I'm getting really used to my new rhythm of life here in Malibu Canyon...I work on one side...and live on the other. Not too shabby.
I drove home today, and my friend Julie came over to hang out and stuff easter eggs for our church's easter egg hunt.
As I drove up and parked in my driveway, I walked to the mailbox to get my mail.
The clouds were puffy and white, the sky a vibrant blue and the hills bright green with yellow flowers. It's almost so beautiful that I can hardly take it in.
Four girls rode by on their bikes and I smiled and said hello. They stopped and asked if I was the new owner of the "pretty house". :) I told them that I was. We had a fun exchange when one of the kids said "who's mom are you?" I said, "oh, no one's...but I do love kids. I'm the children's director in Malibu at the Presbyterian Church. Sooo basically I'm so excited to meet you guys!"
I learned all of their names and grades...2nd grade, 3rd grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. 2 pairs of sisters. They were already telling me I should dig a pool in my backyard, have a party for Halloween (which they promised to attend), and that during the summer "we should hang out". I smiled and was so thrilled with this welcome greeting from my new friends. I told them I was going to be stuffing easter eggs for the kids at church and that I'd leave a few on my front lawn tomorrow for them to come find. They were beyond excited.
As I went back out to my car to retrieve something else, they drove by on their bikes again (making the full loop of the cul-de-sac) I recited their names and then the 3rd grader told me where she thought I should hide the eggs so that no one would take them. As they left they shouted "Bye Kristie! See you soon!"
I keep finding myself excited and surprised by the things God has in store for me here. Who knew He might even have some Children's ministry in my own neighborhood in mind.
Yesterday I had 2 of my 5 year olds at the preschool come by to discuss their questions with what I'd told them about Easter. I think it was their first time that anyone had ever told them about the cross...because they don't attend Sunday School yet. "If God is spirit and he is dead, then how did he have a baby son named Jesus"
Wow. Smart kids! I love to get to hear their questions!
We had fun talking about the gospel together on my couch with their mom. Later the other brother asked "so if heaven made God, then who made heaven?"
I'm painting my home office right now, meeting with my photographer to set up our photo shoot for Life to the Full curriculum, and getting ready to hopefully sell the curriculum come June.
The other day I was walking through my house feeling like it's really much bigger than I need. I've struggled with this sense of "do I deserve this?"
The Lord kind of straightened out my thinking...which was very nice of Him...because otherwise I just keep spinning.
He spoke into my thoughts "I have given you this space so that I can do what I want to do through you"
I thought "ohhh I see. Cool. Well that's fine then...this is really lovely!!"
I just feel so different about life now that it doesn't include a 2 hour commute. It's refreshing to find space to live. I made some chicken tacos for Julie and I tonight, opened a bottle of wine, played my favorite tunes on my iPod, and had some friends stop by. Stuffed eggs, watched LOST. What a beautiful way to spend the evening...and I'm not all stressed out from driving a million miles in traffic. Whew!
I hope you have a beautiful day and that you are able to enjoy those who live around you...and the space you live in. These places we live are a gift. They are a precious gift which are rare and unlikely gifts to so many in the world. I give thanks for it all...for the water that comes out of my faucet, for the people that live around me, and for the peaceful feeling I have right now as I end the day and go to sleep. zzzzz
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