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In the frantic pace of life, we need to slow down and simply observe natural forces around us and create out of that experience. What makes us truly human may not be how fast we are able to accomplish a task but what we experience fully, carefully, and quietly in the process.
- Makoto Fujimura

Knowing the excitement and anticipation and even the element of anxiety my artist friend experiences on showing her works makes it easy to stop and ask the other artists about their art. One explained the time, the hours, it requires to dye and shape and felt wool pieces that somehow adhere to other fabrics to create unexpected beauty. Another told of his evolution as an artist, the journey from realizing his abstract techniques might actually be on the edge of obsessive compulsive. A young man sat against the wall of the building and recalled the wonder of his finishing his very first painting. We are all made in the image of our Creator, made to create.

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Overheard today-
"My favorite color is rainbow."

Yes, I'm a mom of kids in their late teens and 20's and even 30's.
But my friends, you moms of littles and tots and babes in arm- can I tell you something?
I love your kids.
Really. I do.
I love for them to come over and play with our trains and blocks and crayons. I love to hear them tell me stories of what they love. And I don't mind a bit when they drop goldfish crackers on my floor (and neither does my dog...)

For this displaced Poppy, it's all joy to have your peeps for a morning. I promise. So ask me. Yeah, yeah, I'm busy with this and that but if I'm here, I want to serve you. I remember. I remember how sometimes you get in a pinch, and you have to go to the doctor or you need to get your hair cut. (Never ever take your littles with you to a haircut. Never. Ever. It makes the stylist nervous. And no one wants a nervous stylist. I speak from experience...) Sometimes, maybe, you just want to make your house clean without a trail of un-doing behind you. And sometimes you just have to sit in all quiet and do nothing for a time. That's ok too.

I remember those saints who served me when I was far, far away from family and my husband was far, far away besides. I'm forever indebted to the ladies who sent me their teens and the ones who had me sit on their couch or outside under their tree and reminded me that it was just a season. They were the ones who pointed me to the Word and who taught me to pray and who trusted me as a friend. We all need fellowship. Can I serve you?

And besides, is there nothing more grand than a little falling asleep in your lap?
Your littles bless me.
Thank you for sharing.

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On my list of favorite things about living on the US/Mexico border...
every occassion is a good reason for lotería.

362/366

A rare day of nothing on the calendar, nowhere to be meant a day fully at home, and much neglected tasks suffer no more. Blinds pulled open, dust flying, papers disposed, vacuum fired up. Linens clean, sheets changed, laundry through the cycles.

And yet, partly cloudy skies are an apt description of my own condition this day, forcing myself through chores in the foggy overcast.

This morning I nodded when I read,
It seems natural enough to protect our hearts from grief—to grimly endure or anesthetize with busyness or distraction or exhaustion. But to protect our hearts from grief is to protect our hearts from love. And that’s no way to live.

I had forgotten. I had forgotten that the opposite of joy is not sadness, but fear. I had forgotten (again) that joy and sorrow are twin eggs of the same nest. I had forgotten that love is always worth the pain—always.

I had forgotten that battered hearts are the most beautiful in the end.

- Lanier Invester, "Seeds of Love," The Rabbit Room blog

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I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.
- Anne Lamott

360/366

Ever since becoming a Christ-follower, I have believed that the Perfect Storm is when Christmas falls on a Sunday. And no less so this year. 

Early to rise, the day begins- our traditional Christmas breakfast and the every-week-ordinary Sunday routine. Prayer and Sunday School and worship-
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

My favorite hymns. The sweet fellowship of our church family.
A present that didn't know how right it's timing would be. 

The ease of lunch with dear friends. An afternoon movie. Talking to far-away family. And finally, the opening of gifts, just icing on the cake, not the meal itself. 

And to finish, a family picture with the self-timer, missing the ones not in the frame so very much. 

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
Yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Oh, fall on your knees and hear the angels' voices
Singing, O, night divine
"O Holy Night"

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on the morning run through the 'hood...
O come, O come Immanuel.

Harper

On the morning of Monday, December 12, I woke up early and sat quietly and read and wrote and prayed in my usual morning routine. I drank my coffee and showered and dressed and made our lunch. We drove down the highway at sunrise and got stopped in traffic and crossed the border and rolled into the neighborhood late. I rushed to the school and greeted my third-graders and started a lesson on the names of parts of the body.

And then time seemed to stop.

While all that ordinary was happening, on the coast of Carolina, nothing was ordinary at all.

We soon learned that while everyday life was carrying on, our Harper, our 7 year old grandson, died.

The days since have been hard, more hard than we ever imagined that they could be. We are grateful for the prayers, for the words of encouragement and sympathy, for the support so many have shown our family over the last week, more than we will ever be able to say well. We are grateful that many of you will continue in prayer for us, as it is our strength.

On that Monday morning, I was wearing a bracelet that says, "But if not, He is still good." It is a reference to Daniel 3, to the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who upon being told they would be thrown into the fiery furnace for not worshipping the Nebuchadnezzer, continued to show and speak of their unyielding trust in their God. We too continue to trust our God and His sovereignty, even today.

I wrote the following words for me and Tim for Harper's memorial service last week...

Harper is our first grandson- he is the one who made us Poppy and Gumbo.

Kristy was privileged to be with Ashley and Tom and Harper at the very start of his life, when he was a pretty content little guy who only wanted to eat and sleep.

Those of you who are grandparents know the absolute joy and peace that comes from sitting and holding your newborn grand. It is an experience like none other. You have all of the confidence of having walked this road before and you can perhaps see ahead differently than new parents are able to. Kristy will always be grateful for that time with Harper.

Harper is all light and love in our lives. His beautiful blue eyes and his very sweet spirit penetrate deep when he looks at us. We love Harper unconditionally, which is good because all of you know that like any normal kid, he could be a little imp occasionally. Just this spring, Harper and Corbin were the ring bearers in their aunt’s wedding. Harper decided to dash and hide moments before the wedding was to begin and we pulled him out of his hidey-hole; we kept a death grip on him as we walked into the wedding ceremony. And then the boys carried out their job with all the adorable charm that you can imagine they would have.

Like all of you, our family is struggling mightily to make sense of this. Honestly, we can’t. As Corbin told us last night, “it’s not okay.” In this very terrible situation, we are trusting our God because we believe His word is true and we know from all of Scripture and from all of our experience that He loves us.  

This month, our family has been reading an Advent devotional that reminds us of Jesus’ roles as prophet, priest and king. Early this week, we were reminded that Jesus is our Priest today- the author wrote,

"But Jesus is not finished. His work on the cross is finished—it is perfect and complete (John 19:30). But His work as our Great High Priest continues. Jesus was the perfect Priest who became the spotless sacrifice, but His priesthood is ongoing. Christ died to save us, and now He lives to intercede for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).

Our Savior, who took on our sin and granted us His righteousness, is the One who sits at the Father’s right hand, claiming as His own those He died to save (1 John 4:10). He shepherds us even now, fulfilling the promise that none of His children will be snatched out of His hand (John 10:29). He knows our weakness, as He Himself experienced humanity in its fullness but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). And just as He saved us “once for all” by His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:12), He saves us still, granting grace and mercy as our advocate before God and our admittance into God’s presence (1 John 2:2). "

And this morning, we were again reminded that Jesus is our King today- the author wrote, 

"Christ is our King today. Not because we decide He is, but because God Himself gave Him this authority. 

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

- Matthew 28:18

He is our King whether we bow to Him or not. He is the King of the leaders of the countries of the world, whether they believe it or not. He is the King of our children and our friends and enemies, whether they receive Him or not. 

This is good news! Not only does our King rule over everyone and everything, He is also a righteous and merciful judge. And He comes to make His blessings flow. Yes, He is a good King.”

We are thankful that we can trust Harper to this Good King, the very Good Father. We hope that you can trust our Jesus too. 

We love you, Harper.

(quotes from "Christ the Priest Today," SheReadsTruth Advent Devotion and "Christ the King Today," SheReadsTruth Advent Devotion)

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DPP13- drivedrivedrivedrive all the day long.
Thankful for my four drivers, safety, constant encouragement, the promises we cling to, long hard hugs and silly beautiful grands at the end of the day

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DPP12- "God is asking the unthinkable. To trust him in the dark. To accept his will when we don’t understand. To submit to his sovereignty in the midst of uncertainty. To believe he has a purpose when nothing makes sense. Unthinkable as it is, God keeps asking me to trust him."

 - by Vaneetha Rendall Risner, "If I Only Knew Why," at the Desiring God website

When I woke up for the day, I had plans- plans for where I would be, what I would be doing, who I would be with, even what I would take a photo of. By a few minutes to 9, all of that and all of my family was changed. We are walking by faith, and trusting that our good and faithful God walks with us in this deep sadness.

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DPP 11- We gathered together, young to aging, to sing the wonder of Advent, the hope of Christ who came and who comes again.

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DPP10- Crisp morning, good health, sweet friends, and hardly a care in the world for this litte segment of time; we watched the colors fly up and waited for the rainbow apocalypse to drift our direction. Our post-race breakfast took an extraordinarily long time, and we were all getting frustrated. After waiting and waiting (and waiting), our waitress shared a piece of her story. She was an immigrant from a far away place, mourning the death of her mom, and on this day, very much overwhelmed by the demands of American culture and expectation. We offered her prayers of comfort and hopefully a little bit of grace, yet her words echo in my head and my heart even now.

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DPP9- when the receiver understand what the gift is... the absolute hilarity of the White Elephant exchange.

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DPP8- The longhorn really doesn't represent the fun we had (though it probably more accurately tells of my artistic abilities...)

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DPP7- On this afternoon, the students learn from the teacher's mistakes. Over and over again today, I am reminded of how very impressive is that simple character trait of humility.

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DPP6- "Truth be told, we all have hearts so easily distracted and forgetful... We need constant reminders of who God is and who we are."
- SheReadsTruth, "A Priest Calls People to Worship"

Walking out of the gym, His fingerprints the sky and again I am reminded of our Sovereign and merciful Creator God.

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DPP5- A birthday-celebration-consolation dinner at the end of a very full day.

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DPP 4- Tribute to perhaps the oldest ornament on the tree, the much beloved Jumping Jack, faithfully hanging since 1971 (as documented by the faded script on the back). Jack hung next to my sister's Santa down in the bottom branches of the tree for a good many years, which perhaps explains his missing leg and frayed string. Well done, Jack! 

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DPP 3- Sweets. But the fellowship even more.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!
- Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

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DPP 2- when the high schoolers came over and made themselves into Christmas trees.
#dpp2016

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DPP 1-  "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
The nativity collection numbers near 20 now. It may be the only collection that I have collected for myself- not collected for me by others. Today we lined the shelves and added the newest edition, whimsical peg bodies that make me smile.
#dpp2016

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For concrete and visual learners, the pattern says so much. It is such joy to think through how to explain ideas and instructions and then see that light of recognition when it all makes sense.

I am thankful for
my favorite podcast along the way,
morning greetings,
their smiles and laughing at my language mistakes,
likemindedness,
being back after a week away,
the voices in song,
Jesus, our pearl of great value.

December Photo Project 2016

If it is December, it is time to begin the December Photo Project! Thanks to Rebecca at View from the Prairie Box for allowing us to participate again this year. It's one of my favorite December activities. The goal is to post a photo from your day, once a day through Christmas. It turns out to be a great way to look new at the world around you. Will you join me? Go to the December Photo Project page to learn how to be part of the fun, too!

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In the very last play of the first half, our leading scorer fell down, the weak ankle injured again. The rest of the team needed another quarter to get their bearings. But in the fourth quarter, every single player left really played. Every girl hustled and scrambled and shot and little by little, closed the gap. In the end, they fell just short. But despite the loss, it was a victory for teamwork, I think. Isn't that how it is? We don't know how much we have within us until we are forced to use it?

I'm thankful for:
my friend at the Sam's Club door,
a cuppa and the best company,
dinner in the crockpot,
our visitor,
girls who play hard,
ankles that heal,
"But when the prophets of the Bible foretell the future, the future they foretell is Christ."

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Lousy vacationers, really, we are; still, days pass by in a blink. At the airport, the sign reminds us, "eat, drink- life is short."
Too short for silly squabbles, too short not to be kind, too short to waste time on foolishness, too short to ignore gospel truth and gospel grace, to short to miss joy all around us.

I am thankful for:
one more chocolate croissant,
the privilege of leaving,
the joy of coming home,
safe travels,
memories made,
friends who give without hesitation,
the bond of life together,
a place to call home.

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“If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise.” 
― Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses

Moment by moment the sky changed from dark to grays to pastels. And then finally, right on time, the brilliant bright light peeked over the horizon. I suppose that most don't cheer the sunrise, that act which happens every day, whether we are there to watch it or not. But to watch it, really, isn't it a marvelous show?

I'm thankful for:
the wonder of every day,
hot coffee,
those who labor for my comfort,
stories that captivate,
the rhythm of the tide,
good company,
laughing out loud,
a savory salad and a sweet crepe,
my dinner date,
the fan overhead,
sleep.

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One of the surprise blessings of raising up kids is that one day watching other littles becomes an unexpected bonus. The sad goodbye is quickly forgotten with the "well, should we go eat?"
And when you are the babysitters, a dinner of watermelon, strawberries, an empanada, ice cream and sprinkles is all good. We wandered through the tables of goods, looking with the eyes of children... Look at the turtles! The butterfly spins! (don't touch the glass!)

I'm thankful for:
no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2,
slow days, slow waves,
life with children,
children who are young adults,
early to bed.

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We walked a little bit farther and then turned back. I stopped and wondered, in the certain busy-ness of life even then, did a woman ever stand at the edge of the sea and marvel at how beautiful it all is?

I'm thankful for:
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,    and his righteousness to children's children (Psalm 103:17),
new roads,
travel buddies,
"of course. You're the Hollidays.",
afternoon naps,
surprise photos on my tablet,
a couch in the corner, sitting next to my guy.

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So we need grace to see again,
to tremble again,
and to bow down again 
at the feet of the One who deserves
our awe.
Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies

On the first morning of vacation, I sat with my face in the sun, and really, just sat, still. Although I miss the traditions of the day- family not with us, the parade, the cooking and all the familiar food, I was yet content in this moment. Yes- grace new every morning.

I'm thankful for:
blue skies and blue water,
sitting still,
non-traditional holidays,
grace to see again.

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The getting-ready's and the getting-there's finally morph into the getting-on.

I'm thankful for:
my passport,
opportunity to travel,
anticipation of rest.

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I think that by the time we were leaving, we all figured that we wouldn't get the visas today, but we wanted to pretend like maybe we would, because we knew that we could get tacos.

I am thankful for
tacos that are just a bridge crossing away,
sitting still on the porch,
prayer,
my friend who is a natural and very gracious hostess,
2/3rds of the flock in the nest,
forgiveness and grace.

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These kids, some using a computer and the mouse for the first time, learning to think logically, experiencing success. Boys helping one another, explaining what they have learned. Art classes painting. Bible lessons taught. Fútbol played. For a short time, it all seemed exactly like we all have hoped and prayed it would go someday. 

And then, just a few minutes later, back to the reality of inattention, and squabbles, and picking fights, and "I'm sorry- you will have to leave but you are welcome to come back tomorrow." 

One step at a time, grace on grace, love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I am thankful for
invites from friends,
text that makes me laugh out loud,
girls who giggle when I get their names right,
the smile when it finally works,
love that endures all things.

325/366

Never skip a reason to have a party! This day we opened the gates because it is Revolution Day in Mexico. Turn up the music, pull out the Lotería Cards and bottle cap markers, fire up the grill for hot dogs, make sure that there are balloons to pop and other games to play and lots of sweets. And a sack race. Yes! The sack race!

All that, for the opportunity to sit next to our neighbors and hear some of their stories, and love on kids, and laugh together over losing lotería, and say, "Yes, we are here with you."

I am thankful for
prayer first thing,
time with little people in the nursery,
my wandering friend returns,
neighborhood parties,
our little girls,
fist bumps from boys,
phone calls and voices from afar,
Sunday evening on the couch with my girls.

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Some games are soft touches and easy lay-ups. Others are nothing falls through the hoop and everything in your body hurts. No matter, character proves itself through faithful steadiness in both.

I'm thankful for
but he is unchangeable,
sunny afternoons,
teens who play hard,
faithful coaches,
laughing at lunch,
the car-full I love so much.

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Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 (ESV)

I am thankful for
the stillness of dawn,
this crazy back and forth life,
doctor friends who go above and beyond,
the opportunity to celebrate,
the smell of bleached tablecloths and the therapeutic repetition of ironing,
the ease of serving together,
always always His steadfast love.

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At the end of the report, all I could really think of was how grateful I am that we have such a place to serve.

I'm thankful for
community,
the afternoon sun,
good news for my girl and
friends to share it with,
a cup of tea and easy-be-still at the end of the day.

321/366

…apparently we believe

in the words

and through them

but we long beyond them

for what is unseen

what remains out of reach

what is kept covered

with colors and sizes

we hunger

for what is undoubted yet dubious.

—W.S. Merwin, from “Rainment”

I am thankful for

cool mornings, the hover and still of fog, little boys who babble away, the familiar voice of my longest friend, the promise of eternity, gathering together.

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These people, my English as a Second Language students- they help to make my life so very rich.
One became a US citizen this summer, just in time to proudly vote in her first United States Presidential election. One visits her mom and family across the border every weekend to make sure that they go to church. One has brought several other friends and family members to class this semester. One is mom to three busy and very adorable kids. One is a pastor's wife in a bilingual congregation. One was badly hurt in a work accident during the summertime and is yet enduring healing and physical therapy. They work hard and they continue to persevere and I'm proud to know each one of them.

I'm thankful for
the generosity of others,
His love isn't conditional and his grace is never temporary,
a sincere "how are you today" when he didn't have to at all,
examples of friendship in perhaps unexpected places,
gathering together and giving thanks.
(um, and still again, apple pie...)

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Everything seemed just a hand's reach out of grasp for that littlest guy last night. His brother rolled him up to the door in the stroller, and had to leave once to go home to change his diaper. When it was time for art, we taped paper on the easel for him, too. He scribbled his self-portrait with lines in three colors. We kept a tight grip on his chubby hands around the staircase, and he never really strayed from eye-shot of his brother.

(and checkers?! who knew that rules differ across borders and even across families of the same culture...?!)

I'm thankful for-
He who does marvelous things without number,
eager third-grade learners,
blue skies peeking through the clouds,
our team,
these neighborhood kids,
home at the end of the day.

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I didn't expect the sprinkles when I walked out the door to worship, and the fresh coolness of the day somehow surprised and refreshed me. I feel sadness for those who don't know the simple contentedness that comes each week in anticipating Sunday worship. He indeed allows us to be filled with all the fullness of God. 

I am thankful for
cool, fresh mornings,
prayers of the saints,
well-prepared teachers and iron sharpening iron,
prayer and praise,
a surprise lunch out,
dear friends around the table,
apple pie on the counter,
girls on the couch,
a lesson ready,
his hand in mine to end the day.

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It was a day filled with cooking and Spanish and that always unique bridging of culture.

I'm thankful for
this place,
these people,
this time,
finishing the last page and ready to turn back and start again,
sitting around the table at the end of the day.

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Most the veterans in attendance at the ceremony were older- with caps from Vietnam and Korea, even World War II. Even though he served 20 years in the US Navy Submarine Force, I rarely think of my husband as a veteran. And yet, a career in the military isn't just a job. It defined our life for a good many years. Sometimes it seems a bit ironic that our military serves to preserve liberty of others, and yet, it often seemed it was our family that suffered restrictions in those years. Daughters that wouldn't go to the stranger we kept calling "Daddy." Separations. Vacations on hold. How many words could we send in a message? Forty? Even today, 10 years removed, it would be easy to sit down next to another submariner and be transported back to those years.

I'm thankful for
those who sacrifice for our freedom,
encouragement to take an afternoon run,
the rich scent of pie baking,
the church leaders who truly enjoy one another,
a retreat back to my book at the end of the day.

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The grey hang heavy today, in the clouds, over my mood. Some days feel like slogging through- and that was today, through my run, through my  morning, through my afternoon. But my chef-in-training came home Iron Chef champion (Secret Ingredient- dates and mushrooms!) and that happiness proved contagious.

I am thankful for
He who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,
cooler weather even with grey,
rejoicing with those who rejoice,
my haircut lady Lucy,
my girl who wins with Apple Cranberry Date Mushroom Pie (?!?!),
dinner around the table,
laundry folded,
open windows.

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On the morning after the election, I woke up and sat at my desk, like every other morning. I turned to the reading of the day, and read, 
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,    
and will execute justice for the needy.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;    
the upright shall dwell in your presence.
I believe those words true. I pray that my heart will reflect His. And on this morning, I ponder over and again that idea of dwell, 
to abide and to remain. 

I'm thankful for
my husband and my everyday morning latte,
dancing boys who fall asleep in a moment,
the sweet greeting of recognition at the door of Sam's,
girls who laugh with me,
checks on the to-do list,
the deepdeep ruby reds of cranberries popping,
ordinary grace,
love of every love the best.

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The day started with rain on my face, a much welcome change to the so far unseasonably warm November. The open windows usher in fresh air, and I put the tea kettle on.

I'm thankful for
finally, fall?,
Our God will fight for us.
my pastors, who each pop their head in to greet me,
potato soup on the stove,
afternoon tea at the table, all real, all heart,
our ESL staff, the most faithful of faithful,
my English students who work so very earnestly,
a little hand to walk me out the door.

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Tonight was self-portraits in art class, programming robots on the computer and our Creator God.
And it was good.

I'm thankful for
the eager to please 3rd grade learners,
the smiles of neighborhood kids,
watercolors,
serving alongside these people.

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The answer, the next step, is very important: As there are no little people in God’s sight, so there are no little places. To be wholly committed to God in the place where God wants him—this is the creature glorified. 
- Francis Schaeffer, "No Little People, No Little Places"

Our Sunday routine has become home, shower, laundry, lunch. Today it also included scanning job applications. We could hear the rain as it started to fall, and immediately I wondered how long will the rain last? Will there be rain tonight? Where will she sleep?

Every week I wrestle over what is help. My friend, one who empathizes and knows just how those doubts go, wrote me this week. "I struggle with that always," I read. "Does it help?  Are we making a difference?  But when the Lord brings it our way, it is probably safer to do that which doesn't make sense to us."

No little people, no little places.

I am thankful for 
morning greetings and surprise gifts,
challenged at every turn,
to the praise of Your mercy and grace,
catch up phone calls,
Sunday night rituals, 
and chocolate pie.

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The sun shone unseasonably warm for a November day, but who can predict 10th anniversary celebration weather? The teachers and students and families came out to eat and to fellowship. How can you go wrong with the MexiDog and bounce houses? I generally feel pretty comfortable is Spanish, at least to make my point known (though I did turn over in my head the possibilities of the conditional tense of querer all afternoon...). But being with the deaf kids knocks any sense of confidence to communicate well right out from under me. Sure, it's easy to question "one hot dog or two?" with the flash of a couple of fingers, but it's so much more difficult to ask, "how have you been? How are the sewing projects? You look so pretty today!"

I'm thankful for
friends who share generously with my family,
safe travels back and forth,
10 years of service to the Reynosa deaf community,
we know He hears us.
SaveSave

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The Baby Gender Reveal Party- "who even thought of that...," I was thinking? When did that catch on?

Now, I'm sold.
Because honestly, what is better than rejoicing with those who rejoice. Celebrating a new little girl coming into our world, that's a pretty sweet thing.

I am thankful for
the early morning run,
lime squeezed over caldo,
be before us and behind us, to our left and to our right, 
intercession for the persecuted church,
an unplanned date with my guy,
my peeps,
an evening at home.

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“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.” 
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

I am thankful for early morning friend meet-ups,
you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else,
the women who sharpen me,
dinner in the crock pot,
my girl who bakes,
tunes to sing to on the radio,
unexpected drink stop,
plans coming together,
and a peaceful meal,
and a very good ending.