11/5

Grateful for my best friend and her brother! Their example of love, compassion, kindness, and loyalty to me is so encouraging and supportive! So thankful they include me in their family too. Thanks Abba for placing them in my life as randomly yet purposefully as you did, You are good.

11/4

Grateful for sleep. Naps, dreams, beds, pillows, snoring, waking up renewed. All of it. Sooo grateful that sometimes sleep is the best medicine for a bad day or restless heart. Thanks Abba.

11/3

Grateful that God brought so many teenagers in my life! They keep life moving, fun, and hopeful for the future. So much potential in these kids you guys! Seriously, embrace the teens. Thanks Abba for my broz and sistaz.

11/2

Grateful for second chances. That people are willing to give me second chances, and third, and fourth, and fifth....thankful for the never ending supply of grace. Thanks Abba!

11/1

Grateful for my aunt who cares for me deeply, fights for me, loves me well, and is probably the one my mom would want as her substitute after she passed. Thank you Abba.

Rosa Ramirez

What's on my mind? The Ugly-Beautiful

The orange and grey sunset across the bay,
unnatural and polluted, yet lights up the autumn
sky with brazen glory and presence, purposeful.

The concrete sidewalks sprinkled with urine, needles,
trash, and banana peels. The home of those looking
for hope; the way of life that tangles and oppress.
Then, the eyes. The blue lined eyes of the old
Spanish woman, pushing her cart, pushing towards Jesus,
the joy of her day.
Nothing to own, nothing to give.

"But, I am happy."
The truth in her words that only resonate in me
at my best.

The corner of Wall and Willow.
"My residence!" She says, "Come see my residence!"
I walk with fake confidence, worried she'll invite me in,
worried she'll be mad I can't stay, worried where I'll sit.

Three more steps, cross the street.
Chinese gift shop on the corner,
"They will let me know when you visit."

There it is.
Two royal blue tarps covering three grocery carts.
Filled with crates, plastic bottles, clothes, and knick knacks.
With a smile as wide as the ocean, missing teeth,
"Here! Here is my residence!"

I've been invited into the residence, a home she created by hand.
Her hands are grateful for every bottle. Her hands recognize
"I have nothing, but I am happy."

The heartbeat of my life is to worship in Your light.

This song. This. Can't get enough.

Your glory is so beautiful.