1 year anniversary

1 year of marriage. Wow. It feels like yesterday when I was putting on my white lace dress. But when I think about all that has happened this year, I am overwhelmed. So much growth, change, and learning has taken place in such a short amount of time. What I feel today is gratitude for the blessings I have been given this year. I have never been happier. I am taking this time to reflect on our beautiful and perfect wedding day.

Thank you Jordan Shepherd for loving me fiercely, leading our marriage with strength, and always putting Christ at the center. You are more than I could have ever asked for.

(and thank you for taking me to Cirque Du Soleil and the fanciest hotel, Conrad Hilton. You sure do know how to make a girl feel special.)

Happy anniversary, I can't believe I get to spend every year with you for the rest of my life!

Cam & Beth

Two of our best friends got engaged this weekend. 

Cameron Kinch took Bethany Ezawa to the church where he asked her to be his girlfriend a year ago. He proposed with his grandmothers ring, then brought her back to his parents house where friends and family were waiting to celebrate. 

Watching her face when she walked in the door was one of my favorite moments. I could relate, because the same thing happened to me a year ago. This day could be described as an overwhelming dream-like rush of happiness and gratitude. It is one of the best and memorable events in a girls life, and it was obvious that Beth soaked up every second of it. 

{Happy Thanksgiving}

Today I look to this verse:

 "in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."1 Thessalonians 5:18 

It am thanking the Lord for guiding my steps. He has brought me to this place where I can easily see Him working and moving, showing me how to love and give freely everyday. I have an amazing husband, loyal and supportive friends, the best family in the world, and a warm home. It's my last year of undergrad and there is a whole new adventure awaiting me. God is good.  

I am thankful to be where I am right now, sharing a meal with my family and taking time to rest and reflect on life's blessings. It is a perfect day to celebrate with turkey, green bean casserole, and apple pie. 

  

What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving day? 

{Lumberjack}

I thought this was sort of funny. 

I am married to a big bearded lumberjack. 

I can't complain though. My husband did all of our laundry today as I was absorbed in blog mode for five hours straight. He also provided lovely musical entertainment via guitar while I brushed my teeth this morning. I am thankful to be married to a man who consistently offers simple gestures of love and kindness, and  encourages the much needed "girl time" when I'm craving to bake treats and watch cheesy movies. 

J-man, I really do love you and your costume. Such a trooper for getting all dressed up and showing your Halloween spirit. 

If you didn't see my costume, you should. Check it out here. 

{write a letter to someone you love}

Lately I have learned the importance of a written note, a letter, or even a little message typed up in a word document. This small gesture of love makes a huge impact and in some ways goes beyond words spoken and not saved. I like the idea of writing letters to those people who deserve to hear a little encouragement, affirmation, or just a nice bit of acknowledgment for all they do that seems to go unnoticed. This inspiration has come from our friends Kyle and Kelsey Lantz, as well as my favorite bloggers at todaysletters. I am going to be more intentional about this writing letters thing.

Source: bellacosas.tumblr.com via Delores on Pinterest

Letter #1

Dear Husband,

Thank you for waking me up so we can take a breakfast trip to Starbucks. I loved my egg and cheese sandwich + latte meal.  I know that you hate washing dishes just as much as I do, and your willingness to help our around the house does not go unnoticed. I recognize that I am a bit crazy when it comes to cleanliness and clutter. Sorry for that. I am very glad that you drive me to work at 6:00am so I don't have to walk all alone in the dark. Waking up that early is hard enough, and sacrificing 30 more minutes of sleep is even harder. Oh, and you really are the best husband because you let me choose the music in the car, even if it's a country song or two (which I know you despise). I love you more than Taco Bell cinnamon twists and original tart JuJuBerry!

Love, Al

wedding

So obviously the past three weeks have been crazy with wedding planning, time with family and friends, getting married, and going on a honeymoon with my husband. There has never been another more overwhelming time in my entire life. At points it was stressful, but more than anything this season of my life has been filled with complete joy. I wouldn't have made it out alive without the support of those around me. With every plan and task there was someone to help get things done and ease my nerves. What a blessing it is to have people in my life who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy for me. I really could not have done it without them.
The wedding weekend was more than just a time when we were married, it was a time for all of our favorite people to come together and be in the same place at the same time. Wow, it was surreal. And it was one of the best times of my life.


So by the end of all of the celebrations and festivities surrounding my marriage to Jordan Shepherd, I can easily say that I can look back on everything with a smile and a sense of deep gratitude in my heart.
















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Now I am officially Allison Shepherd. Let me just say that I need some more practice writing my new signature and getting used to saying "husband."

(official wedding photos to come!)

reflection.

I leave Ireland in 4 days. It still hasn't hit me yet.

In order to process and fully transition from Ireland to America, this week is dedicated to our last assignment - the integrative 10 pager about our experiences here, and also packing all that we have learned about Ireland into this one assignment (which is a lot!). Along with the paper, we are taking some time to reflect on this semester as a group. We had our first debriefing session today, which included sharing our favorite stories and memories, and then time on our own doing a journaling exercise. By the end, we each had narrowed down our top 3 events/themes/things learned while being here.

My Top 3:

1. Finding solitude and rest, allowing myself to be quiet and alone: I have found my introverted side. I have recognized that being with people constantly is not healthy. I have learned to love my time in stillness with God.

2. Growing through conversations and intimate one-on-one time with specific people here: Jordan, Emily McCardle (Squirrel), Kyle and Kelsey, Laura, and Jen Lewis. These people have taught me so much.

3. Truly appreciating home. Being here has given me a whole new perspective on the U.S. I hope that I will never again take for granted the blessings I have. I am so so excited to be back in my familiar place with the people that I love and have missed everyday of this semester.


I have felt the ache of being away from the people I am closest to, especially the ones I am used to seeing all the time. Now I realize just how important they are to me. I have become so emotional and sentimental lately, because I can see that my life would not be the same without them.

My parents have raised me, loved me, supported me, and poured into my life in every way. My sister is my other half - she understands me best. My soon to be in-laws have welcomed me into their home and have treated me like their own daughter for the past two years. My friends at IWU (Hannah, Tim, Beth, Kate) are the people that keep me sane, grounded, and joyful, each one bringing their own unique and beautiful impact into my life.


Nothing can replace these people.