Linking Up

Happy Friday Friends!  Today, marks the first day of my summer vacay.  It always takes my mind a few days to really get into vacation mode, but I can't wait!  AND we have a fun surprise series for Long to Love next week, so get excited!!  Until then, here are a few links to tie you over.  Have a great weekend!

I loved Nester's (in)courage post on following your passion.  Check it out here.     

As if I need yet another online distraction, this week, I've been swept away by Pinterest, a site that let's you catalog the things you love.  Are YOU pinning yet?



And lastly, is anyone else watching So You Think You Can Dance?  Bernie and I just started last week, but we're hooked.  I think it's one of the best seasons by far.  Check out this dance from Wednesday night.  Melanie's leap around 1:35 is AMAZING.  (Email subscribers, click here)

Perfect.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever--forsake not the works of Your own hands.

Psalm 138:8 (Amp)

When Daily Bread Is More Than Enough

In keeping with our theme this week, I thought I'd share an blog my mom wrote for Changing Seasons last year, on our Daily Bread:

Most of us know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. We can say it with meaning in 35 seconds- and if we hurry, we might get it done in 15. (Go ahead, try it!)

In the past months the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” has begun to take on a new meaning for me me.

Our daily bread- refers to a daily provision of what we need. Food, water, shelter, and relationships are a few things we might consider to be basic essentials. But beyond the basics, as I have prayed and asked for My Daily Bread, it has helped me begin to know God in a deeper and tangible way.

So, what does “Daily Bread” mean to me in 2010?

• When life is demanding and chaotic, asking God for daily bread strengthens and sustains me for today. In this request, what I am really saying is “Please God, give me just what I need today. Don’t let me waste my time or worries about yesterday or tomorrow. Help me see where you are working in my life today."

• I am also learning to be satisfied with what I have today. Not concerned with what I'm lacking, not anxious of what's to come, today, God is able to provide. Tomorrow is a day away.

• God is our Father. He knows us and He cares about our needs and concerns. He has a plan for each one of us and He wants to satisfy us.

• Each day, He will provide for our needs. It might not always be what we envision, but God is our Provider and I'm continuing to learn how to be satisfied with what HE wants for me and not necessarily always what I want from Him. One way or another, God will provide!

As I continue to persevere in this prayer, I have seen the stress in my life begin to dwindle. Not because my circumstances have changed, but rather, I am choosing to focus on today instead of worrying about what's to come. Each day, I continue to find that God is a daily Provider who is ready and able to meet our needs today.

 

"And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 (The Amplified Bible)

There's Always Tomorrow...

Yesterday we talked a little bit about living for THIS day as opposed to longing for the past or dreaming of the future.  Yesterday I realized another thing about living for THIS day.  When you totally mess it up, THIS day eventually becomes a thing of the past and there's always tomorrow.  That's right Annie fans of the world, "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow".  Or as you Anne of Green Gables fans know from Miss Stacey, "tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it."

And so, while yesterday morning when I wrote Long to Love, I was charged up and ready to pray and ask God for THIS day, by 7:00 in the evening, I was ready to call it a day.   

I pretty much let all of my surrounding circumstances get the best of me—my 85 degree office; the not one, not two, but THREE traffic jams on the way home; being forced to run into and out of the grocery store in a torrential downpour in one of my favorite work dresses...nothing seemed to be going my way. 

I'm sorry to report that I let all of these superficial things get the best of me and let's just say I wasn't very pleasant and I was not thinking about THIS day.  As we were getting ready to eat dinner, I totally snapped at my sweet husband and I got the question loathed by all women: "What is wrong with you?  Are you PMSing?"

If there are any male readers out there let me help you out and tell you that that is NEVER the right question.  If you're right, you're in trouble, and if you're wrong (as was the case last night) you're in even more trouble.  Do yourself a favor and avoid those three little letters at all costs.

So what's my point?  I guess sometimes, even with the best of intentions, we fall short.  No matter who we are, or how holy we try to appear, we're sinful.  We may have different ways our sin is manifested—I'm sure none of you let a little traffic and a some rain turn you into the wicked witch of the west—but like it or not, we all have it.  That's the bad news.

The good news?  Our God, so rich is He in mercy, loves us anyways, in spite of our sin.  Even when we try, fail, and completely fall on our faces, He picks us up, He forgives us, and He gives us more grace.  

Want some more good news?  Even when THIS day doesn't end the way we had hoped, there is always tomorrow.  And with every tomorrow, comes new mercy and love.

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.    They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (Amp)

 

THIS Is The Day

So last night, I saw a fun summertime movie, Midnight in Paris.  In it, Gil, played by Owen Wilson, is a struggling writer searching for inspiration and vision to finish his latest manuscript about a man who longs for the past.  While wandering the streets of Paris, Gil longs to go back to what he considers the "golden age" —Paris in the twenties, where literary and artistic legends like Fitzgerald, Picasso, and Hemingway all descended upon the City of Lights.  Does he get his wish?  You'll have to see it to find out! 

I left the film thinking a lot about how easy it is to dream of the past, or as Gil did, long of a different era all together.  Or, if we're not longing to go back, we deeply desire to go forward and blink away the present.   Rare are the times when we're content to live fully in the day we've been given.  If I'm not dreaming my college years back one day, I'm longing for the house, white picket fence, and 2.5 kids the next.  Why is it so hard to embrace our now? 

One problem I see with being stuck in the past or the future, is that we miss out on what God has for us in the present.  When we're focused on praying for eyes to see God, it's amazing how many different ways—big and small—He shows up.  No matter what day of the week it is, I don't want to miss Him.

So, today, I'm simply asking for this day.  Just as Jesus taught us to pray, "give us today our daily bread."  (Mat. 6:11)  And rather on focusing on what I miss, or what I long for, I'm thanking God for THIS day.

"This is the day the LORD has made;
   let us rejoice and be glad in it."   

Psalm 118:24

Must See TV

Happy Friday!

As a little follow-up to yesterday's post on being organized, I wanted to share Josie's comment:

"I think we could add something about God's creation of the sabbath and establishing a rhythm of work and rest.

Goal: having discipline to get things done, but also being able to let it go, because it's not the most important thing!"

I just love that.  Thanks Josie!

Now, before you do anything else this morning, you MUST watch the video below.  The Hagertys from Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet (a blog and a family I adore and pretty much link to every week), received word from the judge yesterday that their newest daughters, Hope and Lily are "officially theirs!"  Sara has put together the most beautiful video, so grab a kleenex, and rejoice in what God is doing through this incredible family!
(Email subscribers, click here)

Some Thoughts on Order

From RealSimple.com

I am not a very organized person.  Those of you who know me well can vouch for that.  Remember my closet?  That post was written over two years ago, and it's still one of the posts people mention most to me...probably because of the shock and horror of just how horrible my closet was.  Hoarders, here I come!

I did, however, have a very organized "ribbon drawer" in college, that my roommates still make fun of me for, but that's about as organized as I get.

I walk into other homes that seem totally pulled together, with everything in place and I swoon.  How I long for an organized, put together home!  No piles, no eyesores, just order and peace.   

With all the moves we've had recently, each time we pack up, I'm sick over how much random junk we have —half packed boxes in the attic, stacks of papers, unopened mail, and piles and piles of random stuff with no home.  Each move I say to myself, "THIS time will be different.  This time, I'm going to be organized from the start..."  A girl can dream, right? 

So with our recent move, I've been praying and asking what God thinks about being organized.  Does it matter to Him?

As far as I can tell, there's no verse that says, "Thou shalt have a home as perfect and orderly as Martha Stewart."  Thank God for that!  But as I've been thinking and praying, I've come to the conclusion that living an orderly life is one way we can glorify God.

When I was working on the Faithful Beginnings School Readiness Guide (more on that here), there was one kindergarten readiness milestone that said, "Can your child take responsibility for personal items and materials at home, school, and other places."  The scriptural truth that we paired with it was that "God puts things in place" and included Psalm 8:3:

"I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and the moon and stars you put in place." 


That has really stuck with me.  Our God sets things in place.  Just look at His creation —He didn't pile things up and throw them around, and He didn't leave anything unfinished.  His creation is perfect and everything has a place —the land, the water, stars, sun, and moon; God knew where everything belonged.

1 Corinthians 14:40 says, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."  The perfection and order of His creation is just one of the ways we see that.  Jump further down the New Testament to Ephesians and we see chapter 5, verse 1, urging us to "Follow God's example." 

Don't get me wrong, there are MUCH bigger ways we need to follow God's example than having an organized home such as love, forgiveness, and serving, but I think we can also imitate God by being women who put things in place, are responsible for the things entrusted to us, and pursuers of peace in all aspects of life —including our homes, offices, cars —and anything else that can be easily cluttered up.

I'm not trying to add another thing to the cumbersome "Christian to-do list" we can feel pressure to stay on top of: read your Bible, love your neighbor, don't be jealous, go to church, keep your home organized...

But for me, one who really struggles with being orderly, clean, and on top of things, I'm hoping that as I continue to pray through this, this new perspective will help me see a bigger value in having a clean house beyond, wanting to try to appear "perfect" to those around me through a pretty, organized house...but that's an entirely different post for an entirely different day...one I'll get to as soon as I finish alphabetizing my spices! 

I still don't know much, but a great resource on staying clean and organized is Nester's series, 31 Days To A Less Messy Nest.

Those of you who are naturally clean and organized, have any tips??  I need all the help I can get!  

Above & Beyond

Don't you love it when God goes out of His way to confirm things to you?  Yesterday, there were two instances, that I just have to share...

Many mornings when I post on the blog, I can feel slightly rushed to wrap it up, get dressed for work, and scurry out the door.  There are mornings when I worry if what I posted was from God or from me.  Yesterday, when I talked about praying for eyes to see God in the big and small details, was one of those days.

Fast forward one hour when I met with a small group of friends to pray.  Before we started, I opened up to July 18th from Jesus Calling (a FABULOUS & quick daily devotional if you're in the market) that takes scripture and turns them into Jesus' words to you.  Guess what it said on July 18th?

"I am nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments.  You are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever...Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere."

Isn't that amazing?!?  I felt so loved by the Lord that right after writing, "My prayer is that my eyes will continue to open wider and wider, so I don't miss out on any of it," He would take the time to tell me, that I was on the right track.  "Ask me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere." 

Then, at that same meeting, my friend was sharing how over the weekend, she was walking through her house and turned over a little token one of her boys had left behind that said, "All things are possible with God."  In that moment, those were the words she so desperately needed to hear.   

As we prayed through some of life's "impossibles", when we finished, I opened my eyes and looked down at my journal, which has a different verse on each page.  What verse was at the top?  You guessed it!  "All things are possible with God."  

Not only is God "richly present in all of our moments," but often, He goes out of His way to confirm His words to us, and when our eyes are open, we can see Him in the most incredible ways!     

I Like to Move It, Move It

Lowes--Home Sweet Home!

Well, we did it!  From Wednesday to Sunday, we successfully packed, moved, and unpacked from our  little beach box to our cozy tree house...seriously, our new back deck feels like a giant tree house for grown ups.  I can't wait for our first porch party!      

Preparing for a move?  Here are a few deep and profound insights I've picked up along the way:

• Bubble wrap is your ally — embrace it.  
• You can NEVER have too much tupperware — the bigger, the better! 
• Pack up a bag with a hammer, scissors, tape, and cleaning supplies at the very end, so it's easily accessible when you need to start unpacking.
• Lowes/Home Depot will become your home away from home.  So much so that you may reconsider your move and want to permanently relocate to their warehouse.  I mean, they have high ceilings, a great garden, any appliance you could possibly think of, and a fabulous selection of cabinets to choose from — what's not to love? 

All in all, I'm exhausted, but feel so relieved to have it finished, minus a few touches here and there.  Have I mentioned how much I hate to move??  Hopefully, there won't be another post on moving (unless it's a guest post) for at least two years.  Even though it's only two years, it will feel so nice to be "settled." 

Lately on Long to Love, we've been talking a lot about being thankful, and I can't tell you how thankful I am to the Lord for the countless ways He sustained us during the moving process.  I know it's "just a move" and there are much BIGGER issues in the world, but I love that not only is our God concerned about the BIG things in our lives, but He's also very real and alive in the small details.

With each box that was packed, moved, and unpacked; all the dust bunnies that were swept away; and the furniture that was uprooted and planted on new ground; I so clearly felt God's presence orchestrating the process, giving us peace, and carrying us through.

Here are just a few examples:

• Incredible weather every day — it was around 80-85 the whole time we moved!  
• Accomplishing what felt like 4 hours of work into a two hour window.
• Cramming all of our stuff into our moving truck after the lovely truck rental place downsized us.
• Getting an incredible deal on a shelving system ($10 each marked down from $50) from the nice man at Lowes.
• Working in fairly stressful conditions with Bernie with minimal conflict — I think our biggest disagreement was where to put our TV.
• A best friend and new neighbor, or my "best neighbor", who warmly welcomed us when we first arrived and provided us with delicious sustenance to carry us through our weekend of unpacking.  

In the BIG details and small details of our lives, God is at work, but sometimes our eyes are distracted and we miss it.  A one sentence prayer I picked up from Lysa Terkeurst is simply this: "Lord, I want to see you."  In God, there is much to see and even more to be thankful for.  My prayer is that my eyes will continue to open wider and wider, so I don't miss out on any of it.      

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

Guest Post from Mrs. Cally Everett (Part 2)

(What my morning looks like)

I shared Thursday about how God has been teaching me about how important it is to thank the Lord.  Yesterday at a church we visited, the pastor reminded us of the significance of honoring the Lord for who He is and recognizing all of his many gifts.  It is rare that I take the time to do just that, but it was pretty incredible to be in a bar in NYC where the church service is held and hear hundreds of people praising and thanking the Lord.

The other primary word that I have been learning throughout this past month is the importance of staying connected to the Lord.  Last week, Elizabeth wrote about staying focused to complete a task, and she shared this verse from John 15:5,

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

It is the easiest for me to trust the Lord when I am completely at the end of my rope.  That is when I realize my helplessness and know that there is absolutely nothing that I can do apart from the Lord.  It is much more of a struggle for me to really spend time seeking the Lord when I feel confident and self-sufficient.  The Lord usually has a way of taking care of that, but it really is important, no matter where we are in our lives and in our faiths, to spend time reading the Bible and praying.  I know, these are the typical answers that I learned in my first grade Sunday school class, but I have yet to find  a substitute.  

My mom always woke up early in the morning to have a cup of coffee, an "S" cookie, and a time to read the Bible, which makes perfect sense, since 5am was the only time the house was quiet with five children running around.  This was a wonderful example of how much she valued her time with the Lord, and she showed us the importance of spending time each day growing in your faith.  As we got older, if Mom wasn't her sweet self at breakfast time, we would ask, "Did you have your quiet time today?"  (Mom and Elizabeth have explored the wonderful dynamics of mothers and daughters, but that is for another day!)  Often, we would "catch" her, because the way Mom started her day made a visible impact on her actions.  

That happens to be a better example than when I find myself grumpy and frustrated, but I can also notice a difference during the times in life when I commit to a daily Bible study, either with friends or alone, and when I just fill that part of my day with other things and ignore the importance of spending time reading the Bible.  It is amazing to see how the Lord can teach you when you offer him a sliver of time.

There are so many verses that show the importance of reading the Bible, but here are two of my favorites:

 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  
Hebrews 4:12

I would encourage you to spend a few minutes with the Lord each day this week.  One way of doing that is to read Elizabeth's blog and then read the context of one of the verses she shares.  Another way would be to join or start a Bible study, even just with one friend, so that you will commit to yourself and others that you will spend regular time with the Lord.  It can be five minutes or it can be an hour, but I would imagine that you (and others) will notice the time that you put in.  Please share in the comments section if there has been a Bible Study that you have really loved.  I would love to get some input on a study to start (and maybe we can do a study together on the blog)!

Linking Up

Hi Friends!  We're still in the throws of moving, but we're making progress.  Yesterday, in the middle of July, was around 80 degrees!  I can't tell you how loved I felt by the Lord to give us beyond perfect moving weather.  Wedding weather is important, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate good moving weather!

We have TONS to do today, but for those of you with a little more free time, here are some links:

Maybe it's because I still have Gin Blossoms "Jealousy" in my head from Tuesday, but here's a great blog from Lysa Terkeurst:

A Cure For Jealousy

On Wednesday, Long To Love Reader, Peggy from Atlanta, sent me this great post by Rick Warren.  Thanks Peggy!!

The Battle for Your Mind

And lastly, the Hagertys are making their way through the adoption of their two newest daughters.  Her latest post is amazing!  Keep them in your prayers, the hear from the judge next Wednesday.

Daddy!  

Next time I post, I'll be a Charlottesville resident!  Have a great weekend!

Guest Post From Mrs. Cally Everett! (Part 1)

Long To Love readers, we are in for a treat!  Today, we get to hear from the little newlywed herself, my sweet sister Cally!

So, here I am, sitting in an apartment in New York that I now share with my husband.  Life has a way of changing, that is for sure!  The Lord has really been teaching me throughout this crazy time of preparing for marriage, moving, looking for a new job, planning a wedding, and just growing up, but I haven't yet had the courage to blog about it.  Not everyone is as eloquent and timely about life's current changes and struggles as Elizabeth.

But there are two specific words that I have been learning throughout this process, both of which Elizabeth has blogged about this week here and here.  And since she is preparing for move #4, I am going to turn this into 2 posts for her!

1.  Staying connected to the Lord.  (Post coming on Monday--stay tuned!!)   

2.  Having a thankful heart.

Monday, I'll share about staying connected to the Lord, but today, I want to talk about having a thankful heart.

At the beginning of each new year, my family sits down and my parents give each of us verses for the new year.  For 2011, my dad encouraged each one of us to pray for God's favor.  I always joke that I am my dad's favorite, but to receive favor from the Lord is even better!

So, I began praying that the Lord would show me favor, especially through the wedding.  Marshall and I really wanted the ceremony to be a worship service that reflected the Lord's love, so that when everyone was partying and dancing the night away at the reception, they would know that ultimately, our joy comes from the Lord.  We also prayed that the Lord would give us perfect weather (Always specific, my mom prayed for and received a mild 84 degrees as we were driving to the church), that He would be present in the details, and mostly that He would touch every single person in the church.  In short, we prayed for FAVOR.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
   and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
   your salvation among all nations. 
Psalm 67:1-2

Now, I must say that on our wedding day, Marshall and I received a great deal of favor from the Lord.  Throughout the weekend I was overwhelmed by His outpouring of love through Marshall, my family, and our friends.  Now, each time I reflect on our wedding, I realize how important it is to thank God for the many ways He blessed our wedding.  He is SO worthy, for countless reasons that stem far beyond His ability to throw a great wedding.

Yes, it's easy for me to thank the Lord during "the happiest time" in a girl's life,  when I have much to be thankful for and when I saw Him so perfectly and directly answer my prayers.  Much more challenging, though just as important,  is learning to thank the Lord in more difficult times.  Our God is good all of the time.  He is worthy of our thanks and praise every day--in the highs and lows, the smooth roads and the bumpier ones. 

I have a long way to go, but 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

In ALL circumstances, God's will is for us to give thanks.

In our wedding program, we included Psalm 126:2-3, a verse I just love.  It's my heart's desire, in ALL circumstances to to thankfully declare:

  "Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy."

Stay Connected

Image from Virginia.org

So last night, in yet another attempt to put off the inevitable packing we have to do this week, Bernie and I decided to head to the boardwalk for a leisurely bike ride.  The goal was to the end of the pier and back.

Getting from point A to B, you wouldn't believe how much was going on--we had the Gin Blossoms, gospel singers, Motown, a very amateur circus act, a few Jimmy Buffet wannabes, a random group of street dancers--if you can think or dream of it, chances are it was probably there.

This, compounded with the difficulty of maneuvering around the six-person bikes that travel at about .02 mph, made for quite the experience, but we loved every minute and took it all in, pausing for each show as we moseyed down the boardwalk.

I've mentioned the boardwalk and it's many distractions before, because I think it's easy to equate our lives to all the hubbub.  So often, we might have an end goal, or a project we've been called to, but every other block along the way, there's something else to entice or distract us.

For someone like me, with the attention span of a flea, this has always been a challenge.  Why do you think we were even on a bike ride?  To avoid the empty boxes that currently inhabit our home.  Ironic that my own diversion would be used to teach me, yet again, about all of life's little distractions. 

Everywhere I look, there are things vying for my attention, some great, fruitful things, and others, not so much.  But, how do you decipher?  How do you discern what's productive and what is fleeting?

For me, some my "fleeting" distractions are pretty obvious--they're the same ones I've struggled with for years, but other times it's not as easy.

This morning, I was reading in John 15 when God talks about the vine and the branches.  For me, it was helpful to hear the importance Jesus places on staying connected to Him:

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing."

Whatever we've set out to accomplish or invest in, be it a move, a workout, a job, a relationship, school, or volunteering, we have to stay connected to the Source.  When we're connected to the Source, we will bear fruit, but apart from God, we can do nothing.

When we're connected, we have His strength and His vision to stay focused and work hard to reach the end.  We also have a greater sense that it's not just about us, He has a plan.

Even in something as trivial as our current move, I've dragged my heels along the way, not wanting to wrap this up.  However, when I'm making a conscious effort to connect to God, He has whispered His truths to me and reminded me that what's on the other side of this move, even though some is still unknown, is His perfect design for us.  If I stay where I am, I won't experience what God has next.  The move is a pain, but God's plans are good; full of hope and promise (Jer. 29:11).  

When I lose sight of that, it's much easier to get discouraged, negative, and lazy.

So, here's to staying connected and packing on up!! 

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you."

James 4:8

Don't Worry About A Thing

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. 

Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)

A Thankful Heart

Recently, I've been learning a lot about a thankful heart.  Largely inspired by Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts.  I've also blogged about it here, here, and here. 

This morning, I was reading a fabulous devotional book by Holly Wagner, lent to me by an incredibly thoughtful and generous friend, called Daily Steps for God Chicks, a great 90-day devotional.

This morning, today's verse was:

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

Colossians 4:2 (NLT)

Prayer is such a cornerstone of our faith and our ability to connect and commune with God.  Sadly, it's easy for me to treat prayer either as something I need to check off my to-do-list for the day, or something that I run to out of desperation, solely focused on getting my needs met.  

Rare are the times when my heart is dedicated and alert, focused on the sacred act of speaking to our God.  Even more rare are the times when I enter into prayer with a thankful heart; so mindful of God's hand on my life, His blessings, and His abundant provisions.   

But in Colossians 4, Paul tells us that the basis of our prayers should be a grateful heart.  We have so much to be grateful for!  So instead of running off my "wish list" to God, I want to first come to Him and thank Him for what He's already done and cling to what He has promised in His Word.  

Holly concluded by asking us to list off 5 things we're thankful for, so this morning, here's my list:

1.  A husband that I love over candle lit dinners and walks on the beach, but even more so in the crummy, mundane acts of life like packing and moving.  (That's right, move #4 here we come!!)

2.  A job where, most mornings, I wake up incredibly excited to head into the office.

3.  A fabulous beach service yesterday with our beloved church.  And the lyrics of the closing song:
   

You fill those who are empty

And rescue those in the valley

And through it all You calm my soul

You find me in my weakness

And heal the wounds of my heartache

I worship You in spirit and truth...

4.  Though my future is uncertain and unknown to me, my God knows the way, and ultimately, it is good.

5.  My grandmother Babby's 85+ years of life and the legacy she continues to leave as a woman faithfully dedicated to her husband, her family, and most importantly, her beloved God.  She never ceases to amaze me! (she turned 85 on Saturday)

Thank you Lord, for your indescribable gifts!! 

Summer Movies

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE going to the movies.  It doesn't matter how horrible the movie is, as long as there is popcorn, Coke Zero, and Sour Patch Kids, I am a happy girl!

I also love movie trailers almost as much as the real movie.  So, on this Friday morning, here are a two trailers to movies I can't wait to see.  Confession: one of them may or may not star Selena Gomez.
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The Help




Monte Carlo




What about you?  What's the best movie you've seen lately, or what are you most excited for to hit theaters?

More Videos From The Friendship Study

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."

Psalm 5:3 (NLT)

My 8:00 am meeting in Suffolk today doesn't really leave much time for blogging, so in the meantime, enjoy the last three of Jodie's videos from our Changing Seasons Friendship Series.  They're all great, but if you only have time for one, I recommend week 4 on loneliness and connection. 

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Week 2:





Week 3:





Week 4:

The Truth About Change

I don't know about you, but I'm not very good with change.  I especially hate to let people go.  I mean, I even cried uncontrollably when Friday Night Lights came to an end.   

Heading to college was an exciting but emotional time, as I was so anxious about missing my family and friends from home.  After I was all moved in to my dorm and it was time to say goodbye, my mom held back tears and said, "I'm not going to cry, because I know that, ultimately, you belong to the Lord, and this is where He has placed you for the next four years." 

It may have taken a few weeks for me to adjust, but she was right.  That is exactly where God had placed me for those four years.  

It's hard to let go and embrace new changes, cities, and experiences, but when you're trusting God and following His will, it's so much easier.  In God, we can rest in the promise that He has a plan.   

My mom's mom, Babby, always says, "The center of God's will is the place of your greatest happiness."  

And so, this week, when my heart is hurting now that the wedding is over and sweet Cally has been whisked away to the city that never sleeps, I'm taking comfort in the Truth that even though change can be hard, the best place to be is in the center of God's will, no matter where it may take you.  It may take some adjusting, but without a doubt, I know that for Cally, the center of God's will is for her to be with Marshall, and He has some BIG plans in store for these two newlyweds.  

I'm also so grateful for the bonds of believers that span across states, timezones, and oceans.  When two people pray to and worship the same God, there is a connectedness that continues no matter where you live.

Letting go of children, siblings, friends, and communities is never easy, but when you're sending them off/leaving to accomplish God's good and perfect plans, rather than mourn over what will no longer be, we can rejoice in what's to come!    

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
   your love, O LORD, endures forever—
   do not abandon the works of your hands.  

Psalm 138:8

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
   along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
   and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
   I will not forsake them. 

Isaiah 42:16

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

The Party Is Just Beginning

Mr. & Mrs. Everett!!!

A few pictures thanks to Peyton Hoffman...more to come! 

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.” 

The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy.  

Psalm 126:2-3

(written on the back of Mr. & Mrs. Everett's wedding program)

Well, the parties are over....in the past five days, we have celebrated a bachelorette party, bridesmaids luncheon, rehearsal dinner, post-rehearsal dinner party, wedding day brunch, THE WEDDING, an 85th birthday/60th wedding anniversary brunch, and a mini-engagement party/4th of July party.  I have had such joy celebrating, but I'm exhausted.

The. Wedding. Was. Perfect.  Cally was a radiant bride with a deep peace, contentment, and exceeding joy.  As a big sister, I'm just elated that she has found a husband who is truly exceedingly more than my family could ask for or imagine.  Not only does he love her, but he adores her, serves her, understands her, laughs with her, and challenges her in the best of ways.

For the family and guests who had the privilege of attending, the wedding is over, but for Cally and Marshall, the marriage is just the beginning.  With the intensity of wedding planning, it's easy to neglect the big picture and see beyond the wedding, but the wedding is only the beginning.  The wedding is fleeting —no matter how many hours you put into planning the flowers, the menu, the playlist —all of those fabulous details will only live on through the incredible pictures taken by the fabulous photographer you scoured high and low for, but the marriage is what continues long after the wedding.  I was bit emotional during the ceremony and to keep from crying too hard, Abby and I had to whisper jokes to one another, but one thing I think I remember our minister Andy saying is that for Cally and Marshall, their marriage may be the only Jesus some people ever see.  Referencing two of the passages they selected:

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 

1 John 4:12"

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16   

As Cally and Marshall begin to work on their marriage, loving God and loving one another, God's love will be made complete in them.  As they serve each other, pray together, and figure out life together, others will be drawn to the Lord simply because of the Light that they exude. While our parties may be over, theirs is only beginning.  Marriage is certainly not easy, and it definitely takes work, but as they rely on God's grace, strength, and guidance to begin to figure some of it out, I can't wait to see what He has in store for these two newlyweds.  The best is truly yet to come!