Divine Appointments. Sabbatical Reading: He restores my soul.

Through a "divine appointment" this week, we met another pastor and his wife who were just finishing up their summer sabbatical.  We had the privilege of getting together for coffee and having them over for dinner with another local pastor and his wife. They were so kind to share with us what the Lord had been showing them through some reading material and recommended a couple books.

Both Ron and I each bought a book on our Kindle / iPad and have been reading portions of our books aloud to each other over the past few days. We've had a couple of great, long, quiet days of reading together and sharing with each other what the Lord is speaking to us individually.

Ron is reading On the Brink and I am reading The Rest of God. I haven't finished my book yet - Ron is going back over his again a second time.

God has been so good to supply us with encouragement in the most unexpected places and speaking specific words to us that are answering very specific prayers and questions we've had.

We are grateful for God's grace in divine appointments, new friendships, speaking fresh and healing words to us and restoring our souls during this time off.

One Thousand Gifts: Joy in the little things.

Paige and Jordan and Parker came this weekend for a visit. We didn't get any pics - we were too busy soaking up all the small, ordinary, uneventful - but oh, so, wonderful moments with them!

So our weekend?

Was filled to the brim with joy! Every, little, moment - an item on my One Thousand Gifts list:

• Staying up late to welcome them in from their night of travel. Seeing them safely arrived.
• Cuddling with Parker while they unpacked and settled in.
• Savoring the sights and sounds of her - soft baby hair, chubby cheeks, tiny toes, the way she looks like a blend of her parents,
• Remembering Paige as a newborn - and us as young parents.
• Having our Lucky Boy breakfast burrito brunch on Saturday morning.
• Taking a spontaneous trip to Griffith Park to sit outdoors to watch Shakespeare in the Park - a summer family tradition. Enjoying Mediterranean take out - picnic style.
• Late night conversations with our adult children - who've become faithful friends.
• Attending church and worshiping together, 
• Grateful to God for the grace and fruit we see in our children's lives. 
• Backyard BBQ - hanging out, talking, eating ,enjoying being together.
• The busy kitchen -the routine of  lots of meals, cooking and dishes - loving the chaos and fun of a full house. 
• Thankful for the gift of enjoying our family.