mickey Mouse is T's fav.

Dig deep!

Yay! A sleep mat for school. He begins June 9th. Pray for me...I mean him.

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. --Ephesians 3:20-21