A Year in Flowers

My birthday was two weeks ago. An annual time of reflection on the comings and goings of another autumn, winter, spring, and summer.  

Some of the afternoon was passed quietly, reading Scripture in one of my favorite spots: our gangly porch swing, seeking to hear what God might speak over my life on this special day. 

 And God never ceases to surprise. 

He led me to Psalm 103:15-17: 

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,

and His righteousness to children's children…" 

It wasn't quite what I was expecting. I am still relatively young….perhaps even in the bloom of life. But, God was...is...calling me to remembrance that this life is passing away.

 I am passing away. 

This post includes pictures of flowers taken during my 27th year of life. None of these flowers are still in bloom. They have all faded. So too me. 

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." 

May I not forget that this is a short, breathless life. Then, in joy, I will seek to cultivate upon this soil only that which points to the steadfast love and eternal glory of God. 

Our Tattoo


"You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence
with eternal pleasures at your right hand" 
Psalm 16:11 

When I was young my family did a fair amount of hiking particularly on the Appalachian Trail. Arrows and paint blazes marked the trail. 

On our five year anniversary this past weekend Zade and I chose to be tattooed with an arrow on our feet, signifying how Christ has made known to us the true path of life and how we are walking this together. 

Tattoo by the charming Sean Adams at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo in Chicago. 

Hey Stephen Movie Premiere Grad Party

{Hey Stephen Movie Poster}

The thought of hosting a movie premiere graduation party in old Hollywood theme originated from our decision to customize Taylor Swift's song Hey Stephen into a film honoring our little brother by the same name.

The evening of the party, guests arrived in "old Hollywood" dress and celebrated by sipping (sparkling) champagne from crystal glasses, sampling sumptuous but dainty hors d'oeuvres (my favorite being petite shortbread cookies with lemon custard and blueberries), and loosing their shirts at poker and cards (as only high rolling high schoolers can).

Our film "Hey Stephen" was projected onto a screen and featured consecutively throughout the evening.

I am more than a little obsessed with my vintage dream of a dress (note spinning picture), which some thoughtful gals from the youth ministry let me borrow!


And now, enjoy this feature presentation of "Hey Stephen"