May 31, 2012

When fear strikes

It is a chilly, rainy day here in Chicago.  I am at home, using my only sick day, taking long naps interrupted by comically urgent hustles to the bathroom.  Josh left for a trip last night.  I have spent evenings away from him before, but last night was different, stark, restless.  I laid in the dark for hours before finally dozing off around four o'clock.  A night like that will make you feel pretty pathetic.  Something about that empty bed knotted anxiety inside me, and I was beleaguered by the realization that, if this arrangement were not temporary, and Josh never came back, I just couldn't do it.  I couldn't go on alone.


Last night was a brutal reminder of how easily I succumb to fear.  I battle a dark distrust of my God, a paralyzing anxiety that He will rip Josh from my life at any time, leaving me alone with a gaping emptiness.  If I lost him, would I cling to my God, or curse His name?  Would I press on, or would I crumble to pieces in an empty bed?

When the world comes crashing down around my feet
And I can't see ten feet in front of me
Jesus, I know that You are strong when I am weak
So please help me allow You to be my everything

No matter what this day will bring, I will lift my hands and sing
Oh, be my everything
I'll make my life an offering, in You alone I believe
Oh, be my everything

- Everything by Telecast

Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.

May 30, 2012

A vintage find


Josh found this beautiful book at a little shop in downtown Evanston this weekend.  We spent a wonderful afternoon there, walking around in the sun, drinking milkshakes, exploring the little stores, and eating tapas with his brother.  Summer is upon us, and it is wonderful!


Isn't it wonderfully descriptive?  I'm planning to cozy up with it tonight, after dinner.  Maybe it will inspire me to write a story or two!


Have you found any new treasures lately?

May 25, 2012

Last weekend


My dad came into town to visit Josh and I!  We had an awesome time eating out, walking around sunny, green Chicago, and watching TV in our little apartment.  Summer is here, my friends!

May 20, 2012

A wistful song

Alexa posted this video on her blog a few days ago, and I fell in love with it instantly.  Doesn't it warm you with summer dreams?

May 18, 2012

Café Ba-Ba-Reba





After the commencement ceremony, my mom, Josh and I headed to Café Ba-Ba-Reba for a celebratory lunch.  We had never tried tapas before... we fell in love very quickly.

May 16, 2012

A few more...


(No, that isn't our house.  I wish!  Lincoln Park is gorgeous.)



Look at that guy!  I'm so lucky.  ;)

Commencement!


 I graduated in December.  I got my diploma in the mail about a month later.  Since Moody does not offer a commencement ceremony to December graduates, I decided to walk in May.  My mom even flew into town for the occasion.






 I'm so glad I did.  It felt great.  :)

May 8, 2012

The Fish and the Bird


Do you like First Aid Kit?  You will love this singing and songwriting duo.  The best part?  They're sisters, too!

May 3, 2012

The Woodnote Project


"an expression of truth without pretense or artifice, a movement to foster sincere worship, and a gathering of friends fellowshipping through music..." 

This is the latest worship project by my second cousin's husband!  (We're closer than it sounds... they live in Chicagoland, too!)  You can download the entire album for only $4.  Hope you like it!

May 2, 2012

Ólafur Arnalds


via

I am smitten with this Icelandic composer.  Listen to his Living Room Songs, and as Joy Williams promises, your heart will be broken and mended again.