Category: Monday Lovin’

Happy Monday! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I think that half of the struggle of Mondays is admitting that the weekend is over. Especially when the weekend was full of fun! When I started my job in September, I promised myself that I would not live for the weekends, but do my best to enjoy every day; each day has something special to offer. Even Mondays. Here’s what I’m loving on this rainy Monday:

1) The warm weather. Yes, I’m aware that we’re supposed to get some snow showers this evening, but all the sunshine this weekend made my heart so happy! I was able to wear shorts and put on my sunglasses. Spring has arrived!

2) My J.Crew Navy Field Jacket. When I got mine for super cheap last August, I never could have imagined how much I would love it. Its shiny gold buttons and versatility has made it one of my favorite things in my closet. It’s a great year-round item because it’s lightweight and neutral, and a great alternative to a blazer.

3) Support Letters. Tis the season for my college aged and missionary friends to begin raising support for their summer adventures or another year of vocational ministry. I absolutely love receiving letters asking me to be a part of their team and join them as they take the Gospel to the nations! While I am confident of where the Lord has me in this season, some days I long to give it all* away and go! By helping to support them, I can be part of their adventure and watch their hearts change as a result. *When I say “all” I mean everything except my Navy Field Jacket J

4) Jen Hatmaker’s Interrupted is rocking my world. She writes about how a small prayer changed her and her family’s life to be more outwardly focused. It’s convicting me that maybe I’m chasing the wrong things. It’s not about climbing the social ladder, it’s about hanging out at the bottom. The bottom is where Jesus lived. The bottom is the holy land. She at one point said, “We’re all poor, I just have more stuff,” and elaborated on what it looks like to be poor in spirit. Jesus, show me just how poor I am so I let you meet my every need.

It’s Easter week, which means I get to see my family this weekend! Today, I’m choosing joy on a Monday because life is good and God is good. Let’s choose joy together today! What are you loving this Monday?

Monday Lovin’ is inspired by Sami and her wonderful photo/life blog! Check it out here!

This song, specifically the line, “Jesus, every victory is found in You,” is my favorite right now. I love the reminder of how Christ defines every part of my life. I am not defined by anything expect who He is and what He says about me. Also, Vertical Church Band is the best 🙂

The warm spring weather is so refreshing. Even the rain is a welcome change to bitter cold winds and snow. I loving having the chance to sit on my apartment patio, read and watch the sunset. I’m thankful for spring and everything it represents.

Fresh flowers this spring are making my heart happy! In three weeks my apartment has seen red & pink tulips. I’ve never really considered myself a flower girl, but they really liven up our space.

Mini-marathon training has been so great. I love making my body stronger, feeding it good food for good fuel, and celebrating milestone accomplishments. Extra fun – seeing friends on the Monon trail in the middle of a 10 mile run.

Bazbeaux’s Pizza. Yes. I would eat it at least once a week. It. Is. The. Best.

Things I’m loving right now 🙂 (This post inspired by my very talented photographer friend, Sami! Check out her photo/life blog.

These three books, so good, so different. A story of a brave young woman who stands up for education of girls in the Middle East, a witty, sassy and heartbreaking teen novel, and a challenging read about how to live a life that matters, now. One of the 2014 goals was to read more, and man, I never realized how much I would enjoy it.

 

Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato isa taste of spring and a necessity during long work weeks. When I gave up sweets for lent, I didn’t think I’d turn to coffee. It’s a taste of heaven though. (Yes, I made a friend take a picture of me with my coffee ;))

These J.Crew shiny new earrings; they are oh so fun and so easy to wear. The best part – I was patient enough to wait for them to go on sale.

James’ writes, “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” And it’s KICKING my butt. I’m quick to speak and quick to anger. Doubt it? Just ride in a car with me during rush hour – I’m oh so quick to honk my horn. I want to listen better. I want to pause before I start talking so I can really hear what someone is saying and respond to them, not just make it all about me, my opinions and my experiences. I want my friends and co-workers to feel known and that starts with them feeling heard. I think that’s the root of what James is saying – listen first, then speak because the truth matters. Let’s speak truth, but we gotta listen first.

Happy Monday!