Day 4.

I am so thankful for my sister.

She has put up with A LOT from me over the years. Not only is she my sister, but she's one of my dearest friends. I am grateful that the Lord allowed us the privilege of going to K-State together, of living in the same city again after college, of teaching at the same high school and being involved in the same body of believers.

Day 3.

I am so thankful for my mom.

(and not just today on her birthday, but everyday.)

I am very much like her. She "gets" me, when most people don't.

She gives of her time and talents sacrificially.

She has taught me everything I know when it comes to hospitality and entertaining.

She is one of the best people I know and I am blessed to have her as my mom.

I am so grateful for my parents.

Day 2.

I am thankful for my Dad.

I call him Pops.

He calls me Mandy Lynn.

He works harder than anyone I know.

Day 1.

I am grateful for the people who have partnered with me and have 

supported the various opportunities I have had to GO and to serve.

Fall.

what a privilege...

Granted it is only October but I think it is safe to say that my "phrase" of 2011 is this...

What a privilege it is!!!!!!

It is truly something amazing to be a part of something SO MUCH bigger than ourselves. 

The crazy part of all of this is if you would have told me before I went to EA that I would have the opportunity to be a part of this I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED IN YOUR FACE.

Right now it's vague and that's okay. Trust me when it is okay for me to share ALL of the details I will. 

But know this, the people that need to know KNOW and the people that can make it happen will KNOW soon enough. God is BIG. God is GOOD. God is FAITHFUL to HIS promises. God does place the lonely in homes. God is a father to the fatherless. It is WORTH IT to be involved in the lives of children. When people are obedient, crazy awesome, only God could have orchestrated all this, things happen.

Be there.

Presence matters.

Showing up matters.

It's what community is all about.

It's what holds a family together.

Be there.

Be in.

Be ALL in.

Listen.

Ask questions.

Cry some.

Laugh more.

It's messy. 

It's hard. 

It is worth it.

and before you leave, give me a hug.