day 256

3 Gifts of Gratefulness

1. Gratefulness brings perspective. As I celebrate the small and big gifts in my life, I have a greater appreciation for the journey that I am on. 

2. Gratefulness multiplies. Sometimes I experiment with this. I stop to enjoy something beautiful, to say thank you, to appreciate those around me and it becomes a little addictive and you want to do it more. You also start noticing others doing the same.

3. Gratefulness slows you down. Reflective. Intentional. Hope-filled.

I've had several circumstances and seasons in life where I had to fight for gratefulness. I've have said to the Lord, "This is not at all what I hoped or longed for. I am sad and disappointed but thank you for the promise that you won't forsake me. For the promise that You work all things together for my good and Your glory." I cried, more liked sobbed, while speaking those words. I wasn't sure I even believed it in the moment but I said it, out loud, and hoped that my disappointment wouldn't crush me. And it didn't. Each day gratefulness led me to faith and hope and set my heart free to see that what He promises is true. 

She wanted to make rainbow cookies. Perhaps because she's a unicorn.

She and Todd love baking together. I like cooking. Not so much baking. 

day 255

3 Gifts of Traditions

Traditions seem to be fading in our culture. There are numerous reasons why but perhaps one of the main reasons is busyness. We just don't slow down enough to reflect and celebrate the gifts of remembering, community and thankfulness. In the classic, Fiddler on the Roof, traditions though beautiful and gave a sense of safety, often crippled and isolated people. The main character,Tevye fought very hard to keep the traditions of his community. 

Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as... 

as a fiddler on the roof!

In the end when forced out of the way of life the people had known for generations, love won over with blessing and acceptance. It's a long film but worth the watch.

Traditions should always be motivated from love and community. 

We have a few family traditions that are mostly centered around Christmas. Even when we were in Korea we found a way to celebrate family and our love by carrying on these simple gifts.

1. Every Christmas we purchase a nutcracker for Zach and a snow globe for Lia. They each have quite a collection and Todd and I love searching each year for the next gift.

2. Every Christmas we make Chinese dumplings on Christmas Day. We started this the year we brought Lia home.

3. Every New Year's Day we BBQ. Rain, sleet, or snow, we grill! One year there were 3-5 inches of snow on the ground and Todd bundled up and grilled burgers and brats! It was awesome!

Christmas 2014

day 254

3 Gifts of Sunday

1. The man voices chatting about their Fantasy Football teams from the kitchen.

2. Her things trailed throughout the house. I'm trying to not let it bother me. One day her things won't be here. I have awhile but times passes faster than you think. Savor. Give thanks. Be patient.

3. The smell of cinnamon.

The shadows and light never get old. 

I'm coaching the JR High Girls basketball team this season. I think I'm a little crazy but having fun with some sweet and hard working young ladies. Lia is playing. I am coaching. 

He was here. I love him so.

day 253

3 Gifts Silent

1. Hugs. I love hugs. Giving. Receiving. A quiet exchange of love, acceptance and belonging. 

2. Mornings. I am thankful for the quiet space the mornings give to start the day. The sun silently rises and cast shadows across my window and I sit with my tea and journal and His word. 

3. The gift of silence with a friend. I am thankful for time and space with a friend where no words are spoken and we simply enjoy the presence of one another with no fear or insecurity.


I've been sick a lot the past two weeks. It all started with some kind of allergy reaction and hives. The mild cough I had turned into a chronic cough and asthma issues. I am taking all sorts of medications that make me feel like I might crawl out of my skin. I wish I could hit a reset button and cleanse my system of all of these invaders. I've been home a few days to rest and be still. The sun shadows and warmth, my Jesus Storybook Bible and tea have been sweet little gifts for these long days.

day 252

11.08.2015

3 Gifts from the Weekend

1. Will and Ally came to visit. We are grateful for the gift of Will's friendship for the past 8 years and now we have the gift of Ally his wife. Grateful for sweet conversation, good food, laughter, remembering and coming together to pray and bless one another. Thankful that God makes His nearness and presence known to us and with one another--He is near.

2. Afternoon sunshine and time to read and reflect.

3. Homemade pizza. Loaded with veggies and turkey sausage and goat cheese. We made pizza with Will and Ally and enjoyed the leftovers the next day.

day 251

11.05.2015

3 Gifts Acorn Small

1. The small 20 mg of prednisone that I've had to take for the past week because of hives. Though I would rather not feel like I want to crawl out of my skin and shake all the time, the medicine is helping and for that I am grateful.

2. The small gold band around my left ring finger. Made from dust by the hands of a friend. Beautiful reminders of God's kindness, faithfulness and provision.

3. Honey bees. I have seen several bees still buzzing around gathering nectar from my flowers. Fascinated.

Thankful for the season this guy had. He loves soccer and it was such a great outlet for him. He played hard, encouraged his teammates and broke some school records. Way to go, Zach!

day 250

11.01.2015

day 250

3 Gifts Eaten

1. Homemade granola. My Darlin has been making his own granola and it's pretty darn good. 

2. Chili on a cold rainy day. Zach and I just got back from Tennessee. We spent the day resting in our pj's all day. He wanted chili for dinner so we made some up and watched the Royals beat the Mets in Game 4.

3. Chocolate chip cookies. Darlin and Lia made cookies. I'm not much of a baker but my Darlin is so he and Lia whipped up some yummy cookies to have for the week. 

CFS KNIGHTS SOCCER 2015

 

Last week the CFS Knights Soccer team competed in the NACA Tournament in Tennessee. The Knights won their first two games which placed them in the highest division--Division 1. The Knights have never competed in Division 1 and the competition would be tough. They battled the next two games down to the wire. Game 1 was lost in PK's and Game 2 was lost in the final seconds. They fought and played some great soccer but came up short. Saturday they would play in their final game of the season. They won Saturday's game 6-1. I am proud of our Zach and the rest of the team for all their hard work this season. They are State Champions and finished 7th overall at Nationals. Well done, Knights!