27 October 2016

few more for the list.

  • gilmore girls with shea
  • "bible in a minute" song
  • finding just the right blend of syrups, shots, milk and mug 
  • package from yaya and grandaddy and the smiles (real and silly) that followed


  • container boxes!!!!
  • alfred's courage and authenticity
  • knowing it's all going to be ok and come together just right
  •  time in the library


  • "you are called to...continual dependence on Me." - jesus calling
  • cheesesticks that did NOT disappoint
  • easy teeth cleanings in the clinic downstairs
  • sweet saturday spent at sakate

  • codebar rooftop conversation with my favorite person on the planet
  • ridiculous song lyrics that make me smile ("i love who you are, i love who you ain't....)
  • messenging and talking and having coffee with KJ....
  • powerful moment of hearing a spoken word piece during our worship gathering


  • peaceful productivity
  • being thought of in the boutique
  • card from the winsteads
  • list of ladies planning to attend the on-ship women's retreat this weekend

20 October 2016

plethora. abundance. so much.

  • "My presence enables you to face each day with confidence." - Jesus Calling
  • mom's gathered on deck 8 under fairy lights
  • a very kind note and a very kind piece of chocolate


  • sickness doesn't last
  • dove chocolate delivery from stacia
  • emma's creativity and thoughtfulness in her gift for mr. ben's birthday


  •  when someone speaks life, Truth and encouragement over/about/to my children
  • the easy peacefulness of being with Shea and KJ
  • courtney, the waffle queen


  • the way sleep restores and renews
  • amy bought her ticket to benin!!!!
  • coke at dream beach


  • early morning holding with emma
  • the day the container was unloaded 
  • the way God continues to use Jesus Calling year after year, in country after country


  • surprise time of feasting with the One who knows me best and knows me most...eating on the run works sometimes...and the grab and go is ok....but sitting and savoring is so very wonderful...(having a sick child can have its benefits) 
  • the meeting ended at 8:29!  (and myriam did a remarkable job MCing!)
  • the way my husband doesn't mind asking directions


  • rob's generous thoughtfulness...and getting to be his gift deliverer  
  • the buffalo wing pretzel pieces are even better than i remembered 
  • peace-filled report card day

13 October 2016

scanning for joy

  • chocolate and email reminders that God sees me as lovely
  • kissaversary!!!
  • finding pictures on the internet of beautiful friends that God has allowed us to meet through our time on the AFM

  • gateway/onboarding lunch - i still say we had the best onboarding group ever. 
  • the way lipgloss helps
  • random things on the ship that amuse me

  • cookie making and eating with katie
  • laurin's alligator stories (and someone else carrying the conversation)
  • discovering cool pictures that eli captured on the Grade 6 blog


  • me to God: "i give so little. you give so much." God to me: "I'm happy to do it."
  • we made it to the Hope Center
  • peanuts and coke


  • i got to see Bignon 
  • hearing my kids worship
  • love bread fulbert brought us from togo


  • tuesdays at 10 community group
  • so much laughter in the course of a few hours
  • celebrating tracey at a real house with dinner (funny how flipped that is...usually it would be dinner out to celebrate a birthday)

06 October 2016

ordinary moments of joy

  • sweet note and a curly wurly
  • tasty hummus
  • watercolors, blank cards and a beautiful girl

  • "joy comes to us in moments - ordinary moments. we risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary." - brene brown
  • wonderfully thoughtful package from remy
  • really fun pens from a really remarkable friend



  • prayers in other languages
  • tuesdays at 10 community group
  • package of CFA sauces (and Famous Dave's...whoever he is) from Rob Brugler

  • jordan and katie are back!
  • watching "war room" with a roomful of strong ladies
  • getting to go to ganvie

  • when people share what God is teaching them and how they are recognizing His work in their life
  • really nice double date with saul & therese - good conversation, good food, beautiful evening
  • fun jabulani day (especially the surprise behind the curtain!)