10. Support the Fight Against Sex Trafficking

It has been an incredible experience to see a community come together for a cause like this one. There is no doubt in my mind that God used the coffee shop to reach so many people this holiday and I felt privileged to be a part of it. My heart has been heavy for Tiny Hands for a while and I feel like I want to fight their cause for a long, long time after 2010. It has become more of a necessity than a resolution. 

I'm marking this one with a big check (and a smile). We were able to raise over $1,000 for Tiny Hands through Coffee for a Cause. It could not have been done without the help of Tiny Hands, Jewel, and Barista's and I am so grateful for them. There is no greater joy here on earth than to see a softened human heart giving selflessly. Experiencing things like this leads me to believe that, one day, we will end this horror.

J.

Christmas Happenings

Last weekend was filled with everything Christmas. Christmas party, Christmas concert, singing Christmas tree, Christmas baking... you get the point. We started the weekend out with a lovely party hosted by the Rhodes. I really enjoyed connecting with friends. To treat myself for the party, I purchased a new top (compliments of Stella Clothing) and put my baking skills to work.

 

Truman and I spent all day baking on Sunday. I was excited to spend some time (and possibly start a tradition?) with him. We made all your traditional Christmas goodies for friends. Take a look!

Sugar Cookie & Glaze recipe from Martha Stewart

 Can't go wrong with puppy chow

Homemade hot cocoa from Martha Stewart

The Lower Lights cd... buy it!

 The best part about Christmas goodies as gifts...getting to deliver them to friends. Truman suggested wearing santa hats, but that will not be happening.

Merry Christmas! J.

Perfect timing.

This is SO my dog.

8. Go Green

I have been sitting here for the last 10 minutes trying to remember what I have done to be "green". This is a bad sign...

Okay, so I haven't really joined the "green" trend. Do I think it's important to treat God's creation with respect? Absolutely. Do I think some people are going wayyy overboard doing so? You betcha. 

So what have I done to do my part this year? 

(1) I recycled my plastic bags when I could

(2) I (occasionally) rode my bike when the weather was nice

(3) I bought myself a hip and trendy water bottle so I wouldn't buy plastic ones anymore

(4) I refused receipts as much as possible when making purchases

(5) I drank out of mugs at coffee shops rather than get a cup

These aren't drastic and I definitely didn't go out of my way to do them. I feel that if I were truly "green" I would be doing things out of my comfort zone. However, I think it's a start. When Truman and I get married I would really like to make changes to things that we are too reliant on. For now, I'll keep getting ideas from here. Thanks, Rachel McAdams!

J.

Coffee for a Cause

Taking another quick break from resolutions to talk about a fundraiser, Coffee for a Cause.

Before college, I was completely clueless about the horrors of the sex trafficking industry. I used to think slavery was an issue of the past. That was until Tiny Hands International came to Lincoln Berean. They gave a presentation on what they focused on and it made me squirm in my seat. To think of 10 year old girls having sex with men as old as their fathers made my stomach hurt (and rightly so). I walked out of church that night feeling guilty for being so fortunate and unaware of this issue.

Most of the time when I see a sad commercial about homeless kids or hear of hunger in third world countries I feel sad for a few minutes and then continue plugging away at my busy day. We know it as "out of sight, out of mind," but for some reason, I couldn't shrug this one off.

When I moved back to Grand Island I decided that I wanted to bring awareness with me. Since I had connections through Barista's, I asked Jewel (my future mother-in-law) if she would be interested in hosting a fundraiser for Tiny Hands. She was very supportive and I have her to thank for making this happen. I was really worried that the rest of the employees would reject the idea, but they have been so incredibly helpful as well. I'm really blessed to be working with such wonderful girls...and boy (Truman) :). So, together, this is what we have created...

Coffee for a Cause

December 17-19

Barista's is donating %10 of whatever we make this weekend to Tiny Hands International. The employees have agreed to donate their tips for the weekend, as well. We will also be selling One Girl bracelets for $10 made by the girls in Nepal. These bracelets are to serve as a reminder to pray for the safety of the girls in Nepal/India. 

To overcome to horrors of this industry, it will take a lot of funding. But above all, we want to educate everyone we know and encourage them to get involved. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer and these girls need an army of prayers to survive. 

10,000 girls a year are involved in the sex trafficking industry (this is only in Nepal/India). Some girls face as many as 40 men a day. They are beaten, tortured, raped, and scarred. They are treated like slaves...like animals. Please join with me to fight and let them know that they are love and valued in the eyes of Christ.

If you can't attend Coffee for a Cause, find out how to get involved here.

J.

6. Journal Each Day/ 7. Quote of the Night

I definitely didn't journal each day, but for most of the year I was writing whether it was in a bible study, through prayer, or just writing down thoughts/worries. I have found that writing things down (especially when praying) is much more affective for me.

For now, I have this prayer journal that I try to write in every night. Usually when I try to pray before bed I only make it to "Dear God" then I'm gone. So I will definitely continue to journal.

My quotes of the night are officially done. Partially because I misplaced my quote book. Occasionally I find a quote and jot it down. In that case, I will share with the blogging world. That's about as far as I'm going to get from now on.

Speaking of... I was emailing a Tiny Hands director a while back and he has this quote at the bottom of every email (I might have shared this before):

There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.

(G. K. Chesterton)

I was so inspired by this...and very convicted. This is truly the answer to avoiding worldly desires for me. It's also appropriate for Christmas, eh?

J.

The Lower Lights // A Hymn Revival

I'm taking a small break from reflections to tell you that you NEED this album.It is most appropriate since we are celebrating the birth of Christ. I have a hard time finding worship music that I can stand, that doesn't include ridiculous electric guitar solos, and doesn't have cheesy lyrics. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure their hearts are in the right place, but I need substance.

It all goes back to the classic hymns. I'm still blown away by the beauty of the lyrics. The Lower Lights do a brilliant job of recording hymns (gotta love that banjo...). They consist of a bunch of artists from Utah and make wonderful music together. It's simply tragic if you don't own or plan on owning this album.

Get yourself a Christmas present!

J.

5. Prepare for Being a Wife

Before writing this reflection, I went back and read what I posted in January. That seems like so long ago! After about a month of "dating" Truman over the phone, I knew that I was going to spend my life with him. I knew that he was going to become my best friend, but I didn't know what that meant yet. I have chosen to spend the majority of my time with him thus far, but that doesn't make him my best friend. What makes him my best friend is the night (multiples of them) when he will listen to me cry about my broken family or when I beg him for answers and he replies "I've been praying for you". He has seen the worst of me, but what amazes me is that he has chosen me back.
I am going to love that man until my last day.

I cannot wait to become a Faeh and start a life of love and grace (and lots of laughter). I am marking this resolution with a GIANT check. I have read multiple books, sought out counseling, and spent lots of time in the word in regards to what a godly wife and woman looks like. I have a long ways to go and it will always be a challenge for a sinner like myself. I have learned that without constant grace a relationship will fail.
I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for us! Bring it on, 2011.

J.

One Year Bible/ Daily Exercise

3. One Year Bible
My one year bible lasted until March. Let me explain!
I got really behind when I went to Florida and never caught up. I'm such a perfectionist that I couldn't stand reading days that weren't actually the day I was on. So, January 1 I'm starting again.
I. Will. Succeed.
(It's not about success, I'm totally aware. Though I failed at the one year bible, I feel I spent a lot of time in the word through other bible studies. And that's what I was shooting for).

4. Exercise Daily
This is going to be a life goal of mine. I have good months, I have bad months...I have really bad months. Since I'm tying the knot in less than 5 months, I have a little more motivation.
Jillian has become a good friend of mine.

J.

Reflecting on 2010

I cannot believe we only have one month left of 2010. I feel like I still need time to address some of my resolutions! However, it is time I start taking a look at how well I lived out my resolutions this year...

1. Blog the year about resolutions. Check.
This was an easy one. I loved having something to write about rather than just ramble on and I definitely plan on doing this for 2011...maybe with a shorter list :)

2. Paint Again.
Sighhhhh. I failed on this one. I have painted once this entire year (if you don't count the "abstract" art Trums and I made one night when we were bored). It felt so good to paint again, but I just didn't have the motivation to keep it going. There is an art school in Lincoln so if Truman and I end up there I might look into it.

--My apologies for lack of blogs lately. I have been on my death bed with who knows what. Mom and Truman think it's an ulcer. NOOOOO!!! Pray for me. J.

Keep Calm

(I could use this in my home)

I am a worry wart by nature. (Technically, we all are without the grace of God). But I have it bad. I'm also a planner. I think way in advance of how a situation will go and I try to prepare myself for it (it's a gift and a curse). Because of this, I'm always focusing on what could go wrong. My health, Truman's health, my career, Truman's career, our finances (or lack thereof), my parent's divorce, wedding finances (who knew a wedding could get so expensive?), the list goes on and on. These anxieties have been weighing extra heavy on my shoulders lately and you can see it in my eyes. I have let these stresses get to the point where they physically show. It would only be God's wonderful timing that this week's bible study would focus on worry and anxiety. It comes down to the realization of two things: (1) God is in complete control and (2) when I worry, I sin. Worry is a lack of faith, it's as simple as that. Calm My Anxious Heart gave a few great quotes/biblical references I'd like to share:
"It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It's when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him and to mind the present." -George MacDonald

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5: 6-7

This is going to be something I struggle with for the rest of my life and I'm learning that the only way to overcome it is to lay my worries down at the feet of my father and remember that He is sovereign, He is good, and He is in control.

Thankful

Gene + Jill // Two Pease in a Pod from capture studios on Vimeo.

I really need to stop watching this because I keep crying over and over again.
I saw this on a friend's profile page a while back and I was so moved. The vows couldn't have been written any better.

Reality keeps kicking in as the months get closer that I am about to marry the man that God has chosen for me. I am so blessed to have found a man that loves and serves the Lord and inspires me to do the same. I have many things to be thankful for, but that's what I'm focusing on this Thanksgiving.

I'm so stoked. That's all I can say or I'll start crying again.
Watch the video!

J.

Arbor Day Farms

I had been bugging Truman to take me to Nebraska City all summer so he finally gave in for my birthday. We were a few weeks late because most of the leaves had fallen off the trees but it was still so peaceful.

We were smart to go on a day when the Huskers were playing because no one was there :)
My dinky little camera doesn't do the scenery justice, but I tried!

We visited the barn that I really wanted to get married in. It was exactly what I wanted, but too expensive!
This is the view from the Lied Lodge where we ate our (very expensive) dinner.
It was a great day and I can't wait to go back and stay in the lodge when we're married!
After dinner we drove back to Lincoln and met my sister and friends at my favorite coffee shop--The Mill on 48th and Prescott.
It felt so good to relax with them. Living in GI makes me miss them all so much. They gave me a fun cookbook so you know what my next post will be...

J.

Birfday.

Since I don't have the best opinion of alcohol, I wasn't incredibly excited to turn 21. Instead of hitting every bar in sight, my family took me to Miletta Vista winery in St. Paul. I had a blast and the winery was beautiful.
It was exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday.


I ended the night with cappuccino cupcakes from the Cup.
Heaven.

Caramel Apples

Yesterday I had this intense craving for a cookies n cream caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Since the store closed in Grand Island, I decided to try and create one myself.

We enjoyed fettuccini alfredo, a glass of wine, and caramel apples as we watched my favorite show, Parenthood. It was a lovely fall evening. (My love for fall will most likely die soon since the temperature is dropping and the wind is increasing.)

Talk soon, J.

P.S. Listen to the song "Left on Laura, Left on Lisa" by The Avett Brothers. It will change your life.

I Love Fall? I Love Fall!

I have never been someone who looks forward to fall.
I associate the season with football, school, and cold weather--things I dislike the most.
However, I have been having a huge love affair with fall this year.
The streets through our neighborhood are lined with red and yellow trees and there are pumpkins on each stoop. There hasn't been a day in the past three weeks where it was below 60 and I am truly grateful.

Coco and I have been doing a lot of walking (mainly because I love looking at all the adorable houses). We were shuffling through the leaves on the street yesterday, there was no wind, and the sun would peak out from the clouds every 5 minutes.
I was truly present in that moment.
All I could do was smile, take a deep breathe, and thank God for letting me enjoy his creation....and then I yelled at Coco for peeing in the neighbors yard.

It has been a wonderful season.

P.S. If you need some good music to enhance your fall experience, listen to all of the above:
Neil Young, Karen Dalton, Ryan Adams, Tim Hardin, Nick Drake, & The Avett Brothers.

'Til next time,
J.

Calm My Anxious Heart

I feel like I blog a ton about being content so I told myself after my last blog that I would change subjects for a while...but then I started my new book. So, if you're tired of hearing me blab about how I'm searching for the secret of contentment, then stop here.

I knew this book would speak deeply to me from the title alone. "Anxious" is my middle name.
I'm a worry wart and a control freak--a recipe for disaster.
It's probably my biggest struggle and I was excited to see what Mrs. Linda Dillow had to say.

I was a few pages in and already blown away.
She really focuses her writing around a few verses in Philippians. One verse in particular basically jumped off the page and hit me in the forehead: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." In other words, dwell on the positive.
Seems pretty simple. It isn't, but gosh darn it I'm sure going to try.

Linda shared a story about a friend she knew who was a missionary. She lived by these rules:

(1) Never allow yourself to complain- not even about the weather
(2) Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else
(3) Never compare your lot with others
(4) Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
(5) Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that is God's, not ours

I have decided to adopt these rules as my own and I'm excited to see the outcome.

Cheers, J.

The Local Theatre

Life in Grand Island is getting pretty dull.
This isn't surprising to me since I knew it was bound to happen.
I'm still enjoying my break from school, but I'm ready to move.
However, I'm still trying very hard to be content so I have been focusing on what's great about being here.

1. Coffee shop
2. Free food (most of the time)
3. Spending time with Truman and his family
4. The Grand Theatre

Oh, that theatre will never truly know my love for it.

Grand Island doesn't have much to offer, but I will tell you it is worth driving here JUST to catch a weekend flick. The atmosphere, the families, the price, the location-- I wouldn't change a thing.

Truman and I were there last night to see Eat, Pray, Love. The movie was terrible, but I felt so at home. Walking downtown on a crisp night to see the rest of the town in line (slightly over exaggerating) makes me feel like I'm an extra on Gilmore Girls.
I feel welcome there.
I feel so happy to see families spending time together or older couples going on a date. The $3.50 ticket is worth it just to have that feeling.

I love supporting Grand Island's best business with the rest of the community.

Last night I was perfectly content.
I wasn't thinking about my friends being independent in Lincoln (though I miss them), or the wedding, or my family troubles.
I was just happy to be another local headed to see a movie.

J.

Baking With The Faeh's

We have cupcake fever at Barista's this fall.
They are selling like crazy and I'm enjoying the practice.
I wanted to try a new recipe this weekend so I recruited Truman and Anthony to help.
The first recipe was a chocolate cake with raspberry butter cream.

I was feeling adventurous so I decided to try making vanilla chai cupcakes.
They. Were. Delicious.
Beans helped.
I'm feeling more comfortable with my baking skills.
Dare I say it's even...fun?
Yes. It's fun. Especially the end when I get to eat it.
Next project: fruit tarts.

Wish me luck.
J.

April Come She Will

Alyssa picked me up around 6:50 to go see a movie.
When we got to the mall, she drove to the front of the entrance instead of parking which I thought was weird. My sister, Kali, comes running into the car and blindfolds me.
I wasn't thrilled about riding in a car with a blindfold but I that it was finally time for Truman to propose so I sucked it up.

We drove around from 7pm - 8pm. 1 HOUR.
Sharon was coming from Lincoln and wanted to be there. So it was worth it :)

They took me back to the park where Truman and I had our first date. When I got out of the car, they took off my blindfold and gave me this journal that Truman and I had written our story in a long time ago.
He had a flower marking the page that I was supposed to turn to and read.
It was beautiful. It made me realize how lucky I am to have found such a wonderful man who loves God and who, for some reason, loves me.
Anyway, the last sentence said "now, under the tree I am waiting for you and I have a question to ask you"

Obviously I wanted to make a dead sprint for the tree, but I walked calmly for the sake of pictures.

He asked. I said yes. We're engaged!


We're young. Who cares? We're both in school, we'll be poor as dirt for a while, but there is not one doubt in my mind that we are ready to start living our lives together.

I have so much to learn and I can't wait to learn it all with him.

J.

September Grass

Ahhhhh. The wait is over. I am finally engaged to Truman Wendell Faeh.
For those of you who don't know me very well, let me inform you that I am quite possibly the most impatient person walking the earth. Truman and I have been discussing engagement since September of 2009 (that would be a year!) so it's safe to say I've been thinking about this for a while.

It all started at a coffee shop...
Jewel and Lanny Faeh opened up Barista's when I was a senior and hired me that fall. That winter, Truman moved back to Nebraska and started working at the coffee shop. We didn't start getting to know each other until that summer. I knew I liked him the moment he said he knew who William Fitzsimmons and Sufjan Stevens were (that was rare back then).
For some reason we started working together all the time and getting more and more acquainted. (Little did I know, he was scheduling us together...)

Fast forward to college.
He moved to Arkansas, I moved to Lincoln. I was positive nothing was going to happen. He started emailing me and that lead to phone calls which lead to a relationship. We "dated" for a whole year while being 8 hours apart.

When he came back for fall break, it was going to be the first time we had seen eachother since we had worked together. We went to a park and had a picnic under this unique tree. I remember taking a nap, listening to "September Grass" by James Taylor, and thinking "this is the one".

Little did I know that under that tree was where it would all begin.

Change Is Hard

I have been having some technical difficulties as of late (dog spilt cup of water on computer) but the good ol' mac is up and running again so here we are...

I have been doing this bible study by Beth Moore on the book of Esther.

The only knowledge I had of Esther was from the Veggie Tales movie so needless to say I was a beginner. I strongly encourage any female to consider picking up this book.

I would have never thought that a story like this could teach me so much about my own life.

The last lesson was on selfishness and conceit. It was hard to read because I hate to associate myself with those words, but it was necessary.

I won't go into detail because I couldn't do it justice, but the main message was "we don't have to think highly of ourselves to think obsessively of ourselves."

Obsessed.

That word leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I hate to think that I tend to be obsessed with myself. But if I'm honest, I have to admit that I can be.

Thankfully I have some bible verses to set me straight and keep me grounded...

"For by grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Romans 12:3

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4

Humility. This is what I need.

Am I the only one convicted of this or can I get an amen?

J.

Best Day of My Life

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

I recently found out that THE Sufjan Stevens is having an actual tour!!! This may not seem so exciting to you, but Sufjan Stevens has been my absolute favorite artist for years and years and I never thought I'd see the day where he would come to the midwest.


Well, folks. I was wrong!

This fabulous evening will take place in October...which just so happens to be in the same month as my birthday...cough, cough...Truman.

Man. The Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, AND Sufjan Stevens.
It's going to be a good fall...

J.

The Things We Do For Love

Ever since I was a little girl, I was in awe of the fashion industry.

The clothes, the pictures, the pretty models--I wanted to be a part of it.

I dreamed of being a successful career woman with much power (and clothes) and I scoffed at the idea of someone putting anything before their career.

I dreaded Nebraska and in high school I couldn't wait to leave Grand Island behind for good.

The minute I graduated I was out the door and contemplated never returning.

I was ready for college and ready to start plucking away at MY dream.

***Fast forward two years later***

In college I chose to work at a personal relationship with Christ.

As Truman and I started to date I became even more influenced by him and got a glimpse of how great it was to live a godly life.

God showed me a love for Truman that I didn't know was possible and suddenly a silly career didn't even matter to me.

Long story short--Truman is staying in Central City for the semester. One day he suggested that I stay in GI, take time off from school, and work so we would have some money when we got married.

I about slapped the kid.

I could barely stomach the idea of living in Grand Island, Nebraska....with my parents!!!

I did a lot of thinking and praying and finally agreed to stay here.

It's going to be so tough. I'm realizing how hard it is to swallow my pride and my ability to be content is going to be tested over and over.

But I have already learned so much by making this change.

(I'll try to say this without sounding like a giant cliche'...)

I chose to love.

And that's a BIG step for me.

If you would have told me in 2008 that this is where I would be, I would have packed my bags and ran. But that's not God's plan.

I think He has a lot to teach Truman and I in this next semester. I'm scared to death, but ready to learn.

I'd say this counts for being content, eh?

Still plucking away at the resolutions...

J.

Practical Theology for Women

I finally finished The Ragamuffin Gospel (took about all summer). I've been a slacker in the reading department this summer but it was a great book nonetheless. Mr. Manning did a fabulous job of explaining what a ragamuffin is, why I am one, and how beautiful it is that it doesn't matter to God.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around it....

Anyway, on to the next book: Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Horger Alsup. I have absolutely no idea how I found out about this book. However, I was thrilled when I found out that she is a part of Mars Hill church (same church as Mark Driscoll) and she is writing under the same publisher as he.

Needless to say I have high expectations.

When it comes to christian theology I am a rookie to the max.

I didn't grow up in a christian school (it has it's positives and negatives) and I didn't study the Bible growing up. As a matter of fact I thought the Bible was dull and boring and groaned whenever my mom would tell me it held all the answers.

She was right.

Dang it, mom.

I have a strong desire to attempt the understanding of who God is. This is impossible, of course, because he is greater than my mind can imagine. But it IS possible to study Him and what He is. Wendy makes a good point in the book that many Christians think they are beneath the understanding of christian theology--they leave it up to the pastors to study and hold onto a verse or two to get them through the week.

I'm guilty of this.

It never occurred to me that I, too, needed to have a better understanding of christian theology.

I'm only into the first few chapters, but Mrs. Alsup already explains that by studying God and His word, you learn to become a better wife, friend, sister, mother (won't need that one for a while...). So in a way I'm killing two birds with one stone!!

1. Reading a book

2. Learning how to become a killer wife (in a way)

Pick it up! (Or order it) I'd love to have someone to study it with.

Any good books lately?

J.

Rocky Mountain High

I went to Steamboat Springs, CO this weekend. It was one of the most beautiful towns I have ever visited--I could live there and I don't think Truman would mind being a mountain man.

I definitely bonded with nature. Hiking mountains, seeing waterfalls, and swimming in springs. Everything is so freeing in the mountains (hence the hippies everywhere). Speaking of...my absolute favorite part of the trip was Strawberry Hot Springs. These natural springs were way up in the mountains and after dark clothing was optional. It sounds a little questionable, but part of me thinks it would be liberating to swim through warm springs with nothing but my skin and the moon.

Maybe the mountains got to my head a little too much...

Anyway, I had a great time and appreciated the peacefulness of God's creation.

J.

Mark Driscoll

I first heard of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church when Truman, Micah, and I attended a church service in downtown Lincoln. They showed a podcast of Mark preaching about marriage and a man's role. I was immediately drawn to his teaching style and loved how he presented the raw truth--even if it didn't sound nice.

Since then, I have listened to quite a few podcasts and read a few of his books. My understanding of Christ and my relationship with him and everyone around me has grown so much because of these teachings. I owe it all to God, of course, because it is His word we're studying after all, but Pastor Mark really does a great job of breaking things down.

Look him up on itunes. Seriously. It's free.

A few of my favorites:

-Proverbs: Friendship

-Trial: Marriage and Women

-Trial: Temptation From Worldliness

-The Peasant Princess series

If you decide to give these a shot, please let me know. I'm dying to discuss them with someone!

Cheers, J.

Nebraskan Pride?

This summer I have become pleasantly surprised with Nebraska.

I owe this enlightenment all to God because he showed me it was possible to be content in this...boring...state.

Not only have I learned to enjoy the slow pace of life, I have become incredibly impressed with the music scene. For years and years I have been begging friends to go to a music festival to see some of my favorite bands. Each year I am disappointed. Crazy enough, some of those bands will now be coming to me.

Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to see everyone so I have chosen my very favorites. I have been fortunate enough to already see Manchester Orchestra, Megafaun, & Ingrid Michaelson. The rest of the summer/fall will entail The Dodos, William Fitzsimmons & Rosi Golan, Fruit Bats/Nathaniel Rateliff, She & Him, Band of Horses, and Azure Ray...holy cow. When did Nebraska become so hip and trendy!?!?

I better start saving...

Sincerely,

A VERY content young lady.

Embrace Friendship.

One resolution of mine was to embrace friendship. It's important that I do this because I am somewhat of a hermit. I find it easier to avoid the vulnerability of being a friend than to risk being disappointed. But being alone isn't what God intended for His children. Companionship is a gift from Him.

The truth is--we're human and we will disappoint our friends numerous times. What I have learned this past year is that pursuing relationships with Godly women is worth it.

I have made two really great life-long friends. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have them until I was no longer living with them. They have taught me so much about grace, unconditional love (since I can be a huge pain in the butt), and living life with a kind spirit. I admire and appreciate them more than they will ever know.

I'm still really awkward at making new friends, but here is what I have learned in the past 6 months...

1) To surround yourself with christian friends is the most important and rewarding thing.

and

2) There isn't a closer bond to form with a friend than to pursue Christ together.

I have a LONG ways to go in the friendship department, but I am truly blessed to have these wonderful women in my life.

J.

Rosi Golan

I can't stop listening to this song. There is something so warm and romantic about it. I have been on this Rosi Golan high lately. She writes beautiful music and she did vocals for William Fitzsimmons (a very talented songwriter). Better yet, she is touring with Mr. Fitzsimmons when he comes to Lincoln. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be there.

Enjoy!

Befriending Birds.

I went to a shower for Sharon a few weeks ago.

Her cousins planned it and I had a really great time. It was so inspiring to be around all these godly women. Hearing them go around in a circle and speak about what they have learned thus far in marriage brought tears to my eyes. Sharon is blessed with a wonderful family.

Back to the party...the food was fantastic and the decorations were charming. The favors were so neat. These cute little heart-shaped ornaments made out of bird seeds. Though I didn't come up with the idea, I went home and hung mine up outside. So I'd say that passes for me being "green" for now.

J.

Back At It.

One of my resolutions was to start painting again. Sadly, it has been over 6 months and I haven't touched a brush. It took so long to gain motivation to even try. I enjoyed my art classes in college, but I hated the fact that I had to have a reason for every stroke I made on the paper.

I paint what I feel. I paint what I think will look good. I paint because it's therapy.

I will never be the next Jackson Pollock or Andy Warhol, but it felt so good to put something on paper.

J.

Abigail Washburn

I went a little music-crazy this weekend and bought two albums. I have a long list of albums I need to buy and the decision was tough, but I'm 100% happy with my choices. I decided on Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet and The Wheel.

Both albums are equally fantastic, but I wanted to focus on Abigail. I have expressed my love for the banjo numerous times so I won't put you through that again, but if you like anything folk/southern you will not be disappointed. She reminds me a little of Patty Griffin.

Her sound is just so light and flowy (not a real word). I feel like I need to be driving in the country with the windows down every time I listen to her. If you need an escape, give her a shot.

Cheers to the banjo,

J.

**I posted a video of her below.