thanksgiving + amy's birthday all in one...an epic day to be thankful.

• really great song
• "i want my eyes to see right, i want my mind to think Christ." - from spontaneous worship, jeremy riddle
• knowing so many around the world (and especially in the US) are intentionally thinking about thankfulness today

• when a fellow thankful-er comes by just to share the gift she received
• shoprite + adam & eve outing
• that time a friend delivered a favor faaaaar faster than i was expecting- what an unexpected blessing!  
• lovely flowers & Truth words

• hearing men read to kids
• science night!
• family pretzel making
• getting to be generous with my hair...purpose in most everything.  (and the funny quote from ben about my haircut "you took a risk and the risk paid off.")  

• giving thanks and celebrating my LOVELY sister's birth all in the same day.
• a few things i'm most thankful for when it comes to amy (a thankful list within a thankful list)
• her commitment to clear communication
• her dedication to our family - and really to everyone that she cares about - she does not give up on anyone.
• the way she looks for the good
• how she believes the best about people & about life - and how she believes the best in me
• her faithfulness to send birthday boxes
• that she likes to take long walks on the beach with her sister as much as i do
• her convictions and passions.  she considers what she stands for and why.
• she has brought cali-n-tito's to the airport both times we've come home in the past 3 1/2 years.
• she gives and gives and gives
• she is strong and capable and knowledgeable - but still real and humble.
• she values people - no matter their age or position or lifestyle
• that she's my sister and my friend.  i'm so thankful. 

Thanksgiving 2014

Song of the week: Nothing I Hold On To / Climb (Will Reagan) || Cover by Sarah Lee

we sang this song at our Community of Faith gathering Sunday night...it struck a chord in my heart and mind.  just press play (there's a bit of bonus material...the lyrics below start around 1:11).

The words:

I lean not on my own understanding,
My life is in the hands of the maker of heaven

I Give it all to you God, 
Trusting that you'll make something beautiful out of me

I will climb this mountain 
With my hands wide open

There is nothing I hold on to.

All Glory To God, Forever. Amen

tsara be fanomezam-pahasoavana (very good gifts)

• sunday morning salt scrub
• the beautiful friend that inspired previously mentioned activity
• star made from a pallet

• the moment you realize someone was really listening, heard you AND delivered on it (exhibit A: star in above picture).
• waking up to a house full of creativity
• CHEETOS!!!!  

• running around the "track" talking about thankfulness
• all the days my kids AREN'T sick
• dessert + madagascar geography lesson all in one (we're in the city marked with the scoop of chocolate icecream)

• dinner with remy.  so good in so many ways (or areas, depending on how you look at it)
• jas' faithful service - on the AFM and in life.
• an achingly beautiful quote

piano versions of beautiful songs
warm, fresh bagel - and cream cheese to boot!
enjoyable long term crew gathering (and really stellar new long term crew)

incredibly good stuff

just press play.  listen and be encouraged.  these are some of the most powerful, grace filled words i've heard lately.


 just press play.  watch and be inspired. the song is amazing. the dancing is lovely.  the lighting spectacular.  

i love getting fresh tastes of ways that the Lord has gifted His body.

gift upon gift upon gift

• fresh bar of soap
• store with passion fruit syrup was open
• a little corner of my world

• calypso breakfast with katie and remy
• spur of the moment "head back out" bicycle excursion with shea 
• mr. josh callow - his life, his service on the AFM, his talent, his heart

• "beautiful girl" on repeat
• the daddy my daughters have (and my son, too!)
• a beautiful moment at the Hope Center

• vanilla icing + strawberry sauce + doughnut
• gungor's "beautiful things" on repeat on eli's ipod
• kindness & thoughtfulness in a vase

• anytime there is chicken fingers for lunch
• fresh picture of a very common phrase ("he will uphold you with his right hand")
• successful pirate paaaaaarty

He's such a generous gift giver...

• the way a freshly washed bathroom mat looks and feels
• 2 successful dentist appointments for 2 sweet cash girls
• getting to play barista in the café Tuesday morning
• delightful lunch with beautiful friends at darafify

• “what are you passionate about?”
• the taxi brousse accident wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been
• making mini-doughnuts with elsa
• newest relevant magazine to enjoy

• nick’s kind kind kind words and compliments
• nick’s help to get the thank you card created
• blooms on plants

• the ortho team and all they are accomplishing
• gymnastics and soccer club for the kids
• lavished with so much birthday love

• dipping (sauces for bread and chicken and zebu)
• sharing the wealth...treats, treasures, resources....sharing is caring.
• creative and thoughtful birthday gestures by my kids (makes me excited for the people they’ll love and bless in the future)

• He’s the stuff dreams are made of…and he’s mine.
• Field trip to 501
• Trash can full of texas trash
• Best facebook day of the year