Sleeping in . . . . . Flowers from my son . . . . Birthday card bouquets . . . . . . The Garden of the Gods in all it’s glory . . . . . 77 degrees and not quite so windy . . . . . Pikes Peak beckoning . . . . . abundant fresh Raspberries and Blackberries . . . . . . International Anglican Church; perhaps the most amazing experience of God in a building, ever . . . . The wonder in Quinn’s eyes as I spoke into his heart , ”YOU, are a saint!” . . . . . Stolen moments of conversation with my oldest friend . . . . . . David’s hand, always strong, holding mine . . . . .meeting precious bitty-bald Asher . . . . . “fallen palm leaf” plates to hold my birthday feast . . . . . Falling asleep skin-to-skin with my totally trustworthy, safe and precious best-friend . . . . .Naomi’s worship music blasting through the car and her voice carrying the tune, “dive in” . . . . . . .quick tears during beautiful worship and His reminder, “ even grief is an offering” . . . . . .days to celebrate . . . . A book of coupons for me to cash-in including “snugs from Quinn” in ten minute increments! . . . . .messages from friends . . . . .a whole year of change and growth and following God to look forward to . . . . . . The knowledge that He is deeper inside of me, closer beside me and so near me  . . . Birthday cake and Izze soda communion service; led by Naomi. . . . The Young Victoria; a beautifully filmed and beautifully lived story . . . . . . And so so so much more.

Some children say their age of three with a tiny trio of fingers and an: “I’m ‘FREE’ now!”.   I declare myself “free” times ten this year.   My year of freedom has begun.  A year of celebration.  A year of saying “yes” to God and the future He has for me.  A year of new beginnings.  God’s promises for me this year amaze and excite me.  I’m so thankful to be here. Now.   With Him.  And with my sweet children and steadfast husband.  Sucking the marrow out of life as best I know how.  And forgiving myself each time I fall short of all I wish to be.  We serve an awesome God.