A Day of Indulgence

I quite possibly have the best staff in the world. For my birthday this week, my team got me a Spa Day of Indulgence at my favorite solitude location: The Montage at Laguna Beach.

For the past 5 years or so I've been coming to the Montage almost every month to create space to reflect, dream, and listen to God on matters of my life and ministry. I come here because the views are breath-taking and nature energizes me. I come to the same bench every month because it's now like holy ground with God. I come because I live at Mach 2 speed but want to live more centered and focused on eternal things. I come because I need the rest. I come because I want the people I lead to have more of this in their lives.

So, after my birthday lunch this week, my team said "Every month for the past several years, you've been coming to the Montage as an outsider looking in. Tomorrow we want for you to be on the inside. So tomorrow you will hang out at the Montage all day, get a massage, have lunch on the pool deck, and have sunset yoga facing the ocean." Are you kidding me!??! I still can't believe it. It was the most magical, exquisite day. **This DOES have an adoption application. Check out the pics first and then read about the connection.

Views from the spa pool deck...

The whirlpool with a sauna room, steam room, and plunge pool nearby...

The bathroom...
LUNCH! Ahi Tuna on field greens for an appetizer and Mahi Mahi sandwich. Delicious!!!

On my way to the beach, I couldn't stop singing "How He Loves Us" by David Crowder Band and "Oh How He Loves Me" by Rita Springer. I just couldn't get over how loved I felt by my team and by my God.

While at the Montage, I was thinking about that phrase "a day of indulgence". Indeed it was on every level. I wouldn't mind spending a day a week there. But I also thought about how indulgently God cares for me and our babies everyday. He's orchestrating lavish love on our entire family right now in ways that we know and do not. God can't help it. He's just an indulgent, extravagant, decadent God. Though our kiddos probably didn't spend yesterday at the spa on the beach, his love isn't limited to spa days. It goes deeper than that.

I'm so grateful for the day of indulgence yesterday and how God spoke to me about his love for us! Be indulged today by God's reckless love for you.

Ethiopian T-Shirts

Last year for my birthday my dear adoption momma friend, Erin, got me this t-shirt reminding me that I AM a mom to 2 kids on the other side of the world. Of course, I cried. And I've worn it on days when I've been hopeful, sad, longing, or just missing our kids.

Since then we've bought and given away a number of this style of shirt to friends and family. They have a variety of t-shirt brands, colors, and styles, and in every "family" term you need. I think they make a pretty darn good gift. I don't get any kickback on these shirts, but I wish I did because they are so great.

Today, was my dear friend, Cassidy's birthday. Today we officially invited her to be an "auntie" to our little ones. It's one of the ways we are inviting people into the village to raise our little ones, and also to say "thanks" to the friends who've supported and loved us through this crazy long journey. Happy Birthday, Cassidy!

A Blessing

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships - so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people - so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war - so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world - so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen.