thanksgiving

Thankful for my husband, for our home, for skype so we can be with family today, for baked french toast, for an exciting and full weekend of good things, for new and old friends, for a God who loves us, for this past year, and for this next year, knowing God will still be with us.

(photo via gusandlulua)

bye vibe

It's just a car, but it was sad to say goodbye. Thankful for all the adventures. Thankful for all the people it carried. Thankful for safety. Thankful for singing and dancing. Thankful for the conversations it held. Thankful for a first kiss while listening to Sufjan Stevens.

Thankful for where I've been.

two days late mother's day

"Mom, Always sounds like Love, Always."

To my mom, this is true. And to my mother-in-law and grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Thank you. You deserve to be celebrated, to be thanked, to be honored. I love you so very much.

(quote from NYTimes via A Cup of Jo)

blueberry

Two days ago, the thought and smell of food made my stomach queasy. I'm unsure if it was a one day stomach flu, but I felt awful. Monday felt like forever. Yesterday was better, but still off. This morning, I woke up with an appetite and free of a headache. I made smitten kitchen's blueberry muffins to share with my husband and then with my neighbors.

enough

Reminding myself where I was two weeks ago. Ireland was beautiful and restful. Hard to believe, it's only and already been two weeks, feels like yesterday and over a month ago at the same time. Such a reflection of the pace of this past year. Last spring was full of preparing for graduation and marriage. Again, we find ourselves in a time of waiting. Our hearts preparing for New Zealand while trying to be present to our responsibilities at this time. I'm trying my best to reflect, to appreciate every big and little moment, to thank God for all the time He's given us.

People keep asking me if we're ready to move. Of course, we are ready in some ways. We are excited to move. We really miss Clint, Jamie and the girls. We are ready to participate in the ministry that has begun in Christchurch, already seeing the way in which God is gathering others and working on hearts. But I can't help praying that these next few months go slow enough, not to delay moving forward, but so we might cherish this time, this place, these friends, our family. Trusting that this time is enough. That He will provide more than enough.

easter

It seems fitting. The seven of us gathered to celebrate the thing that has brought us together, to live in seminary housing and be neighbors. To have friends who have felt God's love, and in response, deeply want to understand him so we might share with others.

"In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, He has risen!'"

(Luke 24:5-6)

home

Adventures are fun. To finish off March, I spent last week in Ireland with my mother-in-law. Blessed to be given an opportunity to travel and such fun to spend it with family. I'll share some of our trip highlights next week. 

It's always good to come home. I missed my husband, our place, our neighbors. This little apartment is only ours for a few more months. So many memories in this space and still more to happen. Friends to visit, dinners, graduation party, birthday celebrations. Such a sweet season we've been given.

spring thanks

Spring is good. I love our windows open to keep the house cool. I love sitting on our porch. I love grilling. I love kids outside on the playground. Even though it's dark when I wake up every morning, I hear birds singing.

court in the city

My friend Courtney is a good person, a great person, the best kind of person. I could brag about her all day from how much she reads to how much she loves her crazy adolescents she counsels to being the most efficient and caring card sender I know. It would take days to tell you how much Courtney has been there for me these past five years. She's a good person and a good friend.

And she came to see me in New Jersey. Seriously, that plane ticket is not cheap from Michigan. She didn't even think twice about it. We had so much fun, and ate so much, seriously, we ate the whole time. That's pretty much my tour of Princeton, all my favorite tea, ice cream and food places.

We went into the city where we ate amazing french food with another Courtney (!), saw Jimmy Fallon (!!!), explored NYC Public Library, hung out in Grand Central Station, and walked the Brooklyn Bridge.

We had much needed conversation, even with my cluttered head and sleep deprived body. We talked about good and hard things, about the future and possibilities. And I'm so excited for Courtney and how God is using her to love her kids (I love how she describes them, "Emilie, they're just naughty"). Her heart is too big for her body, and she loves them, wants change and the best for them. She loves other well, really well. Thanks for visiting, Court, and thanks for being my friend, love you much.

march

March is here. Yes, twelve days in and loving it. What a month so far starting with my college best friend visiting and then spending last week in Seattle with Logan's sister and brother-in-law. I'll digest the last couple weeks in between work. It's been full and special, so thankful for these moments, too precious to not reflect.

Oh, and Princeton is expecting seventy degrees all week. It's a completely different world at our apartment complex and downtown. Reminds me of college in spring. Blankets in open grasses, ice cream in hand, busy playground, taking walks, dresses and shorts, open windows, everyone is outside. Okay, time to barbeque. Happy spring, friend.

thanksgiving

What a good day, a really good day. Parents arrived. Shared a meal. Now I'm heading to work. So many things to think about, remember, and be thankful for this year.

Happy Thanksgiving, friend.

p.s. Logan was the best. We managed to fit our seven pound turkey breast into our neighbor's crock pot after trying two others. Good memory. Favorite husband.

to my mom

Happy Birthday, Mom. I'm sorry I can't be home to celebrate your birthday, but am so excited for you to visit this week. It makes it easier knowing that in a few days we will be cooking, laughing and spending time together.

You are a hippie still to this day loving things homemade and organic. You are beautiful, strong, and steadfast. You love God, dad, and our family with every beat. You have been a mother to more than just us kids, but also to our friends who lived at our house growing up. You are such a giver. I am who am and the things I care about are deeply shaped by the guidance from you and dad. Thank you for raising me in the church, teaching me to be involved, putting me in places to be transformed by Christ's love, giving grace, teaching me to forgive, and loving others to a fault (this might be genetic). I know that some people don't have moms like you, so involved and caring. I am so thankful.

As I get older, people hear my voice or see me, and say, "Man, you remind me of/sound like/look like your mom." It is a compliment of the kind, warm, and giving person they know. I feel pretty comfortable about growing more and more into that type of person.

Happy birthday, I love you.

love stories

Ruche Clothing's blog has been sharing different "Love Stories." Yesterday, they featured a post of mine written during my addictions counseling practicum. You can check out the post here. Very cool, I'm so encouraged. Take time to look at the previous "Love Stories" posts, such inspirational and beautiful stories.

I'm still trying to live by those words. The difficulty is recognizing enemies that are close to me, whether neighbors, co-workers or even close friends. It can be hard to be happy for others. I know so many people (along with myself) who struggle with that, especially when others are being blessed and you feel empty-handed. It is easy to treat others as an enemy, silently praying God to not bless them as much or to share it with you. It's terrible to admit, but I've definitely been there. In college for Minority Group Relations, my professor set aside the first five minutes of every class to pray for our enemies. It really allowed the Spirit of God to change my heart and thinking. It was humbling and hard to pray greater things for those I'm jealous of and those who make me feel inferior. I still do this when I find myself not wanting to love someone. I do not pray for me or for God to change my heart, but I pray for them (in a good way).

Such good timing for me to reflect that post. I start my first registered nurse position this Monday. I am excited to encourage and care for those who are troubled, abused, and broken. I hope that my patients will allow me to help fight the chains of addiction and complexities of mental illness with them. I pray for humility and willingness, for God to fill my cup so I can fully listen and give, for him to bless them. I pray they feel His presence and discover His love.

monday thanks

Man, I can't believe it's Monday. Last week was good and long but full. Every time I seem to accomplish one thing, I am already half-way into the next thing. It's been such a season filled with celebrations and difficulties. I'm not very good at sitting down, rejoicing in successes or blessings, and giving thanks. Mostly for God, partly for myself, and hopefully for later, I'm writing thanks to remember this season of God's strength and grace.

I am thankful for good smellin' flowers in my room from my first bridal shower. My three sister-in-laws are amazing for such a beautiful shower and afternoon. Seriously, the best part of bridal showers is being encouraged by friends and family. And the words of wisdom are especially great, my great-aunt Pauline gave the funniest advice: "When loves lights up, let the supper burn."

I am thankful I passed my English Composition Clep. I think I might graduate.

I am thankful for the patience of loved ones. I know in hard and busy seasons is when I am most challenged to be patient and kind. Obviously, at times, I'm the worst. I become grumpy, irritated, short-tempered, but my family gives so much grace, which reminds me to be a much nicer person.

I am thankful that my research thesis is finished through the help and encouragement of my advisor. I was so blessed by those who came to my research presentation last Wednesday. I felt so loved.

I'm thankful for getting things done on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in order to spend time with friends on the weekend. Saturday evening, I enjoyed eating Uppercrust pizza in the park and loving this spring weather.

I was able to go home for lunch on Sunday. My mom and dad made the best meal: steak, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes.

When I came back to campus, some beautiful friends of the Honors College had a little shower for all of us engaged folk. It was fun to be with them - really encouraging, full of laughter, and reminiscing the past four years.

Now, it's times to study for everything (critical care, ATI's, and finals). Less than three weeks until I graduate. Less than six weeks until Logan and I get married.

Oh, and guess what? The magnolia trees are blooming.