Specialized

I guess you can specialize in anything...

Wisdom

“You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. “ --Ellen White Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 146

Land of the Free?

Contentment

"To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to the stars and birds, to babes and sages with an open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never, in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden, grow up through the common." --William Channing

I am a quote collector, it's true. Small wisdoms passed down that I can gain from. It's good to be reminded to slow down. To "await occasions", to live simply and not expect too much at once. Finding the beauty in little things, nay, in everything, this is truly living. There are so many things that I love, but a few that come to mind are: thunder storms, the smell of fresh cut grass, a good run, fresh berries, babies, paper, down comfortors, water, photos, family, freedom, love.

Adri's Graduation

Here is a glimpse into Adri's graduation weekend celebration. I was so glad I got to go home and be a part of this special weekend. It had been many months since I had been home (136 days to be exact) and it did my heart good to be with my wonderful family and friends. We are all very proud of Adri. Proud of what she has accomplished, proud of who she has become, proud of where she is going...but mostly we just feel lucky to have her in our lives.

It was a moving, meaningful weekend full of hugs and tears. It was all very special, but I think what made it so special was that God was very much at the center of it all. He is the One who gives us life and breath and purpose in our lives.

Prayers and best wishes for the road ahead, dear graduate, we love you.

*Our friend Elwyn shot several of these lovely photos. Thank you!

Nadj and Kiera

When I was in Lincoln, I got to see my lovely friend Nadja and her darling neice. The time we spent together was far too short, but it was very special. I have known Nadja for most of my life and we have many memories from over the years: swimming, skiing, playing in the woods...good times. She still gets to do those things with some pretty lucky kids. Great to see you Nadj!

In the clouds

In a stupor of sleep deprivation I dozed off as I was flying home this morning. Somewhere into the flight, I opened my eyes, and a scene of fluffy white clouds arrested my full attention. It was marvelous, captivating and breathtaking. These photos do not do it justice.

It made me think of Mark 13:26-27 that says: "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of heaven."

Clouds really are majestic. Recently my friend Jonathan sent me a time-lapse clip of clouds. It was amazing to see their similarity to waves rolling on the surf or flowing down a mountainside like a waterfall. Truly breathtaking.