Catching up

The last week or so feels like a whirlwind! I haven't really been doing that much, but a little bit of travel these days seems to throw me for quite a loop. Last week in a matter of 2 and a half days I flew to Texas, then Alabama and then drove all the way back. It was a crazy trip but so worth it. We had two work events going on - a fundraiser in Texas and then an Afterdark event in Alabama at Troy University. It was a great event and our last of the semester. The best part of the trip was getting to stop and see my friend Sara in Birmingham! Sara and I were co-counselors at Kanakuk 6 years ago and have become such great friends. I hadn't seen her since her wedding 2 years ago so it was so great to catch up.

God has put so many things in my path over the last week, starting with seeing Sara that have made me reflect on how grateful I am for the people in my life. I am continually amazed by my friends - they are so incredible! In the last week I have had multiple conversations with friends that were so honest, encouraging, and challenging. I've realized that God has given me these friends so that I can see little glimpses of His love in a tangible way. To really be able to expose my heart to a friend and have her accept that and love me for it (and despite it) is something I will never take for granted. To my friends who have done that - you know you who are - THANK YOU. I love you dearly. This verse has been on my heart this week as I've walked through a couple of situations with friends and on my own. (I told you I put in on my bathroom mirror a few weeks ago and have been memorizing it - now God is using it in my life. Isn't that incredible how He does that?!)

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:13-14

Even though my heart is heavy at times, it is so far outweighed by the peace of Christ. I can't buy, create, wish for, or even hope for anything near as good as the presence of God! Trust me, I'm experiencing it!

rock star

Here is he before surgery:And after surgery, such a rock star!

Eye surgery update

I just got off the phone with my sister and she gave me the update. Finn came through the surgery just fine. He is back in the NICU recovering and doing well. Thanks for praying and thinking of my family! Hopefully some new pictures are coming soon.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases." Psalm 103:1-3

precious

pray for this little man. he's having surgery on those precious eyes tomorrow at 4:00pm pacific time.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding with guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Sad news

Celine Dion has inflamed vocal cords. This is bad. I've been checking her website almost every hour today for any news and my nightmare came true, the Kansas City concert (the one I'm going to) has been rescheduled for January 3! NO!!! I'm so depressed. I have been waiting for almost a year for this concert and just when it was becoming a reality I have to wait again. For 2 more months!! I have nothing else to say...

Big Steps for Finn!

Finn has made some huge steps over the last week! He had his first bottle this weekend and totally loved it! He got moved from acute NICU to what they call "step down" which is the graduate area where babies just eat, sleep, and grow! My parents were there for the weekend and both of them got to hold him! It goes without saying that I'm incredibly jealous. :) My dad said that he really is starting to look more like a real baby. Finn coming home is finally starting to feel like a reality!

Bella

I just watched this movie with a group of girl friends. It was fantastic! If you haven't seen it, I don't want to spoil it. Just watch it. It's totally worth it.

New shoes make every day better

There is something about a new pair of shoes that puts me in a good mood! Check out my new moccasins that I got last night at Target! They are so cute!

Psalms 138

God is really speaking to me through this Psalm today. I hope it blesses you as well!

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.
May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands."

Trip home to Des Moines

Yay for West Des Moines! I love going home for the weekend. I don't have much time to write but here are some pics. I got to see friends, meet new babies, and spend time with my parents. So fun!

Some of the old UNI crew got together for lunch. It feels very weird that some of them now have kids! I feel like we are still 18.
Theo loves soup!
Me and Mayzie-Doodle!