Texas in the morning, Texas in the evening, Texas in the afternoon...

Could you guess it? I may or may not be in Texas.

Ok, so I'm in Texas...and I'm loving it.

My dear friend Vanessa is getting married this weekend--and I am here to support her and help her and love her. So things are good.

Yesterday, we spent the day finishing up last minute details, and today, we get to be rewarded by a day at the spa... (Look, I would give a spa day to each of you if I could...)

With all of this wedding hulu going on around me, I've taken some time to reflect on my own marriage.

I praise the Lord daily for how my marriage has already shaped me.

It really is amazing how hard marriage is, but also how sweet it is.

I am grateful to realize that though my marriage is a huge part of my happiness it is not the whole of the joy in my life...and that it is used to heighten my other experiences.

I am incredibly blessed to have a husband who encourages me in the Lord, and challenges me to grow and become a better person.

I am in awe of the amount of grace extended to me by the Lord through my husband, my picture of grace. I am humbled every day.

This Grace that has ruined my flesh driven life has marked me with the sign of Christ and enabled me to see the world with a new perspective that my marriage broadens and stretches daily.

I am filled with wonder as I look around. Nature, art, music, literature, traditions, languages, foods, dance, humor, science, intelligence in general: it all feeds this curiosity to know the world more, and inevitably experience Yaweh more. A curiosity that my husband fully supports.

(Even when it's a little different, or uncomfortable..or is with bad-timing...)

As I sit here in Vanessas' kitchen---preparing for this wonderful day---I am blown away.

Thank the Lord for Texas; and Thank the Lord for His Grace.

Mountain Love

I'm a sucker for magical places.

Any place that transports you away from your world...

My magical places are usually very green...very Secret Garden meets Lord of the Rings, know what I mean?

Red and I went trail running again last week and got to experience such a place. The same trail as normal...but it has grown up to be a special, beautiful, earthy, green place. (makes sense right?)

When I think about these places, certain music comes to mind...First Enya (best not be laughing, sir)...and then Mumford & Sons and Allison Krauss....

I could listen to them over and over and just enjoy sitting outside in a gorgeous green place.

Here is a taste of what I'm talking about:




Her voice takes you straight into the heart. You're pierced and moved.



For me, this music builds until I feel like I'm going to burst...it makes me want to dance with out inhibition and jump about like I live in a green field with flowers in my hair and grow my own food and wear pretty dresses.

I know thats what you got out these songs too....don't lie.

So perhaps you ought to go listen to this music and imagine being in a magical place.

Dangling Beauties

I woke up early this morning to take my dear friend Vanessa to the airport...and, so I thought to myself, "I'm up early, might as well take advantage of this...and go garage saleing..."

I haven't had too many opportunities to use the fabulous garage sale apps on my phone...and so today was the day. (Thank you Garage Sale Rover and Craigslist).

I hit up a few duds....and then I came to the treasure trove. (These people had been planning to open a consignment store, and then it fell through...soooo they had some wonderful finds).

My treasure:

Don't be scared.

They are beautiful.

They are 4.5 inches long, and from the 1930's!!!

The woman at the garage sale explained that she has a picture of the original owner wearing them at a ball in the 1930's.

I was sold. Talked her down to $12...and felt that they were totally worth it.

They are unique and they have a story.

Doesn't get much sweeter than that, friends.

ha...and people wonder why I go garage saling...silly people.

Mission StL

I am honored to say that I have been able to serve with Mission StL since this past January.

An awesome organization that focuses on the Forrest Park South East, Hamilton Heights, and Peabody burrows, Mission StL is always moving and shaking.

They focus on these neighborhoods in order to best serve these people. They host in home Bible studies, teach a literacy program in 3 schools, provide teacher aids, host sport camps, and do home repairs/construction for people in need. (This is among many other services)

They pour their resources into these neighborhoods to make a difference in the wider Saint Louis area.

Today they are a part of a Toyota contest in which they can win a truck. This truck will be used to haul supplies for construction projects they are involved in (The leader is currently using his Camry--which is thoughtful, but not so efficient...)

Vote today at facebook.com/toyota. Your vote will truly make a difference.

Treasure in Memphis

I grew up going to Jun Lee.

My mom would load me up in the car and we would drive down to Summer Ave., arrive... and hop out of the car...to a whole new world.

Experience this:

This place is the ultimate accessory haven. You can find everything here---pearls, fake Yurman (be picky...but you can find some beautiful things) pashmina scarves, purses, glam earrings, etc.

Every time I come to Memphis I am sure to hit this place up. (We even found a head-piece for the bride to be and her rehearsal dinner hair-do!).

You never know what new item you might find...

If you're ever in Memphis, go to Jun Lee.

Contact

Jun Lee Trading Co.

3397 Summer Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901.327.1822