a life beyond running shoes.

one thousand gifts . by ann voskamp. there are so many rich truths that she so poetically expresses in a way that make truth alive, rich, and powerful.  but it is such a raw book. there is a depth of sorrow of pain of tragedy....you almost don't want to read..... and yet, she is so honest that it is engaging and captivating in such a way that you have to keep reading.  she speaks....and my heart echos.  my heart cries out a resounding affirmation of her words. she says it like i wish i could..... and yet, there is hope.  the hope that only christ can bring.....christ the broken, crucified savior who gives thanks with his life....breaks it and then gives it away.  it is transformative.....and i pass it along to you. i'm amputated. i have hacked my life up into grace moments and cruse moments. the chopping that has cut myself off from the embracing love of a god who "does not enjoy hurting people or causing them to sorrow" (lamentations 3:33), but labo...

christmas in florida feels different than christmas in new york.  (notice short sleeves.....and my new hair cut) but the blessing is that we got to be here at all. we had not planned on traveling this xmas, so the fact that we got be with family was a blessing for sure. it reminded me that in the midst of grieving loss there are amazing things to celebrate and being with family this season really helped make advent real..... that we really do look forward to what is coming. and while we have gotten to do fun things.... like play outside all the time, run in shorts, grill out....... we look forward to what god is bring in 2012. by the way, hubbie was out running trails and this is what he saw...... if you look closely it is a 12 foot gator. it was about 10 feet from him.  yup, life in this here florida.

we had a 5th bday celebration right before xmas. little bit was fully celebrated! it was his first birthday party.....  we played a version of pin the tail on the donkey (pin the gator on the football).   had a very rowdy game of tag football. had a very special cake.......  are you seeing the theme here? the boys have loved being in gatorland...... and we made it the theme of the party. and little bit loves football...... especially his daddy & grandpa's team - the florida gators. it was great to see him so excited and see him participate. i was nervous that with all the attention he would get shy and sullen....nope, he loved every minute. (and so did i). it is hard to believe he is five.  his birth seems like a lifetime ago.... and i guess it was. happy birthday, little bit!

may all your wanderings this week, good friends, family taste the good of god and saver long -- not wolfing anything down because life is dessert and worth licking the bowl right clean.              -- ann voskamp