A Few Things That Have Me Feeling Alive

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1.  Freshly mowed grass
2. Our back yard is surrounded with honeysuckle and every breeze brings the smell closer. This is what summer smells like.
3. Cookies baking in the oven.
4.  Knowing that I'm about to eat those cookies with some of my favorite preserves (Jakub got me hooked on this).
5. Thinking over what I read in "The Pursuit of God" yesterday.
6. Cuddle time with my two favorite dogs.
7. Knowing I'll be at one of my favorite places in Tulsa in just a few hours with one dear friend.
8. Thinking that in just a few months I'll have my brother and his kids living just minutes away and everything that brings with it.
9. The indescribable feeling of joy that comes in the moments when I realize that God truly does have everything under control and I don't know much.
10. The weekend plans that are coming about.
11. Being around my family in the small, everyday moments. That's what I'll cherish the most I think.
12. Finally getting my studio organized in a way that gets me inspired and ready to create because boy, do I have a lot of creating to do!

I'm just overwhelmed with peace and contentment in life right now and I thought I'd share a few reasons why. Beyond all these circumstances, I think God is finally bringing me (or I'm finally following Him) to a place where, no matter what happens in life, I have peace in him. You really won't find peace in this world, because you're not of this world. He's the only source of unconditional peace and comfort. And in that, I relish.

The Pursuit of God

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A week or so ago I won a giveaway from this insightful lady. It was the first thing I've ever won (besides a sodoku book at my high school gradfest--talk about exciting huh). But this was so much more than a sodoku book... It's a book from A. W. Tozer called "The Pursuit of God."

I started reading about fifteen minutes ago and have only gotten through the Preface before I had to share! This book is good! I already feel a deep connection with its contents, topics which Meg and I have had several conversations about. Isn't that the greatest feeling? When you feel strongly about an idea that it seems people are missing and then you encounter a book, written well before your time, speaking of the same idea in such a way that it's like they were in your brain but were able to put it out into the world in a more eloquent and thought provoking way than you ever could.


Books find me at just the right time, when those relating thoughts are at their strongest and I know that it's God, because if I were to find those books by chance, I don't think it would always happen in such perfect timing.

So far, this book is about how many people in Christianity have become so based in the fundamentals that they don't search for God with their whole hearts or connect with his Presence in their daily lives and this book will help people to see that the greatest thing we can do in our lives is pursue God. In one of our talks, we were saying how people in the western culture don't seem to realize how much power is in their lives because of Jesus and how faith is not just some set of beliefs, but a real way of living where you see God working and moving. Faith has been dumbed down to a list of moral codes upon which we tend to judge ourselves and others, but really it's an active state of living that should change every aspect of our lives. Although I do have a strong passion for people seeing the true life that God brings, I know I haven't grasped this concept fully either.

I'm so excited to work my way through this book and to share with you along the way. On another post sometime I might share a few excerpts from it that have already gotten my blood pumping! If this sort of thing interests you, I definitely recommend this read.

My Proudest Moment Yet [Image Heavy]

I'm not a smart shopper. I guess I would be if it weren't for the fact that I don't like shopping. I don't seem to have enough patience for it and if you wanna be a smart shopper, you have to really love shopping.

At least that has been my logic.

Well folks, not today... Today I hit the jackpot! I went with my lovely lady friend, Meg, to the Salvation Army. This particular store is moving so they're having a pretty nice sale going on. [So those of you that live in Tulsa, the next two days--Thursday and Friday--is the last of the sale at 21st & Sheridan: SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT OFF!] Think about it, 75% off of thrift store prices. They're practically giving stuff away with those numbers!

Whether I wanted to be or not, today I was a smart shopper. But what made it even better were the treasures that I found! Wanna take a look?

On my first trip (yes, I went back for more) I got a skirt that I plan on hemming, a painted wooden tray, and two chairs that I'm head over heels about for a whopping total of $21:

Skirt: Originally-$6.99, On Sale-$1.75

Tray: Originally-$.99, Sale-$.25

Chairs: Originally-$34.99 each, Sale-$8.75 each

Is that not insane?! You can see why I just had to go back. For my second trip I got a little table to go in between the chairs and a picture to hang on a wall we're redecorating. The total for this trip was $3.84! No friends, that's not a typo. Three dollars and eighty-four cents!

Table: Originally-$9.00, Sale-$2.25

Picture: Originally-$3.99, Sale-$1.00

I got a table and picture for less than the original price of the picture! Even though I didn't bargain or anything, this is my proudest shopping moment I think I've ever had! I couldn't wait to get home and start putting everything in its place. The chairs and table are in my studio and I'll be able to go there when I want to take a break or just have a place designated for reading, writing, and thinking. I think I might still move things around in my studio but for now, this is where they'll be.

Charlie wanted to be my little model for this post.

And I thought I'd throw in for good measure a picture of one of my favorite things about my studio! The start of my pinup wall. Have I mentioned how much I love pinups from the '40's & '50's?!

Anyway friends, there are deals to be had in this great city, I hope you find yours! What's your greatest shopping deal?

Waiting to Begin

Jakub took me to see this fella on Thursday night and I must say, I wasn't disappointed. I don't know many artists that are more open and raw and I really appreciate that. He has quite the story and is such an interesting and quick-witted person, which I think helps at his shows since the music is mostly about heavy topics. And have you seen his beard?! It's one for the record books, I'd say. They ended the show by playing the last song down with everyone in the crowd, no mics or amps. It was definitely a personal touch that I hadn't seen before. If you get a chance, and you enjoy that type of music, you should definitely go to one of his shows. Each time I've gone, I've been blown away.

This has to be my favorite song on his new album, Gold in the Shadow. I tend to feel like I'm going in circles and never really getting anywhere and hey, it has a catchy beat! Hope you enjoy!

Returning From Battle: I'm A Changed Woman

Well friends, I think it's about time you know that I am no longer the sweet, innocent girl you once knew. I am now a meat-eating, bone-crushing warrior!

See how tough we look?!

Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch, but this past weekend at Warrior Dash really expanded my view of what I'm capable of! I joked with Shauna that after the race, I'd probably look at every scenario in life like a warrior would and I was surprised that there actually was some truth to that. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that I can do things that other people can't. In fact, what stuck with me is that I can do the same things that other people can! Ha that sounds like such a boring lesson to learn, but it was a big one.

If you get a chance, you should sign up for a warrior dash. Whether you're athletic or not, it is so much fun!
I finished in 43:04.85. Overall I finished # 3,879 out of 7,393 runners and # 241 out of 483 in the female age group of 20-24. That means I whooped more butt than I thought I would : ) I felt victorious when people around me started walking before me because I was sure I'd be one of the first to have to catch my breath. After that, everything was just a bonus.

I'm so glad I chose this to be my first race, it was fun and exciting and everything I wanted it to be. Heck, I jumped over fire; I've never been able to say that before! And most of all, I'm glad I had Jakub by my side every step of the way. Our friends have signed up for the one in Tulsa and we may be joining them. This is definitely a race we'd like to do every year.

And see, I'm still the sweet, happy person I always was:

 

But watch out because I have a bit more spunk than I used to

Warrior Dash 2011

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And so it begins... Jakub and I are going to wake up tomorrow morning and head out on the road with our good friends Zach and Shauna for what may rightfully be called my "Judgement Day."

My husband, being the sweet guy that he is, will be running alongside me making sure I make it out alive from this.

Zach and Shauna will be there for moral support, to document that I actually did something active in my life, and of course the trip to IKEA. I'm sure they really wanted to come because they had to see it with their own eyes that I am crazy enough enter myself into something this far out of my league.

Initially I entered this race so that it would be an "inciting incident" to getting into shape. While I have run several more times than I think I would have otherwise, I wouldn't say I'm in shape or anywhere near it. And though that may be the case, I am still so excited to be doing something so out of my comfort zone with my husband by my side and my friends cheering us on.

This is one step closer to moving past fear, trying something new and seeing what I'm really made of. To many people this race is probably just a joke, but I'm going to be prouder than heck when I cross that finish line.

So friends, next time you see me, you'll be seeing a warrior : )

p.s. Our wave starts at 12 pm on Saturday so if you happen to look at the clock around then and remember this post, say a little prayer because I'm gonna need all the help I can get! Have a great weekend!               

Try Something New Tuesday v.6

It's been quite some time since I've done a TSNT post, don't you think? I've been working on something in my studio and was planning on doing a post on that, but my sewing machine is being a little cranky and until I figure out how to get it back to tip top shape that will have to wait for another TSNT.

But today you're in luck! I'm in a Lent group that meets every Wednesday and it is our turn to make soup for everyone. I'm trying out a new recipe and I thought I'd share with you! It's pretty healthy and although it's still cooking, I'd say it tastes mighty fine! It's full of natural flavors and it's a light soup which goes well for spring time.

Chicken-Barley Soup with Vegetables and Pesto

For best results, make sure all of the chopped vegetables are about the same size. Your antioxidant-packed soup will cook more evenly, and the flavor will be more balanced.

Prep Time: 15 mins            Cook Time: 1 hr.              Serves:6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (if you have time, you should definitely make your own. It's super easy,    very cheap, and much healthier...AND it tastes better)
• 2 cups water
• 12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1/2 cup pearled barley
• 1 (14.5 oz) can no salt added stewed tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 large leek (white and tender portion of green), halved lengthwise, rinsed well, and cut into 1/2" slices
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 6 tablespoons pesto, to finish

1. Bring the broth and water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the barley and chicken, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes or until the barley is tender, stirring several times. Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred when cool enough to handle. Set aside.
2. Add the tomatoes (with juice), leek, onion, carrots, and celery and raise the heat to high. Reduce the heat to low when the mixture comes to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the corn and reserved chicken. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
4. Ladle into 6 bowls and top each with 1 tablespoon of the pesto.

We added 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper, and some other spices to our liking (cayenne pepper, thyme etc). This recipe is super easy and you can do what you want with it. Hope you enjoy!

Beauty In Pain

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This thought has been constantly in my mind as of lately. I have gone from one season to another and each has shown me just how necessary the other was in preparing me for where God wants me to be. I've witnessed and seen a lot of hurt and pain in the lives around me, all of which I could only equate to ugliness at the time; Ugliness that comes with living in a fallen world.

When people are confronted with less than favorable circumstances, they tend to recite the verse in Romans that talks about how God can turn all things for good for those who love him. After coming through the last ten years nearing the other side, I can see that this statement is a strong foundation to stand on. When you clearly experience it, it's meaning is profound and it's comfort unwavering. But to me, when someone is in the thick of ugliness, those words seem to have little meaning. Kind of like when someone tells you, "It'll be alright." You don't feel like their saying that from a strong understanding of the situation, but only trying to console you.

When I read the words from Ecclesiastes though, it seems more than a simple pat on the back.

I remember being enamored with the book of Ecclesiastes in high school because there is a time for everything, and everything on its own is meaningless but God can breathe beauty into it. Things that were once ugly will be transformed by the brilliance of God in the right time. If you don't see beauty in a situation, just give it time. He is faithful and he will do it, just you wait and see!