Mad Props on Monday

slightly late this week...oops!This week the mad prop goes to DC for all the fun free things to do AND the fabulous unseasonably warm fall weather to enjoy some of those things that are outside! You may have heard about the free amazing National Zoo in DC. You may think that the giant pandas are the attraction to see...they seem to get lots of hype. But let me tell you a secret. The coolest thing in the zoo is the lions. My first zoo trip they were walking around roaring and strutting. This past Sunday on my walk they were basking in the sun and posing for photos. They are really fun to watch and you feel like you are getting to hang out with them.

advent.

In case you don't know me. I am a creature of habit and tradition. I don't love change. It's probably one of the reasons I love Christmas so much. There are traditions. I won't tell you right now about all of them, of course that would take too long, but among my favorite is creating a space for devotion and prayer and singing with these amazing girls in Houston (sorry Megan...1) your face is covered by the candle 2) you + me in my heart always = Houston). It's one tradition I hope doesn't fade away any time soon. I'm so excited that we are skyping in a few hours to kick off the season!

Let us begin Advent, waiting.

Getting up and joining the adventure,

Even when we don’t know where it will take us.

Shifting the impatient waiting to expectant living.

Boldly claiming the Good News that we know will come.

Waiting with joy as we reach out with the grace of God that is so much more than amazing.

Let us begin Advent.

I loved the benediction to this online guide to advent.

Mad Props on Monday...

So this week the mad prop goes out to....

Taylor! This was the first place Kristen took me out to eat in DC. Her fav and no one questions why. It's a regular lunch spot for us (sometimes more regular than others) and their sandwiches are oh so yummy. I recommend the Island Ave. It will not disappoint.

free parking.

Have you ever been given something free?

Absolutely free, no strings attached, you did nothing to deserve it?

On Friday when going to grab coffee (hot chocolate, because I still don't drink coffee. yes i'm an adult) with my dear friend, Kaci, who has known me deeply since high school. Her family is like mine and mine is like hers. It's been fun to live close to her again...back to the story.

I was going around the block, circling and looking for parking. I didn't want to pay for parking. I don't like paying to park. I couldn't find a spot so I gave up and decided we'd just park in front of the spot and I resigned that I would pay...we'd only be there about an hour.

We're getting out of the car, the car in front of mines' driver was walking up and getting into his car. I opened my door and he ran up to me and gave me his parking receipt, good until 5:01. It was 3:30! FREE PARKING. I felt like I had just landed on the space in monopoly. I did not know this kind man. I was so excited. I literally remarked, "He just made my day!" I realize it's really like $1.50 but it was a gift, unexpected, unnecessary, unmerited.

Today at church the teacher was talking about how we work so hard for our Fathers love. We often won't just accept it. He was using the analogy of the prodigal son, journeying home. He was tired. Dirty. Stinky. Disheveled. His father ran to him. Kissed him. He embraced the son. I immediately realized sometimes I just need to let my tired, stinky, dirty, disheveled self be embraced by the Father and enjoy Him, like I did so quickly this free parking; instead of trying to earn or understand the how and why behind His love and prove that I'm worthy of it.

E is for...

enjoying the fall. here's some things I've been up to...

embarking. i embarked on a journey to create this bouquet for my sisters wedding.

(bah! i can't get this underline to go away...sorry!)

eva! i love these shots of her getting ready for the wedding...oops!

you may not want to watch a 3 year old and make a broach boquet...just fyi.

engaging. Had fun with the ladies of my family and Eli's Mom praying for the future of the fam.

encouragement. I was so blessed to get to spend time with the Hawkins in October. I love them and it was so refreshing to be with people I know and love...man I have amazing friends, just wish we all lived closer.

What have you been up to this fall?

Mad Props on Monday...

this weeks mad prop goes to....

the franciscan monestary. it's a beautiful little spot. a hidden gem of quiet and has great landscaping. it's not far from my house, so it's easy to escape here to read, journal, wander, and think. it's not often visited by as many people as some other local attractions. this picture is from the summer, i want to go re-visit it soon, before it gets too cold. i'm sure it's just as beautiful in the fall...i'm always hoping to run into a monk in the gardens, but haven't yet.

Mad Props on Monday...

So here's to DC for being cool enough that people want to visit...

This weeks visitor was the one and only EDET! We had lots of fun walking around the city and enjoying the perfect fall weather.

It's always great to have friends around, so please come visit me when you can.

*yes I know I'm posting this on Tuesday, but who posts on their blog when friends are in town?