"But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."
As death and the darkness of this world literally chased them through the streets, they were still filled with joy and God's spirit. For a long time, the four of us have played a game at dinnertime where we all take turns sharing our happiest, and crappiest, moments of our days. This practice has revealed so much over time. Some days, the happy moments abound and it's hard to come up with crappies to share. Other days, it's quite the opposite. But never have we had a day where we can't express the good that exists in the everyday. And man, these babes of ours? Like Paul and Barnabas, we have much to learn from their attitudes and outlooks on life. They're wired to see the good, and to shake off the darkness. There's a reason Jesus said we are to believe like them.
Our collection of good things from this first month of the new year. Pulled from pictures and gratitude journals and little slips of papers found in the cup holder of my car, filled with those little moments too sweet to forget.
641. Winter break memories. A full day with not a single plan other than to stay in our pajamas and play with all these new toys. Unless you're Mila, of course, who does not believe in pajamas and would much more prefer cold summer clothes like pink skirts and tank top dresses.
642. These sweet little girl toys that remind me of my own childhood. Channeling camper dream vacations through a Calico Critters play set, complete with a candy apple Creuset I'd like on my own stovetop.
643. Laying in bed talking about the Bible with Beau. He's had a newfound interest that has led to a He Reads Truth Bible app., late night conversations, text messages throughout the day, and now, a Bible study initiated by him with a few good friends. He's a smart cookie and I'm learning so much from his insight and funny translation.
644. The way Mila draws little people. They are adorable and terrifying all at the same time. Uncle Taylor is convinced she could get a job writing (drawing) for Stranger Things. We keep sending pictures of her creations to him, just to make sure he's still thinking about them. ;)
645. New Pinhole Press puzzles from our trip to California. Beau and Cruz's sketchbook creations as they bring "Wilbur" back from Beau's childhood.
646. New cookbooks to thumb through, and Hy-Vee Aisles Online, ordered and delivered on a Saturday morning.
647. A new year and old routines, renewed. Our twenty minute family pickup after dinner, where everything gets put into a laundry basket and we all pitch in to put it where it belongs.
648. And a new year budget that leads to decisions like pancakes for supper instead of Pablos.
649. Our new favorite family pastime - Just Dance on the Wii. Great music, a great cardio workout, and a little healthy competition. Unless Daddy and I are dancing each other. ;)
650. Reading Miss Lina's Ballerinas before bed. Or her most recent favorite, Princess Fairy Ballerina. Or my favorite, those rare nights when she actually falls asleep when I sing to her.
651. The confidence that exudes from her when I give her space to be just who she wants to be. Even when that includes sleeveless dresses when it's ten below and blanket capes safety pinned securely around her neck.
652. Voxer conversation throughout the day with Kate and Jess.
653. Cruz telling us all about Little Stevie Wonder at dinner, which led to a full on dance party of both Stevie and Ray Charles while we did dishes together.
654. Sweet daycare teachers who love on our kids. Sweet Winnie and the impact she's having on these little souls as she teaches them about Africa and a world much bigger than they can fathom. Payton and her sweet friendship with Mila. Emily and fantastic French braids, and Daniel and Tre and Mila's affection toward them.
655. Taking advantage of the sweet slime kits Aunt Kate gave the kids for Christmas. One turned out great, one had a little too much glitter.... :)
656. A simple birthday celebration for our girl, complete with a new Welly Wishers doll that hasn't left Mila's side since she opened her!
657. Making lemonade out of sour lemons. When our plans to spend the day at the Mall of America were disrupted when Mila threw up at our friends' house, we spent our MLK Day at home instead. We made the most of it with bead creations and cooking baking, videos from Dirty Dancing, and an afternoon of Kiwi Crate spy kits. I sure love these simple days at home with my friends.
658. His love of reading. And spelling. And math. And his teacher! I love the way they banter back and forth. Last weekend, she kept telling him she had to get home to pack for our Mall of America weekend. She told him she couldn't wait to go and ride rides with him. Finally, he went up and whispered in her ear, "Are you REALLY coming to the Mall of America with us?!" And she wrote me an email to share this whole story. He's eating up this first grade thing and it makes his mama's heart dance.
659. My new favorite place to curl up and catch up on This Is Us. My own little cocoon on the downstairs couch.
660. A rare lazy Sunday afternoon, watching football and eating impromptu tailgate food.
661. Finding these kids, bellied up to the bar, eating football and choosing between the Patriots and the Jaguars.
662. When she sneaks my perfume and asks to put chapstick on my lips.
663. Last Saturday and it's fifty degree January glory. Fresh air, clean pantries, and pruned plants. Seed packet deliveries from Floret Farms and the promise of green grass and warm sunshine ahead.
664. The return of life group. Candles lit and music on as girls file in and make themselves at home. They chase our kids around the house, pray for our family, and say yes to a book study of Dance Stand Run. It's gonna be good.
What's on your happy list today? I encourage you to stop what you're doing and write down five gifts from today. And then, write five more from tomorrow!
"...the secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is."
-Ann Voscamp
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