He attends to the wildflowers

Matthew 6:33-34 paraphrased by The Message 

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

photo via pinterest

As I live into this phase of my life that I dare call adulthood, I have been faced with a question time & time again: Do I really trust God? Of course it is easy to trust Him when life seems to be falling into place and meeting your expectations, but what about when disappointment never quite leaves you and parts of your future seem hopeless? This. This is the hardest time, the testing time, to see if you really believe what you think you believe about Jesus. About His love, character, goodness and sovereignty. John Piper asks, 

"Will we see in the sovereignty of God as our only hope for life in our deadness? 

Will we see in the sovereignty of God as our only hope for answers to our prayers for the impossible?

Will we see in the sovereignty of God as our only hope for success in evangelism among the walking dead?

Will we see in the sovereignty of God as our only hope for meaning in our suffering? 

Or will we insist that there is a better hope than the sovereignty of God, or no hope? That’s the question we will face." 
The Sovereignty of God

What I have received in dwelling on the passage above is this:

"He attends to the wildflowers and

Oh, to his children

All the more" Tiffany Oliveira 

pink or blue?

Yes, one of our best friends Angie & Jon are having a baby!! This news has been so exciting to hold since they told us this past May, and we are just so happy for these two people. Not only because they are gorgeous inside & out but because they have been together for so many years and love each other so well. As surreal as it is to see a friend who you've known since you were learning how to walk and talk together (well, maybe not talk...wink wink*) now transition into motherhood in her pregnancy - it has been one of the best memories I have had with Ang and I just love her!

Yesterday, Ang & Jon found out the sex of their baby. When she told me I literally screamed & called her right away! All this happiness & anticipation for everyone to learn the news (soon!) has been making me smile all day, so for that simple reason this memory will now be forever saved into this little blog of mine. I love having a tangible way to document these days I am so thankful for.

So let the guessing game continue until Ang & Jon share the news! What do YOU think? Pink or Blue? (image via pinterest)

wftw: comparison

I love this conversation about comparison from Brooke & Summer, my favorite Girls with Glasses. 

"Don't compare yourself because you are special just the way you are. All the intricate details of your life, no one else has those details." Summer Bellessa

four things

top left: Peonies! I know peony season is officially over, but a couple weeks ago our local TJ's finally had some gorgeous stems to purchase. That was the happy part but here's the sad part: they started to bloom the first 2 days, then stopped & slowly withered away. It was so sad. I think the unpredictable weather may have had something to do with it but either way I feel like I am the worst at taking care of flowers & plants. But I'm determined to get better, for their pretty sake. (I've also noticed that almost every four things post includes flowers; I'm more than ok with that!) // photo via: pinterest

top right: Italy! Just because I have traveling on my mind. There are so many places in Europe and around the world that G & I desire to go. & I can't help but think I don't want to be THAT couple who plans to travel but never gets to it. So we'll keep dreaming & planning & hoping that traveling will continue to be a part of our adventure.We sure hope so! I think this quote depicts how I feel about traveling well, "Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living" Miriam Beard // photo via: pinterest

bottom left: This Album! I know I' already mentioned it last month, but I've been listening to it everyday still- start to finish on YouTube & it has encouraged me again & again. This seasons life anthem for sure. If you haven't yet, take a listen. I don't think you'll be disappointed. // listen here.

bottom right: Summer Sunsets! I mean, they're gorgeous. A couple days ago I even asked G to remove our window screen so I could put my phone out of our 6 story window to capture a sunset. They just leave me breathless. // photo via: sunset picnicking post 

midweek daily dating

This past Wednesday g & I went out to check out the first night of The Taste. Naturally, it transitioned
into a sweet three hour walk around town.

The Taste was bigger & better than ever this year. Even if you're not hungry the smells will get you! We may have to go back for some grub this weekend because this time we resisted.

& we'll have to go back to the food trucks. 

These clouds. They've been around for three days now & they can stay forever if you ask me. & the beautiful summer the concerts just never get old.

This really nice guy asked to take our picture by the Buckingham Fountain. We don't really have too many photos together that aren't "selfies" - so I love our new classic touristy photo.

Yes, we're spoiled by the option of seeing fireworks twice a week at the Navy Pier all summer long. This year we choose to wait till the 4th of July to see them for the first time, but from then on it's been fair game.

Happy weekend everyone! Because life also is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.

july 8th was a really bad day

Ready? Go.

Woke up before 8am to someone banging on their wall upstairs with what sounded like a hammer: it stopped as soon as I got up.

Had an unnecessarily stressful event linger throughout most of the day: not getting into any more detail about that.

Went to Anthro for their sweet sale & found the cutest sandal with 8 pairs all in the same size: that was one size too small.

G & I both got to be home from work to watch Brasil play in the World Cup: we know how that ended.

In an attempt to cheer things up I was able to get g to put on a shirt so we could get some fresh air. I even told him we could eat at Fridays if he wanted (I always complain about going to Fridays. Applebees is WAY better! But there are none downtown) so we get there. Outdoor patio is set up. & it's absolutely stunning out. The weather is perfect; deep blue skies with gorgeous puffy clouds, warm air and a nice breeze. I ask the hostess to be seated in the patio. She says it's closed. 

. . .

I didn't even comprehend her words the first time she said it. So she said it again. Because, "they're having interviews outside" (there was one person sitting in the entire area) and we're "expecting rain."

Oh really? Rain?

You know I checked my phone right away. & guess what? 0% chance of rain. I mean you can obviously see that the sky is 100% blue right? I nearly begged g to let me show her my two weather apps. & to point out that there is no one in the patio anymore. So...?

I'll admit it, I wanted to make a scene. & that's so not me. But on July 8th, it was.

& my dear hubby - my dearest g - was just in shock. He kept repeating, "1 to 7 babe. I cannot believe this." About 10 times.

Yes, today made history & it was a pretty bad day.

But it was pretty good too...

It's just that some of the sweet moments could not be seen, only felt. & that's more than ok too.

shedd aquarium oohs & ahhs

After a rough morning at home, g remembered that this past weekend was the first full weekend of the month - meaning free museum visits for us thanks to Bank of America! It was grossly humid on Sunday so our short walk from the Roosevelt "L" stop to the aquarium was not so fun. But after getting inside in the air-conditioning (thank you God for air-conditioning!) we got to see the "fishies". It was pretty amazing to see. There are some huge creatures in the oceans & rivers in this world & honestly I'll be happy if I never come face to face with most of them in their natural habitat. lol But I think what we loved most was seeing all the kids running around who were so, so excited to see the animals in the water. They get so animated & curious about everything! And hearing all the whoas, oohs, and aahs from them was super cute. Truthfully, I had more than one moment where I was so thankful we didn't have any littles yet because it did get a bit chaotic at some points. Note taken: don't bring your toddlers to an aquarium during their nap time; they will be cranky. :)

A quick note on the rough morning I mentioned, it happens. Just being honest because I value raw writing & truth. But g is so good to me. He loves well in the hard times, days or mornings. We're trusting & living by faith in Christ; not always the easiest road, but I believe it is worth it. 

fishy-faces! literally.

Pretty sweet skyline views from the entrance I'd say. & a random thought: I am so excited for Finding Dory coming out next year!!! Finding Nemo is def. in my top 5, maybe even top 3 Pixars. 

Wait. 

I just googled Finding Dory.

It only comes out in 2016!

 . . . 

drinking: mango smoothie

This month, Julie & I have decided to commit to eating well! We're not fans of fad diets or trends so we're taking simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle by making simple changes to our diet. Like, adding more fruits and vegetables and taking away all things that don't naturally have sugar. But let me tell you, I have the biggest sweet tooth. So on day 2 of our health endeavor I created this deliciously sweet mango smoothie to have for lunch and it was so good, I just had to share! 

Recipe:

coconut water: 1 cup + more for desired consistency 

vanilla flavored greek yogurt: 1 tablespoon (I use chobani)

frozen mango pieces: 1 1/2 cups (ballpark measurement) 

strawberries: 7

banana: 1

chia seeds: 1 teaspoon

flax seeds: 1 teaspoon

Blend & done! If you want more fruit in your diet this is one easy & delicious way to do it!

to recover from the 4th of July cheat day I made a similar smoothie but added 5 blackberries & got this gorgeous color! What can I say, pretty smoothies make me happy.

independence & world cup joys!

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave. O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

//

Eu sou Brasileiro, com muito orgulho, com muito amor

earlier from the game!

I write this brief post waiting for our pizza to finish cooking in the oven (sorry Julie!) after seeing some pretty fireworks from our picnic site. What a day! This was the most unique Independence Day we've ever had. Seriously! When will we ever get to experience another 4th of July when the World Cup is in Brasil & our gorgeous country is playing, wins & moves on to the semi-finals. I was literally jumping up and down for the last 10 minutes of the game! Plus, we got to see the fireworks with an amazing view of the skyline, making the reality of our final summer in Chicago sink in even more. The only thing missing was our family & friends in Jersey who we miss so much, especially on holidays like this. But, being able to celebrate my home country & the country of my heart & blood was so good. & I'm so thankful to live in the land of the free. A very happy July 4th it was!

lyrical: a sky full of stars

'cause every time I listen to this song I think about you(uuuuuuuuuuuu) g. 

& it's also perfectly appropriate for this holiday weekend, I think! Happy 4th everyone - & let the best team win! [<o>]

Coldplay

"a sky full of stars"

'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
I'm gonna give you my heart
'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
'Cause you light up the path

I don't care, go on and tear me apart
I don't care if you do, ooh
'Cause in a sky, 'cause in a sky full of stars
I think I saw you

'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
I wanna die in your arms
'Cause you get lighter the more it gets dark
I'm gonna give you my heart

I don't care, go on and tear me apart
I don't care if you do, ooh
'Cause in a sky, 'cause in a sky full of stars
I think I see you
I think I see you

You're a sky, you're a sky full of stars
Such a heavenly view
You're such a heavenly view

//

great guesses to Michelle & Mommy on the last post! I love you ladies <3

sunset picnicking

in celebration of year three

This lovely picnic was two years in the making. During our first semester together at Moody back in 2011, I frequently attended a meeting with the Moody wives on campus. It was a time of cafeteria eating (which isn't too bad once in a while) with lots of laughing & bonding. In that time we were given a bunch of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other random things to keep for free. They had been donated by someone at school especially for us. Well, as all the ladies were searching through the piles of things one night, a special basket caught my eye. This picnic basket you see here. Still being pretty shy at the time I was embarrassed to ask if I could take it. I mean obviously I could, but for a second I didn't want be the girl who took the old picnic basket. (I know, so silly!) Obviously as you can see, I gathered all the courage I had inside of me & took it; I am so freaking happy I did! I knew it was a priceless gift & the fact that is was used made it even more special. I wondered about the family that used it before us. Whether they were older with lots of kids or newlyweds like us. That summer I was convinced we would be having our first picnic in Chicago. & then we didn't.

Fast forward to last June, we purchased this gorgeous 100% cotton blanket for our two year (cotton) anni. with the intentions of having a picnic with it then. Surely, our second summer in the city with our free, perfectly matured basket & new blanket would motivate us to do it. & then we didn't!

Well as you can see, we finally had our picnic in celebration of year three! After two years of disappointing wishes & tries - we did it! & we both couldn't be happier with how gorgeous it was. We've been inspired to have more picnics on warm summer nights and are already planning the next one. I thank God for another year of marriage & another chance to have a picnic in this city. Cheers to living your dreams no matter how simple they may be. Another thought, God's timing is perfect. This verse has been on my heart all June & I feel like it'll transition beautifully into July: 

"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." Ecc. 3:11a

On a fun note, I had a song on my mind the during the entire picnic! How g sneakingly shot a picture of me singing it I don't know, but you'll see which song it is in the next post. If you want to take a guess, leave a comment below! 

hint: one word from the title of the song is in this picture & the artists name begins with the opposite of hot. ;)