Ever since the beginning of this year, I have had the sense that my life is really not under my control. I would not describe myself as a control freak, but I do like to feel that I know what's coming and how I will respond. When you're youngish like me, life seems really predictable, especially when you're in a set routine that doesn't seem to have an end. But recently I have become really aware that life probably isn't going to be what I expect it to be.
​Sounds trite? Maybe so, but sometimes we overlook an important truth because we think we already know it. I've always known that God "holds tomorrow" and that my ways are not His ways. Yet sometimes I feel acutely aware of the fact that...
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​I...don't...know.....what's....going......to.....happen.

​I could give you dozens of examples from the Bible and even today of people who thought they knew what was going to happen. When David tended his sheep and played his music, he probably wasn't expecting Samuel to come to his family's house and anoint him the future king. Mary had to be completely surprised when the angel told her she was to bear Jesus. Throughout history, thousands and thousands of people have had their life goals shattered. No matter how much I plan my life, it's not going to work out exactly as I want it to.
​So......on that note, I want to end with a beautiful quote that describes the peace and joy with knowing that, although I have no idea where I'll be in six months or what I might be doing, God knows.
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"My life may not be going the way I planned it, but it's exactly the way God planned it."

​Today I don't feel in control. That's okay. God has not give me the ability to peek into the future, but he has given me the strength to simply trust Him.

I love Valentine's Day.

​Even though I am a single young lady, I still enjoying celebrating this holiday of love. I don't think that you have to be in a relationship to tell people around you how much you love them.
​But if you are like me, you also might be feeling a slight pang- because you know that others will be receiving romantic notes, flowers, chocolates, etc., and.....you won't. Your married friends are excitedly talking about dates, romantic dinners, and spur of the moment getaways. Do we single people always have to feel a little left out?
​I am here to remind you all, if you happen to be getting the Valentine's Day Blues, that Someone cares for you so deeply right now in a way that a human never can. We all know it, but has it traveled from our head to our hearts? I have always loved the part in a favorite book of mine where an older lady describes God's Word as a "love letter". But isn't it? Doesn't God fill the pages of his holy Word with words of love and tender care?
​If you are feeling left out and even neglected during this holiday of love, remember that you are complete in God's love. Married or single, we all need to remind ourselves of the frailty of human affection and the everlasting security of the love of our Heavenly Father.
I know that I am going to take some time this weekend to read my own personal "love letter"!

Finally, everyone was in their place and ready to go. Begin the ceremony!

And here seems to be a perfect photo to end this post. I'll have to do one more post soon to cover the aftermath of the wedding (and some of the really fun photos taken!) Stay tuned!

For years, I wondered about the psychology of moms. Could a rational human being actually prefer to get long nap versus a birthday party at a friend’s house? I particularly marveled whenever we would go to a certain family’s house that we would only visit occasionally. Every time, the parents would sit and talk for hours while we kids bounced on the trampoline, explored tree houses, and engaged in epic games of hide and seek. I simply couldn’t understand why they were happy to sit inside and do nothing.
But age brings about revelation. In fact, over the last several years, I have come to a startling conclusion.
I think I’m turning into my mother. (Love you, Mom!) Don’t believe me? Here’s a list to prove it.
I love Saturdays because I can get so much done.
I’m ecstatic when I score a great deal at the thrift store.
I’m ready to go to bed at nine o’clock.
Whenever I hear Tanya or William say, “I’m bored,” I tell them that they could always work.
I get excited about next year’s garden.
I call teenagers “kids”.
Sunday afternoon “rest times” are a pleasure instead of a pain.
I read books like “99 Ways to Make Christmas Gifts out of Recycled Newspaper” and “Housework Made Easy”.
I think it’s true. I have left the playful realm of childhood and teenager-hood (whatever) and become a genuine adult. But maybe there are a few remnants left – I would still rather bounce on a trampoline than sit inside and talk!
When was that moment when you realized that you really were an adult?