Brightened Spirit

Two weeks ago, just when my soul was in deep need of friends, Rebes & Ash road tripped from Chicago to my front porch and saved the day! These spunky, free spirited, lovers of life came zooming into Dayton, Ohio and instantly brightened my spirit with their squeals, hugs, laughter and these beautiful purple Celosias in a shiny gold Anthro pot.

"I was once told that the mark of deep friendship is someone you simply want to grocery shop with."

-Rebecca Win Goldstein from Midwest at Heart

Not sure how it's possible to have so much fun searching for the perfect bacon at the grocery store, or running around the city in the pouring rain, but with Rebes and Ash all things fun are possible :)

 The weather may have been overcast but there was not one gloomy moment of this weekend! 

The rain did not stop us from walking in it...

or go exploring the city in it...

...and it certainly encouraged us to snuggle, sleep in, drink lots of coffee, talk for hours in the breakfast nook, watch all of our favorite "So You Think You Can Dance" performances, and talk for more hours.

I am so blessed by the friendship of these two delightful women of God and if you're a godly guy, and you're single, you are 100% crazy if you have not taken one of these amazing, gorgeous girls out on a date ;) 

Strong

I often feel like I have to "get it together" and feel strong and godly before I can worship the Lord and commune with Him. Sometimes I think...well I have't been very godly this week, and I'm feeling kind of weak...so how can I worship Him right now...But on my way to work this morning I listened to this amazing song by Kari Jobe and I was encouraged and reminded by the truth that He takes us right where we are. I don't have to have it all figured out and feel all of this godly strength before I can offer my requests and worship to the Lord.  In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul said "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." It's in those moments of weakness, when I come to the Lord, that I become strong. 

"I'll find you in the place I'm in, I'll find you when I'm at my end, I'll find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness. 

You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,

When I am weak, when I am lost and searching,

I'll find you on my knees."

-Kari Jobe 

Home Sweet Home

Three months ago, it was sad moving out...

But exciting to move in... 

Dr. A likes it here and Samson is smiling about it too...

And I can an truly say that our little house in Dayton, Ohio has really begun to feel like home. Here are a few pics of our home sweet home...

"...as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

A Quiet Soul

...Those days you look at your life...those moments you look inside your self and ask, am I doing and being everything that God has called me to do and be...? Sometimes wondering...am I hearing God's voice...? Am I even listening...?  

Oh how I desire a spirit like David's...a calm and quiet spirit that allows us to connect with the holy spirit's whisper in our hearts. 

...a soul that is in sync with the subtle movements of the Spirit...quieting the turbulent activity in my heart and mind that clamors for attention...sitting at the feet of Jesus, surrendering a restless & anxious spirit and receiving grace & peace in return. 

"Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul..." Psalm 131:2 

                  

                                                                        

Discovering Dayton

Last weekend A & I took advantage of the cool and sunny weather and spent all of Saturday discovering Dayton! Here were a few of our favorite discoveries...

2nd Street City Market 

The Oregon District

A driving range close to home

An urban dive in a reclaimed diner 

More discoveries to come!

Thankful for Dayton

I have to be honest and say that recently I have really been missing Kansas City, missing friends, missing family and just wondering how in the world we ended up in Dayton, Ohio. But on Sunday morning, for the 4th week in a row, the pastor of the church we've been attending, spoke about having a heart of thankfulness and the message, that there is victory in thanksgiving, began to sink in. I started to write down the things for which I am thankful, specifically in Dayton, and I just kept writing and writing and the more I kept thanking Him, the lighter the heavy spirit I had been carrying all week became.

Just scrolling through my iphone pics from our last 4 weeks in Dayton it was easy to find things for which I am thankful. So according to my iphone I am thankful for...

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Thessalonians 5:18

Free To Be

Dr. A knew he would be spending his first weekend of residency on call, so being the sweet hubby he is, he was excited for me to spontaneously grab my jeans shorts, American flag and jump in the car to go celebrate the 4th with Rebies and Ash in dreamy Chicago. 

Our celebration of freedom began with biking and blading our way to North Ave Beach. I hadn't ridden a bike in....not sure if I've ever ridden a bike because I definitely didn't remember how! I guess that phrase "once you ride a bike, you never forget" is not applicable to me :) But after a few lessons from Rebies and Ash, I caught on and I must say, that biking along Lake Michigan on this sunny 4th was an absolute dream. 

We are proud to be Americans...

And just as proud to be Baylor Bears...

After a freedom filled day on the beach, our feelings of patriotism were still goin strong, so we baked the perfect Americake. 

 We spent our last few hours of the 4th on a rooftop overlooking the city. The combination of the view, the fireworks, and friends was absolutely magical. 

Rebies took pictures with her Lomography Film Camera all weekend and the pics turned out so dreamy I have to share a few. Can't wait to see more pics from this camera after she comes back from walking the Camino De Santiago. 

Proud to be an American...Forever thankful for our freedom.