Peter & Tiffany

David met Peter working at a coffee shop some years ago and 5 years later I'm extremely grateful for their friendship. After David and I got married we sort of lost touch with Peter for a year or so, but as we were driving through a parking lot at the mall about a year ago we saw a familiar face walking past our car holding hands with a beautiful girl. So, in our tactful fashion we stopped the car and yelled for Peter to come over. We decided dinner should take place immediately, so that evening we met his future wife. They'd been dating for a year or so, and they were just so sweet together. But, I didn't know what to do with her. She was honest, she was confident, and her conversational presence was totally encouraging, because we could be "real" after only knowing her an hour and a half. And that, that is something to hold onto, something unique and special. I quickly figured out what to do with Tiffany's sweet and honest personality, be myself back. 

Peter has found the girl God made for him, he has found his Eve. They were wed in their castle surrounded by an Eden of their own, with those around them that love them in the most whole hearted of ways. This wedding had me fogging up my contacts, true love joined here eloquently, to carry out whatever God has for them. From the very beginning their goal has been to serve their Creator, and that mission didn't end at the altar, it blossomed. Before the ceremony their beloved friends prayed over them, and sent them off to each other's arms with the grace of God's love over them. Tiffany's Maid of Honor said something so deeply thoughtful, in front of all gathered at the reception she stated that she would always point Tiffany back to God and Peter, she would never speak ill of Peter. Her mission as Tiffany's best friend was clear, it was to protect their marriage. 

The night ended with friends and loved ones cheering them onto their future, goodbye waves and a few closing dances. I look forward to their adventures as husband and wife, and I'm interested to learn from them as they navigate this new road of marriage. Congrats to the newlyweds, I pray God continues to provide for you and bless you just as He did so clearly in this past few months.

 

 

                  
 

 

Belief

I think so often the fact that someone believes in your passion pushes you to achieve it. That, and the fact that God has given you a gift. Sure, this might seem like old news, but it's news that seems to be clicking for me these days. I'm noticing the days that David tells me he believes I can do it, the days where failure isn't a thought, and others let me know that I'm trusted with a task greater than myself, seem to be the days where good things come. 

I would hope that one day my faith will strengthen enough to where opposition doesn't hinder me, what others think of me doesn't matter as long as I'm doing the right thing, but these days it's an extra bit of nice to be believed in. So tomorrow, tell someone they can do it. They're worth trying whatever the task is before them, and maybe, just maybe a flower will blossom. 

And won't it be nice to be standing there watching and holding the watering pail?

Independence Day Bokeh

Tonight my mom, dad, David, sir Christian and I went out in search of a good spot to watch the fireworks show. We pulled off the side of the road with many other cars and were entertained for a good half hour by the creative "booms". I decided to have a little fun of my own and take some "bokeh" type shots of the show by manually out-of-focusing my camera. Hope you enjoy!
Happy Independence Day!!! 

DIY: Jam

 

DIY, or in my case TIY (try it yourself) blackberry/blueberry jam. The creative process is almost always a lesson in humility for me. This second go round of homemade jam had a few mishaps, *cough*burnt towel*cough*, and a few other "oops" moments, but the hands on process of creating was still fun amidst the chaos. This go round turned out a little runny from a bit too much water in the beginning, but the taste was perfect, and ideal for a little summer afternoon sweetness nonetheless.If you happen to make a runny batch, I found a site that explains how to "re-thicken" it if you will. Just click here.

My mom told me the "how to's" of this recipe, and for step by steps I referred to a general book about country living. For this recipe I used:

1 regular size carton of blackberries
1 handful of blueberries
1 lemon
1 cup of sugar (approximately)

Mash the berries with a potato masher, and put them in a pot with the sugar, and a very small amount of water at the bottom to keep them from burning. Bring the berries and sugar to a boil, reduce the heat and add in the lemon juice. Once you've reached your desired consistancy ladel it into a clean jar. Put the jar in a boiling water bath for ten minutes to seal. Refrigerate once opened.

Annnnnnnd....

Voila! Delicious homemade jam!