Happy Love Week!

I know, it's more likely a day, not a week! But my plans were this last week to be a Love Week. You know, that kind of week when you surprise your hubby every day with something, and you share your love, and everything is red and pink and butterflies in your stomach. Well, things didn't go like that. Didn't get a chance to decorate the house (I had a couple of very cute ideas) or prepare my gifts/surprises for Eddie, and to top it off - I was tired and grumpy the whole week! Take that, Love Week! However this whole week Eddie truly, deeply loved me in the midst of my mess. He was patient with me, he forgave my outbursts, he didn't hold any of those moments against me. (Yes, I am bragging about him now.) Even more, he waited me with dinner on the night I get really late home. I'm sitting in my living room now, in the dark (only one candle lit in the whole house), surrounded by calming silence, reflecting on the past few days. How childish my behavior in contrast with Eddie's! But he still loves me. I understand now that my attitude this week could have easily been changed with a moment of meditation. To honestly search my heart and pray for an attitude change.
Unfortunately, this kind of situations don't happen only in family life. I get so hooked up on job, errands, my hobbies and my wants that I put my needs on the back burner. My spiritual needs, that is. To pray more. To study more. To understand more. To listen more. Intentionally. Yet, God still loves me. He pays attention to me. Not only He knows exactly what I need, but He gives it to me. Every. Single. Time. The God that created the entire Universe. Do you know how big the Universe is? Infinite. True. But do you grasp this concept? It's huge. More immense than huge. You and I cannot contain it! And if you don't believe me, look for yourself. Go stargazing. Or even easier: do a search on Hubble Telescope. Still not impressed? Watch this video. When you'll be back (hopefully) to finish reading, you'll understand my amazement. I stand in awe that the Creator of all these wonders loves me so much that He gave His only Son to die for me. A small human. A wanna-be writer. An impatient wife. A faulty friend. There are stars out there that sing for His glory day and night, without stopping. And I constantly leave other chores or worries to steal my time from praising Him. From talking to Him.

This Valentine's Day, I've learned to intentionally make time for my Creator. To pray intentionally. To study intentionally. To listen intentionally.


To be more. Intentionally.

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Celebrating August

        

        This month is full of meaning for me. There are quite a few (important) moments to celebrate. Looking back, I can only see God's hand making all things work for the better, just as He promised.   

          Five years ago, on August 9th, I landed with a heavy heart on JFK. I was in a country that everyone rushed to remind me I was going to call it my home. Forever (or at least till I die). And while my heart was longing to go back, my only prayer was "God, I trust You do the best of my life!". At times, the prayer was certain, then angry, other times even doubtful. But I have heard people saying to not trust your heart, so my only refuge was to rely on God. 

          Two years later, and too many hard moments to count after, on August 6th 2010, I left US to "go home"! For 6 months. To get married. It was an epic moment for me. I thought the trip from 2 years ago was rough. I guess my limit was not reached yet. Besides the fact that I was getting married, everything was not as I thought so. I've never admitted it until now. It got to the point that even getting married was hard(don't get me wrong, I don't regret it, in contrary I love my hubby and our life together). It was then when I started to understand why God says "Your home is in Heaven, live accordingly!". 

          Today, August 23rd, 2013 marks 6 years and 8 months since we started dating. Six years of growing together, getting to know each other, and loving each other. It was great, and sweet and bitter and tough but it is worth every minute. There are moments when we thrive, and times when we struggle, but  knowing that no matter what happens, at the end of the day, I go to bed next to the person who loves me the best beyond all of my imperfections, that's what I call awesomeness!

          In the spirit of celebration, I have decided to bring back some cards in my shop later tonight. So, keep an eye open on instagram and facebook, because I'll post when the cards will be available. 

Do you have any reasons to celebrate this month?...

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Rear view mirror

I was speeding way too fast on the highway of life, looking only 2 feet in front of me, and more often looking in my rear view mirror to see if my past is still chasing me. It was a cold, foggy morning... when suddenly, a river of rays of sun shone right in front of me. Suddenly, it’s warm and fuzzy, and cozy and I can't stop a smile. That was the moment I realized the rear view mirror is stopping me from seeing the great things that are ahead of me.

This happened to me way too many mornings while driving to work. I get so caught up to look in the rear view mirror, that sometimes I don't even realize what gorgeous views I miss.

You know what? We do that in our everyday lives, too. We don't see the happiness of our kids because we're too worried about job related issues. We can’t see the happiness of a great relationship because we keep looking back scared of our past. We can't reach for hope when looking in rear view mirror.

God had taught me this year through my morning drives more than I could've imagined.


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I'm Diving In

I was going to write today about faith, because Abraham’s faith amazes me. However, on Sunday I realized I am far from being ready to talk about such a vast subject. And the sermon I listened to inspired me to talk about digging deeper. Or studying. How many times do I spend time really searching the Bible for new meanings, new food for my soul? How many books did I read that helped my spiritual growth or taught me to be a disciple of Jesus? How many times did we read a passage and took only what’s obvious, easy to get to and basic? The sermon I heard was from Acts 5: the story of Ananias and Sapphira - they die after lying about their offering. It’s very known this passage, since I was little I remember people talking about how God punished them for lying. But, if you dig deeper, is so much more to learn from it: they not only lied, they wanted to look better by deceiving everybody to think they gave everything they had. They wanted a good reputation based on a lie. That’s hypocrisy (that’s what the preacher underlined the most). I won’t talk about hypocrisy now, otherwise this article will turn into a sermon (and being a pastor’s kid, that’d be too easy), but it seems God challenges me to dive in his word, not just play next to the shore. Like it was last time (read here), He proved me wonderful things are waiting for me once I dive in.

What was your recent discovery about God that took you by surprise?

Shadowing

{photo via}

       
          This week I've been shadowing respiratory technicians and nurses at York Hospital.  I never knew what "shadowing" is until now, so I don't know if you know. Briefly, shadowing is when you follow around a person who is working on a job you'd like to start a career in, but you're not sure you like it. So, you want to get an idea of exactly what that job is. You're that person's shadow for a certain amount of time.
          I'll tell you from the start: it was ah-mazing!!! I've seen babies that fight for their lives, and people so sick they have no hope of living a normal life again. I've seen a baby coming into this world through a c-section, and forgot all about my anxiety of seeing blood. When you're there, watching things happening, or even much better, doing things, the last thought is "how much blood", or "that's gross" so on so forth. I can't wait to go to school and be a part of this.
          However, now that I'm home, I keep thinking of the similarity of what I did for two days and our relationship with Jesus. Of course, we are not as fortunate as the Apostles to actually follow Jesus around, but we can definitely spend time reading the Bible, trying to understand better and better what He wants from us.
          Are you willing to shadow Jesus?
          

On moving

{photo by me}

          When it comes to moving, I can say I'm a fortunate person. I've lived the first 19 years of my life in the same city, on the same street, with (almost) the same neighbors, in the same apartment. Eddie was not as lucky as me. They have moved around so many times, I get confused every time he tells me some of his memories. However, when time came for me to move, it was a huge change. I moved from Romania to New Jersey, USA. I don't know how much you understand, but let me tell you the difference is so complex, I'm still not 100% accommodated yet. And US have been my home for 4 years already. 

          The first year I longed to go back home. And I went. For 2 weeks. But it didn't feel like home anymore. I didn't know what to talk with my friends. Things have changed, I didn't know what bus to take to go from one place to another, stores closed down or moved and so on. I came back with a broken heart realizing the place where I grew, was my home. It was harder then when I first came to US. 

          A year later when I went back to Romania for 6 months (it was when I got married), I learnt how to let go. I learnt that my real home is not here, and I love how Peter says it: "Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it." (1 Peter 2:11 MSG). Right in my face. Impossible to interpret other way. I realized being with the ones you love is much more important than when or where you live. I've finally accepted that God doesn't move me around because He's bored. I've learnt a lesson that if I hadn't ever moved I would've never understand it; or even think about it. 

          Couple months ago my husband and I moved to our place. It's not a change as dramatic as the first one, on contrary, it's a blessed, very welcome and needed change. At this point, I'm open to any changes God wants in my our lives. As a family. I know I am blessed to be able to taste a little bit of heaven living my life next to the best husband ever. 

          Have you ever moved? What lessons have you learnt through these experiences?...

Friday Letters

          Dear Friday,      I can't believe you're here again!
          Dear Husband,      This week we celebrated our first 2 years together. Thanks for being so sweet and loving me so much! I love you, too! And, as cheesy as it sounds, marrying you was the best decision I have ever made until now. Can't wait to see all the other adventures that await us. 
          Dear Cosmin,      You'll leave tomorrow to meet your bride. I'm so excited for you two and I pray you'll be back safe and sound. Can't wait to meet Dana, too!! In the same time, thanks for trusting me with your invitations, guest book and so on...
          Dear Coffee,      You're delicious!!! Especially in these cold mornings.
          Dear Fall,      I'm learning to like you. I start liking the coldness of your mornings and the crisp air. However, I can't dig in the cold I just caught.
          Dear Friends of this blog,       I love getting to know you. Thanks for joining me in my journey as I share with you my heart.
          Dear life,      Thanks for being busy, but allowing me to spend time listening to Bible. It is awesome how many things you can discover re-reading (or re-listening) this precious book!           

Friday's Letters

            Recently I found Ashley's sweet blog and I fell in love with her warm style and the Friday's Letters link party. Since I love letter, here's my first try!

Dear Journal,
      I know I haven't spent some time with you in a while, but you're always on my mind. I love to read you minnie me from time to time, so don't worry, I'll fill you up.

Dear Stamps,
      So sorry I didn't clean you earlier. I will take time for you and don't worry, even stained, you are very precious to me!

Dear Dishes,
      Please grow up and wash yourselves!

Dear Cosmin & Dana,
     I'm working hard at your wedding decorations and praying a lot for your life together. Only God knows how much I would love to be there with you on your happy day!

My beloved Hubby,
     The last 2 years were the best of my life! I'm so grateful I can have you by my side and be your best friend. You rock!!

Dear TO DO list,
     Please shorten yourself up!

for my dear husband

"Two things are impossible: to see God with your eyes and to narrate the love."

Adrian Paunescu (Romanian poet)

          I read this on the Internet yesterday. Partially, I agree with it. No, you can't see God, but you can see Him through His creation. Take a second and look around: you'll be surprised. Who taught the birds to fly? Who taught the ocean to roar? Who made the flower grow and smell so nice? Who taught people to love?

          Yes, it's impossible to narrate the love. You tell people you love them through your actions, your words, your smile, your attention to them, making them feel important, telling them they're cute (and meaning it), hugging them, kissing them. And yes, sometimes I fail miserably at "loving" people. Not that I actually stop loving them, I just forget to show them my love. However, I'm grateful it takes a lifetime to tell love and that words are optional.

My love is written on your heart, my dear!...

God speaks my language

       "But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

                                                                                                                                                       (Romans 5:8)

          These last two days I thought a lot of my purple sweater. Not about the endless possibilities how to style it, but the lessons I've learned through it.

          On Monday, while working on my sweater, a thought started to create in my head. A thought about the similarities of this sweater and my life. I was poor, sank in my sins and miseries without any hope of escaping, and "while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me". I often sold myself so cheap, but God, took me in His love and invested in me. Even though there was no potential in me. Yes, there were times of poking and cutting, and sewing, tears, discourage, questions, but in the end, He will transform me in more than just a pretty sweater, I will be His masterpiece. Can you imagine? From nothing to a masterpiece? I've learned to stop complaining if it hurts, or if there is no answer, I've learned to just wait for Him to do His work in me. I've also learned the importance of not only reading the Bible, but learning verses, chapters, even books ( if you can). As soon as the thought about the similarity between my purple sweater and I, it reminded me there is a verse in the Bible that talks about how God showed His love for us that while we still didn't know Him, Christ died for us. I looked in the Bible, and there it was: Romans 5:8. Now I'll never forget this verse ever again.
       
          I am so thankful that God choses to talk to us in our language. He is so mighty that created everything and He keeps us together, yet in the same time He knows us so intimate, that He knows how to get us closer to Him.

This is on repeat today:

there is a good side in every bad thing

I think God allows the necessity to move from place to place in order to remind us that our HOME is not here… nor on the other side of the Earth…

Everything has its 1st

I have to be honest: every year would pass and I've never thought of resolutions or plans or what I want from the year that lies ahead of me.

This year, I've already set my priorities and I'm curious how this will affect my life.

This year, I'm dreaming of quiet mornings, long walks for inspiration, much more reading and new adventures.

This will be the year when I'll make Eddie a very special birthday; and read at least 3 books. I'll run a 5k and sell my first card(already did, btw!!!yuppiiee!!!). I'll keep learning to play at the guitar and hopefully, visit Florida. I'll (re)start keeping a journal(for the years to come) and blog several times a week( I have so many ideas for new posts, just didn't make the time to actually put them together).

I'll keep in touch more with my family.
and make a new good, real friend.

I'll start learning more about design and start working on some interior design projects.

Last, but not least, I want to save enough money to buy Eddie the photography equipment he needs. He's such a good photographer, it's a shame not to be able to work because of that...

So, bring it on 2012!!! I know we can handle you!!!

2011 Recap

NYC, a photo by v.sch23 on Flickr

It was a great year. Long and short in the same time. Filled with wonders and tears... happiness and moments of silence. It couldn't have been more beautiful. Now that is over, I want to share with you 12 highlights of the 2011... 

It started with an unforgettable party at our house in Romania. Friends, family and good cheer...

An odd "good bye" with hopes and incredible faith in what's to come. A good bye with smiles and encouragements instead of tears and "why do we have to do this?"

A lonely, unnoticeable Valentine's Day. No harm at all.

Work, and missing more than ever. Still, not desperate. The hope in me was stronger than anything. And trust in God's plan.

An uneventful birthday, a lot of praying - and prayers answered; we saw how God is holding us in His hands.

A trip to JFK to bring home my Honey!!! (our miracle)

Met my cousin's daughters - first trip to NYC with Eddie.

Got a new job (as a bookkeeper at Hotels Unlimited). I got what I was asking for - a job where to use my brain!

Starting to think more and more about card making, decorating, arts and crafts, wedding decorations and so on...

The best way to celebrate first anniversary - Pocono Mountains. I've seen it with my eyes how God can transform your plans - I would've never had the courage to dream to be with Eddie on our first anniversary. Still, the power of prayer and the faith in the Lord.

More ways God was showing us He is in control - Eddie finding a job. We just need to stay with Him, and the rest, He’s in control of everything.

And, there was a first time when Eddie said it. He finally talked about how hard it is for him to be so far from his family. And I understood him; completely. I prayed and am still praying for him, I know it’s not easy.

Last, but not least, we had a quiet Christmas with the family, we went to NYC the day after Christmas, and spent our New Years with family.

We had a very blessed year. I’m so very thankful for God’s guidance in our lives. I’m so excited about the year that just started, I know we have a great adventure before us. And as long as I’m with Eddie, everything else can just work out!

Happy New Year!! :)

Never alone

God gave us the need of friends so we can fulfill somebody's else needs.

Limitless???...

   It's that time when you actually knew all those things all your life but you didn't really know them. And than, there's a moment and it hits you. It hits you hard.

   How many times did you pray "God, help me push my limits.". In this way, you ask God to do amazing things with yourself. For others, and for you. To help you improve your relationship with your family. Have more patience. Risk more. Think more. Learn more. Do something that frightens you. Courage is not the lack of fear. Courage is the overcome of the fear. To be afraid and still do it. You're going to laugh at this, but I'm terrified of making phone calls at my new job. What if I don't understand at all what the other person is talking about? I used to write tons of e-mails and wait half a day for an answer I could've got in 10 seconds. Until couple of weeks ago I started to overcome my groundless fear and start making phone calls. That's magic: people are actually so friendly and ready to help you any time with any problem. What a shock, right?! (not really... sometimes, even I laugh at myself!!.. that's helpless)

{photo via}

    The idea of push your limits is very common among athletes in particular, but yesterday while trying to run more than I usually do, I realized how important is to know how to push your limits. 

    Firstly, stay focused. Never forget your goal. Repeat it frequently to yourself, write it down on a piece of paper and hang it on fridge or make a background picture with it and set it as a wallpaper on your computer. 

   Secondly, Do not lose your faith, either. You can do it! Not because you have an expensive equipment to help with your projects (that could be helpful, but not enough). You can do it because you can do everything through Christ who strengthens you.

  And last, but not least, stay steadfast. Make small steady steps. It won't be easy, and sometimes people around you will discourage you, but never forget your goal. And never forget you didn't grow up in 10 hours or 10 days. It took years and years until you finally were a grown up. The same with pushing your limits. Sometimes, it just takes a while. You just continue reaching for new limits. Because, in the end, if we never push our limits, we'll never know where our limit is!

   

it's good to know you're loved

{photo via}

           This day week started out wonderfully. And today, when I was feeling so tired(because lack of sleep- too much happiness leads to that, too, not only stress), and grumpy, God just gave me another miracle. To remember His love and care for me. He put at 7am a small rainbow in the sky, just in front of me so it would've been impossible not to see it. What a great God we have! I need to mention yesterday or last night didn't rain at all, in fact, it didn't rain in days, which it makes it very special. 

           On the other hand, I have some very good news, and a giveaway coming, but I'll be talking about them next time... today I'm too busy and too tired. So bare with me. 

Some people complain that there are thorns among roses, while others praise God because He put roses among thorns.