The Berlin Wall

On this day in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell down. As an American, I can't fathom what it would have been like to have lived on the other side of the wall because I live in a country that provides me with freedoms that I can't imagine not having. May we never forget what it means to be free.

Sister Style: On Wednesday's We Wear Pink [A Day Late]

We were all quite in shock the day after election and all forgot that it was Wednesday. The girls wore pink accessories and forgot to snap photos. I captured this shot of my pink attire right before I headed to work.

Recap: Election Day 2012

Election Day is a big day in my family. We had been closely watching the polls, keeping track of the politicians and propositions that we supported, and had lots of healthy discussion in anticipation of Tuesday.

Tuesday arrived with a patriotic outfit, David and Roger interviewing Republican candidate for Senate, Elizabeth Emken, and an election party with friends. While many of the things that we voted for didn't turn out in our favor, we still have a duty as Americans to pray for our leaders, our county and our fellow Americans.

Sabbath+Ruth

This past weekend I stayed at the adopted parents house while they went to Pasadena overnight. I knew I was going to have a pretty quiet Saturday and was looking forward to it because even when I have quiet Saturday's, I still fill up my time with work tasks. This Saturday I tried something different. I promised myself that I was going to not turn on my laptop all day. I also wasn't going to do any work on Saturday. This is a huge deal for me as I always have something to do. So I slept in, played with the cats, read my Bible, napped. I let my mind and my body have a break. I still need to work on checking Facebook and Instagram less on my cell phone, but that's for another post.

I was determined to finish the book in the photo on Saturday. I've always loved reading, but over the last few years haven't had nearly as much free time to do so. I always have a stack of 5-10 books next to my bed and had been working on this one for about a month. Part of me kept telling myself to put it aside as it didn't seem to have much depth to it. But, I kept on. Ruth has been one of my fave women of the Bible since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I thought the book was cool because the main character shared her name with my godmother. As I got older, I admired Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and strived to embody that trait. This time I saw something different in Ruth's story. I saw a woman with unwavering faith and trust in her heavenly father. A woman who knew no better who had a childlike faith and trusted in God's provision. Through that trust, the Lord provided even more than Ruth could have imagined. I found myself convicted. I was reminded that the Lord is the creator and provider of all that I have. That I need to be more honest with Him because He already knows the desire of my heart. That I need to change my thoughts and my prayers to reflect more gratitude for what He has done and for what He is doing.

For that I am grateful.

Truth

Happy Friday

Just a little love note that my friend Lauren had on her blog! Happy weekend!

Dear Future Husband: Insights from My Parents

Dear Future Husband,

The other day Dad and I were having lunch while Mom was on the phone with my Oma in Holland. Mom and Oma talk every single day. My Dad leaned over and he said,

"When Mom gets old, you have to promise to call her every day. You also need to move into the neighborhood so we can see you and your husband and our grandkids all the time."

Later in the afternoon Mom and I were in the car talking about friends and relationships and you. She said, "You know what, no matter who you marry, Dad and I will love him because you love him and he makes you happy."

I want you to know that you are already loved so much. That you are prayed for. That my parents already love you even though they don't know you yet. That as the head of my family, my Dad wants the best for you and wants you to eventually be the head of our family. For that, I am so grateful.

Love,
Your wife