Laughter

I've never been one of those people who spends hours upon hours on Youtube. Not that I don't think I could be- I just don't want to try, for fear that I get addicted. But some wonderful people have shown me some adorable videos, that make me laugh.

I hope the future little Merritts are this awesome:


And also this adorable and witty:


This one makes my heart smile, because it's the definition of love:


I hope those brought you joy!

Letters

I've embarked on my second season of Lent. But I kind of changed the rules for myself this year. I reflected on my experience last year, of giving up comfort food, and I'm not sure I fully utilized the Lent season to it's potential, in terms of my relationship with God. So instead of explicitly giving something up this year, I have decided to journal every day. At some point in the day, every day, I spend time with God by praying and journaling. I'm hoping that this develops into a natural habit, part of my everyday life, without even having to think about it. So far, it's been a wonderful experience. I have a lot of amazing things in my life and not a lot to worry about, and so I've found that I haven't been feeling that "need" to connect with God as much. This daily journaling has been really important for me, to remember that the "need" is not just about when life is rough. I have to thank God for all the amazing things in my life, and not take them for granted. My fiance, my family, my friends, my school, my house, my future home...the list could go on forever. So I've taken to writing letters to God, talking to Him about my day and about what I am thankful for and sometimes things I need help with. But it's just been so comforting to spend time alone with God everyday. I think my version of Lent is perfect for me, where I'm at. And I don't think God is upset that I bent the rules.

Your Love Is Strong

dear jon foreman,
thank you for making beautiful music
that speaks to my soul and
reminds me to breathe.

i look out the window
the birds are composing
not a note is out of tune
or out of place
i look at the meadow
and stare at the flowers
better dressed than any girl
on her wedding day

so why do i worry?
why do i freak out?
God knows what i need
You know what i need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

two things you told me
that You are strong
and You love me
yes, You love me

Twenty Ten

as 2009 comes to a close and 2010 is just around the corner, i find myself reflecting more on these two years than i normally do. maybe because a lot of wonderful things happened this past year and because i'm looking forward to so much in the coming year. as i think on my happiness, i can't help but wonder if i have been taking it all for granted. i am so blessed and it's important to remember that. God has taken such good care of me. so as i look to the beginning of a new decade, i'm trying to focus on God as the reason i'm here.

this year, i will:
[01] marry my best friend and begin our life together
[o2] share God by loving others
[03] not take my happiness for granted
[04] support my family and friends
[05] stand up for what i believe in
[06] simplify what i have, figuring out what's important
[07] not let things matter more than relationships
[08] search for God's purpose for my future career
[09] not judge people
[10] love unconditionally

So Close

i've handed in nine papers this week- two days ahead of schedule. it's made for a very intense couple of weeks, but that's the end of the semester for you. turns out i enjoy take-home finals. they're hard, but they're papers you can do with all your notes. i think that's better than trying to remember everything and recall it to explicit detail in an exam.

ahh.

that was my breath, to signify how close i am to the end of the semester. just two exams on monday. and then i'll be done! i'm so excited. i'm only a few days away from wedding planning fun and christmas delightfulness. i love christmas. and i'm definitely going to love planning our wedding!

so close to the finish line.

p.s. countdown: seven months!

Fix You

sometimes, all you can do is
choose to love
and
choose to forgive.

oh, and listen to coldplay.

when you try your best, but you don't succeed
when you get what you want, but not what you need
when you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
stuck in reverse

and the tears come streaming down your face
when you lose something you can't replace
when you love someone, but it goes to waste
could it be worse?

lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
and i will try to fix you

Love Is

i am the luckiest and happiest girl in the world.
i still can't believe i'm engaged.
it feels too good to be true.

here is the proposal story:
brian and jen [my matron of honor] were having a joint birthday party at the coup, a restaurant on 17th ave. a lot of our camp friends were there, as well as some special people in brian and jen's lives. it was a lot of fun to celebrate together and spend time with wonderful people. after being at the party for a couple hours, jen pulls me outside to go for a walk. she was being kind of suspicious, so i started to expect something was coming. when we got back to the restaurant, everyone had gathered in one part of the restuarant. brian sat me down and drew my attention to a silver box on the table. i picked it up and opened it, seeing the most beautiful diamond ring. brian got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

it was completely unexpected, but also completely wonderful. we got to share it with so many people who have supported us in our relationship from the beginning.

wedding planning has been going full force. turns out my mom is a wedding planner, but no one, including her, knew it yet. i'm so busy with school that i've really needed her help, and she has been there for me 100%. we are getting married on july 10 and i couldn't be more excited about it.

turns out guest lists are the most awkward thing ever. for the people we can afford to invite, there will be a beautiful reception. and the ceremony will be open to everyone who wants to come. it will be a wonderful day.

i can't wait to be mrs. merritt!

Happiness Is

i am the luckiest girl in the world.
on sunday, the man of my dreams asked me to marry him.
i'm pretty sure my feet haven't touched the ground since then.
he proposed in front of our friends,
which was totally unexpected and also
perfect for us and our relationship.
we are surrounded with amazing people and
i'm glad we could share our moment with them.

i didn't know i could be this happy.
it's a wonderful feeling.

i can't believe how blessed i am,
that God has brought Brian and i together.
i can't wait to start our lives as
husband and wife.

seriously, i couldn't be happier.

Future

The future is kind of terrifying.
And so exciting.
And unknown.
And a bit crazy?

I don't know. The future is a lot of things. The one thing I'm having to remind myself of constantly lately is that the future is in God's hands. I can stress out and freak out as much as I want, but that won't fix anything. I need to rely on God. If He wants me to get into the Honours program, then I will. If he wants me to go to grad school, then I will. And then He'll also decide where I go to grad school.

I guess my problem is that, for me, relying on God is easier said than done. I hear people talking about how competitive the Honours program is, knowing that grad school is even more so, and it scares me. I have this plan in mind, where I do Honours, then go to grad school, and become a counseling psychologist. I guess one of the main reasons I find it so hard to rely on God is that my plan won't work out if He knows it's not right for me, and I'm not very good at giving up control. But I know I need to. I know God knows what's best for me and has an amazing plan for me.

To all the people in my life who support and love me unconditionally- thank you. I know God has put you all in my life, and I am so blessed. I don't know what I'd do without you. And right now, I'd really appreciate your prayer as well. This is a crazy, intimidating, scary time. Thanks for holding my hand through this.

Time

after a week at the lake, i'm home.
for real. actually "home".
for so long, the camp was my second home.
but i've come to a point in my life
where it's no longer that place for me.
it has still meant so much to me over so many years.

it's where i found my best friends,
learned who i was,
experienced countless important things
and fell in love.

but i've realized that times have changed.
fortunately, they seem like good changes.
i'm happy for the week i had there,
but i'm also so happy to be home.

i've found peace and closure.
i feel blessed to be able to move on.
it's time.