2017 in 12 Photos [Link-Up]

So even though we're still in the midst of the Christmas Octave and liturgical season, and I'm doing my best to stay in a celebratory and relaxed mood this week, there is definitely part of me that's so ready to start my New Year with lots of cleaning out, organization, and nesting for this little one!

But since we're not yet to the New Year, I think it's good for me to take some time today to reflect on this past year...the blessings, the challenges, the growth. To remember the past before looking ahead.

So without further ado, I'm joining Bobbi's link-up at Revolution of Love. Here's a little of what our year looked like:

January

I resigned from my position to start staying home full-time with this girl. So bittersweet
to leave my work family and a job I loved, but so peaceful to be intentional in my motherhood and follow what
I believed God was calling me to.

February

We had some crazy warm weather in February and took lots of walks and even played basketball!
G developed a scary side effect after one of her vaccines and it took many doctor visits and tests and treatment to overcome it. Definitely a rough month for us, but the sunshine helped!

March

I bought donut baking pans and decided this was the coolest thing ever. They have since been brought to many family/holiday gatherings and are fast becoming a fun tradition!

April

Lots of warm weather and realizing I could effectively hike and let the baby nap on me at the same time. I enjoyed exploring new metroparks with friends!

May

I began developing a deeper friendship with one of my neighbors (and baby G with her kids ;) ). C has been such a blessing in my life, with her heart for God and her passion for Christian marriage and motherhood. And the best part? We live a couple streets apart and can meet in the middle at the park. :)

June

These lovely flower baskets were such a triumph for me! I got them on clearance when they were scraggly and was able to nurse them back to health and beauty! We finally started transitioning G to the crib for naps instead of wearing her and I had more time to sit on the porch and enjoy the gorgeous weather and flowers!

July

A month of many "firsts"-- swimming, blueberry picking, picnics, traveling,
and HER FIRST BIRTHDAY! This was probably my favorite summer month, filled with family and friends and fun memories (except for our transition from cosleeping to crib).

August

We found out that G was going to be a big sister! We were immediately thrilled...she took a little longer to adjust. ;) 

September

I do love fall in the Midwest...we enjoyed bonfires, an apple orchard, decorating, picking out pumpkins, and more.

October

I started crocheting again and made these washcloths to go with some homemade soap for Christmas presents! I'm still going strong and have learned some new techniques as well! I added ear warmers and infinity scarves to my collection and hope to start a baby blanket soon!

November

We took an EPIC mini vacation to Amish country and brought along P's mom "Nana". You wouldn't think a vacay to Amish country would be epic, but it was!! We enjoyed swimming in our hotel pool, shopping, amazing Amish food, touring an Amish chocolate factory, and finally a huge Amish 'farm' that included giraffes, zebras, and buffalo that roamed free and CAME UP TO OUR CAR for food!! My husband fed a zebra, y'all, and we will never be the same. ;)

December

This isn't the best lighting, but this picture means so much to me. A movie night with the husband watching "It's a Wonderful Life." We got interrupted by a sick toddler who couldn't sleep, but even that just added to the reality that we have a wonderful life. We love and are loved. The mantle holds some greenery and the many Christmas cards we received from family and friends far and near. The three stockings are for our three babies-- one in heaven, one on earth, and one in the womb. Our hearts are so full. 

(Bonus)

My sweet neighbor captured this one. We ended up not using it for Christmas cards because the lighting was too bright, but G's expression is priceless!

I couldn't resist adding this one of little G at the manger in church on Christmas...a family tradition that started when I was a child myself. 

It's been a beautiful year. I've entered more fully into motherhood and found a more comfortable, peaceful place with it. I'm less concerned if I'm doing it 'right' and more concerned if I'm giving it my heart. I'm less concerned if she's meeting her milestones and more concerned if I'm mirroring God's love to her. Our community of church and friends has grown and deepened this year and I'm incredibly grateful for them, especially since we do not live near family. Yet I'm also so thankful for the many visits we had from and with family, the traditions and memories we've started and made. Life became simpler, smaller, and richer this year. I suspect next year will challenge me as we add our little babe to this side of the womb but I pray that the grace and growth I've received this year will help me rise to the occasion. Thank you, Father, for all these good gifts.

With Grit and Grace: March Goals

March is almost here! I'm always amazed at how fast February flies even though there are only a few days less!

I really enjoyed having some reachable and specific goals for the month. I wasn't perfect but it helped me focus on doing a little more than the usual routine. Here's how I did...

February Recap

-Spend time with Jesus one hour a week at our Adoration Chapel (this is my Lenten goal as well)
(Yep. Although one week I only stayed 20 minutes because there was some kind of varnish smell that was giving me a headache in the new chapel!)

-Make a German chocolate cake from scratch for my birthday
(Check. Cake and frosting from scratch. But guess who forgot a picture for proof?)

-Organize our pantry
(Big fat no on this one. Still looks messy as ever. But it's functional, so another day perhaps? ;)

-Make a few Valentines for friends 
(I found the cutest tea-themed ones on Pinterest that looked like a tea bag and held a real tea bag inside.)

-Host a couple for dinner or coffee (this is a monthly goal for my husband and I)
(We had such a wonderful time with M. and E. this past weekend! No dinner but I did try new recipes for hot pizza dip with French bread, and chocolate fondue with fruit. Wish they lived closer!)

-Create a prayer space in our home office
(A cozy chair, blanket, and a table with a coaster for tea and a basket of prayer books.)
-Trim the Little Dog's nails
(No more clackity-clack on the kitchen floor.)

-Make nontoxic household cleaners
(Made dusting spray and all-purpose cleaner. Still would like to make glass cleaner.)

-Begin organizing our basement
("Begin" is the key word in that goal but we did accomplish a lot! There are just so many more boxes!)


Here's what I'm working on for March! 

-crochet a baby blanket for my sister-in-law due next month
-organize under my kitchen sink
-find out if our insurance will cover Bradley childbirth classes
-host our marriage group from church for dinner (eek! Why did we offer to host the 14 people this month??)
-pray when I get home from work on my work days (since morning and evening aren't proving to be good times on those days)
-clean windows in hopes that there will be lots of spring sunshine coming through!
-make healthy peanut butter cups
-pray the Magnificat prayer daily with my husband (our marriage group commitment)
-go on two dates nights
-enter fully into the Easter Triduum and all the grace of those three days then celebrate the joy of the Resurrection!

What are your goals this month? How did last month go?

Currently // Vol. 1

I've long been a fan of the 'currently' blog posts so I'm jumping in on one today! This particular link-up is hosted by Anne in Residence and Gold and Bloom.

resolving: to have a hopeful heart this year. To be positive and trust in God's love and mercy rather than let fear or anxiety have a hold on my heart.

reading: Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly, and Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney (review coming soon!).

organizing: absolutely nothing. And that's the problem. ;) There are several closets and cupboards on my list.

loving: my sweet husband for taking care of things (and me!) while I've been experiencing first trimester fatigue and sickness. Every symptom is so worth the thought of our little one, but I've felt guilty at times for my decreased homemaking!

craving: Ice cream. I've been so good about avoiding sugar as much as possible lately, but man. A bowl of moose tracks...or even just plain old vanilla...sounds amazing.

What are you up to currently? I'd love to hear some of your answers in the comments!

Tuesday Talk #12: Merry Christmas!

It's a holiday break for me once again! Though this Advent season and Christmas preparation have been decidedly different and slower than most years (more on that later), there are still a few loose ends to tie this week before we celebrate the birth of Jesus! A few gifts to wrap, a few parties to attend, and a few recipes to make (Christmas Crunch, anyone?).

I pray in the midst of these last-minute preparations for all of us, we can find some time to be still. To reflect. To pray. To enjoy the greatest gift. May your last week of Advent be full of blessings and joy!

And a very merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Want to join this week's link up? Grab our button below and link back to one of the hosts!

The hosts of Tuesday Talk

Beth - Our Pretty Little Girls ~ Michelle - Grammie Time
Keri - Living In This Season  ~ Christina - Waltzing In Beauty
Lauren - Simply Elliott~  Becky - BYBMG
Jess and Katie - Sweet Little Ones ~ Whitney - Polka Dotty Place
Laura - Life Is Beautiful ~ Elizabeth - All Kinds Of Things
Sarah - Abiding In Grace ~ Stephanie - Wife Mommy Me
Emily - Morning Motivated Mom

You can join us on Pinterest, too!

Follow Sweet Little Ones's board Tuesday Talk Features on Pinterest.

Join the party, friends, by linking up with your favorite post from the week! Here's the scoop:

An InLinkz Link-up

Tuesday Talk # 7: Meal Planning and a Pinterest Fail

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Talk! We're glad you're here! Check out all the fun posts from friends on the link-up and add your own, too!

Any chance you know what you're making for dinner tonight? A few weeks ago I would have answered that question with a sad shrug, painful grimace, or with my head inside the freezer or pantry desperately searching for options. Yet now I'm actually excited to answer that question. 

The miraculous change? Meal planning. I've jumped on the meal planning bandwagon.

I'm still pretty casual about it. I'm not using printables, or systems, or excel charts. I'm must using a cute notepad that is divided into the days of the week on each sheet. On the front of the sheet (with the days of the week), I write out our schedules so that I know which nights P. will be working (which equals simple dinner for one while I watch some episodes!!). Then under each day I write what recipe/meal I plan to make (sometimes "leftovers" gets written in, and that's okay!). I'm usually browsing my Pinterest boards or perusing a cookbook while I'm making out the meal plan so that I can see what ingredients I'll need to buy. Turn the meal plan sheet over and bam! You've got yourself a blank sheet for a grocery list. (I know. Fancy. But it works.)

This small routine has done wonders for me. I feel less pressure on busy work days because I've planned healthy, hearty meals on the previous weekend or my days off so that we'll have leftovers those days. I end up making about 3-4 recipes a week, and the other days we are eating the leftovers or something more simple (hello, frozen pizza). Ideally, I'd like to eventually stock the freezer with meals for those busy days, but hey. It's a journey.

Ready for some winning recipes from the past couple weeks??

Autumn Lasagna -- This baby was amazing. Know that you will be in the kitchen all afternoon, so if you don't love a cooking adventure, this is not the recipe for you. I made it on a Sunday afternoon, pulled up a marriage podcast on my computer to listen to, and thoroughly enjoyed time in the kitchen. Three HEADS of roasted garlic and two butternut squash go into this bad boy. Word of advice: it's so unique I didn't want leftovers over and over, so I froze individual portions for when I'm hungry for it again.

Holy Yum Chicken -- We had dinner guests last Friday night and this was my main dish. I highly recommend it for entertaining! It's elegant yet simple-- and very little last-minute cooking with it. You throw it together, pop it in the oven, and the only thing just before serving is some cornstarch to thicken the sauce. I served it with roasted veggies, multigrain French loaf, and apple-walnut salad. (And the Pinterest fail...more on that later.) 

Kung Pao Chicken -- This is an ideal weeknight dinner. Chicken in the crockpot with your favorite Chinese sauce, add some veggies an hour before serving and cut up the cooked chicken. It was delish. 

Pumpkin Penne -- I made this for myself while my husband was in D.C. for work. I figured he probably wouldn't mind since a few days prior he had asked me, "When is pumpkin cooking season over?" with a hopeful face that it was soon. (I think he had had his fill of that delightful fall bounty.)

What's that you say? Oh. Right. I promised you a Pinterest fail. Alright, friends. No laughing. It can happen to the best of us. (Okay. You can totally laugh. It's hilarious.)

Ever tried making "Cookie Cups" for ice cream using cookie dough and an upside-down muffin tin?

Um. Don't.

 But there's a happy ending. I cut around the mess and they made decent cookie cups and the guests loved them. (And we had some extra laughs.)

Have a great week, friends! I'd love to hear about your favorite recipes lately-- and any Pinterest fails!!

Grab our button below and link back to one of the hosts!

The hosts of Tuesday Talk

Beth - Our Pretty Little Girls ~ Michelle - Grammie Time
Keri - Living In This Season  ~ Christina - Waltzing In Beauty
Lauren - Simply Free ~  Becky - BYBMG
Jess and Katie - Sweet Little Ones ~ Whitney - Polka Dotty Place
Laura - Life Is Beautiful ~ Elizabeth - All Kinds Of Things
Sarah - Abiding In Grace ~ Stephanie - Wife Mommy Me
Emily - Morning Motivated Mom

You can join us on Pinterest, too!

Follow Sweet Little Ones's board Tuesday Talk Features on Pinterest.

Join the party, friends, by linking up with your favorite post from the week! Here's the scoop:

An InLinkz Link-up

Tuesday Talk #4: Get Ready for a Cookie Swap!

You guys!! I'm so excited for this! If you know me, you know what a cookie monster I am!

It's hard to believe next week is NOVEMBER. Which means HOLIDAY SEASON!

And that means time for BAKING!

Stop by next week for a special Tuesday Talk event: a cookie swap! You'll find great recipes from the hosts and participants, and we'd love for you to share your own recipes! I am NOT a food blogger (have you seen the lack of quality in my photography??) so don't feel any pressure at all that your post needs to look amazing. Just bring your favorite recipe, type it out, and share it with us in the link up!

Can't wait to see you next week! Bring a glass of milk!

N.A.S.--How Do You Pray at Home?

I'm linking up with the N.A.S. girls this week! I loved their topic:

How do you pray at home? Do you have a special place in your house? How do you make that area special? Comfy chair? Prayer cards? What suggestions do you have to make a home altar? If you don't do this, in what ways can you begin?

Prayer is one of my favorite topics! Not because I'm particularly good at it, but because I want to be! I think it's one of the greatest gifts to us from God-- how amazing is it that He not only brought us into being but that He wants to continually commune with us. This infinite, powerful God allows us to talk to Him any time!!

My main prayer time would be in the morning. I love to start my day with prayer. I used to pray in the car on the way to work, but a few years ago I challenged myself during Advent to get up 30-40 minutes earlier and pray at home by the light of a candle with a cup of tea. It pretty much changed my{prayer} life. I've done it ever since! (with an occasional miss here and there after a late night or on a rushed morning-- you know, always keeping it real!)

Even though prayer is simply raising our minds and hearts to God, I do find that atmosphere and outer circumstances can be more or less conducive to that. I love to have a cup of tea or coffee and curl up under a blanket...the same way I would be less distracted catching up with a girlfriend than if we were in the middle of a loud, crazy party. We're more likely to connect with God if we take the time to remove distractions, calm our minds and hearts, and prepare to focus on quality time with Him. 

I do actually have a "prayer spot" but I generally just use it for morning prayers, although sometimes I retreat to it after a crazy or stressful or emotional day. It's a corner of my couch in the guest room, where the end table has a basket of devotional, printed prayers, and books on my favorite saints. Several of my religious pictures hang in that room and help me focus as well. 

My favorite aids to prayer are the rosary, the Litany of Humility (Laura P., it gets less intimidating as you pray it, seriously! Sometimes I find myself actually desiring those things, haha!), the Mass readings for the day, and a list of intentions from my women's group. I also honestly just love spontaneous prayer. It helps me feel connected to God when I just talk to Him from my heart or pause and reflect on His truths and promises about His love and care for me individually. 

Despite my love of prayer, I definitely get distracted or allow other things to take priority! My goal for improvement would be to be more intentional during my prayer (and not get habitual or monotonous) as well as to challenge myself to lengthen the time I set aside to pray in the morning and evening (too often I find myself cutting off 5-10 minutes here and there, waiting until I'm too tired, and so on). 

I just went to a spiritual retreat a few weeks ago and purchased this book on prayer by one of the speakers, beautiful and Spirit-led Sister Ann Shields of Renewal Ministries:



I look forward to being challenged and inspired to go ever deeper with the Lord.

Looking forward to reading all of your thoughts, too, ladies!

Check out the other posts on prayer at Jen's blog!

Interview on Triple Braided Life

So delighted to share my heart with Brenda and her blog readers! I've been inspired and encouraged by the stories of the single women each day of this series! Check it out!

Quick Takes Friday {vol. 17}

Hello, friends! Happy Friday!! Woohoo!!

--1--

This girl inspired me to write some quick takes. I'm such a perfectionist (or maybe just long-winded) because my quick takes always end up being, well, not so quick. So here we go. Don't blink or you might miss them...

--2--

I'm sipping hot apple cider. Yummy. Made fresh and local at an adorable orchard I stopped at last weekend. Nevermind that I got lost on the country roads looking for it...it just added to the adventure and now my cider tastes even sweeter. 

--3--

I also bought several pounds of McIntosh and Winesap apples. Have you heard of Winesap apples? I love trying new things and these are delicious...sort of like Honeycrisp but richer. I'm ridiculously excited to spend my day off this week baking and cooking (and eating) apples. 

--4--

What do you think of the new look around here? It's been fun to mess around with different design sites and ideas. Still feel very much like an amateur, but everyone has to start somewhere and it's been a great learning experience!

--5--

I'm pretty sure one of my ultrasound patients chose abortion last month. I've had that happen before but never when I had been the sonographer performing the ultrasound. It hit me hard and to be honest, I'm still not recovered from it. Because I saw her baby. Pray for her please. 

--6--

As usual in the season of Fall, I turn inward...melancholic, pensive, quieter on the outside but loud as ever in my mind and heart...is it the changing seasons and the preparation for winter? Is it the past memories of this season? Something about it makes me incredibly nostalgic and reflective. I'm reading voraciously and perhaps I'll share some recommendations soon. For now, my favorite is undoubtedly My Sisters The Saints, by Colleen Carroll Campbell. Check out the book club I'm hosting on it here. 

--7--

Last but not least, I've caved. I joined another social media site. But not just any social media site.

Instagram.

And it's got me. Hook, line, and sinker.

For all my disdain of our generation's addiction to technology and social media, this one has captured my heart. Because seriously, it's perfect. It's all about simplicity, beauty, moments. You know...that life is beautiful. 

NAS: Goals for the New Year

I'm uninspired tonight, but determined to write.

(hey that rhymed...maybe I'd be better off with a poem right now!)

Happy New Year, my friends! There's nothing like the pressure of writing the first blog post of the year. Just kidding. I'm actually excited about this post. Maybe I'm not uninspired...just pensive. Reflective.

Because this post is supposed to be about my resolutions. My goals. My ideas for a fresh clean slate of a new year. (One of which is to blog more, so stay tuned!)

The NAS girls always have great topics, so I'm joining with them this week:

In what ways can you grow/stretch RIGHT NOW that could affect the whole of 2014?

Ew. As much as I appreciate personal growth, the stretching part of it is not so fun. It requires things like discipline, patience, endurance, humility. I'm rather a novice when it comes to those.

But.
I do like goals. And I love God's grace. And some days my Type A mind learns to look at the unknown as an adventure.

So bring on 2014.

And we'll make some goals to be safe.

Like in the area of food. Goal #1. (I know, so typical. But wait for it. There's a unique spiritual goal at the end of this post.) I want to improve in two aspects of this area. Budgeting my groceries and eating healthier snacks. After tonight. Because I'm really enjoying these salt and vinegar kettle chips. But vinegar is healthy. Pinterest says so.

Goal #2. Exercise. My fingers are frozen on the keyboard. What can I say for this one? I know I need it--I'm a cardiology nurse, after all. But making the time for it is just so tricky when you work full time. And when you like to sleep in the morning. (In my defense, I get up a half hour early to pray. The idea of even earlier to torture my body with a workout makes me tremble.) Getting back to the goal: three times a week. That's it. I can do this. Zumba counts. So does a long, long walk. (or maybe running...I used to love running. Before the snow and cold came.)

Goal #3. Blogging more often. I love writing. And I love connecting with you wonderful people. Being inspired and encouraged by you. So I would like to write once a week (not counting my Wednesday quotes! Unless I have to.)

Finally. The serious one. The spiritual one. Goal #4. For the past 8 years, I've made a New Year's resolution that focused on a heart quality, a virtue, I wanted to learn more about and grow in. (thankful heart, steadfast heart, joyful heart, and so on). I love having a specific word/focus for the year. Some years I've grown more than others. In keeping with the NAS question above, I have a feeling this year's goal will stretch me more than some of the others. I'm asking the Lord to help me have

an inviting heart.

I want to invite others into my heart, into my home, into the Catholic Church. I want to invite new friends and old friends into my life even when I feel busy. I want to invite people into my vulnerability. Into my messiness (including my home at times!). I want to invite people in deeper relationship with Christ. By my word. By my example. By open arms and heart and listening ears.

Welcome, 2014!

(Interested in joining the link up? Visit Jen or Morgan for more details!)

7 Quick Takes [vol. 11]

I'm on a roll here with the blogging thing. Three times in one week. (Yes, the quote on Wednesday counts!) Better keep rolling with my quick takes before I lose motivation...because it's a Friday night and I'm ready to party ready for bed!

--1--

 

I think my beta fish Jonah is dying. Now this may seem insignificant to most of you, but this little guy has a special place in my heart. He makes my heart happy and he was my first pet here in the apartment. I've never had a fish live this long--2.5 years--and you get kinda attached. I'm glad my roommate is home for the weekend, because I don't think I'll be able to...well...you know...send him to his watery grave. Would it be inappropriate to bury a fish in the garden or do you think his fishy-soul would be happier in water?

 

--2--

 

Flowers are abounding in our apartment right now. I LOVE it. Flowers are one of my most favorite things on earth. One giant bouquet is from a gentleman who came to the pregnancy center this week and gave us plants and flowers from his mother-in-law's funeral. He supported what we do and wanted to share those with us. How sweet is that? The second vase holds a lush bunch of pink peonies that my mom picked from her neighbors' (with permission, of course!). She surprised me by bringing them to my cardiology workplace today! Drinking in their beauty tonight...

 

--3--

 

Brogan, our Little Dog, escaped tonight. He slipped out the door when my sister and her kids were leaving this evening. I kid you not-- this dog looks like a mix between a rabbit and a white-tailed deer whenever he escapes (yep, it's not the first time). He skips and bounds and bounces through the yards and field quite merrily. If it wasn't so maddening, it would actually be pretty funny. All is well now. He's safe inside again, crashed on his pillow-bed, dreaming of adventures in the great outdoors.

 

--4--

 

I'm so happy to be home tomorrow. I have loads of things I want to do. The farmer's market, garage sale-ing, shopping, cleaning and organizing, morning Mass, running, breakfast at the coffee shop, bike riding...somehow I'm not sure I'll fit it all in but I love knowing such an empty slate of a day lies before me. My daddy's birthday is tomorrow, so that's one thing written on the slate. Maybe some ice cream cake and a boat ride on the river. Mmm...June is here and summer is not far behind.

 

--5--

 

I shut my thumb in the car door a couple weeks ago. I know. I haven't done that since I was a little kid. But let me tell you, when it happened I really wanted to act like a little kid and scream and cry. Whew. It was painful. Instead I calmly (debatable) asked P. to get the cooler back out of the car so I could promptly stick my hand in the ice (we were camping with my family). I've never broken a bone before...until now. Turns out the tip is fractured. So I've been wearing this nifty splint on my left thumb for the past 10 days (and guess who happens to be left-handed).

 

--6--

 

Uh-oh. Losing motivation. Distracted by a hungry tummy. Thinking of the Pinterest recipe in the freezer ("ice cream" made from blended bananas and cocoa powder.)

 

--7--

 

This one really deserves more than a Quick Take number, however honorable that may be. I'll be sharing more details in the future, because I'm still a bit in awe that the many. crazy. details worked out.

 

I'm going to Haiti in July.

 

And because of the multiple roadblocks that have been cleared by God throughout the past few months...my greatest desire is to completely offer myself and this mission trip to Him.

 

So more on that later.

 

And hey-- you dear, beautiful, heart-warming friends. Thanks for your comments and your bloggie-world friendship. I enjoy your own blog posts, your comment-love on mine, your support that transcends internet connections, and even you readers who remain silent but present. Thank you.

 

Have a beautiful weekend.

Quick Takes Friday [vol. 8]

--1--

We are over a week into the season of Lent and it seems to be flying by already! (I think that's just because life in general seems to be flying by lately.) For those of you who don't do Lent, I promise it's not just an excuse to have delcious local fish fry's (fries? frys? Seriously, how do you spell that plural?) Rather, it's a beautiful way to enter into the story of Christ's passion and death for us. To be reminded of the redemptive beauty of suffering and sacrifice only because He made it so. We choose to unite our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (the 3 pillars of Lent) with His so that we may draw closer to Him and grow in faith and grace. I love it. Can you tell?

--2--

On that note...what am I doing for Lent? You know, I prayed about it and really didn't want to come up with a whole list of stuff that would make me lose my focus or get lost in legalism...so I chose to give up listening to music in the car. I drive out of town quite a bit, so I'm really excited about this one. The goal is to use this time instead in silence and prayer as well as listening to and learning from the Catholic talk radio channel.

I've also decided to re-read the Passion accounts in each of the four Gospels. I know we read them during Holy Week at Mass, but I'm wanting to read them in more bite-size pieces each night and reflect throughout this season and His sacrifice and incredible love.

--3--

We officially opened at the pregnancy center this week. And I have to tell you...I was almost praying for people NOT to walk through our doors because we still had so much to do to get organized! There were pamphlets and forms and papers and just stuff EVERYWHERE! But with time, grace, and sweet volunteers we are now much more prepared. (I know the Holy Spirit would have filled in the gaps even before that, though--see, I always can grow in that area of trust and surrender!) So-- now I pray the Lord sends us many clients in need that we might be His hands, voice, and heart to them.

--4--

Thanks for your kind comments on my Valentine's Day story! I'm very much in a pocket of grace and gratitude right now with the situation. I'm not going to say I haven't struggled with doubts and fear and such, but what an incredible joy to have P. back in my life. And he went all out with thoughtfulness and generosity for V-day and my birthday. Sigh. I admit it. I'm still smitten. (But there's always been a deeper connection with us, and I think that's one of the reasons the break-up felt so painful and not quite right.)

--5--

In addition to weekly zumba (even though I haven't been there for several weeks! Having some withdrawal), I have decided to work out once or twice a week after work (or before if I can drag myself in that early). We are allowed to use the physical therapy equipment here at the clinic for working out before or after hours, and at no cost. It's like a free gym membership--uh-huh, I know. Why have I not been all over this before? Yesterday I walked and ran on the treadmill and then attempted (key word there) the elliptical machine. Do you guys like ellipticals? Maybe it's the level setting, but I'm no match for them!

--6--

This weekend I'm going shopping with my mom, my sister, and my precious baby godson (we're letting him in on the girls' day). I'm so excited to spend a day with them! (And I'm excited to shop! I feel like a tiger being let out of her cage after a busy week...watch out stores, I'm on the hunt for the cute, the practical, and the clearance!)

--7--

We had icy roads and snow this morning. I'm all about the coziness of wintertime...but is anyone else ready for some springtime?

Happy Friday, friends!

Vote for Me?

So I got a fun little email from Bonnie at A Knotted Life. It turns out one of you kind readers nominated my blog for one of her Sheenazing Blogger Awards! How fun is that? Thank you! It totally brightened my day!

And now I'm supposed to invite you to vote for me by going to her site between Tuesday, the 29th, and Thursday, the 31st. (But it feels really weird, to ask for votes like that.)

I would make a bad politician.

But if you're into that kind of thing, here's the link. And if that one doesn't work, you can go to the original post.

Life is Beautiful is nominated under the category "Best Underappreciated Blog--best kept secret of the internet." That's really sweet, you guys. Thank you. And if you do decide to vote, thank you for that, too.

Have a happy Tuesday!

Quick Takes-- Take Two

 

It's obviously been a hugely emotional week for me, but I'm feeling pretty stable tonight so we're going to avoid any negative thoughts in our quick takes, right, Laura?...

 

--1--

 

I went grocery shopping last Tuesday. I detest grocery shopping this time of year. It's just so commercialized and materialistic, it drives me crazy. (so much for nixing the negative thoughts...) It didn't help my hurting heart either. BUT (positive thought coming...wait for it...) the checkout lady was wonderful. My heavy heart had me pitifully close to tears the whole trip, but this sweet woman was so kind and patient and genuinely friendly. It sounds overly simple, but it can mean so much when someone is nice to you when you're hurting, you know? It really makes me want to be more careful about cultivating a kind and gentle attitude towards everyone...you just never know what someone is going through.

 



--2--

 

My girlfriends. I love them. They are truly my second family and I'm incredibly grateful for them. What a gift they have been this week. I sent out an email to my share group and other close girls and asked for their prayers about the breakup with P. and that they not call or try to get together for awhile because I needed some time alone instead of answering questions over and over, even though well-meaning and loving. One friend called five minutes after I sent the email because she simply read the first line of the email and didn't get any further before picking up the phone to support me. Two of them knocked on my door one evening with a gift basket of sweet goodies they put together and the reassurance that I "didn't have to say anything."  Another dropped off three different Psalms to pray and said she didn't need to know the details. My sister came and helped me clean and brought me a bag of thoughtfulness. And the rest of them sent texts and emails of love and prayer and support. Even you sweet online bloggie friends. My heart is full of humble gratitude. I'm just overwhelmed by you. And I want to be like you. You godly, grace-filled women who remind me what Christ is like. You are my Mark Chapter 2 friends...carrying me on my mat to the Healer.

 

--3--

 

The Pastoral Council of my parish met Tuesday night. I was in charge of gathering info and presenting on an Outreach Committee we are envisioning. I tidied my emotions for the evening and was able to focus on the meeting and even enjoy it. I like this behind-the-scenes of our parish and hearing the group's thoughts and visions on both how to be Christ to the people and minister to their needs as well as how to bring them closer to Christ Himself. It doesn't matter what we do if it's not leading them closer to Him.

 

--4--

 

The crisis pregnancy center asked me to consider a bigger role than I expected. I'm still praying about it and spoke with the director of nursing at my current job today to see if it could all be worked out. I feel God's hand in it, yet I'm also okay to let it unfold, one step at a time, and let Him work out the details...because there are a lot of details to work out. Still, it's crazy to see how He's already led me through so many steps to get to this spot. One thing's for sure--the whole experience has already made such an impact on me. And I love love love the director of the CPC. It would be such a blessing to work under her. Maybe she would rub off a little on me...

 

--5--

 

We had our second and final night of the Prelude to Advent drama on Wednesday. What a beautiful, soul-stirring presentation. Loved the music and the reflections. Powerful reminders of the gift of the Incarnation. Of Immanuel. Of hope. One of my favorite moments was the end when we sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel" a capella carrying candles in a dark church. We walked to the beat of the song and ended the song holding our candles, quietly and still, on the balcony and up the stairs on both sides of the church. The guests left in a holy, hushed, candle-lit silence. Beautiful.

 

--6--

 

NCIS and RCIA. (They have nothing to do with each other except that they're both abbreviations. I'm trying to get a two-for-one here.) I've watched about 9 episodes of NCIS this week. Don't judge me. It really helps. I always thought that cop shows were all the same. Not so. I'm hooked on this one with its endearing characters and its lack of all the junk (i.e. immorality) the other ones seem to have. RCIA class last night was great. We went through the parts of the Mass and the beauty, Scripture, and holy mystery embedded within it. I'm really proud of J. and his commitment to learning and seeking. We're all beginning to build community there with each other. Not so great part: our icebreaker question at the beginning was to share how was our week...aw, man. The last question I felt like answering. Grace. Humility.

 

--7--

 



Miss him. Badly. Like miss-him-so-badly-I-can't-breathe-sometimes. I sat in the chapel on my lunch break for the third day in a row. So thankful for that chapel and the time with Jesus in the middle of my day. I don't always feel the grace right away, and I'm not going to say I don't struggle with questions and knowing His ways and thoughts...but I choose to trust the Lord's promises (choosing that over and over, day after day). And I'm certain He is the Way Himself and I can't get through this or grow through this without Him. "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." Yes. Yes. Yes.



It's Giveaway Time!

I've been crocheting random little projects to use up my yarn leftovers. And you, my friend, just might benefit from my crochet craze. Now it's not much, but I'm giving away a homemade washcloth (for kitchen or bathroom) and a matching little-soap-bar-holder-scrubby-thing (can you tell I made that pattern up?!) for the shower.

The rules? You can either leave a comment on this post or email me. Since I'm a cardiology nurse and this is heart-health month, in your comment/email please share something you do to keep your heart healthy. This can be physical or spiritual. :) Make sure there's a way I can contact you if you win (email, blog profile, etc.).

The deadline to sign up is February 12th.

Better Late Than Never

Somehow March just flew by and I (almost) missed the YLCF blog event "March of Books." Thankfully, they have allowed the deadline to extend into April (for people like me). Take a look at their collection of book reviews-- 68 and counting! What a delight for book lovers!

Instead of reviewing just one book, I decided to do several mini-reviews of a few favorites. Some of are recent finds, and some are treasured from years ago...

Fiction: Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Need I really expand? She was one of my best friends in my pre-teen and teen years, and continues to be such a part of me that I've been nicknamed after her. Author Maud shows such mastery in her weaving of words that you feel you've always known the delightful characters, that you've been to Prince Edward Island with all its breathtaking beauty. You see what they see, and you feel what they feel.

Mystery: A Quarter for a Kiss, by Mindy Starns Clark. This one is actually from the Million Dollar Mysteries series, by my favorite Christian mystery author. Main character Callie Webber is a young widow and private investigator who investigates charities requesting grants. She's such a neat blend of intelligence, strength, and femininity. The hero's not too bad, either, let me tell you. And the mysteries keep me guessing to the end. Warning-- don't start one of these books unless you have a lot of time-- because you may not be able to do anything else until you finish it!

Christian Inspiration: When Wallflowers Dance, by Angela Thomas. This is a recent gem I found through the library. Angela's honest and heartfelt, casual-yet-passionate style of writing drew me in. The author repeatedly directs our attention to God and His unending providence and love. She asks us to trust Him and learn to dance with Him through life instead of sitting safely on the sidelines. I wasn't quite sure this book was for me in the beginning, yet as I closed the back cover, I realized Angela had become a friend and mentor through the pages. My favorite chapter was Chapter 9, where she lists and explains several actions and attitudes to persevere in no matter what the circumstances.

Magazine: Citizen, from Focus on the Family. I'm so grateful for this publication, and for the many courageous Christians who are working to bring our country back to its original God-honoring principles. In my own little bubble, it's easy to forget the bigger picture. This magazine keeps me aware of the important issues that DO affect us as a nation whether we realize it or not. It convicts me-- to stand up and speak more, and to kneel down and pray more...that God will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Classic: I thought about An Old-Fashioned Girl, by Louisa May Alcott, (my official favorite book), but it's already been reviewed on YLCF, so instead we're giving the award to...Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. Undoubtedly one of my top five, P&P has all the essentials to an undying classic--great writing, great characters, great plot-- yet I feel any review I could attempt would fall short of adequately showing its merits. So I think I might just read it again instead.

Series: Redemption series, by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury. My mom, my sister, and I went on a craze with this series a year or so ago. The series follows the God-honoring Baxter family through the ups and downs of life. My favorite thing about them is that they're just. so. real. I know they're fictional characters, but I truly believe my faith was strengthened by their stories and enduring faith.

Mmm...books are such a blessing! I'm cozied up at the coffee shop as I write this post (and enjoying my white chocolate-raspberry scone and chai tea!) and as I review all these books, I'm reminded of how books have had such a huge influence on me throughout my life. I'm so indescribably grateful for this-- for the ability to read and the availability of books.

Life is beautiful with books.

Thank you, Lord.

GreaThings 2010 (November 24)

Thankful for things that begin with the letter 'S' today...(do I sound like I should be on Sesame Street?)

So thankful for a Savior who offers the gift of salvation to us. For the happiness of sunshine. For the breathtaking beauty of sunsets. For the friendship and memories shared with my sister. For the example of the faithful saints who have gone before us. For silliness that keeps us light-hearted. And for deep, serious conversations. For anything sweet that I can eat-- chocolate, cookies, pies, cake, anything will do. For the beauty of simplicity. For the joy of singing. For a warm soup on a winter day. For the wonder of a glittering night sky.

And right now, for the anticipation of a good night's sleep.

GreaThings 2010 (November 23)

Today's theme for GreaThings is the letter 'G'...

I'm thankful for a God who creates, redeems, and sanctifies. For the gift of today. For opportunities to grow and learn throughout life. For giggling uncontrollably with my coworkers in the midst of a busy day at work. For good books with a cup of tea. For the beauty and delight of gardens. For the amazing relationships with my girlfriends, online and in person. For His grace that flows from above into our lives.

GreaThings 2010

Unfortunately I'm joining on the last few days of this blog event, but I LOVE the idea behind it. For the past two weeks, these bloggers have been publicly sharing their blessings as they count down to Thanksgiving. The posts are beautiful testimonies to God's goodness in our lives when we open our eyes to see it. Thank you, Chantel, for hosting this!

Today's theme was Special lessons God has taught you this year.

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with this one. This past year has held so many lessons for me-- sometimes I was a willing student and sometimes I just wanted to skip a day in the school of life.

But looking back now...I'm so grateful for the lessons.

I've learned that humans are incredibly resilient.

I've learned that "where the mind goes, the man follows."

I've learned that the devil knows this, and he will make the mind his battlefield.

I've learned that God's grace truly is sufficient; and that when we are weak, He is strong.

I've learned that God does not send us suffering; rather He allows it and then weeps with us and comforts us.

I've learned that joy, trust, faith, and hope are not emotions, but choices.

I've learned that I am like the Pharisees when I focus more on becoming better than on God's forgiveness.

I've learned that I can become so focused on doing God's work that I lose sight of God Himself.

I've learned that forgiving love is one of the most powerful kinds of love.

I've learned that we are all broken, but many people hide it well.

I've learned that our choices have consequences, but we serve a God who knows how to "work all things for good."

I've learned that not everyone can understand each other, but we can still offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a prayer to those in need.

I've learned in a deeper way that relationships with family and friends are amazing gifts to be treasured and nurtured.

I've learned in a deeper way that God can one moment seem so incomprehensibly above and beyond our imaginations-- a sacred mystery...and in another moment seem so comfortingly close, understanding us because He created us and His Son became one of us.

I've learned in a deeper way that He never, ever lets go of me-- and that I never, ever want to let go of Him.