injustice

For many who have talked to me recently have learned about my passion for injustice and the "least of these" in society. I have become very passionate about politics and IJM and slavery that is going on in our country. Did you know that slavery is a bigger issue than ever before? and sex-trafficking is growing. Chicago is the number 3 city for human sex- trafficking. 

This does not sit well in my heart. 

We need change. We need people to become aware of what is going on. What can we do? You can start by seeing a movie that is currently at AMC theatres in S. Barrington called "Call and Response" and start reading up. Help get people informed. 

Be the change you wish to see in the world. 

complete honesty

There is something about complete honesty with yourself and with others that gives me joy and overwhelming peace.

The kind of conversation you are up till 2 am, standing outside in the summertime in the street, bearing your soul. 

Tonight I had one of those conversations where I was able to bring everything I am to the table and be accepted, understand and loved despite the fact I am an imperfect human being. It's such an incredible feeling to be loved and adored by someone and to grow in a relationship with them. I feel like Craig and I really are growing not only together, but as individuals and Christ followers. We are trying to overcome the hardships of imperfect parents, sin, and our own ways of living we need to change and grow in.  Tonight he said, "you are going to be an amazing wife and mother some day". I think it was one of the most encouraging words he has said to me. 

I am so lucky to do life with such a wonderful man who is challenging me, encouraging me, and guiding me to become the best version of myself. 

my beautiful friend kate

It has been two months since Katie Vaudrey passed away and I still cannot believe she is gone. 

I still wake up in the morning with sadness that is so heavy it's hard to breathe. I can't drive by the place where the accident happened without feeling an overwhelming sense of grief. It's hard to see places that remind me of her. I feel it especially when I drive by Fremd, or places we had gone together. 

When is it time to move on? Do we ever move on? Does life really fully go back to the way it was? 

The few years I knew Kate she brought so much beauty and light into my life. I remember our first small group. She walked in absolutely beautiful. I'll never forget those moments with the 8 of us. We laughed and cried and were real with each other like sisters. We fought, but we also fought for each other. We held each other when one of us couldn't make it on our own. Each of us brought qualities, quirks and gifts to the group. Kate brought beauty and truth. She had a way of speaking truth to us, especially when we couldn't see it. She showed us to find beauty as women. My favorite word of hers was lovely. I felt so pretty when she called me that and it's now one of my favorite things to tell girls. I'm so glad so many people experienced Kate, but I am so grateful to have experienced her in a way no one other than our small group had. 

I am still grieving the loss of Kate. Not only to my life, but to the world. I know I will be a better wife, mother, friend, woman, and lover of beauty because of her and the impact she made. I can't wait for the day when Casey, Darla, Ester, Caitlin, Marie, Laura, Kate and I will someday meet in Heaven and laugh and experience eternity together. 

Something New.

Alright. I decided it's about time for me to create a blog. I'm the kind of person where I need to write things down and I think this will be good for me to release what I am feeling. These next few months are all going to be about new things, so why not start a new blog =)

New school..Judson U!!!, new home, new lifestyle. 

I am excited and ready but at the same time change is hard for me. There have just been so many changes and hard life lessons that I am a little scared. or terrified for what the future holds. Mostly because I am not in control and have to give that completely to God. 

I just have to trust in HIM.