Happy Father's Day... to the only true Good, Good Father.

I know... it feels like this should have been published Sunday, right?

I get that. 

It's just that I just wrote it today... and really, it was more from me to Him, than from me to you - but since it is Monday and I'm all about play dates with God and counting my gifts and such, I thought I would go ahead and share. 

Trust me... it's right on time!

It's Monday morning, and as it has become our tradition, I grab my coffee and a (small stack of) book(s) and go sit outside for some quiet and slow waking up.  (It is Monday, after all!)

It's early... well, early enough that the sun hasn't quite made it up and over our giant black walnut tree.  No... it just flirts with me with streams of sunlight filtering through branches as the birds sing their morning songs. Lawn mowers, distant traffic, and sprinklers join in with the symphony of summer.

Here I sit, as shade fades and the light warms my shoulders, I close my eyes, shift my attention, listen beyond the sound into the silence, and I breathe Him in.

I wonder:

"Did I forget to say it yesterday? Happy Father's Day? I know I thought of You, God. I referenced You, compared others with You, even lifted up worship and praises to Your Name. But did I turn my full affection and attention to You and say, Happy Father's Day, God? Did I tell you that I'm so glad You're my Abba, my Daddy, my Father --and that I am Your daughter, sister, beloved, Bride?

It's true! I am so, so glad, that You are a Good, Good Father. I want You to know that more than anything else, I long for You... for Your Presence, for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, for Your Justice and Mercy to pour out and in and through..."

In my hushed morning hour, I lean in and remember yet again that this seemingly lack of productivity is actually, below the surface, producing MUCH in me, and I give thanks.

So I count on... Last week was full of celebrating, of wonder, of gifts in all shapes and sizes... These are a few random 'gifts' that I captured last week. Thank you Instagram for all the reminders! Hello (again!) mid-40's forgetfulness!

 An evening of worship (and s'mores!)

My Honey and I got to bring the Word on Sunday,

sharing on Worship and Creativity!

 Aaaah, Monday Rituals!!!

One of our Favorite Summer Meals!

(Cheater style... Lean Cuisine Thai Spring Rolls

and a super easy Caesar Pasta Salad!)

Fun Mail! I won this from my friend Barbie!
It's on Repeat in my car now!

Off to Bible Study wearing my #ftfclub Village Artisan Necklace

and carrying my JOYN tote from Fair Trade Friday!

This Jonah Boy... he follows me from room to room

and is always at my feet!

Praying over the names of the gals who made my new bag, 

and seeking a bit of quiet in the middle of a noisy Starbucks!
(A Challenge God gave me... to find Quiet in a noisy setting!
It can be done, but it takes intentionality and work!)

And then Birthday messages begin with this one from my Mama.

Every year, she tells me the traumatic story of my birth,

reminding me of how much she and Jesus love me

and how He has plans for me!

And this one from my Girlie... 

(Keepin' it real, y'all!)

#SorryNotSorry

 Birthday plans: to hang out with said Girlie, pretty much all. day. long!

We hit a new outdoor eatery, saw a matinee,

then we went swimming at my friend Barbara's house!

 Dinner celebrations with My Honey (and Girlie, too!)

and a little live music & more celebrations downtown!

Yeah. I'm a pretty big deal.

(Only just the Opposite of that! LOL!

...but it was the official kick-off of our

Summer Downtown Thursday night Market!)

 Perfect timing: My 1st ever Fair Trade Friday Club box!

A trial box stuffed with GORGEOUSNESS!

A few of these items will be featured right here
in July as a Giveaway!

 Dinner out of town with 4 of our very best friends...

Good wine, good food, good friends!
Too many gifts to count!

A super cool birthday gift from my friend Amy...

because SHE KNOWS ME!!!

New earbuds, new podcasts lined up, and a new (longer) route,

because did you see all that delicious food up there?

Yeah... back on track, baby!

 In the midst of last week, let's not forget #Charleston... 

not a gift, for sure - but more of a(nother) wake up call...

Praying it continues to work, long term! #EndRacism

Art Journaling through Psalm 23
(and coffee!) #Swoon

While I was doing that (above)

my Honey was fishing, and he sent me this, on Father's Day,

and all I could think of is that old commercial (for Lifesavers?)

"Do it again, Daddy! Do it again!"

And lastly, because I know it's been like, DAYS,

since I posted any of my Hydrangeas and you must have been

wondering how they are doing! (You're welcome!)

So how are you setting aside a bit of time to play with God? To sit in silence and just be with Him? How are you finding gifts and blessings and wonders both Big and Small, all around you? I'd love to hear!

P.S.  I'm linking up with these lovely writers:

The Community over at #SmallWonders 

Laura Boggess over at #ChasingTheBlueFlower

Holly Barrett for #TestimonyTuesday

Kelly Balarie for #RaRaLinkUp

Oh - and you thought I forgot... I didn't forget!

Here, a little video of a song that has become

sort of a 'theme song' for our new church... Enjoy!