Summer Nights

Today was a beautiful warm summery day. And sadly, we have not had too many of them here in Germany lately. But today was such a day. I wanted to go be a beach bum for the day but since I couldn't I went to eis cafe. I love those late summery nights when it's 9:30 and the sun is just going down and it's still warm enough out for shorts. Tonights choice of flavor was pfferminz and schokolade. Delightful :) Here is me demolishing a cone :) Zwei Kugel, bitte! Thank you Jesus for summer nights, ice cream, and walks! 

fluffy clouds and changing skies

The weather is constantly changing here. Today was such a day. This morning was clouded over with drizzling and downpour intermixed. Those poor JV soccer girls. They got the brunt of it. I think they kind of enjoyed playing in the rain though! The day turned beautiful around 5:00. I was so taken by the fluffy clouds that I just had to go take pictures! So early evening I sat under the changing skies and the fluffy clouds and read. I felt God's grace and love wash over me as I sat among God's creation reading One Thousand Gifts. I was particularly struck by a verse the author shared from Isaiah 14:24. "Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand" (NASB). I drew so much strength from these holy words. Seeing events in our lives through the lens of God's plan. And his love and goodness towards his children. It was a moment when everything was so full and perfect. Full of life in the light of Christ. Thank you Father for fluffy clouds and changing skies. You are good!

up-do's, pretty dresses, and celebrations

Tonight was a special evening at BFA for junior's and senior's. It's especially a night of celebration for the senior's as it is one of their last big events before graduation. Just like any celebration the guys pull out their tux (and get ready in ten minutes!) while the girls spend hours getting ready! Except this year due to it being on a school day, the girls only had an hour or so. But, the girls looked absolutely stunning. Tonight I was able to go and take pictures of the kids before their night of celebration. The event was hosted at a place called Funfschilling. It's a beautiful venue with amazing food, fresh produce, an apple orchard, and outdoor/indoor seating. I loved seeing these girls all dressed up and even had the opportunity to style a girls' hair! Thank you Jesus for night's of celebration!!

Taylor and Rachel! I'm loving Rachel's one shoe on/one shoe off!

Taylor made her date a boutonniere from a lightbulb....impressive!

Hanna!

ElleBelle! She's being silly :)

Tay Time

Today I am so very thankful for an afternoon visit from my friend Taylor. She is such an amazing woman of God and we always have such a great time with one another. We have walked through life with each other at Moody and now at BFA. And one of our four year old friends wonders why were not sisters. She tends to get us confused. Anyways, thanks Tay for being such a great friend! And thank you Father for a community of friends :)

Sitting outside on a warm, sunny balcony sipping coffee. 

Gilmore Girls

Yesterday, I was so thankful for Gilmore Girls. So thankful, in fact,  that I watched it instead of posting about it. From the witty humor and fast dialogue to the quirky characters and relationship between Luke and Lorelai that is always on the brink of beginning. So good!! Especially when you're watching them with someone who has never seen them...thanks Roomie :) I always want to eat and drink coffee while watching Gilmore. But, if I had a cup of coffee every time they did in an episode...I would have a complete coffee buzz. Not sure if that's the right terminology. But, you get my drift!

If you haven't watched them, check em out. Well maybe not if your a guy. They usually don't like them!

Spring Fragrances

Today I am thankful for the fragrances of Spring. From the fresh, dainty flowers to the misty smell after a Spring rain. Not to mention the bonfire smell in the air. They feed my soul :)

Grandma's Letters

        I didn't have the opportunity to post yesterday. Even though I was thankful for moments in the day, I couldn't bring myself to write. It had just been such a hard day. But on Monday I truly was thankful for a card from my Grandma. After receiving bad mail, aka medical bills, I opened a card from my Grandma. Dorothy Jana, G-ma, is a prayer warrior for all of her grandchildren. She is always encouraging me and of course keeping me updated on all the events happening in our large family! Since I came to Germany, I have received a letter from her every month, talk about faithful :) This letter could not have come at a better time. In her letter, she told me the Pastor at her church prayed for me on Sunday. Tears started streaming down my face as I read those words and realized I am not alone. I draw so much strength from knowing her church and many others are praying for me. I am so very thankful for my grandma, my family, and my ministry partners. Thanks Grandma for your letters :)