i love the way that puppies run. it makes me so happy sometimes i giggle. and the way they walk too, there's a certain movement in their paws. so young and eager to explore the world.

i also love the view from my back porch. there are some trees in the distance that i can see all year round. so often i catch glimpses of the sunset there. it's a beautiful view above the mess of traffic and whizzing cars beneath it. right now they are all naked, and in the silhouette against the sunsetting sky i can see a nest among the branches. and the birds that perch all around.

on my mind . again and again

       hear Him

lasting thoughts

Emmanuel [God with us]

and as this  is on the forefront of my mind, i watch the branches of the rosebushes outside my window dance with the wind, while the sounds of the innocence mission sing through the air...

tangible evidences.

on Christmas

we talked about Christmas. but not about traditions and tree trimmings, no. we talked about the passion of God. we talked about how we get chills when we sing the carols, even if we're the only two in the world, that's what matters. we talked about the reality of the situation, the real life part of the whole thing. we talked about the mystery of the angels proclaiming to the shepherds, who got it so much better than many of us ever will. they did what they were told, even if it sounded crazy. mary submitted to the will of God, even though it affected her reputation. we discussed the circumstances the Christ-child was born into, a time of economic, social, circumstancial hardship. and they still rejoiced. the promise of God had come to fruition. so we can rejoice, even in times of economic, social, circumstancial hardship, because God proves good on His promises. we can rejoice.

"all down the sidewalk there are these chalk ballerinas the neighbors drew with arms to the sky"

- the innocence mission

travelers

saturday morning, celebrating a life over breakfast and hot chocolate, we reminisced about tennessee: about southern porches; about humidity and heat that lasts through the night, perfect for adventure; about the mystery of fireflies and the sound of birds on morning walks... 

my thoughts returned to you, as they always do.

please listen to the words of the carols of the season, proclaiming so clearly the truth. does it not stir your soul? does it not cause you to wonder at the majesty of God?