Almost Friday!

Today was one of those days that I just couldn't get a handle on. Not sure why, really.. it was just one of  those days. I wrote this down in the middle of my to-do list and then wrote everything else around it, so I would have something to re-center me: 

Fortunately, by the end of the day, the bad mood had dissipated and I was off to get Sydni before life group. And no matter what kind of mood I'm in, that girl has the wizardry to make all things good again ♥

this little monster! ♥♥♥

We were off to life group, which, as always was fulfilling on all those levels that being with your family tend to be - these people are after all, family. Oh, and I've decided Parker is now the mascot of said life group: 

parker!

We wrapped up life group and headed home, where some meal prep awaited.. I say meal prep, but really it was just a super late dinner for me; this Whole30 thing has trained me not to eat all the amazing food that people like my bosses or friends make for things like parties and life groups... (Grrrrr). BUT, it's worth it at the end, and now there's lunch for tomorrow, so no real complaints.

life. 

OH! Also, a week from tonight, I'll be in Columbus with Jenn to see Rebelution - we've planned this show since Halloween, and I. Can't. Wait. 

1.18.18!

jenn | miss this girl! 

For now, it's off to read some more of this book and hit the hay. 

Almost Friday, loves! 

xo | cms

Celebrating Mama Julie!

So this is a thing, just in case you were concerned... I dunno.. that it wasn't.. ? 

i mean.... 

^It's funny because I drive past that thing at least 3 times weekly, and I've always wanted to stop and at least look at it. Cincinnati has a thing with posting various flying pig statues around the city, and this one has always seemed like one of the more elaborate among them. If you're ever in Milford, you'll probably spot it ;) 

I arrived at small group expecting to delve into adult conversation right away. Instead, I built a house. 

and i am not sorry. 

The REAL story tonight is that we celebrated Mama Julie's fast-approaching retirement! This upcoming Saturday will be her last 'official' day as a nurse, but I am always in awe whenever she shares stories from her career. I've determined that she, along with people like my dad and a few other mentors I've had along the way, are models for where I want to ultimately find myself. I so admire her for having such a full and rewarding career, raising a family in the midst of it and all the while actively and intentionally pursuing her faith for herself and all those around her. 

mama julie!

You've earned it, Mama J! 

we love you mama j! 

Jaclyn and I also thought we'd share with you the truth behind our small group study. If you're in the market for notes on how to study, well.. we've got you covered ;). In style. And fringes ;).

♥ you jax!

Whew. Happy almost Friday, blogbots!

xo | cms

New Small Group!

We are BACK! It's been far too long since we found ourselves in an evening life group session; tonight was far overdue.

For the past couple months, we've been flexing our wings and exploring a new church, which is being planted by members of our previous church. It's closer to home and some of our closest friends from that church have joined ranks in the planting process. After much prayer and consideration, we decided that exploration wouldn't hurt, and if we wound up planted there as well, then so be it.

lightpoint church!

And it looks like we are taking root. Tonight we attended our first session of life group with the Ricks and several others from the church. I'm always a huge fan of life groups for a multitude of reasons, but I think the first and foremost is that it provides a platform for us to do life with each other outside of the formalities of a Sunday morning worship experience.

Tonight we covered a lot of ground in a series that we're processing through, and as an unexpected turn, I accepted the offered challenge to serve unofficially as part of the content and composition editing team. If you're reading this, please go ahead and send a prayer up for me if you wouldn't mind; a large span of time has passed since my English degree has been applied to something in a professional landscape, if you don't count my OCD grammar, syntax and spelling scrutinization of what I actually do for a living.

So yeah. Prayers appreciated, and tonight my heart is full from the time we spent in fellowship with a fraction of our new church family. If you happen to be in the Cincinnati area, and are looking for a church family that can and will accept you as you are and love you where you are, consider this an invitation to come and check it out:

Lightpoint Church Cincinnati

Good night for now, blogbots! 

xo | cms