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Through Hope Rising For India, for 20 years we have been investing deeply into the lives of those in Nellore India. 15 outreach locations serving and leading together with the love of Jesus.

And on Palm Sunday each year, children of the neighborhood, of all different faith backgrounds, come together to decorate palm fronds with flowers. They sit together – work together – eat together – and celebrate together. And many will join in the Palm Procession. I need not imagine a world where this can happen – as it is happening – right in front of us. Do we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear what God is doing as children walk together? May we adults not mess it up but rather foster this kind of shared life together!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!

Merritt and I were blessed to attend this event that has been running for 29 years strong. We have friends through Decatur High School and their band was selected for the first time to play at this event. 5 schools – a packed Paramount with 3000 strong – and an evening of every teen Sharing their gifts and talents of music.

We may be a little biased but Decatur was the best band in the house on this night.

Merritt plays in Jazz band at Lakota. Every morning they rehearse at 7 am. With each practice their confidence grows. Their directors blessing them with skill for their craft. Making music together is a beautiful thing!

Thank you to all who serve so faithfully in your roles to grow kids up in the arts!

We had the joy of attending our Seattle Torrent hockey game at Climate Pledge on Sunday evening. We hopped on the light rail in Federal Way and rode on into Westlake Center – then a quick transfer to the monorail – and boom we were right at the doorstep of the arena. What a gift to have this kind of public transportation.

The game was a blast. Seeing all of these women living their passion while cheered on by 18000 folks is awesome. Merritt and Jewel were all smiles. I am so blessed to be their dad.

Let’s Go Torrent!

When driving all over the various areas of our metro area there is so much good wall art to see. I often find myself pulling over to snap a quick pic. I then think of the artist – their passion for their craft – and the story they are seeking to tell.

What do you see? What do you think? What stories make up your life? What stories do you hope to create.

As children we practiced Show and Tell in our classrooms. As adults what do we reflect from our lives into the world? Not necessarily with words, but actions.

Thank you street artists and friends for enlivening story into our lives.

Mental Health comes to me in steps taken. And some weeks that means lots of intentional steps. 12 miles yesterday in the pouring rain brought blessing step by step. Reorganizing mental maps and files – letting go of some unanswered stuff – stepping into work that needs doing – relief – time to prayer – time to listen – time to be. Thank you Lord.

An incredible sport and one where you improve by an inch at a time. Proud of our girls for testing their limits and expanding their horizons. This too is life and blessing.

The trees are blooming and I love soaking it in so 13.1 hiking miles were explored today in our surrounding neighborhoods. Everyone neighbor caring for a small plot adds beauty to the mosaic of the world. Don’t miss it – explore as much as possible. Simple joys – seeing my favorite tree on the daily commute – each bud on a tree coming into bloom – fresh air and refreshed lungs – smiles of neighbors out walking – there is joy to found all around. Thanks be to God.

Jewel has taken to the balance beam for this winter sports season. Pretty amazing to watch kids try all of these different things. The team does a great job of encouraging one another. Thank you coaches and families for being good sports and encouraging all kids! Go Jewel go.

Hard to believe but Koko has arrived at 18 years old. How can this be? Have we really been journeying this long? How am I old enough to have an 18 year old? She is getting a kick out of being an “adult” as she says. Time to get registered to vote and looking into some job applications. She loves serving the community and socializing as much as possible. We are thankful to share stories and photos with family all around the world. Precious moments to hold on to. With each candle and each day. We are simply reminded to never take a precious day for granted. Thank you God for our daughter Koko.