I'm not sure where the month of January has gone. I've had at least three blog post running through my mind since the end of the year--2011. End of the year reflections. Dreams for the year to come. Lia's Gotcha Day celebration.
Today is the last day of January. It's been a full day. An exhausting day. I woke up this morning feeling sad. Heavy. Out of place. I couldn't pinpoint these feelings/emotions to a specific event or circumstance from my day, I had just woke up and there they were. When you spend your day with kids, you must be ready, on, attentive, present. I wasn't feeling any of these things. I wanted to be in a quiet place, a secluded space. But I had 4 recesses to monitor (I had also promised to play kick-ball today. I did. I'm not as fast as I use to be but I can still launch the ball across the playground), lunch duty and some math papers to grade. There was no solitude except for the few times I went to the bathroom.
Throughout the day, I said what I often say when my heart is restless, "Jesus, Lover of my soul!" It reminds me of who is with me, who I belong to and to rest in that truth.
Late this afternoon, I received a text from my dear friend, Mindy. She's one of our treasures from Korea. We set up a Skype date for when I got home. I was tired when I got home. Really tired. Two games of kickball, wiffle ball and running all over the play ground had wore me out (on top of a bunch of other things).
It's amazing how refreshing it is to see a familiar face. Our conversation was full. Life-giving. God felt near. It was as if we had shared a delicious meal together--words that filled, encouraged, and challenged me. We ended our time in prayer. I read the Lord's Prayer from my Jesus Storybook Bible, Mindy poured her heart out to the One we Love. We said, Amen and wished that miles and a screen didn't separate us.
God is kind.
2011. Ended. It began in Korea and ended in Columbia, Missouri. From beginning to end, our year was filled with joy, hope, sorrow, expectation and waiting. I'm thankful for more than I can possible write tonight. God is good.
2012. Beginnings. Our pilgrimage continues. We are dreaming. Praying. Waiting. Hoping. Resting. Wrestling. Each day, our Father has provided manna. Each day He supplies for our needs--our bread and for every need of our hearts. I'm looking for land, flowing with milk and honey. I'm looking for Him. Waiting on Him. Trusting Him. He has promised that He has given us a hope and a future. He has promised to never forsake us. He has called us into a glorious adventure--I don't want to grumble and complain about the journey but run with Him through the valleys, the wilderness, mountain ranges and deserts. He is faithful.
Where do I see Grace today . . . everywhere. As January passes this is where I saw grace all around me . . .
1. 7 years with our Lia-Joy. What a miracle! January 10, 2005
2. visits from old and new friends.
3. friends who have lost family and who are being loved and comforted by Him who Lives.
4. warm weather. birds singing.
5 walks on the trail with Kerri.
6. dreaming of what's to come.
7. kickball with 4th graders.
8. wiffle ball with pre-schoolers
9. watching friends live their dreams--taking risk and trusting God
10. the book of Mark. Song of Solomon.
11. 1000 gifts by Ann Voskemp
12. cups of tea and quiet spaces.
13. prayers. faith.
14. food in our cupboards.
15. bills paid.
16. a home--shelter.
17. Todd. Zach. Lia. Oh, how I do love them.
17. Saturday morning breakfast with friends.
18. Oliver. He snuggles me and is super cute!
From Grace to Grace.
Today is the last day of January. It's been a full day. An exhausting day. I woke up this morning feeling sad. Heavy. Out of place. I couldn't pinpoint these feelings/emotions to a specific event or circumstance from my day, I had just woke up and there they were. When you spend your day with kids, you must be ready, on, attentive, present. I wasn't feeling any of these things. I wanted to be in a quiet place, a secluded space. But I had 4 recesses to monitor (I had also promised to play kick-ball today. I did. I'm not as fast as I use to be but I can still launch the ball across the playground), lunch duty and some math papers to grade. There was no solitude except for the few times I went to the bathroom.
Throughout the day, I said what I often say when my heart is restless, "Jesus, Lover of my soul!" It reminds me of who is with me, who I belong to and to rest in that truth.
Late this afternoon, I received a text from my dear friend, Mindy. She's one of our treasures from Korea. We set up a Skype date for when I got home. I was tired when I got home. Really tired. Two games of kickball, wiffle ball and running all over the play ground had wore me out (on top of a bunch of other things).
It's amazing how refreshing it is to see a familiar face. Our conversation was full. Life-giving. God felt near. It was as if we had shared a delicious meal together--words that filled, encouraged, and challenged me. We ended our time in prayer. I read the Lord's Prayer from my Jesus Storybook Bible, Mindy poured her heart out to the One we Love. We said, Amen and wished that miles and a screen didn't separate us.
God is kind.
2011. Ended. It began in Korea and ended in Columbia, Missouri. From beginning to end, our year was filled with joy, hope, sorrow, expectation and waiting. I'm thankful for more than I can possible write tonight. God is good.
2012. Beginnings. Our pilgrimage continues. We are dreaming. Praying. Waiting. Hoping. Resting. Wrestling. Each day, our Father has provided manna. Each day He supplies for our needs--our bread and for every need of our hearts. I'm looking for land, flowing with milk and honey. I'm looking for Him. Waiting on Him. Trusting Him. He has promised that He has given us a hope and a future. He has promised to never forsake us. He has called us into a glorious adventure--I don't want to grumble and complain about the journey but run with Him through the valleys, the wilderness, mountain ranges and deserts. He is faithful.
Where do I see Grace today . . . everywhere. As January passes this is where I saw grace all around me . . .
1. 7 years with our Lia-Joy. What a miracle! January 10, 2005
2. visits from old and new friends.
3. friends who have lost family and who are being loved and comforted by Him who Lives.
4. warm weather. birds singing.
5 walks on the trail with Kerri.
6. dreaming of what's to come.
7. kickball with 4th graders.
8. wiffle ball with pre-schoolers
9. watching friends live their dreams--taking risk and trusting God
10. the book of Mark. Song of Solomon.
11. 1000 gifts by Ann Voskemp
12. cups of tea and quiet spaces.
13. prayers. faith.
14. food in our cupboards.
15. bills paid.
16. a home--shelter.
17. Todd. Zach. Lia. Oh, how I do love them.
17. Saturday morning breakfast with friends.
18. Oliver. He snuggles me and is super cute!
From Grace to Grace.
