a new chapter

God is so very good to us! I'm not sure I mentioned in any previous posts, but our lives were a big uncertain chapter after the wedding. Will is graduating college in May, and was currently job-less. The Lord's blessed him a job in ministry and we are currently praying desperately this job may lead to our dreams.

This does mean we're moving...again. This time right across America. Yep, we're going to be Colorado bound come June. I've moved several times in the past few years, but never much away from the south-east. It's going to be hard to leave my roots, but I trust God fully and completely. We're going to be living in a tiny (and I mean it's tiny. Only two rooms + a bathroom. Oh and a closet or two) apartment.

Another way God's been faithful? We've known about the job for two weeks, but both have been aware of my job-situation. My hope is to be a mom someday and raise my own children, but we're not exactly hoping to start our family for many months. Will's job isn't the highest paying job, so I started looking for a job immediately. That's when an old friend who lives in Colorado offered me a job coaching a swim team up there. It's such a blessing and I finally can back to swimming after the longest break. God is so faithful.

I have a feeling it's going to be an wild and insane first year of marriage, but we trust God.

Here is to Colorado and weddings!

Our Adventure//Part three

There, I was. Sitting in sweatpants, my heart racing. He, the kid I was sure I was over, just emailed me. Me, the girl I was sure he didn't freaking care about. He wrote (I still have it saved to my computer)

Hey, this is a crazy what-if, but do you think you and Jeremy could hang out next Thursday? I'll be in town and am getting together a bunch of kids to go to the park. Tell me if you can come.

Of course, I said yes.

So we scheduled to meet up at the park that day and hang out. On top of me and my brother, a few others came. It was the first time we were all together after Will had left for college. I remember my heart racing to the same degree it used to.

Seriously. You need to stop that! I kept telling myself  over and over.

I didn't know it at the time, but Will began to fall for me that. I noticed him talking to me a lot that day and I noticed he seemed to be nearby wherever I went.

When I went to find rocks on the stream, he followed.
When I fell in the lake, he helped me up and laughed (so did I).
When I went and sat under a tree, so did I.
When I did stupid things and played my guitar, sparks flew for him.

But the whole time I tried to ignore him. I didn't want to fall back in love.

(Lesson to every girl ever: don't ignore a guy who goes out of his way to give you attention).

That night I went to bed, my heart happy from our time spent together, but trying not to be too happy. My friend kept texting me with things like "I think he likes you!" and I was like "Yeah, right."

I saw Will again the next Sunday, but we didn't talk. I did catch hi starring at me across the way. He went back to college, and I found myself feeling lonely and broken again. I found myself crying over every love song and spending way too much time looking at the heart-shaped rock he'd found up at the stream and casually handed to me.

The next day, there was a new Facebook message from him. I didn't open it. I did school. But I thought of that message all day. Finally, I went to look at it around three before I died of being curious.

Hey, Maya. I was just thinking about the great time we had at the park the other day.  The thing is, I really miss you guys. We need to catch up more. What if we tried to stay better friends? I'd really like that. Getting emails from you would be the best thing to this homesick boy.
-W

I broke down. I knew I liked him deep inside, but inside I was so afraid. Was I loving someone who would turn away and get a college girlfriend in an instant? Was I loving someone who'd forget my name?

No. This one email was him saying, "Hey. I know you exist. And I want to continue to know you exist."

So I sent back an email and said something to the degree of, "I'd love to keep in touch more often."

I took that what-if.



So we emailed back and forth about once a week. We talked about his college classes. We talked about my high school experience. We talked about his dog. We talked about my cat. I learned his favorite color was red. He found out my favorite colors were blue, coral, and grey--the colors of the sea. I sent him guitar tabs. He sent me rap songs. After a while, we started to talk more about ourselves. More about our dreams. The emails become more often.

I started to suspect he really did like me back.

And I felt like I was right on taking the craziest what-if of my love life so far.

But one question pressed on my mind. Did he like me or was this just a friend thing?

/////

via

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we went on more adventure, the kids that scare us out of our skins. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we took more crazy chances, the kinds that usually end up with someone hurt. Sometimes I wonder what would life would be like, if I hadn't told so many friends goodbye and moved so many places. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if we went for roadtrips when we felt like it, and did other things because we just wanted to. Sometimes I wonder what all the backroads look like that we've always skipped. Sometimes I wonder if anyone would care if we ran away and danced on those roads and took those chances and did all those crazy things.

Sometimes I think that'd be a good idea.

Thursday Interview|Neeley

 

Feauturing Neeley from Run Free.

To begin, tell us a bit about yourself, what inspired you to begin blogging, and what has inspired you to continue.
Hey, there, blogging world! I'm Neeley and I blog over at Run Free.
What inspired me to start blogging is the fact I am an aspiring writer, but I have a fear of sharing my words with anyone. So blogging was a way to force myself to write for others. What keeps me going is the same fact. I always need to be writing something and blogging helps a lot. Blogging helps me a lot in that area of my life.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? What gave you a desire to make these goals?

Finish my book. After that, just seek my Savior and live an adventure.
 

 

Define inspiration (to you).

Inspiration is the little things in life (and the big things)  that sparks a feeling. Sometimes it's a summer campfire, or the stars, or heavy nostalgia, or the smell of books, or the look of a stranger in subway, or the first step out of an airplane. All these things mean something in an oddly beautiful way.
 

Where do you get the most inspiration daily for your photography/writing?

Reading, thinking, stargazing, coffee shops, and all the other beautiful things in this life.

Every life is a story. What lesson do you think people could learn from yours?

I still have a lot of life to live and a lot of stories to create so who knows what I'll have to say at the end of my days. But right now, I think my life story would be simply another prism reflecting His light. I was once a shy unsocial girl who was a pro-wallflower. But God, rich in mercy, called me to be a saint. By looking at the way, I was radically brought out of my shell....you can see His infinite faithfulness.

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, at any time, where and what time?

Now, I'd love to go to Iceland, Alaska, or Norway. I'm obsessed with the Arctic.

But if I was able to go anywhere at anytime, I'd love to go to Jerusalem while Jesus was alive and teaching. Perhaps after He had risen.
 

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

Going on a mission trip this summer. And I'm also just excited about the adventure's this year holds that I don't know about yet. I love the uncertain.

 

What's one of your favorite memories? Why? What does it mean to you?

Our youth retreat last year. Coming into it, I was struggling with bitterness towards relationships in my life. But God really transformed the hearts of every teen there. It's incredible to remember the last night, where everyone was praying, and remember my tears of thankfulness after over a year of prayer for stronger relationships.

 

If you knew you were going to die, what would be on your must-do bucket list?

I'd finish my book. I'd go see the Nothern Lights. I'd go to every city in the world.

 

 If you could jump into one book or movie, which one?

Harry Potter. I mean, seriously. Who wouldn't? ;)

 

Picture this. You're going on adventure. But you can only take three things. What would you choose?

My journal, my camera, and someone to share the adventure with.

 

What's your favorite quote of all time?

“Some wish to stay within the sound of church or chapel bell. I’d rather run a rescue shop within a
yard of hell.” – C.T. Studd

 

What do you plan on pursing as a career currently? What sparked this?

I'm going to follow my calling to be a missionary. My Dad is very involved in missions, which always made me interested. But the older I get, the more I realize every single Christian is called to the nations. And then, a mission trip last summer made me realize missions is truly what I feel His glory the most in. I can't wait to see where God leads.

 

 If you made a soundtrack/mixtape of your life what songs would be on there?

 

The Hymn, Be Thou My Vision, is my life anthem.
Also:
This is Home//Switchfoot.
Hopeless Wanderer and Below My Feet//Mumford and Sons.

It's Time//Imagine Dragons.

Only Life//The Shins

A collection of Les Mis songs.

Also a collection of sounds, like certain voices's whispers, the echo of cars in the city, and the strumming of my brother's guitar would create my soul-mixtape.

 

What do you want to be remembered as?

My only desire is to be remembered as one who ran free, despite the storms of life. One who lived radically for the Gospel, even into death.

 

Where do you see you in 5 years from today?

a college student, sitting in a coffee shop, writing.

 

As we finish, tell us what advice you'd give to yourself (if you could) on the day you began blogging.

Don't be afriad to be youself. So many times I didn't publish everything in a post I wanted to, because I was afraid what my readers would think.

 

 Thanks!

fragments of winter

// Getting married in 35 days! I can't wait to be a wife. The buzz around the idea is just unreal. It's strange to pass by the invite on the fridge everyday and see our names or realize I have an actual wedding shower on Sunday. I keep telling myself, yes this is real! Oh, how I love my boy.
"Can one die of happiness?"

// Making a formspring. You should go ask me, something ;) Anything!

// Josh Garrels music. Need I say more?

// The hours and hours we've spent dreaming of talking of forming our home together are now ahead of us. To be honest, I have no idea what's in store for next year but I do know God's always been faithful and I have confidence He will be again.

// Mornings with chai tea and reading through Ephesians.

// Meeting new people. Now that I'm engaged, I get to meet all the people in Will's life. His extended family, his friends I haven't met before, and I even met his babysitter and piano teacher at Church last week. I've been told getting married is like getting a whole new giant family, and it is. Oh, I love people!

// Fangirling with Rachael and Sophie. I know I'm an adult, but still I'm a child when it comes to movies. And I have the best sister and friends in the world to freak out with me :)

// American Idol this year. That's been my favorite show my entire life because of my music love. There's a bucket load of REALLY talented folk this season and it's been awesome to watch. I know there's a bunch of hate going out to the judges, and I do miss the old ones, but I love them. Angela Miller is one of my favorite contestants ever, also. It's one heck of a season.

// I'm a tad bit behind on blogging, I know. I didn't publish this week's Thursday interview (whoops) and I know you all are ready for the 3rd installment of Our Adventure. But I'm hoping to wrap up both of the series before the wedding, so expect more soon. I'll try to get better and do 'real' posting more someday when life isn't so wild! Love you all!

Smiles, Maya

a quick word on forgiveness

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him -Daniel 9:9

This is something that's been on my heart to share: forgiveness. I spent many years searching and wanting forgiveness from my Father after my rough childhood. No, I didn't need to be forgiven. But I demanded forgiveness in a way. I only desired forgiveness and didn't see the sin in my own life. Then, one morning I woke up and realized that in demanding forgiveness I was sinning as much as my Father was sinning against me.
I also, hadn't forgiven my Father for what he did so I expected him to forgive me. God forgives me, even though I continue to sin and even though without Him I am a wrench. So it's our biblical calling to do the same to out brothers and sisters in Christ.

So even though it was years before he forgave me, I forgave him and it gave me such a peace. A peace in doing what Christ desires. My desire for my Father's forgiveness had given me incorrect view of both God and myself.

Forgive endlessly even when the other person doesn't forgive. Forgive seventy-times-seventy times. Forgive them even when they aren't sorry, because God forgave us when we weren't sorry.
 

Thursday Interview | Jessica

 

Featuring the wonderful Jessica from the alcove.

To begin, tell us a bit about yourself, what inspired you to begin blogging, and what has inspired you to continue
Hey there, I'm Jess, and I blog over at the alcove. I'm nineteen years old; I was born and raised in the city of Mesa, Arizona, where there is beauty in abundance. Rainy days make me smile, and I love books that can make me cry. I've always been the kind of girl who loves creating pretty things + sharing her heart, which is what originally made blogging a good outlet for me. Now, I'm inspired by the many valuable friends that I've made from around the world. I don't know what I would do without their prayers and encouragements.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? What gave you a desire to make these goals?
My goals for this year mainly revolve around furthering my education and career. I'll be finishing up some classes at my local community college this semester, and from there I hope to start taking some massage therapy courses + learning more about natural medicine. I'd also like to earn my driver's license, and continue branching out in photography as a hobby.

Define inspiration (to you).
Inspiration, to me, is anything that triggers creativity. It could be a line from a song, it could be something in nature, it could be any number of things. While I believe that it's important to work hard, whether or not you have it or not, I also believe that it can help you produce the finest results in whatever you're doing.

Where do you get the most inspiration daily for your photography/writing?
My inspiration for my writing usually comes from whatever books/poetry I'm reading. (Most good writers are bookworms, after all.) I think that my photography inspiration comes from other photographers online (my favorites are listed here) and Creation. I make it a point to go for a walk, at least a few times a week. When I see something that strikes me as beautiful, I just have to preserve it. Photography and writing are the best way (for me) to do that.

 If you could travel anywhere in the world, at any time, where and what time?

I want to travel all over the world, but first of all, to Ireland. From what photos I've seen, the books I've read, and what my father and his mother have told me, it's amazing. (A note: I have quite a bit of Irish blood in me from both sides of my family, so my decision may be a bit biased.)

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I have many things to look forward to this year. For one, I want to go to school and learn more about natural healing + massage therapy. I'm praying that the Lord will bless me with a job in that field. Also, I'm very excited to be moving forward in my relationship with a Godly man, and making plans for our future together. :)

What's one of your favorite memories? Why? What does it mean to you?

Summers spent at my grandmother's house. We would have barbeques, and my brothers and I would go swimming with our cousins until we lay exhausted in the grass, watching the shadows grow long, and the desert sun disappear. Later in the evening, we would always listen and laugh at the adults' stories from yester-years, anxious to grow up so that we could make memories of our own. Those summers were the best days of my childhood - I'd give just about anything to go back there for awhile.

Picture this. You’re going on adventure. But you can only take three things. What would you choose? My journal is the first thing I would grab. I rarely leave the house without it, and when I do, I regret not having somewhere to write down my thoughts. The second thing would be my camera, charged and ready to capture all of the sights I'm going to see. And the third... (do people count as things? I just can't go on an adventure without my guy.)

What's your favorite quote of all time? 
The one that came to mind when I read your question was this, so it's the one I'm going to go with: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, rather than a second-rate version of someone else." (Judy Garland)
I think this quote speaks volumes, especially to the young men and women of our generation. It's a good thing to remember, especially when you're pursuing what you love, to better yourself for your own sake, not for the sake of measuring up to someone else's standards.

 What do you plan on pursing as a career currently? What sparked this?
The soundtrack of my heart is extremely eclectic, and includes everything from classical to indie pop. A little bit of country, a little bit of rock and roll. (Mostly acoustic guitar, since that sound has always awakened something special in me.) Also, it's miles long, so I won't trouble you with the entire list here.

If you made a soundtrack/mixtape of you life what songs would be on there? 
The soundtrack of my heart is extremely eclectic, and includes everything from classical to indie pop. A little bit of country, a little bit of rock and roll. (Mostly acoustic guitar, since that sound has always awakened something special in me.) Also, it's miles long, so I won't trouble you with the entire list here.
What do you want to remembered as?
"A woman after Yahweh's own heart."

We live in a culture that often sucks us in to not being ourselves. What helps you stay genuine.
I think being genuine is mostly about having your priorities straight. I'm not living for other peoples' acceptance or praises - I'm living for my King. Which means that when I like something, I'm not afraid to show it, even if it's 'not popular'. It also means that I'm not afraid to love something that everyone loves. (There's a difference, I think, between following a fad, and pursuing what you love.) Basically, do what you do and love what you love for yourself and God, because in the end, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

 Where do you see you in 5 years from today?
I like to believe that, five years from today, I'll be married to the man I love and starting a family. Maybe practicing natural medicine from home, but always focusing on my job as a wife and mom first. Essentially, all that really matters is that I'm where my Lord wants me. If He's pleased with me, then I'll be happy wherever I'm at.

 As we finish, tell us what advice you'd give to yourself (if you could) on the day you began blogging. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Expect that the numbers will never be everything that you want them to be, and just have fun.

Thanks, Jess!