Simple things

I have been enjoying some quite wonderful, yet simple things while being home. Here are just a few things:

1. my bed
2. having wine with dinner
3. slumber parties
4. waking up at 12
5. going on glorious misty walks
6. reading only a few things a day (this needs to improve)
7. the ability to be brain dead
8. watch tons of movies
9. hike lots and enjoy the outdoors
10. run into people EVERYWHERE
11. and exercise.

That list makes me sound like a high school girl or someone who has no passion and is SUPER lazy... which is not true.

The lazy part is though.

-2009 is wrapping up and I am starting to feel as if I have left a lot of things unaccomplished. Looks like the next two days might involve some good soul searching.

Home nature home

Most people say "home sweet home." Although, that is true and some people focus on how sweet home is... when I think of home I instantly think of NATURE. I am obsessed with the bay area. Obsessed... I cannot get enough of Sunol and hiking there. I have gone there twice this week and want to go again tomorrow. It is so beautiful and every time I stop and look out, all I can see are hills that are endless.

There is something so powerful about nature. My soul feels revived. Once I get in my car, drive down 680 South, go two exits, and have blasting indie music on, my soul screams "Ah, YESSS Jesus." It gets even better once I exit on Sunol and drive up to my hiking spot to follow the "Canyon View" trail to "Little Yosemite" to see rushing waters, sunshine, and green hills.

I connect best in nature. My soul feels like a clean slate. Repentence, confession, soul searching etc. goes on there.

I loved D.C. I felt like a city girl, felt the rush, and was beginning to get "Potomac fever."
I was in a city for four months with very little nature action. Sure, there were trees and parks, but not open space. Here in the Bay I can go 5 minutes to a place of serenity.

Thank you Jesus for hiking and nature.
My body says thank you too.

As I sit

As I sit here, my mind wanders off into the distance galaxies, or so it seems. Sometimes I can think one thing, and then surprise, another comes. Sometimes I can be so sure of something, and I was wrong. Sometimes I can be so full of joy and seconds later feel distress.
I can be sure of someones relationship, and then seconds later it collapses. I can be so sure of what God is doing, and hours later be so in shock. Life is full of unexpected events that are never even dreamed of. I often wonder how I will get by in this world, if I will live pay check to pay check, and how I can continue to trust in God. I often wonder why He brings certain people into my life, just to take them away. I often wonder why He gives me the feelings He does or if they are stirred up just by myself.

Life is full of questions. There is no period at the end of the sentence of life, although it seems. Some want a period at the end of a thought or feeling. Some want an exclamation point to say "it is this way" and others just want a continuing question mark or to leave it without punctuation.

I qualify under the others. I do not want life's questions to go answered all the time. Although I would appreciate an introductory paragraph to some of life's questions, I do not want to know the conclusion on all of them quite yet. I like discussing hope in detail, why things are, how my life is going to turn out, vocation, relationships, etc. Is it enough to be okay within ones own skin? I'd like to say yes.

Thankfully my life at this moment is a whole bunch of leaps. I am jumping from one stone to another. From one event to another... Getting a taste of this world.

We are living in Hope.

Florida update

Today I used a 1980 vacuum, that worked better then a 2009 one. Who says time makes things more advanced?

I didn't just vacuum today. Today consisted of a few sweet simple things. I went over to my Grandma as she was laying on the bed and was about to tell her I was going to go read the paper outside. I stopped and listened. The sweet Holy Spirit told me to sit and read the bible with her, so I did.

Margaret (my aunt's sister), my Grandma, and I read three chapters of John, taking over an hour. I started reading John 1 and my Grandma continued with 2 and 3. We went through it and discussed it in great detail. I love my Grandma's wisdom and stories. I could sit and listen to her stories all day long... the more she shares, the more sense my family makes to me.

It was beautiful. We discussed why Jesus is the only way to eternal life. Even people who are Christian's have a hard time with this one. I ended up sharing about my Muslim friends and their heart ache. I ended up flipping through the bible sharing verses that I completely forgot about. I love talking about Jesus, it gets me so excited... as it should.

It was an intriguing and insightful conversation. Thank you H.S.

Some things I love about being here:

1. I get to see my little cousins and play with them... for fun and not for a babysitting job.
2. I get to help out small simple ways.
3. I get to learn from my Grandma's wisdom and hear about our family history.
4. I have had ribs TWICE and BBQ galor. Thanks to California's laws we don't have BBQ pits. So thank you Florida.

Prayer: Pray that this verse would ring true in the life of Rachel... I love her lots and do not want that bundle of joy to be sad.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed.

We do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 corinthians 4:8-9;16-18

{from her blog}.

girl guy discovery.

I am sure since the garden, communication has been something that differs among men and women. Over the last few months and the last few years in college, I have slowly begun to figure out the different communication styles between men and women.

I am the queen of communication. I love keeping contact and knowing what is going on in my friends lives.

Men on the other hand can say "I think about you" but never do anything about it.

Girls think about something, react, and then give someone a call.

This runs true with my Dad, my guy friends, ex-boys, etc.

Girls are just naturally better communicators,ys which is natural. Guys are good at plently of other things.

Leaving D.C. and knowing that I am not going to be seeing these people, makes me want to be in contact with them. I will not be overbearing... I promise. I just really love knowing how people are and what is going on in their lives so I can be praying. Not so much a bad thing I believe.

Side note/update from Florida: woke up at 12, received a heart breaking text from Rach, rode a bike to the park (woah), swang on some swings, and had a few good phone calls. The sun is out, I am sweaty, and I really want to borrow my Grandma's car but my Uncle won't let me. Boohoo.

transition time.

{Uncle Steve and Kayla fishing}

Last week as I was in the midst of my "Oh goodness, I am actually leaving" stage, Shannon Tierney blessed my facebook inbox with a very needed message. In it she expressed how she wished someone told her about the transition from Argentina to Biola. She expressed that although it is hard, God has us in certain places at certain times. It is important to debrief, to journal, and to reflect on our time in our loved places. It is also important to share our moments with others, so we do not feel alone.

Thanks to a good friend who noticed my broken heart, I am somewhat at ease.

I am currently in Florida with my Grandma and Uncle Larry. I thought that coming here would confuse the cycle of life and make me an emotional mess. God is surprising me. He has blessed me with Family who cares.

Today I spent the morning reading, praying, and taking care of my Grandma. This afternoon I rode bikes with my cousins Kayla and Cassidy, played raquetball, read "The Giving Tree" (my all time favorite), let Cassidy play with my hair, had a delicious burger, and had a good dinner discussion.

God has been kind to me.

I do miss my D.C. friends greatly, more then imaginable. I did not realize how close we all got and how much of a family unit we became. I also did not realize how much I changed, due to the fact that I was surrounded by people who were also changing at the same pace. I love the pace of D.C. and the fact that people's lives are not complacent or settled.

I am here in Florida till Friday and plan to soak in every second of it, relax, and to just share life with loved ones.

Not so good news and Good news

Not so good news:

• I have a never ending amount of packing to do.
• I have less then 2 days in this wonderful city.
• Somehow I need to live off of 400 dollars for the next 7 weeks. Don't know how that is going to happen.
  
• And I am horrible at goodbye's. Hello tears.

Good news:

• I am going to Florida and get to see my family on Saturday.
• My Grandma will be out of the rehab hospital and will be at her home on Friday! She hurt her hip so she has been doing lots of rehab goodies. I am really excited to see her.
  
• I am flying home the 18th instead of the 20th of December... only a 2 day difference but that means I get to go to some holiday parties!
• I have been reflecting on my time here and it has been SO GOOD, God has taught me a lot, and I have really appreciated the fact that we discuss things open ended here at ASP. I love the fact it is okay to not know how things work exactly and to wrestle with questions... something I feel that Biola lacks.

I am going to try and soak up the last 2 days as I pack. Ha, key word try.

the big 2-1

Haha, so contrary to popular belief, I, Angela Marie Blake, did not partake in any alcoholic beverages on my birthday.

Gasp! I know... crazy, right?

So instead I ordered a diet coke, woah! Go big or go home I say.

I was a bit saddened by this realization, but it is okay life will go on. Being in a Christian Program where there are 30 people and the fact that someone got kicked out the other day, does not help with the fact that I am 21 and could have ordered a drink.

Haha, I will admit I was a bit sad.

But yesterday was wonderful! My friends called a trillion times, got lots of texts, fb comments, singing messages, and encouragement yesterday. I truly believe that was worth more then anything. Miss Rachel McCord blessed me with a fb status, fb comments, a blog post, lots of texts, and a few phone calls. Meghan had her parents sing me happy birthday, sang me a song via voice mail, a trillion texts, and a few giggle phone calls. My lovely friends are home left me messages. Shannon sent me a ridiculous birthday clip art via text and a blake video message. My Mom, Dad, and Step Mom left me such nice messages!

I have to say... it was a good birthday! I am truly blessed to have the friends I have and am so fortunate. I do not realize how lucky I am!

So for my birthday consisted of: volunteering at Martha's table, getting a delicious milk shake at Ben's Chili Bowl, a 2 hour solid nap (epic), dinner @ MatchBox with friends (Morgan, Melanie, Emily, Lauren, Ashley, Justine, and Jen), a homemade cake from Miss Jen Steinhoff, shopping at Urban, an apartment filled with people singing happy birthday, and late night giggle sessions.

Thanks Jesus.

Less then a week I will have to run away from here, without choice.

West Coast Feel

Even though i love the east coast, there is a certain feel that tingles up my spine when i think of the "west coast," specifically San Francisco.

I just watched "Four Christmases" and had a glimpse of the beautiful city that i have spent most of my life around. In certain sections of the movie, it took some beautiful shots of the golden gate bridge, the fog, city lights, and even good old Union Square. My Bay Area pride CAME BACK! Haha, for those of you reading this you are probably saying "Oh God." But do not fret I also have D.C. pride... equally or maybe MORE then the Bay Area.

Although this last week I have come to the realization that I can no longer suppress my feelings and have to face them, I have also came to the fact that going home to something I am familiar with is not that bad.

So in order to foster and cultivate this semi-excitement I have reflected on a few things that are exciting about home. One thing I am excited about is to see mountains and hills. I can't wait to look out my window and be faced with the Foothills. Hm, that will be nice. It will also be nice to see a snow capped Mt. Diablo. I am also excited to drive on windy roads that are covered by trees and to hop in my car and go on a hike five minutes away. That will be real nice. It sounds pleasant to sit inside of Tully's and run into lots of random people that I have not seen for years. Sleeping in my heavenly bed where I do not have to toss and turn, but can awake from my slumber in the same position... that will be nice. Waking up to the smell of bacon because of my Dad's never ending generosity with food will be a treat. As I run out the door I have the assurance of knowing that chocolate covered raisins will be on the island in the kitchen, ready to be tasted by these taste buds. Hm... those are just a few of the reasons I am excited to be home.

Now now, that sounds like I am all about the petty and little things in life. Which is some what true.

I am also excited to not be working for once in my life! Every single time I come home I have a job and do not make time for a social life (that sentence makes me sound like 30 instead of 20). Since I will have so much free time I am going to finish my long awaited online geology class, that has taken me WAY too long. I am also going to volunteer for the IRC in San Jose and tutor/mentor Refugees :)

A few things I do realize...X will be very tired of my endless calls because I will want to hang out so much. Meghan will hang out with me for a week straight and then start to screen my calls because she will get so busy. And she will also make me go to social activities I do not want to go too... but then in the long run I will be thankful.

You see... there is a difference between my home friends and myself. They are very good at staying in contact with people from church and most of them live at home. Their social life has continued at home and has grown... where I have moved. I have friends from home, biola, and now D.C. The friends I have from home are a narrow amount of people I want to spend time with, including Meghan, X, Mel, and Becca. There are others... but those are the people I actually talk with.

To say the least, I am trying to get excited to go home. Time is ending here. I cannot change that, although I wish I could. So instead of basking in my sadness, I need to look towards something else: home.

Thought

Recent thought:

I am made in the image of God. Isn't that freeing? Or is it something that is scary?

Definitely freeing.

Hope: here and now.

Hope.

When you think of this word do you automatically associate it with future? Do you see it as here and now?

I think Jesus sees it as here and now. Why don't we?
The kingdom of God is here and now.
What we do matters for eternity, maybe its time to start living as if hope is now.

I have been thinking about this recently because I tend to say "I wish Jesus would come back now." Although I do think that would be amazing, there is something about hope that is not just for when Jesus comes back, but is for now.

This goes along the lines of justice and shalom. How can I hope that something will get done that promotes shalom? Well, for one Jesus came, died, and rose again. I know the end result already, so why not live it and strive for hope that is in the here and now? I say lets go for what Jesus would strive for.

{undeveloped thought process... more to come}

Hm.

last day of internship

{Sudanese Refugee}

Today was the last day at my internship. This semester has been a roller coaster of emotions on how I have felt about my internship. Instead of going through the process, I will cut to the chase and go to the end result… I absolutely loved it.

I was exposed to every part of the organization. From writing news clips to dissecting Sudanese law, I have seen how an NGO fully operates and what it takes. I have learned about myself, my views, and have been challenged on many different levels. Although it was rough at times, I would not trade it for the world.

I will say, thus far in my life, this has been one of the most molding 3 months of my life. I have been challenged by how I think politically, what I hold as truth, what I think about the kingdom of God, how to be a light in the work place, what it means to hold onto hope and live it out, what shalom and justice truly mean, and how to pray for those who are afflicted.

Today as the time was approaching for me to leave, I said my last good bye’s and sent out an e-mail saying goodbye with my personal e-mail address so people can stay in touch. As I was saying goodbye and giving hugs, I was overwhelmed with sadness.

Right as I was leaving I was approached by the president of the organization who thanked me for my work. I had to stop myself from crying. It was so nice and was so special to be thanked for my work by him.

As I was flipping through my bible today to get to Jeremiah, I came across a chipotle receipt with a prayer on the back. The first day of my internship I arrived early to scope out where it was and had time to go to Cosi. While I was there I was reading my bible and wrote a prayer down before my first internship. I found it ironic that I found it hidden in my bible on the last day of my internship. It reads:

Lord Jesus… Today mold me and give me the mindset of a servant. Allow me to be a humble person who reflects you in the office.

Lord, give me the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the words to say that you glorify you.

Lord, give me courage and have me be a light with salt.

Lord, I want to be able to glorify you.

Heal my tummy from this pain, nervousness is here.

Lord, you are a good God and I thank you for that.

Thank you for loving me and calling me beloved. You are the one to be praised.

God answered that prayer. He listens and is so faithful.

Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes, molding me, and for allowing me to be a part of an unfolding story.

wow factor.

tomorrow is my last day at RI. a sad realization. i have had the opportunity to do so many things that i did not know i was capable of. today when i met with my supervisor he challenged me on life questions and gave me great advice. after he gave me advice on the future and steps i should strive to take to make it in the refugee realm of a career, i asked him what he would advise me personally in my own growth. he said this:

"take yourself more seriously. i think you are self-conscious of things that you should not be. there is a power inside of you that you need to let go. you have a compassionate heart and it is full of passion. you are smart and are able to do many things that you do not realize. you need to embrace the power you do have and not think lower of yourself" (coming from a christian man).

woah. i almost cried. he NAILED it right on.

{once he said those words i felt like a bird coming out of a cage, released, and able to fly}

true confession: i do not take myself seriously because of my personality at times. i do not laugh because i am trying to brush something off, it is just my natural state. i haven't had to exercise the serious and passionate angela as much as i have had to exercise the free spirited angela in my life thus far. there are MANY things i care deeply about and have a good knowledge about- right now i would say i am pretty knowledgeable about refugee issues. there are a lot of things we are all capable of doing, but sometimes we do not take ourselves seriously or see our full potential. i can look in the mirror and see someone who is great at communicating with others and should work with direct services. i know that, but there are other things i have not allowed myself to fully embrace. i want to move forward from this internship knowing that all the things i thought were impossible are not. all the things i thought were scary about an internship or a job are not. things take work, perserverence, and time. its just apart of life.


new goal: let the power from within be released, passion flow, and be articulate and intentional about my work.

Thanksgiving Break

This is what I need to do. Keep Calm... and Ride on. I have 13 days left here. I might cry... actually I have teared up every time someone says how many days we have left. Ah, I cannot handle it. I love this place, I love these people, and I hate goodbyes more then anything. There is no easy way to say goodbye, at least none I have experienced. Its going to be rough... but we must all ride on.

On a lighter note my Mom and Sister came for thanksgiving. We had a ton of fun, laughed a lot, and annoyed each other as well. It was by no means a relaxing trip but was full of history and fun facts. Christina and my Mom saw the whole city of Washington pretty much. We traveled down to Williamsburg which was SO fun and extremely interesting. I thought I was on acid half of the time because of all the colonial people milling about the town so normally.We also had breakfast at a King's Tavern where colonial people served us food and played music from the 1700's (supposedly). Here are a few pictures from Williamsburg:

It was quite the adventure.

this little baby is coming to visit.
i am so excited... AHH. in five hours she will be in my glorious washington d.c. presence!

prayer

praying for meghan's family. in this time may the Lord give their family peace about nani being with the Lord, in His glorious presense.

praying for the belize team. may the Lord's love pour upon the people they interact with and build relationships with. may the Lord's light shine brightly. may they glorify the Lord with their actions that people know there is a beautiful and wonderful God.

I have been going through all of RI's pictures from field missions and deleting the blurry ones so I can burn them onto CD's for our files. It has been quite fun and sad seeing the pictures. Since most of the pictures are of refugees, UN goodies, and the country side, once I came across this one I seriously said (outloud) "Well, Bonjour Mr. Hot French solider" and laughed at myself for a few minutes. Hey, life can't be all serious... it is always important to laugh at ridiculous things such as this.

{2003, DRC}

GovTrack: S. 624: Text of Legislation, Introduced in Senate

GovTrack: S. 624: Text of Legislation, Introduced in Senate

yes yes yes. go to ONE campaign to sign.

craziness. that's the best way to describe this week.
research crazy. lots of contacts. a lot of people i have talked to in the last few weeks in DC- good thing some of them are in this lovely city.

world vision
food for the hungry
wells for africa
the water project
wine to water
institute of water management
population services international
----
trying to talk to:
ONE campaign
water advocates

hm. at the beginning of my project i was dreading it. i didn't see the value. now i am thankful because God has given me a passion for something that breaks His heart. although i have been typing away like a mad woman, i know its all for a purpose. learning, policy recommendations, and recommendations that will be shared with during a presentation with world vision. hopefully our research can advance their cause of partnerships and collaboration on the issue of water and sanitation (health). that would be nice.

today didn't consist of anything i didn't like (so disregard the sad face).

today consisted of a few things i did love.
-spiritual discussions about how prayer works with nina.
-researching about water and health issues- went a little crazy, not gonna lie.
-had an interview with someone who is from Brea and now works in DC with Food for the Hungry- loved -her California spirit.
-worked out in my tie dye shirt and turquoise necklace to feel more excited about it. it definitely worked.
-had a giggle sesh with megs.
-prayed with justine.

thanks jesus.

tranquility, come.

These people...

I miss dearly and love greatly.

Christina Blake. My sister and best friend. I miss this twits sass, her ability to understand me inside out, and her ridiculous jokes.

Meghan Marell. My side kick since Kindergarten. Miss this lady's love, our giggle attacks, and spontaneity.

Rachel McCord. My Biola love and bestie. Miss this crazy's artistic spirit, her silliness, and love for the simple things in life.

Christina Burke. My silly and loyal friend. Miss this girl's ability to understand all the silly things about me, her faith, and her counselor charisma.

Shannon Tierney. My lovely friend who has a similar heart for the world. Miss this woman's heart, her wonderful laugh, and her truthful words.

Melanie Dort. My good friend who is flourishing. Miss this woman's desire for growth, the silly things she does, and her crazy self.

Amy Armstrong. My"free spirited" friend. Miss this girls hugs, her love for nature&water, and love for the weirdest and craziness things in life.

Thanks for being a huge part of my life ladies.

{in no particular order... and these are people i haven't seen in a very long time... there are many whom i love}

Wine to Water

Yesterday Justine, Emily, and I had a phone interview with Doc Hendley from Wine to Water yesterday for our research on water availability in Africa. His organization is aimed at providing clean water to communities. Doc was once a bartender and had a love for the bar crowd. He dreamed of something bigger, someway he could make a difference in this world. He now is the President and Founder of Wine to Water. They host wine events to raise money for the wells and work they do around the world. As an organization that does not have government funding, they are able to avoid the red tape. They have the liberty to go to the places people will not go, make relations with the powerless, and do not mark their well with a flag. They come along side the community, use locals, and try to make their projects as sustainable as possible. I think its a beautiful thing. During our interview we heard some crazy stories such as Doc going to Peru a few weeks ago and putting in 30 wells for 1,000 dollars. Crazy! And did I mention, he dug some wells with his own hands? Ha. He also spoke of when he lived in Sudan in 2004 and 2005. He went to the places governmental organizations do not want to go, which is near the rebels. As he was driving in his truck bullets were being shot at him. He decided to go over near the rebels and talk to them. He went to them and talked to them about why he is there and told them that water is a basic right; it should not be a privilege. He fixed their wells and went on his way. If that is no BA then I don't know what is.
I want to get involved in this cause. I love the idea of hosting wine parties for a good cause and the money going towards wells, sanitation systems, and health/water education in different countries. Did you know that dirty water kills more people then HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined? I did not either.
More importantly, pray and act for this cause.
P.s. My part of the project is the health side of water... so beyond intriguing!

Check it out and vote for him as one of CNN's heroes for 2009.

Already Missing People

I am already missing people here in the program and it is not even over yet. How does this happen? I live with them and see them all the time. Some have asked “Is this semester truly your BEST semester,” considering that the American Studies Program is part of the Best Semester Programs (Haha, very funny). I don’t know if I have a favorite semester. My favorite semesters are always in the spring due to sunshine and no more rain, but this semester has been challenging, stretching, enlightening, fun, and a DELIGHT to be a part of. I love this place and I love the people I am with. I am the kind of person who can jump into a program, make new friends real fast, and not want to let go. Story of my life. Quick fact: according to Strengths Quest one of my strengths is “Adaptability,” which can really not be such a good thing at times because once I adapt to something that I love I do not want to leave. This last month I plan on continuing the friendships I have started, share fun and meaningful moments with others, embrace the time that I have left here, and realize that this is just a beginning to new friendships.
Cheesy? Yes. True? Definitely.

Silly Boys and the Bull. They were so pumped about the bull!

Kimi, Justine, and myself... frequent visitors of the boys room (even though its so dirty)!

Melanie, Emily, Myself, and Morgan on Halloween.

Kat, Ashley, Lauren, and Myself... 3 blind Mice Baby!

Adam, Justine, Seth, Jordan, Sarah, and myself in NYC!

Emily, Amanda, Jordan and myself on the Mall.. a little frisb with the boys. Ha.

First and only girls night out... Haha.

Little Baby Justine, the Panda, and myself over by Embassy Row.

Those are just a few of the many pictures I have of this semester... more to follow.

Thanksgiving Excitement

Thanksgiving is near... which means family is coming to town! My sister is coming next Saturday and my Mom is coming the Monday before thanksgiving. Needless to say, I am very excited!
I am excited to hug my sister, laugh with my mother, and go a little crazy. When the three of us are together... its a little out of control at times. I get to show them all around D.C., which can be exhausting, but I will do it with a joyful heart (haha, or try). It will be a lot of fun because we have a week to do it and don't have to rush anything. My favorite part about them coming is that we are going to drive down to Williamsburg, VA and staying HERE for two nights...



Um, Hello.... so pretty. My Mom scored big time with The Marriott Manor. For Thanksgiving dinner we are going to eat at one of the Historic Taverns that had the first thanksgiving dinner in 1619. I really hope we get to sit at a long table with a lot of strangers and they act out thanksgiving (I doubt it, but if they did it would be sweet). I love how my family seems to always do holidays different... and finds things like this amusing.

Ah yes.

Goal Number One

Christmas break goal number one:
Re-teach myself how to play the piano.

My heart feels as if it is going to burst with joy when my ears meet the beautiful harmony of a piano. My day is complete when I can sit and enjoy listening to someone play the piano. Whether it be at Nordstrom’s or in my living room, I love it. Growing up playing the piano and letting it go was not one of my finest choices. I need to get back to the place of where it is just me and the piano. Me and the music. Nothing else.

It is a beautiful thing when you can tune out all matters and focus on that moment, then, and there. Music flowing from your heart, to your fingers, can create an out pour of joy...

Hm, take me to this place goal number one. It’s been a good eight years.

Blue Jewel

A deep jewel within a cavern waits. She is a deep sea blue, as loyal as the waves are to the ocean. She sits there untouched. She sits there for perhaps a day, a week, a month, or so. She sits there, dust covers her, cracks start to grow, as she waits to be discovered. Only time can tell when she will be found, when her dust can be uncovered.

Discovered she does not necessarily find freedom, but brokenness. Before she can feel completely free, dust removed, she must go forth in a cleaning process. Layers of dust, hard as rock, being cleaned day after day.

This is the visual God has given me in my time of brokenness and healing with accepting my Dad’s new marriage.

For the Lord “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

it would be sweet if Jesus came back sometime soon.


real SWEET.

adorable Davy Crockett.
picture by Allison V. Smith.

This little baby is coming to visit...

I am so excited! Em, get ready for a weekend full of tourist adventure.

This weekend will include:

-Site seeing: Capitol tourt by my friend Adam, Arlington Cemetery, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House

-Food and fun places: Georgetown, Ben's Chilil Bowl, maybe some Sushi in Dupont, Eastern Market

-And of course... lots of laughter and love!