i will be thankful

Today was one of the those days. The kind of day that makes me hit the snooze no less the 5 times, groan and pull up the sheets, and sigh as Tim tells me we really do need to get up now. The kind of day that makes me wish this crazy Chicago blizzard was already here.

Because I felt so morose this morning, I decided it was about time to reflect on the things I'm thankful for. I will be thankful for this day.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. My husband, who makes me smile even when I'm most determinedly sour. I love you.

2. My striped long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, down vest, and blue jacket who together have done an excellent job keeping me warm.

3. A certain participant at work who loves chocolate and laughed with me at lunch.

4. The Gospel of Matthew, who joined Tim and I over our breakfast this morning.

5. Journals and pens, particularly a Micron 08 and a new double tipped calligraphy pen... it's just more fun to write with your favorite pens.

6. Sunlight, increasing every day. "When he shakes his mane, we shall have Spring again." The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

7. Books of poetry, most recently, my copy of T.S. Eliot poems.

8. A dinner date with Tim. Best husband ever.

9. Family. Even when I don't see you all for a few weeks or a few months, I think about you guys all the time. You are loved.

10. Jesus. Lately, I have been enjoying our time together so much. Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness. May Your name be praised forevermore.

Today was a pretty good day after all. What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear about it. Happy Monday!

october

I took a walk today with Chewie (Tim's childhood dog) through our neighborhood. I believe the time of day was what our wedding photographer called the "bewitching hour." Everything looked beautiful outside so we ran back upstairs to get the camera. I was a little disappointed at my attempts to catch the gorgeous lighting, but I still thoroughly enjoyed my walk with Chewie and the beautiful leaves.

It smelled like cold weather was rolling in, and it mingled deliciously with the smell of perishing leaves. I truly love autumn, I love the cool days, sweaters and khakis, changing leaves, pumpkins, apple cider, etc. It reminds me of days spent running around outside as a child, thrashing through leaves and building forts. It reminds me of when Tim and I started dating three years ago (it seems like forever ago, that sweet exciting time). It's such a lovely season filled with wonderful memories....

What do you love about autumn?

lovely september monday

Today I am grateful for many things, and that makes today lovely.

1. Tim and I had a wonderful, beautiful anniversary weekend.
2. I am so grateful that I have been married to the love of my life one whole year!
3. I am grateful that Tim has the opportunity to go back to school.
4. I am thankful for fall and all the beauty it brings.
5. I am thankful for chili and tomato soup.
6. I am grateful for God's grace and patience, He never gives up on me.
7. Jesus, precious Jesus. I am so thankful for You and Your sacrifice.

What are you thankful for today? May your week be blessed with the presence of God and full of His joy.

a fortnight and a half in review

Wow. The last few weeks have been crazy. Good, stressful, tearful, and blessed. Can all of those things be contained in 21 days? Certainly.

I have been wanting to write all this time and I haven't found the space in between family, church, work, vacation, a wedding, and friends.

Generally, I write lovely monday posts on Mondays. Today, I'm going to write a little differently. Today, I elaborate.

A fortnight and a half in review:

1. The week before our vacation with family was one of the most stressful weeks at work ever. Period. But somehow, even though I was frustrated and cried many tears, I didn't collapse like other weeks. I found strength in the Lord through the Psalms. God was my refuge, a very present help in my time of trouble. My weaknesses didn't disappear, but God was strong in every circumstance.

2. We went on vacation with Tim's family to the Northwoods. It was very relaxing and fun. We got to spend quality time with Tim's parents, siblings, their spouses, and our adorable nieces and nephews. We also took hikes, boat rides, waterskied, and fished. I caught a ten-inch bass with Tim, and I'm pretty sure it was the first decent fish I had ever cast for and reeled in. Thank you husband for the valuable fishing lesson, that bass was a small beauty.

3. Saturday my dear brother Isaac married his lovely wife Alysa. I am so happy for them, and I'm so excited to see where God takes them in the future. Like I said in my last blog, I'm looking forward to the day they live next door to Tim and I so our future children can grow up together. Well, unless the Lord wills it that may never happen.... but even so I'm looking forward to family reunions, and trips to each other's homes, and all other good things that come with growing up.

4. My roommate from college and her husband came to stay with us over the weekend and came to the wedding. It was so fun to hang out with them, we are very blessed by their friendship.

5. Yesterday Tim and I played our first show in awhile at a church on the North Shore. It was extremely fun, we enjoyed playing and talking to people that came and the other musicians that played after the show. We are hoping that this show will give us a little momentum as we look into playing some more.

6. I started my new position at work today, and felt very relaxed... and very little stress. It was awesome. I'm looking forward to dreaming, writing, and singing more with the extra mental energy I experienced today.

7. God's love and faithfulness to Tim and I is never ending. I am overwhelmed with how He has cared for us this year, and amazed at how He continues to draw Tim and I closer to Himself and to each other.

These are a few lovely happenings from my past few weeks... hopefully it wasn't too boring. How is God working in your life? What beautiful things did you see today? I'd love to hear about them. Love and peace.

lovely monday

It's been awhile since I have written one of these posts, and I figured today was as good a monday as any to write one. After a great weekend, I need to look at the the beautiful things around me to give me a little extra energy for the week. So, here is my lovely monday list for today:

1. Tim doesn't work nights or weekends anymore (huzzah!)

2. Our frequent trips to the beach.

3. Green.... the trees and grass make my eyes happy.

4. Coconut ice cream sandwiches.

5. Summer clouds.

6. Bare feet.

7. Time for art.

8. Watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and blueberries.

9. A calm day at work.

10. My third day in a row posting on my blog.

11. Family (I love you all!).

12. Falling more in love with my Savior Jesus and my husband Tim everyday.

So what makes your day lovely? I'd love to hear about it.

P.S. Here is a verse I have been trying to wrap my thoughts around lately (it's truly a wonderful list to dwell on). "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

lovely monday

Dear Week,

This Monday has been lovely.

1. A less stressful day at work, new energy to go on.

2. A lox and goat cream cheese sandwich.

3. Pretty clouds.

4. Homemade pizza.

5. A night at home with Tim.

6. Joy.

7. Realizing, the good gifts from today were from God. Thank You for a lovely new beginning.

Hope your Monday has been blessed. What are some things you are thankful for this week?

lovely mondays part two

So, last week I made up a list of things that made me happy to brighten the monday morning blues. This week I made another list, struggling to not repeat all of last week's list.... those things were very lovely, you know.

Here is this Monday's list:

• roses
• watercolor paper
• our goldfish "Mr. & Mrs. Ophish"
• trying a new recipe
• candles
• clean socks
• a new poem
• and, my dear husband

I was very excited today that I had a little time to work on a new poem. Something I pondered in the process was how giving my Father in heaven is. Especially in regards to creative endeavors. Every good thing comes from Him. Including creativity. I didn't used to believe it when people said "I want to give all the glory to God....", because well, they picked up the pen right? That was before I experienced creative writer's block. God gives all things. And I love Him, whether or not I live to write another day. Or whether I live another day without writing. God gives every gift, including creative ability.

God makes such lovely Mondays doesn't He?

lovely mondays

Sometimes Mondays are difficult. It can be hard to go back to work, get back in the swing of things. Today, to help myself get out of the Monday morning blues, I made a list of lovely things that make me happy. Just thinking about these things put me in a good mood.

• a good morning kiss
• ink on my fingers
• fresh snow
• warm soup
• black & white photographs
• hope for spring
• drawing
• trees
• sunshine in winter
• dark chocolate
• naps
• a new song
• grace upon grace
• my wonderful husband

So, what makes you happy? I'd love to hear about it. Maybe next Monday I will post some more:-)