Time Off and Israel (Again)

By Amy

Coming back and adjusting from being overseas can take longer than you think. I honestly felt like it took almost a month for my body to catch up to sleep, work, and even the weekends. Still, as much as I wanted to be on top of everything I could feel some things slipping from my fingers...the blog being one. 

It is easy for me to feel guilty about not being on top of everything (little or big) in my life; easy and natural. A day will pass and then a week...then a month...then my guilt turns into shame. How many areas of life does this take happen with? Have you ever felt like this, or is it just me?

The result of this "break" was turning into my days being highly unproductive. Instead of trying to mask it I decided to confront it. By no means was I trying to be dramatic or make it bigger deal than it was, but if I allowed my lack for motivation to hit one area of my life I knew it would be tempting to allow it to hit many more. 

Prayer and dedication have arrived and I opened the door to them. I'm so happy I did because taking this long of a break in my writing is not good for this woman!

So, to get back to it, I wanted to post another blog on my trip to Israel (you aren't tired of it, are you?). My original plan was to have a handful of posts about it - we'll see if my long-winded nature takes over or if everything goes as planned - the direction is still undetermined. You know something - I'm okay with it!

Israel - part three: I left off as we were traveling to Tiberius. We traveled there and checked in to our first hotel for the trip and took our time having dinner and enjoying the evening. Sunset from my balcony was simply stunning.

As was the sunrise the next day...

As part of our trip's agenda, we were set up to meet some fascinating speakers. On this particular day we had a geopolitical briefing from an Israeli military analyst and professor whose background and historical knowledge had us all typing notes on our phones until our fingers hurt. Before arriving at Golan Heights we rode past Magdala (where Mary Magdalene was from) and Damascus (you know, that road Saul rode and where his conversion to Christianity took place)...no big deal.

Our time with the professor lasted several hours, although it didn't feel like it. We wanted our time to continue all day - questions flowing from the morning and into the afternoon. We sat near the border of Israel and on a mountain top and soaked in the knowledge of the land. From learning the background of Israel's borders to the powerful struggle of water rights to understanding the various Empire tug-of-wars the land has been through, every day of every year in Israel has significance. The professor discussed the historical and political groundings of borders as well as taught us the inner-working of security and how America's influence has intermixed with Israel. So much information for one morning, yet I couldn't get enough. 

Golan Heights near the Lebanon border

We then drove to the northern hills of Israel and to Gush Halav. We first stopped at a winery for a tasting (Israel is known for their wine which made many of the people in our group very happy!). 

After many of my travel companions had their sweet and savory tastings we headed inside a village for lunch - a personal meal with a local Christian family. As we arrived we were greeted with smiles and kindness. The table, long and fit for a giant group of hungry visitors, was already set with delicious foods and (of course) hummus! Then the "main" food arrived and our bellies were full before seconds could be offered. 

After lunch we went to three other places which took up the rest of our day: Capernaum, the Mt. of Beatitudes, and the Sea of Galilee. 

I could go on and on about these places, as they were each impressive and left me in awe. I'll be posting a special blog about the Sea of Galilee later, but for now I just wanted to give you an idea of what each of these places were like. 

Capernaum - "They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law." Mark 1:20-22

Capernaum. Jesus' own town (Matthew 9:1). Also the home of Peter, James, Andrew, John and Matthew (the tax collector). Under the building of the Synagogue we visited are the remains of the Roman Synagogue from Jesus' time and where many of His teachings were spoken. Remember the story of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof? Capernaum. So far, this was the first moment the Bible became reality for me. While I was standing on the remains of a newer Synagogue, beneath it were the remains of places where He sat. He...Jesus. That's pretty remarkable. 

 

 
 

The Mt. of Beatitudes - "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them." Matthew 5:1

When we came to the Mt. of Beatitudes I wasn't sure what to expect. I've always pictured a luscious, green mountain where the Children's Bible depicts fifteen to twenty people sitting by Jesus' feet. When we got there I saw a bigger mountain than I originally thought, the Sea of Galilee off in the distance, and (after being educated while there) the image of hundreds of people following Jesus up this very large hill to be taught by the Master. They would have travelled for a while to get there so the hike would have given time for heat, exhaustion and sweaty faces their due course. Still, it was peaceful. It was reverent. It was gorgeous. Our Pastor spoke for a while, giving us a Biblical context for the place where we stood, and then we opened our Bibles (or, as many of us had, our Bible App) to Matthew and many took turns reading portions of the entire Sermon on the Mount. 

I was fine until we read this part:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life...your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own...Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 6:25-34 and 7:7-8

Tears started to come as I was sweetly reminded that no matter what is happening in life, I am taken care of and protected. I am sure Jesus was tired after traveling and being on a boat for days - then to take the time to trek up the hill and then give everything He had took a lot of will-power and love. He brought hope to the lost, dirty, poor, and hungry. This was his message of reality for the common man. His love for us doesn't stop at tired. 

You can't quite tell from here but the hill we were on was more behind me than what you see here. I just had to get the sea in the picture!

 

Honestly, this is one of my favorite pictures of the trip. This is my Pastor's wife, whom I love dearly. She and I had some great moments to bond - her encouragement meant so much and I'm honored to have shared this trip with her. 

To round off the day we ended with a peaceful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. I'm holding off talking about this too much because I would like to do a special blog on this due to the impact it had on me. While that will come a little later, I will say this sunset ride was beyond any adjective I could give it. Too have the Bible come alive like it did for me in that moment took my breath away. I am forever grateful to have experience it. Take it in with me for a moment. If you ever find yourself in a position to go to Israel please take it. 

We ended the day eating at a place right on the Sea of Galilee called The Decks. Once again, food came at us every other minute, it seemed. Fresh. Local. Delicious. Need I say anymore? 

This plate was much larger than the picture makes it seem. We couldn't finish this...and there were several placed at our table (which sat only half our group)!

While this is another favorite picture, my brother and I (by this point) are showing signs of a full day!

To find out more about Israel Collective, and their efforts to unite for peace visit their website at wwwisraelcollective.org. 

All About That Hummus

by Amy
Israel Series: Part Two

It doesn't matter how much you prepare. Watching out the window from the airplane as hours of water turned into Israeli land was nothing short of fascinating. I've had the pleasure of traveling internationally a few times, but this was beyond my dreams. Let me preface - it wasn't seeing the land  itself from the plane that was fascinating - from above it looked much like land from any country. It was the knowing and understanding of WHERE I was landing. This was the Middle East  - filled with unknowns, high expectations, and that over-talked topic of debatable fear. However, flying into Tel Aviv I was expecting all of the above notions and feelings and, instead, I found peace and excitement filling my spirit. I didn't arrive with any preconceived expectations. While I didn't feel prepared in many ways (i.e., filling up on all the Biblical readings), the one thing I did prepare was my mind regarding all those warnings and comments about Israel. I prepared to dismiss them all. I wasn't going to let anything stand in the way of hearing the Holy Spirit's voice. 

My expectations were joyfully exceeded. Israel is peace and I never felt more safe. 

We arrived on a Wednesday and directly after getting off a twelve hour flight we were met by our tour guide. Our hosts from Israel Collective (our friends who invited us) greeted him like he was one of the family. Yoav has been assisting tours with Israel Collective for many trips and being a local native there was no one better suited for the task. He was nothing short of fantastic. 

Our group loaded the bus and we were off to Caesarea. Yes, that Caesarea - where Cornelius, one of the first known converts to Christianity, prayed and was visited by angel to send for Peter. Acts 10 recounts this event:

In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore...Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all...And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name...Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.

Standing by the Mediterranean Sea in Caesarea I knew there was greatness that happened thousands of years ago. Maybe it was the long journey I had just completed, but in the moment I didn't have an overwhelming sense of emotion - rather a simple peace and thankfulness. Jesus came for everyone and it was in Caesarea that Peter came to that same conclusion. What a beautiful moment for him to see the goodness of God. Again, peace. Glorious peace.

We stopped at a restaurant near the shore to eat. I was tired and ready for bed but there was one thing keeping me from shutting my eyes. 

Hummus.

Everyone who had been to Israel - and I mean everyone - talked and talked about the hummus. On and on they went saying how it is unlike any hummus you've ever tasted. "You'll be prejudiced against all other types of hummus...You'll never be the same." Even at our first meal in New York the guys from Israel Collective went crazy talking about it. Miracle-working it is!  Okay, maybe not that far, but when the hummus talk never ends your expectations rise to that beyond heaven. 

So by the time we had reached Caesarea and our first meal, my palette was beyond ready. What happened just seconds after sitting down? Hummus was, indeed, served. I took some fresh pita and scooped up a hearty portion and savored the moment. I waited...and waited...and it did not disappoint.  Jesus' words describe it best when He said, "and it was good." This must be that land of milk and honey we read about...

What was this taste of heaven? Rich yet smooth? Heavy yet light? I knew we had blessed the food so I had my fingers crossed that I wouldn't gain anything if I ate more than I should. 

The hummus was incredible. Expectations met. Let's just say I'm afraid to buy some at my local grocery store. I have a feeling my face will indicate my dissatisfaction.

From lunch we took our time walking by the sea and learning more about the area. 

It becomes clearer now, the more that I have seen these places, just how real and wondrous the words of the Bible are. It is one thing to read and put your faith out there - it is another to see the proof up close. Still, the element of faith is even more profound. One may think by seeing the evidence up close faith is less active - I believe it to be all the more vital. After all, for centuries people of the Old Testament had God's miracles appear in front of them. Jesus came to the people in the New Testament and they still had trouble believing. 

Seeing is not believing. Seeing pushes us to choose. Standing on the stone steps at Caesarea I knew I had to chose to believe what I was seeing was truth. Truth with a capital "T" as one of our friends from Israel Collective liked to say. I believe in Truth. Absolute Truth. Stepping foot in the areas where Cornelius' faith was lived and Peter's testimony was heard and accepted was an honor to behold. 

Here is where salvation opened to everyone - the spiritual lineage of every follower of Christ began!

And this was all before I had found my place to sleep. All I could think was, "If this is the beginning, what more do you have in store, God?" 

On our way to Tiberius

To find out more about Israel Collective, and their efforts to unite for peace visit their website at wwwisraelcollective.org. 

Israel

by Amy

I went to bed around 3am last night. Preparing for an international trip can do that to you. It wasn't my plan to be up that late but as weeks turned into days, days turned into hours and, as per usual, I found myself trying to "get it all done" in a hurry. 

There were all kinds of preparing I was trying to accomplish before this trip. Why is it when you are leaving home for a while everything seems to get in the way and random stuff pops out of nowhere? Things that shouldn't come up do. Projects at work become stressful. One errand turns into twenty. _____. At a certain point you start asking if somehow you are being spiritually attacked!

This past week it seems like there was something at every corner of my life that was in pure disaster. Due dates, banks accounts, health, relationships, family, pets, etc...you name it, something was not working as normal. Even my emotions have been off balance. I finally asked God the question, "Is the devil trying to attack me before going on this trip?" I did get an answer. Just not one I expected. 

Yes....and no.

I was invited this year to go to Israel with a group of people and I joyfully said yes. Israel has been a dream of mine for many years. I can't say all my life because it wasn't until I moved to DC that I started thinking about it. That was eight years ago. I guess you say that's when Israel really became a dream of mine to accomplish. This year I am seeing this dream come to fruition. To say I'm excited is...well, an understatement. 

The progression of preparing myself to go has been slow. I thought I would be read up on the Word, noting every place we will visit in the scriptures - ready to grab a tissue just reading passages where I know I will be visiting. None of that. I didn't do one bit of spiritual preparing. 

To be honest, I've spent the majority worrying, being afraid, going through anxiety, and allowing the devil to steal my joy. That's where he won. He stole my joy. 

The worry, fear, anxiety and sadness has not stemmed from me going on the trip. It stemmed from every other trifle thing around me. The devil is not attacking me by giving me the problem of fraudulent charges on my bank account this week. That's someone else. That's the world around me. The devil starts where he always does - my mind. By allowing him to plant seeds of worry and fear I allowed him to steal my joy in getting ready to fulfill a dream of mine. By allowing myself to listen to  him I have taken my mind, one of the most powerful parts of me, and laid it at his feet. 

In all the preparing I forgot my helmet of salvation. But all wasn't lost. I won the battle in my mind. It may have been this last week but I won. 

God has an amazing way of revealing Himself, His love and His faithfulness. This week I took control of my thoughts, my fears, and anxiety, and I laid them where I should have weeks ago - at the feet of my Heavenly Father. Isn't that where I'm supposed to lay them? 

Matthew 11:28-30, " Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." 

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Things happen in life that we can't control. It doesn't always mean it is the devil attacking you. Personally, I have seen that I get attacked more with my thoughts than anything else. Knowing this - admitting this has been the start to overcoming it. 

I may not have had the spiritual preparation that I wanted, but I did start with what I already know of God's Word. I used it to combat what the devil was trying to steal. I took scriptures, prayer, wisdom from those closest to me, and courage to tackle it. 

Why let the devil steal your joy? Why let him get away with it? The Word says we are to put on the full armor of God. It starts with the helmet of salvation - to guard our minds and thoughts. I know who I am in Christ and nothing will change that. As I've said before - I know it. Now I'll own it. 

I hope Israel is ready for me as much as I am ready for Israel!

Speak to me Lord, now and when I am there. Reveal your secrets to me as You say in Your Word you want to. My heart, mind, and spirit are open to what you have for me. I am completely vulnerable to Your Spirit. Teach me, mold me, and show me how to be more like You. Let's go!

Left and Found

by Amy

To start, I will be relying heavily on a Bible study from a wonderful teacher for this post. Beth Moore is, by far, one of my favorites to listen to, read, and go more in depth with the Word. If you have dived into any of her studies you are probably nodding your head in agreement. Some of her studies are deep and others, well...are in intense.

Right now I am working on her study, Entrusted. She is literally taking me on a roller coaster through 2 Timothy, enhancing the scriptures and helping me apply it to my daily life. About every few minutes of a day in the workbook I take a breath and tell myself to stop saying "Woah" and "Wow!"

Today was the fifth day of weekly workbook - studying 2 Timothy 1:15-18. Paul is talking about being deserted by people in Asia. He's then greeted by Onesiphorus who we find out is most comforting, refreshing and nonjudgmental to Paul. He then describes that his friend has not only welcomed him but has actually traveled to Rome and earnestly searched for Paul. 

I want to share some of Beth's words: 

"Somewhere deep inside of us lodges a longing to be earnestly searched for and found by somebody wonderful. We may try to deny it, outrun it, or anesthetize it. We may keep it well covered, strong-armed, and adequately smothered, but sometimes in the quiet or sometimes in the crowd, this longing still has a way of bubbling to the surface. It's too embedded in our nature to outgrow. Even the psalmist David, the man after God's own heart, grappled with longing. 

'O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.' Psalm 38:9"*

From the first sentence my thoughts went to a personal nature in thinking of a romantic love - one that comes from finding a spouse. Writing in the margin, knowing no one would probably be looking in the workbook, I simply wrote the word "husband." Jesus only knows the longing that has been in and for my life. 

Thinking more of her words I knew it extended beyond that of a husband. I could see this reaching into my desire for friendship, family, the workplace, the church...my Heavenly Father. 

Her words continued:

"Longing held back from the light of God's Word and left inaccessible to His boundless love have a way of becoming hauntings [Seriously, what is she doing to me?!]. Satan uses them to taunt us with what we don't have, what he insists we'll never have, or what we've lost. What we won't let God access will eventually abscess. In the midst of those often unspoken longings, we yearn to know there are people who'd diligently search for us if we were missing. People who'd swim the ocean to get to us if we were stranded on an island. We want to be worth looking for. Worth not giving up on."*

My stomach turned as I read those words. How true they are, and how true they have felt for many years. How many years have I longed for someone to want me the way she writes? 

Beth mentions how we all have had someone in our lives who has told us how much the miss us and want to catch up but then provide excuses as to why they never reached out - the truth of it being  they never tried searching. 

When did you last feel this way? 

Then let this truth she declares be what breaks the pattern of thinking: 

"...you have been audaciously searched for and passionately found.

'Lord, You have searched me and known me. You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.' Psalm 139: 1,5-6

And, while you're at it, don't give up on humanity.  There are still Onesiphoruses in this world. Be one until you are found by one."*

I spent a number of years going back and forth with my emotions and longings for someone to earnestly search me out - find me...notice me...love me.  The wonderful, brilliant truth is that this longing has already been captured by the love of the One of who first loved me - the One who does more than seek me. He created me. More than simply accepting this truth, I am to own it and live it. 

By allowing Him to love me wholly and completely I am a better person to turn around and love someone wholly and completely - my family, friends, future spouse, and everyone in between.

*Excerpts taken from Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy by Beth Moore, LifeWay Press, 2016. You can find the study for purchase at LifeWay's website. I purchased the video sessions individually from their website. 

Summertime Is Here!

by Amy

Trader Joe's has peonies in stock...finally! 

Summertime as a child was always fun and enjoyable. Going to the pool and eating more popsicles than I should have had was the best ever! As I entered my twenties, however, things changed. Due to living in an areas where humidity reigned supreme summers meant feeling like I was walking through a nasty fog of grossness. I didn't mind sweating - if I was working out or going for a hike! Walking halfway to work in sweaty work clothes, however, was just plain miserable. It still is!

I know all my friends here in the District are giving me one big "Amen!" Any other friends from places like Tulsa, OK or Houston, TX can definitely understand as well. 

So, needless to say, my love for the summer over the last decade has quickly wained. Why, then, am I anxious to get the summer going? What has made me so excited to get rid of the cold and enter into degrees reaching 80 and 90? 

The proverbial "they" say that time flies as you get older. This is definitely true. I can remember a time when Christmas seemed to be so far away and the end of school would never arrive. Time was never fast enough. Now, I can't seem to figure out how to get all my to-do items completed in a day. Raise your hand if you have ever asked why there aren't enough hours in the day! Don't you wish you could stop time whenever you want? Maybe if we could just be allotted one time a day to hit the pause button for a couple of hours, right? Alas, we cannot. 

While this is the season where children are out of school and parents and professionals are steadily working their jobs I am determined that this will be my best summer yet. This can and will be season of new ideas and refreshing my spirit. Instead of dreading the weather (and the fact that I have someone in my life who is going to kick my butt in getting outside for workouts) I am going to make the summer of 2017 a great one.

I mean, seriously, who doesn't love drinking tea on the porch on summer evening while listening to Rascal Flatts? Just in the greater DMV there is so much to look forward to (links are included):

• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - One of my ultimate favorites! There is no bad seat at this venue. Just take a look at who they have coming this season.
• Smithsonian's National Zoo - It's free, it's fun, and it's educational. They also have events throughout the year so check out what they have this summer!
• Jazz in the Park (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden) - These are some amazing evenings filled with music and food. Who doesn't love a good picnic after work on a Friday?!
• DC Outdoor Films - You can't go wrong with a movie on the National Mall or in places like Rosslyn or Adams Morgan! Held on various nights during the summer you are sure to catch a good flick!
• Mosaic District - I love this up and coming area of Fairfax, VA. Between the Cartoons + Coffee and Farmer's Market (plus a Target where all your shopping dreams come true) there is plenty to do here.
• Moments of leisure and friends - Cups of coffee/tea, conversations and laughing with friends, reading that book I've had on the shelf for "a while," binge watching all those seasons of The Wonder Years because your dad said to, working on the half dozen projects I've told myself I will get to one day, and traveling (it can even be an hour away - just get in the car and drive!). 

These are just a few things I am looking forward to. Leave a comment below if there is something I forgot to mention or something you are looking forward to enjoying this summer! Let's make it one never to forget!

Testing the Waters

A Purpose in Art

By Amy

Painting in Progress - I call it The Great Attempt (insert silly face here)

Two weeks ago I enrolled in another art class at Georgetown University. Taking advantage of benefits never hurts anyone, right?! I have been stretched, creatively speaking, with all the various mediums or art lately. Throughout it all, I find that I am loving every minute of it. From new attempts at drawing and sketching to trying new skills like paper cutting to diving deeper into familiar territory like acrylics - every medium has something unique to offer. 

Admittedly, I have not branched out into watercolor like I have wanted to in the past. That is I have not immersed myself into it, until now. The past couple of weeks have been what seems like a test of endurance and patience rather than enjoying the discovery of a new found passion in watercolors. As my professor has stated, in order to truly work with watercolor one must first work on the basics of drawing. So the first few classes were not spent dipping the brush into a glass of water and then multiple colors. No, we spent the first few classes doing nothing but drawing. Everything. 

To be honest, I lost count of how many pieces of fruit, cups, and other random objects I drew - too many to count, that is for sure. Every class I would walk in and cross my fingers that I would not have to pick up a lemon or apple and decide if it is a sphere, cone, cylinder, or cube. My professor has quoted Paul Cezanne so much that every single student can repeat it verbatim. To be exact, the quote is as follows:

"May I repeat what I told you here: treat nature by means of the cylinder, the sphere, the cone, everything brought into proper perspective so that each side of an object or a plane is directed towards a central point. Lines parallel to the horizon give breadth... lines perpendicular to this horizon give depth. But nature for us men is more depth than surface, whence the need to introduce into our light vibrations, represented by the reds and yellows, a sufficient amount of blueness to give the feel of air." - Paul Cezanne (Letter written in April 1904)

With this constantly in mind, we spent days working on the movement of our hands and working with the pressure of light and dark pencil strokes. Sound weird? It was. 

Finally, we started bringing paint into the picture. But hold tight, color was not introduced until much later. We had to then understand light and dark shadows as well as learning to draw what you are first confronted with - moving forward from there. 

When we did get into colors it was like someone opened the doors and said, "Now fly little birdie! Fly and find your freedom!" Sighs of relief came to everyone when the green light was given to test the waters of blue, green, red, yellow, and brown. From those simple colors came a plethora of bright hope. Watercolor was now fun. 

Two days ago we branched out even more and went on site to see what nature had to offer. Nature did not disappoint. We sat near a known bridge here in the District called Key Bridge. We sat. We painted. We conquered. Well, okay, we tried.

The best part was seeing how each of us interpreted our surroundings. Some went crazy with colors while others barely brought in one or two contrasting tones. Some were heavier with the brush while others' strokes were light and breezy. Personally, I feel somewhere between halfway and light. The professor warned us not to attempt perfection. Does he know who he is talking to? 

Still, even though my patience was definitely tested, the getting off work and walking into my colorful world of creativity is exhilarating and peaceful. I've been painting for years. I've sold paintings. I've been commissioned. But until this year I never considered myself to be much of anything except someone who enjoyed painting. Georgetown has now become more than a place of work. It has become a safe haven of hope for my future. I like being an artist. 

There. I finally said it. 

I am an artist. Welcome to my world.

A Few of My Favorite Things

by Amy

Sleeping in on a Saturday morning. Having quality time with my Bible and journal. Trying new teas. Fresh flowers. Watching classic movies. Enjoying the rain on a front porch. Talking to my mother. Trying new recipes. Baking for no reason. Reading articles in home magazines. Grocery shopping.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Yes, that last one is one of my favorite things. If you are like my brother, you might have cringed reading that - he hates going to the grocery store. He's mentioned a time or two how he would like to pay me to do his grocery shopping for him! My reply has been the same: give me the list and drop me off. I love going to the store. I like taking my time going through the aisles, reading labels, determining which fruits and vegetables are the freshest, finding rare ingredients...I could go on and on. When I find the opportunity to go buy my groceries for the week I get so excited that I usually call my mother right as I get there just to tell her the good news! I'm thankful she humors me for a moment.

Lately life has been beyond crazy - in what seems most every area of my life. Between my work and personal life I haven't yet felt like I can take a breath. In the midst of deadlines and pressure I find myself agitated, overwhelmed and just plain sore. You would think going to sleep would come a little easier with those long and busy days, but lately mornings have been greeting me with droopy eyelids and an aching back. The day goes on, though, and not a moment to stop and consider how I got dressed and all the way to work. Really, though, how did I get to work? Somebody, am I making any sense?!

Earlier this week I realized I would have the weekend to myself; nothing on the schedule and no one around. On Thursday my boss told me to work from home on Friday due to all the graduation ceremonies in the area; traffic would be a headache. I could feel my entire body taking a big sigh of relief - eager to start the weekend. 

Have you ever been asked what your perfect day would look like? Well I'm not going to ask you that question now - I'm going to ask you a different question:

What are some of your favorite things? 

Many of us have been working long days and nights getting "the job" done. Whatever that job may be (at the moment I'm thinking of all you mothers out there) you find it is a rare opportunity when you have a moment to call your own. Maybe you can't remember the last time you had nothing to do. Well, maybe not nothing - maybe it was more that you didn't have some things pressing and simply more of the things that could wait. 

Perhaps you laugh a little when you hear or read the words, "Be still and know that I am God." Who has time to be still when the kids are making messes and constantly asking questions, when the boss has come to you half a dozen times in one day asking you to "start this today," when the pressure of friends or family needing you to show up or be there seems persistent, or when you realize you said yes too many times and not enough no's? 

I once wrote a piece on some advice from my parents regarding marriage. I compared it to the safety guidelines you hear when getting ready to take off on a flight. As the flight attendant goes through the usual speech of exits and seat belt directions there is the portion about oxygen masks that I find interesting. The directions they provide remind adults that they must first place the mask on themselves and then, if they have children, place the mask on the child. It may boggle our mind a little when we hear this because our first reaction may be to think it should be the other way around. It should be the child first, right? Actually, the airline has it right. If the parent chooses to put the needs of their child ahead of their own the ramifications could be extreme - if not fatal. In order to ensure the child's safety, the parent must first ensure their safety. 

Spending quality time to do something you enjoy is just like those safety guidelines. It is needed more than you may realize. In marriages you often hear it is vital that the parents go out on dates to keep that romance and communication alive and thriving. In a job we are often told in workshops and evaluations that there are times when "no" is a must - not to overload. Even families and friends will be the first to tell us it is time to say no to making unnecessary commitments. 

Think of all your favorite things. Maybe going to the movies or sitting alone and reading a book is your favorite thing. Maybe you only have an evening or half an hour - just remember quality is better than quantity. Giving yourself a moment is a beautiful thing; it makes you stronger, joyful, and provides clarity and peace. 

If we gave ourselves permission to have a moment to enjoy one of our favorite things we may just see how it will not only help us but help the people around us. 

It is more than being deserving - it is a necessity. And yes, we can take a moment to be still and know that He is most definitely God. He is, after all, jealous for us. That itself is enough permission to stop and smell the roses!

He Is Risen

"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2 ESV

by Amy

This past Monday evening I was on a plane reflecting the past few days I had just spent with family in Arizona. We went for a very sweet and special reason. Almost a month earlier my brother and sister-in-law had their third child. It was a beautiful time spent bonding with everyone, especially my first nephew, Benjamin, and my niece, Hannah. It was wonderful seeing my sister-in-law and brother (whom I had not seen in a very long time).

It is always hard when family lives a great distance away from you. Sure, technology today provides wonderful opportunities to see one another up close - all the while being hundreds of miles away. Still, FaceTime and Skype are not the same as getting a big bear hug from the sweetest eight-year-old or sitting next to the most adorable six-year-old girl at dinner. I will have those special moments forever.

During our visit something else happened I was not expecting: I fell in love. You heard it here. Yes, I fell in love with a little baby boy named Joshua. Sure, I was expecting it, but not quite as fast as it happened. Within the first minute of holding him I was hooked. I literally saw flashes of him as an older child telling me his wishes for Christmas and me simply saying, "Here you go, buddy. Just take Aunt Amy's credit card. Go wild." 

Maybe it won't be like that in reality but let's just say he had me at his first coo.

Another unexpected feeling I got while there was the overwhelming sense of protection. I found myself thinking of his every need. Was he comfortable? Was he full? Was he still hungry? Was his diaper dry? Was he content? Were his arms in a comfortable position or should I move him? Was he cold? Was he hot? Was he okay with the noise or should I tell everyone to be quiet? The list goes on and on. My sister-in-law, this being her third child, was not the least bit concerned with half of the questions going on in my head. She already had so much figured out with this one. Though I didn't say much, I was going crazy on the inside. Yet, watching his mama do her thing made me relax.

Every time I would hold Joshua I would take the time to pray. At some point I would allow a couple of minutes to speak Jesus over him. In those short few days the love and care I had for him grew more and went deeper than I expected. I would do anything for this little one. Anything.

Coming up on Easter I am wondering something: if I am ready to give anything for my nephew, how much more is God willing to do for him? We all have probably heard at some point that while our parents and family love us greatly, God loves us so much more. Sometimes it isn't until you hold a child in your arms or have a similar tangible experience that it all comes together - something clicks and that "aha" moment becomes reality. 

Just as I know there is special care being given to my nephew I need to realize the same care from my Heavenly Father is being given to me. Just because I am older it doesn't mean the love and sacrifice are no longer valid or that it has waned. 

It doesn't matter what areas in our lives we struggle or where we feel we are lacking. Christ sacrificed himself so that His love and care for us would never go dim. Jesus dying on the cross was proof of His love. His resurrection was evidence it would never cease. We serve a living God who will care for us all the days of our lives. 

This Easter my prayer is that we don't forget it. Let's realize just how much he loves us and in return give Him all the glory, honor and praise. It is through Him we live and breathe. 

Just as I loved to talk sweet things to my new nephew in those peaceful moments when it was just him and I, so does our Heavenly Father whisper in our ears His love for us. Let's get ready for some quiet time with Him as well as boldly rejoicing the fact that He is alive! He is alive and active in us!

My Birthday Wish

"Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."

 - Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life

Every year my birthday comes around I like to take time out of my week to reflect and think about all the events and happenings that took place over the past year. From sweet memories with family and friends to life-changing events to moments of conviction and motivation - every season has what matters most to me...you. 

I think about all the changes that have happened over the course of the year and the memories that came with it. Every single one of them include someone I love. I want to take a moment and simply say...thank you.

We serve a very humbling Creator. He takes us where we are and daily provides grace and truth to motivate and push us where we need to be in life. He has created a path for each of us and desires nothing more than to give us our hearts' desires. This year He is teaching me how to love more - more than I ever have before. 

In looking through the years of my own life there are many beautiful moments and lessons that stand out. One of the biggest and brightest is seeing how my community of family and friends have not just been there for me but have given me the strength, encouragement, and inspiration to be joyful and make a difference. 

So thank you. 

My prayer is that you know just how much I love you. Thank you for being a star, a season, a smile, an embrace, a comfort, a motivator, a wink, a rock, and every bit of truth and grace in my life. 

You are the one I applaud. Some of you are mothers who have treated me like a daughter. Some of you are friends I have known for years, and though we are far away from each other, you have encouraged and loved me. Some of you are acquaintances and friends from college days and I have watch you become wives, husbands and mothers - watching how you treat your spouse and children. Some of you are family and have been a source of encouragement and comfort to me since day one. Some of you are men who have shown me what to value in a future husband. For all this and more I thank you. 

Thank you for showing me love and humility. Every year of reflection brings a beautiful part of my story together and I could not do it without you. 

Sweet friends, you are cherished. You mean the world to me.

As I said, my prayer is for you to know that I love you. I love you and I pray for you (yes, I pray for all of you!) all the time. Every single one of your faces are present in my mind. 

My birthday wish for this year is simple: that I pray for you and your loved ones more. I want to be there for you as you have been for me. So please do not hesitate to tell me what I can do. Where do you need a friend? If I cannot be there personally I will be there in another way. If I can stretch a hand out and pray for you in person or across the country I will. I am here for you. Yes, you.

It may be a merry and happy birthday for me, but it would not be without you. I love you, friend. I love and cherish you always. 

(Every year I go to a place called Great Falls and take some time to reflect and go for a hike. It was here I thought of you, friend!)

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."

Romans 12:12 (NLT)

My One, Two and Now Three

by Amy

I am the proud Aunt of (now) three adorable children. Benjamin, Hannah, and now baby Joshua. They are all sweet with their own unique personalities...and so stinkin' cute! With each one I have felt more and more blessed. They are so special to this Aunt and I'm proud they are mine!

Benjamin, the first one, has always been the sweetest boy. I remember when my brother and sister-in-law told us they would be expecting him. I was in graduate school at the time, but had come to my New Mexico home for the holidays. Since my mother's birthday is in January the family tries to celebrate her special day before we all head back to our respective homes in other states. Jason and Jen had joined us for the latter part of my time there and as we celebrated my mom's special day they announced their own special gift. When Benjamin's birthday came around I was working but stopped what I was doing to take in the fact I had a nephew...finally. Call me Aunt Amy, please. It is a name I love to hear.

My family had the opportunity that Thanksgiving to drive over to Arizona and see the almost two month old for the first time. Benjamin Jay was the cutest baby ever! I loved holding him and whispering prayers over him when no one was watching. He was a perfect little baby. As he has grown he has taken the sweetest nature. From what I have observed and the stories I hear from my brother and sister-in-law about him says it all - he loves to love. I have loved all the stages of his eight years; from learning everything there is to know about dinosaurs, to being the best at building lego sets, to hearing his love for all things Star Wars (if only I could have seen his face when he learned Darth Vader told Luke he was his father....sigh), to seeing him play protector over his newborn brother, he is loving and precious in his Aunt's eyes. Eight years goes by so fast.

Hannah came into our word over six and a half years ago. August was a hot month in DC that year and I was heading home on the DC metro, thankful I was on a train with a working AC. I had been waiting the whole day to get the phone call that my first niece had arrived. I was also crazy jealous that my parents had the opportunity to drive down to all of them and be there for the birth - jealous to tears. But as I was about four stops from my drop-off I got the call. My mom was near my sister-in-law and called me to "be there" as Hannah entered the world. I could hear the commotion and when my mom uttered those words "She's here! She's here!" I started sobbing. There I was sitting in perfect view of everyone crowded around me and I was sobbing. Excited...anxious...and sad that I wasn't there - all the emotions an Aunt can have at that time. After my mom and I composed ourselves she ended the call to then call my younger brother and let him know the good news. The lady sitting next to me, obviously having heard everything, smiled and said congratulations. Through my bittersweet tears I said thank you. I had an extra skip in step walking home!

I knew Hannah Joyce would be adorable. I knew she would probably have blonde hair like her mama (and she does). I also knew she would be loved tremendously by her Aunt Amy. What we all didn't see coming was that feisty, determined, and tenacious girl! Hannah Joyce has all the makings of a strong and fearless woman. As her mommy and daddy have said time and again, she has a strong will! I love it! These are the qualities that will charge this girl with a sense of purpose in her life. My prayer for my niece has and always will be that she will have a firmness of character that will never be compromised. With her determination, the devil should be afraid! What can I say? She takes after her Aunt!

What I love most about this amazing young girl is something you can't miss when you see her - that smile. She has, by far, the most infectious smile I have seen on anyone! Seriously, she's too much.

And now there is Joshua. While I didn't get to be there for his birth like the others, I am getting the opportunity to see him in just a few short weeks. This Aunt has never been more excited. Joshua has come into our lives this very month (the best month of the year, I might add). He will share a birthday month with his Aunt Amy and Uncle John. We are thrilled to share with this cutie-patootie! They say every baby is beautiful and perfect. Let's get real - that's not always the case. But in ours...it is 100% correct! You can disagree if you want - I am allowed to be bias.

Joshua Alan, I am sure in the first week of your life your mommy and daddy are learning so much about you and what your personality is at this time. It is only going to grow and be more amazing as you get older. I cannot wait to see you change and develop your character. I pray for you daily and know that God has His hand on your future. I believe He is protecting you (alongside your older brother and sister) and making His face shine upon you. As I said when you were first born - you have come to a family filled with love for you and each other. You have a wonderful mother and courageous father. You have siblings who will keep you safe at all times. Family loves unconditionally and you've got the best. Welcome to our family, little one. You are loved.