yikes

Well, the past  2 1/2 months now have been quite strange, to be honest.  Resigning wasn't an easy stirring of the heart to be obedient to, seeing as I didn't have a ministry position or any type of job as a backup.  But, as you all know, I obeyed anyway and jumped into the uncertainty of unemployment and, simultaneously, being without a church home.

It has been a journey for Danny and I as we have immersed ourselves in a new church community that we just so happen to love.  Really, really, love.  An internship (at the least) is in the works in this beautiful church body that God has so carefully guided us into.  I am literally eternally grateful to be surrounded by so many people who love the Lord in a way I have never witnessed.  And the reality that I will get to use my gifts and experience to enhance the work the Holy Spirit is already doing in this place...well, let's just say excitement is an understatement.

However, this still means being unemployed.  Scary...2 1/2 months of it.  I had a part-part-time job lined up at APU but got an email from the professor today saying he miscalculated his budget and can't hire me after all.  Yikes.  I am trying not to doubt my past decisions, or my current choice not to knock on one of the doors of the 8 local Starbucks pleading for a job.  However, I am really humbled in the waiting process and ask for your continued prayers in regards to what's next.  It's scary, it's exciting, it's turning me into a stress-relieving workout fein, but I am greatly anticipating what God has next for me.  And if that means making and serving coffee for those who are addicted to the legal drug we call caffeine (no judging here...my future husband is one), then let it be.

Amen.

my bridesmaids

are going to look so beautiful.

my sister, my future sister-in-law, and my best friend.  

oh yes, they are going to look so, so beautiful.

it's a monumental day

Today my niece peed and pooped in her potty.  

Sorry if that's gross to you, but it's kind of a big deal and was absolutely necessary for me to share!

Hooray for the sweet little one who calls me auntie...Today is a good day!

Oh, and are these not the cutest Christmas legs and feet you have ever seen?!

to my best

Steph...

You were a stunning bride and you are a stunning wife.  Thank you for the privilege of standing next to you that lovely day.  You are a joy to me!

a quiet hello

I haven't meant to be such a sporadic blogger.  Or maybe I have.

My lack of posts definitely does not result from a lack of things to share.  In fact, God has been doing some pretty neat things in my life.  (of which I promise to share...next week.)  I guess the past week has just been a quiet one.  

I've even had Bambi voice.  Can you imagine what that sounds like?  If not, let me explain.  It is quiet.  And the responses are quick.  My apologies to Danny, mom, sis, and anyone else I've talked to in person or on the phone during the past week.  Do you ever feel like if you open your mouth all the peace will somehow escape?  ...maybe it's just me... and Bambi.

Anyhow, I have been feeling quiet, peaceful, tranquil, and still.  It is a good feeling and I feel very...full.  I think that's probably the best word.

All that to say, I am alive and all is well with my soul.

Hope all is well with yours, too.  Happy weekend.

look how tall my fiance is

I am 5'8". That's pretty tall, I think.

This picture shows just how tall my fiance is. I'm not exactly sure how tall he is.  He's not exactly sure how tall he is. But it's okay. Bottom line? He is tall.  Really tall.

It's good to know that if I ever decide to make heels a regular part of my life, I can.

(but I probably still won't)

PS We're all about team work.  I think we give each other high fives daily.  Go team Unterkofler!

One more ingredient

...getting your engagement pictures...

I couldn't love them more!  See the rest here.  Thank you, sweet Eri...I cherish you.

mix together and enjoy

An update of sorts.

Aside from ER visits and seeing a criminal in his orange jump suit hand-cuffed to his hospital bed eyeing sister and I, life has been pretty good the past week.

My best friend got married and it was such a beautiful day!  The day before consisted of yoga, breakfast, a massage for the bride, a surprisingly great movie (I apologize, Kate Hudson, for ever doubting you), and the sweetest backyard rehearsal dinner I have ever seen (hanging mason jars with candles and incredibly delicious food were involved).

The day of was perfect, as well.  We weren't rushed at all getting ready and Steph was such a stunning bride.  The ceremony was so special and the reception was beautiful.  As the maid of honor I slacked a bit on the picture-taking, but I am anxiously awaiting her photographer's post on the wedding and will share with you when it arrives.  More than that, of course, I am looking forward to my best coming home from Kauai to share with me all the beauty of being a newlywed.  Cheers to Steph and Tyler Kunze!

Also, I started school yesterday...My classes this spring are:

Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, and the Church

Field Education

Preaching and Worship

Greek Exegesis

I am legitimately excited for each one and still can't even believe I have this opportunity.  Thank you, God.

If you are still reading, thank you, and I still feel much more updating is needed (say, on the current church-job transition Danny and I are undertaking, my creative rut and hopeful knitting adventures to come, my journey through accepting and resting in this season of life, wedding and honeymoon plans (Portland, Oregon, anyone?!?), joint bank accounts and budgeting advice, etc...) but for today this will have to do.

Blessings to you on this beautiful Tuesday morning.  It's going to be a beautiful day.

Please pray.

Hi friends...

I ask for your prayers for my step-dad, Kevin. The past few days he complained of having a hard time swallowing and soon thereafter he started feeling pain and swelling in his left arm.  My mom took him to the ER to get answers (a dreadful and germy place, since his immune system is so low).  After many tests and x-rays they found a massive blood clot in his left arm, neck, and jugular vein. Last night he was in the ER for 7 hours before being taken to his own room. Danny, sister, and I got to go see him and comfort my mom.

Today he is a little more coherent and I got to sit with him while my mom went down to the cafeteria for a coke with her best friend. I sat there and rubbed his bald head with one hand and held his hand with the other as we talked about silly things.  It brought me much joy in the midst of all the worry and heavy-heartedness.

Later this evening his oncologist will come in and give news for what's next. As for now he is with my mom and is receiving lots of blood thinners.

Please continue praying for him and my mom...it is a hard road, as you can imagine. We all appreciate your prayers and support. You can visit his caring bridge site for more frequent updates. Go to caringbridge.org and type in "KevinScoville" (one word). Any words of encouragement to him or my mom would definitely bring them joy. Thank you!

Love.

Oh, yes!

The date is set...

July 31, 2009

The dress is bought...

The pictures were taken...

The venue is booked...

The invites are picked...

The addresses are accumulating...

The photographer said yes...

The countdown has begun...

206 days until I marry my best friend!

And I couldn't be happier.

PS Danny and I have started a blog together...Stay tuned for its unveiling

13 years

13 years ago today my dad passed away.  13 years ago.  I was 9.  He was 32.  Wow...

This picture of my dad makes me smile.  It makes me think of peace, joy, happiness, a lack of pain, freedom...all words I link with heaven, a place we will spend for all eternity.

I find peace knowing that he's not dead.  In fact, he is more alive than us.  And one day we will be alive together.  What a day that will be!

I miss my dad.  I remember him well, especially his smell in the morning.  I am forever grateful that my memories of him- sitting on his lap, propped up on his shoulders, holding hands, wiping tears, mickey mouse pancakes, love notes, laughing, smiling, playing- have only enhanced my understanding of God the Father.

Today I'm signing off with a smiling heart and this quote:

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live  in a world but a world lives in you.

-Frederick Buechner