Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts, on December 8, 2010, I began my own record of the endless gifts God weaves into my everyday life. I reached 1000 gifts in July of 2011. And this counting of His Grace, this counting of His Presence? It's changed my life, changed who I am becoming, changed everything. If you haven't read One Thousand Gifts, haven't begun to see Him in all the moments of a life, will you consider starting today? It's worth it, Friend. So very, very worth it.
1. The desire to give thanks
2. Friend who inspires me in this and many other things
3. Sleeping cats, all peaceful and adorable
4. Kitty love
5. People who deck out their yards with Christmas lights--kindred spirits every one!
6. Sunshine warming my face in the middle of December
7. The amaryllis that blooms faithfully and sometimes unexpectedly, inspiring poetry and photography alike
8. The nearness of my God in the middle of the night when I am feeling abandoned
9. Snowflakes--both the glittery plastic ones hanging on my tree and the real ones we occasionally see here in winter
10. Finding beauty in the ordinary
11. A makeshift Christmas tree for this makeshift chapter of life, teaching me to live even in the "in between"
12. A pie made with love by a dad who doesn't bake
13. A surprise visit and "Happy Birthday" hug from a sweet friend
14. Happy little spring-colored tea mugs--for 49 cents each!
15. Purple irises in December, their little yellow throats seeming to shout, "Rejoice! Hope is near!"
16. Hand-sewn Christmas bags to bring joy back into the wrapping of gifts
17. The beloved friend who sewed these perfect bags for me
18. Tiny poinsettia in a very untraditional color--peach!
19. Glittery red and green antlers on my head, with little bells jingling in my ears with every move
20. Shiny gold tea mug proclaiming "NOEL!" and hidden in the bottom of a Christmas stocking
21. Warm, soft, and beautiful quilt--sewn for me by my mom, reminding me that I had a home once and maybe someday I will again.
22. Tea, crochet, and a Christmas movie on a lazy afternoon.
23. Annabelle Cat going crazy over a catnip mouse on Christmas morning.
24. Laughing until my belly hurts.
25. Nutmeg, freshly ground, and the beautiful pattern that hides inside--I can't believe I am 29 years old and just discovered the wonder of whole nutmeg.
26. Friends who understand my limitations, who wholeheartedly want the best for me even when it means a missed "tea date."
27. Sweaters on sale, in the most luscious shades of purple, blue, and Christmas green
28. The last Christmas sermon of the year, opening my eyes to see how abandoned and alone Mary must of felt that night He was born, opening my heart to see He is near even when I have felt abandoned.
29. The way dangly earrings and silk scarves make me feel pretty and feminine, even in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
30. Successful endeavors in the kitchen--they may be few and far between, but oh what joy when they come!
31. Pumpkin pie with a perfectly un-soggy crust, covered in whipped cream and freshly ground nutmeg.
32. When friends--or strangers--leave comments saying they needed to hear what I had written. A beautiful reminder that although I do not write for an audience, God still uses me for His purposes.
33. Having time to write, lots and lots of time to write.
34. Finding words to speak what's long been waiting in my heart.
35. Soft, warm yarn in yummy colors of pink, purple, and green.
36. Hope for the new year.
37. Unmade bed full of sunshine and sleeping cats.
38. Bare branches against a blue, blue sky.
39. People who read my story and say they are grateful for the sharing of it.
40. The way Buddy Cat sunbathes--front paws stretched up and attached to the window screen, body splayed out in strange and awkward ways. Because he loves the sun, and it shows. It should be the same for me--do I love the Son and does it show?
22. Tea, crochet, and a Christmas movie on a lazy afternoon.
23. Annabelle Cat going crazy over a catnip mouse on Christmas morning.
24. Laughing until my belly hurts.
25. Nutmeg, freshly ground, and the beautiful pattern that hides inside--I can't believe I am 29 years old and just discovered the wonder of whole nutmeg.
26. Friends who understand my limitations, who wholeheartedly want the best for me even when it means a missed "tea date."
27. Sweaters on sale, in the most luscious shades of purple, blue, and Christmas green
28. The last Christmas sermon of the year, opening my eyes to see how abandoned and alone Mary must of felt that night He was born, opening my heart to see He is near even when I have felt abandoned.
29. The way dangly earrings and silk scarves make me feel pretty and feminine, even in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
30. Successful endeavors in the kitchen--they may be few and far between, but oh what joy when they come!
31. Pumpkin pie with a perfectly un-soggy crust, covered in whipped cream and freshly ground nutmeg.
32. When friends--or strangers--leave comments saying they needed to hear what I had written. A beautiful reminder that although I do not write for an audience, God still uses me for His purposes.
33. Having time to write, lots and lots of time to write.
34. Finding words to speak what's long been waiting in my heart.
35. Soft, warm yarn in yummy colors of pink, purple, and green.
36. Hope for the new year.
37. Unmade bed full of sunshine and sleeping cats.
38. Bare branches against a blue, blue sky.
39. People who read my story and say they are grateful for the sharing of it.
40. The way Buddy Cat sunbathes--front paws stretched up and attached to the window screen, body splayed out in strange and awkward ways. Because he loves the sun, and it shows. It should be the same for me--do I love the Son and does it show?
41. The return of faith
42. Peppermint ice cream...so happy
43. The most beautiful start to a brand new year, a gift from the One I love
44. A friend finding hope in the midst of grief.
45. Catching up with a dear friend after the holidays.
46. The fact that two weeks away from this dear friend is much too long
47. There are 19 mutations I don't have
48. I could be discouraged by my test results, but I'm not
49. Little bits of understanding about how to proceed in my treatment
50. A doctor who jumps up and down (literally) at the prospect of learning new things to
help me heal
51. Winter-themed mugs coming out of hiding, adding cheerfulness to the gray of January
52. Venti, my far-away "little sister" who lives in poverty and dreams of being a doctor
53. The reminder that "He is good, so good"
54. And for holding my life in His hands
55. Snow falling down in the quiet dark, covering the deadness of winter in glorious white
56. The way the snowfall lights up the night--reminding me that when I am made "white as snow" by the One who bore my shame, His Light is reflected and it is beautiful to behold.
57. Heater vents that open wide on cold mornings, beginning the day with cozyness
58. Handmade heating pad nestled in the sheets, making every night a warm one
59. The sound of strong wing on a rainless night
60. Cat purring loud while I watch the trees wave fierce
61. The middle of the night, when the old day is gone and the new one has yet to be born
62. Hard conversations that make relationships better, truer, stronger--like a workout for love muscles
63. The chance to say, "I love you. You matter to me."
64. When the sick kitty finally drinks water, shows signs of recovery, quells fears of loss
65. Mug of tea cupped in my hands while sharing life with a friend
66. When you think you can't and He insists that you can--and the moment you finally realize He's right.
67. Combing through words that don't make sense and somehow finding understanding and even courage
68. When a friend says that being with me means she can just breathe
69. New teas coming home to be tasted and savored and loved
70. The knowing and seeing that joy doesn't live somewhere out there; it's always here, right where I am. I just have to open my eyes and see it.
71. The way Winter prepares us to be reborn
72. The courage to say, "Welcome, Winter"--with hope and faith and joy.
73. Amaryllis buds popping up in late January, surprising and delighting my heart.
74. The way my Happy Light fills even the darkest days of Winter with light
75. The friend who doesn't leave when the relationship gets hard and the hurt rises high
76. The friend who makes spreadsheets, finds order in my chaos
77. The way cranberry-orange bread pudding makes breakfast the happiest meal of the day.
78. Much-anticipated book arriving on my doorstep
79. The chance to journey through this book with a community of thanks-givers
80. Sunshine pouring through my window on a Wednesday in Winter
81. Fog rolling in, making the world seem small again
82. The moment when the pain finally stops and warmth finds its way back to my body
83. For creative inspiration--and finding everything I need to try something new
84. For colors--all of them, even the ones that are a little bit ugly. Because life is meant to be seen and lived in color
85. Heart lessons learned from watching a furry, four-legged friend named Annabelle
86. The yearning for His Goodness that leaves me full of Him
87. Cold air, brilliant sun, blue sky--a perfect winter day
88. Mending of relationship
89. Lighthearted conversation after too much heaviness
90. The giddy anticipation as I watch the amaryllis buds grow taller by the day
91. Hellebores blushing pink beneath glossy green leaves
92. Sunshine and clear skies three days in a row
93. The turning of the calendar page to a new month
94. Ribes sanguineum bursting into bloom this first week of February
95. Afternoon sun landing on tiny white blooms, filling my soul with joy
96. The feel of a new book in my hands--crisp pages, smooth cover, high hopes for soul mending
97. Purple ink staking a claim in the new book, letting me take words to heart and life
98. Medicine for kitties, to make the itching stop
99. Spring bulbs in tiny plastic pots, announcing Joy in the grocery store parking lot
100. The scent of hyacinth blooms opening in still-cold air
101. For a glimpse into the mystery of His goodness and my recurring struggle to trust it
102. For being held together
103. For the One Who does the holding
104. Cold winds that make me want to bury my face--but instead I look up and see Him in the clouds.
105. Creative deliberation paying off, leading to something beautiful
106. Art project so beautiful that I want to keep going just to see it take shape
107. Boxes of tea coming home to fill up the empty shelves
108. Happy little teacups that bring inspiration for a tea party
109. Tea bag wisdom: "Sipping thoughts of Peace, Hope floats my way."
110. Early morning arising after sleepless night
111. First amaryllis blooms laying out horizontal, taking on the color of tangerines
112. The way peanut butter and apples are so very different and yet so very perfect for each other
113. Spice cranberry juice in a pink, heart-covered mug
114. One patch of sunset sky glimpsed through trees and houses
115. Morning snuggles with Annabelle Cat
116. Curls that actually curl--making me look like a girl instead of a lion
117. Annabelle Cat curled up beneath my chair while I pour over soul-food
118. Tangerine-colored trumpets opening atop the amaryllis to greet the sun
119. Pink rose petal flecks visible in my teabag
120. Long leaf shadows on lime-green metal
121. God's version of a Happy Light--sunshine so brilliant I have to turn off every light in the house just to keep from being blinded
122. Sun-filled photo shoot with Amaryllis the Giant
123. Driving with the sun roof open in the second week of February
124. Royal blue sky at dawn
125. Being named by Him, being named His
126. Afternoon of sunshine and book reading
127. Amber tea liquid pouring into glass
128. Sunlight landing on yarn-blanket the color of Autumn
129. Perfectly pink cup and saucer
130. Red heart hovering at the bottom of my tea
131. Cat sneaking into the closet for the umpteenth time
132. Waking up slow
133. Second amaryllis bud growing tall and straight, towering over leaves
134. Hot shower first thing in the morning
135. Finding rhythm in a hard song
136. Eastern horizon glowing beneath a clouded sky
137. Clouds thinning out, letting the blue filter through
138. Wind making the tree tips dance in morning light
139. Freshly vacuumed carpet
140. Unexpected laughter
141. Saturday afternoon storm
142. The sound of hard rain splattering against window glass
143. Clean laundry, folded and back in place
144. Bedtime snuggles with Buddy Cat while the heating pad gets hot
145. Quirky old man driving seafoam-green van, bringing laughter to ordinary day
146. Three skeins of yarn to finish my blanket--and an 84% discount
147. Valentine's Day--a day to celebrate love
148. Memory of tulips showing up on my doorstep, of love showing up on my doorstep
149. Laura--giver of tulips, giver of love
150. The Lover of My Soul
151. The way He endlessly pursue me
152. The way He endlessly pursue us all
153. Quiet house, lazy morning, day without work
154. Rainwater streaming into gutters
155. Drops of rain glistening on tiny branches, like diamonds adorning the trees
156. Basket overflowing with colorful scarves, brimming with cheer
157. Raindrops cold on my nose as I hurry into the store
158. Grocery store aisles laden with flowers for all those Valentine givers
159. Getting to smell jasmine in bloom in the middle of February
160. White orchids with deep purple splotches
161. Stopping in the middle of grocery shopping to write down gifts, give thanks
162. Stream of hot hair, drying the hair and warming the cold of morning
163. Annabelle Cate with wild eyes, chasing after things unseen
164. Reading Ann's words, "Wherever you are, be all there," then opening a teabag to read, "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." Yes, You are in the details.
165. Three amaryllis blooms open wide, four more just days away from showing face
166. Last swish of tea from the cup--all spicy and peachy
167. Lion-sized purrs from a pint-sized kitty
168. Purple phone and purple pen sitting atop the purple Journal of Thanks
169. Smell of oranges lingering on my fingertips
170. Bright blue sky at day's beginning
171. Nails of change being hammered into the framework of my life
172. Morning sun glistening on willow tree buds
173. Lone bird perched at the tippy top of the tree next door
174. One small cloud puff adrift in a sea of blue
175. Kitty ears glowing translucent in the sunlight
176. Two cats taking baths in separate sun spots
177. Smooth, silky feel of the scarf draping around my neck
178. Sound of hail on a tin roof
179. Down jacket making the cold morning cozy.
180. Moon so full and bright I can't look without squinting
181. Frosted rooftops glistening at daybreak
182. Cat on hind legs, focused hard on birds outside the window
183. Photos of a girl hanging all in a row, snapshots of my sister who lives a world away
184. Cold, crisp apple
185. The way Truth trickles down through cracks in our souls, brings new life from the inside out
186. The courage to face fears long enough to let words come out
187. Snow-covered mountain coming out of hiding, looming large on the quite horizon
188. Bald eagle circling slow in a cloudless morning sky
189. Afternoon nap in a sun-baked bedroom
190. Homemade scones baked to perfection
191. Pink and white slippers on clearance after Valentine's Day
192. Green plates, purple-flowered napkins for a tea party
193. Mom who bakes scones, puts up with my angst, loves me
194. Tea menus
195. Cat who rolls around on the floor just because
196. Discovering forgotten photos that bring spring to life
197. Sunlight lasting longer, days lingering on
198. Conditioner to keep the curls from running my life
199. Saying I love you--please be good to the cats when I leave the house
200. Driving to church while the sun hangs low in a winter sky
201. That He calls me friend, daughter, sister--that He calls me His
202. Pink socks peeking out from black shoes
203. Noodles in a cup, dinner on the run--letting the ministry come first
204. The impulse to open the gratitude journal when unkind words make my heart hurt
205. That Jesus calls my singing a joyful noise, even when others only hear noise
206. Stubborn cat who won't be pushed from a lap
207. Stubborn God Who won't be pushed from a life
208. Waking up to the sound of rain
209. Blueberry muffins stowed in the freezer
210. Wrapping up in a quilt made with love
211. Buddy cat cradled in one arm, sleeping like a baby
212. Birds chirping their morning song outside my window
213. Dark brooding sky threatening to storm
214. When the brooding sky changes its mind, gives way to blue
215. Drinking Christmas tea in February
216. An apple named Pink Lady
217. Snow flurries!
218. Sun breaking through clouds while snow falls heavy
219. When dinner turns out delicious despite shaky beginnings
220. A tea named Calypso
221. Crouching in front of the oven, watching cheese bubble and potatoes turn brown
222. Sneaking a bite of breakfast casserole as a bedtime snack
223. Promise of snow in the quiet of predawn hours
224. Turning the amaryllis twice a day to keep flower stalks growing heaven-straight
225. Peeking out the window at 2 a.m. to check for snow
226. Strength to press on when weariness grows strong
227. Strangers who pray, give grace, cheer me on
228. Hail covering the ground like snow
229. When the hail finally turns to long-promised snowflakes
230. Breath fogging up the glass while I watch winter descend
231. Heating pad heavy in the pocket of my robe, hot against my leg as I climb stairs to bed
232. Kitty fighting bedtime like a strong-willed child
233. Making it halfway through the whole of a book...
234. ...and still being determined to press on
235. Evergreen trees dusted with snow
236. Smoke spirals from nearby chimneys
237. Perfectly green bananas, all firm and starchy
238. Warm sweaters for cold days
239. Half-moon over roof peak
240. Bedtime prayers for the girl in all the photos
241. Wind blowing snow off rooftops, making glitter clouds in the sunlight
242. Cat within petting distance while I work
243. Dancing shadows
244. Timer announcing tea time
245. Nine birds perched in one leafless tree
246. Pie dough
247. Freshly zested lemons
248. Golden peaks of homemade meringue
249. Birthday dinners with family
250. Laughing with my brother
251. Walking briskly in frozen night air
252. Quiet end to a long day
253. Sitting cozily in the house while harsh storm rages outside
254. Friend who gave an amaryllis and, with it, gave joy
255. God Who shows His face in the Joy Blooms
256. Balloons caught in tree branches
257. White trellis stark against brick house
258. Forsythia blooms glimpsed alongside the road
259. Birds by the hundreds, in flight overhead
260. Counting down days until Spring
261. The days when gifts are harder to see, making me look closer, pay more attention to Him
262. Productivity deterred by too many cats on a lap
263. Last amaryllis bloom taking form
264. Friend who bakes cookies, offers as much help as I need
265. Wind clearing the sky of clouds...
266. ...and just as quickly filling it up again
267. Rain falling while the sun shines and the wind blows
268. Day of strange weather, sky full of surprise
269. Picking out teas for a new day
270. Sleep--however short and fragmented
271. God Who never sleeps
272. Cat who startles easily, goes flying for nothing
273. Cat playing with shower curtain, towels, slippers--finding joy in the ordinary day
274. Neighbor's morning call for dog named Mocha
275. Spellchecker settling on unfamiliar name and wanting to change it to "overjoyed." I'd like to change my name to "overjoyed" too. Maybe eucharisteo is taking me there.
276. Cry of seagulls, reminding of childhood
277. Days with pain, making me grateful for days without
278. New months, new days, new moments to start again
279. Break in the storm just in time to run errands
280. Parking space five blocks closer than usual
281. Standing in the rain, choosing plants to bring home
282. Transformation showing its face on a stormy afternoon in the car
283. Cat-covered apron hanging up in the kitchen, surprise gift from Dad
284. Burgundy-colored hyacinth bloom waiting to show face
285. Tiny daffodils blooming out happy in a dimly lit garage
286. Finding the strength to rest in Him
287. Introducing friends to the wide, wonderful world of tea
288. Successfully hosting a tea party--my first!
289. Pouring tea into waiting cups, held in the hands of friends
290. Everyone showing up, saying "yes" to being with me and sharing a love of tea
291. Friends who keep telling me to just breathe when the pressure overwhelms
292. Mom who keeps on baking scones, even when I tell her to give up
293. Learning a new way to tie a scarf--because tea parties aren't all about tea
294. Dad cooking us dinner after long day of hosting
295. Blueberry scones hot out of the oven on the morning after a tea party
296. Staying in pajamas until the afternoon
297. Bringing order back to a house full of chaos
298. Day to recover, find my feet again, start anew
299. Friend who sees me in my love of tea
300. The woman I am becoming, the woman He is making me.
301. That God is always good and I am always loved.
302. Sentimental necklace found before I knew it was lost
303. Neighbor's lilac budding out beside the driveway
304. Tiny white-haired woman crossing the street in warm-up pants
305. Compliments from strangers on the blanket that is so very me
306. Two cats staring me down, trying to convince me of their need for an early lunch
307. The March Lion roaring loud on a Wednesday morning
308. Rain river flowing down the back alley
309. Finding lost credit cards before I canceled them
310. Afternoon of yarn shopping
311. Falling asleep to the sound of rain
312. Perfectly baked quiche coming out of the oven
313. Enjoying tea-party leftovers all week long
314. Yarn called "Ginseng" sitting on my desk and inspiring me while I work
315. Sun breaking free from morning clouds
316. Airplane glimpsed as it disappears into a cloud
317. Lone seagull in flight
318. Cats who follow a hobbit's meal plan--breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies....
319. Flowering plum tress blooming out, assuring of spring's coming arrival
320. Pear trees budded alongside the roadway
321. Last spot in a very small parking lot
322. Men who stand stoically in the rain, waiting for the light to change
323. Driving past places I used to call home, remembering pieces of lives I once lived
324. Wind so strong I can't walk a straight line
325. Bag full of color, blanket waiting to be born
326. Skeins of yarn piled on the desk, awakening the wonder of possibilities
327. Cat nose snuggled under paw
328. Sun glinting off rain-soaked blossoms
329. Afternoon to myself
330. Long to-do list checked off
331. Sunset beneath rain clouds
332. Marveling at the setting sun while standing on a street corner in the rain
333. Homemade gingerbread, hot out of the oven
334. Whipped cream melting atop the slice of gingerbread
335. Waiting for the final amaryllis bloom to open wide
336. Turning clocks ahead, jumping an hour closer to Spring
337. Writing letters to a girl I call "sister," a girl I've never met
338. Scarf collection growing too large for the basket
339. Funny sayings on packets of hot sauce
340. Driving to church in the pouring rain
341. Little girl tramping through the rain in a pink coat and rubber boots
342. Ending the day with a mug of tea and a slice of gingerbread
343. Listening to the rain fall hard while the cat sleeps sound and I type words
344. Standing at the window late at night, watching God shake the trees and pour down rain
345. Full night of sleep
346. Beginning the day with cat and cookbook on lap
347. Reading the last page of a book
348. Being changed by the reading of that book
349. Collage, long months in the making, that still speaks into my journey here, in this moment
350. The mystery of a big God
351. The mystery of loss and hurt and a broken-hearted world
352. The mystery of now
353. Seeing God in all the mystery
354. Wanting to see God more than wanting the answers
355. Yellow-gold of willow tree branches still barren
356. Spontaneous detour to Scriber Lake Park
357. Red traffic lights, giving time to appreciate the moment
358. Elderly woman beneath brightly-colored umbrella, making the trek from car to store
359. Children riding coin-operated horses at the grocery store entrance
360. Getting ready for the weekly date with a dear friend
361. Cupboards and fridge stocked full, ready for the week ahead
362. Tree-branch reflections in glass
363. Peony sprouts poking up through wet soil
364. Afternoon sun following torrential downpours
365. Laughing with a friend
366. Finding warmth under a blanket still in the making
367. Thunder, hail, and heavy rain on a Tuesday afternoon
368. Bread pudding baking in the oven
369. Standing in front of the last amaryllis bloom, trying to memorize the moment
370. Productivity coming before 8 am
371. Playground turned wading pool by heavy rains the last week of winter
372. Yellow-daffodil happiness lining the sidewalk
373. Clouds laid out across a bright blue sky like a watercolor painting
374. Three little birds bobbing in the neighbor's gutter, searching for food.
375. Cat in search of snuggles
376. Seeing God in the clock numbers
377. Spring-colored mugs lined up on the shelf
378. Strawberries and whipped cream layered over scone
379. Cloudless sky the day before Spring's beginning.
380. Red maple trees all abloom
381. Trading out flannel sheets for floral--bold step towards the new season
382. Room warmed by afternoon sun and cloudless sky
383. Saturday afternoon nap
384. First day of Spring, finally here
385. Neighbor's magnolia tree pregnant with blooms
386. One clump of daffodils blooming beside a freeway on-ramp
387. Blog decorated for Spring with cherry blossoms and blue sky
388. Cat tromping across me to find the perfect spot in bed
389. Yellow and green apron, all ruffled and hilarious
390. Nearing the end of an art project, months in the making
391. French toast with strawberries on a Sunday morning
392. Clean clothes, clean floors, house back in order
393. Star magnolia in the front yard, just starting to break bud
394. Knowing the names of trees as I drive past them
395. One cat on either side of me, purring loud while I remember the day and write down gifts
396. Two years of writing
397. Two years of becoming
398. Two years of blessing I never saw coming
399. All the words He's let me write
400. All the people who've read them
401. But mostly and always, the One Who is writing my story every moment of this life
402. One tiny pink petal resting on the window
403. Smell of fresh bagels filling the car after grocery shopping
404. Knowing a dear friend now lives in the same state as I do
405. Wandering the garden, checking for signs of new life
406. His strength carrying me through a day
407. Praying myself to sleep
408. Playing a song until it starts to come out right
409. Accomplishing more in a day than I expected to
410. A few days of quiet
411. Looking forward to an overdue tea date with a friend
412. Those who give thanks for thorns, find strength to accept everything He gives
413. Cutting the last amaryllis bloom, confident that it will bloom again
414. Unexpectedly clear skies
415. Tax return on its way
416. Cat snuggled up to the window screen, trying to get more sun
417. Sun lasting all day, inspiring adventure
418. Running around the house getting ready for an adventure, giddy with excitement
419. Driving to the arboretum with sunglasses on and the sunroof open
420. Slice of summer coming in late March
421. The moment I finally remember how to get where I want to go
422. Pink trumpets dancing in the sunlight
423. Pieris blooms shy under leaves
424. Flower so tiny I kneel down in dirt to see all its beauty
425. One bud, hope in miniature
426. Hawthorn leaves unfurling in Spring
427. Lone daffodil in flight
428. Hellebore still in bloom after Winter's end
429. Pink azalea buds waiting to take the stage
430. Azalea petals all aglitter in sun
431. Face pressed close into blooms, inner beauty revealed
432. Perfect camellia bloom, untouched by Spring rains
433. Corylopsis spicata branches laid out horizontal and dripping with yellow beauty
434. Purple-tipped petals bursting forth from soil
435. Hellebore open wide and sprinkled blood-red
436. Snowdrop dancing in afternoon breeze
437. Petal edges kissed by sunlight
438. Tiny magenta blooms that I can't pass by without stooping to marvel
439. Bare branches full of color, living up to the naming of 'Midwinter Fire'
440. Winter honeysuckle blooms still hanging down while leaves grow green
441. Star magnolia blooms coming out from cocoons
442. Blossom just out of reach, framed against a blue Spring sky
443. Forsythia blooms lingering at the edge of a Winter garden
444. Tiny azalea flowers back lit by afternoon sun
445. Maple tree in bloom, clusters of stars overhead
446. Cherry blossoms waiting to be born...
447. ...and being born!
448. Red buds on little maple, not yet ready to open
449. Cherry tree laden with moss, decades of stories to tell
450. Yellow mahonia buds waiting in shadows
451. Oemleria cerasiformis blooms cascading off branches
452. Fuzzy magnolia buds not yet ready to reveal glory
453. Pink petals peeking out, secrets being told
454. One magnolia tree in full bloom, adrift in a sky of blue
455. Tree's first bloom opening to the sun
456. Bud spire pointing to the Maker
457. Moss-covered tree trunk bathed in sunlight
458. New growth unfolding in a faint shaft of light
459. Three crocuses all in a row, mouths open wide to praise the Beautiful One Himself
460. Driving home with a camera full of beauty, a journal full of thanks, and a heart full of God
461. Two hours of bliss before strength runs out
462. Not accomplishing a single thing on the to-do list--and still having an amazing day
463. Lying in the dark, listening to the cat play with her toys
464. Counting down hours until a visit with a friend
465. Spending the afternoon engaged in conversation, catching up, sharing life, being real
466. Friend who makes it easy to be myself
467. Friend who welcomes me to speak the truth, even when it isn't easy
468. Restrooms not closed for cleaning
469. Willow tree buds opening up like caterpillars lining branches
470. Sunrise sky glimpsed before clouds roll in
471. Smell of cardamom--pure heaven!
472. Lying on a sun-warmed floor, catching up on reading
473. A bit of certainty and direction coming at last
474. Call from the doctor just to see how I am
475. Ingredients for cake all laid out
476. Vanilla bean seeds coating my fingertips like grains of black sand
477. Dinner with family to celebrate a mom
478. Out-of-tune and out-of-sync serenade of Happy Birthday
479. Ending the day with a slice of carrot cake and a scoop of ice cream
480. Squinting against unexpected sun
481. Cooking with an apron on
482. Laughing at spills instead of bemoaning the mess
483. Cooking mess cleaned up before dinner comes out of the oven
484. Books and papers spread across the whole desk, evidence of research in progress
485. Working the last stitches of a blanket--my blanket--after months of labor
486. Loose ends woven in, nothing left but to say except, "It's finished!"
487. Sneaking cardamom into recipes that don't call for it
488. Three dozen muffins baked and stowed away
489. Splitting the last piece of carrot cake with Mom
490. Turning the calendar page to a new month--I never grow tired of this; it is always a gift
491. Combing through the mound of scarves, looking for just the right one
492. Leaving the mound of scarves splayed out across the dresser top, too pretty to put away
493. One cat asleep in a basket full of blankets...
494. ...while another cat climbs through a closet maze looking for adventure
495. Dad excited over new kitchen appliance, like a kid on Christmas morning
496. Tax refund arriving in time for bills to be paid
497. Black clouds followed by blue sky
498. Clean sheets, clean clothes, clean floors
499. Winding yarn into skeins
500. Electric winder to save the hands and the time
501. Carpet covered in yarn rivers during the winding
502. Cat on lap, tea in hand, while I wait for the words to come
503. Friend joining in the counting of graces, symphony of praise growing richer
504. Counting 500 gifts many months before I thought I would
505. Weakness that teaches me to rely on Your strength
506. Emptiness that leaves me open to Your fullness
507. The constancy of illness reminding me of the constancy of Your love
508. Failed attempts at healing that bring perseverance
509. Daily battle with illness that develops endurance
510. Suffering that breeds compassion for the sick, the weak, the broken
511. Sweet, soul-bursting promise of no more illness for all eternity--a promise that wouldn't mean much if I didn't know the suffering
512. Body broken but still able to live
513. Legs that can walk--not far, not fast, and not without pain, but I can walk
514. Ears that can hear music, the wind, the ocean
515. Eyes that can see beauty, light, God everywhere
516. Heart that can feel pain but also joy, love, God in me
517. Soul-eyes opened to see Grace in dark places
518. God who gives illness as a gift, uses it to make me into something beautiful
519. New journal full of blank pages and possibility
520. Mug of extra-hot chai on extra-cold Spring day
521. Thought-provoking discussions between friends
522. Crochet project in hand while telling stories from the week
523. Willow tree blooms dropping in the wind like tiny snowballs
524. Surprise rain shower on the way to the doctor's office
525. Doctor and I on the same page. Finally. An all-out miracle
526. Treatment moving forward. Finally. Another all-out miracle
527. Perfect white heaven clouds beneath a stormy grey sky
528. Brightly colored bags to carry the around with me
529. Dad who climbs trees, trims branches to let in the light
530. Stuffed peppers baked to perfection
531. Laughing hard enough to make the stomach muscles hurt
532. Pink-tinged clouds scattered across blue sky at dusk
533. Counting down days until vacation
534. Leftover rice for breakfast, with milk and cinnamon--childhood memories in a bowl
535. Giving myself permission to write instead of research
536. Cat playing with pens while I write about life
537. Friday finally arriving at the end of a long week
538. Sun finally returning after too many days of darkness
539. Fighting the cats for sun spots on the floor
540. Strength for extra hours of work
541. Reminder that my body isn't ready to back to those extra hours
542. God's faithful provision, on the heels of a financial commitment
543. Skeins of yarn staked up tall, new blanket ready to begin
544. One tulip blooming in a pot full of winter's defeat
545. Homemade molasses cookies to accompany each cup of tea
546. Folding laundry late at night, knowing tomorrow will be better with one less thing to do
547. Climbing into bed for an afternoon nap--oh the bliss!
548. Rainstorm coming while I rest, making music on the glass
549. Words finally coming together, letting me move forward
550. Word God Who is always here, now.
551. Knowing the words will come back when it's time
552. Knowing He will never need to come back because He will never leave in the first place
553. Vacation finally here, journey finally beginning
554. Sun streaming in the car window, landing on yarn blanket
555. Rainbow's full arc spread out beside the freeway in the middle of a hailstorm
556. Low wisps of cloud, hovering over hilltops
557. Wispy afternoon moon blending into cloud puffs
558. Rainbows in the road spray, sun glinting after downpour
559. Crocheting hands silhouetted against the seat back
560. Steepled red brick church standing in the evening light
561. Green hills at sunset
562. Dairy Queen stop before the last stretch of the journey
563. Empty road, empty sky, sun setting beside us
564. Desert lands still green with spring
565. Six cows grazing together amidst endless open space
566. Sitting in the backseat, eyes peeled for Glory
567. Sun orb slipping behind horizon's cloud bank...
568. ...then clouds opening to reveal blinding beauty once more
569. Flat hilltops dotted with tree silhouettes at dusk
570. No pressing concerns except to watch the sun go to be while we drive
571. Grandma waiting for us at road's end
572. Hello hugs
573. Car unloaded, settled into my room
574. Discovering an electric blanket on a borrowed bed
575. Falling asleep warm and cozy...
576. ...and staying that way all night
577. Waking up to the sound of geese happily honking outside the window
578. Lying awake in bed with no reason to hurry and get up
579. Face buried in Hope, soft and warm
580. Searching for the Gratitude Journal in the dark of early morn, not wanting to forget His gifts
581. Sitting across the breakfast table from Grandma, listening to animal stories from country life
582. Patch of muscari blooms in the middle of the back lawn
583. Mom and Grandma side by side, bent over a puzzle
584. Crochet project finally finished, laid out for admiration
585. Mom recovering from migraine, rejoining the fun
586. Digging through Christmas fabric, making plans for stockings
587. Resting in the bedroom, listening to the women chat
588. Bowl of Grandma's chili for dinner
589. Pulling out a new bag of yarn, stitching the beginnings of more beauty
590. Plans made for tomorrow, another day of resting, creating, and being together
591. Waking up to the sound of geese honking again--this never happens at home!
592. Yarn laid out across the floor, four women deliberating over color order
593. Decisions made, blanket taking shape, beauty unveiled
594. Unpacking Grandma's teacups, listening to stories of the past
595. Hours in the rocking chair, drinking tea and crochetting
596. Grandma offering baking lessons, Mom learning how to make the pumpkin roll
597. Mom accidentally covered in powdered sugar
598. Mountain of mashed potatoes for dinner
599. Meatloaf with blueberries--so good!
600. Sharing the craft table, watching others' art take shape
601. Laughing over silly things late at night, feeling joy deep down
602. Plans for tomorrow that involve cheesecake, silk scarves, and Christmas ornaments
603. Waking up to sun on the water after a day of all rain
604. Lake smooth like glass and reflecting the trees
605. Pulling out the blanket project first thing, more circles of color being born
606. Listening to Mom and Grandma as they stretch out crocheted snowflakes, pin them in place
607. Cheesecake baking in the oven
608. Putting on shoes for the first time since arriving
609. Four of us finally read for a trip into town
610. Wandering through rooms full of treasures, excited to see what might be found
611. Sipping hot chai while doing the wandering
612. Hope and Joy sitting on the shelf, whispering for me to take them home, take them to heart, live them out.
613. All of us leaving Lexi's Place with treasures tucked under our arms
614. Back to the house and back into slippers
615. Puzzle coming together, last missing piece found on the floor
616. Last evening together, full of eating, crafting, and movie watching
617. Bags packed and ready to go, a few more hours to enjoy
618. Dozens of scarves piled on the dining table
619. Four of us gathered around, trying new ways to wear beauty
620. Laughter at the process and the failures
621. Discovering beauty, holding it in our hands
622. Making plans for "next time"
623. Goodbye hugs
624. Grandma standing in the doorway, waving and blowing kisses until we are out of sight
625. A dozen deer grazing in a neighbor's lawn as we pull onto the road
626. Sun shining bright as we head toward home
627. Cloud shadows laying across the blue-green river water
628. Talking about family history on the long drive home
629. Dairy Queen stop, ice cream for dinner
630. Space Needle finally coming into view, home soon to follow
631. Car unloaded, bags piled on the floor, knowing the unpacking can wait until the morning
632. The welcome feeling of being home
633. Imaging what the real Homecoming will feel like
634. Bags unpacked, everything back in place
635. Three loads of laundry washed and put away
636. Day to recover, prepare for life after vacation
637. Hail storm in the morning, blue skies in the afternoon
638. Rows of mistakes undone, progress being re-made
639. Annabelle Cat running wild after old toy comes out of hiding
640. The Hope Bird perched on my desk while I work
641. The Joy Bird perched on my art table while I create
642. Cooking dinner with Dad
643. Savory bread pudding with feta, mushrooms, and roasted peppers
645. Facebook banter with my brother
646. Mistakes pointed out, keeping me humble in my work
647. Organizing the cupboards, clearing out the excess
648. Afternoon nap when the head needs clearing and the heart needs rest
649. Buddy Cat snuggled up beside me, happy for the company, happy to share the bed
650. Cooking done for the week, leftovers piled up
651. Lone bird on the wire, backed by ominous clouds
652. Lady bug traversing the windowpane
653. Squinting against the sunlight to watch the lady bug's journey
654. Buddy Cat bird watching beside me while I work
655. Finding inspiration for poetry
656. Writing the first poem in exactly three months
657. Words finally coming to finish the last stanza
658. Blue skies at sunrise, half-moon still hanging high
659. Day without clouds--always, always a gift!
660. Birthday lunch with friends
661. Easter Eve dinner with family
662. Easter baskets for grown children
663. Staying in pajamas until 10 am
664. Meal planning going easily--for once!
665. God Who conquers death, rises from the grave even when the clouds don't break
666. Redemption flowing down, reaching even me
667. Messiah Who gave thanks before He went to the cross, opened the way for abundant life
668. Eucharisteo. Always eucharisteo
669. Three peony plants budded with promise in my own front yard
670. Dogwood tree just coming into bloom, glimpsed on the drive to church
671. Driving to the Easter celebration while "There Will Be A Day" plays on the stereo
672. That there will be a day with no more pain, no more fears, no more burdens
673. And that day is made possible because of this day--Resurrection Sunday
674. Finally feeling the celebration, the Glory of Easter after a long week of quiet heaviness
675. God Who knows suffering--His and ours
676. That our Messiah lived to die so that we might live to live
677. Hammer shattering glass, shards of truth piercing my soul
678. The fragrance of Christ in us, our brokenness releasing Him to the world
679. My Book of Days, scribbling down pieces of God
680. His Book of Days, capturing every bit of me and Him and us
681. The Love that runs through all my days, in His book and mine
682. The gratitude that can't be spoken, only lived
683. Running errands in the pouring rain
684. Seven stops in three hours--every single thing checked off the list
685. Pair of ducks wandering the parking lot at my last stop, taking flight as I drive by
686. Catching up with a friend after long weeks apart
687. Surveying the treat display at Starbucks, choosing the free one I'll get next time
688. Sitting on the coffee shop's couch, crocheting and sharing life
689. Buying Easter candy for my parents
690. Strength for the hard days
691. Pizza for dinner
692. Strawberries for dessert
693. Meeting of the minds, ministry endeavors moving forward
694. Dishwasher arriving!
695. More space for cooking, fewer dishes to wash
696. Long-absent but still familiar sound of the dishwasher scrubbing things clean
697. Unexpected reiteration of the Truth about brokenness
698. Words coming in the middle of the night, lessons in brokenness finally becoming clear
699. New eyes to see that the brokenness can be sacred
700. New faith to believe that being broken can be a gift
701. The pouring forth of God through the cracks in our souls
702. Plans for future art projects swirling in my head
703. Counting out rows of stitches, envisioning something new
704. Photographs strewn across the floor, me giddy with ideas
705. The way color progression makes my happy, Happy, HAPPY!
706. Sun breaks at the end of a cloudy week
707. A little photo shoot in the yard, charting the growth
708. Spending a whole afternoon in the garden
709. Trimming away winter, letting spring take the stage
710. Moving plants around, finding new homes to make them happy
711. Garden perking up from the winter blues, beauty coming out of hibernation
712. First day of May!
713. Cloudless blue sky full of sun to start the new month
714. Morning trip to the store for plant pots and soil
715. Afternoon with hands in the dirt, new plants being born
716. Amaryllis the Giant becoming a whole family of amaryllis plants
717. Eight baby plants now crowding my room
718. My own object lesson in new life coming from the brokenness
719. Music--always music!
720. Familiar words turning into heart lessons unexpectedly
721. The Fount of Every Blessing--always You!
722. God Who tunes my heart to sing His Grace
723. The never-ceasing stream of His Mercy
724. Savior Who is both Redeeming Love and Fountain Grace
725. The way this chronicling of gifts, this knowing His goodness is binding my heart to His
726. Learning to sing the Grace Song--I've waited my whole life for this
727. Afternoon chat with a friend over extra-spicy chai
728. Sharing a free lemon square, both of us puckering from the delicious tartness
729. Another blanket finished, last ends woven in
730. New art project beginning, colors of sunshine taking shape
731. Friend's first knitted sock, finished and fitting perfectly
732. Rain drying up before the drive home
733. Finding clarity in a complicated task
734. Peeking underneath the chair before pushing back from the table, checking for sleeping kitties beneath
735. Blog comments from a friend, filling up my inbox
736. Hard tasks completed, one more step taken down the path of treatment
737. Leaving the house without a coat--and being too warm in a sweater
738. Afternoon drive with the sunroof open
739. Blanket of beauty taking shape faster than expected
740. Hunting through photographs of color, choosing the perfect ones for the project at hand
741. Waiting all day for a surprise package to arrive on a friend's doorstep...
742. ...and then finding out it arrived at exactly the time He wanted it to all along
743. Reconciliation after hard years apart
744. Love stronger, truer after the storms
745. Digging out old poems and finding Him speaking the same
746. God Who doesn't leave, even when I beg Him to
747. God Who breaks with Love, heals with Himself
748. Long hours of sleep after too many nights without
749. Dad who cooks at 60% power, makes me laugh until it hurts
750. Not being the only one to make mistakes in the kitchen
751. Only two extra hours of work, not four
752. Scent of cucumber-melon lotion lingering all day, catching me off guard
753. Cloud rim around giant circle of blue--ocean in the sky
754. Tree branches waving in the wind--evidence of the invisible
755. Mother's Day tea date with mom and siblings
756. Tasting sips of everyone's drinks
757. Wandering through a street market on a Sunday morning in May
758. Buckets of tulips in pink, orange, yellow, and happiness
759. Vendor selling tea and sips of joy
760. New tea tucked in my purse
761. Riding home with the top down and the sun up
762. Wearing sandals to church--first time in long months
763. Patch of road covered in pink cherry petal snow
764. Safe passage through hard evening of ministry
765. Ending the day with a cup of the best chai I've ever tasted
766. Finding words and quiet hours to write them in
767. Hope Bird broken before I found her
768. God speaking truth through the brokenness
769. Losing my Faith
770. Finding the Faith I've been needing for a lifetime
771. Hope carved into the Rock
772. God picking up the pieces, building me into beauty
773. Unexpected invitation to dinner
774. Chance to reconnect with a long lost cousin
775. Being surprised by afternoon sun
776. Sitting outside in the yard while kids play
777. Flower picked just for me by a little girl named Naomi
778. Sitting on the floor helping with a puzzle while dinner is made
779. Sharing the dinner table with new friends
780. Bedtime stories on the couch
781. Goodnight hug and kiss from a little girl who's only known me a few hours
782. Talking late into the night with a cousin who is now a friend
783. Realizing that shared history--for better or for worse--can be beautiful
784. Photos arriving in the mail, finding their way into piles of color on the floor
785. Dinner turning out delicious after too many weeks of failed attempts
786. Afternoon sunshine inviting me out to the garden
787. Discovering gifts, beauty, life, God everywhere
788. Neighbor's lilac blooms finally open, drifting over the fence
789. One stem of bluebells bursting forth from another plant's pot
790. Lavender buds promising a purple summer
791. Leaves of the 'Floating Clouds' maple reaching out from shadows
792. Memorial Tree awakening at last...
793. ...its leaves unfurling like flames
794. First blooms opening on the cutleaf lilac...
795. ...with more buds still waiting...
796. ...and leaves living up to their name
797. Fern fronds unfolding like creatures from another world
798. Sarcocca bush laden with berries the color of midnight
799. Leaves of 'Pandora's Box' glowing in the sunlight
800. Fothergilla gardenii in full bloom
801. Flower buds decked out in fuzz
802. Trio of peony buds hovering in the shade...
803. ...another dancing in the sun
804. Ladybug stopping by for a visit
805. Japanese maple leaves framed against the afternoon sun
806. Hellebore bloom lingering long past winter, spider's web trailing off its petals
807. Maple tree decked out in pink. Pink!
808. Leaves opening like fists unclenching
809. Cotinus coggygria leaves opening like little cabbages
810. Leaf shadows
811. Five-fingered fern dripping with light
812. Spring--always spring!
813. God Who holds the world together, brings spring after every winter
814. God Who holds me together, brings life back after every loss
815. Homemade hamburgers and corn on the cob--taste of summer on a rainy spring day
816. One more blanket finished--only two weeks in the making!
817. Wind dancing in the birch tree leaves at sunset
818. Days of sun coming more often
819. House warmed by all the light
820. Making headway in hard projects
821. Kitty snore heard from across the room...
822. ...while another cat chases after a fly
823. This week feeling like summer when last week felt like winter
824. Fish-stick sandwich falling apart, laughter at the dinner table
825. Another day full of sun, tomorrow still to come
826. Sitting in the yard working on an art project
827. Having to move to the shade when it gets too warm
828. Photographs of color turning into a wall of beauty
829. Finally resting in my favorite chair after a long day full of life
830. Glimpse of the mountain at sunset
831. Cat splayed out on the floor because it's too warm for curling up
832. Birds singing happily as night approaches
833. Fourth day full of sun--can this really be happening? Not just a gift, an all-out miracle.
834. Sitting on the back deck to think, write
835. Cats keeping me company through the screen door
836. Scent of sun-baked lilacs drifting on the breeze
837. Sandal-clad feet soaking up the sun
838. Birds chattering in the sparsely-leafed tree across the fence
839. Hand-me-down dressers with empty drawers...
840. ...art supplies waiting to fill them up
841. Late-night snuggles with the cuddliest of cats
842. Lessons in the kitchen, even when it means failures
843. Art projects piled high, waiting for the festival
844. New baby born safely at home
845. Song I still call "mine" two years later
846. Dad and me trying to hang art on the wall, laughing and wondering if we'll get it right
847. Success at last--art staying in place
848. Laying out quilts and crochet blankets, preparing for the festival
849. Whole evening spent breathing in art, beauty, God
850. Fellow artists telling stories of creation
851. Everyone marveling at all the beauty
852. My own photography project stretching 10 feet long, surprising even me
853. Creative vision turning into reality...
854. ...and looking more amazing than I'd even dared to hope
855. God Who is in all the beauty
856. Coming home tired but so full of joy, hope, life
857. Finding truth words tucked away in a journal
858. Knowing redemption, God, Glory in the living
859. God Who redeems. Always Him.
860. Blessings held in raindrops
861. Healing found in tears
862. A thousand sleepless nights
863. A thousand strength-less days
864. Knowing He's near
865. Knowing the Strength Who carries me
866. Christ on a cross--greatest mercy in disguise
867. Being chosen to receive the mercy of illness
868. Being blessed beyond measure by the God Who carries me, you, all of us
861. Healing found in tears
862. A thousand sleepless nights
863. A thousand strength-less days
864. Knowing He's near
865. Knowing the Strength Who carries me
866. Christ on a cross--greatest mercy in disguise
867. Being chosen to receive the mercy of illness
868. Being blessed beyond measure by the God Who carries me, you, all of us
869. Sun high in the sky, blankets of beauty spread out on the deck
870. Leaning over the ladder top to capture art on camera
871. Blood-red coleus leaves, beauty at the grocery store entrance
872. My own personal baking and dancing party in the kitchen
873. Feeling better after all the dancing
874. Strawberry-almond cheesecake bars baking in the oven
875. Chai tea tasting with Dad
876. Wrapping up gifts made with love
877. Movie night with a cup of chai and a piece of cheesecake
878. Smell of rain-soaked sidewalk warmed by afternoon sun
879. Daily trek down the walkway in slippers to peek at the peony buds
880. Sun after rain--always this!
881. Dad who takes my car to the shop, spends his day waiting
882. Birds squabbling on the neighbor's roof
883. Lasagna in a skillet
884. Dinner too good not to write about
885. Money in the bank to pay for car repairs
886. Car fixed, ready to take me where I need to go
887. Plans made for tea with a friend
888. Test results finally, finally, finally returning
889. Blue sky after days of rain
890. Planning birthday surprises
891. Hard things making a little sense, anxiety abating
892. Wandering through plants at the store, searching for the perfect gift
893. Stopping to smell the roses...and the honeysuckle...and the lilac!
894. Finding a daylily still holding secrets
895. Driving around a friend's neighborhood ridiculously lost--and still laughing
896. Welcome hugs and laughter when I find my way
897. Needing to borrow a shirt because there's too much sun for a sweater
898. Tea party for two
899. Purple socks with crazily-colored cats--from Boston!
900. Sharing a bit of life after too many weeks apart
901. Sitting out in the sun with wedding albums spread out on my lap
902. Wandering the yard in search of the perfect spot for the daylily
903. Hands in the dirt, new plant in its new home
904. Goodbye hugs, lots and lots of them
905. Making plans to share life again soon
906. Driving home with the windows down and the sunroof open
907. Last cheesecake bar to end the day
908. Cats playing with bottle caps, cord ties, anything else that isn't a toy
909. Mountain in full view at 6 am
910. Pale blue irises with yellow spots of happiness
911. Sky without clouds
912. Digging out summer clothes from the bottom of the drawer
913. Mountain filling the rear-view mirror...
914. ...and then turning the corner to find a western horizon of snow-capped mountains
915. Holding a new baby in my arms for the first time
916. Not being able to stop smiling as I gaze at his sweet, sleepy face
917. Sharing the couch and a bowl of popcorn with an almost-four-year-old godson
918. Pizza and root beer to end a perfect summer day
919. Riding in a convertible beneath another cloudless sky
920. Closing my eyes against the sun and wishing every day could be this beautiful
921. Lunch with Mom at a sunny courtyard table
922. Chai frappuccino to celebrate the heat
923. Afternoon nap with Buddy Cat curled up against me
924. Heat remaining long after the sun hides in the clouds
925. Sun reappearing at evening's end
926. God Who answers hard questions
927. God Who carries me always
870. Leaning over the ladder top to capture art on camera
871. Blood-red coleus leaves, beauty at the grocery store entrance
872. My own personal baking and dancing party in the kitchen
873. Feeling better after all the dancing
874. Strawberry-almond cheesecake bars baking in the oven
875. Chai tea tasting with Dad
876. Wrapping up gifts made with love
877. Movie night with a cup of chai and a piece of cheesecake
878. Smell of rain-soaked sidewalk warmed by afternoon sun
879. Daily trek down the walkway in slippers to peek at the peony buds
880. Sun after rain--always this!
881. Dad who takes my car to the shop, spends his day waiting
882. Birds squabbling on the neighbor's roof
883. Lasagna in a skillet
884. Dinner too good not to write about
885. Money in the bank to pay for car repairs
886. Car fixed, ready to take me where I need to go
887. Plans made for tea with a friend
888. Test results finally, finally, finally returning
889. Blue sky after days of rain
890. Planning birthday surprises
891. Hard things making a little sense, anxiety abating
892. Wandering through plants at the store, searching for the perfect gift
893. Stopping to smell the roses...and the honeysuckle...and the lilac!
894. Finding a daylily still holding secrets
895. Driving around a friend's neighborhood ridiculously lost--and still laughing
896. Welcome hugs and laughter when I find my way
897. Needing to borrow a shirt because there's too much sun for a sweater
898. Tea party for two
899. Purple socks with crazily-colored cats--from Boston!
900. Sharing a bit of life after too many weeks apart
901. Sitting out in the sun with wedding albums spread out on my lap
902. Wandering the yard in search of the perfect spot for the daylily
903. Hands in the dirt, new plant in its new home
904. Goodbye hugs, lots and lots of them
905. Making plans to share life again soon
906. Driving home with the windows down and the sunroof open
907. Last cheesecake bar to end the day
908. Cats playing with bottle caps, cord ties, anything else that isn't a toy
909. Mountain in full view at 6 am
910. Pale blue irises with yellow spots of happiness
911. Sky without clouds
912. Digging out summer clothes from the bottom of the drawer
913. Mountain filling the rear-view mirror...
914. ...and then turning the corner to find a western horizon of snow-capped mountains
915. Holding a new baby in my arms for the first time
916. Not being able to stop smiling as I gaze at his sweet, sleepy face
917. Sharing the couch and a bowl of popcorn with an almost-four-year-old godson
918. Pizza and root beer to end a perfect summer day
919. Riding in a convertible beneath another cloudless sky
920. Closing my eyes against the sun and wishing every day could be this beautiful
921. Lunch with Mom at a sunny courtyard table
922. Chai frappuccino to celebrate the heat
923. Afternoon nap with Buddy Cat curled up against me
924. Heat remaining long after the sun hides in the clouds
925. Sun reappearing at evening's end
926. God Who answers hard questions
927. God Who carries me always
928. Extra day of unexpected sun
929. Flowing purple scarf making me feel like a lady
930. Safe travels on a hard journey
931. Clouds disappearing as I crest the mountain range
932. Singing loud because no one's listening
933. Finding my way on unfamiliar roads
934. Finally arriving in one piece
935. Rolling down the windows and driving slow through the campground
936. Smelling hot dogs on the grill when I find my family
937. Drinking root beer at a picnic table
938. Little girl who doesn't know me, calling out from the playground just to say hi
939. Resting on a makeshift bed while listening to the sounds of camp
940. Watching a sliver of sunset from my screened-in vantage point
941. Sitting around the fire with a mug of chai in hand--always the mug of chai!
942. Grandparent hugs
943. Cousin hugs
944. Bedtime after a long, hard day
945. Sun rising at 5 am
946. Waking up to the sounds of birds and barges on the river and people nearby
947. Eggs and bacon on the grill
948. Putting on sunscreen before 9 am
949. Badminton with Mom
950. Croquet with Dad
951. Learning to throw and catch
952. Shoulder sore from all the teaching
953. Sun beating down, reminding us what it feels like to be hot
954. Grandparents sitting in lawn chairs, taking it all in
955. Kids having water fights
956. Best. burger. ever.
957. Corn on the cob cooked over the fire
958. Unexpected conversations about the past
959. Marshmallow roasting
960. S'more eating--with white chocolate, of course
961. Teasing from cousins and grandpas and uncles
962. Feeling like the day's been long enough and full enough
963. Sleeping sound because the day's been full
964. Walking across camp at dawn, everyone else still sleeping
965. Silver dollar pancakes for breakfast
966. Packing up camp, everyone pitching in
967. Heading home with new pieces of my history in hand
968. Passing through a friend's new town and wishing her well as I drive by
969. Weight of my history finally breaking through
970. Tears for the past and the present
971. Finally understanding the damage done by the fear of being a burden
972. God stepping in to save a boy's life decades before he'd find redemption
973. God changing our story, redeeming our family.
974. God taking all the pieces of my past and turning them into beauty
975. First day of summer...
976. ...and full of sunshine!
977. Peony buds finally, finally opening
978. Sitting in the middle of a garden, soaking up all the sun
979. Burying my face in just-opened peonies, breathing in the beauty
980. Countdown to a thousand pieces of His Love
981. Always one more piece of love to count
982. Staring down the fear, choosing to heal
983. Days of quiet
984. Homemade oatmeal-raisin cookies
985. Portable computer, hours of research in a sun-filled garden
986. Progress--far more than expected
987. Understanding returning at last, after long weeks of confusion
988. Hard task finally, finally finished, six long months in the making
989. Strawberry rhubarb pie!
990. Taste of summer
991. Happy childhood memories
992. Brother who fixes my car when he can't fix his broken heart
993. Hours in the sun
994. Needing to move to the shade
995. Talking out the hard things of life
996. Crisscross sunburn marks of the tops of my feet
997. Yesterday's heat lingering long in my upstairs apartment
998. Grandma who's passed on a love for peonies
999. Snow-capped mountain tinted pink by dusk's light
1000. I am loved.
1001. Quiet first night around the fire
1002. Big bright moon rising over our campsite
1003. Snuggled in a tent, sound of creek lulling to sleep
1004. Symphony of birds at dawn
1005. Laughing at the sound of screeching birds overhead
1006. Watching tent fiascoes from a chair in the sun
1007. Hot chai on a cold morning
1008. Smell of garlic potatoes wafting through our campsite
1009. Breakfast feast in the middle of the forest
1010. Sun making an appearance, me shedding all the layers
1011. Laughing with cousins, waiting for more family to arrive
1012. Mom and Dad playing games, metal washers thudding against wood
1013. Rest of the gang finally arriving, chaos ensuing
1014. Listening to all the commotion from my resting place inside the tent
1015. Steaks on the grill, marshmallows roasted in the fire
1016. All of us gathered around the campfire, more laughter than I've had in a long while
1017. Hot shower on a cold morning, feeling clean after all the dirt
1018. Rain-soaked adventures in the campsite, digging trenches and hanging tarps
1019. All of us longing for sun but taking the rain in stride
1020. Rain finally stopping, us coming out of hiding
1021. Sun drying us off, beckoning us to leave our site
1022. Round of miniature golf with Dad
1023. Me failing miserably to get the ball in the hole
1024. Dad going easy on me, trying to make me feel better than I am
1025. Shared dinner of hamburgers and watermelon and too much good stuff for one plate
1026. Walking around the campground at dusk, exploring places we haven't been yet
1027. Last night around the fire, all of us thankful the rain hasn't returned
1028. Being the last ones to leave the fire for bed
1029. Waking up at dawn, day not yet begun
1030. Dry spot to sit on by the pond
1031. God holding me here in spite of the cold
1032. Nine ducks swimming in formation, one more lagging behind
1033. Loudest birds screeching back and forth, swooping among the campsites
1034. Clouds drifting and shifting, light getting ready to break forth
1035. An hour and thirty-seven minutes by the pond, waiting for Glory to be revealed
1036. Sun finally rising above the mountains, light piercing straight into me
1037. Beauty breaking my heart, God raining down
1038. God always here, even when it's hard to breathe
1039. Angels who protect when a loved one wants to die
1040. Broken hearts leaving room for the deepest healing of all
1041. Strength to do what's needed, long after strength is gone
1042. Unexpected laughter in the middle of hard days
1044. Brother who does what's right, even when it's the hardest thing
1045. Friend who prays while she carries her own heavy load
1046. Not grieving alone
1047. The One Who breathes hope while I breathe thanks
1048. Hope Himself. Always, always Him.
931. Clouds disappearing as I crest the mountain range
932. Singing loud because no one's listening
933. Finding my way on unfamiliar roads
934. Finally arriving in one piece
935. Rolling down the windows and driving slow through the campground
936. Smelling hot dogs on the grill when I find my family
937. Drinking root beer at a picnic table
938. Little girl who doesn't know me, calling out from the playground just to say hi
939. Resting on a makeshift bed while listening to the sounds of camp
940. Watching a sliver of sunset from my screened-in vantage point
941. Sitting around the fire with a mug of chai in hand--always the mug of chai!
942. Grandparent hugs
943. Cousin hugs
944. Bedtime after a long, hard day
945. Sun rising at 5 am
946. Waking up to the sounds of birds and barges on the river and people nearby
947. Eggs and bacon on the grill
948. Putting on sunscreen before 9 am
949. Badminton with Mom
950. Croquet with Dad
951. Learning to throw and catch
952. Shoulder sore from all the teaching
953. Sun beating down, reminding us what it feels like to be hot
954. Grandparents sitting in lawn chairs, taking it all in
955. Kids having water fights
956. Best. burger. ever.
957. Corn on the cob cooked over the fire
958. Unexpected conversations about the past
959. Marshmallow roasting
960. S'more eating--with white chocolate, of course
961. Teasing from cousins and grandpas and uncles
962. Feeling like the day's been long enough and full enough
963. Sleeping sound because the day's been full
964. Walking across camp at dawn, everyone else still sleeping
965. Silver dollar pancakes for breakfast
966. Packing up camp, everyone pitching in
967. Heading home with new pieces of my history in hand
968. Passing through a friend's new town and wishing her well as I drive by
969. Weight of my history finally breaking through
970. Tears for the past and the present
971. Finally understanding the damage done by the fear of being a burden
972. God stepping in to save a boy's life decades before he'd find redemption
973. God changing our story, redeeming our family.
974. God taking all the pieces of my past and turning them into beauty
975. First day of summer...
976. ...and full of sunshine!
977. Peony buds finally, finally opening
978. Sitting in the middle of a garden, soaking up all the sun
979. Burying my face in just-opened peonies, breathing in the beauty
980. Countdown to a thousand pieces of His Love
981. Always one more piece of love to count
982. Staring down the fear, choosing to heal
983. Days of quiet
984. Homemade oatmeal-raisin cookies
985. Portable computer, hours of research in a sun-filled garden
986. Progress--far more than expected
987. Understanding returning at last, after long weeks of confusion
988. Hard task finally, finally finished, six long months in the making
989. Strawberry rhubarb pie!
990. Taste of summer
991. Happy childhood memories
992. Brother who fixes my car when he can't fix his broken heart
993. Hours in the sun
994. Needing to move to the shade
995. Talking out the hard things of life
996. Crisscross sunburn marks of the tops of my feet
997. Yesterday's heat lingering long in my upstairs apartment
998. Grandma who's passed on a love for peonies
999. Snow-capped mountain tinted pink by dusk's light
1000. I am loved.
1001. Quiet first night around the fire
1002. Big bright moon rising over our campsite
1003. Snuggled in a tent, sound of creek lulling to sleep
1004. Symphony of birds at dawn
1005. Laughing at the sound of screeching birds overhead
1006. Watching tent fiascoes from a chair in the sun
1007. Hot chai on a cold morning
1008. Smell of garlic potatoes wafting through our campsite
1009. Breakfast feast in the middle of the forest
1010. Sun making an appearance, me shedding all the layers
1011. Laughing with cousins, waiting for more family to arrive
1012. Mom and Dad playing games, metal washers thudding against wood
1013. Rest of the gang finally arriving, chaos ensuing
1014. Listening to all the commotion from my resting place inside the tent
1015. Steaks on the grill, marshmallows roasted in the fire
1016. All of us gathered around the campfire, more laughter than I've had in a long while
1017. Hot shower on a cold morning, feeling clean after all the dirt
1018. Rain-soaked adventures in the campsite, digging trenches and hanging tarps
1019. All of us longing for sun but taking the rain in stride
1020. Rain finally stopping, us coming out of hiding
1021. Sun drying us off, beckoning us to leave our site
1022. Round of miniature golf with Dad
1023. Me failing miserably to get the ball in the hole
1024. Dad going easy on me, trying to make me feel better than I am
1025. Shared dinner of hamburgers and watermelon and too much good stuff for one plate
1026. Walking around the campground at dusk, exploring places we haven't been yet
1027. Last night around the fire, all of us thankful the rain hasn't returned
1028. Being the last ones to leave the fire for bed
1029. Waking up at dawn, day not yet begun
1030. Dry spot to sit on by the pond
1031. God holding me here in spite of the cold
1032. Nine ducks swimming in formation, one more lagging behind
1033. Loudest birds screeching back and forth, swooping among the campsites
1034. Clouds drifting and shifting, light getting ready to break forth
1035. An hour and thirty-seven minutes by the pond, waiting for Glory to be revealed
1036. Sun finally rising above the mountains, light piercing straight into me
1037. Beauty breaking my heart, God raining down
1038. God always here, even when it's hard to breathe
1039. Angels who protect when a loved one wants to die
1040. Broken hearts leaving room for the deepest healing of all
1041. Strength to do what's needed, long after strength is gone
1042. Unexpected laughter in the middle of hard days
1043. Family who opens the door, makes room for one more
1044. Brother who does what's right, even when it's the hardest thing
1045. Friend who prays while she carries her own heavy load
1046. Not grieving alone
1047. The One Who breathes hope while I breathe thanks
1048. Hope Himself. Always, always Him.
1049. Loved one coming home safe one more time
1050. God who's near when the fear presses in
1051. Knowing He'll carry us through even the worst kind of loss
1052. Sister-friend who begins her thanks in the middle of the grieving
1053. Promise of comfort for those who mourn--for me, for us, for everyone who has lost
1054. New-found friend who speaks of the Christ Hope blooming in me
1055. Day after day of sunshine, summer finally here to stay for awhile
1056. Steaks on the grill, green beans roasting in the oven
1057. Ice cream on the porch after dinner
1058. Windows open, cooler air trickling in
1059. Iced chai on a friend's sunny deck
1060. Dog rolling happy in the grass below us
1061. Amaryllis getting ready to bloom in August, a sign of hope for a weary heart
1050. God who's near when the fear presses in
1051. Knowing He'll carry us through even the worst kind of loss
1052. Sister-friend who begins her thanks in the middle of the grieving
1053. Promise of comfort for those who mourn--for me, for us, for everyone who has lost
1054. New-found friend who speaks of the Christ Hope blooming in me
1055. Day after day of sunshine, summer finally here to stay for awhile
1056. Steaks on the grill, green beans roasting in the oven
1057. Ice cream on the porch after dinner
1058. Windows open, cooler air trickling in
1059. Iced chai on a friend's sunny deck
1060. Dog rolling happy in the grass below us
1061. Amaryllis getting ready to bloom in August, a sign of hope for a weary heart
1062. Straining to see the almost-full moon, rising behind the neighbor's tree
1063. Fingers stained with cherry juice
1064. Long, hard conversations full of pain and tears and connection
1065. Understanding a loved one's suffering
1066. Amaryllis blooms open and tall, a gift in the middle of summer
1067. Afternoon naps when days are hard
1068. Sharing a burger and fried mushrooms with a brother
1069. Movie night at home with all the right snacks
1070. Banana bread baking in the oven
1071. Summer evenings on the porch, garden wet from all the watering
1072. Face pressed into beauty a thousand times over
1073. God holding all the pieces, making this life into something beautiful
1063. Fingers stained with cherry juice
1064. Long, hard conversations full of pain and tears and connection
1065. Understanding a loved one's suffering
1066. Amaryllis blooms open and tall, a gift in the middle of summer
1067. Afternoon naps when days are hard
1068. Sharing a burger and fried mushrooms with a brother
1069. Movie night at home with all the right snacks
1070. Banana bread baking in the oven
1071. Summer evenings on the porch, garden wet from all the watering
1072. Face pressed into beauty a thousand times over
1073. God holding all the pieces, making this life into something beautiful
1074. Warm days and nights, summer really here
1075. Strength to accomplish a task, even if it's small
1076. Courage to overcome a fear, even if it's a little one
1077. Clouds and wind and rain...reminder of Fall's coming
1078. Friend who waits when words are hard to find
1079. Shared tears, hugs, life
1080. This moment, this day
1081. Who I am right now
1082. Being enough
1083. Every drop of Grace falling down, reaching even me
1084. Squirrel inhabiting the neighbor's roof, amusing with his antics
1085. Pink and lavender horizon at dusk
1086. Cat playing with noisy toys after everyone's in bed
1087. Laughter before sleep
1088. Me and two cats crowded into a bed too small for the three of us
1089. Finding courage to cut off all the hair
1090. Tracing the path of growing through pictures
1091. Not being afraid anymore--afraid to be who I am
1092. Him loving me through the short and the long, the ugly and the beautiful, the breaking and the healing
1093. Friend who shares the story of her hair and healing and hope
1094. Seeing that I'm broken and scared but I'm beautiful, too--because I'm full of love and hope and Him
1095. Glimpse of God on the street corner
1096. Beauty calling me to worship Him
1097. Heart aching for more of God
1098. Hearing His whispers
1099. Time to rest, breathe, be
1100. Silence
1101. Emptiness leading me to the Only One Who Fills
1102. Words of a stranger, speaking truth I need to hear
1103. His invitation to "go up"
1104. Pilgrimage
1105. A heart set on Him
1106. Foggy November mornings
1107. Cat purrs heard from across the room
1108. Leftover balloons hanging on for weeks
1109. Cats bent on reaching those dangling ribbons
1110. Frost on rooftops
1111. Really good day after too many hard ones
1112. Dad who solves problems as soon as he's asked
1113. Heavy rains while I'm warm and dry in the house
1114. Gingerbread steamer, all spicy and warm
1115. Desk finally, finally in order--a year-long project complete
1116. Cranberry sauce simmering on the stove
1117. Stealing back the covers from a cat who "shares" my bed
1118. Brother who brings me a plate of snacks while I work Thanksgiving morning
1075. Strength to accomplish a task, even if it's small
1076. Courage to overcome a fear, even if it's a little one
1077. Clouds and wind and rain...reminder of Fall's coming
1078. Friend who waits when words are hard to find
1079. Shared tears, hugs, life
1080. This moment, this day
1081. Who I am right now
1082. Being enough
1083. Every drop of Grace falling down, reaching even me
1084. Squirrel inhabiting the neighbor's roof, amusing with his antics
1085. Pink and lavender horizon at dusk
1086. Cat playing with noisy toys after everyone's in bed
1087. Laughter before sleep
1088. Me and two cats crowded into a bed too small for the three of us
1089. Finding courage to cut off all the hair
1090. Tracing the path of growing through pictures
1091. Not being afraid anymore--afraid to be who I am
1092. Him loving me through the short and the long, the ugly and the beautiful, the breaking and the healing
1093. Friend who shares the story of her hair and healing and hope
1094. Seeing that I'm broken and scared but I'm beautiful, too--because I'm full of love and hope and Him
1095. Glimpse of God on the street corner
1096. Beauty calling me to worship Him
1097. Heart aching for more of God
1098. Hearing His whispers
1099. Time to rest, breathe, be
1100. Silence
1101. Emptiness leading me to the Only One Who Fills
1102. Words of a stranger, speaking truth I need to hear
1103. His invitation to "go up"
1104. Pilgrimage
1105. A heart set on Him
1106. Foggy November mornings
1107. Cat purrs heard from across the room
1108. Leftover balloons hanging on for weeks
1109. Cats bent on reaching those dangling ribbons
1110. Frost on rooftops
1111. Really good day after too many hard ones
1112. Dad who solves problems as soon as he's asked
1113. Heavy rains while I'm warm and dry in the house
1114. Gingerbread steamer, all spicy and warm
1115. Desk finally, finally in order--a year-long project complete
1116. Cranberry sauce simmering on the stove
1117. Stealing back the covers from a cat who "shares" my bed
1118. Brother who brings me a plate of snacks while I work Thanksgiving morning
