Great Aunt Vi and Graciousness

This past weekend, I (Julie) had the privilege of meeting Brandon's great aunt Vi. Even though I only was with her for about a half hour total, I was struck with the graciousness she extended to me from the very beginning. I was greeted with a welcoming hug and immediately invited in to see family pictures; of course, I don't remember who was in all of them, but to me it meant that she wanted me to feel at home, like I should know who all these people were smiling at me. Our visit mostly centered around what each of us had done that day, sharing the way our family shares at the supper table. As we prepared to leave, I felt like I had been there for much longer than a half hour, like in that little window of time, we had passed by the trivial small talk and enjoyed each other's company. Such graciousness as this is a true picture of the acceptance we can find as children of God. Vi did not put me through a rigorous test to find out if I was worthy of her time, she did not ask to see my credentials, she did not demand anything of me. By believing in the blood of Jesus, we are welcomed into the Father's arms by no merit of our own. I pray that I can show others in my life this same graciousness.

Spring Break!

My (Amy's) Spring Break starts this Saturday. On Sunday, my grandparents are flying my cousin Thom and I down to Arizona to stay with them for a week. I can't wait! Unfortunately, some of my professors decided Spring Break would be a great time to load on the homework. Oh, well! Hopefully doing that homework out in the sunshine surrounded by mountains and wildlife will give me some inspiration and I'll be able to get it done fast :-). My goal is to get outside as much as possible and get lots of exercise! I'm also hoping to get some reading done on the plane. That hasn't really happened in the past, though, so I'm not getting my hopes up. I enjoy people-watching too much to really focus on books in airplanes, I think. Right now, I'm reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan for the Bible Study I'm in. If you haven't read it yet, I'd encourage you to check out a copy. I probably won't be blogging until after I get back, but maybe I can talk Julie into posting something. Happy March everyone!

These are a few of my favorite things...

• Birthdays. I (Amy) had one recently, and I had a blast celebrating with friends and family.
• Road trips. Two weekends ago, I went with a dear friend to the Cities to visit some other dear friends at college. We had good food, good talks, and good fellowship. Last weekend, I went with 19 other friends to Duluth for a fun weekend away. It was exhausting and refreshing all at the same time.
• Coffee shops. I went to one last night with my friend Eliza. The cozy atmosphere, encouraging conversation, and caffeine buzz were just what I needed in this busy week.
• Good down-home music. Right now Alan Jackson's "Are You Washed in the Blood?" is playing on my Pandora.
• My family. (For the record, this list is in no particular order ;-). I love coming home at night to a warm house full of people who love me.
• My Jesus. His mercies are new every morning, and His answers to prayer never cease to amaze me.

I hope you all are having a wonderful February. I can't believe it's almost over already! May God bless you and keep you as you seek His face today.

On February, Finances, and the Finer Things in Life

• In case you missed the memo, tomorrow is the first day of February--one of my (Amy's) favorite months of the year. Might have something to do with the fact that my birthday, my mom's birthday, and Valentine's Day all fall in February. I have to admit: I have a weakness for all things Valentiney. I mean, when else can you pair bright red with light pink and get away with it? I also like that February is short, which makes March come faster, which means Spring Break is on its way, right?
• A few weeks ago, I finished reading Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover." I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the basics of financial security. I was inspired to be more purposeful in how I'm spending the money God entrusts to me. My first step was to estimate my income for the month of January. Then I wrote up a plan for how I would offer, save, and spend that money. I committed to writing down everything I bought and how much it cost. I also kept track of everything I earned. The process was really eye-opening. It was empowering to set limits for myself in each spending category and to know I would say no to further spending once I hit those limits. I'm definitely planning to keep it up!
• This time of year, I usually start to experience the winter doldrums. Life takes on a monotonously stressful feel as homework and scholarship applications pile up. The pressure to figure out my summer plans and register for fall classes hits hard. It's tempting to let the stress rob me of my peace, and Lord knows I've done that a few times this week. But when I really stop to think about it, I have so much to rejoice in. I could write pages on that, but I have to get back to the aforementioned homework soon, so here are just a few things I'm thankful for right now :-): 1. Friends in my classes who love God and encourage me in my faith. 2. Opportunities to share our faith in those classes. 3. A new small-group Bible study to challenge me. 4. Some fun Young Adult Group events to look forward to this month.
• And today, I'm thankful for a jealous God who gives me peace only when I seek His face. I can't wander far before He breaks me and draws me back to HIm. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Life through the Eyes...

...of preschoolers. Kyle and Ella came yesterday. They're four now. Hard to believe. They are growing like weeds, and their personalities are so much fun! Here are some talks we had throughout the day. They make me smile. Conversation 1-- Background info.: My mom had set out two kids' books for the twins, both of which we'd read to them many times before. Kyle took one look at them, and the following conversation ensued. Kyle: Don't you guys have any other books? Amy: (giggles) Sure. Do you wanna come downstairs and find some with me? Kyle: Yeah! Amy: (walking down the stairs with Kyle) Hey, let's go in my room! I have some new books in there. Kyle: (hesitates) Are they the reading kind? Conversation 2-- Ella: (looking at the large floral arrangement in our dining room) Where did you get those flowers? Amy: Someone left them at our church after a funeral, because they had so many flowers. Have you ever been to a funeral? Ella: Yeah. We been to Uncle Al's funeral. We went to the church. And we went to the funeral house. That's where lots of people die. Conversation 3-- Kyle: Amy, do you play your guitar at your church? Amy: Yep, and I sing there too. Kyle: Does Julie sing with you at your church? Amy: Nope. Kyle: Why doesn't she? Amy: Well, she doesn't like to sing in front of people. Kyle: Does she like to sing in back of people?

It Did!

Well, I asked for snow, and I got it! It snowed almost all day on New Year's Eve, and it was beautiful! I (Amy) have been on break from school for 2 1/2 weeks now, and it has been wonderful. So good to have time to relax with family, read books I actually want to read, reconnect with friends home on break, and reorganize my room. I've been working nearly every weekday, but even that has been pretty relaxing, since both offices I work in are pretty quiet during the break. We enjoyed a very nice Christmas with my dad's side of the family. Christmases at Bop and Nanny's house are always full of love, laughter, and lots of yummy food! We played a lot of games this year, and went for some nice long walks to get some exercise. Thanks, Bop and Nanny, for hosting us and for making every Christmas memorable. We love you bunches! So far, the New Year has been A. MA. ZING. Dad and Julie had to work New Year's Eve, and Mom had been invited to another party, so Katie and I started the year off right by hosting a party for young adults at our house. We played games, laughed a lot, and toasted with sparkling cider at midnight. Then a few friends stayed and talked into the wee hours of the morning. After everyone was gone, and my family had all come home and gone to bed, I stood over a sink full of soapy water and dishes. My eyelids were drooping, my feet were sore, and there was much cleaning to be done, but I had a big smile on my face. As I thought about each friend who had come to celebrate with us, I realized once again just how blessed I am. This year, like the last, will hold trials. At times, there will be worries, misunderstandings, sorrows, anger, and tears. There will be days when we feel like giving up. But for those of us who are in Christ, there will also be love. There will be peace. And hope. And unspeakable joy. Despite the hardships inherent to life in this fallen world, it will be a happy New Year, for "happy is that people whose God is the LORD." (Psalm 144:15)

Let it Snow!

This morning it was -1 degree outside on my (Amy's) way to work. The lake was entirely frozen over, as was a good section of the river that flows into it. Yet we have almost no snow. On my way to get the office mail, I looked out the window and thought it appeared to be a lovely October day. Then I realized it was December 9th. In Minnesota. So weird. I really hope we have snow for Christmas!

Despite the lack of snow, December is off to a good start. This month is going to be busy for us, but not too busy. We're looking forward to Christmas get-togethers and seeing friends home from college. I'm hoping to read a couple of books for pleasure over break, as I'm beyond sick of textbooks. I really like listening to Dave Ramsey, so I'd like to read one of his books. Any suggestions?

I've finished two finals so far. Two down, two to go! I am so looking forward to a break from homework, and to new classes next semester.

I hope you all are enjoying your Decembers and that your Christmas seasons will be full of time with family and friends as you celebrate Jesus' birth.