The Story.


Classes were done for the fall semester, and the weekend had arrived. Jordan and I decided to grab some dinner at Wendy’s and run a few errands around town. I was browsing through the dishes at Mission Mart when Jordan unexpectedly received a phone call from his Dad, asking us to come by the house to pick up Jordan’s passport he had left there. We arrived at the house, and I immediately saw the tea light candles layered all around the back porch room. We walked in and I almost lost my breath. Jordan held my hands, spoke words of love and commitment, and then got down on one knee with a ring in his hand.

He asked me to marry him, and I said yes.

There was a bowl of warm water and a towel next to the chair in the room. Jordan sat me down, and began to wash my feet.

I cried.

I thought this was the end, but he took me downstairs for something more. I turned the corner and saw my Dad holding his video camera, along with my Mom, sister, and Jordan’s family who were all waiting there in suspense. I was in shock and completely overjoyed.

Jordan had invited all of our closest friends over for food, coffee, cake, and celebration. We took photos and spent the rest of the night talking about all of the work and planning that had gone into this single event.

(Jordan designed my engagement ring from start to finish. It was created as a one of a kind princess diamond ring, and I am the only girl who will ever wear it.)

Every single moment was beautiful. The Lord was pouring out his blessings, and I have never been more thankful. I am a soon-to-be Shepherd woman.


























"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them."

- John 13:14-17

So darn cute!

You would never think that a photograph of little girls reading books would be so incredibly charming, right?

Well, an inspired and talented Father with the most adorable children I have ever seen can turn the simplest activities into something that will keep you smiling all day long.







"Most of the ideas come from the girls, from observing them play, or hearing the funny and outrageous things they say. Their day to day life also plays a big role for my inspiration" - Jason Lee

If you want to see more, check out his photography HERE. Or visit his blog.

Spirit of Snow

I have gathered a few of my favorite finds for this Christmas season. I know this year is going to be extra festive, and I am going to soak it up as much as I possibly can.

I can't wait to start baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree, and search the shops for the perfect gifts!




1. Fudge the numbers with this chart made of 70% dark, 20% milk and 10% white chocolate.Chocolate Editions
2. Cable and Cotton decorative lights
3. Adorable Tree-to-be kit
4. Flannel sleep set from J Crew
5. Barky Turntable from Anthropologie
6. Mercury acorn ornaments by West Elm
7. Edible Glitter! at Wilton.


Enjoy the beautiful white weather!

This is where I'll be living in two months.

Ireland Ireland Ireland

Jordan and I are leaving the States on January 28th to study abroad for our spring semester. It still doesn't feel real yet, probably because we are too busy to even think about anything other than schoolwork right now. But the thought of living in Ireland just seems like a wonderful dream come true.


All the students in the program (a total of about 20 so far) stay in a conference center located in Greystones, County Wicklow, which is a seaside community 20 miles from Dublin. The best part is, we each get a DART train ticket for unlimited trips into Dublin!

The classes we're taking are: Irish History, Irish Literature, Contemporary Ireland, Celtic Christianity, Living Cross-Culturally, Hiking, and Irish Dancing & Drum!

The program emphasizes non-classroom learning, which means part of our coursework is traveling the entire country while attending the concert hall, the theater, a rugby match, and a hurling match. We will also be there to experience the Irish festivals and the extravagance of St. Patrick's Day.

I am so blessed to have this once in a lifetime opportunity. I can't wait to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world with the love of my life.

Thankful




Today I stuffed my belly full of delicious food, and of course dessert to follow. (I am sure most of you were doing the same). I really do enjoy a sweet ham, mouth watering turkey topped with cranberries, red spiced apples, and delicious wassail. My plate was piled high, and within five minutes of sitting down at the table, it was almost empty.

Thanksgiving is one of the few days of the year where we can indulge and not feel guilty. Well, most of us. But after all of the eating, we should still take time to give thanks. This day is about recognizing all of the blessings the Lord has given us. Especially the blessing of a meal. This meal is one that most of us take for granted, and we probably do not stop to think about all those who are going hungry as we are biting into our turkey dinner.

We need to remember how much we have, and also that what we have is a gift.


This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Typography

Recently I've had a fascination with typography, so now I browse the internet searching for different fonts to use for my design class. It's starting to become an obsession.

While searching for fonts to download, I have found some unique ways people have used typography, and turned it into artwork.

Wall decor



tie-pography




SPAM




New York




heartache



Gun




Go Fishing



Have a fun friday, and happy weekend!

Graffiti

Pastor Steve DeNeff spoke this past Sunday about a new way to view our role in the world as Christians. He gave us this metaphor that explained how we need to be relating to people spiritually, not just through mindless charity; taking people who have nothing, and raising their dignity. This new compassion is one that doesn't just give, but transforms.

The world is broken, and it is filled with destruction, pain, and sin. I see it getting worse as time passes, and it solidifies my belief that giving and serving is nothing without God. The problems in our world always have a spiritual core, and if the spirit isn't saved, then what is accomplished?

I was challenged by the metaphor he gave, for Christians to live like graffiti artists. We are painting alongside the graffiti that is already there, painted on by the world. But ours needs to be deeper and brighter than all the rest.

"Salvation is a mural, where we are carrying buckets of paint to create something beautiful against all the trash. Paint a picture of salvation. Paint it with your lives." - Pastor Steve

It is a constant battle to be a Christian who is truly and wholeheartedly devoted to God, because the truth is, it's not popular to love God and give everything up to Him. People don't get it, and they look at you like you're crazy. I find myself fighting to be understood, but I should be more concerned with how I am seen by my Father.

This pressure from the world has lead me to be controlling over my own life. I worry too much, and I want to make all of my decisions, planning out every detail of my future. Deep down inside I know that God is in control. I just need to allow Him to control and lead instead of trying to do it on my own.

Pastor Steve said it perfectly, "Wait on God. Waiting on God is to do everything you know to do right now while you wait for God to work. Shut up and do the thing in front of you while you wait for God to change things. Don't disengage - stay in the game. If you learn to wait, God will make your life calm and steady."




Any beauty in this world is from Him, so we should not be taking credit. I am humbled and inspired, because the nature of sin that is within me can only be changed through His love. I am small, but He carries the world and He carries me.

Take a look at this.


Cutest set of cups for two from Pigeon Toe Ceramics



Nest Rest from Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety. This would be the most magical place to read a book.




Bunny calender from The Paper Thieves



Moxy Lolly Roller Skates from Urban Outfitters. (way too expensive, but still...so awesome)




Jersey shirt with leaf applique from Minxshop.




Critter wall decals from mae.



Pink bouquet vintage cabochon necklace from Dreamy Vintage.





I hope you found these items interesting!
Now I should stop blogging and start studying.
peaceout.

Beautiful city of Indy

Everything I have ever wanted in a city is in Indianapolis. I absolutely love it, and thankfully, IWU is just a short one hour drive away.

It has been our place for adventure and discovery. Every time I'm there I learn something new about it, and I have an appreciation for Indy that I don't have for any other city. The culture and environment is charming, warm, and welcoming, which automatically makes you feel at home when you're there. Jordan always says that it is a big city with a small town heart.

The business downtown district has endless opportunities. We have taken so many agency tours and visits to marketing, advertising, and public relations companies, all of which are places I would absolutely love to work. Broad ripple is the center for party and night life, and Mass. Ave. is the place for the arts. The old homes, and the historic elements of the city give it a richness and beauty that you can feel just by driving through the neighborhoods.

Here are a few pictures I snapped of the circle and downtown while we were doing Half Day With a Pro for PRSSA. (You can read about my visit to Young & Laramore Advertising here, on the other blog I manage for our chapter).








I love the Midwest, and I am grateful to live where I do. I wonder if I will get the opportunity to work and live in Indianapolis someday... because I would like that.

I walked, Cause You Walked







I had the pleasure of going to a Sufjan Stevens concert last night in downtown Indy at The Hilbert Circle Theater.

Before the show, one of my bests, Marie Lussier, came to Marion with her boyfriend Cory. Jordan and I gave them a tour of our campus, and then we grabbed some dinner at Payne's. We hit the road, and arrived to find a big long line outside the theater. Standing outside in the cold was totally worth it though.


It was mind blowing.


Sufjan is one of my favorite artists, and I love him even more after seeing him perform his new album Age of Adz. It is nothing like his previous stuff, but I still love it. And it was a pleasant surprise to find out that Sufjan is actually a very witty and intelligent guy. He told stories, cracked jokes, and rambled about odd things in between almost every song. He also gave us some insight into the meaning behind the album, and his inspiration in creating it.

Most of the show was focused on space, planets, sound, crazy lights, robots, and anything that would put you into a trance.

But then... the encore came. Sufjan and his gang went back onstage in their normal clothes with their acoustic guitars, banjos, and their plain 'ol A Capella voices.
It was amazing.

Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after.







Our Halloween Party this year was a success. Jordan and I spent the entire day decorating with streamers and baking pumpkin sugar cookies at Cameron's house, along with hours of preparation for our costumes.

I love Halloween, so I wanted to make the most of it. Jordan wasn't too excited about dressing up, but I think he was glad that I dragged him to Goodwill and Wal-Mart because we got so many compliments on our Jack and Jill getup. Plus he really liked the red suspenders.


We had some of the most creative costumes at our party...










Sexy Lumberjacks



DRYER!





and Hugh Hefner... ewwww.





Most of all, I was glad that I didn't have to see desperate and idiotic girls dress like sluts and think that they look attractive. Because we all know that it's not. It's actually repulsive.





Now that Halloween is over, I will have to start my Christmas shopping!