“We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks.
Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with
thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of
whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His
grace.”
― Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
― Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Today I wanted to mark my 37th year with sign posts of Thankfulness. Sadly, in the rush of life I can miss so many beautiful things. So, over the past week, I have been thinking of 37 things that I am thankful for! Places where Grace breaks through and reminds me of beauty, even in the mundane.
*David - My huband. Today, I find myself so thankful that God intertwined our lives. As we sat in church together, I am so thankful for those places where we come before the throne together. I am so thankful for the way that David calls me to a place of faith that resists fear. What a blessing to have a passionate, smart, loving man walking by my side. Thank you honey for reminding me to be thankful, and helping me to face things that I would rather not. I love you and look forward to many more birthdays together!
*Paige - I love this girl! Seriously, I do wonder at times what life would be like if Paige had not come to my home that dark and stormy night. I really do not know. Through this girl my life has taken turns that I could not have expected. I love being mom... I love watching her grow right before my eyes. I look forward to this 13th year with great hope and wonder.
*My Mom and Dad - My parents have been amazing! My dad has come over to our place multiple times to help David with projects around the house. We would not have accomplished as much as we did without him! My parents drove out to Portland for Paige's birthday, and even though large crowds are not their preferred environment, they were a part of the candle ceremony for Paige's party. What a blessing! I love you both, and am so thankful for you!
*Auntie Donna and Uncle Ryan - My brother and sister have taken seriously their role of Aunt and Uncle. I am so thankful for the ways that you show Paige that she is family.
*Church Ladies - For many years there have been a group of women who I have been blessed to live life with. Over the past year or so we have been trying to get together at least once-a-month. Somewhere along the way, someone referred to us as the "church ladies" and the name stuck. BUT we are not your momma's church lady. :) No permed hair in this group. I am so, so thankful for these ladies. We have cried, we have laughed, we have shared in communion, we have stood with each other during times of joy and times of fear. This year was the year of the tattoo, after much lively discussion (did I mention that we are all first born?) we finally settled on a matching tattoo. I love these women and am so grateful for the places where I can just be.
*Melissa - My sweet Melissa friend. What would my weeks be like if it were not for our Friday times of prayer? You remind me of God's persistent love. You remind me to keep pressing forward. I love that I can come into your home and let you into the realness of my week. So, thankful to be walking this journey with you!
*Clark and Cathy - It has been such a blessing to David and I to be able to be open and honest with our dear friends Clark and Cathy. They are an example of us of a couple who are not afraid to be honest in the messiness of life. Not afraid to trust a God who knows and loves them deeply. They have prayed with us and encouraged us in times when we were experiencing deep doubt. They have given us a window into their own family and into those places where they trust deeply.
*Concordia - This year I got to step into the role of Professor Springer. I loved it! It is so interesting to teach freshman students the joy of Psychology, but what a blessing in my life. There were multiples times when I found myself tired as I drove to school, only to be fully energized when I stepped into the classroom. I love the insights that my students bring, yes even the insights of the young man who spoke through eye rolls and "this is so lame" comments. Each one is a story.
*Multnomah - I was so blessed to teach a seminar at Multnomah University this year! Many, many moons ago I was a student at Multnomah. My year there was very difficult, and yet it was in that year that I experienced God's ability to carry me through difficult times. It was in that year that I developed a sensitivity to people in pain. It was such a blessing to go back and teach in that place. A reminder to me of all the years in between 18 and 36. I also had the joy of having David join with me in teaching. Perhaps a book is in our future?
*Western - This is one that I rarely take the time to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I all too often spend my time complaining. My "paying job" is not the one that I like to tell people about. Not a lot of glamour, but you know it does help us pay the bills and perhaps as important I am able to be flexible which is a rare thing in the working world. So, even though it is not always easy, this is one of the sign posts that I am thankful for.
*The office - Ahh.. the joys of the office have been well documented in this blog, but it is really something that I am thankful for. My husband has been so intentional with every aspect of the space. From his desire to make sure that there is plenty of sunlight (I do not do well in Oregon's dark, dreary winters) to his perseverance in the whole project. Everytime I step into our office, I am reminded that I have a husband who is a) skilled b) loves me.
*The garden -Is there anything better than eating corn on the cob out of the garden? Oh, maybe eating potatoes, asparagus, sugar snap peas, beans, squash... So, many delightful things! Another husband amazingness... he has spent many hours making this garden so beautiful and yummy!
*Chickens - I just went through and added labels to my blog, and could not help but laugh at all of the chicken posts! I do love my chickens. I do not know that it is accurate to say that chickens have personality, but man they sure seem too. They are just goofy, and great backyard therapy!
*Imago Dei - I am so thankful for our church. Imago has been so key in our family. It is a place where we are reminded of God's beauty and of the amazing ways that He works in the lives of people. Paige loves the Junior High and we cannot imagine parenting her through these awkward years without the amazing support of this group. Where else can you encounter God and get a plate of syrup poured over you in the same weekend? Thank you Imago for your faithfulness to a God who meets people in the messy parts of life!
*Welcome Home - Last year, a group of us started dreaming about starting a ministry that could support families who have been touched by foster care. This year, we applied for a grant from Imago Dei and were blessed by their generous support of our initiative. It has been amazing! We have been blessed to be able to offer a class for people who are interested in knowing more about foster care, adoption,and attachment. We have been able to provide local DHS offices with Welcome Boxes that they can give to children when they come into care. We are working on developing a respite network for families who need that resource. Foster care is not easy, but man what a vivid place to see God at work. People who enter into this system will be confronted by brokenness and they will be amazed by the way that God heals, the way that He brings beauty out of ashes. I am so blessed to be a part of this, and look forward to seeing what is ahead for us.
http://www.imagodeicommunity.com/article/welcome-home-foster-care/
*Jillana and Bethany - I am thrilled to have these ladies as part of the core leadership team of Welcome Home. They both demonstrate hope filled love! I have cried with them as they faced the pain of watching little ones leave their home. I have rejoiced with them as we have watched little ones be welcomed home. They are strong and generous, and walk what they preach! Very thankful for you both.
*Lisa - In addition to being a part of the Rite of Passage ladies, Lisa has been an amazing friend. We have much in common, I love, love the way the honest way that she approaches life.
*Pinochle - Last winter, David and I started playing pinochle with our friends Rob and Victoria. At first, I was totally lost in this game that requires one to remember the cards that have gone before, but as is true in most things if you keep trying it will begin to make sense and while I am still so far behind in coming up with a pinochle strategy, the game has gotten more and more fun. And I love the monthly rhythm of connection, complete with food, wine, and much laughter.
*Rite of Passage Ladies - These ladies are amazing. It was such a blessing to have them join us over the past year as Paige moved from 12 to 13. Lisa, Joan, Erica, and Donna consistently showed up over the course of the year, and were such beautiful reminders to us of how God works in different ways, uses different strength, and loves deeply. Thank you all for being examples of Christ to my girl and to me. Love you!
*Disneyland!- We made our way to Disneyland this year! It was truly a great family vacation. I already mentioned it in the Anniversary blog, but could not help but add it to my 37 places of Thankfulness.
*Camping - Preparing for camping can be quite the task, but man once I am there I just love it. I love being away from "normal" life. I love being forced to be off-line. I enjoy sitting by the fire and listening to the sounds around me. I even love making my way to the bathroom at 4:00 in the morning. We were able to go camping in March (yes, March that would be winter) with some friends and then David and I were able to go camping in Eastern Oregon just last week.
*Reading - There is something so wonderful about getting into a great book. Whether it be a non-fiction book that challenges the way that I think, or a story that speaks to my heart, or a story that allows me not to think at all. This is really one of my simplest pleasures. Some books that I read this year: Why Zebras do not get Ulcers, Created for Love, Anatomy of an Epidemic, Three Small Words, Water for Elephants, Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Girl who fell from the Sky...
*Sylvia Beach Hotel - Oh man, I love this place. My dear friend Diana and I have been traveling down to Sylvia's for nine years now! It truly does feel like a home coming each time. It is so nice to go with someone that I know so well. Each year is truly a precious gift!
*Cannery Pier Hotel - I love the Cannery Pier Hotel. We went there on our honeymoon, and were amazingly able to go again for New Years this year. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by water in this beautiful place. Such a treasure.
*Portland Christian Elementary - This school has been such a blessing to our family! Paige struggled in school for many years before we came to PCS (she also loves that she has the same initials), but man what a great match this has been! I had my concerns before she started, but I have seen her bloom in ways that I would not have expected. It is so true that when a child is supported and known beautiful things happen.
*Templeton - Ahh... Templeton. He may be a bit of a crazy dog, but he is always there to greet me when I come home!
*Walking in the morning - I am not a morning person. I used to think that would change as I got older, but I do not think that it will.. but lately David and I have been getting up and walking and praying together in the morning. It is often not easy for me to peel myself out of bed, but I love these moments of connection!
*Wine by the fire - One of my favorite ways to spend an evening!
*Josie - Josie was in our wedding, but not in a way that most remember. She was born exactly two months later, and has been such a blessing to me. We have had the joy of having Jo in our home many times over the past two years. I love seeing life through her eyes.
*Kiley and Addison - These girls have been such great friends to Paige. Goofy for sure, and that is why we like them! Thankful for you both.
*Erica - My dear Erica friend. We have been through so many different seasons together! Walked through places of deep doubt and watched each other experience profound transformation. Thank you for being a friend who is not afraid to say things as they are!
*Lazy Sundays - This year my birthday fell on a Sunday, and my family is blessing me by letting me spend this day in my favorite way. Doing a lot of nothing! My favorite Sunday is one that starts with worship at Imago, followed by breakfast (this morning my husband made ebleskivers!), followed by the Sunday morning paper, OPB, and maybe a nap!
*Child Trauma Academy - I have been so blessed by the work and research of Dr. Bruce Perry. This year I had the opportunity to teach two classes at Imago about caring for the needs of children who have experienced trauma. I also taught a seminar at Multnomah and Concordia. So much of that class has been informed by the work of Bruce Perry. I am thankful for the voice that he provides in a mental health system that all to often focuses on the behaviors rather than the root.
*Soren - This year we needed to find a new car. Sally was clearly on her last leg (wheel). We needed one that would meet the needs of our family, especially with room for the dog on road trips. We were blessed to find Soren last December. We have already added many miles to the odometer!
*Surprise visits from family - Our family is strewn all over the United States from Florida to Tucson to Idaho to Texas (and many places in between). It is not often that we get to see family beyond the posts of Facebook. Last year we had the joy of seeing my cousin Allen and his family, my Aunt Claudia and her husband, and then yesterday we were surprised by a visit from my cousin Omer! It was wonderful to catch up after so many years.
*Justice Conference -This year David and I had the chance to attend the Justice Conference here in Portland. It was so inspiring to be in a room with the likes of John Perkins, The Innocence Project, and Francis Chan.
*One more Year! -Whoo..hooo.. As David reminds me, no matter how hard the day may get, there is always tomorrow. And even though there is so much I still want to do, this a new year. I know that there will be places of doubt, and as each of these sign posts have reminded me of there will be amazing places of grace and faithfulness. I have some amazing friendships and family that has been there through all seasons. I look forward to the next step in the journey!
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
*Concordia - This year I got to step into the role of Professor Springer. I loved it! It is so interesting to teach freshman students the joy of Psychology, but what a blessing in my life. There were multiples times when I found myself tired as I drove to school, only to be fully energized when I stepped into the classroom. I love the insights that my students bring, yes even the insights of the young man who spoke through eye rolls and "this is so lame" comments. Each one is a story.
*Multnomah - I was so blessed to teach a seminar at Multnomah University this year! Many, many moons ago I was a student at Multnomah. My year there was very difficult, and yet it was in that year that I experienced God's ability to carry me through difficult times. It was in that year that I developed a sensitivity to people in pain. It was such a blessing to go back and teach in that place. A reminder to me of all the years in between 18 and 36. I also had the joy of having David join with me in teaching. Perhaps a book is in our future?
*Western - This is one that I rarely take the time to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I all too often spend my time complaining. My "paying job" is not the one that I like to tell people about. Not a lot of glamour, but you know it does help us pay the bills and perhaps as important I am able to be flexible which is a rare thing in the working world. So, even though it is not always easy, this is one of the sign posts that I am thankful for.
*The office - Ahh.. the joys of the office have been well documented in this blog, but it is really something that I am thankful for. My husband has been so intentional with every aspect of the space. From his desire to make sure that there is plenty of sunlight (I do not do well in Oregon's dark, dreary winters) to his perseverance in the whole project. Everytime I step into our office, I am reminded that I have a husband who is a) skilled b) loves me.
*The garden -Is there anything better than eating corn on the cob out of the garden? Oh, maybe eating potatoes, asparagus, sugar snap peas, beans, squash... So, many delightful things! Another husband amazingness... he has spent many hours making this garden so beautiful and yummy!
*Chickens - I just went through and added labels to my blog, and could not help but laugh at all of the chicken posts! I do love my chickens. I do not know that it is accurate to say that chickens have personality, but man they sure seem too. They are just goofy, and great backyard therapy!
*Imago Dei - I am so thankful for our church. Imago has been so key in our family. It is a place where we are reminded of God's beauty and of the amazing ways that He works in the lives of people. Paige loves the Junior High and we cannot imagine parenting her through these awkward years without the amazing support of this group. Where else can you encounter God and get a plate of syrup poured over you in the same weekend? Thank you Imago for your faithfulness to a God who meets people in the messy parts of life!
*Welcome Home - Last year, a group of us started dreaming about starting a ministry that could support families who have been touched by foster care. This year, we applied for a grant from Imago Dei and were blessed by their generous support of our initiative. It has been amazing! We have been blessed to be able to offer a class for people who are interested in knowing more about foster care, adoption,and attachment. We have been able to provide local DHS offices with Welcome Boxes that they can give to children when they come into care. We are working on developing a respite network for families who need that resource. Foster care is not easy, but man what a vivid place to see God at work. People who enter into this system will be confronted by brokenness and they will be amazed by the way that God heals, the way that He brings beauty out of ashes. I am so blessed to be a part of this, and look forward to seeing what is ahead for us.
http://www.imagodeicommunity.com/article/welcome-home-foster-care/
*Jillana and Bethany - I am thrilled to have these ladies as part of the core leadership team of Welcome Home. They both demonstrate hope filled love! I have cried with them as they faced the pain of watching little ones leave their home. I have rejoiced with them as we have watched little ones be welcomed home. They are strong and generous, and walk what they preach! Very thankful for you both.
*Lisa - In addition to being a part of the Rite of Passage ladies, Lisa has been an amazing friend. We have much in common, I love, love the way the honest way that she approaches life.
*Pinochle - Last winter, David and I started playing pinochle with our friends Rob and Victoria. At first, I was totally lost in this game that requires one to remember the cards that have gone before, but as is true in most things if you keep trying it will begin to make sense and while I am still so far behind in coming up with a pinochle strategy, the game has gotten more and more fun. And I love the monthly rhythm of connection, complete with food, wine, and much laughter.
*Rite of Passage Ladies - These ladies are amazing. It was such a blessing to have them join us over the past year as Paige moved from 12 to 13. Lisa, Joan, Erica, and Donna consistently showed up over the course of the year, and were such beautiful reminders to us of how God works in different ways, uses different strength, and loves deeply. Thank you all for being examples of Christ to my girl and to me. Love you!
*Disneyland!- We made our way to Disneyland this year! It was truly a great family vacation. I already mentioned it in the Anniversary blog, but could not help but add it to my 37 places of Thankfulness.
*Camping - Preparing for camping can be quite the task, but man once I am there I just love it. I love being away from "normal" life. I love being forced to be off-line. I enjoy sitting by the fire and listening to the sounds around me. I even love making my way to the bathroom at 4:00 in the morning. We were able to go camping in March (yes, March that would be winter) with some friends and then David and I were able to go camping in Eastern Oregon just last week.
*Reading - There is something so wonderful about getting into a great book. Whether it be a non-fiction book that challenges the way that I think, or a story that speaks to my heart, or a story that allows me not to think at all. This is really one of my simplest pleasures. Some books that I read this year: Why Zebras do not get Ulcers, Created for Love, Anatomy of an Epidemic, Three Small Words, Water for Elephants, Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Girl who fell from the Sky...
*Sylvia Beach Hotel - Oh man, I love this place. My dear friend Diana and I have been traveling down to Sylvia's for nine years now! It truly does feel like a home coming each time. It is so nice to go with someone that I know so well. Each year is truly a precious gift!
*Cannery Pier Hotel - I love the Cannery Pier Hotel. We went there on our honeymoon, and were amazingly able to go again for New Years this year. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by water in this beautiful place. Such a treasure.
*Templeton - Ahh... Templeton. He may be a bit of a crazy dog, but he is always there to greet me when I come home!
*Walking in the morning - I am not a morning person. I used to think that would change as I got older, but I do not think that it will.. but lately David and I have been getting up and walking and praying together in the morning. It is often not easy for me to peel myself out of bed, but I love these moments of connection!
*Wine by the fire - One of my favorite ways to spend an evening!
*Josie - Josie was in our wedding, but not in a way that most remember. She was born exactly two months later, and has been such a blessing to me. We have had the joy of having Jo in our home many times over the past two years. I love seeing life through her eyes.
*Erica - My dear Erica friend. We have been through so many different seasons together! Walked through places of deep doubt and watched each other experience profound transformation. Thank you for being a friend who is not afraid to say things as they are!
*Lazy Sundays - This year my birthday fell on a Sunday, and my family is blessing me by letting me spend this day in my favorite way. Doing a lot of nothing! My favorite Sunday is one that starts with worship at Imago, followed by breakfast (this morning my husband made ebleskivers!), followed by the Sunday morning paper, OPB, and maybe a nap!
*Child Trauma Academy - I have been so blessed by the work and research of Dr. Bruce Perry. This year I had the opportunity to teach two classes at Imago about caring for the needs of children who have experienced trauma. I also taught a seminar at Multnomah and Concordia. So much of that class has been informed by the work of Bruce Perry. I am thankful for the voice that he provides in a mental health system that all to often focuses on the behaviors rather than the root.
*Soren - This year we needed to find a new car. Sally was clearly on her last leg (wheel). We needed one that would meet the needs of our family, especially with room for the dog on road trips. We were blessed to find Soren last December. We have already added many miles to the odometer!
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:14-21 MSG
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