Home!

Hi Everyone!!  After a fabulous vacation with my mom and my sister Abby, I'm back in Minnesota--but just for two more weeks until we make the trek back to Virginia!  (who's counting?!)

It was a fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and I continue to feel so blessed for the opportunity.  We cruised through Turkey and Greece, toured incredible ancient sites (we saw 2 of the 7 ancient wonders of the world!), rested on beautiful beaches, took in the breathtaking views, and shopped and bargained our hearts out.

Most of the pictures are on my mom's and Abby's cameras, but here are a few of my favorites:

Ancient Library in Ephesus

Santorini, Greece--my favorite stop!

The Parthenon in Athens

I'm still settling back into my normal life and unfortunately, I think I caught a little bug on the plane ride home so I'm trying to recover, but I did want to share a Olympic-inspired video I saw this morning that I just LOVED.  Are ya'll watching the Olympics?!  I'm trying to catch up, but the one story I'm committed to following is Gabby Douglas and the women's gymnastics.  The team final is tonight and then on Thursday night, she competes in the women's all-around--Go Gabby!
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Cally's Friday Favorites

Hi, Long to Love!  Today is the last day of Elizabeth's trip, so I thought I would take the opportunity to jump in and tell you about my Friday Favorites.

First of all, I have to share a sweet picture of my favorite three year old heading to the market.  Yes, she is wearing her princess shoes and apparently met a boy dressed like Superman on this outing.

Since I work with beauty products all day, I definitely have some new favorites, so I thought I would share them with y'all.

• Supergoop!  City Sunscreen Serum: This is one of my new favorite products, since I am constantly layering on the SPF.  It's still white like sunscreen, but it is so light, has SPF 30, and basically acts like a primer for your makeup.  I'm in love.
• beautyblender: This little hot pink sponge is the most amazing tool I have ever used to apply makeup.  I use it for BB Cream, concealer, and even blush.  The creator is a makeup artist who wanted everyone to be able to achieve flawless coverage, and it prevents that not-so-attractive line around your face where your makeup ends.
• Oribe Royal Blowout: I'll admit that it's pricey for a hair product, but I can literally blow-dry my hair in 12 minutes now (quite a feat if you don't know what my hair looks like).  It protects your hair while you style and literally cuts drying time in half--love it!

In other news, I am so excited for the start of the Olympics.  Like my sweet sister, I will be cheering the most for Virginia Beach's hometown hero Gabby Douglas.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  

Keep It Loose

(Originally Posted April 30, 2010)

After I wrote my post yesterday on letting go, I remembered an experience I had over 10 years ago that  has always reiterated the importance of trusting God with our lives.

(I apologize in advance to any "climbers" out there...the story below will not involve technical terms.)

When I was about 14, my family went on vacation to Colorado.  One day, we decided to go rock climbing and repelling.  Thinking I could conquer anything, I hiked up to the top of the mountain and I was ready to jump.  Upon my ascent, there was this cute mountain boy to get me all set up.  Once I was ready to begin my descent off the mountain, I became paralyzed with fear.


"I'm supposed to put my life into the hands of a rope and trust that I can make it down??  Who thinks up these sports?" 

I was petrified.  I think I sat up there for quite some time shaking, crying, and afraid.  But I couldn't just walk down the mountain...no way!  Especially when my older sister had already made it down—I would not be defeated!

After what seemed like about 5 hours, but I'm sure was only 5 minutes, cute mountain boy said to me, "Okay Elizabeth, I know it can be really scary to trust, but I need you to start loosening your grip on the rope and let it slide down your fingers so that you can start going down.  Once you start moving, be sure you don't grip the rope too tightly, or you'll lose control and crash right into the side of the mountain.  It's kind of like us and God—if the rope is your life, your need to make sure that you're not holding on too tightly and trust that He can take care of you.  It's when you try to take control of your life that you usually wind up crashing. 

Before actually thinking about the truth in cute mountain boy's message, my first thought was, "Where did cute mountain boy learn how to talk about God?!?  Clearly, he's the one!" (No one told me we were with a Christian rock climbing organization...who knew those even existed?)

Apparently, all I needed was for cute mountain boy to start talking God and I was off!  (Mainly to impress "my future husband" with my sense of adventure.)  When I arrived safe and sound at the bottom of the mountain, the truth of his words were finally able to sink into my heart.  Since then, that experience has often reminded me to loosen my grip on my life and trust that God can support me.

Two things can happen when we hold on too tightly:

1.  You don't move at all.

Before I started heading down, I was holding on so tightly, that it was impossible to move.  It wasn't until I slowly began peeling my fingers off of the rope that I began to make progress.

Often when we're afraid to relinquish control and step out, we wind up stuck and miss out of the adventure God might be leading us to.  If God is calling us to step out, we can't be afraid to trust Him.  

2.  You crash.

At one point going down the mountain, I felt myself going too fast and was terrified.  My natural reaction was to try to take back control and grip the rope, only to find my face quickly meeting the mountain.  (Cute mountain boy was no liar.)

Even when we're stepping out in faith, there are times when our fears or need for control can cause us to take our eyes off of God.  In the Matthew 14, we see Jesus call Peter to step out and walk on water, but the minute he takes his eyes off of Jesus and sees the wind and the waves, Peter becomes afraid and starts to sink. 

Thankfully, when we call to Him, our loving gracious God will not let us sink.  Peter cries out for Jesus to save him and Matthew 14:31 says, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 

It's scary to let go, step out, and learn to trust.  It's definitely a learning process, and thankfully, God gives us a gracious learning curve.

Let's rejoice together that the God we long to love is trustworthy, faithful, and full of support for our lives.  Not only that, but He has plans for us!

My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways...There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 23:26, 18

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:10

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."   

Psalm 28:7

Bitter Vinegar or Fine Wine?

Image via Pinterest

Hi Everyone!  While I'm away, I thought I'd share this blog post my mom did for the Changing Seasons blog.  I know I'm biased, but I think it's pretty amazing!


Last month, my parents just celebrated their 61st anniversary.  What an incredible accomplishment! The truth is that it is more accurately described as a miracle.

They met on a blind date, fell in love, and were engaged in 3 weeks and married in 3 months......and they lived happily ever after!  Not exactly.   I have always been so intrigued by their love story.  It always assured me that God is the God of Romance and He loves a good love story, especially when He is the author.

From the perspective of one of their children,  a miracle is the best word for this love story.  I remember some evenings where my parents would be arguing (loudly)  late at night.  The children would stand in their bedroom door, watch them, and for a while the heated words would continue.  Mom and Dad were totally unaware of their spectators.  Eventually, they would notice us and being filled with regret, they would sweep us into to their arms and take us back to our rooms.

The tragic death of a child, a business wiped out by the only flood in Denver since the days of Noah, serious challenges with rebellious children, were the platforms that sent my mother to her knees, desperately seeking God's strength and wisdom.  

The fruit used in both wine and vinegar is often the same.  On a recent stroll in the grocery store, I noticed the words sherry, champagne, pinot grigio.  This was not  the wine aisle, but the vinegar row.
The recipes for  making wine and vinegar use some similar words-crushing, fermentation, strain, and store.

From the same fruit, and similar processing, can result in two very different products-wine or vinegar.  the final results depend on how it was fermented; the actions and the reactions.

As I reflect on my parents marriage,  memories of their being crushed, strained, and even fermented are still there.  They had every opportunity to become a marriage filled with bitter vinegar, but instead they determined that together, with God, they would survive the process.  God-centered choices led them to become the best example of a perfectly aged fine wine.

To this day, I still see chemistry in their love.  They have set an example of the importance of  kindness.  With the onset of Mom's macular degeneration, Dad has become the star example of how to love and serve one another.    But to me, the most important ingredient in their love story is their dedication to pray together every day.

On a recent visit to Denver, I was heading to have breakfast with my parents.    Their voices, quietly joined together in prayer, startled me.  Like the child of years gone by watching a heated argument, I stopped and listened.  I was now mesmerized by the deep love expressed in their prayers.  Was I intruding on a private moment?  Maybe.  But on that morning, I learned like my parents, I have the opportunity to make the same daily choices as my parents.   Do I want the "process' of my life to become a self-centered bitter vinegar or  can I decide to "ferment" gracefully with kindness, faithfulness and love?  These are the ingredients that help to determine the difference between a  life that becomes a bitter vinegar or a fine wine.  And I don't know about you, but I'd take a glass of fine wine over bitter vinegar any day of the week!

Prayer Request

Our little Meg ready to rock the Bar!

Hi Everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  Today is a very BIG day for one of Long to Love's favorite girls--Meg Kelsey is taking the Virginia Bar Exam today and tomorrow!

If you think about it, say a quick prayer for her.  Or leave a comment on the blog to encourage her.  (she gets email notifications when people comment, so she'll see them eventually).

We love you Meg and we're SO proud of you!!  You're going to be AMAZING!!

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Jeremiah 32:17

Quick Update

Hi Everyone!

  Just wanted to send a little update to let you know that the blog will be a bit quieter over the next two weeks.  Today, I'm heading on a trip with my mom and youngest sister Abby!  While I'm so excited about this last-minute trip, I don't think I'll have much internet, so I wanted to say farewell for now.  I've scheduled a few occasional posts, but not many.  See you soon!


In the meantime, I'll leave you with a new translation of my June memory verse from the NET.  I was cleaning out my purse and I discovered it written on an old piece of paper from four years ago when I worked in DC (yes, that's how often I clean out my purse), and I'm kind of obsessed with it:

He is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him.

Isaiah 33:6

Musica!

Iowa corn field via Pinterest

There's nothing like 14-hours in the car over the course of a weekend to remind a girl of the value and importance of music.  I tell you, if you've never driven through the corn fields of Iowa, listening to Keith Urban, you are missing out!  I love the way music can help set the pace--whether you're running, driving in the car, cooking, or having a dance party.

I also love a good worship song, especially in the morning.  For me, it helps shape and set the tone for my day.  Currently, I'm LOVING the song "God I Look To You" by Jenn Johnson.  You can listen to it below:
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Also, if you're in the market for a new worship CD, Hillsong's newest album, Cornerstone, is just $3.99 on Amazon!  It downloads right to your iTunes!  Get it here.

One Day At A Time

With Eliza Joy in college

Happy Monday!  I hope you had the most wonderful weekend!  I took a little jaunt to Kansas City to see one of my bestest friends, Eliza Joy.  It was WONDERFUL!  We talked, we walked, we laughed, we dressed up like cows and got free Chick-fil-A, I introduced her to the show Parenthood, and we played with her two beautiful babies.  It was delightful!

Last Thursday, I posted a little insight from Priscilla Shirer on a daily recipe for discerning what God has for us.  This morning, I was reading Jesus Calling (the other book I enjoy quoting on a weekly basis) and LOVED what it said about taking things one day at a time:

"DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW!  This is not a suggestion...but a command.  I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle.  My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time.  When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy flame.  You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry."

"Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust...Enjoy My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times."

Trust in him at all times, O people; 

    pour out your hearts to him, 

    for God is our refuge. 

Psalm 62:8

Act. Love. Walk.

Image via Pinterest

It's been a while since we've had a little update from Priscilla Shirer's book The Resolution for Women (yes, I'm STILL reading it--mainly because I don't want it to end).

A few days ago, I read a segment where she was talking about how so often we wonder, pray, and ponder just exactly what God's will is for us.  What plans does He have?  Where does He want us to go?  What does He want from us?

Priscilla explains that often time the larger answers to these questions don't always come immediately, but in the meantime, God has give us a little sneak peek at the answer key by way of Micah 6:8:

He has showed you, O man, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God.

So, what does God require of us?

To act justly.

To love mercy.

To walk humbly with Him.  

So often, it's easy to get carried away with searching for answers to the bigger stuff, rather than sticking to the task at hand.  If we stick to mastering that on a daily basis, rather than soul searching for an entire life plan, eventually little by litte, the rest will be revealed.

Savor Him

Happy Diner!

One of the most fun parts about exploring a new town is discovering all of the tasty restaurants.  And believe it or not, The Twin Cities have some FABULOUS restaurants.  Already, we've discovered delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, a hole-in-the-wall authentic Mexican place, a Sunday dim-sum brunch place, and a fabulous burger joint.  You could say we've been eating our way through Minnesota and loving every bite. 

But by far, the restaurant that takes the cake has been a French cafe called Meritage.  We've been keeping our eye on Meritage, but it's a little pricey, so we've been saving it for our last weekend here.  Saturday morning, however, I discovered that they serve brunch.  Within ten minutes, we were out of our pajamas and on our way!

I know I can be a bit dramatic at times, but I'm not exaggerating when I tell you this was one of the top 3 brunches of my life.  We ate and ate and ate.  One of the things B and I share is a love for is food--we love cooking together and exploring new restaurants--so when we stumble upon deliciousness, we make sure to enjoy it!  We sat outside under an umbrella and feasted on eggs benedict, cheese blintzes with fresh raspberry compote, "frites" with homemade bernaise sauce, homemade beignets, and LavAzza cappuccino.  I think it was the happiest I've been since we arrived.  Best. Meal. Ever.

The food was rich, satisfying, and deeply rewarding.   We savored each and every bite.

I continued to think back on our meal throughout the weekend remembering the tastes, flavors, and experience.  (Yes, I'm a bit of a foodie nerd).  As I thought about it, I was convicted by how much easier it is to savor and latch on to delicious French food, rather than feasting on the Words of our God.  How much more different would my life look if I craved, remembered, and savored the rich, satisfying words of our God?

The thing is, our God is incredibly satisfying.  He, and He alone, is the one who truly satisfies our deepest longings and desires and no beignet, no matter how hot and how fresh, comes close to matching His richness.

Eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Isaiah 55:2

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight.

Jeremiah 15:16

I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:35

I Need A Hero

In an effort to continue to take advantage of our $4 movies up here in Minnesota, the other day, B and I went to see The Amazing Spider-Man.  I assumed this Spider-Man picked up where Tobey Maguire left off, but ten years after Tobey debuted as Spider-Man, they're already rebooting and starting over.  I'll be honest, I enjoyed this one much more than the last ones.  I liked the new casting--Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (real life loves) were perfect!

As I sat in the packed theater at a Sunday matinee, I began thinking about just how much our culture is obsessed with superheroes.  I mean, just look at the hundreds of millions of dollars each one of these movies rakes in.  In just six days, The Amazing Spider-Man had already grossed over $135 million here in the US and over $335 million internationally!  I think we as a society enjoy knowing there are good guys out there capable of rescuing us; we're a people in need of saving.

Similar to Liam Neeson's character in Taken, as I watched Spider-Man swing from building to building shooting his web at the bad guys and saving NYC from a giant, evil lizard, I became increasingly aware of the lengths our God goes to save us, rescue us, and redeem us.  For starters, He sent His only son to die for our sins so we could live eternally with Him.  I mean, when it comes to saving, you really can't really top that.

And as we move through life amidst the pain, struggles, and evil that surrounds us, we can take heart that in God, we have a real-life Hero who sees us, who knows us, who saves us, and rescues us.  He is our one, true Savior.  A Savior who moves mountains and is mighty to save His children.  

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  

Zephaniah 3:17

I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you.

Jeremiah 1:19

You Never Let Go

Image via Pinterest

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend and were able to stay cool in the midst of this sweltering heat.  Even here up in Minnesota, which boasts 80 degree summer days, we've been pushing 100 degrees most of the week--yuck!

I don't know about you, but do you ever hear certain songs that evoke specific emotions or memories?  To this day, any and all Boys II Men or All-4-One takes me back to my middle school dances, Outkast's "Hey Ya" brings me to my 2nd year of college, and David Grey's "Be Mine" reminds me of my early days dating B as we fell in love in DC.

There are also several worship songs that have carried me through different seasons or experiences that typically when played, or sung, move me to tears.  Yesterday, in church they played one such song and before the first verse began, my eyes were watering.

Nearly four years ago, I was following the blog of Katherine Wolf and the early recovery from her near-death stroke experience in her mid-twenties.  Her mother wrote a blog post about attending church where they played Matt Redman's "You Never Let Go" and I remember her mother recounting that even in the midst of so much pain and trial, feeling an overwhelming sense that God was with them and He would not let them go.  I immediately looked the song up and fell in love.  Such power, promise and truth!

A few months later, I watched dear friends walk through a terrible, earth shattering experience.  One that raises so many more questions than answers.  And as I prayed and wrestled with my doubts, frustrations, and delayed answers to prayer, I found so much strength in the power of this little song.

Often, we find ourselves plagued with more questions and unknowns than answers, and in those times, even when we'll probably never know the whole story, I think it's so important to cling to Truth and focus on what is.  Since I first heard it four years ago, this song continues to carry me through difficulties, hurt, and unknowns.

So without further ado, below are the lyrics and song to "You Never Let Go:"
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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday!!  Just a few favorites from the week:

Last week, Changing Seasons wrapped up their 4-week summer study on listening and guess what?!  All the videos are posted online.  Click here to watch all four sessions.

Speaking of summer studies, is anyone looking for one?  Every other year, Beth Moore hosts a summer study on her blog.  It's easy to follow along and she gives bi-weekly videos with thoughts and questions.  It just started last week, so you can definitely catch up if you're interested.  They're doing Kelly Minter's study on Nehemiah: A Heart Than Can Break.  Click here to get started.


And lastly, I leave you with two yummy recipes I made this week.  For some reason, I've been on a quinoa kick and have been trying it in all kinds of ways.  This week, we had quinoa cakes and quinoa tabbouleh.

Image via Pinterest

  For the cakes, we substituted and used cheddar cheese and added cumin and an extra egg.  Instead of using the mayonnaise sauce, we made a yogurt-based sauce with scallions, garlic, lemon, and cumin--delicious!  My husband had his doubts about these meatless patties, but ended up loving them!

Image via Pinterest

I'll be honest, I was skeptical about the tabbouleh with quinoa instead of bulgar, but it was delicious!  Maybe I went into it with low expectations, but B and I both were pleasantly surprised.  

Any new recipes you've been loving this week?

Pursued, Redeemed & Rescued

A few nights ago, B and I watched the Liam Neeson movie Taken.  I first fell in love with Mr. Neeson in Love Actually as he courageously coached his young stepson Sam on how to win the heart of his beloved.  Adorable!

Anyways, have ya'll seen Taken?  A few words of caution: do not see this if you or your daughter is planning to travel internationally in the near future.  And if you are traveling abroad, when the cute European guy you meet at the airport asks if you want to split a cab into the city, just say, "no."

In Taken, Liam Neeson is on the phone with his teenage daughter when she is kidnapped by human traffickers in Paris.  Lucky for his daughter, Liam is a former-CIA operative and is able to use his ridiculous skills to try to track her down.

Though extremely intense at times, what I loved about this movie was the father's relentless pursuit of his daughter.  He stopped at nothing until she was back in his arms.

I love movies that show a father's undying love for his daughter, because it's such a great reminder of how much more our heavenly Father loves us.  One of my favorite truths about God is that He is a God who loves His children unconditionally.  This love is so vast, we can't even begin to conceive it.  This love compels our God to pursue us, to redeem us, and to rescue us.  Ya'll, I don't know about you, but I can't hear that enough.

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.'

Isaiah 44:22

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart...

Song of Songs 4:9

Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her…in that day”, declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master’…I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord.

Hosea 2:14,16,19-20 (NIV)

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

2 Chronicles 16:9

Team USA

Confession: over the weekend, I was captivated by the women's gymnastics Olympic trials.  Anyone else?  They were amazing!  Apparently, my NBC commentators tell me that we have the best shot of taking home the team gold since Kerri Strug powered through on her injured ankle in 1996.

I can't imagine what it would be like to work your entire life for something and then have it come down to the final five.  Right off the bat, I was a huge fan of Gabby Douglas and watched as she battled it out to secure the top spot against reigning champ Jordyn Wieber.  She was strong, confident, and incredibly captivating as she twisted and turned around.  The result?  Gabby pulled ahead on Day 2 and ended up winning by .10...talk about close!  After years of trailing behind Jordyn, Gabby finally finished first.

I did a little google stalking on my new Olympic heroine and found out that Gabby is from Virginia Beach!  And she's also a Christian!  My google search led me to her Twitter feed where she posted Isaiah 40:31:

But those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

Kind of puts a new interpretation to soaring on wings like eagles when you're able to do this:

Image via NBC

Can you guess who I'll be routing for this year?!  #teamgabby

Are you excited for the summer Olympics?  
What's your favorite sport to watch?

Scripture Memory for July!

Image via Pinterest

Hi Everyone!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend!  Can you believe we're already in July?!  These months just keep creeping up on me!


Today, it's time to share the scripture verses we'll be memorizing and meditating on this month.  For a background on how this started, click here.  Even if you're just getting started, all are welcome!  Just click here and leave your verse in the comments!

This month, I decided to memorize a verse I shared with you last week.  When I saw it, I felt like God had hand picked it just for me!

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

Genesis 28:15

Have your verse ready?  Sound off below!  If you need some ideas, click here or here to check out some past contenders!