Rest, or lack thereof

Recently, I'm having a hard time resting. Even when I get home from work and have nothing left on the schedule for the day, I find myself working. Or my mind won't shut down. Or I remember something I forgot that day. It's exhausting. It's also not typical of me. 

I'm usually pretty great at relaxing. Watch 3 hours of Parks and Rec? OK! Read an entire book in one weekend? Duh! Sleep in til 10 am on a Saturday? Done. But not these days. 

And it's not a good thing. It means that when I'm actually at work, I'm tired. I took a few high school girls down to Westport this afternoon to get tea and shop and I was so tired. I tried to be fun and engaging and hopefully I succeeded most of the time, but I don't want to have to try at that. I love those girls. That part of my job is my absolute favorite and I squandered it today, internally anyway.

I've got to find a better way. I need to put my trust in Jesus. To rest in His promise that He loves me every day, all day, the same. He loves me if I forget to send an e-mail to a parent. He loves me if I don't get everything done in a day. He loves me in my confusion and in my anxiety. He loves me when I'm not trusting Him. 

John 14:27:  ^"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." 

Peace.

taking a breath

it may not have been great timing for me to start my blog right before the busiest season of the year. i've neglected this thing. but now i have room to take a breath. the last month has been very busy. full of good things. it has also been exhausting. i'm thankful for the next two days where there is nothing on my calendar except going to the pool with my sis.

some things i've learned/been reminded of this past month:

- God is much bigger than i am. his plans are different than mine. surprising. scary. and beautiful.

- the people who work at Christ Church are incredible. i got to be reminded of that on our staff retreat at the beginning of the month. i dare you to find a group of people more hilarious, dedicated, or intent on doing God's will.

- babies are the best. my friends grace and eric had baby theodore on june 7. he's seriously the best.

- God doesn't care how old you are. he wants to use you now. i saw this on our middle school mission trip last week. those kids worked hard. they loved others well. i am proud of them and excited to see how God keeps using them. God also used one of the high school students on our student leadership team to give me a word from Him that was incredibly timely and encouraging - this 15 year old young woman had the depth to listen to God and then the courage to share what He said. blown away.

- i need 8 hours of sleep every night. that's still true. waiting for the day when it isn't.

i don't even have any pictures to spice this thing up.

i'm hosting community dinner on sunday. and making homemade pizza. i'll try to remember to document that and share it.

peace.

the nephs and other things: the week in photos

I told you when my nephews visited there'd be photos. Just following through. There've been other things too. A scavenger hunt. A retreat. Some tie-dye. This is my past couple of weeks. (severe headache and exhaustion not photoed)

 You guys. He's the cutest. Look at him. This is luke, almost 3.

 So is he. I mean. Woah. James, age 5.

 Watching this crazy thunderstorm with Daddy (my bro, Andrew).

 He thinks it's hilarious to pretend to sleep. It is. It's also adorable. 

 Then I tore myself away from my nephews for a wonderful retreat with our Student Leadership Team. These people are legit and I love them. And so does Jesus.

 This is our summer staffer, Clayton. He's legit too. And a Whitefield grad, so, love that.

 Then back to my nephs. This is tired aunty. But no other place I'd rather be.

Maybe Hawaii. JK.

 Holding him is my favorite.

 Silliness.

 The brothers melt my heart.

 Bedtime story. I'm going to be sad when Luke doesn't need a paci anymore for bedtime.

 This is Luke running away from me at the Nelson. Don't worry. I caught him. We laughed.

 These boys grocery shop like pros. I bought them cake-pops and chocolate milk. Their parents were THRILLED. 

 Then my sweet friend Klarisa had baby Malachi. I'm his godmother and so in love with him already. I'm not called the crazy baby lady for no reason, folks.

 Then Student Life went on a scavenger hunt at the Legends. Love these troublemakers. 

 Love this troublemaker most of all.

 Sweet baby James. I don't get to call him baby to his face anymore, but I do it anyway.

 Sweetest trouble you'll ever meet.

 This kid is brave and good like you won't believe.

 Then we tie-dyed with some middle school girls.

Love them.

Life is crazy and it's good. Jesus is better.