Crackle Glass Adventures

I am absolutely in love with vintage crackle glass! Unfortunately, it can be hard to find and somewhat pricey, so I decided to try crackling some of my own glass! I just picked up some votive candle holders for $.50 a piece for experiments. I really had no idea what I was doing...

I read somewhere you should bake the glass at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Since the glass I have was a little thin, I put them in for 30 (forgive the resolution-the only camera I have at the moment is the trusty cell phone!).

Then...a plunge into a pot of cool water.

The result? Not too shabby! A little over-cracked, but not bad for a first try!

For the remaining two, I put them in the oven for less time, thinking they wouldn't crack as much-they actually cracked MORE! Hmm...not quite sure what is going on. I think I just need to play with the temp/time. This was the final result:

Heading to the store soon for more (maybe thicker?) glass!

Chuck, I miss you.

I miss your sarcastic laugh.
I miss the way you smell of cigarettes and mint gum.
I miss your mac being on our coffee table.
I miss you taking Grandma and Amanda to the store.
I miss the way you say your kids’ names.
I miss the way you would say that my dad is a better man than you.
I miss hearing stories of Africa.
I miss you saying “God is in control.”

Two years...

It hardly seems possible. So much has changed, yet so much is the same. Those days of being neighbors and friends seem so hazy, like a dream. I can't imagine him as anything other that what he is now. I still remember laughing at his nervousness on our first "date" to Trader Joe's and Espresso Royale, yet I felt privileged to be so trusted by him. I remember how furious I was those two weeks after when he ignored me...apparently "making up his mind" about me. I already knew we would be married someday...

I can't count all the ways that he has challenged me to be open and real, to speak my mind and not settle for something that falls even a little bit short of the goal. He pushes me to go farther and be stronger that I ever have been, holding his hand out to help me all the way.

We've had many struggles and trials of every kind-grace is so much sweeter when it's put to the test and wins.

Two years is short in the broad scape of life, but I'm not sure I thought it was possible to be "in love" with someone this long...yet, I am! I am SO excited to change my name to his. He is worth sacrificing even that...a name I love so dearly, if it is the cost of being able to stand by his side forever.

I miss them every day...

Blessed!

This week has been literally so SO amazing! As much as I don't like lists...I think I'm going to make one. I just have to write it out!

1. Have a five-day weekend at the end of this week.

2. Was offered extra hours at work during those days.

3. Received not one but TWO snow days this week. (Yes, I say received because I was in conflict over whether or not I should even work the extra hours, knowing I needed rest. God gave me rest so I could work!).

4. Got to spend extra time with some good friends!

5. Saw Matthew off to Zimbabwe.

6. Was told by my cousin that she surrendered to God. Wow.

This was all in three short days....mmm I'm just basking in God's light right now. So many other great things have been happening, too. I'm so encouraged to see the team that I've labored over for so many years maturing and growing enough to where my leaving will not be a negative impact. Not that I carry so much responsibility, or that I am alone responsible for the life of the group, but people have really stepped up to lead and take my place. I almost feel like a dead bud falling off a tree when a piece of fruit begins growing. I don't mind being a dead bud if I know that my death is producing fruit. :)

My life right now seems like an endless cycle. I wake up at 5 to student teach. After a long day at school I head to one or both of my jobs, then Bible study. I usually get home between 8 and 10, sometimes spend some time with Eliot if he's still around, then fall exhausted into bed. I'm just so glad that this isn't life-I have no intention of living like this in the future. Just seven more weeks and I'll be over the worst of it.... My body is going crazy because I don't have time to work out, and my mind is about to explode trying to keep track of all the things I have to do (how am I planning a wedding in the midst of all this??) Through everything God is faithful. I have everything I need (including my sanity) and I find joy every day. :)

Dreams...

I am such a dreamer. Every place I go I have vision and see potential. I love scheming and planning, and building things or people up to their utmost. The problem is, which dream do I choose? Now, don' t get me wrong, I'm not having some crisis of what to do with my life. I have a general idea of where I'm going, but it's how I'm getting there that I wonder about. Which do I want? Which am I ready to bury myself in? I still relish my freedom quite a lot...I love living in such a way that I could pack up and move across the country, or further, at a minute's notice. I love having the time to be adventurous (though not lately with student teaching), but anything really worthwhile requires deep commitment and sacrifice. I think I'mce almost there...

Also, I am SO excited for this weekend. Ann Arbor AG is hosting a conference that I believe will result in tremendous healing, growth and renewal. I BELIEVE especially for those people who will receive salvation-not that you need a conference to be saved, but I think this is the time!

Stones

"Create in my a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

I am so easily pushed over by even the smallest rock in my path. Then comes anger, pounding its ugly fist through my heart, wrecking all my commitments to peach and faithfulness. Sometimes I wonder if I'm growing. I am still determined to overcome - not simply get by. As Peter would say though, after suffering for a little while, Christ himself will restore you and make you whole. Thank God for mercy.

On another note, I am so extremely distraught over these beautiful pearls that have been entrusted to us. At first I wasn't sure I could really love them, and just when my heart decided it would be empty without them, they are leaving. I could withstand any grief, however, if I only KNEW they would be safe. In one situation, they feel abandoned by the people who are supposed to be there for them no matter what, in the other, they are exposed to so many dangers. I'm so glad this choice is not up to us, I can only pray, pray, pray. God, keep your hand of love over them!

200 days!

Actually it's 192 days, but close enough. Yes, I have succumbed. I never thought I would be one of those brides who meticulously counts the days before she says "I do." I also swore I would never give in and make a "wedding website." Can't people just RSVP the old fashioned way? Curse the internet for being so dang convenient! Haha, but what am I complaining about? I'm loving this! Every day I get more and more excited for the day when mine becomes forever ours!

In the meantime, I have plenty to distract me from too many thoughts of a blissfully wedded life. Every day I wonder how I will make it through 12 or 14 hours straight, but God's grace abounds. I am always so nervous about my lessons, but they are always fantastic! One of my students wants to talk about fertility drugs!! I'm not exactly sure why she does, but it's interesting because I seem to be having LOTS of random conversation involving the female reproductive system, etc. Seriously? I'm loving it!