HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

DAD,

Today you'd like to think you're turning 26, but now I'm 26 and you're turning 51. Time sure flies when you're having fun and raising a crazy daughter like me.

You always have an update or score for the latest football game, baseball game, golf tournament, or tennis match. You've always been full of life and knowledge. You've taught me to love the Lord and love others, which is a priceless gift (THANK YOU!)

I'm glad you're my dad! Happy Birthday!!

I love you!

Here We Go Again...

Last time I found myself without a job I promised myself I would start writing. I'm not sure what I wanted to write, but I failed in writing anything. In fact, I never even updated my blog last summer. I stayed "busy" last time around. And by busy I mean hanging out with friends, traveling, and working on my tan. Sure, I interviewed for a few jobs, three to be exact. But all three of my interviews were in the same week. [the first week I was without a job] I was really thrilled to have a summer vacation. It was an answer to prayer I never thought I would see fulfilled.

This time around I actually have things to do...
I have signed up to take the LSAT in December [oh my word, what was I thinking?!] I've been helping my grandparents out. I'm helping some friends with an addition to their house. And I am sure other things will pop up here and there where I can help out or work on something until I find my next "real job."

And this time maybe I'll be true to my word and write!

MIA, NO More

I have been MIA recently. I realize this. It is probably safe to say I have been just as MIA in life as I have been on this blog. Life has felt a bit like an uphill hike for the past few months. Now it is October and I feel like I am finally reaching the final uphill stretch. [praise the LORD!]

A lot has happened since my last [fru-fru] post. Work had been super stressful. Friendships were changing. My family had all these mini-traumas. And I was just trying to keep my head on straight and be where I needed to be, when I needed to be there.

But I in the midst madness I was finally starting to listen to the Lord about some things I had been running from listening to Him about. And in the process I see a lot changing...

Today, I have no more work stress-- I have no work. [october 1st was my last day with Robin] The friendships changed, but I'm so thankful for other friendships that haven't. My family is actually closer and more caring than ever before. And I am not having such a difficult time keeping my head on straight. In fact, I am feeling more peaceful and relaxed than ever before! [and I'm without a job-- the AMAZING grace of God!]

Maybe I'll start writing again, now that I can hear my own thoughts again!

Oh SO Happy!

A few photos from my favorite photo shoot!

Back in November, Robin and I set out to turn this charming kitchen (Robin designed back in 2008) into a dreamy space. Little did we know it would also win the ASID Bronze metal for Kitchen of the year. We are both so proud of it!

I have to admit, I often gaze at these pictures and wish I could live here. And I think we were sucessful in creating a little piece of heaven.

Sovereignty.

[don't be scared this isn't going to be some deep theological discussion... it's me folks]

Ever do something and then wonder, stress-out, lose sleep, etc. etc. if you just totally blew any change you ever had at getting what you hoped for?

If SO, repeat after me: "I cannot mess up the will of God in my life. I cannot mess up the will of God in my life. I cannot mess up the will of God in my life."



Now breath deeply and relax. God is sitting on the throne and He is still in control. God is sovereign. And He is good and loving, kind and compassionate, and wants the best for His children!

I looked Sovereignty up on Merriam-Webster and found this: "freedom from external control." How encouraging is that-- the Lord's will is free from any external control folks... walk in that freedom and follow after Him... and you'll be fine!

Funny things to say

When I get upset I try my darnest not to curse...at times I am more successful then at others. I blame my natural tendency to curse on my German heritage, but as a Christan I find that really doesn't cut it. I'm not always so good at holding them in, but I have been trying...

My friends always seem to get a kick out of the little expressions I use to replace curse words so I thought I would share a few, just in case you are trying to kick the habit.

"Holy Smokes"-- I generally use this when I am really excited or surprised by something.

"Holy Moly"-- when I tire of saying "Holy Smokes" I say "Holy Moly," also depends on the crowd.

"Geeze and Crackers"-- not sure when I use this one, but I use it a lot.

"Jimmie Christmas"-- trying not to take the Lord's name in vain folks!

"Shut the front door"-- when something is really shocking to me and I can't believe it I say this.

Random Ramblings

Today is Monday, it's about one o'clock in the afternoon and I haven't really done anything with my day.

[but don't worry, I'm not sitting at work doing nothing... I have Mondays off]

I usually wake up whenever the spirit moves me, make a pot of coffee and sit in front of the computer trying to get things done I don't get done the other six days of the week... you know reply to emails I should have responded to weeks ago, pay bills, etc. etc. Today is no different. Although, it probably should be different. My first day back at work after being gone on vacation I found out my hours were going to be cut back. This honestly wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if I worked a normal forty hour week, but since I only work Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays it felt like the worst news ever.

The first week I think I was in shock and probably still a bit jetlag. [I am so slow in recovering from traveling abroad] Last week I was just mad. And this week I am at a loss. I know I should probably be pouring over job sites looking for something, but honestly I have no idea what to look for. Sure, I've been doing interior design work for the longest and have the most experience with it. But from what I've heard firms are laying people off, not looking for new help. I know I don't want to go back into politics. That is one door I often thank the Lord for closing.

So what do I do next?

I wonder when things like this happen if it isn't God's way of giving us a little kick in the pants to move us onto the next thing. I'm not sure what the next thing is for me, but I am knocking on the Lord's door asking Him to show me. I don't want to go out there looking aimlessly-- I hate spinning my wheels aimlessly. It is me and the Lord in this and I'm going to stay put until He gives me some kind of direction... I just wonder where it will lead...