Counsel to one of God's Best Gifts regarding impending commencement of yet another stress-laced yoke of academia:

Dear daughter mine:

Your internship is meant for YOU, not for the institution. You've always been good at identifying the "have to's", getting them done, and fitting your "want to's" in as well. I have complete confidence that your abilities will serve you well.

That said, you do know that "by yourself, you can do nothing" (John 15). God is your Source, your Sustenance, and your Guide. You have a wonderful trip coming up... use that time wisely --- meditate on the Words of God and invite Him to fill your cup to overflowing. He Will, you know.

I love you forever. And I am praying for you every day.

xoxo,

mama

And her reply? "Thanks, Mom. You always know just what to say". Thank YOU, Papa, for Words to speak Truth, and Grace to Love well.

Facebook? Instigator of my Gift List? Really?

After years of reading this blog and months of waffling about The List, I commented on a Facebook friend's related status. Several weeks later, an online study was born of One Thousand Gifts ... an answer my heart's cry for women + bible + koinonia.

Hence, the beginning of my List:

‎#1 of my 1000 Gifts: Koinonia with Eucharisteo.

#2,3,4,5 ... Saturday morning (thank You, Papa) + Starbucks Columbian (thank you, TJMaxx clearance cart) + Half & Half Cream (thank you, Kimmy Neely) = ♥ ♥ ♥