starting fresh

      Gratitude for

          a house full for Sunday night dinner

          waking in the dark to greet the day

          days spent with faces new and hearts of gold

          mugs on walls, window washing, & yirgacheffe black

          midday naps and hours that run long

          night walks & rooftop concerts

          Old Pine by Ben Howard

          celebration of all sorts

       
       

a grand expedition

There are moments like this where I look at my life and I simply cannot comprehend the vast difference a mere 365 days makes.

A year ago I was anticipating classes, and frankly had no idea what to expect of the new season I found myself in.

The lack of knowledge of what tomorrow holds is still present, but in a new sense. Beyond the counter which I will spend several consecutive hours of my day behind - I truly know not what to anticipate.

There are moments where my mind whirls with all the possibilities - other pauses where I sit and chuckle, wondering what AM I to do?

There is this delightful aura to the life I'm leading at the moment. One of tales not yet unfolded and dreams like a kite flying unfettered in my mind's wind.

This path is scattered with grinds, lined with the friendliest of faces, and I'm being led by my ever-present Guide. To stand and wander down this path - new to me, yet known to Him, is to enter in to the grand expedition. Of which I know not what each day holds, but only
Who holds it.

Whether it contain warm embers of kindred hearts, or if it will bring with it a bridge to traverse over hurt in to healing. Each step is taken in the print of the One that walks before me. With Whom I shall know no fear.

it is here

Images flit back and forth
Words are tossed unabashedly
Pictures give way to living art forms
Speech turns to proclamations of hope

It is here that we dream.

Prayers are poured forth
Wisdom sought for in circles
Conversations with the Most High are had
Encouragement is borne out of crossing lines

It is here that we seek.

Ideas are molded carefully
Hearts light with anticipation
Clasped hands are opened to all He has
Spirits united directed towards One

It is here that we surrender.

little ones

lately it's been hide-and-seek,

chocolate mustaches and blanket forts.

smiles around corners that peek,

and goats nibbling shorts.

thankful for these little ones

and the joy they bring.

g'night friends!

glimpses of lately

7 days. A week back here, the place a call home. It's been sweet time and a feels like the exhale of a big breath after a long semester. Here's a few glimpses in to life lately....

Bittersweet good-byes in the best of places. 

Complete with cups a jo, yummy pizza, and lotsa hugs to go around.

Nights at home with those long-since-seen.

 Indoor s'mores, more coffee, and sleepy eyes.

New adventures in exciting places. 

Seriously "blown" away by the art of glass blowing now.

Celebrating the wonderful mama's in my life. 

Wisdom and beauty right there folks!

Days spent soaking up the sun with these 3 youngsters.

My baby-language is coming back strong.

Eating healthy food in a real kitchen in a real home.

It truly is a splendid thing.

My dorm emptied in to the game room. 

A mess that no insta-effect can remedy. 

(stay tuned this project is still in process)

More time with the little-uns.

Outside, water soaked, and bellies full of watermelon.

This is what summer is made of. Hope you're enjoying these days as much as I am friends!

And oh hey, in case you didn't notice...

It's the WEEKEND!! Now go dance or something, because that's exciting!

i don't know

(image: Pinterest)

I don't know. This is where life is right now. I'm not sure if there's ever been a point at which the future was so unknown to me as it is right now. ( I could be exaggerating here, but really.) There is a staircase before me that is dark, I'm not sure where the first step is, and Papa has called me to wait. To sit here and wait.

I'm not one to wait much. Or if I am waiting, I do what I call "active waiting". I always try to be productive, so if I'm in an office or before class, 99 out of 100 times I will be doing something-making a list, reading a book, checking email, on the phone.

What's funny as I sit and re-read what I've just wrote is that the emphasis of the unknown is on me. I don't know, and that's just it- I don't. I never truly know. But He does. And this is the Truth I cling to. Because I know His character-He is good, He is faithful, and gives joy and peace abundantly. And He has been so wonderful to show me that this week.

So many little blessings, makarios, have twinkled to show light in the midst of the dark unknown. I could literally list the many things that keep me looking Up. From the people who have walked across rooms just to open the door for me, the visiting students saying "Howdy! I hope you feel better!" as I pass, the friends whose selflessness has astounded me as they walk me from class to class carrying my bag, and the countless texts, messages, phone calls asking how I am and if there's anything that can be done. I find myself joyfully speechless as the flash of these little lights flit on by.

I knew from the beginning, when I approached this staircase and Papa whispered to stay here and wait, that JOY was going to be found at this landing. He hasn't ceased to deliver. Again and again, joy appears, the lights twinkle by, and because of His Hope I look Up. And while I don't see the path before me, I know Who walks beside me and holds my hand.

In Him alone, I can trust. How lovely?

May your day be wonderful and you have eyes to see His makarios, my dears!

when life looks different

When life looks different from what you thought it would....


you learn to walk without seeing the next step

you see what a gift those around you truly are

you laugh at unexpected circumstances

you cry a little at the unknown

you hold tightly to the Truth: "I am the same yesterday, today, and forever."

you have the choice of Joy Abundant every moment & His Strength to make it

you rest so securely in the arms of a Savior that loves you dearly and hears your every whispered cry