Warm Bed, Heavy Heart

Yesterday evening, as I was walking in Phoenix with my three daughters toward Symphony Hall to see the Nutcracker, I was approached by a woman who was obviously in need. She told me her story and thanked me for not cursing her out. She showed me her pregnant belly and asked for money for food. I never give money for food. I give food. And she needed so much more than food. I was caught off gaurd. I was kind, asked her to protect her baby and gave her $5 in cash trusting God to get me out of the parking garage as I had left my purse at a friend's and only had a little cash my husband had given me for parking. I wanted to take her for a hearty meal. Talk to her about her baby, about her, about the Bread of Life, but I didn't have my wallet, I had my girls with me and we were running late for the Nutcracker which had tickets in our name at will call for another family as well, so I couldn't leave them hanging either.... Layer upon layer. And I knew she was probably lying, that her story wasn't altogether accurate. But I didn't care. I saw her need. I saw her. All evening I kept thinking of what I could have done, wishing I had brought her to the ballet with us, telling her I would take her baby that she wants to give up, wishing I had stopped and prayed with her. As I climbed into my warm bed, so thankful for all I have, I lay wondering if she was warm and if my $5 had gone for a hamburger or for crack. Please pray with me for Aquarius.

Thankfulness

I have been journaling much of my gratitude. I have taken cues from life's circumstances and reflected them back to God. Much of it is so personal it might bore you, but I did want to blog about our time with friends in Utah this Thanksgiving. There was so much laughter between us all! We played games with the adults and the kids, we made food together (several kids joined in...it was lovely), we ate good food together, we stayed up late every night, we shared confidences, joys and struggles, we watched our children play, we met new friends(We love you Sharon, Rachel and Jason!), we enjoyed a parade, Christmas lights, beautiful mountains, the cold, and sitting in front of the fireplace. Sharing life for a week was such a treasure.












CR made these beautiful apple pies, with perfectly flaky crust!
I made the pumpkin ones. :)





Hannah, please forgive me! I did not get one good photo of you! I enjoyed you so much, beautiful girl. :)

Expression

I'm so thankful for the endless ways we can express ourselves, especially with our eyes and faces. God's beauty is so reflected there!