Today I am flying (thanks to the generous gift of airline miles) to North Carolina for a retreat with Ann Voskamp! She wrote One Thousand Gifts.  It will be a small gathering at a beautiful retreat center. I am so ready and filled with anticipation of hearing from God.  Ann, I can’t wait to meet you face to face!

 

Between the time the retreat ends and my return flight departs, I will be spending the night with a dear friend that goes waaaaaay back. Back to when I was an awkward middle school (7th grade) missionary kid home for a year of furlough with Mom and Dad. Sharon was my carpool to and from school. Fast forward a few years to the year after high school and before Mark and I got married. Sharon and I worked together at Tropicana in the “microfilm” department and became good friends. That goes back to 77-78! I really don’t recall the last time Sharon and I saw each other, but thanks to the FaceBook connection I know we are going to have a wonderful time catching up! Sharon, do you think we will get much sleep? Put the coffee on…

 

Today is also a very BIG day for my baby girl, Veronica.

After seven years, today is a new beginning… her last day of working at The Met. Bittersweet I am sure, but she has much to look forward to. Afterall she has a baby boy to prepare for! Veronica, as your mom I am so proud of you, your work ethic, your loyalty and trustworthiness, the way you have used your gifts and talents and the way you and Mike have trusted God as you made this decision. I know you will be greatly missed by your boss and co-workers, but I for one am sooooo excited for you to have some free time… let’s do lunch!!

 

Today a special and beautiful young lady and friend is traveling to Kenya on a medical mission trip.

Molly has traveled a lot, but as she says it has been mostly for pleasure.  But this time God is working in and through her in a special way. I know she will come backed amazed at the things God has done.  Anytime we step forward in obedience to something God has called us to, there will be obstacles and attacks. This has been true for Molly as well. Will you pray for her this week.? Thanks! Travel light and expect big things Molly! Godspeed

 

Tomorrow is Mark’s birthday. Yes, I left town… just a payback for the fact that every year on my birthday he is at the Daytona 24 hour race. But it’s okay with both of us.  And just because I am gone does not mean I can’t wish him a happy birthday.

So Happy Birthday Mark! You are one of a kind and I appreciate so much about you… you can go here and here to see what I mean, because I still feel the same today, but deeper still. You are my superhero. Thank you for the mercy, grace, forgiveness, strength, faith and laughter you give to our relationship. May God give you the desires of your heart as you walk with him so faithfully through this not so easy time. I love and respect you (even though I fail to express it well). Happy birthday and don’t party too much without me!

Happy weekend everyone!
May it be filled with the beauty of God’s gifts.