Plowing through!

It's loooooong overdue, so here are the rest of my 31 picture challenge days in one shot! Phew!!


Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget.

It's not THAAAAAT bad, but all I could think of: fireworks.

Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25 – A picture of your day.

stack of mail, tackled

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you.

New friends, new experiences, culture, adventure

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of.

Alone. Big city. Night.

Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile.

My brother's a dork.

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss.

Yep, little twinge in my heart just looking at that face!

Day 31 – A picture of yourself.

We made it!!!

let's go!

Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.

Costa Rica, anyone? Tropical, close(ish) and oh-so-exotic... Yes, please! (Googling it now.)

Day 19 – A picture and a letter.

Dear Graduate,

You made it! Community life, all-nighters, priority adjustment, challenge, belly laughs, hope for what is to come. And in the blink of an eye, it's over. In a breath, you're heading off to wild adventure, tackling the world, passions piled in a suitcase clutched in your hand. Do it: Add to the beauty, give, serve, live passionately and step out to take the risk. You will change the world.

Too Much

Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Why is this so difficult? I definitely have insecurities, though I'm not sure there's a specific picture of them, let alone my biggest.

I think though, that if I had to pinpoint just one, and a big one, it would have to be the insecurity of being "too much." I think of the book Captivating:

"I know I am not alone in this nagging sense of failing to measure up, a feeling of not being good enough as a woman. Every woman I’ve ever met feels it—something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. I am not enough, and I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy. The result is Shame, the universal companion of women. It haunts us, nipping at our heels, feeding on our deepest fear that we will end up abandoned and alone." (pp 6-7)

I know who I am and like who I am, but at times, there is a haunting echo in my head of being too much. Too overwhelming. Too aggressive. Too indecisive.

Thank you, Jesus, for knowing me fully and loving me. Thank you, amazing family and friends who reassure and encourage me.

New Adventures

Day 17 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.


My job is wonderful and there are ups and downs and excitements...feast or famine in the work load. Definitely things there that have impacted life recently as I ride the wave of ministry and people.

But the biggest thing by far that has changed the flow of normalcy recently is this new and budding relationship with my man. It has altered my weekends, it has me considering someone else as I plan, it has impacted the way I think.

 It has been exciting, it has been deep, challenging, so fun. Yes, it...or should I say, HE, has made a huge impact on my life recently. So here's a toast to what could be!

Through The Fire

I'm really bad at this every day blog thing. It has evened out to about once a week, but I am really going to try to plow through the rest of this picture challenge! Woo!

Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you.

Now, this isn't because she's one of the few people who I know will read this, but she's the person who over and over again comes to mind with this prompt. There are people who inspire me with their drive and talent, with things they accomplish, but I think it's safe to say that when someone has those things and has walked through the valley of the shadow of death, there is depth and wisdom and insight beyond an ordinary life.

Jessi, you inspire me! (Read about her family's story and of their little superman, Jack, who was born between 23 and 24 weeks.)

I dug back into my photos and found these photos. One of our freshman year of college and one from when Jessi was about to get married and I had the great privilege of being "most holy" maid of honor. ;) 

Jessi, you are a treasured friend and an amazing woman. Truly, an inspiration. Love you!

Being a Forever Family

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Few things I watch on TV make me tear up. In fact, I don't usually cry unless I'm crying selfishly when I'm upset or exhausted. But whenever I see a waiting kid on the Wendy's Wonderful Kids segment of the news, I get goosebumps and teary-eyed.

One thing that fascinates me most about God is how he designed the things we experience in "normal life" to reflect him, something he's done for us, how he sees us, how he desires that we journey here on earth. Adoption is a picture of his great love for us. We were strangers and he brought us into his home, we were helpless babies and he said he'd take care of us. He didn't invite us in to be slaves or work horses, but to be princes and princesses, receiving the full inheritance as adopted kids.

 Throughout the last decade of my life, this dream has grown in my heart. From seeing families I'm close with welcoming in kids, in searching Orphan Sunday resources, in recognizing the need for healthy foster and adoptive families, I know that I could be a part and make a difference. And this is something I want to do before I die.