What Julianna Could See

Have not posted lately for 2 reasons:

1.) Haven't felt like it. for a few reasons i will not get into.

2.) Have been quite busy with all manner of mundane things (also known as 'monks work') as well as very exciting happenings.

Portland was ÜBER rad. Very fun being there with D and M, staying in our cute little place on Ogden, walking to Fat Abe's and Papa Haydens for breakfast/brunch, strolling Washington Park, on and on...Love it more than ever and am very excited about things that happened while we were there.


Got the coolest, sweetest and most beautiful book for A at the coolest toy store, 'SpielWork' in Sellwood: 'What Julianna Could See'
She must now have it read to her at least 5 times daily.

Felt so hopeful to visit two really great churches where we can actually see ourselves feeling at home (Imago and Mosaic). Mosaic is a really neat church with a sincere, down-to-earth vibe, and the new pastor there gave an inspiring message on tapping into the power of God and watching Him do incredible things in spite of our own inadequacies. Kelly's dear friend Abby was also gracious enough to meet with the 5 of us for coffee and share her experience so far with living in Portland. As kind as ever, she looked like a million and seemed extremely relaxed, even while managing 3 active boys. How, exactly is that possible? I will never know. I have one tiny, relatively calm and reasonable girl and already look disheveled and worn-out.

Imago Dei is also extremely cool and pushing the boundaries of church the way Weinershnitzel is 'Pushing the Boundaries of Taste.' (an aside: ...am feeling very guilty that I still owe Rick McKinley (of Imago) a review on his book, This Beautiful Mess--which I finished in November. Am a bit overwhelmed by how to concisely articulate all that this book means...have sat down to write a review many, many times only to feel intimidated by the task. ) Seriously though: what can be said about a church where the Sunday Morning sermon is on Social Justice? You can click here to download this inspiring and challenging message that was tag-team preached by John Perkins and Paul Metzger.

Being a part of two vibrant communities like that for just one week, makes you feel renewed. Being in a city where people are actually nice and inclusive, actually know their neighbors, care about the environment and even walk around with sweats and messy hair sometimes is just plain good for the soul. To be able to walk to get your breakfast is the icing on the cake.