So...here's a fun story I've been itching to share for, oh, I don't know...maybe nine months? Sounds about right. You and I have waited long enough so I'll jump right in. Earlier this year Steve and I were 98% certain we'd be calling Australia our permanent home by the end of 2018. We figured we'd … Continue reading A Toast to Nauseating Plot Twists
Here we are. The day before Easter Sunday. When I began this initative on February 10th I had few preconceived designs of how this would play out. All I knew was that my heart was full of wonder and gratitude and I didn't want the opportunity to express it pass by any longer. Many people, … Continue reading day 40/40: #40shoutouts40days
To my friend Brother Lawrence, Greetings from the digital era. You'll be pleased to know you have your own Wikipedia page now and you've managed to impact my daily routine despite living a partially concealed life of service in 17th-century Paris. Consider this a round of applause for living your life well and teaching me … Continue reading day 39/40: #40shoutouts40days
"Well," he said frankly, "those are exquisite orchids." He tilted his head and an unwarranted look of skepticism spread across his bearded face. His words and his expression were incongruous. I would eventually recognize the look on this man's face but at the time, I didn't know what to think. Leaning in, he squinted to … Continue reading day 38/40 #40shoutouts40days
Dear Tim Keller, My husband and I chose an unusual passage of scripture to be read at our wedding. You know when Jesus discusses how God provides food for the birds and dresses the fields with lilies? Then tells his audience to chill out and quit fretting over what to eat and wear? How romantic, … Continue reading day 37/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Terry and Michelle, Do you remember when you risked piloting your leadership course on me, Celeste, Angela, Shaun and Jason in 2003? Bless you. That was pure fun, vital therapy. Considering all the time you spent with us, I practically owe you thousands. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could legitimately … Continue reading day 36/40: #40shoutouts40days
It's Holy Week and I'm in a pickle. Today is Day 35. This is when my eyes bathe in happy tears and my heart explodes and I have a lot to share. This is the important stuff. (Not to imply that charcuterie and Indian food are not important- they are holy in their own right … Continue reading day 35/40: #40shoutouts40days
The teenage years. Such an awkward time, right? Butterfly clips and body glitter and boy bands. No thanks. Adolescence was dicey in the nineties. I'm glad I never have to navigate those stormy waters again. Thank God the digital landscape was nearly uninhabited back then. It's exponentially more complicated for teens now since social media … Continue reading day 34/40: #40shoutouts40days
I have one last musical guest to applaud on the road to Easter. It seems appropriate for this man to precede the the remaining people. The rest of the bunch are those who have directly or indirectly shaped my spiritual life. To some degree, he falls in that category too. Some context for you. In … Continue reading day 33/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear super amazing first boss, For Lent I decided I would leisurely stroll down memory lane, thanking people who played a role in my life, big or small. Tonight I am grappling for the right words because I feel like I owe you so many more thanks than I could possibly articulate on so little … Continue reading day 20/40: #40shoutouts40days
ELISSA JOY WATTS 