The B-day week is continuing on! But I really believe that is the last celebration. I am surrounded by some of my favorite people here in Pittsburgh. Alex made me a delicious cheese cake, yummy! I felt very loved and honored. Friends is one of God's best gifts to me!

The fabric of my life is woven by the threads of friendships I have.
Strengthened by deep conversations,
inspiring acts of love,
giving of one self,
connecting with Christ and others,
living life in rough terrain,
bonding through encouragement,
focusing on truth,
growing together in the awareness of God's grace,
gaining insight into oneself and God,
sharing authentically struggles and pain,
overcoming shame by speaking it,
encouraging to see God's kindness in the daily routine of life,
pursuing the best for and in one another,
rejoicing in the others successes,
carrying the crushing pain of the brokenness of life,
bearing the heartfelt pain of my soul,
staying in the presence,
living in the moment ,
loving, just loving. 

Lunch with friends at a charming country restaurant was part of my Birthday week. Traveling in class makes it even more fun.

A friend of mine inspired me to start a small project  for the coming year. Taking a picture every other day or so of usual and unusual moments of my everyday life. The goal is to recognize and grow in awareness of the fullness my life. Often I "forget" that in small and "ordinary" things treasures are hidden that are worthwhile to explore and ponder. My Birthday is a perfect start for such a project. Discover with me what a year of life can hold.

Friends and neighbor celebrate with God's kindness on my B-day!

Congratulation Germany! Winning the World Cup what a great experience. Mark, Christine and I watched at the Hofbraeuhaus in Pittsburgh! The crowd was great and we had fun painting our faces.

Hi Friends!

Exciting news! My friend Lisa and I signed the application for a non-profit organization. We labored over the name for some time and came up with:

"Reflecting God's Grace Ministries"

Hopefully before the end of the year we will be incorporated! Praise God with us, HE is so good!

My friend Christine and I had a great time watching the USA soccer game! True to colors we painted out faces! What fun we had; all though we were really sad when our team lost. Good that the Germans are still in the World Cup!