I am so grateful for a long phone call with Karissa last night, so grateful that she is taking care of herself, that she can laugh at the absurdities of raising little ones, and that she calls her Mom just to talk.

I am grateful for an email from Kristi, another new connection resulting from the challenge our pastor gave to us!

I am grateful I don’t have the loudest sneeze.

I am grateful to have been reminded of my selfishness this morning. It is a good thing when Sam gives me a little kick in the pants to bring me out of my hole, and then it’s an even better thing when a co-worker unintentionally backs him up. I think it is not a coincidence and I am fairly certain that God directed them both to say what they said in order to hit the point home. I need to intentionally be self-less, not self-ish.

I am grateful for the SWEETEST email from Geri. I AM CALLING YOU DURING THIS TRIP, Geri. I have wanted to call so many times, but I keep forgetting to put your number in my phone! Doing it right…now.

I am grateful for a pancake on the porch this morning.

I am grateful for this video promo that makes me grateful and anxious for the new sermon series.

W*RK

I am grateful for Ken, who offered to give us a ride today, and for Rachel, who IS going to give us a ride today.

I am grateful for our neighbor who will help Sam out on Monday while we are gone. Good neighbors shouldn’t hide behind closed doors. This summer, I need to work on being a good neighbor.

I am grateful for Mary, who shared this very sweet, short video with me that made me say, “Awwwww!” because she knew it would make me say “Awwww!” It’s about 30 seconds or so, but watch it to the end to see why I said, “Awwww!”

Sea lion and the little girl

I am grateful for Joyce, who will help me out on Monday and take my paycheck to the bank.

And I am grateful for this devotion that began my day. Thank you, Lord.

Time with Me cannot be rushed. When you are in a hurry, your mind flitters back and forth between Me and the tasks ahead of you. Push back the demands pressing in on you; create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest with Me. I also desire this time of focused attention and I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day ahead. Thus, spending time with Me is a wise investment.

Bring Me the sacrifice of your precious time. This creates sacred space around you – space permeated with My Presence and My Peace.