Celebrating redemption

This weekend, we not only celebrated the most fiercely beautiful event in history - our Jesus's death and resurrection - but also celebrated the most fiercely beautiful event in our own personal journey.

18 years of marriage.

To know our story means you know the truth about our brokenness even in the middle of a "good life". To know our story means you know the truth about redemption and growth and "all things new". We celebrate our love every day. Celebrate the truth - that it's only from God's big hands that we find our security, our purpose, and even the deep love we swim in for each other.

Redeemed Love

Today we went on a hike that turned out to be shorter than we had planned - after hearing what seemed to be the fevered chant of a sangoma swelling closer and closer to where we sat, sunning ourselves on a stone by the water. Billy says I panicked and ran, and he laughs.... I say I saved his life as we were alone in an isolated canyon with no one to hear our screams if the meeting proved unfriendly. You have to know, I'm laughing here too - but only because I know we are safe. I'd run again. Just saying.

ANYWAY- we hiked. We often enjoy the easiness and steady space that hiking affords us. To let conversation amble along following the journey as our feet step together through bush and stones and across water. To let silence be our friend. To wonder at the stunning landscapes or tender flower along side the path - equally worth our attention. To reflect, to glance forward, to hold hands and be thankful for the *now* .

To recognize who we are.

1 Peter 4:7

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

-the message translation