Tuesday Twenty

Tuesday twenty 

I missed last week, but seeing how I'm with my dear childhood friend, exploring the city that never sleeps, there is a surplus of things to reflect on and be grateful for. 

1. airplanes. What a phenomenon. 150 strangers packed into a metal tube and catapulted through the air. One minute I was in Fort Lauderdale, two and a half hours later I was in New York. Crazy. 
2. A few days of concentrated time with Andrew. 
3. Change of scenery. Love where I live, but a break from routine does wonders. 
4. Getting lost. (Geographically, speaking) I feel like I've been blindfolded, spun around, picked up and dropped off at a random junction in a concrete corn maze. Leah's at work and I know absolutely no one, yet I'm at complete peace. 
5. Being found. Astounding, isn't it, how the Gospel is simple enough to believe with the faith of a child and yet so multifaceted that every time it is rehearsed it breathes a wave of refreshment over a tired soul. One of the many benefits of sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard and recounting it with those who have. "He has delivered us from the domain of darknessand transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" Colossians 1:13
6. Village Hymns. What a dream team. These people simultaneously make me feel comfortable in my own skin and push me to be better. Don't know where I'd be without them. 
7. Brick buildings and their simple charm. 
8. Sunday morning, realizing each member of my family was involved in some form of ministry. What grace to be a part of that! 
9. Whoever it was who took a chance, picked some berries, bit into a seed and thought to himself/herself "I wonder what would happen if I roasted this, ground it up, steeped it in boiling water for a few minutes and then drank it." I would like to give him/her a hug. 
10. The many variations of denim. 
11. Power outlets and the probability that when plugging something in, it will turn on and (most likely) function. Privilege. 
12. Free samples. Lots to say about that. 
13. Mama Judy and Papa Pete and how they have given themselves (and their home, time, and food) to the Lord and to their church. 
14. A living Hope. 
15. The tight feeling in my throat and heart from missing so many people--an indication of a soul connection and another reason to long for Heaven. 
16. The yellow-green farmers market that has become a Saturday tradition. So many flavors of cultures and tastes all swirled together. Also, so many free samples. 
17. The Holy Spirit--our downpayment on our inheritance applied toward our redemption as God's own people, resulting in the praise of God's glory. 
18. Endless combinations of 12 tones. 
19. Army green. 
20. Salads. In general. 

Tuesday Ten

1) Free gym trials (even though I think they've sold me on this one).

2) The reminder of times when I couldn't run or workout due to various injuries and how God created both our bodies and our hearts to heal. 

3) A successful surgery for my mom to remove a squamous cell spot on her jaw... and with that, the tremendous faith, patience, and bravery she has shown leading up to it and through recovery.

4) A church family that prays for us. Constantly. 

5) Patti Mackay bringing a well-thought-through dinner (with extra veggies!)

6) Mondays. (my day off) Especially the rainy kind.

7) Staff meetings that are largely spent in times of prayer.

8) FaceTime and the gift of being able to keep up with friends all over the world. 

9) A beautiful, new bed.... mattress, boxspring, headboard, the works. All free.

10) In Christ, I am made whole. Even when I feel so incomplete, "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10) Nothing and no one else can add to or take that away.

Tuesday Ten

1) The life and legacy of Mrs. Rabe who regularly took the time to write down what she was thankful for and inspired others (myself included) to do the same.

2) America, my temporary home here in earth--land of the free because of the brave.

3) "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death."(Romans 6:18)

4) The deacons of our church--serving to help us serve, leading by example, faithfully reaching out with no expectation of recognition.

5) The mocha cortadito I've been sipping on at the new coffee shop just down the street from my house.

6) Working up a sweat working out with Lauren (and Rebekah) this morning.

7) Hass Avocados to make guacamole and the anticipation of slabbing some on a gourmet burger tonight.

8) Cleaning out, making space.

9) My mom's love for gardening.

10) Friends who know me well. And still love me. :)