2036. vicks kleenex!!! i could inhale them all day every day. who invented these?!
2037. eucalyptus, eucalyptus, eucalyptus!
2038. thursday mornings. we trickle in, we trickle out. we sip hot beverages and hearts spill out. the good. the hard. no reason to hold back. it is a safe place.
2039. sunshine today. i love rainy days too, but thankful to experience both..
2040. coming home to a clean house, lovingly done so by my husband. thoughtful, serving, and a sweet i'm sorry for the hurt i caused heard loud and clear..
2041. new seasons! Nathan's acceptance into the Masters Program, baby's due date, winter coming, wedding season coming to a close..
2042. thoughtful unexpected gifts from others for no reason
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
2028-2035
2028. beginning to see the fruits of this new purposeful lifestyle of slowing down, de throning busyness, and learning to say no. it has yielded peace, rest, quiet time with jesus, and quality time with my family as well as a renewed passion to care for my home well.
2029. a gorgeous fall day for family pictures. rolling green hills, soft warm weather, and plush autumn colors vibrantly shining. countryside, untouched. a perfect gift.
2030. travel is used for quality time for our family. thankful that it brings us close and snug, in the car, on the road, listening to podcasts, eating packed lunches, laughter, good conversations, and exploring and adventuring together.
2031. fresh eucalyptus bringing bits of life to my table, tied in a bunch in my shower, opening up my passageways and the steamy scent is heavenly. little wonderful gifts.
2032. genuine consistent friendships that don't go anywhere no matter the circumstance.
2033. a beautiful brand new hand made robe, turquoise and giant floating florals, i'd been looking around for the perfect one for my hospital stay and post birth, and a friend generously surprised and gifted me with the perfect one!! a tiny desire of my heart that i hadn't even spoke to anyone about, and yet God knew and it felt like such a personal kind gift.
2034. the ability to smell.
2035. God, You are so good and faithful. thank you for seeing me, knowing me, and being such a gentle Shepherd. thank you for your unconditional love, your loving kindness, and hiding me under your wings. You are my Shelter, my Tower, my Shield. i love You so much.
2029. a gorgeous fall day for family pictures. rolling green hills, soft warm weather, and plush autumn colors vibrantly shining. countryside, untouched. a perfect gift.
2030. travel is used for quality time for our family. thankful that it brings us close and snug, in the car, on the road, listening to podcasts, eating packed lunches, laughter, good conversations, and exploring and adventuring together.
2031. fresh eucalyptus bringing bits of life to my table, tied in a bunch in my shower, opening up my passageways and the steamy scent is heavenly. little wonderful gifts.
2032. genuine consistent friendships that don't go anywhere no matter the circumstance.
2033. a beautiful brand new hand made robe, turquoise and giant floating florals, i'd been looking around for the perfect one for my hospital stay and post birth, and a friend generously surprised and gifted me with the perfect one!! a tiny desire of my heart that i hadn't even spoke to anyone about, and yet God knew and it felt like such a personal kind gift.
2034. the ability to smell.
2035. God, You are so good and faithful. thank you for seeing me, knowing me, and being such a gentle Shepherd. thank you for your unconditional love, your loving kindness, and hiding me under your wings. You are my Shelter, my Tower, my Shield. i love You so much.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
2020-2027
2020. after a disheartening talk cut short, a new evening rolls in with second chances and upbeat spirits. three children who chose to change sour attitudes, eat all their dinner with determination [eating fresh farm vegetables and sausage is pretty tough stuff in the kid world], and having plenty of time to play before bed..so thankful and proud of them for turning the night around with good fruits of the spirit
2021. husband arriving home late with gifts: a new plant pet, english toffee, french butter, and words of missing me when he's not with me. perhaps small, but speaks volumes to me. much needed and appreciated.
2022. friends who share burdens. feel the safety of pouring out guts and weaknesses, and equally eager to carry the weight of mine as well..
2023. the ability to say no is empowering. and a gift. i never want to take it for granted.
2024. yet again, the gift of keeping up with a clean kitchen. daily act of worship
2025. a generous joyful friend offering her home and laundry room while she's gone right at a time that mine is broken and trekking to the laundromat feels overwhelming. generous people always teach me to be more generous.
2026. a beautiful bassinet, again borrowed from a generous friend, but perfect for this season for our new baby boy. an answer to prayer really.
2027. slowly but surely, his little nursery is coming..can't wait to meet this littlest gift. 9 weeks left!
2021. husband arriving home late with gifts: a new plant pet, english toffee, french butter, and words of missing me when he's not with me. perhaps small, but speaks volumes to me. much needed and appreciated.
2022. friends who share burdens. feel the safety of pouring out guts and weaknesses, and equally eager to carry the weight of mine as well..
2023. the ability to say no is empowering. and a gift. i never want to take it for granted.
2024. yet again, the gift of keeping up with a clean kitchen. daily act of worship
2025. a generous joyful friend offering her home and laundry room while she's gone right at a time that mine is broken and trekking to the laundromat feels overwhelming. generous people always teach me to be more generous.
2026. a beautiful bassinet, again borrowed from a generous friend, but perfect for this season for our new baby boy. an answer to prayer really.
2027. slowly but surely, his little nursery is coming..can't wait to meet this littlest gift. 9 weeks left!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
2011-2019
2011. peppermint tea, the rich aromatics before the first sip, and the calm it brings to my stomach
2012. fettuccine alfredo, stir fried vegetables, grilled chicken, bread, whipped butter, ginger beer-a delicious soul meal made by many hands with love
2013. ride on the grand river, puttering along, taking in the colors, the quiet ripples of the water, enjoying time with family and friends
2014. keeping up with cleaning the kitchen. every day. [enjoying the gift for now..who knows how long it will last]
2015. helpful hands that belong to my children.
2016. consistent faithful long term friendships
2017. thankful for a counselor that continues to speak gospel to me, who coaches and encourages, who helps me navigate and equip me for the outside world, who teaches me how to have boundaries, how to keep depression in check, and genuinely cares about me.
2018. speaking of depression, thank you Father for pulling me away from the dark place and quietly consistency drawing me into the light..all glory to You God. you sustain and uphold and you are ever present.
2019. belly bands and brand new kicks that provide amazing support to my tired heavy body.
2012. fettuccine alfredo, stir fried vegetables, grilled chicken, bread, whipped butter, ginger beer-a delicious soul meal made by many hands with love
2013. ride on the grand river, puttering along, taking in the colors, the quiet ripples of the water, enjoying time with family and friends
2014. keeping up with cleaning the kitchen. every day. [enjoying the gift for now..who knows how long it will last]
2015. helpful hands that belong to my children.
2016. consistent faithful long term friendships
2017. thankful for a counselor that continues to speak gospel to me, who coaches and encourages, who helps me navigate and equip me for the outside world, who teaches me how to have boundaries, how to keep depression in check, and genuinely cares about me.
2018. speaking of depression, thank you Father for pulling me away from the dark place and quietly consistency drawing me into the light..all glory to You God. you sustain and uphold and you are ever present.
2019. belly bands and brand new kicks that provide amazing support to my tired heavy body.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
2005 - 2010
2005 a few hours with max, chelsea, football, ikea, and millybaby. joy and life there, and the reminder that the most beautiful relationships take a lot of work
2006 challenging words from my doctor to get with the Lord and seek the cause of anxiety, grateful for holistic care that focuses on the whole person - body, mind, spirit
2007 rosy mound hike with matty and talk about gospel and isaiah and holiness and humbleness
2008 saturday morning at the farmers market, moist gluten free bread and the best textured french toast i've ever had. not to mention the sweet lady selling her goods with delight and kindness
2009 fall colors in the trees at every turn, crisp morning and evening air, warm afternoons, layers
2010 hand-trimmed bushes along the fence at home
2006 challenging words from my doctor to get with the Lord and seek the cause of anxiety, grateful for holistic care that focuses on the whole person - body, mind, spirit
2007 rosy mound hike with matty and talk about gospel and isaiah and holiness and humbleness
2008 saturday morning at the farmers market, moist gluten free bread and the best textured french toast i've ever had. not to mention the sweet lady selling her goods with delight and kindness
2009 fall colors in the trees at every turn, crisp morning and evening air, warm afternoons, layers
2010 hand-trimmed bushes along the fence at home
Friday, October 6, 2017
1994-2004
1994. a simple counting of gifts, a gentle reminder from chelsea, keeps discontent, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed at bay.
1995. coming home to a house full of gifts. spotless floors, a sparkling bathroom, a new floor mat, flowers peeking in the window, a decluttered fridge, washed and folded laundry, new cleaning supplies, and a patched roof. un deserved gifts from generous neighbors
1996. a full week before chaos with concentrated family time. loose agendas, ample sunshine, plush hotels and included hearty breakfasts, spending time with our three children before #4 comes and our family grows and readjusts..i needed this time before disney, as i knew it wouldn't be the same kind of vacation
1997. a supportive, understanding husband who is willing to be my advocate and will do what is in my best interest in order to care for me well, both emotionally and physically
1998. encouraging responses to me sharing my heart and what i learn. thankful people even care about me or my small words
1999. getting invited to a party i would never think i would have a seat to
2000. small break throughs with a friend i have been struggling to see godly fruit currently. watching in pain, but seeing maybe pain itself is what will bring her to her knees in desperate need for Him and not leaning on her own image or ability to get her by..
2001. a sweet cheerful daughter who is a cherry blossom, full of chatter, a box full of giggles, and is just blossoming before our very eyes. loving her age and all that she is learning
2002. time in the car with dad. even though my physical weakness brought us there early, thankful for his willing ness to escort me there, to give respite to my aching back and legs, and easy going conversation and company to help the time pass
2003. amazing flights/traveling home. on time flights, well behaved children. time to eat, walk, and get in and out of the bathroom. flying into grand rapids instead of having to drive home from chicago after 2 flights and a layover. a van that started. the Lord was good to us above and beyond what we asked.
2004. homemade coffee from the Kuerig, with plenty of cream. i like coffee weather.
1995. coming home to a house full of gifts. spotless floors, a sparkling bathroom, a new floor mat, flowers peeking in the window, a decluttered fridge, washed and folded laundry, new cleaning supplies, and a patched roof. un deserved gifts from generous neighbors
1996. a full week before chaos with concentrated family time. loose agendas, ample sunshine, plush hotels and included hearty breakfasts, spending time with our three children before #4 comes and our family grows and readjusts..i needed this time before disney, as i knew it wouldn't be the same kind of vacation
1997. a supportive, understanding husband who is willing to be my advocate and will do what is in my best interest in order to care for me well, both emotionally and physically
1998. encouraging responses to me sharing my heart and what i learn. thankful people even care about me or my small words
1999. getting invited to a party i would never think i would have a seat to
2000. small break throughs with a friend i have been struggling to see godly fruit currently. watching in pain, but seeing maybe pain itself is what will bring her to her knees in desperate need for Him and not leaning on her own image or ability to get her by..
2001. a sweet cheerful daughter who is a cherry blossom, full of chatter, a box full of giggles, and is just blossoming before our very eyes. loving her age and all that she is learning
2002. time in the car with dad. even though my physical weakness brought us there early, thankful for his willing ness to escort me there, to give respite to my aching back and legs, and easy going conversation and company to help the time pass
2003. amazing flights/traveling home. on time flights, well behaved children. time to eat, walk, and get in and out of the bathroom. flying into grand rapids instead of having to drive home from chicago after 2 flights and a layover. a van that started. the Lord was good to us above and beyond what we asked.
2004. homemade coffee from the Kuerig, with plenty of cream. i like coffee weather.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
1985-1993
1985. sitting on the floor, brown hands upon brown hands, in prayer together.
1986. expressed love and affection spoken through words. out loud.
1987. friends who understand.
1988. surprise visit from mom. steady. faithful. gentle.
1989. cold milk spilled over raisin bran. extra sugar.
1990. no bleeding so far. good sign.
1991. a peaceful joyful mother's day.
1992. turning in my assignment on time.
1993. the ability to even count gifts amidst the dry season. there are always gifts to be found. always.
1986. expressed love and affection spoken through words. out loud.
1987. friends who understand.
1988. surprise visit from mom. steady. faithful. gentle.
1989. cold milk spilled over raisin bran. extra sugar.
1990. no bleeding so far. good sign.
1991. a peaceful joyful mother's day.
1992. turning in my assignment on time.
1993. the ability to even count gifts amidst the dry season. there are always gifts to be found. always.
Monday, May 1, 2017
1977-1984
1977. positive pregnancy test. i usually fail most tests. it's nice to pass once in a while
1978. a consistent, steadfast, God centered, peaceful marriage. By His grace, my marriage is a safe, joyful place, and i am so thankful that God cloaks it in His generous mercy and love.
1979. thankful my son is thriving once again, stepping out of a hard spot of anxiety, fear, and sadness. watching the smart, bright, inquisitive, eager to learn boy emerge back out without losing his thoughtfulness or tenderness..Lord, continue to keep Your protective and kind hand on him..
1980. a season where after so long of being poured into, blessed beyond measure, plenty or learning and growing time, to now take it and pour back out. i have been given much. a joy to give in return. nothing of my own ability, but Christ in me.
1981. reconciliation.restoration.a healthy Godly love emerging in my two friends. for this we prayed. and He has answered.graciously. generously
1982. His provision. He meets our needs. He takes care of us. Every good gift is from Him alone.
1983. releasing. the unfolding of strong grips on things that don't belong clinging in my hands. the ability to hold things loosely.
1984. my three babies. i love them so much. i love being with them. i love being close to them. they bring me delight and joy. i learn so much through the gift of being their mother.
1978. a consistent, steadfast, God centered, peaceful marriage. By His grace, my marriage is a safe, joyful place, and i am so thankful that God cloaks it in His generous mercy and love.
1979. thankful my son is thriving once again, stepping out of a hard spot of anxiety, fear, and sadness. watching the smart, bright, inquisitive, eager to learn boy emerge back out without losing his thoughtfulness or tenderness..Lord, continue to keep Your protective and kind hand on him..
1980. a season where after so long of being poured into, blessed beyond measure, plenty or learning and growing time, to now take it and pour back out. i have been given much. a joy to give in return. nothing of my own ability, but Christ in me.
1981. reconciliation.restoration.a healthy Godly love emerging in my two friends. for this we prayed. and He has answered.graciously. generously
1982. His provision. He meets our needs. He takes care of us. Every good gift is from Him alone.
1983. releasing. the unfolding of strong grips on things that don't belong clinging in my hands. the ability to hold things loosely.
1984. my three babies. i love them so much. i love being with them. i love being close to them. they bring me delight and joy. i learn so much through the gift of being their mother.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
1971- 1976
1971 re-learning rest - having given in to busyness, the reason why almost 11 months have passed since i've listed. that's not to say that I have't recognized gifts, but it's telling that the time it takes to type and list these things has been low priority. this week of "spring break" and cutting down from 50+ hours of work/week to just 18 feels like life again. it's that rest that God talks about in genesis on the seventh day when rest isn't the 24-hours of laziness that we tend to think rest should mean, but its an intentional time taken out of the week, holy, distinct from the other days, different in that God sat on His throne when He rested and managed all of his creation. He took up the reigns and organized and prioritized and took authority over His life. and its what i've felt called to for quite a while now, and this week has been that gift that i have needed. praise Him.
1972 house-sitting. retreat. a home away from home. so much rest and safety and thinking space. and ferret company.
1973 a sunroof.
1974 coat-free, snow-free walks, blue skies, return of sun and all things happy
1975 dr. axe. i'm not joking. this man and his website has been a gift, wrapped all sparkly with a bow and a tag and my name on it. so many times the respite and clarity that i've needed. www.draxe.com FYI
1976 lent. the favorite time of every year. its raw and delicate and reveals the heart and it's humbling and ugly and i remember - i need Jesus. i can't do this by myself. i can't love people very well - from the secret attitudes of my heart to the very words that come from my mouth. i need the influence and perspective of this Man who loves unconditionally and fearlessly and without concern for self-preservation and self-promotion.
Monday, January 23, 2017
1959-1970
1959. homemade indian food tucked lovingly in a tupperware for my drive home
1960. a willingness and eagerness to be helped at the last minute. to not feel like a burden or an obligation. this. is a gift to me.
1961. a starbucks gift card left in the car for the drive home
1962. smooth flights to and from the middle east
1963. copper everything.
1964. rose gold everything
1965. fresh flowers. brand new candles.
1966. love notes even after 9 years of marriage
1967. tea and camel shaped shortbread
1968. starting a new class on monday evenings. excited to learn and connect.
1969. the familiar smell and feeling of being returned back to my own bed. nothing like it.
1970. face time to lebanon
1960. a willingness and eagerness to be helped at the last minute. to not feel like a burden or an obligation. this. is a gift to me.
1961. a starbucks gift card left in the car for the drive home
1962. smooth flights to and from the middle east
1963. copper everything.
1964. rose gold everything
1965. fresh flowers. brand new candles.
1966. love notes even after 9 years of marriage
1967. tea and camel shaped shortbread
1968. starting a new class on monday evenings. excited to learn and connect.
1969. the familiar smell and feeling of being returned back to my own bed. nothing like it.
1970. face time to lebanon
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