Changes

New jobs. We asked and prayed, and God provided full-time work to challenge and vitalize us. 

I am now an administrative assistant and receptionist! I feel less restless, and I am invigorated by the the projects I've been given and the executives with whom I work. It is wonderfully intimidating to leave the cubicle behind, to actually be seen, to put my hands and my mind to work. Josh is also learning administrative skills at his new job, and he is enjoying overseeing creative projects. 

Last time, I talked about waiting for "the next thing." It came fast. It's kind of scary, and really quite amazing. God has been gracious to us during these transitions. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and we are settling into a new life and a new season in Chicago.

Black Friday

When we visited NYC last year, we never made it to Central Park... or Shake Shack. On this trip, we took care of both. (Do you spy the camera strap? I was pretty impatient to take a bite of that amazing burger!) Fellow Chicagoans, rumor has it that we are getting a Shake Shack, too! Wouldn't that be nice?

Thanksgiving in Manhattan

This year, my family celebrated Thanksgiving differently than ever before. We had the opportunity to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from my sister's balcony, far above the crowded Manhattan streets.

It was magical.

Goodbye, Pikachu!

Wordless

Morning, v.2

Saturday mornings are my favorite because I don't have to be anywhere. I can simply sit and sip my cup of coffee, enjoying for the first time in six days just being in my home. Today, this sipping and sitting involved listening to Christmas music! I would normally be appalled at myself, but somehow, it just seems right. Especially since the weather outside my window is cold and gray.

When do you usually break out the Christmas music?

Fall caramel clusters

This recipe is really delicious. It is one of my few Pinterest finds which I have actually tried!

Does anything smell better than melting caramels and cream? Seriously.

 The recipe calls for cashews only, but I also added some mixed nuts that I needed to use up.

Here they are, freshly drizzled and ready to chill in the refrigerator! They have since been plucked from this sticky wax paper and nestled into a container.

Have you tried any new recipes lately? Do share!

Our view

We can see the tippity top of the Sears Tower from our back stairwell.

See it now? 

(Oh, it's called the Willis Tower now?  That can't be right...)

Weekend

  I didn't celebrate the first weekend of autumn with a pumpkin spice latte or homemade soup.

I didn't even put away my summer clothes.

Josh opened the windows to let in a brisk breeze, and I set upon some Sunday afternoon cookie-bakin'.

Fishs Eddy

This October, as Josh and I were strolling the streets of NYC with our sisters, we spotted a delightful little shop and wandered inside.  We found a place of shopping photography heaven!

I mean... really?!?!

 

I left with a lovely, glass decanter (only $7), a sweet and simple bottle opener, and some new photographs to edit.  My, I do love New York!

Almost there!

My last college class ever is this afternoon.  At 1:50 p.m., I will walk out the classroom, and that will be it.  Just one exam on Monday, and it's all over.  Where did the past three years go?  Is my college career really coming to an end?  It is bittersweet, but I am excited about the future... and I am so very ready to be done!

 
A sneak peak of our recent trip to New York City!

I have missed updating Sojourn of Faith, I can't wait to spend more time with you all soon!

The One I Need

My husband and I were blessed to attend a Shane and Shane concert in Naperville last night.  The music was phenomenal, and it an unspeakably blessed time of worship and reflection.

Today, I am quieted and at peace.  The Lord is faithful to forgive my many sins, to wipe away my transgressions, to take me into His arms.  I am pleasing in His sight?  How can this be?

"For freedom He set me free, and now I am free indeed.  He rewrote my name, unshackled my chains, He opened my eyes to see... that I am free."

The Wife Chop!

I have had long hair for over five years.

Today, all that changed.

Ta-daaaa!

Yesterday

 

Living in Chicago is great.

Autumn Finds

Fall has arrived!  Though Chicago taunted us with 80-degree weather last week, the temperature has finally dropped, and the trees are brilliantly colored with oranges, yellows, and reds.  Glorious.

The "theme" of this week was Missions Conference!  Moody Bible Institute annually hosts this event, a congregation of worldwide missionaries and agencies, a refocus upon evangelism and the global church.  Though classes were canceled, we students were required to attend twelve conference sessions (in addition to regularly scheduled work and ministry commitments).  The week seemed short-lived and very, very busy.

Josh and I broke away from this busyness on Thursday afternoon.  He had noticed a consignment shop near the Sheridan Red Line stop, and he determined to take me there.  (He knows me well!)

My favorite consignment store in North Carolina is called "Second Go-Round."  See the correlation?  This downtown shop was certainly an upscale boutique.  The average price range was $39-$99!  At home, we charge $7-$20 per clothing item, so I cringed at most of these price tags.  Josh insisted on buying something for me, but my indecisiveness combined with the pricing made this a difficult process!  After combing the racks (twice) with my patient fiance, we did not leave the shop empty-handed.

Thrifting is marvelous, and spending time with Josh is even more so.  This week, he and I had several formative discussions about our internships, our future, and even a specific organization with which we would like to serve.  What an exciting season this is!