day 89. 2015

A Gift Heard, Held, Hoped For

1. I went on a walk with my friend Kristen today. She recently went on a bike trip with her husband along the Natchez Trace. I loved hearing her stories and adventures and the gifts she received along the way.

2. I held Lia. Yesterday was a tough day with Lia. Today I was hopeful that there would be peace and cooperation. I squeezed and kissed her sweet little head and said, "Today is a new day. Let's make it great!" There was peace in the house tonight. Which is good because . . .

3. I've had a migraine all afternoon. It's hard to see past how uncomfortable I feel. I'm hopeful for tomorrow and to be migraine free. 

day 88. 2015

3 Gifts Uncovered

1. Me at 5:30 am this morning. After a week of sleeping in and lingering over spring break, today I had to rise and shine and get to work.

2. Fresh green sprouts under the plant that I thought I had killed. I kept it alive all winter but one evening I forgot to bring it in from the cold and it was hit hard. New life is beginning again.

3. I'm not sure if this is a gift or not but today Todd's car died on his way home from work. It had been running a little sluggish for a few days. It was uncovered today that perhaps the timing belt went out. It's in the shop. Though frustrating and stressful there is a gift of trusting that Jehovah has provision.

day 87. 2015

3 Gifts of His Promises

1. His promises are true and will never fail.

2. He promises to never leave or forsake us.

3. He promises that we will never, ever be separated from His love.

A sweet gift from a friend today. She just returned from a trip and had these lovely glasses for us. Love gifts. Thankful.

The final day of spring break. Beautiful evening shadows and rest. 

day 86. 2015

3 Gifts Entwined

1. People, places, moments, events, stories, all entwined into my story.

2. Marriage. Almost 24 years of becoming one with my Darlin.

3. Strawberry patch. This morning I stood at our back door and watched a light snow fall. It didn't amount to anything but lightly dusted the strawberry patch in our yard. I was at the window again at lunch and the dusting of snow was gone. The leaves, branches and hidden roots so beautiful entwined. Simple pleasures and beauty.

day 85. 2015

3 Gifts Redeemed

REDEEMED: 
1 a: to buy back. repurchase
b. to get or win back.
2: to free from what stresses or harms.
a: to free from captivity by payment or ransom
b: to extricate from or help to overcome something
c: to release from blame or debt
3: Repair, Restore

1. My life redeemed back to my Creator, Savior, Lover of my soul, Father

2. Freed from fear that held me in my dreams.

3. Freed from guilt and shame.

What a beautiful and powerful word. My Redeemer Lives!

Throw back to last summer. Colorado. 

Colorado. I miss thee!

day 84. 2015

3 Gifts Almost Gone

1. My slow morning sipping tea.

2. Spring Break. I am enjoying every second of reading, movie watching, napping and being.

3. My happy, yellow daffodils.

day 83. 2015

A Gift Sung, Written, Painted

1. The song, No Longer Slaves, by Jonathan David and Melissa Hesler, has been on repeat for several weeks. The song is bold, beautiful, simple and yet profound.

You unravel me, with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance, from my enemies
Till all my fears are gone
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

From my mothers womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again, into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
All my fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
So I could stand and sing
I am child of God

2. Gilead by Marylinne Robinson. It's Spring and I haven't read it in a couple of years so I begin again. 

3. Tree and birds on wire by Ray-Ray. She painted this as a house warming gift when we moved into our home in Lenexa.

day 82. 2015

3 Gifts Spoken

1. Every once in a while Lia will remember a hurtful word spoken to her by someone. She didn't tell anyone when it happened. She doesn't want to tattle. It breaks my heart. Though she is spicy, she is not one to devalue someone for what they are wearing or not wearing, where they live, etc. Today she shared something that someone said to her about something she was wearing. That kinda of stuff drives me crazy and go all Mommy crazy but I didn't. It lead to a short but meaningful conversation about her worth and value and remaining true to her how beautiful she is and to bring love and grace to others. She is compassionate and is one who wants to make wrongs right. Shoot, she's going to deliver North Korea and bring more freedom to woman in China. She amazes me.

2. "Tonight is my last night of night shift!" Looking forward to going to sleep with Darlin by my side. 7 days straight on night shift is certainly not long but I miss him by my side on those nights.

3. "Mom, can I sleep with you?" Sweet Lia isn't a fan of rain especially when accompanied by lightning and thunder.

day 81. 2015

3 Gifts found in Women

1. Compassion.

2. Beauty and Strength

3. Perseverance.

I thought about these three gifts all day. I decided to think about the women in my life and the gifts that I see in them. I see women who are walking or have walked through adversity and struggles at various levels. I thought about my own Mom who suddenly found herself young, divorced, with three daughters. I'm sure that wasn't her dream but she struggled, persevered and loved us. The women in my life are single, married, divorced,  and widowed. Though there are days that they struggle and fight to believe, I see these beautiful gifts in them.

I see women leaning upon Grace with compassion towards others, who fight for the weak, who champion for others, who care, serve, mend, help, and nurture with gentleness and strength.

Crescent Moon & Venus. Side by Side.

Winter. Spring.

Budding.

day 80, 2015

3 Gifts found in His Word

1. Last night I had a funny dream. In the dream I was talking to someone about Psalm 27. This Psalm has always been a go to for me. A place to remember Who is stronger, greater and worth trusting. The person I was talking with also cut my hair. That was the funny part. To both of our surprise it turned out well.

2. Three Words: "It is Finished!" Jesus said that.

3. The pass few years I have read through the Bible but this year I am going to read the New Testament as many times as I can in a year. I'm currently reading the Book of Acts. I love the workings of the Holy Spirit throughout this book. I love the conflict and stretching. I love seeing how God is present with His people and how He works through His church to bring the Life of Christ to communities and cities. I also love the presence of several women in this book. That might sound strange but it's encouraging to read how woman were valued, esteemed as part of God's redemptive purpose.

Spent the day with friends. Chipolte, walks on campus and downtown, Sparky's, bunny visits, playing outside, basketball and dumplings and chips and salsa . . . it was a full and happy day!

My 16 year old boy-man. He's so fun and silly and sweet. Love him.

Even when she's giving you a look, she's beautiful. Love my girl.

day 79. 2015

A Gift Salty, Sweet, Just Right

1. Spicy tuna roll for lunch.

2. Korean Pear. Todd found a huge, juicy Korean pear at the Korean market. It was the perfect sweetness.

3. I had no appetite all evening but finally decided that a sweet potato sounded just right. One baked sweet potato was the perfect meal this evening. I am thankful for good, simple food.

For the past few weeks I thought I was getting a new camera. We are going to sell mine and upgrade to a new Canon body. For some reason it hasn't happened yet. We were full steam ahead and then nothing. My camera has sat in the camera bag for three weeks. I couldn't let another week pass without capturing the little gifts of spring and life and grace around me. Back to my Rebel.

Todd arrived home early this morning from work with these beauties. What a good man!

Spent the afternoon on the patio soaking in some vitamin D. 

Korean Pear. Yum!

day 77 & 78. 2015

day 77

3 Gifts Eaten

1. Steel cut oats with fresh blueberries and walnuts.

2. Red, crisp, sweet apple. Seriously, it was perhaps the most delicious apple I've ever had.

3. This evening I had dinner with friends. I am thankful to share life with woman who are weak but brave, heavy-burdened but leaning into His grace, who can't see what's ahead but trust in His faithfulness. They are beautiful and He is good.

day 78

3 Gifts that made you Laugh

1. 6th graders who seemed to have gallons of caffeine before coming to school. Wow!

2. 6th grader who squeezed me and then said, "You smell like LEMONS!"

3. Watching basketball games with Zach. Our brackets are filled and we are glued to all the March Madness. During one game I shouted "Boing!" when a guy made an incredible shot. I have never said that before and I really meant to say "Bam!" We laughed the rest of the night about that and have coined a new basketball expression. "Boing!" Mom is weird.

day 75 & 76 2015

day 75

A Gift Turned, Folded, Hung

1. The little dial, knob on my watch. I like the bold face and large numbers, the sound of the second hand when everything is still and quiet-- tick, tick, tick.

2. A thoughtful note handed to me by a teacher at school. He said, "I thought you might like to have this." As I read, tears began to fill my eyes. A senior had written a short paragraph about who they wanted to be like. Undone.

3. There are so many pieces hanging in my living room that have specific meaning to me because they are gifts from friends. When I see these pieces I am reminded of them, our friendship and story.

day 76

3 Gifts Red

1. My red hat from Whit. She gave it to me the morning I headed into Seoul with Hayli who was running a 1/2 marathon.

2. Red cardinal birds chirping on the the small tree in our front yard.

3. Roasted red potatoes with sea salt. Yum!

day 74. 2015

Today was such beautiful, full day. My treasure hunt today was for 3 hard eucharisteos but I decided to just share 3 things I'm grateful for today. It's not that everything was easy, it's just there were such sweet spaces in the day that I want to remember them.

3 Gifts from this Spring Day

1. the 7th grade animal project presentation. Yes, this is a highlight from the day. The weeks of hard work all culminated today with their presentations. These kids are amazing and did fantastic work. I love their creativity!

2. A quick lunch date with my Darlin at a new CoMo spot, Seoul Taco. It taste like Korea! Yum!

3. The ability to bless a friend with new shoes. Several years ago my friend Amy G bought me a new pair of Chacos. Today, I was able to do the same for a friend. It was awesome. 

day 72 & 73. 2015

day 72

3 Gifts found in Silence

1.  reflection and remembrance

2. time to listen and hear

3. time to rest

day 73 (Dan's retirement party)

3 Gifts Given Away

1. time and resources to serve and honor a friend

2. words of encouragement and affirmation

3. an evening spent serving, celebrating, giving and honoring friends. it was simply beautiful to see so many gladly serving our friends. 

day 70 & 71. 2015

day 70 (home sick)

A Gift in Wind, in Water, in White

1. windows open, spring winds blowing through the house

2.  warm water with honey and elderberry juice to ease sore throat and cough

3. white fluffy clouds moving across bright blue skies

day 71 (home sick)

3 Gifts Round

1. round tea cup

2. blazing, round orange sun warming my living room

3. big round globe

day 69. 2015

Happy Birthday to Zachary Todd! Today Zach turns 16. It's a special and significant birthday. We woke him with song and hugs. I cried only a little. We brought him lunch to school and showered him with gifts throughout the day. AP Chemistry eclipsed our evening celebrations. Boo! AP Chem.We told him his birth story. We were both in tears when it was over and hugged.

He is our first miracle. He is answered prayer. 

I am so proud of our boy. He is growing into a kind, tender, compassionate, smart, witty young man. He is learning to work hard but not be defined by all the pressures he feels at school. The past few weeks have been incredibly hard at school. He has been stretched and pressed and challenged. Honestly, it's way more than what should be expected in High School but he is learning to persevere and ask for help. He's learning that it's ok not to be perfect and sometimes you can work really hard and you still don't get the results you hope for. But! It's ok because Jesus still loves you and is faithful and good. He is a good friend and growing in patience and understanding when he is stressed or struggling in relationships. He relates well with adults and is comfortable with different types of people. He still loves hugs and hanging out with his Dad and Mom. I am so thankful to be his Mom!

Happy 16th Birthday, Zachary Todd! We love you to the moon and back!

3 Gifts Read

1. The Helper, Catherine Marshall

2. Eighteen Inch Journey, Cageless Birds, Volume II

3. The book of ACTS

day 68. 2015

3 GIFTS in CHRIST

1. In Christ I have PEACE with GOD. I'm no longer a slave but a daughter.

2. Christ is my Savior King and yet calls me His FRIEND. He is the Lover of my Soul. My good Shepherd. He is every PROMISE.

3. I am made RIGHTEOUS & HOLY. In Christ that is how I'm seen. Heart and Mind blowing.

Friday, March 6 is my Jesus birthday. Every year I reflect on the my Jesus story. Every year I am undone by the undeniable truth that Jesus called me, rescued me and made me His own. Forever. I am undone that through seasons of doubt, fear, failure, and weariness, He has sustained, kept and carried out what He began 28 years ago.

Jesus, I love you. You are like NO other.

day 66 & 67. 2015

3 Gifts Loud

1. Grinding fresh beans in the morning.

2. Cheers for the CFS Knights Indoor Soccer! A well fought game.

3. My cough that came out of now where. I sound like a seal. It's making me rest.

3 Gifts from TODAY

1. A much needed NAP. I am thankful for rest.

2. Warm sunshine, birds chirping and the smell of Spring.

3. Dinner with the family. Celebrations our almost 16 year old.

day 65. 2015

3 Gifts in the Kitchen

1. Breakfast. Friends gathered.

2. Leafy greens with figs and goat cheese.

3. Dinner. Games. Songs.

day 63 & 64. 2015

day 63

3 Gifts Found

1. He's the finder of lost things.

2. Found joy in remaining.

3. Found rest in the sunshine today.

day 64

A Gift Bent, Broken, Beautiful

1. Sunlight. Amy smiles and says, "Sunlight is light refracted. Which means it's bent." Yes. I love that.

2. Broken. The way your heart feels when you hear stories of wrong things and the delay to see them made right.

3. Friends who come to celebrate Zach and be with us. Friends who drive to the top of a parking garage to chase the moon with you.

day 61 & 62. 2015

day 61

3 Gifts Wore

1. My prayer shaw from Dionne. It reminds me of how He covers me and shelters me in Love.

2. My new bracelet. Faithful. I go back to this word again and again. He is faithful.

3. My friendship earrings from Rie. Two birds.

day 62

3 Gifts Hard to Give Thanks for

1. Loss.

2. Waiting.

3. Watching your kids struggle and knowing it's part of their growing.

day 60. 2015

I've been sick with the stomach crud. I made it through all of January and February this school year without being sick. Thankful. I thought I was going to get by without getting the angry tummy issues but I was hit hard. Today I slept all day so no pictures.

3 Gifts Green

1. Green leafy lettuce, kale, spinach, chard . . . I love green leafy veggies.

2. In anticipation of spring . . . fresh green shoots of grass and leaves on trees.

3. My green puffy vest. It's warm and it's green. I love it.

day 59. 2015

March beginnings.

3 Gifts at 3:00 pm

1. Thoughtful text from a friend.

2. Ginger tea to ease my angry tummy.

3. Watching Lia lay by the fire place and giggling.

day 58. 2015

The last day of February. Day 58 x 3 = 174 gifts

3 Gifts of the Past that help me TRUST the FUTURE.

1. Forgiveness. The gift of being forgiven much and the gift of forgiving another.

2. Love. The steadfast love of God and the people in my life. Despite my failures and selfishness, I have been loved.

3. His Faithfulness. He astounds me with His unwavering faithfulness. His promises are indeed true and His love remains.

Big, fluffy, quiet snow fall. This little bush looks like it's wearing winter's hat.

The neighborhood is quiet this Sabbath day. Thankful for the rest of snow.

day 56 & 57. 2015

Day 56

3 Gifts in Reflection

1. A time to pause and remember. I think I am becoming more and more grateful for this process.

2. A moment to be still before speaking, to be thoughtful in response. Always good.

3. I have a memory so clear in my mind of a trip I took to Portsmouth, New Hampshire many, many years ago. It was October. Everything I had ever heard about the beauty of fall in New England was true. The brightest, most vibrant colors I had ever seen. The picture I can still see is of a small lake whose shores were lined with red, orange and golden yellow trees. The lake reflected these trees so beautifully and perfectly. It was like liquid fall. If I had jumped in I would have been bathed in red, orange and yellow. It took my breathe away. How funny that this one moment is still etched in my memory.

Day 57

3 UGLY-BEAUTIFUL Gifts

1. Tears. No one ever looks beautiful when they cry but tears are beautiful. Cleansing and Restoring.

2. Hormones. Ugh! Hormones are ugly. Beautiful because they remind of my need and helplessness.

3. Waiting. Waiting can be ugly and make your heart sick. The gift of waiting with HOPE is beautiful. I have longed for many, many things and have had to wait. I've learned to wait in HOPE.

Reflection. 

Reflection.