Dear Sensitive Soul

 

Do you have a sensitive soul? So do I. 

Some people misunderstand and think that just means that our feelings are easily hurt. **That's true, my feelings ARE easily hurt!** But it also means we easily hurt FOR others. 

I know how hard it is to get hurt by little things. To feel tears coming when you read a sad story on the news. To sense lonely in people and wish so desperately you could fix it. To experience something so beautiful it makes you weep. To love so much that it makes your heart ache. To FEEL other's emotions. To lose your grip on reality when someone is upset at you. 

I know it also means you probably aren't good in crowds. You often withdraw and become quiet. People interpret it to mean that you are rude. You aren't rude you just don't know how to act. 

You might have been called too sensitive or overly emotional. But I believe that sensitive energy can be harnessed for GOOD. In fact, don't you think the same things that hurt our hearts hurt our Heavenly Father? The One who designed us, who made the beauty around us, who continues to have compassion on a world that rejects Him? Who gave His Son for us? 

You should not feel embarrassed or ashamed to feel. The world needs sensitive people. Now, that doesn't mean that we should go around pouting every time our feelings get jarred. Being sensitive may be difficult in a world full of ambition and evil. Sensitive people often experience life more deeply. But being sensitive can teach us how to love others better and give more. Sensitive people tend to be more empathetic, more perceptive and more creative. 

Dear sensitive soul, you are not alone. 

Things that Matter and Things that Don't

Ever feel like you make too big a deal of the little things and too small a deal of the big things? 

I had a little bit of a DUH moment the other day. I got all worked up in a tizzy because Daniel was trying to download Pokemon Go and wouldn't help me turn on the dishwasher (I know it sounds ridiculous that I needed help, but our dishwasher is very finicky and Daniel has the magic touch when it's not working). Thankfully it didn't turn into a big argument, but sometimes the stupidest things do!

Later that evening, we were driving home from a run. We were at a red light, turning left at the intersection. The light turned green and Daniel started going through. I was thinking he sure was going through slowly. Just then, a truck that was going straight the other direction flew through the red light. If Daniel had accelerated a second faster, it would have slammed right into us! Daniel and I both exclaimed what an idiot he was and kept driving. 

The sad thing, as I was reflected on the day, was I realized I had gotten more worked up about Daniel ignoring my dishwasher pleas than about the fact that the moment in time could have been our last. I started trembling thinking about it. Our angels were truly protecting us. It wasn't our time yet. It should have been a big moment, a moment of thankfulness. That night as we said our prayers, Daniel thanked our angel for protecting us in that big moment. It seemed like no big deal to us, but really it was so many little things that kept us safe. 

Sometimes we hang on to the wrong things. We hurt and we argue and we don't forgive. This a reminder, to myself more than anyone, to be thankful for the things that matter and to let go the things that don't. All those stupid little things that don't matter causing hangups in your relationships and life? Let. Them. Go. The things that DO matter-- faith, relationships, gratitude, compassion-- hang on for dear life! 

P.s. On another note, Daniel's phone is too old and won't let him download Pokemon Go. Hallelujah! 

Home Tour

My in-laws have been asking for pictures of our new place. I've been wanting to take some pictures once it is **mostly** decorated. I thought I would share on my blog for any other family or friends who are interested in seeing the full tour. Beware, it will be quick because our place is small! But we love it and are so thankful to have it. 

Living Room: 

Against one wall we have our couch (so comfy!) and against the other we have two bookshelves. 

These bookshelves hold a lot of special things.. our Bible books, family pictures, scrapbooks, games. I love how colorful and cheery it looks. 

 Against this wall we have our desk and, my favorite part, our coffee cart!!!! Daniel has a shelf for his car collection. This is where I do my blogging as well.

These two walls are the little hallway between our bedroom/bathroom and kitchen. We have family photos and a gorgeous shot given to us by Daniel's brother. I love how it makes the empty wall look full! 

Kitchen:

It's definitely a tight squeeze! The counter space is super limited, but we are managing. It's a bit of a pain to keep everything looking nice. 

Cute menu board from my mother in law!

Probably my least favorite part is where our table is. The table is just too big for the space and the ugly air conditioner sits right in the middle of the wall! Still, I'd like to get some pictures to try to pretty up the area. 

Bedroom:

Above our bed is this picture from our wedding. The flower sprig is actually an awesome gift given to us by a sister in our church. She made it from the flowers and ribbons that were decorating the rails at our wedding and gave it to us as a 1-year anniversary gift. 

We have a nice big closet! Although it looks jam packed, it's actually quite organized! I love being able to step into the closet to find my stuff. We have lots of extra storage room here, so my crafts/paper products/etc will be stored here. 

Bathroom:

It's small and rather unimpressive, but it does it's job! Our shower is nice and has fantastic water flow!

The walls are in need of a little repair! 

Outside:

One of the main reasons we wanted to move here! Our own little yard, shed, driveway! It's so nice. 

Summer Lovin'

Summer always feels so sweet and full of promise. I love coming up with activities to do to keep our summer full of good times together. 

This picture has nothing to do with the post! I just think it's funny.

// Go to a drive-in movie

// Go star gazing

// Create a recipe binder, using the suggestions from The Lady Okie 

// Take at least 100 pictures

// Go to Bible school (we are already signed up! yay!)

// Go berry picking here

// Placerville Art Walk, 3rd Saturdays from 5-9 pm

// Plan an anniversary trip

// July 3rd Fireworks Concert

// Host a game night

// Hike an Auburn trail

// Donate my clothes/shoes to WEAVE

// Run at least once a week 

I'm sure I will think of many more things, but I don't want to make my list too overwhelming! What's on your summer list? 

You Don't Have to Hold Up the World

You know those days, or weeks, when you feel like you have to hold up the world? I know the feeling. But the thing is, you can't hold up the world. The great thing is, you don't have to! 

Lately, I have been feeling a little heavy because I want to be able to take care of all the people I love. I want to do everything and take of everyone. I want everyone to know the Gospel, I want to keep my house clean and organized, I want to be a good example to those around me. I want to get straight As and be the best physical therapist in the room. It might come as a surprise to you, but I just can't do it! Ha! And all the things you are desperately doing to hold the world up just won't work either.

I read this passage last night with Daniel: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

It's so reassuring. I know that I talk about it a lot, but it's still true. I heard a song called "Sparrow" by Jason Gray the other day. The chorus verse says "If He can hold the world, He can hold this moment." I love that! Isn't it so amazing that God cares about the little moments in our lives? The scary ones, the sad ones, the joyous ones, the broken ones. Even though in the scheme of the world, our problems are so small, God still holds them. 

It's times like these that I feel sad for those who don't believe. How do they get through those "hold up the world" moments without having an awesome God to trust in? 

I hope this reminder will help you as the week ends. Enjoy your weekend!

Prayers I'm Praying

As I mentioned, we recently moved and have been SOO busy. You'd think that all that would make for a nice, neat and organized home, but indeed it does not. We also do not have internet except for the occasional spotty connection. I haven't had much time for writing so I thought I would share again some thoughts that are on my heart! As my siblings are quickly reaching adulthood, I have been praying for them daily. Here are some things that I pray for. 

1. Pray that they will always serve God first.  Of course my ultimate hope is that my siblings will choose to follow God.  I want nothing more to see them in His Kingdom someday soon!  

Dalton

2. Pray that they will make wise life choices.  I have come to realize that I don't have a whole lot of choice in what my siblings do, so I pray that their choices will be made with prayer and thought.  I pray that as they choose spouses and careers, they will find joy and peace.  

Justin

3. Pray that they will be helped through temptation. Obviously my siblings will face temptations to do the wrong thing.  Like Job prayed for each of his children to avoid sin, I pray that my siblings will be able to stand firm.  

Colton

4. Pray that you will be friends as you grow older. I wouldn't say I am super close to my siblings, but I think we are growing closer as we age. I pray that as we grow up and go our separate ways, we will see each other as not just siblings, but friends.  I pray that we will be able to go to each other in times of need without fearing judgment or criticism.  

Melissa

5. Pray that they will learn from their mistakes and continue to grow.  Even as I pray that they will be able to stand firm against the pressures of the world, I know that they will have times they will fall. Some people go through life never learning from their poor choices. I pray that this will not be the case with my siblings, but that they will grow in wisdom and godliness.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Who are you praying for and how do you pray? 

FriYay

Ahh, what a week! I've successfully completed my second week of my new job. The kind of job where I don't get paid and pay thousands of dollars, so it's really the best kind.

We've found a little place out in the country that we are thrilled about. It's been so blasted hot here, I'm really dreading the moving thing. On Monday, I shared some photos of Yosemite that I thought were pretty great. My brother showed me these pictures he took and I was blown away with how they turned out. Isn't God's creation so amazing???

Happy weekend!