Smile List - July 8th Edition!

Because I need it a little bit this morning, these are the things I'm thankful for - the things that are currently making me smile:

• the Paul Brandt song "Risk"
• the toe ring that I'm wearing on my pinky finger today, with three tiny silver butterflies on it
• the prospect that by the weekend I will have an assembled bed, and will no longer be sleeping on my mattress on the floor
• a very special gift that my baby brother brought from England for me
• nine sleeps until hugs from a dear friend
• that the only good thing about Stampede is that instead of one casual day a week, you get to wear jeans to work every day.
• a handshake from a very attractive musician yesterday
• remembering moments in a meadow on Sunday
• the prospect that by the end of the weekend we will likely be mostly settled into our new home (and mostly unpacked, and mostly without the chaos in which we've been living for the last week and a bit)
• hanging out with my best friend, M. tonight - she got engaged a week ago today, and we haven't managed to see each other since then, so I'm still waiting on the details and I'm excited to see her ring and hear her plans.
• a cross sitting on my desk as a reminder
• bottled water
• couscous
• sharing the cooking with one of my roommates for the summer - it's nice to cook together, and to feed more than one person
• a friend who routinely reminds me that I am deeply loved - by her, and by God
• that I'm alive and breathing - there have been a lot of deaths around me lately - people I know, or people connected to people I know - and they have served as a reminder that each breath is a gift
• internet and phone service that are now functional in our new house
• a lavender plant sitting on my deck, waiting to be planted
• a digital camera for capturing moments that are important
• the High Valley song "Been Through the Water"
• days that have been a bit more peaceful the last while
• a friend who pushes me to pray, and do some hard things, even while sympathizing that they are difficult

Moments - Part 2

Yesterday was really a very special day. Not one that I can share a lot from, but one I can share images from. Here are a few more "moments" from the day. (You can click on the photos to make them larger.)

How Time Heals - Henri Nouwen

Another thought from Henri Nouwen...

How Time Heals

"Time heals," people often say. This is not true when it means that we will eventually forget the wounds inflicted on us and be able to live on as if nothing happened. That is not really healing; it is simply ignoring reality. But when the expression "time heals" means that faithfulness in a difficult relationship can lead us to a deeper understanding of the ways we have hurt each other, then there is much truth in it. "Time heals" implies not passively waiting but actively working with our pain and trusting in the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation.

News Headline

I've seen this guy dance a number of times, and it's always fascinating.

Hoop Dancer Steps up Culture

Moments

A couple images from my time in what is probably my favorite spot in the world this afternoon. It was a much-needed time, full of deep moments that are not for public consumption. A time of meeting with Jesus. And these are a few images from the day.