Lots of random things. Just read anyways.

Tomorrow is our last day in this paradise. *sigh*. *sigh again*.

All my life up until the age of about 22 I was obsessed with working my tail off for Father. I was convinced that any spare time left wasted was a mortal sin in my life. Even when friends would get together in the college dorms to watch movies, I would tow along "things I needed to get done" while watching the movie. Lame- right? One time our freshman year, the fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. All us girls opened our doors and ran it into a wall of smoke and chaos. Everyone fled the building in their pajamas. What did I grab in my haste? My homework and my cell phone. Everyone sat in the administration building laughing and talking while I sat in the corner and did my homework. What in the world was wrong with me, people? I had some serious people-pleasing, perfectionist issues to work out, that's what! Good thing Father has chipped away at me in this area and I'm finally experiencing freedom- good grief Charlie Brown!

So here we are, away from home yet once again working out some visa issues. Normally I would feel really guilty about being away from work in a situation like this. I would scramble to find some kind of work to keep me busy while away from home. No. Not anymore. This girl is learning to rest and enjoy the rest Father gives. Why should I become a workaholic who is constantly burnt out and no fun for anyone to be around? I don't want to be that kind of person. I want to be the warm, inviting, joyful, patient, eager to listen kinda gal that others want to be around. You know- those kind of people who you are dying to spend time with because you know without a shadow of a doubt they've been soaking in the presence of Father and His word, therefore every word that proceeds out of their mouth is basically liquid gold to you? (I'm not idolizing people here, don't get me wrong, I'm just pointing out the fact that deep down inside we desire to spend time with people who have true peace.)

So we've been resting and relaxing, enjoying our family and the rest Father is giving us here. And you know what? I am so happy! So refreshed. Energized. Ready to come back and continue our work. We've spent time praying, reading the word, listening to the Daily Audio Bible, and the Daily Audio Bible for Kids, listening to music, snuggling, dancing, laughing, and just plain being.

One of my favorite singer/songwriters posted a new music video. All of it was filmed in Utah- the desert scenes are in the same city where my grandfather lives! Sweetness. Check it out here. 

I bought the cutest shoes in the whole entire universe here. They were on clearance- originally $200 but I snagged 'em for $40. Ha- like I would ever pay $200 for a pair of shoes? Are they not sooooo me? The buttons down the front scream vintage, and they could be casual or dressy. Multipurpose. I like that. (They are Clarks, in case you were wondering.)

(Ok- time for a totally random side note. Since we're on the topic of vintage, I am so going to buy a vintage swimsuit from the 40's. I found this website, and I'm hooked. I love going swimming but hate the pressures of finding a modest yet stylist suit to flatter my not-so-modelish body. I'm bringing vintage back baby, whether or not it's cool! )

Alright back on topic... We bought lots of fun stuff from IKEA to help me be a better hostess. I bought place mats, special spice bottles, and really cute display plates for our desserts I make for youth group every week. I got multicolored children's utensils and adorable organizer boxes for Sitora's room. I want our home to be a place where others enjoy being. IKEA is sooo perfect for this because their prices are so cheap and their items have high quality. I can't wait to burn my yummy IKEA candles and have a party- I love that feeling when people walk into our apartment and ask, "Oh, what is that smell? I love it!"

We went up the tallest tower in the entire world today. Ya. Pretty awesome. I'll post the video footage another time- I was shaking when we got to the top because I was so overwhelmed. I get a little queasy and shaky when it comes to heights, but this experience gave me a crazy endorphin high. I can't really explain it. It was a once in a lifetime experience, my friends!

Well, that's about it for today. Obviously I typed this post in a scrambled panic the minute Ms. Princess nodded her royal head off to sleep. You never know how much "me" time you're gonna get so you gotta make it count!

Sorry for the completely random topics that have almost nothing to do with each other. Welcome to my brain! Until next time...