He’s carried me through so much lately… what I celebrated most though were my two pregnancies. Both were high risk, complicated, and followed more than a few losses. Both my babies came early, but we manage to stay out of nicu and both are thriving. I thank God for them every day.

Who else has printed out pages from this week? I am super excited for this one. I read through Exodus 15 yesterday. It’s beautiful. I’m looking forward to sitting again tonight.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how hard it is to move forward when you’ve spent a long time in survival mode. Miriam’s story happens after the sea closes behind them. The danger was over… but someone still had to teach the people how to sing again. 🌊💜 That part really stayed with me this week.

When I first met my husband I used to have a monthly tea party. It was really just a themed dinner for the kids, but when life got harder and I entered into a difficult season I couldn’t manage the energy or excitement for it. They don’t know it yet… but we’ve been prepping all month for the relaunch of our monthly dinner parties. This months theme is “desert promises” and Isaiah 43:19. I have some pink disco balls and pink tinsel and we’re gonna make a pink and green paper chain this weekend… the step kids are at their mom’s and I want to surprise them with the decorations when they get back on Monday night… that way, they can be excited all day, Tuesday at school, knowing that we’re having a special dinner that night. My husband reminded me recently that I was the “coordinator of good vibes“ in our house and it reminded me how much other people are looking to me to show them the way.

This week we’re journaling through Exodus 15 and spending some time with Miriam — the woman who led Israel in worship on the other side of the sea. She didn’t wait for permission to celebrate. She picked up the tambourine and she moved. If you’re journaling with us this week, tell me: What moment in Exodus 15 hits different for you — the crossing, the song, or Miriam’s tambourine? 🌿