- paragraph in pursuing holiness about scripture memory (that pretty much describes what we've been doing on wednesday nights!)
- lee's ribs at citygroup, talking with amy, sharing around the table
- the only good thing about all this humidity - zoe's perfect curls
- "blessed self-forgetfulness" sermon by tim keller
- 7 minute workouts DURING gilmore girls (good use of time)
- beautiful notes written by some incredible kids for some incredible kids (and adults)
- so many wonderful birthday texts and calls and cards
- balloons & dancing & FRIENDS who come by
- a birthday hedgehog
- emma's note
- nick is a wonderful chaplain!
- when someone says what i've been preaching (and they say it better)(though i would add two's and teenagers are terrible. they aren't.)
- candy, costumes, chili, community - one of my favorite traditions
- hands and hope november mail (birthday bonus!!!)
- a princess, a ladybug and anne of green gables trick or treating
- beautiful song - POETRY by mission house
- lovely things from Psalm 86 -- "You are great & do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. teach me Your way, Lord, that i may rely on Your faithfulness....give me an undivided heart."
- zoe the ladybug (might need to do this one every 8 years...remind her when she's 16!)
- pure grace and nothing but grace. ephesians 6:24
- Jesus, you have my attention, my affection & my allegiance. - lectio
- yup...trying to learn this one.
- perks with the sam's club membership! (that will more than pay for the membership itself)
- some things are cleaner than they were
- abundance and blessings. heart and arms full. again and again.
- caroline was home for the weekend
- the way eli calls on his way to work sometimes
- sending mail! fun stamps.
- new shane & shane album
- getting to hold the hard with folks
- talking to lane. i love him.
- sweet stuff/good reminders:
- unexpected cracker barrel breakfast
- meaningful conversations. just right words (that i question as they are coming out of my mouth but end up being just the right thing - thank you, Lord. more of that, please!)
- easy peasy wal-mart pick up
- easy peasy cottage turnovers
- easy peasy anything
- sharing things i love/believe in (mainly the pour over and the Sing daily devo)
- emma's delightful simmer pot (wish pictures could be scratch and sniff)
- leftovers at church...free 99 is just the right price :)
- nick has had a good week retreating
- that one kid at mid week. getting to brag on him to his mom.
- lots of gilmore girls with emma
- throwing flax seed and chia seeds into stuff (follow me for more nutrition advice ;))
- yaya treated us to steak n' shake
- the ants eventually go away.
- just write words on wooden blocks for a just right friend
- yaya + pumpkin decorating + beautiful day
- answering the phone at the right time
- senior HOCO for emma (really like that girl...and that guy...and that dress...especially thankful for modest choices)
- strawberry cake from whistling pig! (a whole half!!!)
- another pretty day on mountain brook
- getting correct addresses before sending mail
- finally enough leaves for raking
- seeing so many "small" things working just right at CityScape (doughnuts and greeters and security and nursery volunteers and check in people and conversations and so much more!)
- beautiful caroline! grateful for glimpses into her life!
- ezra is home!!!!!
- i got flax seed. and made energy bites.
- hearing about a certain niece's wise decision
- yup, this:
- kids praying scripture
- when discipleship looks like kids hanging in a tree
- panera bagels AND a toaster at staff meeting
- zoe's enjoyment of her wheelie shoes
- very successful volleyball season (the fruit of this experience will be in season and on display for decades. so proud of our emma girl.)
- family + the varsity
- smiles from our favorite volleyball player
- lime juice right when i was hoping for some
- real and raw and honest and beautiful conversation at MIC
- really good cup of coffee and time well spent with the mitchells
- mrs. shawn brought me mushroom coffee (thoughtfulness is one of my favorite things)
- weeping with those who weep
- things that make me smile:
- afternoon/evening to myself
- help with the hamburger patties
- magical nature soup made by the best chef
- kitties and the turtle are in good hands
- the ease of sending giftcards through apps (watch out world...and budget)
- cards in the back of the truck
- walks and talks
- folks who can beautifully handle midweek
- community gathered in prayer around jon (his surgery was a success!!!)
- sleeping with the door open - listening to the rain throughout the night
- perfect screened in porch
- cul-de-sac cabining with these 2 incredible humans and their delightful families
- the way the Alabama quarterback waited to talk with G. Stockton. grateful for men of character.
- coke + cheese dip + marriage advice
- nick + daughters + plus time in birmingham on an ordinary thursday night
- riding with my sister
- cooler weather is coming (supposedly!)
- autumn rains that remind us of His faithfulness
- cinnamon crunch bagels!
- friends who pray. really pray.
- singing "holy, holy, holy" with the kids at midweek. those sweet voices.
- treasure boxes in the works
- CFA treat cards for sharing (thanks, kasey!!!)
- such a good and restful sunday.
- impromptu CFA lunch with nick
- good reminder:
- that strawberry pretzel jello dessert. wowzahs.
- time with Katelyn & Hunter (and the previously mentioned dessert they brought!!)
- another cottage booking came through
- caroline making memories with her friends
- the text that started with "I'm ok...." that whole situation. God, you're trustworthy.
- weeze. she certainly earned those kazillion cool points.
- being able to text ray with questions
- the thing mr. bill said we need was at the church (thanks, emi!)
- meaningful interactions on sunday morning
- still on track with school work
- when the instructions are clear and obedience is easy
- the sky tonite. pinks and oranges galore.
- --more good news out of jacksonville. thankful for health and growth!
- --pre sunrise walks and runs (and meaningful conversation)
- --zoe's ability to fall asleep when the incentive is right
- --time on the porch with EG and Christian
- --getting to celebrate ella grace...hosting with a team of folks who know their gifts and strengths and operate in them!
- --the washing machine works (it was indeed user error)(helps to push the power button before the start button)
- --AND the dryer also works (helps to close the door all the way before pushing the start button)
- --jennifer's text and prayers
- --hands and hope mail. this might've been my favorite month yet.
- --delightful Truth in a beautiful format
- --upward cheeseburger (and friends)
- --another sweet week of kids stuff at MidWeek
- --security.identity.truth.
- --candy bar nick brought me!
- --90% of monday was spent outside
- --pre game nap
- --half time nap
- --her friends showed up
- --really good leftovers in the office fridge! (i heart meatballs)
- --God's creativity
- --SAFE safe safe in His love
- -- "called and kept safe by Jesus Christ" - Jude v. 1
- --"refuse to get involved in inane conversations." - 2 Timothy 2:22/23
- --emma's wisdom/question asking...and compliment
- --catching up with christal. possibilities.
- good news from jacksonville!
- all the puns and laughter at staff meeting
- beautiful skies
- most of school was done on the sidewalk with chalk
- volleyball is such a tiny slice of life
- nick's amazing grass cutting skills
- splitting up the kiddos wednesday night
- incredible helpers!
- things that make me smile:
- auntie anne's pretzel and sitting in the truck talking
- porch therapy
- fall is here...and the weather is trying to cooperate
