faith

as i was in our office bathroom i had this thought. i had left my desk with a few emails waiting to be sent. these emails were 'then what' or 'if...then' or 'in case of' emails. aka the covering all bases in case something doesn't fall through emails.

i write emails like that pretty often. i also write letters like that often...those letters usually have to do with support.

to me, today, and some other days, faith is letting go of what you think of is as control and letting God move through you and/or others.

pushup-a thon!

freedom

(this is taken from my mom's blog)

this is a picture of my tattoo (i'll write more about this tattoo later)

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Some communites across our country mark this day with speeches, songs, parades, and picnics. This day can also provide an opportunity for individuals and communites reflect on the historical and personal significance of this day. An interesting note, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, this news did not reach parts of Texas until June 19th. Thus, the name of the holiday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation

Reflecting beyond slavery in the United States, I pause and look at the Israelites in bondage in Egypt... and the reason God said Let my people go... it is good to remember the cost, value and reason for freedom.

oh my word

http://firstsamuel712.blogspot.com/2009/06/missionary-spotlight-monday-meet-jara.html

homesick

i don't think i'll ever grow out of being homesick. today i realized what it means to me.

certain people make me feel at home with myself...and feel at home means...i feel safe. i obviously feel at home and safe with my parents. it was sad to see them leave omaha. i always get a little misty eyed when they leave. i'm thankful today for the people who have established home and safety with me in the past year. last year today my friend noemi and i were huddled in the basement of the YMCA waiting out that huge storm from last year. i knew we'd become friends and we did. in trying to find literal safety from a storm...we found friendship. since then i've made new friendships and deepened others. these friendships have been like family to me. i can't say they are REALLY my family because nothing replaces the Js...but they're right there like family.

and all of that to say. i'm so homesick i am already trying to figure out when i can go to lexington to see my family again.

picture taker

ever wonder why i love to take pictures so much? i love that you can look at a photo and be whisked back into a world full of memories. that happens to me when i hear certain songs or smell certain fragrances. i love taking photos. and so does my mom! check out her great photos from her and dad's vacay in omaha.

full

i love when my parents come to visit. they bring me the sense of home that i'm sometimes longing for and missing in omaha.

this afternoon i finally took some time off and spent time with my mom and dad. we had lunch with kenley and the museum and saw one of the new exhibits. then we went to the hotel where i did the sturdivant nap. i couldnt' function anymore. it's like all of a sudden i felt safe and comfortable. so i took a nap.

then we had dinner together at goldbergs II. i love that place. it's so good. but the best part was all of the laughter that we shared and the stories we shared. it was so much fun. i was full of love.