Abridged Update.

Hey. I've not updated this in ages. Giant apologies. I guess sometimes I just get so into living life, that I forget to sit down and share what that's lookin' like for me?

Anyways. The abridged version of the last 6 1/2 months is as follows:

Philly rocks, I love it a lot. I got crazy busy being on various committees at the shelter. It was fantastic. I hosted a few groups, all of them were wonderful and I really enjoyed my time with them and learned a lot. Yay for being the "ninth member" instead of the rando city host. The weather was absolutely beautiful, so I walked a lot. Took lots of pictures. I got a second roomie, she was supa sweet. Both my roomies moved out. Last week in Philly people tried breaking into my house one night. But God is good and everything worked out just fine. I moved back to KY. Which was nice, but hard at the same time. I missed the city a lot, but it was good to have time with some of my fam and friends. I got to go spend some time at camp, and even work there for a week which was so so wonderful. AND. As I said a few sentences ago, God is good. He opened a door for me to come back to Philly. I took it. I ran right on through that door. There was a bit of hesitation, but not too much. Sometimes it's just hard to be 900 miles away from people who mean a whole whole lot to you. And by sometimes, I mean always. But I moved back here three weeks ago. A new chapter. So that's where I'm at now. I'm not sure what this chapter will hold, but I'm not the author thankfully.

I guess that's all I really have to say for now. I need to get my reading done for life group tonight, and I'm going to write a few letters. I just thought I'd finally update this, just in case anyone still checks it from time to time. I might try to get back into blogging, but I can't say I've ever been very consistent with it.

I hope everyone is well!

Em

Beautiful things.

I think a lot about beautiful things. About things I'm thankful for. Here is a list of some things that have brought joy to my life recently. That I am thankful for. Some aren't so much joy-filling as they are thought-inducing...thoughts that led to joy in some way or another.They're in no particular order and I'm no doubt going to leave a bajillion things out. But here is a very short glimpse into my mind....or...my heart, rather.

Being given a honeydew by one of the guests at OBP.
Broken windows in abandoned buildings.
Old railroad bridge.
Manayunk.
The view of the Schuylkill on the walk to Target.
Sunshine reflecting off tall office buildings.
The sound of a small stream of water trickling beneath my feet.
People praising God openly. Honestly. Being real.
Slumber parties with Martha
Being greeted on the street by a guest. His story. His optimism despite a bump in the road.
Streets with trash being transformed into streets without trash!
Neighborhood kids.
Letters.
Support.
The trolley.
The 43.
Red bell peppers.
Coffee rings forming as a drink my morning cup o' joe.
The Lowe Trail
42nd Street karaoke.
Working like a well oiled machine.
New websites!
Memories.
Community
Mod Podge
Inspiration
Mama T book study
Encouraging words
Ordinary people being extraordinary heroes
Improv biscuit bread
Postcards.
The sanctuary at Broad Street
Restoration
Murals, murals, more murals!
Spring Garden bridge
Warm blankets.
Patience
Sweet facebook messages
People passionate about their music.
Lyrics
Fairmount Park
Being productive
Thankfulness..."Gratitude Attitude"
South Philly-isms.
People who overcome odds.
Thoughtful, giving people.
Wisdom
Sticky notes
Pictures that kids color for you.
My boys--X, C & M
The "munchkins"
Efficient packing
Aldi's trips
Rain
Roomie Bible Study.
Reminiscing
Laughter
Coffee dates
Trader Joe's!!
Reconnecting
Vulnerability
Elbow patched things.
U.S. 70 scenery
Mango Passionfruit Juice
"The fruit of the spirit is not a...."
Singalongs
Sister time
TWLOHA
Concerts
Humor
Waking up before the alarm.
The stars
Hydroflask.
Coffee/Monster/Mt. Dew.....caffeine.
Common Prayer
The smell of books.
Lotion.
UPenn's campus
Toms
My backpack
Funny faces
Harmony
Freddy and Tony's
The Ben Frank
Roadtrips
Unfailing love.

Here's hoping you're experiencing lots of beautiful things, too

Em