Saving Grace

Family Photo a la self timer.

I am so thankful to be home for this beautiful Easter Sunday with my cute little family.

It is so sad to me that so much of this world misses the whole reason behind this day.

No easter bunny, no colored eggs, no chocolate will ever give anyone the saving grace that Christ gave us on that cross. 

He is risen. 

He has risen for you.

83

                  

I don't even know where to begin.
I believe strongly in God's divine intervention and I feel extremely blessed to have witnessed that tonight.
Unknowingly, I attended a dinner tonight with my parents where I had little expectation as to what I was going to experience, little did I know that I was going to sit by a dear old man that would bless me with words of wisdom, experience, enlightenment, and encouragement that could spread out and last a lifetime.
As we began to small talk, I could tell that Ed and I had an immediate bond and he immediately began to describe to me all the ways that God has worked in and through him in his lifetime. From his travel across 23 countries to his service in our small little community in Washington, I realized early on that I was blessed to be in his presence and decided to embrace all of the wisdom he so eagerly poured into me with his soft spoke words.
Beyond the fact that doctors told him at the age of 34 that he would be paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life and he refused to believe them and became fully mobile in a years time, I was amazed at this man's outlook on life. Now retired, he chuckled at me when he asked if I knew what he majors in now. After I laughed off a guess, he told me that he not only majors in experience but also in encouragement and that he has devoted the rest of his life to encourage young people like me to recognize how important we are and how God can use us. I think that this outlook on life, the idea of not sitting back and relaxing in retirement but furthering the kingdom through encouragement, is something that will stick with me from this night on.
I had several moments tonight after Ed would continue to pat me on the shoulder and say "God bless you sweet girl with the beautiful smile." that I wanted to snapshot and remember for future experiences.  I am hoping that when I do need encouragement, when I need a little perserverance push, that 83-year-old Ed will pop in my mind and remind me what life is all about. In Ed's words, "Kaleen, it's all about love and joy, if you use those two things to serve people, you will be unstoppable."


Ed and I exchanged numbers on our Iphones tonight, yes Ed had an Iphone.
We planned to get lunch together when I am back home this summer and catch up on what we see God doing in our lives.


I cannot wait.

I went to the dark side.

      ^^^This is what "studying" on spring break looks like. 

not so successful.

Normally Spring Break pictures consist of nice tan lines, cute bikini's, palm trees, and some R&R.

My spring break picture: no tan lines, a coat and scarf to stay warm, and cute coffee shop making this homework bearable....

no comparison. 

that's quite alright though.

I am home.

I've caught up with friends over great comfort food and coffee.

and I got my hair did. 

you like?

I went to the dark side. 

Let me introduce you to Parker, Warby Parker.

warby parker.

the best way I've ever spent $95, let me tell you.

I am always on the lookout for a new pair of glasses, preferably stylish and preferably affordable.

A month or so ago, my roommate Kayla told me about this company, Warby Parker, that offers you an amazing deal for an amazing price. cha-ching!

Here's how it works: 

 go to www.warbyparker.com.

 browse through their collection of frames (womens, mens, sunnies, even monocles for you crazies)

 and make an account to pick out your top 5 favorites.

warby will send you those frames FOR FREE (including shipping) and YOU will have

5 days to try them on...what. a. deal. 

I picked out Sims (Burgundy Fade), Wilkie (Sugar Maple), Linwood (Striped Chestnut), Linwood (Revolver Black), & Fitz (Whiskey Tortoise).

after wearing my favorite pair around for 5 days, I had become attached and a hard time sending the frames back but, again shipping was paid for by Warby. 

I fell in love with the Sugar Maple Wilkie, bought them a few days after with my prescription for only $95, and received them in the mail in less than 5 days!

and You haven't even heard the BEST part yet: for each pair of glasses purchased, Warby Parker gives a pair a way to someone in need...i knowwww. Im not a big TOMS girl so finding another company that gives back to the community was great!

Can you tell I'm a huge Warby Parker fan now? Not to mention their amazing design work on their web site and packaging...

Go check out their website and tell me what you think!

Refreshed

Holy Moly. All two days of  Spring Break Twenty Thirteen have been just what I needed.
In the last 48 hours I have recuperated on sleep...man was I missing those zzzz's.
I have indulged in movie watching, blog reading, sister snuggling.
I have actually started reading a book that is not required "by the next class period." My dad bought me Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and two chapters in: so far so good!

Part of my goal for this week is to refresh my body with:
1) e n o u g h Sleep
2) a detox diet of juicing
3) a workout a day.

this was this mornings concoction consisting of frozen pineapple, one apple, a spoonful of greek yogurt and ice. (all while my sister ate a plate full of hash browns, eggs and a cinnamon roll...brutal)

I know it's too early to see any major result but I already feel better about myself. If only this routine would work in the reality of my life at school...

Here's to the rest of #sb2013

I should be writing a paper.

Yea. so its 22:22...(Im trying to learn military time for my Europe trip ((which is in 53 days!!!...freaking out!) Way to start this post out with a long tangent, Kaleen... Anywho. Its 10:20pm non-militia time, and I have an exam in the morning which I have yet to study for and a paper that I may have just reached that half way point on... to say the least: I am overwhelmed. I am tired. I am anxious to go home. I am partially, pretty much entirely checked out. and I have yet to finish packing for my flight home tomorrow. BESIDES all of that,

I AM AT PEACE. (deep deep down in my soul)
God never fails. God always comforts. God continually provides. God laughs at my doubts. God loves.

I was at a loss last week. I had no direction and quite frankly, I was scared. A' shakin' in ma boots moment.
...and for once in my life, I sat back. I cried out to God and I left it in His hands.
I knew there was simply NOTHING I could do but have faith.
and you know what. God was right there with me, He told me it would be okay if I only trusted in Him.

God never fails.

This week, God provided. God showed his faithfulness and God showed me how important it can be to have faith..even if its the size of a mustard seed. I could go on and on and I am still processing a lot of it but to sum it all up,

He's the man.


So, about those papers....

Life according to my Iphone.

The Thursday Edition

pants: Calvin Klein boots: F21 shirt: UO jacket: HM

sweater: F21 pants:dELias boots: cathyjean necklace:Target

               

The storm of midterms/papers/quizzes/group projects/yada yada is almost over...and we have survived and managed to put on cute outfits today.

California is a funny state. Last friday we had beautiful 80 degree sunshine and tomorrow its expected to downpour...and then get back up into the 80's by Monday...I wish Washington had that quick of a turn around. 

Do you ever have relationships in your lives that catch you by surprise that leave you feeling entirely too blessed and lucky? God gave me an amazing roommate this year and I am so thankful for Elizabeth. I am so humbled to be able to live life with her...and GUESS WHAT! 

She's so amazing that she was chosen to study abroad in SOUTH AFRICA next FALL! I know! Giraffes and all! I am so incredibly excited for her but a tincy wincy selfish part of me will miss doing this thing called life with her. but hey! we've still got over 2 months left together! lets get going on that bucket list of ours squirrel!  

Goodnight, xo!