10 things for which I am grateful

1. dinner parties with friends
2. the ability to do laundry within the walls of my house
3. fog rolling like great blankets over the hills
4. sara groves
5. lazy sleep in mornings
6. donald miller
7. party planning
8. a garden in bloom
9. beer and snacks in the backyard
10. beautiful letterpress cards

letter #27

Dearest Beloved, You are so strong...and crazy.
I can't believe you dragged that washer down the stairs and out to the curb! Shirtless and in your bare feet...you might be a redneck.
Dear Monica, There is a massage in our future and no children to hurry home to. Ah, spa bliss.
Dear Washer Repair Man, Thank you for going beyond the call of duty and for not swindling us. Bummer that we need a new washer though.
Dear Sara Groves, Your song "When the Saints" is my new favorite...I have listened to it at least 100 times in the past 36 hours. I also love your arrangement of "It is Well With my Soul".
Dearest Beloved, Thank you for your gentleness, kindness and goodness to me. I am blessed.
as you wish.
xo
yours

happy

Happy July 4th!
May your day be filled with music,merriment and fireworks!

pick me

sometimes friendships cause our hearts to ache.
little pangs when they are off kilter.
perhaps in the tender love of friendship seeds of discord are sown.
little bits of selfishness, dabs of jealousy, little misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
(perhaps it is the passing of time or circumstance or even heart-attitudes.)
it is in this struggle i have from time to time with a friend and as the days pass the the chasm between us widens and stretches...not breaking as there is no quarrel but the simple bowing.
in those moments and i want to stand up and shout...
"pick me"
"choose my companionship"
"invest in me"
"see me"
"know me"
"hang out with me"
and then in the that dangling moment
in that silence i hear the murmur...
God is talking to me,
"choose Me first"
"call on Me...I'm here"
"pick Me"
"see Me"
"know Me"
a reminder that though i have a need for girlfriends and value the intimacy of friendship, God is really all i need.
i am humbled.


as a side note, i believe that true friendship and the joy that goes with such is a gift...a God given gift. i am speaking of girlfriendship (yes i made up that word) beyond the realm of marital friendship.

in the blessing

the best thing about having a garden is the chance to share.
flowers for a friend.
squash for an impromptu dinner party.
1/2 dozen eggs for a colleague.
a bag of lemons for a pal.

blueberries for a neighbor.
the blessing is in the giving.
the blessing is in the sharing.
even if it is only sharing the little things in life.
no record keeping, no bartering, no exchange of money,
just the pure joy of giving.
go on and share with someone...you will be blessed.