March Twenty-Twenty-One

 

"Help me remember that we somehow got through this year without first knowing how we would do it and that you have been in every moment already, and you will be in every moment to come. So, I thank you that you are my somehow, that your sweet Holy Spirit has accompanied me, equipped me, and comforted me – even when I failed to notice it, feel it, believe it or be grateful for it."  -Nadia Bolz Weber 

"God, you hold our memories of this past year in your capable hands. I imagine you’re weaving the moments that have shaped us into what will be a beautiful quilt, bringing all of the collective grief and the individual sorrow, the small delights and ordinary goodness, the moments we were afraid and angry alongside of the moments when we felt joy and contentment, all stitched together with your grace for it all. Wrap us up in the warmth of your love, knowing we are held, beloved, worthy just as we are in this moment....

We have been living in an apocalypse, Jesus, a true unveiling: help us to see clearly ever after this. Help us to name and remember what we have lost, what we have gained, and where we saw you at work in this broken and beloved world. Help us to be gentle with ourselves and with each other, we’re still not done yet. Help us to see the world more clearly and to love each other more particularly....

May we rest in that imaginary quilt of the totality of this year, be held by your grace, your love, your faithfulness, and your tenderness with us. May we always find you in the small ordinary things of our lives. May we always see the world as it is now and always, and love it all the more for the very things that break our hearts....

And because I am who I am and I just can’t help it, Jesus, would you give us unexpected hope today? May we be surprised with a moment of joy, a good meal, a deep breath, a bit of beauty. May our roots go down deep into your marvelous Love. May we bear fruit even in times of famine. May we be small outposts of truth and love together. May we read good books, be gentle with our wounds, text a friend, or simply go for a walk with You.....

May we know you in the silence, in the exhaustion and anger, in the grief and joy, and in our humanity which you blessed and called good. And we ask for an end to the suffering and for your justice to roll down, your healing to mend us, your love to hold us all even when we are in pieces. We love you. Amen."

-Sarah Bessey 

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

surprise backyard visitor

 

March 2013 

Jason brought my bear by the dining room window 8 years ago when I was working and made me laugh out loud. 

March 2021 

8 years later, Poppy followed Jason's lead and knocked on the window as Anna was working in the dining room this week. Needless to say, this surprise visitor cracked her up.

Pretty in Pink

Anna and Taylor walked down to UW today to see the cherry blossoms. While they still have a few more days until they are completely in bloom, the quad was still very pretty in pink. 

Sunday Smiles

We invited a new friend whom I got to know in my theology class this past quarter named Dereck and his wife Rachael tonight over for dinner on our porch. Dereck is from Kenya, and he brought some amazing chapatis to go with our meal. I'm thankful for shared connections, easy conversation, and lots of laughter around the table. 

Another Day in Paradise

Today kind of felt like just another day in paradise in CA. Anna and I met a fabulous woman named Kate who is the IV leader at the 5C's (all 5 Claremont schools) and picked her brain on so many topics, we went for a hike at Potato Mountain, and we visited the Claremont Botanical Gardens. We know how to pack it in when we need to, and I’m so grateful for the chance we had to come on this quick trip to help Anna learn so much more about these schools as she weighs all of her options in the coming weeks.

Kate Vosberg treating us to coffee at a great coffee shop in town 

hike up to Potato Mountain 

a view on the trail 

Yes, we brought a potato for Potato Mountain (looks like someone gave it an extra "E" 😂) 

a really fun bakery called Some Crust after our hike for a treat 

Claremont Botanical Gardens 

CA College Visit

As Anna got into Scripps College and Pitzer College this past week, we needed to make a quick trip down to CA to see these campuses for context as she weighs college choices.  Such a treat to have some sunshine to greet us here in Southern California! 

double masked in the airport 

pink trumpet trees in Claremont, CA 

CA girl (had to pull out my ridiculously fun sunglasses for this trip) 

lemons in the yard at our Airbnb

Such a fabulous place to stay just 8 minutes from campus. 

 (We have a room on the second floor that is so great!) 

We are definitely not in Kansas anymore. 

tree hugger 

standing by a century plant (it's HUGE!) 

Will this be home next year? 

Or maybe this? Or another place? 

we met our friend Vivienne for dinner and it was such fun!  

(She used to go to UW and now lives here in town)

Photography 101

 One of the advantages of having the kids doing school from home is that I get a glimpse at some of their projects more than I would if they were at school all day. Below are some pictures Taylor turned in for his photography class. I love what he captured here- he's definitely got a good eye!