Friends. Family. Laughter. Blue sky. Sandhill cranes. Daffodils. Tulips. Fresh apples. Squash. Pumpkins. The Farmer’s Market. Unexpected visits. Late night conversations. Sunrises. Sunsets. Snow days. Garrison Keillor. New friends. Old friends. Those moments when time stands still and you know you are standing on holy ground. Good beer. Tenney. Music. Reflections. Rocks. Lake Superior. Bus trips. The beach. Weathered hands. Baby hands. Awe. Wonder. Fireplaces. Stillness. The Northwoods. Ski lodges. Cracking ice. Red wine. Hugs. Hockey games. New possibilities. Mary’s Place. Roller coasters. Tuckiana Point. Kayaks. Chicken tracks. This American Life. Hearing “I love you.” Books. Time. Wisdom. Courage in the face of death. Learning. Rainbows. Skype. Easter lillies. Tutus. Crocuses. Bald eagles. Winter. Spring. Summer. Autumn. Moving helpers. Neighbors. Compost bins. Geraniums. Tomatoes. Basil. Fresh Mozzarella. Fresh bread. Authenticity. Sand castles. Body surfing. Story telling. Packing groceries. Stepping back to watch. Our amazing staff. Preschool. Sunday School. Route 56. Route 78. Destination Affirmation. The Church Council. The Manor. Home visits. Baptism. Communion. Lefse making. Hidden Talent Night. Poinsettias (even really scraggly ones!). Surprises. Questions. Hard work. Good books. Bike helmets. Chickadees. Cardinals. Wood peckers. The zoo. Football games. Hearing God’s Word in new ways. Fall leaves. Spring flowers. Snow flakes. Ice formations. The giving tree. On Being. The color red. Hot coffee. Pumpkin pie. Christmas baking. Laughing until my belly hurts and tears run down my face. A good cry. Beautiful art. The Chazen. The Church year. The communion of saints. Being a pastor. Pulling weeds. Reel mowers. Clean water. Handwritten cards. Chocolate. Memorial Union. Lake Mendota. The dog park. Yoga. Sand boxes. Vegetable gardens. Fresh cucumbers. Passions. Stars. Bird songs. Water striders. Betty Lou Cruises. Toddlers. Teenagers. Grandparents. Prayers. Physical therapists. Old photographs. Letters. Silly jokes. Honesty. Open-mindedness. Creativity. Gold fish. Ducks. Hostas. Wild flowers. History. Baptismal fonts. Naps. Laser tag. Mini golf. Paddle boats. Capture the flag. Lake Michigan. Butterflies. My parents. My sister. My husband. My husband’s family. Excitement. Volunteers. Giving back. Community. Bethel Horizons. Seeing the world in new ways. Parables. Psalms. Labyrinths. Bells. Silly cards. Technology. Thanksgiving stuffing. Mashed potatoes. Butter. Leftovers. Curry. Squeaky cheese curds. New recipes. Old recipes. Lady bugs. Faith. Hope. Love. Long walks. Puppies. Candles. Singing. Promise. Grace. Forgiveness. The people of Peace. The Word that has become flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
For all of these things and so much more, I give thanks. It is amazing to me just how many ways God is on the loose among us. How have you seen God working this year? For what are you thankful?
In Christ,
Pastor Kirsten
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