My dad works for a graduation service company (he deals with selling things like caps, gowns, and class rings).  This means that as far back as I can remember, in the springtime, he recruits family and anyone we want to invite with us to help him pack up the graduation gowns after high school graduation ceremonies.  This has actually been one of the most enjoyable things for me.  Always creates great memories. (:  Plus, it always means going to the cities, which is one of my favorite things to do.  Gosh, I love the cities!  So proud to have grown up nearby.  I can't decide if I like St. Paul or Minneapolis better, but tonight we found ourselves working a graduation in St. Paul- my two sisters, sister's friend Madeline, dad, and I. ..then at Mickey's Diner for a bite afterwards.  Always a good decision.  If you're ever in St. Paul, I would absolutely recommend the legendary, Mickey's Diner.  Oh yes.  Those pancakes I had... 
It is always a cool experience.  And I sure love the people I was with.  Just a good night.

hey, Minneapolis & St. Paul, I like you a lot.  I am glad you are one of the places I call home.

Come back soon for a visit!
Please?
for the sake of my freckles, my aunt Wendy, and my mood.
 :)

Then trees would be one of mine... but especially these trees.
Stopped me in my tracks, they did.

Oh, God, sometimes I like to think you maybe put these there just for me.

A few months ago I was introduced to the idea of "thin spaces."  And by that I mean spaces on earth where heaven seems to be closer... spaces where the gap between heaven and earth is thin.
There is just something about a place where there have been decades of people gathering there to worship and discover God...
Many beautiful tears have been shed at Cedar Campus in the great land of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  It is a thin space.  Truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.  I was constantly just blown away by the glory.  And I got to experience all of this beauty for a whole week with my dear friends for InterVarsity's Chapter Focus Week. 
God revealed Himself to me in many ways.  In ways that were hard, too.

These people are my family.  My brothers and sisters, and each one just incredibly dear to my heart.

I only pulled my phone out for the last morning, right before we left because I wanted to unplug for a while,  but I just HAD to capture some of the breath-taking sights.  And unfortunately I only closely captured my group of Towers friends by the lake, but I hope you enjoy them.

Oh, my heart is full.

^^^just because I really like music with posts and pictures^^^

I CANNOT get enough of this song.  Thank you, Laura & Syd. (:

Saturday was pretty much my favorite day.
One of my very dearest friends from home, Nicole, drove a whole two hours to visit me (:

We started that breezy, sunny day with going to The Goat coffeehouse to enjoy some breakfast foods and cinnamon teas (:
Refreshed my heart.
Then, we ventured to my fave, Just Local Foods, where she bought me some ginger beer and coconut ice cream bars for us to share, and I took her to one of my favorite spots on campus, a wide window sill in Schofield where we ate our goodies and talked about everything.

This friendship is so dear to me.  She is so wonderful, I can't even tell you.  So Jesus-filled.  So wise and discerning. So giving and caring.  So affirming.  So radiant.  I wish everyone could know her.

Thank you, Nicole, for being my friend, and thank you, Jesus, for making such a beautiful soul.
This quality time meant so much to me.

I remember once, my mom and dad came home from some event and my mom went to the kitchen sink to fill a pitcher with water and brought it to the outside step that leads to the front door, where a few flowers were growing.  She gracefully poured water into the pots and I remember watching her and thinking how I hoped I would be as lovely as she is one day.

This woman is the most beautiful human being I know, in every sense of the word.
I still get a text every morning from her, telling me to have a happy day, that she loves me, and usually either to wear rainboots if it's raining, or to enjoy the sun if it's sunny (she gets me) (: 

I often think about the placement of the people in my life and smile at the thought that God knew the individuals that we all would need.  And I love that God specifically chose this person to be my mom.  How special for me.  She is the only person who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside. <<just got real sentimental there (:
But moms sure are special!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, to this amazing woman.
I wish I could be with you, Mom.  But oh, I love you.