A praise report from a Celiac:

Just to give everyone a quick update - actually, a praise report!

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Celiacs disease. During that time I found that I was also having problems digesting milk (which I drank like it was water). My doctor told me that it was not uncommon for celiacs to have a lactose intolerance. To me, that was worse than not being able to have bread anymore!

My doctor said that after about nine months of being on the gluten free diet I should be free from my intolerance to lactose, but I could keep it for the rest of my life. The latter happened. :-(
So, I've been buying my half gallon of Lactaid for the last two years. ( I did have a spout where I was drinking soy, but I gagged too many times for my liking .)

Then... I got married! I got married to the bestest man in the whole wide world, who was shaped and crafted to be perfect for me!!! I love Michael! About a week after we got back I had a glass of milk, just for the heck of it.

There was not reaction!! My face didn't breakout. My stomach wasn't upset. Hurrah! I'm still not drinking a whole lot of milk but I'm excited that I don't have to be afraid of it!


So... Got milk? I do!!

The new Mr. & Mrs. are back!

Just letting everyone know that Michael and I are back in town! We had a wonderful trip and I am definitely enjoying being married to my best friend!!

Looking forward to catching up with everyone.

It just hit me kinda funny...

Well I was standing, actually, you don't need to know where I was standing... anyway, while standing in this unspecified place I happened to look at the new bar of Dove soap.

And it hit me.

I would never see the measly end of that bar of soap. Atleast, not as a Coughlin.

I almost cried right there in that unspecified place. The Lord, however, gave me the grace not to.

Instead, I looked at the pink brick of cleaning stuff and smiled. The negative would be that I would never see the end of that bar. The positive... I get to work on our own bar of soap with my husband in our house! Wow... with my husband!

I'm so excited to see what the Lord will do through both of us as a couple and as individuals. He is good and directs my steps!

I'm getting MARRIED!!!

26 days and counting!!!!! Ahhhh! I'm so excited!!!!

Mmmm good!

I made dinner! Hurrah!

I'm a big girl now! Actually, I'm really trying to improve my domestic skills... so... I'm on kitchen duty... more. Hmmm. I don't know if this was the wisest decision... poor Michael. He doesn't know what he's getting into.

This was Tuesday's dinner:

This is the wonderful seasoning that makes the dinner good.

I was so proud of myself! I even made dessert! Mom's favorite: snickerdoodles. They weren't KF (Katie friendly) but that's ok.

I look forward to cooking in the very near future for my hubby!!!

Bouquet... check! DJ... check! Poison Ivy Shot... CHECK!

Yeah, 6 weeks before the wedding and Gracie has a major case of poison ivy all over her face, arms and spreading to her legs. The maid of honor is in an itchy situation.

Before, She looks so cute!

After,

Ouch!

And to make matters worse, Mom tried home remedies on her...

Please be praying for her!

His grace overflows...

I am really struggling to trust in the Lord right now! I'm on a balance beam, waiting to take the next step and praying for balance. I cannot balance myself. I've tried, only to fall flat on my face and to be picked up again by the Lord.

God, I know You're in control of my life and I submit myself to You. But right now, I'm really having a hard time seeing your grace in my life. Situations keep coming up and I question my readiness to face them or I wonder if they are signs/warnings. I don't know. You are so big! You will bring me through the struggles going on in my heart. You are faithful. You are my first love.

I need You. You meet all of my needs, both physically, mentally, and, above all, spiritually. Thank You for not letting me squander in my own filth. It still amazes me how good you are to me, a sinner.

I'm a sinner who loves grace.