Etsy

I have discovered the greatest web site EVER!

Etsy.com

It's incredible. Basically it's a place for people to sell anything handmade. Paintings, drawings, jewelry, clothes, bags, paper goods, toys...anything. And there are some really talented people who have set up shop there. Everything is so unique and beautiful. I suggest you take a peak. If you know of someone who has a birthday coming up or anything like that, you could find a great present there that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. 

Here are a few of my favorite shops that I have discovered so far...

Hoolala

Deadworry

Disco Belly (when I get pregnant in ten years, I want these shirts!)

JellyBeans

MatteArt

And I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with this necklace from adorapop. 

(hint hint, to anyone who is looking to make me feel special)

So go take a peak around the website and let me know if you find anything beautiful and inspiring. :-)

Enjoy!

Journey

On most Monday nights we have ZEAL meetings at Pastor Dave's house. A group of us gather together to plan out the services and try to figure out what exactly God wants us to do with our efforts and talents.

The next ZEAL worship gathering is entitled "Journey." Alex usually comes up with a little flyer or something to post on-line to help promote the event. This time the image he came up with was that of a tree. I remember thinking, "Okay, I don't know what a tree has to do with a journey, but sure...why not?"  And then during the last meeting he explained his reasoning...I found it very interesting. Allow me to paraphrase what he said...

The tree goes on this journey. It starts as a seed and then the roots begin to grow deep into the ground. From there the tree begins to spring up and grow. As Christians we need to get rooted in the Word so that we can grow higher and closer to God. 

Sometimes things get in the way of the trees growth...like a bridge or an electrical wire, but the tree finds a way to go around it and grow somehow [this is true, I've seen it, I think it's amazing]. In the same way, we encounter obstacles in our life and we must find a way to grow. And as our roots grow go deeper we become more firm and grow higher. In order to grow higher, we must grow deeper. 

Hm. Made ME think. Who knew Alex had such profound thoughts?? ;-)

Anyway...I wanted to mention that my grandmother (my dad's mom) has been diagnosed with cancer. She's very old and has many other health problems as well. The truth is, we don't know how much longer she will be with us. I have decided to travel to Nicaragua (where she and my grandfather live) in order to be with her perhaps for the last time and to comfort my father. I can't imagine the pain he must be feeling in losing his own mother. I will be leaving on Sunday, March 2nd and returning that Wednesday. Please pray for my family. My grandmother is such a wonderful lady with a beautiful soul. She and my grandfather have been married for over 55 years. She has been a mother to 7 children who love her dearly. And a grandmother to many others who think the world of her. I remember when she would come to visit us in Miami and she would play guitar and sing songs about Nicaragua. She was always so happy and vibrant. She would always sleep in my room and we would talk about...everything. I know that since I last saw her (over a year ago) she has been struggling with alzheimer's. I haven't seen how the disease has affected her firsthand, but I have heard stories from my dad. It's very sad. I love my grandmother like you just wouldn't believe. 

She's not gone yet. But like I said, who knows when her time will come...I'm looking forward to making the trip down there and seeing her and my grandfather...but I also know the trip will be a difficult one. 

As I said before, please pray for her...for my grandfather...for my dad...for us to continue on our journey of life and become more deeply rooted in the Word of God so that we may grow from this experience and rely more on our God. 

I am happy to inform you...

I received my acceptance letter from Southeastern Seminary!

So it's official. I have a Student ID number and everything. I applied for housing as soon as I read that letter! Hopefully Alex and I will get our number one choice. If not...oh well. We don't find out where we will live exactly until about four weeks before the move in date (beginning of August). So we'll see how that goes!

They're up!

Stephan Maloman posted up our engagement photos. They're just a few of his favorite. So go check them out now!

Leave him a comment telling him how much you LOVE the photos. ;-)

Lia & Eric: Engaged!

Lia is one of my very good friends. when we first met we never thought we'd grow to love each other or even like each other. We're two completely different people...but despite our differences we have grown to trust and love each other. 

It just goes to show you that Jesus brings people together. :-)

Well, on new year's eve, she got engaged! Eric is a great guy and certainly the best man for Lia. I'm really happy that they're getting married and that I get to be a part of their wedding. 

On Saturday I had the opportunity of shooting some engagement portraits for them. It was a lot of fun and I'm really pleased with the way they came out. I posted them up on Glowing Light. Let me know what you think. 

Breakfast at night is my faaavorite

create

I've been feeling incredibly creatively stifled lately. 

I'm just not inspired. My life feels like one, long, boring, tiring routine. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely thankful for my job. I feel blessed that the Lord has provided me with this opportunity to learn something new, grow my patience, and earn money. Not to mention, the health insurance is an added bonus. But I feel so..."blah" because of what I do day in and day out. And so I don't feel like doing much else. I don't feel inspired to create anything beautiful. 

However I was checking out this blog today and now I feel rejuvenated! This girl is so talented and she has amazing ideas. Thanks to Elizabeth for introducing me to her work. 

When I first got my Canon, I would take it with me everywhere! However, little by little, I've been leaving it at home. Well, I'm happy to say I have two photo shoots planned for today! I'm excited to be taking pictures again...and hopefully I will remember to make time for my creative outlets. And maybe Alex and I will try something new together. I love creating things with him...mostly because if it weren't for him I probably wouldn't even try most of the things we try. And then I get so excited about the future and all the things we're going to do together. Life is such a beautiful, exhilarating, inspirational thing. We shouldn't forget that...and we shouldn't let it become routine and boring.

So how do you keep your life exciting?

Happy Valentine's Day

So I know a lot of people really dislike Valentine's Day. The cheesiness of it all. The fact that it's a "corporate holiday" invented by Hallmark. The way it makes you very aware of your "single-ness." Or if you're attached to someone, maybe it's the pressure of having to buy yet ANOTHER gift. 

But let's look past all this. Valentine's Day is a day of love. Yes, we should show our love to each other everyday...not just today...but it's nice to take a day out and really reflect on that love and show appreciation for those around you. 

And maybe we can reflect on God's love for us as well. They way God loves us never ceases to amaze me. It's so pure...so true...so unconditional. The Bible says in 1 John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." In 1 John 4:8 it says, "God is love."

In fact, God is so amazing and he loves us so much that He gave up His Son. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Not only that, He forgives us of all our sins...past, present, and future. Every time I start to think of God's love I am reminded of His mercy. I know that I haven't done anything to deserve it...yet He still gives it. And I am very thankful for that. He doesn't stop loving us if we mess up. He loves us despite our flaws and shortcomings and He always will. 

So even if you're a little bitter about this holiday, just look at it from a different perspective. God loves you and desires a relationship with you. Remember that. And perhaps we should strive to love the way He loves. 

(Oh, and thanks, babe...for my surprise this morning...love you!)

Engagement Photos!

Yesterday Alex and I had our photos taken by Stephan Maloman. His lovely wife, Candace, also came along. It was such a great experience. We were both REALLY nervous at first...but I think as the shoot went on, we loosened up. I think Stephan was able to get some really great shots. Of course it helps that he's an amazing photographer!

We went to a little record store on Bird Rd. and then to Tropical Park. We even brought along our little Polaroid cameras...because, well, that's how we do things. I think Stephan was a little bewildered to see such an ancient form of photograph technology. ;-)

He did oblige us by taking one shot though...so that's good! (as you can see above)

I will let you know when he posts up the photo on his blog. In the mean time check out some of his other work...and the photos he took of my sister and her fiance. 

...in case you missed it...

I wanted to post up a youtube video of Mike Coia Band playing at Studio A last Wednesday. 

Check out Alex! He's the hottie playing the electric guitar. ;-)

I'm proud of him.

They're playing some more shows so check it out here. 

Also, they'll be playing at Studio A again on Match 7th...and I believe Alex will be playing with a band called Decembers Waiting as well. 

(What a pimp)

(the lead singer of this band is in high school...but he's so talented! I'm impressed.)

It's exciting to see my "hubby" playing with different bands. I know performing is what he likes best...and I'm glad he's getting the chance to perform with all these different people. Besides, we all know the main reason I got with him is because he plays guitar. ;-)

Love you, babe!

sins of omission

Tuesday night we began our new Bible study at Panera. 

We were outgrowing Pastor Dave's home...so I think it was Anne Marie that came up with the idea of holding our Bible studies at Panera. 

And so...last Tuesday was the first. It was great! We split up into different groups around the restaurant...broke out our Bibles and "In a Pit with  Lion on a Snowy Day" and had some interesting discussions. 

(Thanks to Lauren and Anne Marie for the team teaching)

I think the thing that struck me the most was the concept of sins of omission. Apparently there are two types of sin...sins of commission and sins of omission. Sins of commission involve regret about things you've done. Sins of omission are the opposite...things you HAVEN'T done. 

Well, I realized there are MANY things I haven't done...either because I've been too afraid or indifferent or lazy. 

I'm a quitter. I quit EVERYTHING. If it gets to be too hard or inconvenient, I quit. I can make a list of the many activities I've started in my life...but never completed. 

Ballet. Piano. Oboe. Xylophone. Baritone. Singing. Music in general. Drama. Softball. Basketball. Broadcasting. Etc. Etc. Etc. I even quit photography. I took my first photo class when I was 14 years old, but I quit. I picked it up again in college, but think of all the years I lost. All the knowledge and talent I could have acquired if I would have just stuck with it. 

So I guess my sins of omission involve NOT sticking with anything. Not trying. Not doing. Not taking action. 

Sad.

At the end of the study we did a little exercise. We had to write down ten dreams we have for our life. No matter how big or ridiculous it may sound. I couldn't even come up with ten...that's how much of a quitter I am...I quit before I even started!

I won't share my list with you because...well...I don't want to. But know that I, too, have dreams. And I'm thankful that I have Alex in my life. He really pushes me to try new things and is always very encouraging. He always makes me feel like I'm talented...somehow! 

And I encourage all of you to believe in yourselves. Dream big. So you may not accomplish EVERYTHING...at least give it a shot. Find your passion and strive to achieve it...no matter what people say. Don't doubt yourself. And remember, God is your biggest cheerleader...He knows you can do it...even if you don't know. 

some events

This week has been eventful. 

I started my first official week of teaching at Miami Baptist Preschool. 

I'm not gonna lie, it was rough. Things that are just starting out are always a little rough. I guess I didn't realize how...young...my kids would be. About half are still in diapers. Some don't speak yet or have limited vocabulary and understanding. I'm going to have to re-work my lesson plans and re-think my expectations. I'm definitely NOT used to working with such young kids, but I think it can be done. Even if this isn't really what I want to be doing with my life, I know that I will learn from this and some where down the road I will remember everything I'm doing now. 

So please just pray that things improve and that I can become better at my job!

On Thursday night Alex and I had our food tasting for the wedding reception (Mike tagged along). The food was delicious! So it didn't make our decisions any easier. I think we're going to have to go with a combo so that our guests can experience a variety of good food. (you're welcome) ;-)

After that we sped off downtown to Studio A. Mike Coia Band was performing! Alex played guitar and it was just a great time. I'm proud of these guys for pulling off a good show. Mike has written some catchy tunes, so you can go check it out on myspace. Thanks to everyone who came as well. As Merari would say, "Support local music!"

Last night as Alex and I were purchasing our wedding bands from Jared's, my sister called and asked if we would like to go to a Heat game. She and Manny had extra third row tickets. Well we couldn't pass up that offer! I've never been to a Heat game and it was exciting to go see them in action. Even if they played a pretty crappy game and lost. Plus, I finally got to see Shaq up close. Little known fact: When I was in 5th grade I thought Shaq was the COOLEST. I don't know why. I read his biography and memorized his shoe size and had his poster on my wall. I was a big dork. But hey, now I finally saw him in person...that's one childhood dream realized. Now if I could only meet Hanson...

The First ZEAL Service of 2008

College and Post-College Ministry at Miami Baptist Church
ZEAL
Presents

If You Can't See Him, Is He Still There?