Off to O-Town...

Did I just type 'O-Town'??? (Nerrrd)

I am just so excited to be heading to Orlando for the weekend! Alex's cousin is graduating from Full Sail and we couldn't be more proud.

It'll be nice to get away from it all and enjoy the Sunshine State with Alex's family. I also hope to see Saw VI. It's tradition! I have watched the latest Saw movie on Halloween night every year since the beginning of the series.

(Hmm...maybe that should be considered my 'autumn tradition.')

Anyway, here's a picture of Lucci (and his weird cousin) when he graduated high school.

We're proud of you and we love you! Can't wait to see you.

autumn tradition?

As most of you know, I grew up in Miami.

In Miami we have one season: Summer!

There is no Winter...no Spring...and no Fall. This is really a shame because Fall is a beautiful time of year. I wrote about our first Fall last year. Now that I'm experiencing it all again for the second time I'm wondering if we should start some sort of Autumn Tradition. I'm at a bit of a loss because as I just mentioned, I'm from Miami!

What are some Autumn traditions that you practice or have heard of others practicing?

the view from our front door

Here's one autumn tradition that I know of...pumpkin carving! Alex and I had never carved a pumpkin before this year. But thanks to our wonderful friends, the Barleys, we were able to partake of this neat activity.

I don't know if I want to make this our tradition though... After a few days that pumpkin got all moldy inside [blegh], but we'll see. Alex loved it.

So share your favorite Autumn traditions in the comments section. OR write a blog about it. Caroline Joy Photography is having a contest and the prize is a $50 Anthropologie gift card. Read all about it here.

learning to trust God

I wish I knew how to trust God more.

I have a lot of "head knowledge" when it comes to trusting God. I know the Bible says to not be anxious about anything, and usually I'm not. I've never been one to worry.

Lately, though, I am more anxious than ever. School, finances, moving, Denver, etc etc etc. My thoughts are consumed with worry. I wonder how we'll make ends meet. I wonder how I'll pass all my classes. I wonder how we'll make the move to Denver. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder.

Maybe I just need to be still.

As I was worrying last night I realized I spend far too much time thinking about ME ME ME. I've taken my focus off of God. I've taken my eyes off of Jesus and focused them on the scary rushing wind that surrounds me. And now I'm sinking...and I'm sure God is just shaking his head saying, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I need to seek God first. I need to glorify Him and honor Him whether I am in need or not. God has a plan for us. I do not need to worry or doubt or make myself sick with anxiety. The Lord is sovereign. The Lord provides. Remember His promises.

A helpful passage that I read this week is Psalm 143:5-8.

5I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah
7Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

So even though I still experience doubt at times, I'm learning to trust God. What do you do when you're struggling with doubt? How are you reminded of God's provision and sovereignty?How are you reminded of God's goodness despite your circumstances?

The Story

One of the professors at school posted this neat evangelism tool on his Twitter.

[Oh Twitter, you are truly wonderful]

I like it because it tells the whole Story of the Bible and how we fit into it.

So read it and share it with others.

Your Part in the Story.

Jess Ray & The Rag Tag Army

(photo credit)

I've been meaning to post about this incredible band. They're a local band around here and they're amazing.

One of our friends from church and school is in this band, which is how we first heard of them. I've seen them live three times now and it honestly gets better every time.

The band writes all their own songs, but most of the lyrics come from Jess Ray herself...and let me tell you, this girl has a gift. Her lyrics are so raw and real...and it's evident from her lyrics that she loves Jesus. I really connect with her songs and can't help but worship Jesus in the midst of it all.

Check out Jess Ray & The Rag Tag Army. They're a talented bunch.

Here's an excerpt from "Come As You Are." It's one of my favorite songs on their new album.

And with my head in Your hands

You looked in my face and lifted my chin

You stared in my eyes and said, "I'd rather die than be without you."

And like a wind and like a fire

Your love rushed in and lit up my heart

A place to belong

I join in the song

I can't be without You...

Denver Email List

If you're keeping up with our life, you know we'll be making a move to Denver within the next couple of years. If you're totally lost, read this.

Well, our team is trying to get organized (website/newsletter/blog/etc), if you are interested in receiving an email newsletter from us with updates/prayer requests/etc, let me know. We promise not to bombard your inbox with junk.

So if you would like to keep up with us leave a comment or send me an e-mail so I can add you to the list.

Thank you all for your support. We love you all.

Oh, and check out Alex's latest post about Denver. It's pretty great.

Presence

I've really enjoyed this new series at our church so far. It's called Presence.

Here's a blog post Pastor J.D. wrote that I thought I should share with you.

Read it. :-)

Presence is the Point of Christianity.

Flickr Friday

Did you know that I have a flickr account?

For a long time I didn't want to get one (just one other thing to have to keep up with), but I guess I just can't say no to my wonderful husband. He's always trying to encourage me to take more photos, and I love him for it.

Photography really is something I enjoy doing. I may not have it all figured out and I may not be as talented as some people out there, but I love it.

Recently I figured out Aperture and I love it so much more than iPhoto. It's gotten me much more excited about what kind of editing I can do. (I'm still not touching Photoshop, sorry)

So if you have some time click on over to my photostream and take a look.

And while you're at it, check out these talented folks:

Creative*Alex

Jennifer12287

sweetgoodness

Oh Chanti

montero.steph

merari.teruel

angel.a.acevedo

stephan.maloman

elsie*cake

Do you have a flickr account?? Leave the link in the comments.