When I said "yes!"

Exactly one year ago, today, Andrew asked me to marry him on a random road, on a North Carolina mountain overlooking a ravine splashed with the colors of fall.

It’s amazing to look back and think on what has happened since then—well, now we’re actually married and life has never been better. I knew then that I was saying yes to adventuring through life with my best friend, and a few months of marriage has only proved that to be more than true.

A word on legal, addictive stimulants.

A cozy arm-chair, window seat, rain or shine, low murmurs from ongoing conversations, “artsy” music playing in the background, the sound of beans grinding and the smell of fresh brews, laptop open but ignored, industrial furniture, green walls against brick, local photography, “Number 31!”—Life frozen for a few peaceful moments as I stare out the window at those whose life continues on.

This is what I think of when I hear the word, “coffee.”

I automatically envision myself sitting at one of my favorite cafés, Prince St. or Folklore, with a specially designed mocha in hand. These memories do not contain life-altering events that plague my memory, rather they are remembered fondly—full of solitude in the city, good music, inspiration, and a fresh cup o’ Joe.

Our other, other home.

I find myself completely uninspired this week in regards to journaling or anything else really. My brain has been singed by the overworking of designing boring things like business cards and logos, vain attempts to understand the Metaphysical realm in Philosophy class, and trying to keep the sink from overflowing with dirty dishes. All scenarios resulting in a withered mind lacking inspiration to exert anything other than what is absolutely required. Someone had a brilliant moment in placing the Northland Day of Rest at this precise point in the semester—it’s extremely needed. My man and I are celebrating by spending a long weekend with good friends from church, with some time to relax and do a bit horseback riding (and of course, I forgot my camera). 

Wedding film.

Folks, not to be proud, but this is a wedding film must-see! Our videographers, Kent and Ashleigh (soon to say “I do” as well) did nothing other than a fantastic job in capturing moments from our wedding day. Kent is also the man behind our engagement pictures (one of which is shown above), you can find our favorites in this post.

Our wedding video can be found here at Kent Mast Exposed, while it is featured on his website.

Enjoy!

Undeserved provision.

This past Sunday while visiting at our Pastor’s house, amidst the laughs and stories, we had the precious opportunity to reflect on the blessings that God has given us through time. After that discussion, I walked away marveling at God’s grace towards us, how He continually provides even when He seems like he won’t, and feeling overwhelmed by His love and concern for me, a very sinful person. I prefer to say, “God’s undeserved provision” for varying needs, because that is in the most general, but truest sense, what a blessing is.

Our Works of God journal has stacked up with the countless ways that He has provided for us through the years. Varying from seemingly small things like a gift of 40 ears of corn to freeze for winter to filling up the car with a tank of gas when we had no money to do so ourselves to witnessing my Grandma accept Christ as her Savior after countless years of praying. Whatever the scenario, God has always utilized people and circumstances, most times the most unlikely people and circumstances, to show His love towards us, and ultimately His glory. 

The classic love of fall.

This week I received two packages from both my Mom and best friend. One contained Apple Cider K-cups and a deliciously scented, Pumpkin Spice candle, while the other contained Cinnamon Spice coffee and a Yankee candle smelling of autumn wreath.

From this one can draw two assumptions: one, my loved ones know me very well, and two, fall is an incredible season to be celebrated. I used to disregard fall altogether, deeming snowy winters and swimming filled summers more exciting than leaves falling—I found it depressing and it seemed that only “old people” appreciated it. Well, I must have gotten old this year because I found myself craving the crispy chill of fall.

There is something inspiring about this season, it thrills me to enjoy the unique characteristics that fall brings and the fact that it leads to Thanksgiving and Christmas (my two favorite holidays).  In fact, the surprise gifts inspired me to take a break from the books and spend some moments enjoying this season of life; after all, this is the only fall that I will spend as a newlywed, at Northland, and probably in WI. Beyond the candles and fall drinks, I have been appreciating certain aspects of this particular fall in our little apartment. So I have decided to journal a paragraph in summary of my fall thus far: 

A note on Chex Mix.

As I write this, I am contentedly sitting with my new, thrifted find of a cozy, white blanket, a cup of apple cider, and before you think, “aw, what a dreamy situation” I will add that I am also nursing my abused lip back to health. You may ask how my lip came to be abused—was I in a fight? Or perhaps mishandled the curling iron this morning? That would be a no to both statements. I doubt that you will believe the truth, but here it is: my lip suffers from Chex Mix brush burns. I did not know that this was at all possible until today, and as a result, I highly warn against taking late lunches.