I've been making it a point to photography my siblings regularly--just a few series of images here and there to document their personalities so I won't forget (see MeMe's here). And Lilly...where do I even start? She is the biggest ham; I do not exaggerate. Maybe it's youngest child syndrome, but her determination to be different from the rest of the family makes me smile. She's quick to laugh, quick to cry, quick to pull a silly face and oh, does that girl know how to use her charm to her advantage. She navigates computers and phones and iPads quicker than I can and is reading her first chapter books. I could probably fill a book with her silly quotes (she started a club with my brother called "the baddest kids in america". I cannot make this stuff up) and I swear she is really a monkey.

Lillian Esther...I love you, you sweet crazy ham of a girl.

Have I gushed enough about the amazing-ness that is Kinfolk Magazine yet? No? Well you're about to hear more about it. Simply put, it's an exploration deep into the roots of what brings people together and the bonds that are created over the simple act of sharing a meal together. It is the single most beautiful magazine I've ever had the privilege to hold and own. When I am reading it, I want to try new things and travel. It fills me with inspiration and it is the kind of publication that draws you in and makes you want to study every little detail. I reread each volume several times, but it's not repetitious. No, on the contrary, it's like I'm reading it for the first time again. It is, in a word, stunning--and I mean that with every fiber of my being.




Today, Louis (who has just started blogging again as of today!) and I are giving away a brand spankin' new copy of volume three, which was just recently released. Guys...I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful a magazine this is. Even if you don't win the giveaway (which I hope you do!), I strongly encourage you to get a copy for yourself. It's so worth it.



Want to win? Just leave a comment below telling us about a little tradition you have in your family.

For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

+ follow pastor's girl's ponderings
+ follow Louis's blog
+ tweet about the giveaway (be sure to include @pastorsgirl and a link to this post so we can track it)

Giveaway ends on Tuesday, April 17th at 9:59pm CST.

Good luck!

photos taken in new mexico, summer of 2011

Spring break has faded into oblivion and summer seems tantalizingly close yet impossibly far at the same time. And in this in-between time, I have this notion. It's one that's been buried deep in my heart--one that sounds terribly appealing, no matter how silly or romantic, far-fetched or unrealistic it may be.
I'd like to go on a roadtrip through North America, over the course of a few weeks, with no set plans or directions. No internet, save for the occasion email checking and photo posting--I need to get away from the constant bombarding of information and focus on what's in front of me. I'd like to drive and drive and drive, stopping to climb the dusty crimson mesas of the southwest, splash in the salty blue green beaches of California, and explore the secluded islands and coves of Oregon. I'd like to find the perfect orange grove and glide under a velvety night sky in the middle of nowhere, stars scattered about like the most precious of jewels. I'd like to make new friends, take changes, and be spontaneous.
I am a dreamer. I am one of those people that comes up with idea after idea, but leave them in the dusty corners of my mind, never brought to fruition. But this dream? This dream I can see so clearly and wonderfully? This is one I'd like to make a reality.

(the perfect roadtrip playlist)

What's a dream trip you'd like to take?

Taking things for granted can be so easy. When you are used to it being there everyday for you, always steady and unwavering, it's not hard to forget about it and just live your life. But more and more, I've been realizing the things that I've been taking for granted are things that are entirely precious and should be cherished, like the relationship with my family and friends. What if one of them suddenly died? Would I be plagued with if-onlys and regrets? Would I live in sorrow over the things I hadn't done and the things left unsaid? I've realized that I love you should be said often and it is important to show that you care.

And as for my faith...I've taken that for granted too. I've been a Christian all my life. I've never been persecuted for my faith. In his hymn, Alas and Did my Savior Bleed, Isaac Watts says something that strikes deep within my heart:

"Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear cross appears; dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears."

Tomorrow we celebrate Christ's triumphant resurrection from the dead, and I am sitting here with a convicted heart, hiding my blushing face. When I think about the lashings, the bloody agony, the worst pain known to man that Christ went through for me, and realize that I've taken it for granted? It's humbling. I wholeheartedly love Jesus and consider my faith to be strong...but it could be so, so much stronger. My old sinful self still screams and kicks, not wanting to be fully surrendered to Christ. It is horrifying to think that my black, awful sin drove the nails that pinned Jesus to the cross. But at the same time, it is incredibly awe-inspiring to think that he took my place, that his wounds paid my ransom, and that his dying breath gave me forgiveness and life.

I am humbled and thankful for his limitless grace.

Happy Easter, friends.