Searching

There once lived a little girl. She lived with her Father and was very happy. Her Father loved her very much and since He had very special powers, He made a plan for her life that would be far from dull, but would bring her ultimate happiness. However, there was a catch (because there's always a catch!). Her life was a puzzle. And she would have to find the pieces and put it together. Granted, she could ask for help, but sometimes the answer would not come quickly.

The little girl found herself to be an excellent puzzle solver. The school pieces, friend pieces, and family pieces all fell together quite nicely. And she was happy. She joyously threw the pieces together, took a step back to admire the finished product... and realized that a part of the puzzle was still missing. 

Her heart.

The little girl was adept at putting the rest of the pieces together, but somehow, the heart was the most difficult part for her to put together. It was the one part where she was solely dependent on her Father's guidance. She had sought out pieces that weren't the perfect fit. They were good pieces... just not the right ones. Well the little girl thought, "Dad, we put the other pieces together. I can wait on this part. I have time."

Well, I should have noted that this girl was a good girl but patience was a constant struggle for her. She decided to venture into a magical world (not knowing what to expect, as most little girls never do.) and found a piece. Was it the right one? Was she just subconsciously desperate to finish the puzzle all too soon? The piece was beautiful -- complex, kind, searching for someone like her to pick him and put him into play.

But then it occurred to her: perhaps this wasn't the final piece. Maybe it was a piece that was necessary to find the next. She felt that there was so much she needed to learn before the puzzle was complete, and this was a mere step to finding her proper piece. She mustered up her courage, went to her Father and asked what she should do.

He simply looked down at her with a twinkle in His eyes, but said nothing. 

"Father please, tell me what to do!"
But His response was not the answer she expected. 

He told her: "You will choose. But whatever you decide, I will be here. And we will finish this puzzle together, and at the end of the day... I will take you home with me. If I am in your heart first and foremost, my child, we will walk hand in hand forever more... and you will be safe."

So she went back out and found the piece, willing and eager to be a part of the puzzle. She took the piece ever so gently in her hands, and slowly made her way home.

--to be continued--
(As most stories usually are...)

Not too shabby

This is what I get to see at work every weekend. :)

Lovely coffeehouses.

I love coffee shops. 

OK, Starbucks, Coffee Bean, It's a Grind... you guys have all been great. But I'm talking about overstuffed couches with signs of wear and love, funky art pieces on the walls (the more outlandish, the better!), super friendly workers that know people by name and order, mismatched chairs and dimmed lighting. I really wish OC had more independent coffeehouses. Embark with me on a virtual tour of some of the coolest coffee houses in the US (Most are in NYC... lucky east coasters!)

Chandler Cafe, OH. Loving the cheery Christmas decorations!

Claire de Lune, San Diego CA

Cute storefront. And I'm a fan of the name...

Cafe Lalo in NYC

Bush baby. 10 points for the name alone.

OK so the above two images are from Saraghina Cafe in NYC. Pretty little vintage haven. *swoon* 

The above two images are from Cafe Grumpy in Brooklyn. How could you be grumpy in a place like this? Even the mad bear face logo is too cute!

Wasn't that fun? Now back to studying. Sadly, not at one of the above places but at home drinking instant coffee. *sigh* 

Oh well, thank goodness for my oh-so-vivid daydreams!

Love, blessings and caffeinated warm fuzzies,

Christina

Chilly Monday, you beautiful thing you...

Woke up. Drank yummy green tea out of an adorable snowman mug.

Delved into nerd mode and hit the books.

Even nerds need a study break :) One of my favorite shows!

Put on my bomb military inspired jacket from Old Navy

Cued up cloudy day music: Throw it all Away - Zero 7

Put on my favorite plaid boots. Because snuggly feet are happy feet.

All in all, a lovely Monday. 

Thank you, God, for the chillies and the warm fuzzies.

Revive Me

My body aches

in places that I never knew existed.

My mind is full

fuller than it's ever been.

My heart is heavy

and the little happy flicker of joy

is all burned out.

My soul longs

for something bigger,

more fulfilling,

than the trivial distractions of this world.

Burned out.

That's one way you can put it.

God, tonight as I lay down to sleep, please grant me rest. 

I ask for Your peace. 

Stillness. 

Renewal.

With Everything - Hillsong United

If there's one song that can't be played loud enough, often enough... it's this one.
"With everything, we will shout for your glory!"

engagement ring love

Who says a girl can't dream?
This morning, I've been neglecting my academic duties as a student and instead found the most incredible engagement ring. (You think THAT'S bad?? I already planned my honeymoon. See here.)

Well, here it is!

Satomi Kawakita

Beautiful!! Platinum band. The damage? $1560 for a .2 carat diamond. A little pricey considering how simple and muted it is. Alot of my friends are engaged or married and some of them are sporting these HUGE rocks. I think that's wonderful and their rings look beautiful on them. But my left index finger is a tad on the small size (3.5) and so a big diamond just looks tacky. Plus, I want it to match my personality.

Of course, I'd be happy with ANY ring my fiance gave me. It's about the symbol, the meaning, rather than the rock. But as I said, I girl has to dream!