everyday moments: a collabortation

This Thanksgiving has been a very treasured one to say the least. I've noticed that as the years go by, every holiday becomes more sweet and cherished to me. I think it's because over the years I've realized that we need to treasure every breath we take on this earth. To remember those moments that take place in a split second, but can make an impact forever. Even if it's something as simple as a goodnight kiss, a funny facial expression, or the warmth from a ray of sun resting on your cheek. Every moment is precious. That truth has become more and more undeniable to me recently. 

While were were celebrating Thanksgiving this year we had family from Oklahoma come up to our chilly state of Wisconsin and spend about a week and half with us. And it was so great to spend time with them all! I wish that they didn't live so far away from us...but for now, it's Gods will that each of our families are placed where they are in the country...

(please forgive me as I am thinking out-loud right now)

Anyways, Thanksgiving was filled with laughter, gratefulness, love, and food food food. And more food. This year is deffinelty one that has been filled with some ups and downs. But aren't those the ones that you grow the most from? I think they are, and I'm so thankful for the experiences that have helped me mature as a person this past year. And I look forward to the many more to come! November 24th, 2011 went by way to quickly for my taste. But now that it's over I don't have to feel guilty about listening to Christmas music, or adorning our house with Christmas lights and ribbons, so please excuse me as I go do that. I seriously can't wait for this Christmas everyone! 

P.S. I got this post idea from Pastor's Girl's Pondering's.

Hope you don't mind Carlotta! Go check out her "everyday moments post"!

Much Love,

Ella

Autumn. Stay a while, okay?

I used to say that summer was my absolute, without a doubt, favorite season. But as the years have gone by I think that my feelings have taken a little turn. Don't get me wrong, Summer is for sure at the top of my list, but I think that Autumn is right up there with it.
There's just something about the crispness in the air and the smell of burning leaves as you step out side. The cozy sweaters, hats, vests, and scarfs that get taken out of storage to bring warmth to our skin from the chill of the wind. It's quite refreshing after the scorching hot season we call, Summer.

Fall reminds me of days from years past, days filled with nothing but romping around outside playing in the new fallen leaves. I can remember that the nip in the air would give me a feeling of energy and stamina that I couldn't fully describe. All I knew was that I was going to stay outside for as long as the weather would permit. 

But when I would return inside the night was not yet over. We would shed our jackets, and enter the kitchen out of breath and rosy cheeked. There would be some type of warm concoction for us to sip down that would warm our worn-out bodies. And more than likely, an inviting fire would be burning in the fireplace. 
These are the memorize that will stick with me forever. And even though there is nothing very significant about them, they have made an impact.

There is something a little discouraging about Autumn for me as well though. It's a little disheartening to see all of the leaves, flowers, and the color that just brings so much life to the world, die. Whenever I feel sad about that I just try to savor this season and remind myself of all the good things that Autumn has to offer.
 

  Just ignore my awkwardness...yes please do that.

So to wrap this post up,

I just really adore you Autumn! If it were up to me, I'd make you last a few extra months. But evidently that is not the case here is Wisconsin. We've already had snow... a little too early if you ask me! :P

What are you're thoughts on Autumn? Let me know!
 

a fresh start

Sometimes you just need that awakening. A time for growth, inspiration, and a fresh start. And that is exactly what has happened to me in the last few months.

It's a funny thing, "starting fresh". By starting fresh you're making your self vulnerable to change. Change is a scary thing, and has never been easy for me to accept to say the least.

Hey you, yeah you in the hammock. You're cute. 

And as you can probably tell "Ella Joy's Life-song" has undergone some pretty dramatic changes, including a new name! What do y'all think?

I was looking for a name that was simple but one that still would grab people. Illuminate was one of the first names to pop into my jumbled brain(at that moment) and it stuck ever since! I feel like we all need to be imitators of Christ, we need to illuminate his bright love to this dark world that we live in. 

Well everyone, I'm SO glad to be back! And I'm very excited for what the future holds, I just feel so inspired! You better believe that I won't be taking a break anytime soon. :) 


>> ella

where to begin

(currently listening to Jack Johnson)


I'm finally back. First of all let me just say that I'm so sorry for taking forever to post. This past month has been pretty packed with us getting back from our family vacation out east, summer starting, new jobs that I'm applying for. It's pretty difficult to know where to start!

I think that instead of starting where I left off I should just start at the present. I think that if I went all the way back I wouldn't even have enough time to post about what goes on this summer!

I'm so excited for what this summer has to hold. I know that we're already almost a month into it. But I'm really just as excited about summer now as I was when I realized that there were only 31 days left of my sophomore year to accomplish.

I'd have to say that June is by far one of the most exciting months out of the year. June is where summer is still young. The days are not unbearably hot, but still warm enough that your skin can go in sun kissed by the end of the day. Not to mention my birthday is during this month as well. :)

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.  ~Gertrude Jekyll

June is for bountiful pastures full of plants stretching towards the welcoming sun. 

June is for giving horses much needed baths in the 80 degree + weather. And then filling your boots up with refreshing water from the hose to help cool off afterwards. I know it sounds a little weird, but hey it really does help! Okay...moving on. 

June is for making funny faces while sipping tart lemonade. 
These two are funny. I like them. 

June is for picking fresh strawberries. 
I think that strawberries are just some of the most beautiful fruits ever! They are so cheery and pleasant to the eye. 

It's weird to think that with the change of every month the all the things around us on this earth will change as well.

But what makes me smile is that even though those little commodities change we can rest in the fact that our God will never change! He is the same yesterday today and forever.


So, as this post is reminiscing about some of the thrills and pleasures of June, lets remember that it won't last forever. And let us find happiness and joy when we remember that our God is always going to be there for us, and that he is coming back soon! 


But for the record, June sure is wonderful! 


Have a wonderful day!


-ella