So… I find it odd that lately I’ve been experiencing nostalgia over Christmas in the middle of July… I’ve been delighted to re-discover James Taylor’s “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on my iPod, I’ve recently watched “The Holiday” and “Elf”, and while meandering through HobbyLobby the other day, the thought of “all Christmas items on sale” gave me butterflies in my tummy.

I want fall to hurry up with cute sweaters, boots, jeans, and wraps, so that Christmas can get here sooner this year 😉 I’m ready for yule tide carols, ugly sweaters, Christmas cheer, togetherness, family memories, new traditions, the warmth of a heavy blanket, the smell of apple cider, a reason for hot cocoa, and the overall feeling of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men that hovers around December.

Is this odd? or is this perhaps a longing–like my “desperately wanting” God-shaped hole–for what He wants (no matter the season)? peace. love. fellowship. counting blessing not costs. finding the good even in hardship.

I want Christmas in July. I want heaven on earth. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. We need it. Now. xoxo

I feel alive. I have a deeply rooted desire—need—to be outside, to hear the night noises of crickets and bullfrogs, to smell wet earth and farmland and dirt, to see the starts. It is an intense yearning in my bones and I cannot deny it. When it beckons, I go—wherever the road may take me. I must experience more of this incredible place God our Father created for us to live, to explore, to seek adventure. I miss this: the ability to pick up and take off on a whim with no explanations, worries, thoughts of money or budgeting, totally spontaneity—oh, to take a real random roadtrip again. I miss it—the freedom.

Travel helps. Going places, experiencing new pieces of the globe, partaking of new cultures, meeting new people—that is all part of filling up this specific hole in my heart.

Music helps. I know a large chunk of my heart lies with James Taylor in “September Grass,” “Desperately Wanting,” and with “Blackbird singing in the dead of night,” John Lennon and Paul McCartney; my heart sways with “Something in the way she moves” and “Country Road;” and I know that “The long and winding road” and “Long ago and far away” will fill my heart up—with either love and tears (the good kind; the cleansing, releasing, appreciative tears.)

Quiet time helps. Spending time with the Lord, silence and waiting with Him, the quiet, delving into His word, remembering His promises—that fills up the God-shaped hole and pours over into the other hole, too.

Grant helps. Spending quality time with him, experiencing more of our life together, working through hopes and dreams, fears, and possibilities—that fills up the Grant-shaped hole and runs over as well.

But the hole remains; and when it longs for more, I must respond… and when I do, God is it good. It’s like all the good things in my life are magnified and the few negative factors disappear—as if looking intently at the stars answers, or better, quiets my questions and just lets me stand in awe—thankful for God’s goodness, faithfulness, and grace; grateful for the love Grant has for me; intrigued all the more for encounter more spaces of earth—like a drug that leaves me wanting more. It’s such a pure and untainted addiction.

I will continue to go. I will continue to reclaim my freedom. I will continue to follow where the road takes me. I will continue to answer the call and leave satisfied yet burning for more. I will continue to thank God and I will continue to love Grant—including him in as many pieces of my life and holes in my heart as possible.

Finally! I can talk about what I’ve been working on for so long! This is the website for the emerging company: Encounter America. Please check it out, click around, and tell me what you’re thinking! [more to come on this later!!!]

RIP michael jackson. we had some good times… you know, on the dace floor. you will be truly missed, as made obvious by 200 of my closest homeless friends in 5 points atlanta today. a dj rolled into 5 points, stopped traffic and started a Michael Jackson Appreciation Day dance party.

awesome.

it ended with a billy jean dance off. i jumped in for a few faves–thriller, rock with you, the way you make me feel. what a fun impromtu afternoon. i heart the A.

mj: you are missed and i hope we set up a national holiday in your honor 😉

*ash, i know you’re with me on this one

Having been married for a year (and some change), I decided to write a little bit about a few things I’ve learned. I hope to learn more and more forever–I want to be a student of my love 😉

trust his wisdom–he’s probably right, and even if he’s not, he knows that you trust him anyway

let him lead–when you don’t, you’re stealing a chance for him to develop into more of who is is, who he’s meant to be

indulge his dreams–you have to believe in him… even if it seems silly to you, if it’s important to him, it’s important

listen–always better to listen and hold your tongue

catch him doing good–look for ways to compliment and encourage him when reveals the goodness in his heart

seek out experience to share–things that you both love and can enjoy together

make dates–you only have so many weekends per year and so many sunsets, sunrises, roadtrips, and dinners to share in a lifetime

romance, romance, romance–i just found this quote ” you are the only legitimate source of romance in your spouse’s life”

have make-out parties–when was the last time you and your hubby just made-out for 30 minutes like you did in college? very fun.

be creative–dream together, plan together, share hopes and dreams for the future you share

leave notes for him to find–in his briefcase, in his lunch, on his desk, under his pillow, surprise him

believe in him–even if it doesn’t make sense, even if he may not succeed, it’s important to believe in who he is over what he does or wants

support him in all ways in all times–don’t undermine him, especially in front of his friends; things can be talked about candidly in private, but not in front of the guys

endure the ebbs and flows–the ups and downs will come, but you have to know that what you have together is more important

make time–quality time. just because you live together doesn’t mean quantity replaces quality–you need both

leave and cleave–pick him first, before family and before friends and make that clear to them and especially to him

treat him like a best friend–he is your bff

work together, play together–split up the chores and play list equally, then keep up your side of the bargain, without mentioning if/ when he doesn’t

put him first–humility/ submission is all about putting his deal above your deal–whatever it is, it’s more important b/c he’s more important to you than you are (self-less rather than selfish)

Any other thoughts, advice, knowledge… you know what to do::: post! xoxo