day 236

8.27.2015

3 Gifts New

1. A new day. This is obvious but there are days that end that have just plain hard and you need a new beginning. A new day brings fresh hope and mercy and often times perspective. I am thankful for a new day. 

2. My new computer bag. 

3. Entering a new season of work and serving. Letting go of some areas that I have enjoyed and taking hold of new. I'm looking forward to the year ahead.

day 234 & 235

8.25.2015

3 Gifts Fragile

1. The emotions of middle-school girls. Handle with care and patience.

2. My body has felt fragile of late. An ache here, a pain there. I'm not old but things don't work exactly how I feel that they should. 

3. Humans are fragile. We are fragile and yet strong and resilient. As I hear stories of others journey through this life I am amazed at the challenges we face and the strength and courage we carry through those challenges. 

8.26.2015

A Gift Cut, Sewn and Buttoned

1. The fabric pieced together to form the pillows made by the woman in Kenya. You can read more about this courageous woman here: https://www.gloryofafricastore.com/

2. Little pieces of clothes and accessories for Lia's toys. She is always tinkering--creating something out of scraps and pieces of fabric. I love her creativity and imagination. 

3. His buttoned up shirts for work. They smell like him. 

day 233

8.24.2015

3 Gifts Moving

1. As my friend Rachel, AKA Ray-Ray says, I'm living the dream. Walking to work. I do love the time I have walking. It slows down the rush of the morning and gives me time to enjoy the chill and sunshine. Lia said it was boring but I convinced her that it was fun when we started to look for treasures. 

2. There is so much moving at recess. Swinging and running and jumping and twirling and kicking and swinging and leaping and rolling. Recess.

3. Our schedule. Everything shifts when school starts. The schedule feels like it's constantly moving. Find rest and rhythm.

Monday Morning.

Living the dream.

Leading the way.

day 232

8.23.2015

3 Gifts OLD

1. Grandma and Grandpa's dining room set. My Mom and her sisters passed this along to me when Todd and I were first married. Memories of many holidays around this table with my family and then with our friends. While we were in Korea our friend Jordanne used it as her dining room table. It has over 50 plus years of stories and people and celebrations.

2. Friendships. I am not old and my friends are certainly not old but I some of my friendships span 30 years. How is that even possible?!

3. Something that never gets old is remembering the goodness and grace and love of Christ towards me. 

4. This is a bonus because today I ran on streets lined with huge old trees. I love this time of year because the squirrels are super busy and they are gathering acorns to store for the winter. Sidewalks lined with acorns and busy squirrels a simple little joy.

day 231

8.22.2015

3 Gifts of Light

1. Natural light. I am thankful for windows in our home that allow sunshine and the natural light of the day to brighten our space. 

2. The long days of summer. I am thankful for the long days of light that the summer brings. It creates time to linger through the evenings and not feel rushed for the next day.

3. Jesus. He's is Light and in Him is no darkness. This both strengthens and comforts me. In a world that is dark and yet beautiful, knowing that He is Light and Hope and Faithful and True gives me courage to keep living and loving.

day 230

8.21.2015

A Gift Straight, Curve, Turn

1. The flight of an arrow hitting it's mark.

2. The curve ball. We watch a lot of baseball in the Stewart home. We switch between the Cardinals and Royals game--everyone is happy. I love evenings with the family watching the games, snacking and being an overly loud fan. Zach will often say, "Mom, you're getting too loud!" I can't help myself, son!

3. Turn . . . this made me think of changing directions and how sometimes it's difficult to turn and walk in a new way. There is a gift of a fresh beginning, a new perspective, a rich experience of growth when you turn. Over the years, the turns in my life have proved life changing and giving. 

 Sweet friends. These girls make me laugh.

day 228 & 229

8.19.2015

day 228

3 Gifts in Church

1. Family. I have mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters. Whether here in Columbia, KC or Korea, we have experienced the gift of family in church.

2. A safe place. Sadly, I know this isn't true for many in church life but I have experienced safety in the church communities I have been apart of. In my struggles, failures, brokenness, and celebrations I have been loved, cared for and protected. 

3. The church is described as a body where every part is significant. Whether a hand, a toe, an eye, each part is valued and necessary. The part I play is important and valued. Discovering what part you are and then living out your purpose in that role has been meaningful to me over the years. It's also been so fun to come along side others to celebrate and encourage their part. Every joint supplies . . .

Today was the first day of school. It's hard to believe that we are here again. I will miss the slow days of summer. I will miss the easy rhythm with my kids. The day was sweet though. I have a new class of kids, we have a fresh beginning and year of learning and growing together. Zach started 11th grade and Lia 6th grade (Lia is in my class which she has mixed feelings about). I think this is going to be a great year for each of them. A year of growing in grace, strength, life. Man, I love these kids. I wish time would slow . . . savoring every moment and day and season--they pass so quickly.

8.20.2015

day 229

3 Gifts of Serving

1. An opportunity to provide or attend to the need of another. 

2. I've been a server/waitress. I always enjoyed creating a meaningful experience by serving my customers with attentiveness and joy. It wasn't an easy job--the work was hard  and times challenging but fun and rewarding. 

3. Serving gets me out of the way. So often I am more self-serving but as I care for another I experience the gift of Jesus who was the Greatest of Servants. The One who was worthy to be served, girded his waist and served His friends and enemies. The Humble Servant King. 

day 227

8.18.2015

A Gift Red, Read, Written

1. Sweet, red and juicy watermelon. A great summer time treat. It's hard to stop eating it--deliciousness!

2. "Give away love like you're made of it." Bob Goff

3. The student information sheets that we ask parents to fill out about their kiddos. I love reading each one and getting a glimpse of how unique each student is and how we can celebrate and get to know them individually.

day 226

8.17.2015

3 Gifts in the Morning

1. Fruit smoothie and Zach's quiet presence to start the day.

2. 48 minutes on the trail--cool breeze, sunshine and my best run/walk times.

3. Rebecca, Elsa and Lily. These sweet friends came to spend the day with Lia and I. I am grateful for how intentional Rebecca is to spend time with her friends. Our time today was sweet and precious and a gift as I start back to school this week.

day 224 & 225

8.15.2015

day 224

3 Gifts of Saturday

1. Long run/walk on the trail. It was hard but the gift of finishing was worth it.

2. CFS Knights Soccer Team vs Alumi. It's always a fun way to start the season to watch these guys play hard and connect with former players.

3. Will and Alli. We were able to celebrate the marriage of our dear friend Will today. Two passionate, smart, strong, lovers of Jesus and people. 


8.16.2015

day 225

3 Gifts of Family

1. You can let all of your ugly hang out and you are still loved and cared for. 

2. History.

3. Being present during all the growth and change that comes from growing up and maturing. I love the process of watching my kids grow. It's astounding and scary and beautiful all mixed together. It goes by so quickly. Savoring every moment.

day 222 & 223

8.13.2015

3 Gifts Green

1. Green grass over the soccer field. Zach and the Knights soccer team have had two-a-days for the past two weeks to get ready for the new season. Strong, healthy, energetic, wonderful and ready for a new season. Go Knights!

2. Mixed greens in my Summer brew house salad at Flat Branch. Darlin and I enjoyed a date night on the Flat Branch patio tonight. 

3. Zucchini and cucumbers from Farmer Debbie. I love produce week. What a gift!

Balance. Lia had a friend over for a sleepover so I got them a special treat. We needed some balance though. :) 

8.14.2015

day 223

3 Gifts of Work

Today was spent in meetings. Teacher meetings. I am about to start my 5th year as a Teacher's Aide at CFS. Honestly, it's not where I saw myself but I am thankful for the experience that I have had the co-workers I am privileged to work with and the students I have had the joy and challenge of serving.

1. The gift of working along side a gifted teacher. I am thankful for Nan. 

2. Laughter. Today in the midst of meetings and frustrating conversations, there was laughter. Laughter is really good medicine and eases most stressful moments.

3. Preparations. Each year is the same and yet so different. The preparations have reminded me how sweet new beginnings are. Each new class is unique and so fun to get to know. 

day 220 & 221

8.11.2015

3 Gifts Metal

1. The mixing bowl with fresh dough and hands kneading.

2. The gold band around my left finger. From dust to a handcrafted round reminder of covenant.

3. The silver bracelet around my wrist. Reminder that He is faithful. 

I need a lot of reminders. I have set things up around our home that remind me of places, people, stories, words spoken that point my heart towards thankfulness and steadfastness.


8.12.2015

3 Gifts Half-Hidden

1. Lia covered up under her blankets sleeping until 9:00. These lazy days of summer are slowly coming to an end. 

2. The green hummingbird in the pear tree. I heard his wings but couldn't see him as he camouflaged himself in the pear leaves.

3. I sat with a friend today who is experiencing what feels like the hiddenness of God. I've known that in my life. She can't see Him working in her life or how He could possibly be using her pain or enter into it with her. We sat together, tears, hugs, Scripture, thoughts and shouts and prayers were uttered with longing and desperation. I had this picture of her standing in a crowd who were all pressing to see Jesus and He saw her, He heard her in her silence and drew her out to Himself.  He was hidden and present today. 

LA with Jinny. Remember that sweet morning with my sister friend.

day 219

8.10.2015

day 219

3 Hard Eucharisteos

1. First day of back to work--summer don't leave me--well, the heat of summer can leave but the slow rhythm of summer can remain. It's hard to believe it's time for a new school year. Thankful for a fresh beginning, a new group of students and working alongside Nan. 

2. Helping Lia restore order to her room. It was good and overwhelming.

3. Back pain. I've had back pain for several weeks and today was perhaps the hardest. I have a new appreciation for several friends who have had lifelong battles with back pain. 

This guy got his driver's permit. He won't stop growing up.

day 218

8.9.2015

day 218

3 Gifts of Sunday

1. Hearing our friend Aaron teach at church this morning--Wells and Weddings. We've known Aaron since he was a little guy. During college we spent a lot of time on campus and in College Fellowship together. I love seeing people follow their passion and grow in their gifts and even more their love for Jesus and people.

2. The reality that what I know and have experienced in knowing God is like a single drip in an ocean. God's love, compassion, mercy, pursuit and constant presence is greater and reaches deeper than I can possibly comprehend but can spend my life discovering and pursuing.

3. Lia. This evening was hard and sad for Lia. She was trying to share her space and things and things got way out of hand, as they can when kids are being kids. She is spicy but the depths of her compassion and desire to be kind is beautiful. She loves strong and deep.

day 217

3 Gifts of Summer 

1. Longer days of sunshine.

2. Summer sights and sounds. Cicadas, whippoorwills, lightning bugs, bull frogs, birds, the flight of the hummingbird. 

3. Slower rhythm. I am thankful that I have a job that provides me with the summer off.

Sweet Darlin planted these little pots for me while I was away on a trip. Green inside and outside.

day 216

8.7.2015

3 Gifts in His Word

1. His word speaks. 

2. His word strengthens and reminds.

3. "Now to God who is able . . ." Sometimes just a simple phrase like this brings strength to my soul. I may not understand a circumstance but going back to this simple, yet profound statement I am reminded that in my weakness He is strong and able. 

day 215

8.6.2015

day 215

3 Gifts Found in Today

1. Zach passed his driving permit test. Wow! It is certainly a milestone in growing up. He has not had any sense of urgency to take this. Friends have encouraged him, teased him, pressured him and he wouldn't budge. He would take it when he wanted and felt ready. I like him. He is confident, patient and knows himself. 

2. Catching up on the blog. The process of remembering today has been fun and good for the soul. 

3. Callie. This beautiful friend just returned from a trip to the Middle East. Good to connect and hear about her experiences and the day to day life of people in that region. Praying for peace and hope for all in that part of the world.

I took these pictures today but mentioned them in a post from a few weeks ago. Rosemary. Lavender. Basil. Home grown. 

day 213 & 214

8.4.2015

day 213

3 Gifts Sitting

1. This morning I sat for the purpose to be still and quiet. What a gift silence is. You actually hear more.

2.Sitting around the table with two sweet ladies sharing our struggles, hopes and dreams as a new season begins. Encouragement, cheers, celebration, understanding all present. 

3. Sitting makes me more present with who I am with.

8.5.2015

day 214

A Gift Outside, Inside, Upside Down

1. Bumble bees feasting on petunias.

2. Todd and Lia baking bread together.

3. I feel turned upside down thinking about the easy days of summer ending and school starting soon.

day 210, 211 & 212

8.1.2015

day 210

3 Gifts White

1. Hard boiled egg. These have been a little bit of a staple for me of late.

2. White dress flapping in the wind . . . it made me feel pretty.

3. A blank piece of paper . . . ready for new thoughts, stories and dreams.

8.2.2015

day 211

3 Gifts Eaten

1. Farmer Debbie's juicy red tomatoes with sliced avocado.

2. Roasted veggies slightly drizzled with olive oil and sea salt.

3. Veggie burger with sliced tomatoes and avocado.

8.3.2015

day 212

A Gift at 10AM, 1PM, 10PM

1. 10AM--45 minute run/walk.

2. 1PM--Invitation to pray for a friend who needs courage and strength.

3. 10PM--Sleep. 

Zach just returned from Sanibel Island. Very kind and generous friends took him along to enjoy the sand and sea for the past week. He brought back all of these seashells. Each beautiful and unique.

day 207, 208 & 209

7.29.2015

day 207

3 Gifts Found in Today

1. Today is my friend Deb's birthday. She is kind, passionate, compassionate, fun and a lover of Jesus and His people. She is humble and gifted, a defender and protector, a friend and confidant. I am thankful for her life and friendship.

2. Today I saw the coolest dragon fly. His wings looked like signal flags and his tail was sky blue. Amazing little creature.

3. Mail. Real mail in my mailbox. A kind note and a little gift. Thankful.

7.30.2015

day 208

3 Gifts Heard

1. Words that strengthen, encourage and affirm.

2. Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?" What a powerful invitation. Ask.

3. A friends story of hope, redemption and healing.

7.31.2015

day 209

3 Gifts Difficult

1. Waiting. It's good and hard and frustrating.

2. Time. It can't be rushed or escaped. It sometimes seems to linger and other times seems to drag on and on.

3. Confession. This is never easy but in my experience it heals and restores--in time.

Today we went sailing with Brad, Nan and Landon. What a beautiful day! Thankful for friends, tasty drinks, watermelon, laughs, the rest of the water and quiet sail.

The Sea Turtle

There was a rainbow around the sun. Very cool.

day 204, 205 & 206

7.26.2015

day 204

3 Gifts of Endings

1. Over my life endings have always marked new beginnings. Some endings have been painful but rich because of what we gained in the passing season.

2. A sense of completion.

3. A book with a good ending leaves you with a sense that you have just experienced something beautiful, meaningful and precious. Some endings leave you confused or wishing the story wouldn't end but that means that you have connected with something, someone and that is a gift.

7.27.2015

day 205

A Gift on Vacation, at Home, in Relaxation

1. I love experiencing a new place on vacation--exploring a new area, local restaurants, coffee shops, trails and sites.

2. Games around the dining room table with my family.

3. I sometimes think relaxing is one of my gifts. I value quiet space to rest, restore and reflect. Our world is so loud, it's nice to take a break from the noise.

7.28.2015

day 206

3 Gifts of Beginnings

1. Fresh start. Clean slate.

2. New beginnings give you a chance to explore, experience and take risk.

3. New beginnings give you hope. Hope for something new, rich and beautiful to be added to your life.

These little beauties came from one of the two pear trees in our backyard. 

day 201, 202 & 203

7.23.2015

day 201

A Gift High, Low, Far Away

1. Rolling, fluffy, puffy, billowing clouds. I have an addiction to the sky!

2. Walking in freshly mowed grass. It feels good on my toes.

3. Friends. So many treasured friends live too far away.

7.24.2015

day 202

3 Gifts of Sand

1. Cold and wet between your toes.

2. Sea shell hunting.

3. Sand Art. :)

7.25.2015

day 203

3 Gifts Fresh

1. Rosemary.

2. Basil.

3. Lavender.

day 198, 199 & 200

7.20.2015

7.20.2015

day 198

A Gift in Light, Dark, Shadow

1. Everything is visible.

2. Moon and stars and lighting bugs and the sound of the whippoorwill.

3. I love morning and evening shadows that reflect through our home. The lines of the plants and chairs and trees all marking the start or end to my day.

7.21.2015

day 199

3 Gifts of Story

1. Story gives us a glimpse into someone's heart.

2. Story connects us.

3. Story engages us in a greater story than just our own.

7.22.2015

day 200

3 Gifts Underrated

1. Saying I love you. Every day. To the people in your life.

2. Being kind. To the bagger and cashier at the grocery store, to the waiter/waitress . . . to all those you come into contact with throughout your day.

3. Silence. Space to think and be still.

day 195, 196 & 197

7.17.2015

day 195

3 Gifts Learned

1. Waiting though difficult is good and helpful.

2. Marriage is worth the work and time and energy.

3. I don't have all the answers or understand most things but I have learned that God is good and faithful. Always.

7.18.2015

day 196

3 Gifts Musical

1. Lia playing piano.

2. Hearing an orchestra play. I love each instrument and how the sounds all blend together.

3. Classical guitar. Just an acoustic guitar, on it's own. Love.

7.19.2015

day 197

3 Gifts Baked

1. Todd's French baguette.

2. Dairy-Free Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies--with walnuts and cranberries. Yum!

3. Quiche. Ya, I love quiche. It was something I craved almost daily when pregnant with Zach.

day 192, 193 & 194

7.14.2015

day 192

3 Gifts Yellow

1. Yellow squash from Farmer Debbie.

2. Yellow petals continuing to bloom.

3. Yellow-orange sun peeking through fluffy, rolling clouds.

7.15.2015

day 193

3 Gifts of Stone

1. Pugent Sound treasures on the window seel.

2. Stones to remember by my bedside. Faithful.

3. Crushed stone on the MKT. It makes the 5 miles softer.

7.16.2015

day 194

3 Gifts Hanging Down

1. Small plums on the little tree.

2. green, flowing, stretching, vines from the pots

3. Her long growing legs as she sits on my lap.

day 190 & 191

7.12.2015

day 190

3 Gifts of Travel--Day Four

1. The calm pace of the morning at the Vaughn's home. Music and coffee and conversation and laughs and snuggles with Sam. Goodness all around.

2. Rachel, Becky, Krista, Rory and Andy. These gals are simply awesome. I would like to bring them home with me.

3. A & Z got married and we danced!

7.13.2015

day 191

3 Gifts of Travel--Day Five

1. Mark, Anna's Dad drove me to the airport. Praise Jesus! No LA traffic, No Hassle. Just good for your soul conversation.

2. I made it safely home. Major traffic delays, construction and heavy rains turned my 2 hour drive into a 3 hour drive. I was held in His perfect peace.

3. Zach arrived home safely from his trip to Colorado. The family is together again. Thankful.

day 187, 188 & 189

7.9.2015

day 187

3 Gifts of Travel--Day One

1. Rest. I slept longer than I intended today. The rest and sleep helped heal my migraine.

2. Porch sit with Amy G. Comfort food, tea and sweet friendship.

3. Reconnecting with Zhonfeng, NanLi and their sweet family, Zara and Samuel. Dumpling feast, memories, silliness and giggles.

7.10.2015

day 188

3 Gifts of Travel--Day Two

1. On the plane from KC to LA I sat next to an MU student from China. Shuya. Hopefully, we will reconnect when she returns from her summer break in China.

2. Jinny. Breakfast and a stroll on the beach. I love her so.

3. Anna. Being with her for her big wedding weekend and meeting her people is so so good. We also went to the Dodgers game. Fun day!

7.11.2015

day 189

3 Gifts from Travel--Day Three

1. Rehearsal, Mexican feast, pedicures, dinner, laughs and celebrating Anna all day long!

2. Loving on baby Sam. He and his Momma are super great!

3. Laughing. So much laughing today. Good for the soul.

day 185 & 186

7.7.2015

day 185

A Gift of Challenge, Conflict, Change

1. Challenge pushes you to press through the difficult or pain that it brings to reap the rewards of perseverance.

2. I'm not sure how often I have felt like conflict is a gift but in times when I have faced the conflict and committed to working towards understanding, acceptance and forgiveness, I have experienced growth, healing and restoration.

3. Lia hates change. Anything that disrupts her normal is bad. Recently, Shelter Insurance built a new fountain. Every time we passed it, Lia complained about how they had ruined the fountain and she hated it. Todd decided to take her to see the fountain close up--it also involved Orange Leaf so she decided she wouldn't fight him on it and would just go. She loves the new fountain!! It's bigger and the colors are better. Change is good.

7.8.2015

day 186

3 Gifts of Water

1. Water refreshes.

2. Water cleanses.

3. Water restores.

Continuing the journey

Wow! A whole month has passed since my last post. My friend, Nan, said, "It's been since like July 7th since your last post!" I know. I have continued the journey by making entries in my journal but for some reason it has been work for me to get it to the blog. 

Work begins next week. School the following week. The plan is to transfer all my entries from journal to blog today and then return to my daily post tomorrow. 

The past month has been good and beautiful and slow. Being 8 months into this process of watching for beauty and grace around me is a gift for my soul. I hope it is for you who follow along too.

Here we go . . .