Autumn

I have loved Autumn this year.  It has been unusually warm, and slow to leave.  There has been a certain amount of relishing in the season this year.  Friends have come and gone, my heart has been in a steady movement towards hope.  The newest opportunity of a move has resulted in loving the present even more.  At this time last year I was in the midst of frantically trying to keep control of my life in the face of the unknown.  This year, I am faced again with the unknown, but this time I am daily letting go of control and resting in the hope I have in Jesus Christ.  As I read 1 Peter Paul talks how our hope is not in perishable things, but our hope is in an inheritance that will never fade!  That inheritance being salvation- salvation from fear, control, and self.  The more I wrestle with fear, contentment, faith, and the unknown the more I am reminded that I really can't put my hope in things here.  They leave, fade away, disappear.  The only place I can put my hope is in God.  He is the only one who does not leave, fade away, or disappear.

So be encouraged, friends.  Though the leaves are falling and the weather is changing, there is still a beauty in it all.  There is a beauty because our hope is in the Lord, not on things that will change.

 

Fall Retreat 2010

Autum has always been one of my very favorite seasons.  The colors, clothes, and food!  Most years I'm involved in some type of ministry that goes on a "Fall Retreat".  This year, my friend Mandy hosted her own "Fall Retreat" by inviting some of her friends to a lake house.  It was so lovely and fallish. 

Fall Pairings

Autumn is in full swing in Chicago.  As the weather has been changing I have found myself spending more time nestled in to a good book with something hot to drink.  After many days of reading, and cups of assorted beverages I have found some delectable pairings for the books I am currently reading.  Please feel free to enjoy.

Desiring God by John Piper - A philosophical book that states "to glorify God is to enjoy Him forever"

 + Chocolate Cake - The "enjoy" part of the book.

 + Americano - A strong espresso drink that gives the brain energy to think philosophically and theologically

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - A complex, and brilliant book about family and relationships

+ Chai - Sweet and a little spicy, just like the characters

+ Pumpkin Bread - I just love pumpkin bread.  And I just love this book.

Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster - I'm yet to start this book, but the title is self-explanatory

+ Green Tea - Delicious, simple, and oh, so good for you.

+ Chocolate covered almonds - Just because it's good for you doesn't mean it can't be delicious! 

Now the next one might be obvious...but must be stated nonetheless

Must I really say more?

So cheers to more books, hot drinks and delicious food as the seasons change!

Scope for the Imagination

There is something about Anne of Green Gables that slows my world down and makes the world more beautiful.  Maybe it's her desire to make everything more romantic and tragic (in the romantic way, of course).  Fall seems to be a perfect time to bring Anne back into my imagination.  A friend gave me a audio recording of the first book, and as I've been listening to it tears come to my eyes in reminiscence of the wonder of romance.  The kind of romance that calls for one to slow down, find the beauty in the day, and believe that there is a unseen hope in tomorrow. 

Good-bye's

What is it about saying 'good-bye' that makes people feel closer?  As I drove away from my families house with tears in my eyes I felt that we had become closer in the process of saying good bye.  Maybe it's the tears.  Maybe it's the acknowledgement of good times, love, memories.  As much as I don't like saying good-bye, I like feeling closer to those I've said good-bye to.  

Tuesday night farmers market/family fun

Happy counselors!

The Mountains

one of my favorite pics - happy campers!  :)

family singing at dinner

from Bozeman to Portland and back

Awhile back I received a phone call from my friend Susan inviting me to go to Portland with her and Josephine.  Susan was running a crazy 197mile relay race from Mount Hood to Seaside, Oregon and she wanted me to hang out with Josephine.  This was my chance to have a vacation after a full summer.  Andrew joined Josephine and I as our partner in crime and chauffer.  It was a amazing race.  Andrew and I were also able to see our favorite Oregonian Aunt & Uncle.  I was also able to reconnect with some dear friends from undergrad.

On our way to Mount Hood

The relay team ready for the next 197 miles

Andrew, Jo, and I all went to a outdoor activity park while the runners were running.

Our favorite activity of the day!  A bunjee/trampoline!

 Andrew and I wandered our way home stopping at a rose garden, camping in Idaho at an RV park and stopping at an old used bookstore. It was a great trip of reconnecting with old friends and family.  My hope is it's only the first of other trips to Portland to come....

6 weeks in...