Joy Dare 2.27.12

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...

sturdy over-sized plastic bags, filled with a new round of library books
my faithful washing machine and dutiful dryer
candied rectangles of mint gum...fresh and tasty

how simple it is to find gentleness and self-control when Philip is home
how God gave me rest even when I couldn't grab a nap
how you find what you look for...hurt, lies, problems...love, truth, peace

fresca from the fridge
a mixing bowl of batter
perfectly sharpened pencils

good morning hugs
creme brulee coffee
"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Philip's study Bible
milk from the dairy
flat irons that can curl and curling irons that can flatten hair just as well.

Mari Alice's struggle against expressing her emotions
a glimpse of my exaggerated eyes in the shiny gold piano lamp
God's goodness in His perfect timing

a sinkful of dishes from a hearty meal, basketfuls of laundry from a hefty agenda
my plain silver substitute wedding band ...worthless but for symbolized significance
knowing God sees it all...I can be overwhelmed and weary, but I am not invisible.

I'm Singing!

For several months, Mari has been asking questions and wanting to discuss issues of faith.  Last fall, she was adamant that she wanted to "take Jesus as her Savior".  We recognized that particular phrasing from another household of friends.  When I asked her what "Savior" meant, she couldn't really tell me.  I knew that God had begun a good work in her and I didn't sense a need to rush things.  He would be faithful to complete it.

When she took my wedding ring off the counter and lost it last fall, the conversations escalated in frequency, duration, and depth.  We discussed the intricacies of remorse, forgiveness, and our human inability to restore things....sometimes we just CAN'T make things right.

Her apparent brokenness over my lost ring was clear evidence of God's movement in her life.  We continued to trust Him.
Sunday night, in MP3 (kid's choir), I was introducing a new song.  Everyone seemed rambunctious, so

Playdate

My Friend, Heidi

By Mari Alice Johnson

We've been friends since we were two.  I think she is so sweet and fun to play with.  I like it when she shares her lunch with me.  The funniest thing that ever happened is when one time when I was at her house, she jumped on her bed and then she falled down and said, "Boo!  I'm OK!"  I laughed a lot.

She likes me and she's sweet and all that.  I love it when she comes to my house because we go outside and do fun stuff.  She was a princess in the game we played and I was the servant.

How long do I think we'll be friends?  Well, we're best friends forever, so I say a long time.

Greatness!

Aunt Jeannie and Mari Alice

My Dad's sister, "the GREAT Aunt Jeannie" came last night for a visit.  She brought along my "SUPER GREAT Aunt Bootsie" and my dear cousin, Leslie...the friend who would be my comfy friend even if we were not technically related...10 minutes with Leslie makes me wish I lived in her town.  (We were busy chatting over coffee to pose for any photos.  Sorry.)

Joy Dare 2.20.12

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...

roses rich with sentiment
solo cups with sharpie personalization and disposable ease
cough syrup to settle and soothe

the beautiful Body of Christ
when my eyes are fixed on Him
His marvelous swap shop of failure for freedom