2095-2099

 2095. liquid chlorophyll. a random remedy i found to help improve my health, take in more oxygen, and maybe even help promoting weight loss..i feel like a little plant! 

2096. i am thankful that maybe a year from now, there will be change. i have been dragging my whole body, abusing it and being careless with it..weight gain, intaking junk food, lack of self control and self discipline. I am praying for a change. for the strength to have a transformation from the inside out. I am thankful for what God has done and what He will continue to do. 

2097. i have two feet and two legs. what a gift to put them to use and go take a 45 minute walk early in the morning or any tim really. 

2098. thankful for the fruit of the spirit, self control. i can utilize this and say no to tempting things, like sugar and pop. I can utilize self control in not helping myself to second and thirds. i can practice self control to graciously decline. 

2099. thankful for my 11 year old son coming to me on his own accord to apologize and come to me with a contrite spirit. i don't ever want to take his sensitive heart for granted. Lord continue to cultivate that in him. 

2088-2094

2088. oh, that glorious sun!!! what an incredible gift after 20+ days without it! It brings life, joy, and thaws what has been frozen

2089. walks outside, when my boy holds my hand with his little one, walking side by side, taking in the world around us. 

2090. the ability to walk. sturdy legs. wobbly knees, but they work. i can walk. on my own. that is a gift. my legs have taken me so many places. i am so thankful. 

2091. unexpected phone calls. chats with a friend. using the phone for one of its original purposes. 
where have those days gone?

2092. once again, i find myself in awe and awash with a new gratitude for my husband. who am i that God would give me such a personal gift. he encouraged me today with his thoughtfulness, his generosity, his gentle wisdom, his kindness-alll of this showed up in different ways, in the mundane, but really, quite extraordinary. Lord, let me not take what You have so abundantly given, for granted. praise to You.

2093. fresh cucumbers and carrots.

2094. 29 days of 60 days of consistently carving time for physical activity. i have walked, climbed steps, done home workouts, rigorous cleaning around the house, lifted weights, all sorts of stuff and it has made a good difference in me overall in my health journey. so thankful to keep up this habit and turn it into a daily lifestyle.

2095. thankful that sickness has been fairly mild in our household this winter. Lord let that be for the remainder.

2082 - 2087

2082   the day after thanksgiving. cleaning, christmas-decorating, gift-wrapping, background music, lights, + a calming candle scent.

2083   breakfasts at anna's house.

2084   documentaries that inspire me to continue to take care of myself.

2085   plant-based meal plans: jackfruit tostadas, sweet potato + black bean quesadillas, avocado toast, spelt pancakes, power protein balls, and hearty soups.

2086    dreams of winter getaways to warm places.

2087   microwaveable corn sack to warm up the cold toes.

2076-2081

2076. a mini reunion with the Zambia team. same unifying playful spirit. friendships have been forged and it is encouraging to see them remain consistent. we shared joys and how God moved and continues too. i really love my church 

2077. an official job offer for nathan at crossroads, at least for 2 years, and that prospect inpires and excites us. thankful for the opportunity, thankful for the invitation, and thankful to dig deeper in the community and God centered life at crossroads. 

2078. making monster cookies with ben. thankful he wants to near me, that he verbalizes his love for me, his affection is not sparce, and he has a special place in his heart for his mom. i know it may not always be this way, so i am trying ti cherish it now

2079. watching Koko bag groceries without being asked or prompted. seeing her serve, help out where she can, she is growing so fast and i am enjoying watching her grow into a kind and thoughtful young lady 

2080. the ability to see long distance with both my eyes with no contacts, no glasses, is nothing short of a miracle. i just had laser eye surgery on the left eye and yes, it was scary, but it has made a tremendous difference in my sight! I am so thankful for modern technology, for access to even getting this done, for a kind and skillful doctor, and for new eyes!! i can see!!

2081. long last night talks with mom and dad. i appreciate them so much more than i ever did. more and more each day. 

2069 - 2075

2069   a day of being very engaged with the little ones. puzzles, books, and pre-school conversations.

2070   wil's pride regarding potty training. and his new-found independence with everything else as well.

2071   the progress belita has made with spanish and reading, her excitement for the language.

2072   amazing friendsgiving dinner. my joy to look around at everyone connecting with one another, real meaningful conversations, laughter, everyone full of community and a meal that turned out just perfect.

2073   intermittent fasting and a new motivation for exercise.

2074   conversations with friends that generate ideas, spark interest, produce life and curiosity and purpose.

2075   i've prayed for john mayer for years, and then to learn yesterday that he's given up porn and speaks out on it's negative effects. now if he would only fall in love with Jesus...

2065 - 2068

2065. women's retreat weekend, a true gift when a girl just needs to be refreshed.

2066. gina rose. encouragement to keep doing what I'm doing + affirmation that my investment matters.

2067. belita walks into the kitchen where I'm typing.
"miss tammy?"
"yes my dear?"
"I love you."
holding back tears. but I so needed to hear that today.

2068. gluten free, curse of the goat (pizza) - goat cheese, sauce with just the right amount of spice, goat cheese (hold the mozzarella), herbed sausage crumbles, peppadew peppers, fresh basil

2061-2064

2061. the healing relationship with my oldest son. this past month has been hard and stretching with dad gone a lot, but ben and i have worked really well together to keep the house sane. he has been my right hand, helping with out being asking, tending to children and pouring cereal and making sure the baby doesn't spray himself with pepper spray. he has been verbally encouraging and gentle, affirming me as mom and he must have told me he loved me 1000 times un solicited. it is making my heart soar because we had a hard season between the two of us clashing, butting heads, fighting for authority and the upper hand. and here, now, God has been gracious and given us both eyes to see and serve one another. thank you so much God. i cannot praise You enough. i love my son and you have given me some more time with him as the tender, thoughtful, purposeful son i know. i don't know if it will always be this way, but for now i am so so thankful.

2062. with nate being gone a ton, [Philippines, jury duty, unveil workshop], i have had to rely on the kindness and helpfulness of others, sometimes even strangers. at the mall i got stuck in the mucky heavy snow, my wheels spinning. a young mom got out of her car and singlehandedly pushed me out. 
i would still be sitting there if it were't for her. friends offered to bring groceries. another sent a hot pizza anonymously to our doorstep when we were snowed in. a babysitter came so i could at least get one night out with a friend, that meant a lot. my dear neighbor Fritz shoveled me out of my driveway after the snow blowers came and boxed me in. he did that many times as the snow fell. i am just floored at these acts of kindness, acts of selflessness, a reminder that i am seen by the Father and He cares about me. 

2063. heat. power. electricity. these should not be taken for granted as we've seen this past week or so how quickly they can be taken away! hot water is always a gift. 

2064. a husband who recognizes, acknowledges, and calls out appreciation and sacrifice in me, when i did not ask or look for it, he encourages, uplifts, and is generous with words of affirmation. gifts upon gifts. 

2065. a small flame of motivation to keep on with this long weightless journey, to keep up the work, and practice self control and discipline.