Thankful for: A Change of Scenery

We've been house sitting for the last couple days.
And while it's always a little bit inconvenient,
I've enjoyed the change of scenery.

I wake up to a different view
from a different backyard.
I wake up at a different time
to feed dogs I normally don't see.
I get to shower in a different bathroom
and use a different soap and shampoo.
I drive different windy roads covered in greenery
and see different people on my way to work.
I stop at a different coffee shop
and get something other than 'the usual.'
I see the world differently.

And when I drive home,
I stroll along the coast,
soaking in every last glimpse of sunlight
before it sneaks back over the horizon.
I try different restaurants
and play with dogs I normally don't see.
I peal away from chores
and from computers
and I see the world differently.

Thank you, Lord, for this change of scenery.
Thank you for the little beauties and treasure I get to delight in.
And thank you for eyes to see.

Thankful for: the Time Change

I'm all for long summer days
don't get me wrong.

But there's something encouraging
about the sun already being up
when I get out of bed in the morning.

There's something inspiring
about its' rays peaking through our blinds.

And there's something majestically jaw-dropping
about the gorgeous sunsets I see
in my rear-view mirror
as I drive home into the darkness after work.

Today, I'm thankful for the time change.

God,
Thank you for the beauty of your creation.
And thank you for the reminder this Sunday
that how we spend our time
is a reflection of the priorities of our heart.
Continue to open my eyes
to what you have for me during this season of life.
May I not be in constant battle with the Ticktator,
but may I find peace in Your timing
and in the beautiful reminders
that time is in Your hands.

{Happy} Hour or two

Have you been to Prep Kitchen in Del Mar?

I met my friend Ali there for Happy Hour last week.

A good cheese plate is one way straight to my heart.
Mix in a gorgeous sunset over the beach
and good conversation with a good friend

.... you have me weak at the knees.

Painted Sky

Today was one of those days.
On my drive home, this reminded me that
God is faithful

Thankful for: The Cross @ Loma

Today, I'm thankful for: The Cross @ Loma

I stopped there last night
after I dropped off Amra.
It was just around sunset
so I thought I'd catch a quick glimpse of the Cross.

Beauty Defined.

I wept as I gazed upon the Cross,
and the backdrop of God's creation.

How thankful I am
for the work of the Cross,
for the beauty of creation,
for my years in that place,
and for the chance to return.
If only for a moment.

A Glimpse of Beauty

The sky had been gray and soggy All. Day.
And as I drove home from work,
about an hour later than I wanted to be driving,
heading to a home that was dark, empty and without husband,
I took a peek in my rear view mirror.

The beauty consumed me.
And tears trickled down my cheek.

And I think my favorite part had to be
the girl driving next to me
who rolled down her window
and told me she thought it was beautiful, too.

What a big and glorious Creator we have.

Let the church bells ring...

I love, love, love this double exposure of the Duke chapel.

So pretty.

Diana: Where Dreams are Made of

A few beautiful scenes Diana snagged in New York last month

Model Boat Pond in Central ParkRockefeller CenterA double-exposure view across the great lakeBryant Park5th Avenue and Central Park South, outside FAOBryant Park (because it deserves two)Father Demo SquareThe Original Joe'sFlat IronBattery Park, double-exposure

To Start the Morning

When I read this passage this morning, my soul was refreshed.
It was exactly what I needed to hear.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7

Wordless Wednesday

Spring into Spring

It's funny how every time a new season rolls around, I fall in love with it.
Except winter. Never really been a fan of that one. Spring, hurry soon!

Jessi vs Monday Morning

These candles make me happy.
And make me want to go curl back up in bed.
That sounds like a much better Monday morning plan.

Eye Candy

PS: If someone planned a dinner party like this for me, I wouldn't hate it.


This was taken in North County so it's totally doable people!

Some Friday Inspiration

In my craft room, the one that only exists in my head, I want lockers like this. Definitely to store wrapping paper, but also to house cubbyholes for all my embellishments.
And one day I want to make a nightstand like this one:

And let it live at the end of our bed like this:

And these, well these are just two pretty pictures that made my morning extra magical.

Happy Friday!