Erin got tagged by Heather who tagged me. And Erin ends her L'Chaim entry with an all-play, so I figured I'd bring this thing full circle. Feel free to do the same.

A friend who has blessed me: Virginia Swint. She loves me and one way she shows it is by serving. She loves my daughter, and has developed her own relationship with her. She’s respectful of my time. She is always kind. And as mentioned last time, when I was hospitalized, she spent two nights by my side in an uncomfy chair so I would not have to be alone. (I was in pain, and she kept ice on my hip all night.) She is an avid reader and interesting to talk to, but is more interested in asking others about themselves than talking about herself.

An unexpected gift: Benji and Greta’s free tickets to hear Maya Angelou.

A kind word shared with me recently: Julie at DTS told me on Friday in front of another co-worker that she is a shameless fan of Sandi Glahn.

Something that made me stop and praise God: The rain in North Central Texas on Saturday had our entire household whooping and offering loud thanks.

Something I'm looking forward to: October in Germany in the company of the faithful.

A particular part of me I'm pleased with: I can track down the meaning of a Greek word. For example, devoted was often used of a docked boat designated for use. As a writer, I love these gems that add so much to my experience of the biblical text.

Something in my life that I wanted but never expected: To write novels.

A place that moved/moves me: Grand Teton National Park. Oh, the majesty! “Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.”

One thing/person that always makes me smile: Jellico, our black and white cat. (He got his name from my misunderstanding of T. S. Eliot's verse, Jellicle cats are black and white; Jellicle cats are rather small./Jellicle cats are merry and bright/And pleasing to hear when they caterwaul.) The cat adores my husband to the point of nausea, padding around after him, or crawling up on his chest for some attention. Hilarious in a feline.

Most recent "love note" from God: Hearing Kelley pray yesterday that God would be a father to the fatherless and a husband to widows.