1291-1298.

1291. ben's first written, illustrated, and bound book that he created all by himself. it is a short story about a dragon who needs to figure out a way to clean out his cave. so thankful that i have a son who loves to write and create as much as his mama. 

1292. texts that fly across the country in an instant, technology can be a good thing, in the way it connects two people in no time at all. [im talking about you, linds]

1293. palm trees. finding spots exposed to direct sunlight. blue skies with no clouds to be seen. we are here in California and i am so thankful.

1294. pick up conversations with mom e. love that no time or distance really affects our relationship. thankful for her, her hospitality and kindness, and her laughter still rings the loudest notes.

1295. after a long and taxing flight, the first ever in all of our travels ever, we made it here. i am humbled to have been so helpless and not able to have much control over my daughter's harrowing screams, but i am all the more thankful for the peace and quiet, for her joy after the turmoil.

1296. two pairs of sunglasses

1297. extra clothes given generously for my daughter, blessed by the generosity and kindness.

1298.  than's acceptance letter into Oxford. praise the Lord.

1281-1290

1281a. tiny dog on my foot keeps me warm 1281b. cuddles with husband in the morning and two days of peace. 1282. dread of going to the gym but thankfulness for the gift of the gym. 1283. lazy morning finally, reading, blogging, letter writing, praying, thanking 1284. a circle of 4-5 women who will never give up on me and follow me into eternity around me. 1285. that this earth is short. 1286. leather couches. 1287. coffee with bosses who are the best in the world and send little love texts post coffee that fill the cup 1288. mickey. 1289. Weekends away for a job trip when it is most needed. OHIO HERE I COME. 1290. tiny dog licks.

1276 - 1280

1276 solid baby poops. they don't leak through clothes and dirty entire outfits. 1277 sweet corn, pears, and pineapple baby food. it honestly brought me a lot of joy to taste-test it and then to watch baby m enjoy it so much. 1278 king josiah. became king at age 8, reigned in jerusalem for 31 years. "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father david, not turning aside to the right or to the left." 1279 savor. new book, in the mail, on its way to my door. 1280 humility. one of the greatest gifts God gives. that necessary reminder that my reputation is as dust, gone with one strong wind. but that wind, the Spirit of Life, takes away the dust and the chaff so only the valuable remains. and in Him is all my worth.

1267 - 1275

1267 his request for my new address, that warm and constant reminder that their home is mine, if ever i choose 1268 a sister trip in the works! surprised that we've never done this before... 1269 online classes. challenging as it is some weeks to keep up with the work, i'm always humbled and inspired by these classmates, the teachers, the homework - the self-work 1270 linnea. a new friend in ny who reached out to me on fb because of something i posted in a forum about grace. a sister in Christ a few states away, but with so much in common 1272 shauna niequist. gifted writer and sister and mentor, whose words keep me company when i need to hear a voice 1273 what started as a study of the life of david and seeped into a kings study - has shown me distinctly the heart the pleases God - "and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord as his father david had done" - and i humbly ask for the same 1274 growing travel fund 1275 matt + sara going to europe in june and sara will spend a week with janita and see papa's farm. i've always wished. someday still...

1261- 1266

1261 lots of family time this week. mom and dad's visit friday night. [almost] everybody at ross+kristi's saturday afternoon, and then an extra few hours with the twins saturday night 1262 icelandic style yogurt 1263 a great small group time last night. these young ladies are honest and wise and dealing with real challenges, they like boys, and they love us and each other 1264 a beautiful church just a few houses from me, where the people are kind and joyful, the preaching is gospel-centered, and the women wear hats 1265 a growing travel fund 1266 a couple of salon hours with c + a trim and lighter ends

1248-1260

1248. fan buzzing taking away all sound elsewhere. 1249. a friendship Id call redemption and nights on couches with that book spilled over our laps studying things we will soon see.... 1250. this diffuser kicking out steam filled with rich oils. 1251. even when it is hard, unconditional love that shows me how to love unconditionally. 1252. mikaela. 1253. 28 years that my husband has been alive. 1254. warmth, a furnace that works, and also weather where it is not necessary. 1255. friends that listen and respond that I know I can be completely and fully myself and yet they will love me no matter what. 1256. april 14th, such a significant day... you know who you are. thankful for you. 1257. encouragement from so many people. sort of overwhelming.  1258. love. even in its broken messy we need Jesus state. i love love & im thankful. 1259. the ache in my muscles which means i am accomplishing something. 1260. another goodnight which means Gods accomplished His will for today.

1238-1247

1238. i have gotten away from a heart of gratitude, allowing myself to be distracted by broken things, fear, anxiety, and pits in my stomach. that changes today.

1239. thankful for a planned date tonite gifted by my husband, complete with him finding a babysitter as well.

1240. thankful for those dumb steps on Godfry. flights and flights of concrete stacked on top of itself, and it burns my legs, my lungs, but it is only strengthening me for Israel. its a hate/but thankful relationship.

1241. 6 more days until we leave for beautiful California. so thankful for that upcoming time of rest and being able to breathe for a good second with my whole family. 

1242. communication, though it is hard at times, thankful for friends who are willing to talk through the hard stuff and still be sitting there on the other side. thankful for peace. so thankful for peace.

1243. modern medicine to aide me while i have this horrible toothache. 

1244. a change in my youngest daughter's demeanor. as her skin clears, so her attitude improves drastically. blesses my heart to see her happy and curious, not uncomfortable in her own body, digging at her sweet skin.

1245. when my sweet son takes the time to tell me what a great mom i am, that he thinks i am beautiful, and he is so quick to obey and help around the house. so thankful for his little light that shines.

1246. my new Polaroid camera. so cute and i love the little pictures that spill out!

1247. pedicure with a french tip

1229- 1237

1229 legs and ankles that work. they don't have to, but they do! i can run and walk and push strollers and climb on playground equipment, up and down stairs. 1230 squealing baby in swing, so pleased to be outside in the warm air, under blue skies 1231 bright green spring grass 1232 daniel tiger's neighborhood 1233 food journaling. creates awareness, empowers. 1234 new home with my dear rachael. the neighborhood. the family-friendly streets around our apartment, parks and schools within walking. 1235 riverside park less than 1/2 mile away! 1236 warm/cool april evenings. perfect, just perfect for an adventure out of doors 1237 that moment when i realized that the white pine trail is r i g h t t h e r e . right there. right next to the park. so close to home. [now i just need a bike]

1221-1228

1221. window open this evening, love the sound of the strip of rain puddle being pulled by tires. 1222. Living in the light: as linds previously said,  Sin has lost its grip on me!!
1223. nathan had cleaned the whole house by the time I arrived at home this morning. what a huge gift.
1224. Impromptu dinner date with the Garlets and the Garters.
1225. Dubsmash is my favorite.
1226. Italian lentil soup, French bread with chopped parsley dipping oil, gluten free textured corn bread made with love by professor Ben. crisp summer salad drizzled with chels' homemade balsamic Dijon dressing..mmmmm...
1227. strength to write the letter, strength [only He can give] to send it to its intended recipient
1228. 13 days till we head to california!!

1209-1220

1209. strength from Jesus alone in the storm and chaos

1210. friends that don't just spend time with me, but ask to pray with me and then cover my family in prayer in that moment and each day

1211. a bunch of yummy Easter desserts

1212. Breckin on a bike

1213. sin's curse has lost its grip on me

1214. that encouragement is only a text away

1215. and that encouragement is always available in His word

1216. the grass is turning more green

1217. there is rain in the forecast all week

1218. calligraphy

1219. my piano getting some use

1220. an encouraging phone call today