day 31. 2015

A Gift on a paper, in a person, in a picture

1. I think notes, letters, simple words to connect must be my love language. Today I received an email from my friend Karin and my heart felt happy and loved. Thank you, Karin.

2. Intentional. Thoughtful. Connection. These things are huge to me and in several ways today I experienced all in a friend.

3. A weekend trip with three friends to Busan. It was a fun and silly weekend and this picture captures it. It's the same weekend we taught Claire what the word famished meant and played some silly game on the bus and I was told to sit down.

day 30. 2015

3 Old things seen NEW

Today was a little challenging for me. I wasn't sure how to see or watch for what these graces were to me. I waited and looked at my week as a whole and was reminded of a few moments. This is what I see . . .

1. Lia. This week was stressful. She had to give a speech about China. It was the final part of the nations project at school. She was stressed and spicy all week. In the midst of all the spicy I saw in a new way how incredibly compassionate and how deeply she loves. She wants to make wrong things right and love the unlovely and rescue nations. She amazes me.

2. A simple truth that I have known for the 27 years of following Jesus, He makes ALL things NEW.

3. Old stories. Old stories are powerful to point us towards new adventures, calling and purpose. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and goodness. This week I've told some old stories and have found in the telling, a renewed hope for where we are today and where we're going.

day 29. 2015

A song heard, a soft word, light seen

1. "I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God. . ." Lyrics to a new song I heard. I've had it on repeat most of the day. No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David and Melissa Hesler

2. Gentle, soft words to encourage a weary heart. Growing pains. Life lessons.

3. I sat in the car at Hyvee today just watching the clouds roll by. There was a small patch of blue sky where the clouds split and the sun broke through and rays of light hit me. Worth the pause.

day 28. 2015

3 Graces found in Friends

1. faithfulness through many seasons of life

2. sharing in laughter and tears

3. love that covers, protects, encourages, leads, speaks and gives so generously

I am undone thinking about the people that have been in my life that I call or have called friends. I am thankful for the gift of such amazing and beautiful people. I seriously know some awesome people.

day 27. 2015

3 Gifts in the Kitchen

1. Korean Folk Village Knife . . . I should have bought two. I use this every day.

2. A gift received from a friend the day we moved back to Columbia. I see this every day and it reminds me of Karin, Korea, and the truth and beauty of the hymn, Here is Love.

3. The Electric Kettle . . . we can heat up water at various temperatures depending on the type of tea we're preparing. Brilliant! And it has a pretty blue glow when it heats up. I use this several times a day.

day 26. 2015

A Gift before Dawn, At Noon, After Dark

1. Kisses when he leaves for work at 5:30 am.

2. Snuggles on the couch at Noon with my sick girl.

3. Fire place lit, warm honey, cinnamon tea, sharing dreams and sitting next to my Darlin.

day 25. 2015

A Grace Borrowed, Found, Inherited

1. Borrowed books. I like to sharing books with friends and having books shared with me. Borrowed and shared books are a sweet simple grace. My friend Kristen recently shared a book called Dinner with the Smileys. A simple but fun read.

2. After several moves and items packed away for years, I have found several sweet, simple treasures. A calligraphy hanging from the college group many years ago with Psalm 2:8.

3. I inherited several pieces of furniture from my Grandparents. When I see these pieces in my home I am reminded of where each was placed in their home and all the meals and moments shared. Todd and I have had these pieces for almost 25 years.

day 23 & 24. 2015

day 23.

3 Gifts found in Christ

1. I am made righteous through the finished work of the cross and resurrection.
2. I have peace with God through Christ.
3. Christ is the Lover of my soul. My King. My Lord. My Friend.

Today was the 6th grade ski trip to St. Louis. The day is always filled with fun, laughter, 

triumph over fears and perseverance. I love watching the kids press through the day--
encouraging and supporting one another and overcoming their fears.
Learning is such a gift but can stir all sorts of anxiety and frustration. As the day unfolds, the kids light up as they conqueror their fears and find joy in the process of learning a new skill.

day 24.

3 Gifts Blue

1. Blue plaid pj's.
2. Blue hue to end the day.
3. Blue hand made coaster from my sisters in Africa whom I've never met but celebrate their courage, strength and skill.

Today has been so good but so full. Tea with a friend, Mizzou basketball and dinner, 

and my body that is revolting against foods I shouldn't have eaten. 

Thankful for the evening to rest, recharge and sipping tea.

day 22. 2015

A gift Wrinkled. Smooth. Unfolded.

1. Red snowflake blanket wrinkled in sunlight and keeping me warm.

2. Lia wrapped in her smooth, fuzzy, warm blanket.

3. A growing boys laundry. I think he outgrows clothes on a weekly basis.

Day 21. 2015

3 Gifts. Water. Sky. Memory.

1. Winter greens in vases of water. Kisses of Sunlight.

2. Winter sky with a patchwork of clouds and filters of sun to warm my face.

3. Lunch on the side of the mountain with Hyejin and MiKyung. I spoke of Korea all afternoon and it always brings a flood of memories. One of my favorite Korean memories is being with them sharing a traditional Korean meal that consisted of 31 side dishes. I miss these two woman and the gift of their friendship.

My spot for several hours today while I did interviews. 

Day 20. 2015

3 Gifts Seen only Up Close

1. The unique, beautiful and complex parts of a persons heart.

2. The wrinkles around my eyes that seem to be more defined.

3. The sparkle in my hair.

Today I'm also thankful for meaningful conversations, 7th grade poems, encouraging friends, health insurance so that I can have allergy shots, and the Relentless Love of Jesus.

Repost. Sparkle and wrinkles. Shine.

 

Day 19. 2015

3 things that might never have been

1. Zach. Loss, waiting, delay and hope deferred; Lead to life, fulfillment and the desires of our hearts heard. Without the loss he may never have been.

2. Lia. A desire was birthed in our hearts for China after hearing stories about what God was doing in that land while we were visiting England. That lead to a trip that college students sent me on which  lead to a dream that our daughter was in China.

3. Korea. Our move to Kansas City was full of beauty, confusion, loss and one of the most rich times of our lives. Without our move and loss, we wouldn't have known Korea and the amazing friendships that we formed through our time there.

Today I spent time with Lia. I love her. Every spicy, tender, passionate part of her. We went downtown to try out the new donut shop, Harold's. The donut was so rich that we both felt like we needed something healthy to eat afterwards. We went to Main Squeeze and ate food that makes you feel good.

 

Day 18. 2015

3 Gifts from God's Word

1. But God . . .  Any verse that begins with these two words is a gift. One of my daily reminders of the Gospel are these two words. BUT GOD.

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while

we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

2. Philippians 2:4-11

I usually can't read these words out loud without crying. Jesus is more wonderful and beautiful and powerful and faithful and strong and holy and kind and good and compassionate and all together more lovely than my heart fully knows but longs to.



Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^{[a] 6} who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,^[b] being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

3.  Zephaniah 3: 16, 17

I read a book years ago (I read it a few times) that was a study or sermon based on this verse. The reality that the God who created all things, holds all things together and gives me breath and life each day singing over me is crazy, awesome! And not just singing, LOUD SINGING! (Singing God by Sam Storms)

 

The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Day 17. 2015

A Gift bringing Laughter, Prayer, Quiet


1. My friend Brenda has a wonderful laugh. I love her and her kids. Today we shared several moments of laughter while watching our awesome kids at their winter dance. Oh, high school! Awkward dance moments.

2. The gift of praying for things way too big for me but trusting that He is simply enough and able to act, move, save, rescue and heal.

3. 5:30 am. Quiet.

Slow dance.

Zach. Masquerade Dance.

I love this kid. He's grown up way too fast.

Day 16. 2015

Blessing. noun
1 a : the act or words of one that blesses
b : approval, encouragement
2 : a thing conducive to happiness or welfare
: help or approval from God
: approval that allows or helps you to do something

3 Witnessed Blessings.

1. Hearing, witnessing, celebrating the blessing of a life changed by the Gospel and his baptism.
2. Watching 6th grade friends affirm, love and comfort another.
3. The daily blessing of knowing that I'm never too far or too bad or too lost where His grace can't find me.


 

Day 15. 2015

I didn't feel like there was a lot of space in this day. The day was very full but also good and exhausting. Reflection is always good and I'm thankful for this process everyday.
There were many moments of beauty and grace throughout this day.

 

Warm sunshine and blue skies, sharing the I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King with the 6th grade class (they applauded when it was over), recess outside with happy and active kids, recess art, rock treasures found by a student and shared with me ("Pick one! It's yours!"), AT interviews, afternoon conversation with a dear friend and an evening with the kids talking about Jesus and His unfailing, unstoppable love towards us . . .

I could go on!

 

When you pause to remember, it is possible to find small, big, significant,

seemingly insignificant grace in your day.

A Gift Worn, Given Away, Shared

1. I've worn my wedding band for almost 24 years. This is actually my second band. Made from gold shavings and formed into this beautiful band--another story for a different post. The other band is my Grandmother's engagement ring. I remember her twirling this on her finger all the time. I believe she wore this band for over 50 years. Todd and I are almost halfway there.

2. Today I gave away hugs and time and stories and love and encouragement. I also received way more. Tea delivered to me at school. Hugs. Encouragement. Kindness. I took a picture of 4 scarves that were given to me. Two were hand made by my dear Jinny. One is a gift from my friend Hannah. She brought the scarf back for from her recent trip to Israel. The last is as a recent gift from one of my new students. So many things can be said about each of these precious people in my life. Thankful. Each time I wear a scarf I pray, give thanks and remember the gift of them in my life.

3. Today I shared tea and one hour with my dear friend, Deb. I am deeply grateful for our friendship. I am grateful to share life with her. I am grateful for the grace that oozes from her life.

 

Day 14. 2015

3 Startling Graces of God

1. I am blown away by the truth that God became flesh and lived like us in the flesh. He understands what it means to live in these fleshly bodies with all their beauty and limitations.  

2. I am blown away by the truth that though I deserve to be forever separated from Him, He chose to draw me to be His own. He bore all my sin, shame and guilt before Him. This is the craziest, most amazing good news...EVER! But God!

3. I am blown away by the truth that nothing, absolutely nothing, will every separate me from the Love of God in Christ Jesus.

Amazing Grace.



 

Day 13. 2015

3 things you are GRATEFUL for about YOURSELF

It's easy to think of things outside of yourself but that are still about you. Like the family and friends that I have. But to think about who I am, as a person and what I'm grateful for--Challenging. It's easy to choose things that I'm grateful for in my salvation and the years of God's faithfulness to keep me for these past 27 years. It's easy to call out the things I see in another and celebrate their beauty. But to call it out in yourself . . . challenging but I think a good exercise. Do it!

1. My ability to be with various types of people, from various backgrounds or cultures and feel at comfortable and present.
2. Bringing a sense of calm and peace to situations or spaces.
3. Compassionate.

Even more vulnerable is to take photos of yourself. I did. It was awkward. :)

 

Day 12. 2015

Something Above. Below. Besides.

1. Above. I had lunch with a friend today. We ate at one of my favorite breakfast places because it was close to her workplace. Each time the waitress came to our table she stood above me with such a warm and kind smile. As I waited for my friend, I watched as she served as both waitress and hostess. Most people never looked up or made eye contact with her but she continued to serve with hospitality and cheer. I asked her name. Sheena. She asked mine. I think these moments are important. Perhaps some days those moments are just simple encounters but other days it could mean something so significant to someone who just needs to be acknowledged.

2. Below. Warm, furry slippers in sunlight.

3. Besides. Sunlight kissing sweet spaces next to me.

 

 

 

Day 11. 2015

3 Yellow Gifts of Fresh Mercy

I've thought about this all day. Yellow? It's winter and you don't see much yellow around. I tend to associate yellow with spring or summer. That's what's so great about looking for mercy and grace in each day because some days feel naked like trees in the winter or cold and rainy and all you want to do is stay inside and drink tea all day. But then grace comes. It reminds you of stories and people you love. It draws you back to what's good and your heart swells with thanks and joy returns. That's what happened today when I looked for yellow gifts of mercy.

1. The yellow striped pillow. I made this with my friend Anna. Anna is one of my treasured friends from our time in Korea. She has visited us every year since our return. We usually do a craft project while she visits. I am thankful for Anna. We laugh, cry, craft, enjoy good food, wine and share our lives together.

2. Yellow flowers for Lia. We have sent flowers to Lia for Gotcha Day the last few years. She loves flowers just as much as I do. I think when she was 3 or 4, Todd sent me flowers and she couldn't understand why he hadn't sent them to her too. So now we do.

3. Painted yellow daisies. I had an idea several years ago to do a painting for our new house in Kansas City. My friend Rachel, aka Ray-Ray, who has way more artistic talent than I, helped make it happen. This painting hangs in our bedroom. It reminds me of Rachel and the gift of her friendship and the relentless love of Jesus.

 

Day 10. 2015

Today is Gotcha Day! The day we celebrate our adoption of Lia-Joy. Ten years ago today we held her in our arms for the very first time. We replayed the story over and over today; remembering God's faithfulness and the amazing journey our family has been on together.

The day started with donuts and bacon. We had a family lunch date at the Korean restaurant and for dinner I made homemade hot and sour soup. When we sat down for dinner Lia said, "Tell the story again! From the beginning." The story is important. Her story is important so I began at the beginning. "Daddy and I always wanted to adopt. God put that in our hearts at the very beginning."

Our story and her story were weaved together before we even knew it. As we told the story again, we spoke of so many others that were part of the story. Friends, family, a little girl named Ruth in China who I visited on my first to China. All connected to Lia's story, our story. It's a tapestry of love, sacrifice, generosity and more love than we could ever imagine. God has a plan and purpose in each of our lives. When disappointment and confusion or simply the plan goes differently than we thought it would, it becomes hard to see His bigger story. Through it all He is faithfully weaving together His purpose and goodness in our lives.

Gotcha Day! A day of joy, confusion, beginnings, uncertainty, family, purpose, restoration and love. A day that reminds us of God's faithfulness and the gift of Lia-Joy to our family and honestly anyone who gets to know her.

A Gift Sour. Sweet. Just Right.

1. Hot and Sour soup just for my girl. The girl can eat bowls of this. It doesn't matter the occasion, she wants hot and sour soup to celebrate.
2. Donuts. Lia loves donuts. And bacon. On special days you to do things you wouldn't normally do--serve a lot of sugar at breakfast.
3. Lia-Joy. Our sweet, spicy, but Just Right girl.

 

Day 9. 2015

A Gift Held. Passed by. Sat With.

1. Sitting on the couch with my Darlin, holding hands must be one of the sweetest gifts to hold. After a long week, a Friday night sitting side by side, holding hands, watching Love it or List it, is pretty darn great.

2. Today I passed by a new daughter, passing her new mom a note. Today I passed by and watched same new daughter, who is also a new sister, give her new big brother a hug. I love how God makes families. He does indeed set the lonely in families.

3. Today I sat with Marje. The most wonderful dog in the world. We also played catch and snuggled. Every time she sees me she acts like I'm the most wonderful person in the world and she can't wait to be with me. A girls best friend.

 

Day 8. 2015

Dusky Light. Surprising Reflections. Lovely Shadows.

1. Dusky Light. The sun started to stream through the clouds at the end of this frigid day.
2. Met my sweet friend, Sarah, for a little tea date after work. As we were leaving, I got excited about these reflections in the window. Thankful for the ability to share life and encourage one another.
3. Afternoon lovely shadows from the front door.

Praying for His light to shine upon the dark and shadowy spaces of my heart this evening.

Day 7. 2015

Today was challenging. I was hit with a horrible migraine in the afternoon. It basically took me out the rest of the day. It was hard to see, hear, find, think of where grace was when I wished for my head to be removed from my body. I lathered myself in peppermint oil, soaked my hands and feet in hot water while balancing an ice pack on my neck and then drank some cinnamon tea--all home remedies to combat the evil migraine. It was worse than normal and didn't succumb to my battle plan. I took my medicine and slept. I woke up thinking about todays gifts from the day.

Todays fight for joy was to see three graces from those I love. This could be a long, long list but I chose three things that I keep next to my bed in a little drawer.

Three Graces from people I Love

1. Jinny's handkerchif. I had given her my blue handkerchief one day when the tears flowed and their absence was felt. It was a day that grace met us both and Jesus came close and brought His comfort and peace. She gave me hers.

2. A journal of words of love and encouragement and pictures from a group of people we spent two years with in Korea. We love them each deeply and think of each of them often.

3. Ten years ago today we were in China and I was carrying this picture, the first picture we ever saw of Lia. I am grateful for those who cared for her until we could bring her home. Gotcha day is coming!

 

Day 6. 2015

Something in my Bag. Fridge. Heart.

1. I decided to just dump my bag out. Swiss army knife, allergy meds, migraine meds, orange, almond butter, mints, lipstick, stamps, wallet, lotion, hand sanitizer and a thank you note from a friend. It gave me a good laugh to see all of it piled on the floor.

2. Our fridge is full. One thing I'm thankful for today is my organic kale. I'm grateful for the ability to buy healthy foods. There was a time when going to the grocery store was overwhelming. I am thankful for God's provision to us in plenty and want. He is Faithful.

3. My Darlin, Todd is in my heart tonight. He is kind and patient and smart and a good teacher. I deliberately used all those ands! Tonight I watched and listened to him tutor and encourage Zach in AP Chemistry.

 

Day 5. 2015

What I'm Reading. Seeing. Making.
1. I'm reading four books right now. Crazy. Gospel of John, Growing in Prayer by Mike Bickel, Lila by Marilynn Robinson and Dinner with the Smileys.
2. I'm seeing a family being brought together by adoption--3 siblings brought into a family. It makes my heart explode. Redemption, Hope, new beginnings and stories being written.
3. I'm making space to just hold and sit with Lia. First days back to school, after two weeks off, are hard. She fell asleep in my arms.

This should have been posted yesterday but I thought about it while drinking my tea this morning. Old, New and Blue. Grandma's dining room furniture--old, new blue seat cover done by me.

My reading space often looks like this. Today it was in front of the fire with tea.

 

Day 4. 2015

Sabbath Day. Last day of Christmas Break.

A Gift Old, New & Blue
1. A full moon on a winters night. Since the beginning of time it has lit up the night sky. Amazing.
2. Creating new spaces for new seasons. Work in progress.
3. A deep blue sky on a cold blustery day. It was cold and grey this morning when I woke up but by mid afternoon the sky was so blue and the sun so bright.

Day 3. 2015

3 Overheard Graces

1. A Mom proudly introducing her son, the Chef.

2. Hearing 15 year old son encouraged by his Dad.

3. Friends who love your kids and celebrate them with you.

Today we took down our Christmas tree. We were all sad. Todd told us the Christmas story again. Reminders that Christmas really doesn't end. The Hope and Light of Christmas continues on and points to His presence in our lives every day.

2015 Dreams.

Son vs Dad

Day 2. 2015

A Gift Inside. Outside. On a plate.
1. Greenery, seashore treasures and beginnings.
2. Naked trees and sunshine.
3. Cinnamon rolls hot out of the oven.