Retreating

Although it was supposedly gorgeous over the weekend in Minneapolis, we packed up our little hatchback and headed north where there was still snow on the ground.  We spent the weekend in McGregor, MN with about 40 other couples from our church for a marriage retreat.  

The theme was stories of marriage on mission, which was so great to hear about and learn from.  Different couples ranging from about 10 years of marriage to 49 years (!!) shared their experiences of marriage, struggle, joy, sin, grace, and hope.  Although each couple's story was so different, God's faithfulness was evident in each one.  

It gives me such encouragement to hear from other couples, wise with experience, who have endured trials and triumph in their marriages.  We're so new at this, and learning so much.  God's grace is covering us now, and He will continue to prove himself faithful for years to come.  

I'm so grateful for other couples who have walked ahead of us, and can offer guidance.  I'm also grateful for the couples who are in the same place as we are, walking through similar seasons, trying to navigate this new experience.  

It was a good getaway for Zach and I.  We came home yesterday to a very messy house, tons of laundry that smells like a campfire, no groceries in our fridge - but nonetheless lots of thankfulness in our hearts.  (And our nice neighbors made us dinner) :)

    

Speed walking/run backwards race 

Puddle reflections  

Pro packers

Johnstock 2013!

Hello! I have a fun announcement - Little Winter Shop will be a vendor at Johnstock 2013! I'm really excited, and I've never done anything like this before.  

When Zach was explaining to someone what Johnstock was, he said "It's like Woodstock. But crafts."

Because I'm fairly confident it's NOT like that, here are the details I have for you so far. (I do hope you'll come say hello!)

What: an art/craft fair sponsored by local businesses of northeast mpls. (including, my fav Crafty Planet!)

When: June 1st, 10am - 6pm 

Where: Northeast Minneapolis (details to come - it's outdoors in a parking lot) :)

Who: ME! (little winter shop) and lots of other crafty people in Minneapolis, and beyond.

Why: Because it's fun to support your local community, and everyone needs more crafts in their life. 

I'm super pumped about it, and have turned my dining room into a baby headband factory in order to prepare.  That said, things at the shop may be a tad quieter the next few weeks so that I can stock up for Johnstock.  Although I couldn't resist adding some new fabric headbands today. And just a couple felt.  :)

Take a peek here!

weekending + things that are true

Can it be? Spring? Weather that means going for walks?! The weekend promised warmer weather and hope for once again going outdoors.  Zach and I even ventured out (without our coats!) for coffee and treats from our neighborhood coffee shop.  Minneapolis friends - you need to go to May Day Cafe and get the almond poppy seed muffin. Whoa. 

 Clearly, we are off of the whole30 :)Enjoying occasional treats is in full swing!

This weekend was actually pretty busy for us, and when that happens I find myself slipping into regret and sadness that the weekend is over. Sounds kind of silly, but I tend toward this when our "time off" wasn't restful enough, or even fun enough.  I so look forward to weekends because of time spent with Zach, slowing down, getting things done, and enjoying rest. These are all good things, but not ultimate things.  So, when they don't happen I don't need to despair.  Jesus is the solid ground on which I stand, not a good weekend. 

These are things that I'm trusting in today...

Things that are true:

1. My hope is not in my circumstance, but in Christ, who never fails.
2. Because of #1, I can have joy in every circumstance.
3. Jesus died for me, and his grace covers even my sin of discontentment in a weekend. His sacrifice on the cross is enough for my sin, big and small.
4. God created work, and He created rest. Both are good because of this.
5. The Lord has me in this season of life for my joy and His glory. I so want to grow in glorifying God in the mundane everyday life circumstances. I sometimes get wrapped up in wishing this season of life away, or believing the Lord isn't using me now. Untrue! 
6. "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance." (psalm 16:5-6)

I'm thankful for Jesus, who makes all of the above true and real.  Thankful that He has redeemed my life and can redeem a weekend. Simple as they are, these true things are heightening my joy on this Monday, and are taking my eyes off of myself, and onto Christ. 

Happy Monday, friends. :)

Baby Hudson

Here are a few photos I took of little Hudson Ross (and his cute parents).  Just the sweetest family, grateful and excited about their new addition.  Hudson was such a trooper, and (mostly) slept while I clicked away.  There's just nothing like a newborn baby - so tiny and fragile and new. How cute is he?  I can see both of his parents in his little features already.  Thanks for letting me take some snapshots, Kleiman fam!

Hallelujah, what a Savior

Easter is such a joyful celebration of Jesus. It was good for my heart this weekend to rejoice in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, paying for my sin, rising from the dead, counting me righteous before God because of absolutely nothing that I've done.  What grace; what a Savior!

Here are the lyrics to a favorite hymn of mine, which we sang at our wedding. It's such sweet truth to my heart, and I hope it is good news to yours today as well.

Hallelujah! What a Savior

Man of Sorrows! what a name

For the Son of God, who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood;

Sealed my pardon with His blood.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;

Spotless Lamb of God was He;

“Full atonement!” can it be?

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;

“It is finished!” was His cry;

Now in Heav’n exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew His song we’ll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior!