welcoming moments of joy

• moments under the tent when "the gang's all here"
• picture from betsy of meme ready for the beach with her bible and hat
• the joy and laughter that meme and betsy bring (what a reputation!)
• good quote from Morgan Harper Nichols

• "never known a love"  by Meredith Andrews (thanks for sharing, Katie)
• "it's a summertime thanksgiving." - Phoebe describing this beach trip.  she's right. 
• celebratory dinner (my sister's engaged!!!)
• CFA peach milkshake delivered by my most favorite son (orchestrated by Yaya).  all of my vacation dreams have officially come true.

• some days are cooler than others
• future brother-in-law who makes braves game watching possible 
• yaya's ice cream sundae bar
• pickle ball crew! 

• skip ball fun/laughter
• turning on the porch lights (to make reading possible)
• playing in the waves
• southern soul bar b que (on the beach) - delivered by Amy

• seemingly endless supply of cherry coke (and ice)
• Amy's nightly set up of the coffee
• sunset at Jekyll (everybody went!)
• 4 fabulous cash kids (and the Thompson cottage in the background - just over Emma's left shoulder)

• singing "have thine own way" with Meme Sunday morning 
• so many good runs and walks 
• Church of the City - "Above All Else" sermon from Banning Leibscher
• a brother flying a kite with his littlest sister

• making deals with Emma
• perfect new shoes for Zoe
• Laura Lane thinks I'm cool ;)
• full table enjoying a low country boil

• evening bike ride 
• questions that lead to good conversation
• papa and meme on the beach!  love this brother sister combo. 

• how nick makes everything better
• Eli's excitement about applying for impact 
• marsh kayaking crew

• brad griffith's life and legacy
• another fantastic st. simons vacation with the mcmichaels
• walking on the beach with my dad and brother

this probably isn't even half of this week's gifts....

• the "marathon" i thought i would be running on Friday really just ended up being 2 5Ks with plenty of rest in between
• "do not allow the state of the world around you determine the condition of your heart." - Jon Tyson
• truth sharpied on my arm

• a houseful and poolful of some incredible middle schoolers friday night

• having fantastic folks at everbe to take care of things 
• first book of vacation (quickly followed by the first nap of vacation)

• God's faithfulness, revelation and healing for my dear friend.
• this bridge.  means we're ALMOST to St. Simons

• best McDonald's cheeseburger on the beach I've ever had (happy to be the recipient of yaya's blessing of the day)(truth be told - I'm the recipient of her blessing of the day soooo many days! can't even count all the blessings yaya has bestowed this week!)
• plenty of porch sitting, coffee drinking, conversation having 
• lane's willingness to set up the tent..and constant willingness to serve and bless others
• sunrise ruck with my favorite national guard army chaplain (ruck for him, walk for me)

• buffet of salt water taffy
• walking on the beach...with my dad...with my brother...with my other brother...with my sister...with my daughter...with my other daughter...with my other daughter...with my son...with my husband.  so very happy to walk on the beach. 
• chimes from the prayer chapel playing hymns
• sunset at epworth 

• knowing to bring/wear socks in the house
• the "coincidence" of running into Jonathan on my walk
• getting to be with my family at St. Simons
• the mcmichael manatee walk 

Oh the Lord's been good to me! And so I thank the Lord...

• everybody is HOME
• hot and sour soup (x2)
• "I am" by Judah. (jess hall always shares the BEST songs)
  
• looking out and seeing eli in the kayak in the pond...and the fact that nick and caroline and i had just been laughing about the very idea the night before

• consistently hearing "it's all going to be ok" everytime i've prayed for a particular friend who is going through a ridiculously difficult time
• the ease of having CS youth here for their pool party (nick's parking lot directing was especially impressive)
• peaceful decision/unity about caroline and soccer for the fall
• sisters and silly faces

• being invited into the dirt
• delightfully delicious apple chips from aldi
• the gift of a perfect orange skittle from reagan during church
• swimming with terry the turtle 

• the encouragement and testimony michelle shared from sunday
• especially sweet tuesday time with laura lea
• new to me jean skirt that fits just right (and pairs perfectly with white keds and braided hair)(just kidding about the white keds and braided hair)
• more good stuff from written to speak

• laughing with lane about the court drama going on in warrenton
• remembering Ms. Mildred Raley and the way she loved and served so well for so long (especially thankful for her willingness to lead GAs - and to teach us "fruit basket turnover" and "steal the bacon")
• a veterinary clinic that was able to see our kitty cat
• jupiter is drinking water (and eating!) again

• the authenticity/vulnerability/Truth of nick's preaching - tough topic handled beautifully with grace and truth
• "all You are is all i want" - lyrics from here again
• acc passed the math part of the accuplacer! 
• successful potluck at cityscape (and many hands that prepared it :))

• faircloths reunited!
• 2 more sleeps until SSI
• chuck's plumbing was able to come out quickly (again)
• clever messaging from the rabbit room about the book i ordered/its delivery

another week full of gifts

• "may your holiness inhabit my humanity." - John Eldridge 
• "God, how do you want to replenish my reserves?" - John Eldridge
• getting glimpses of Souled Out on Instagram and from Jim and Shelley
• Emma's dance showcase and all the fabulous people who were able to come support/celebrate her

• "...You (God) do what is right." from Psalm 71...porch ponderings,,,
• "...made alive in the Spirit." from 1 Peter 5...more porch ponderings...
• "....overjoyed when His Glory is revealed." from 1 Peter 4...more porch ponderings
• the way Zoe greeted Sally Wednesday morning
• good stuff: 

• "we desire to depend on You." - lectio365
• the gardenias and forsythias papa brought
• how incredibly easy it was to pick up the Boston Butts for Cityscape's potluck
• how much Zoe enjoyed "scruffers" (and knowing they'll have almost 2 weeks at the beach together)

• a little weekend taste of what is to come at SSI in just over a week
• sweet little venture to spend time with Katie in their new house (and meet ollie! and get to see William again! and have CFA!)
• nice fella at cascade hills park that gave us access to the bathroom
• monday's playground marathon (ellerslie park wins the prize!)

• unexpected lemon pepper chicken tenders with Yaya and Zoe Wednesday night
• more opportunities to trust the Lord with my children and their hearts/lives/future plans
• making the most of some very slow drive thru lines...(the cappuccino blast was worth the wait)
• free water :) 

• getting things on the to-do list done (and how a to-do list really helps)
• watching the little skunk video nick sent (never had I ever watched a skunk move about)
• laughing with Eli at the John Crist special
• knowing each cash was right where they were supposed to be this week

looking for, naming, collecting gifts

• really kind customer service from Columbus Water Works
• Thai and Thai double date with Meghan and Mason
• unexpected walk with Lauren - and realizing just how valuable weekly rhythms are
• sitting between 2 of my favorite humans at the Jeeah's Hope Breathe celebration lunch
• nick's awesome meeting leading abilities
• great historical/biblical fiction by Tessa Afshar
• blueberries, blackberries, gardenias and zinnias at Everbe

• the way gardenias make the world smell better
• make up "Tuesday time" on Thursday morning
• abundance of cherry coke
• hearing testimonies from Louise and Bill...strength, faith and trust in God
• Elevation Worship: Same God
• lifelong friendship between Eli and Eli 

• time with Carey
• Christ Be Magnified
  
• perfect little plant pots from Tiffany
• praying through the JH's dad's list
• staff meeting around Jonathan and Lisa's table
• good quote about looking for the gifts: 

• talking to Meme this morning
• getting to talk to my dad most every day
• the deliciousness of Boston Butt 
• lemon pepper seasoning/jim's thoughtfulness
• last minute airbnb bookings that are so refreshing/easy
• the sickness seems to be over and done with
• hearing laura lane laugh