Ed's story

Flannel (The creative people behind the Nooma Videos) has released 5/7 films about hope through the story of Ed Dobson. Ed is a beloved Grand Rapids pastor who continues to inspire and impact many communities and individuals.

Second Chances.

Gifted

A few of my Favorite things given for Christmas this year:

Grandpa Mike-- personalized sterling silver guitar pick from Love Stamped.

Grandma Jan-- Therapeutic Massage ring and pretty candle

Cousins-- 

Roommate--

Jewelry and Ceremic coffee mug from Lee and Birch

(I may have picked up one of these for myself too because they were BOGO 50% off!)

letter

via lifeinflux

"so as I've been thinking about my sermon here today, i found myself returning again and again to the
power of a good letter. 

Someone may text you or ping you or email you or direct message you or contact
you on facebook—but none of those particular mediums of communication can begin to compare to a
letter in which the person has labored over every word, going back over it again and again and again,
crafting the phrases and searching for just the right word and turn of phrase to capture precisely what you want to say.

Technology has given us a wide array of methods to communicate and because of this
variety, it's important we remember that there is a distinction to be made between diversity of form and
depth, significance, and soul.

So, I've written you a letter."

- Rob Bell Grace and Peace to Mars Hill Bible Church 12.18.2011

Written cards, letters and notes have been especially meaningful to me in the last few years. In college, Sarah Beth taught us how to make scrapbook journals to hold the special words and encouragement that others write for us.

Written text is powerful; I am thankful for those who cherish and practice this form of communication.

Craft + Friends

On Sunday evening, a few friends came over to spend some time together crafting. We knitted, painted, made trees, ate chocolate, drank wine. And of course, discussed the standard things: family, faith, friends, school, work, our dreams, and males.

I have such amazing friends all over...
These young women are no exception.

Cyndl- Has 10 siblings and a massive heart for others. She provides respite care to families with severly special needs children. When you watch her love her kiddos....you just know that that is God working through her.
Julie- Is so creative and so passionate. She works at a craft store (and puts up with a lot of crazy folks) and is going to interior design school. Julie has been mentoring a young Hispanic girl at Burton Elementary for the past few years. She just loves life, adventure and caring for people.
Teresa- is awesome. She has a degree in interior design and works at UBU. She has a talent for making things look so fun and comfortable. Teresa has been working with middle school girls at Mars for several years. She is going on to more design school next year.

I am so glad that God made such good, diverse qualities to give his children.

Ready set...sew!

Last Sunday, Grandpa and Grandma McIntyre surprised me with a Sewing Machine!

This is a belated graduation gift; I am so grateful and very thrilled.
Now on to teaching myself some skills :)

In googling 'how to sew' on my machine/model I came across this cutie (yup, I'm learning from a 10 year old)!