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.