1203-1208

1203.  Bengali Mama Episode 9 is just about up! So thankful that this little dream is still living and breathing, and that i have a husband who also happens to be a video producer who supports me endlessly and edits in the late hours so we can have a good quality production to offer others. it brings me so much joy to make these little cooking videos. thank you Jesus for the little passion.

1204. thankful for my three growing children. Ben, full of brilliance and questions and smarty pantsness all his own, and only at age 5..my Norah, beautiful and sweet, full of honeycomb words for her mama, kisses for little sissy, and a great amount of adoration and respect for her big brother. love her crazy obsession for pretty dresses, lip gloss, and perfume, but also, what confidence she has! And my little Olive, sweet and giggly when she's feeling cheerful and healthy, crawling all over the place and always looking for another family member to be nearby. she loves the cuddles and to wrestle, and eat. the girl can pack it away. love her so much. 

1205. looks like we're headed to England this fall. Is this even real?! humbled in every way, to serve beneath a godly man we love and respect in the highest regard, that he still after all this talk and tug and prayer and questions, STILL is eager to invite us, draw us out, and purposely want us there with him. we feel so small and unworthy, yet we do not want to squander this gift to be used in which ever way, through worship ministry, through teaching, through children's ministry, through hearty hospitality and homemade meals..sigh..loving all this dreaming and also moving quickly to reality. Praise be to God. 

1206. so so so looking forward to heading to California in just a few short weeks. Thankful for the financial provision, for the final bit of down time that Nathan will be able to have, and thankful our whole family will get to be together uninterrupted-in sunshine, celebrating with delicious food and wine, with gorgeous scenic hikes, family time with mom and dad english, and can't forget In N Out! Thank you so much Jesus for this upcoming trip!!

1207. thankful for the washer and dryer. when clothes finally get washed, it feels like i get a whole new wardrobe. 

1208. surprise kind words from meagan. for her to take the time to compliment me and speak of my little tiny beauty and lift me up, was such an incredible gift-especially since she doesn't hand them out freely. a cherished present. 

1193 - 1202

1193 baja shrimp tacos with creamy chipotle sauce, red cabbage, cilantro - [rusty taco] - delicious 1194 a few afternoon and evening hours with matthew + lisa. their insight, passion, patience + wisdom. it is a gift to be invited into this home, to hear their love for the Church. they ask questions, challenge me, and make observations about what they see in my life, draw me out, and push me to engage with my habits, my fears. all in gentleness and love. 1195 the still-standing invitation to make my home here 1196 frozen black grapes 1197 messages and phone calls from my lindsey joy, keeping me present in her tender heart and her wise thoughts, an honor. 1198 a new home, a quiet street, affordable rent (even cheaper than we had thought!), with rach, all our own space. excited for the first week of april. 1199 sermon from 2 corinthians 10 - placing ourselves underneath the authority of God's word rather than lording ourselves over it with our opinions, our likes and dislikes, criticisms. 1200 seeing j. walk over the 11th st. bridge, home from church. no conversation, not even eye contact. just knowing the kind of man that he is, the depth to which he loves God and loves people - convicts me and challenges me. God, teach me to have this kind of heart for You. 1201 gold medal park with the boys. the ups and downs on the hill, both on and off the path. the view of the water, the old stone arch bridge, and the old gold medal mill to the south. 1202 the deep blue guthrie theater with its floating appendage projecting towards the water

1186-1192

1186. I'm getting my hair done right now by Chelsea. she is really good at hair and it's so restful to have her do it. and I get a head massage :)

1187. Tuesday date nights at Rockwell Republic.

1188. Thursday mornings with my married ladies.

1189. learning Gods faithfulness by experience and in His word.

1190. Bike rides. walks in the cemetary. being outside. 

1191. the colors of the sun. I notice the sunsets and sunrises every day now from my upstairs windows and I am thankful to enjoy His creation. 

1192. encouragement from so many people. some I know well, others I only know in passing. but all encouragement.

1181 - 1185

1181 an hour with prasanth, jordan, and julie and j+j's precious kids. connect 4, frozen yogurt, and conversation in spanish and english. 1182 brian ivie's testimony or how God showed him his need and changed everything. 1183 The Drop Box movie. story of one man's selflessness, because, as p put it, pastor lee loved out of his own fullness[Jesus], not because he was striving to fill any lack. 1184 these sunrises on the way to work 1185 molly's giggle

1171-1180

1171.  the sunshine bursting through the windows

1172. the soft reminder from a friend where my vision and heart for the kitchen belongs. thankful for the renewed desire to serve the ones i love over serving the masses, and to perfect my few recipes well, rather than cranking out half assed ones.

1173. thankful for the stupid ymca that we all the sudden have been headed to 3-4 times a week to train for Israel. as much as i hate it, i am thankful for a spot to work out, step outside of my comfort zone, and kill pride that thinks i don't need to be there. because i do. and it is good and healthy to care for my temple.

1174. tiny toms for olive.

1175. murgh mhakni. made by my little hands.

1176. russ' lunch date with ben. so fun to get him all to myself and listen to him talk more than he normally would. thankful for the young man he is becoming.

1177. thursday mornings.

1178. met for coffee with e. and you know what? it was peaceful and good. there is a quiet mutual respect there that wasn't there before. we are equal and that is a gift i am so thankful for. she is not above me, nor am i below her. we walk the same ground and we move forward in peace. beyond thankful.

1179. its easier with the other e too. God is just giving me gifts of peace among men and helping navigate war zones with love, patience, and a gracious spirit. Only in Him can rest and reconciliation be known.

1180. torah class was so good and full of God's word and new revelations. thankful for the ability to learn.