day 55. 2015

A Gift Worn Out, New, Made

1. My socks. I've had three pair of smart wool socks. They have each worn out in the heel. I don't understand. I still like to wear them with my slippers.

2. Our new bed sheets. We bought a little higher thread count--huge difference. Thankful.

3. Arrows. Pointing to new stories to be written.

day 52, 53, & 54. 2015

The past several days have been full. I have been distracted. I jotted down a few thoughts over the last few days but have not followed my daily treasure hunt for the gifts that were before me. I'm combining these three days with the simple gifts from each day.

Day 52.

1. Unexpected guest. We missed the Hunan weekend this year. Doug, Nancy, Xen and Willow stopped by on their return home to KC. Thankful for history and shared stories.

2. Shared meal and discussion with our small group. Love, acceptance and healing shared.

3. Indoor soccer. Zach is playing indoor soccer with friends. No matter the result he always has fun and appreciates the experience. I love this about him.

Day 53.

1. Oil and prayer.

2. Prayers heard.

3. Prayers answered.

Day 54.

1. Conversations and tea, car rides with sweet conversation with Leam and more tea and conversation.

2. Coaches vs Student basketball game. So. Much. Fun.

3. Date with my Darlin. We tried a new restaurant to us . . . Korean fusion. The kimchi was delicious. Familiar flavors transported us back to the Land of the Morning Calm.

day 52. 2015

3 Gifts White

1. Freshly fallen snow.

2. Trees wrapped in ice.

3. Goat cheese over earthy greens. Happy taste buds!

Another gift today was an evening with Todd and Zach. None of Zach's friends could hang out so he was stuck with us. Dinner and a movie with Dad and Mom. It wasn't so bad.

day 51. 2015

A Gift at Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1. purple smoothie, toast and tea

2. sharing lunch with the beautiful JB from KC, Meghan, LeAnn and Hannah. Thankful for how relationships network and connect and grow. Kingdom tapestry.

3. leftovers. snow and freezing rain pattering on the rooftop and grass. magical.

day 50. 2015

Happy Lunar New Year! We enjoyed Chinese take-out! Everyone was too tired and cold to actually go out to celebrate.

3 Gifts that were Plan B

1. Kansas City. The plan was anywhere but KC. I am grateful that we lived in KC. I am thankful for the amazing community we have there. KC is the best kept secret in the US of A.

2. South Korea. What the What?! Korea? Hmmm! Ok, let's do that! Best. Decision. Ever. I will always be thankful for our two years in Korea. Maybe someday we can return.

3. Returning to Columbia. I'm including this even though I have wrestled with being here for the past three and a half years. We didn't return so much because we felt called to return. We returned because it seemed like a good idea for Todd to write his thesis and the kids to go to school at CFS. Todd has had no time to write his thesis but the school has been a gift to our kids. Slowly I'm feeling more like myself and dreaming again of writing new stories.

Kansas City. 2007.

Korea. 2011.

Today in CoMo. 2015.

day 48 & 49 . 2015

day 48

3 Gifts found in Giving

1. The anticipation of planning and executing the gift given.

2. Joy. It really is true that it's more blessed to give than receive.

3. The gift of being intentional to give a gift that is meaningful and thoughtful.

day 49

3 Gifts found on Paper

1. Save the Date wedding announcements. Hooray! This summer is going to be fun.

2. Thank you note with encouraging words.

3. Lia's creations. The girl never ceases to amaze me with her creativity.

day 46 & 47. 2015

These two days were a little challenging for me. I've also been distracted by a project that has left me frustrated and with the realization that my hobby is just that, a hobby. Anyway, that's a blog post for another day.

day 46

A gift in Losing, Finding, Making something

1. the gift of losing my own way to find His way is for my good.

2. finding strength to be brave, risk and dream again.

3. making dinner with a dear friend. sharing, hugging, reminding.

day 47

3 Gifts in Shadows

Shadow: an area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked.

1. In shadows light appears.

2. Me & my shadow.

3. At times I feel like I'm in the shadows. Like I'm hidden but the hiddeness becomes a gift and causes me to reflect, wait, cling and trust the One who is Light and in whom is no darkness.

home. shared meal.

evening shadows

day 45. 2015

3 Ways I feel Loved by God

1. Worship. When I am worshipping Him, I also feel loved by Him. What an exchange!

2. Prayer and Scripture. Those moments when I believe that He hears and is present with me.
 How His word speaks, comforts, challenges, and leads me to His heart.

3. Despite my failure, unfaithfulness and wandering heart, He has always been faithfully loving me and drawing me to Himself.

4. Todd. Zach and Lia. Friends. Who love me, forgive me and encourage me despite my stuff. Always a reminder of His love towards me.

day 43 & 44. 2015

day 43

3 Hard Eucharisteos

1. His words: FOLLOW ME. I say those words often. Jesus, I will follow you ... Sometimes its hard because I would rather do chose something else or be somewhere else. But  . . . .  He gives me grace. He carries my burdens. He is always faithful.

2. Sleepless nights with hot flashes and migraines.

3. Difficult conversations that bring hope, life and truth. Freedom. Love. Forgiveness.

day 44

3 Gifts Behind A Door

1. Daddies and Daughters loving, laughing and dancing. CFS first Daddy Daughter Dance. Priceless.

2. Lia hiding behind a door but clinging to her Daddy. The girl would not dance.

3. Pizza parties to celebrate a friend.

day 42. 2015

3 Gifts at Work

1. Watching, hearing, seeing compassion for one another in our classroom.

2. 6th grade humor. It makes no sense but I do enjoy the laughter and giggles.

3. Watching Nan teach today with enthusiasm and attention and compassion even though she slept poorly, had a headache and felt a little beat up.

There were lots of tears today in our class. There was hurt and discouraging things said and words misunderstood and struggles with identity. Growing up is tough. In the midst of all the fear I could see love, patience, wisdom, help sought, compassion and forgiveness. Jesus sees everything. He draws us into these rough places to bring His light and hope and love. He shows up and calms the storms and says, You're not alone! I am with you and for you. Be strong and Courageous! 

Don't be afraid. I am with you. I love in Joshua that He has to remind them three times to be strong and courageous. Today we needed lots of reminders to be strong and courageous. 

Today we needed grace to believe, to hope, and to love. The beautiful thing is, He supplied all that we needed and tomorrow He will do the same.

Thankful for Nan. Thankful for 6th graders.

day 40 & 41. 2015

DAY 40

3 Surprise Gifts--Unexpected Grace

1. Slow mornings with a treasured friend. Coffee, tea, yummy oats and berries.

2. Laughter and stories with that treasured friend for any entire day. Goodness.

3. Treated to dinner and lingering conversation with my dear friend and teacher boss, Nan.

I don't have pictures for today. It was just a day to sit, reflect, remember, enjoy and be present. These gifts weren't necessarily unexpected or a surprise, they were refreshing and needed. I'm thankful for the beautiful people that are in my life.


DAY 41

3 times you heard Laughter today

1. 6th grade giggles.

2. Watching Landon make Lia laugh. Sweetness.

3. I was taught how to give myself allergy shots today. I laughed when they said I wouldn't have any trouble giving myself shots. Practice went well. Not my favorite thing to do so laughter will be key to the next 5 weeks.

day 39. 2015

A Gift Broken, Fixed, Thrifted

1. Gifted earrings from Guatemala. Though I haven't been able to wear them I still love these earrings. They were given to me years ago when my friend, Jessica visited Guatemala.

2. Gifted end table. Sanded and stained.

3. Gifted Window Pane. It's now hangs pictures of some of my favorite Korea places and experiences.

day 38. 2015

A Gift at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm

1. 11:30 am-- sitting with beautiful woman to seek more of knowing Jesus

2. 2:30 pm-- Amanda's cool sneakers and afternoon sunshine

3. 6:30 pm-- Leaning on Darlin's shoulder after a long but beautiful day

day 37. 2016

3 Things Outside

Yesterday was frigid, cold, icy. Today is beautiful and feels much like an early Spring day. You gotta love Missouri for the wild weather we experience.

1. Warm sunshine with the crisp blue sky of winter. Favorite.

2. Driving with my windows down--in FEBRUARY.

3. People. There was such a buzz downtown today. People walking, smiling, enjoying the gift of a 50 degree February day.

The end to a very lovely day.

day 36. 2015

A Gift Stitched, Hammered, Woven

1. Hand sewn pillows from woman in Nairobi, Kenya. Read more about these brave, beautiful woman at: https://www.gloryofafricastore.com/

2. Coffee table DYI . . . simple but pretty.

3. Hand woven scarf from Jinny. When I wear it, it's like a hug.

day 35. 2015

3 Gifts found when BENT DOWN

1. His floor.
2. Her floor.
3. this verse spoken by John the Baptist . . . "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose." 

This morning when I went to wake up each of the kids I could barely walk across the floor because of all the stuff. At first I was frustrated and then I remembered my friend Tom's words,

 "One day their stuff and their hugs and their presence won't be like it is today so pause often to be thankful. Treasure the moments." Quietly and gently I woke each of them up and gave thanks for the beautiful messy gift of my kids.

When I read this verse today I was struck by the humility of Jesus. He has bent down, humbled himself, washed our feet and served us. Who is like Him. 

day 33 & 34. 2015

3 Gifts on Paper

1. Sweet notes left by a friend in unexpected places.
2. Reminders of places traveled and days to come for our church family.
3. Love notes to celebrate love and marriage and beginnings.

3 Gifts found in Writing

1. My journal. A space to create and dream and remember.
2. Cookbooks. Creating with food.
3. Books shared with friends. We are hundreds of miles apart from one another but we have a book club.

Increasing our Capacity. CFC 2015

24 Ground Hogs Days later . . .

February 2. Ground Hogs Day. Engagement Anniversary.

24 years ago Todd asked me to be his wife on the corner of 9th and Walnut in downtown CoMo. I remember the day like it was yesterday. We reenacted the evening for the kids. They laughed and Lia scolded Todd for not getting down on one knee. It was a very cold night so he was excused from that. It's hard to believe that 24 years have passed. I'm looking forward to more life, adventures and living with this great man.

day 32. 2015

Continuing my journey of finding joy and beauty in my days--even the days that are difficult with migraines and whacky hormones, frustrations and failures. His grace always finds me and you.

January. 3 gifts a day times 31 days equals 93 gifts.  Who doesn't like gifts? It's worth the pause each day to remember and reflect and search.

3 things RED

1. Winter greens & red berries covered in snow. Though many aren't fans of winter, I am.

2. The red bag. A gift from a former student. I remember the day she gave it to me. She excitedly asked, "Mrs. Stewart what's your favorite color?" I said, "Blue, green, red . . . all of them really." She smiled. I think somewhat relieved. I carry all the books I'm reading in it and always refer to it as, my red bag.

3. Warm, red stripped socks. It just so happens I wore them today. Perfect timing.