Home

Again, centuries since I have posted. But this seems like the perfect and fitting time.

You would not believe how often I get compared to a bird. For those of you that don't like birds, this probably seems odd or disturbing. But the people that compare me to a bird say it's because I take flight, I move from place to place, and I am free. I like this type of analogy.

Well here I am home. I have made my way back to the Pacific Northwest wiser, stronger, and with some experiences in my back pocket. It's always hard to transition, but it feels more than right, more than perfect to be where I am called to... home.

Home is where I will have lots of new beginnings. I am starting this new kind of life here, but keeping all the pieces I love. It is such an exciting feeling, and I am so grateful.

I get to write about new things. I get to travel to new places. I get to have all these new experiences to add to this book that moves through my twenties, my thirties, and so forth. I sometimes feel like there is nothing else in my life that could be better, because of everything I have been given.

I am home.

Whether it's temporary, for weeks or for this season, or whether it's the place you will be until you are REALLY home... this four letter word means so much to me.

So, in the upcoming months I will write more I promise! Our journey through the end of our engagement, the beautiful summer, and much much more.

Then after August, after a new chapter, I will start a new blog. It's not that this chatper of me is ending, or that I am losing myself as ME...but I am joining together in an awesome small family and having crazy, fun, and LAUGHABLE adventures as a wife! Such a great and crazy feeling...

Thank you readers. You are so good in all you do!

Shush

I have so many fun surprises coming up. I am bursting!

This week seems to not allow me to catch a break, but once I get through it, I know that things are going to pick up fast and fly through.

Even though right now I am working through some tough stuff, I ask myself the questions...
Who am I and where is my identity?
What am I doing well and who can I serve well?
What is my destiny and how am I fulfilling it?
Where is my path going, and am I walking in stability without stumbling?

When I think about my life like that, with those questions that are sometimes so hard for people, I am so pleased with my answers and where my head and heart are at.

I am also so blessed to have the best friends on the planet. I remember thinking that there are friends in my life that I probably would have for a life time. I don't think that I was ever naive, but I do love people so, so deeply and I do always keep the best of intentions, even when the outcome doesn't follow suite.
But, there are some friends, especially now that I am growing and walking out my life with some amazing people, where I see myself continuing to be a part of their lives for the long haul. That is so fun and exciting. Thank you, and you know who you are, for staying by me and listening and understanding. Life is so much easier with you every day, and I couldn't be more grateful.


I have so many thoughts about so many things.

I heard this song today, right in the midst of all my confusion. I was sorting some thoughts and trying to understand where I was at and how I was feeling and Chris August came on the radio.

He has a song out now that is really incredible, and battles a concept we all face in some way, that really struck with me today. His song, 7 times 70, talks about a word some of us cringe at... forgiveness.
The concept traces back to the Bible. Peter asks Jesus if he should forgive his brother, over and over again for his wrong doing. Should I forgive him seven times? And Jesus answers(in Matthew 18:22) "Not seven times, but seven times seventy times"

Who are you working on forgiving? What a huge topic to be on my mind and heart today!

To finish up, I have to tell you how grateful I am for Billy. Okay I know, it's all over the blog, everyone knows we are happy and in love, but gosh I pray for him and think about him and realize how wonderful he is and how much he has done for me. He has moved in my heart in a way I wasn't sure was possible! He knows me so well, and knows how to comfort and protect. Wow, sounds like a soldier?
He's not just a soldier for the United States Army, but also he is one for my life and my future family. He works so hard and provides so well for those around him.

I compliment him a lot on this thing, but I think I am just so ready and excited to have him home for awhile. To experience all the fun things...all the surprises!
So shush me, I can't blow it! But I have some pretty fun things planned for you, Ed!

Billy - I am grateful for you, and I care about you. I am happy you are in my life and I am happy that I am in yours. I am happy that we have each other and the wisdom of others on the outside to make us stronger! Thank you for being you. Even from almost six thousand miles away.

Synopsis of today? Gosh who knows, look at every where my mind has been. I guess that's what the blog is for!

Thank you readers, you're so good to me!

Etsy

It is time you guys!

A lot of you have recommended to me that I take my crafting, and painting to the next level... so I have! I officially have an Etsy store.

I have been preparing for this for some time, and trying to decide if it is something I really want to do. I am thrilled to say after some talking, praying, and brainstorming... it is here!

I am really excited to see what will happen over the next couple months and for my inspiration to grow as I make new things.

For all of you who have supported me, donated, and allowed me to put something into your homes...thank you! I am growing and expanding and it is all thanks to the support and warm welcome I have gotten thus far.

And for my regular blog readers, you wonderful people you, I have a coupon code for you! If you go on my Etsy shop (link is below) and make a purchase throughout this month, you can have free shipping!

Coupon code is : THRUFEB

Thank you again friends for being such a support to me... I love you all so much!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/briannamaurine?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

Love bug

day twenty nine

Be intentional about pouring out today. Write a note and prayer so that the thousands of miles seem small!



Billy -

Today is the third Valentine's Day we've spent as a couple, and I am honored to say that there will be many more to come. I don't really like Valentine's Day, and I don't really like how it has the ability to build up or destroy how someone feels (thanks to our media and commercialization!) But, there is something I do like about Valentine's Day with you. It gives me an extra opportunity, for today, to pour into you what you should be hearing.

You should be hearing that I think you're strong. I think you're some kind of warrior that is full of courage, and perseverance. You should be hearing that I love how you love, and I love your ability to look at me with a gentle spirit, and patient eyes. You should be hearing that you are great, and you prove it, even when you don't have to. Sometimes, you might not even know you do! You should be hearing that you are valued: you are valued as a man, as a soldier, as a son, as a brother, as a friend, and as my person.

You should be hearing that you are selfless. You give to me in ways that are unseen, and are unspoken, and you don't take the glory. You should be hearing that you are treasured by your family, by me, and by the Lord.

Don't ever give up because you are bold. You are trustworthy, and really, you are adorable. You are beautiful to me, and you will be a great person so experience life with... in fact, you already are!

You have grown so much, and so have I... but how exciting is that? We start this year knowing that we have each other and that no matter what, whether it's this holiday or any other day of the year, we have each other and we have so much to grow and learn in.

No matter where I am, or what I express, or what I lack to tell you, I am here and I am not going anywhere at all. We have the power to do some pretty incredible things, with God's guidance.

1 John 4:16 says "I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love."

Today, just like any other, I want you to remember who you are, and what you mean to me.

I love you, Nook. More every day!

-Brianna

Take it slow

day eighteen
Make a homemade postcard - sending it your way!

This morning I woke up still feeling distress, but like I was being called to really do something today! I've been cleaning and sorting. I'm slowly starting to get rid of some stuff that I really don't need anymore, and that feels great.

This morning I also decided for Billy I would make him a post card to send to him. I think that postcards are so fun, especially from scratch. I also thought I would spill out some truth on the back side, kind of to pump up his day! ;)

I am impressed by his determination lately... he should know that.

I am going to meet a new family that I will start watching on Friday mornings. Kylie is almost two and a half and it should really be a treat! I should be starting tomorrow, so please pray for a great meeting this afternoon.

I think I will get back to picking up my room, and then lay back down and read. Thanks friends for checking in and have an amazing, sunshining Thursday!

What do I name you?

day seventeen
Enjoy the little things - because I always enjoy them with you.

I was thinking about so many things over the last few days and every time I would think "I need to blog that for Billy!" or, "That'd be an awesome thing to share!" I would get side tracked.

I started thinking about how so often in this world, there is life that pollutes us. It brings us down, makes us feel icky, makes us feel unworthy. I remember though, when I feel like that, all of the joyful things that I have been blessed with. This sounds so corny, but I guess I just needed to do a little think-aloud.

I was feeling kinda down this weekend and went to a church service Sunday where they talked about Romans 12. I wanted to cry, but decided to laugh because Romans 12, is always the chapter that reveals itself to me when I am upset and feeling like I don't have the tools to be successful. I definitely do, and I can definitely feel inspiration and conviction in all parts of Romans, but especially the verses we were reviewing Sunday. Romans 12:2, as many of you know, has been a verse that shows up for me time and time again as a reminder... you are special, you are great, you can do this. I have it posted on my wall, and it has come up in church services that I have been to, across the states, five times this year alone. I am constantly amazed that I get the privilege to be watched over and protected when I feel so small.

That was the cool, and exciting thing about Sunday.

I also thought about this upcoming year and all the fun things that are going to happen and the things I get to do. I am so moved by the gentleness that Billy you give me when you are far away. You know how to maneuver around my ups and downs and confusions. You are level, you are patient, and that is what creates such a great foundation in you. I am so overjoyed to spend year after year after year with you and I balancing life together. Our adventures, our spirits, our achievements, our faults. Learning more and more as we go, I can't wait for that.

So I've been preparing for you. I've been thinking about all the ways I can prepare to be the best I can be and how I can love you, and those around me, the best I can. That's a surprise though.. I'm working hard on that until you come home. Maybe that's why you haven't seen me write as much ;)

Last night on the phone Billy and I talked about honeymoons. Anyone have any suggestions? It's fun to think that's something we get to do. I got an email today from Orbitz about travel packages and it made me smile from ear to ear... what an adventure we get to share before starting the day-to-day life!

I know today that even though I had a scary day in the doctor's office, and all these little weird things happen with my body that make me not feel well, I know that I am going to be just fine because I have so many great things in my life that get me through each day. I am grateful for late night phone calls, and my cat that snuggles with me. I am grateful for my roommates, and for a warm house and warm meals. I am grateful for my family that loves me well from afar, and for my family that loves me well here. I am grateful for my church, for my community, and for my mentors.

I am grateful for you, and your inspiration.
I am grateful for friends, and my education.
I am grateful for the Packers being in the Super Bowl, and I am grateful for Zayd sleeping in his own crib tonight.

Sick as a dog

I am all cuddled up in bed and really trying to get some sleep, because the sinus bug hit me the first week of school. All the pressure, the tooth aches, the body pains. Not my ideal way to start my last spring semester, but I'll take what I can get and use every day to my advantage and goodness!

We talked all about Psalm 40 (one of the verses I put in my post a few days ago) on Sunday after church. I couldn't help but smile at God's timing. He does that for me all the time, reiterates things he REALLY wants me to remember!

I have been really behind with all my head congestion on this blog, but I have still been thinking of you, and how ready I am for you to come home.

We're now starting day ten , which means we have thirty nine days left. Over the last five days of not posting and yuckiness, I have been thinking about Valentine's day and what I want to do for you. If anyone has any creativity flowing out of them, message me privately. I want us to do something special this year, since it's a special year! Also, I want to be able to really celebrate with you, my dear, when you're home. I'm sorry I haven't written to you. But I have been thinking about you. Here's a few things that I thought, that helped me get through missing you when I had a fever and a serious case of the pouts.


Ten random things that many people don't know that I love.
1. I bet you didn't know I love the scar on your left hand.
2. I bet you didn't know I like when you laugh and your own jokes.
3. I bet you didn't know that I miss eating macaroni and chili. And haven't eaten it since.
4. I bet you didn't know that the way you talk to people you don't know, melts my heart a little.
5. I bet you didn't know, I only think of us when country music is blasting.
6. I bet you didn't know that our real life movie scene, staring Brad Paisley, sprinklers, and chocolate covered strawberries, will never go unremembered.
7. I bet you didn't know that no one has ever remembered my favorite things, like you do.
8. I bet you didn't know that there's three specific conversations that sealed the deal for me, and you could never have treated me better if you tried.
9. I bet you didn't know I can't help but love tickling you.
10. I bet you didn't know, even though I tell you to never crack my toes again, I probably would hate it if you stopped.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAUMU3QQE6w

I always think of you, when I hear this.

Hello to you, weekend before school!

As most of you know, school starts this Monday. This is my last spring semester of my college career. As much as I am thrilled to be done and start the adventures of a more adult life, I can't believe where I've been over the last three years. I have learned so much, but also I believe I have grown so much.

College really has been the best time of my life. The ups, and downs, and learning to trust myself and listen to others.

I have spent a lot of my life trying to please other people and although I still struggle with that, I am learning to set boundaries for myself and my service of others. It's a tough thing to learn! I haven't had to do it alone though.

Now to tell you about Billy and I'll countdown-date last night

day four (January 21st)
Pick a movie you can both watch at the same time, and skype while doing it.
Friday night Billy and I watched Knight and Day together... but apart! We both put it into our computers, set up Skype and on the count of three, pressed play. It was really fun to be able to keep checking in with each other and knowing that we're at the exact same point through out the whole movie. Even though we were "alone" it was something that we would do on a Friday night together anyway. We had snacks, and chatted a little bit here and there throughout the movie, and it definitely made me feel closer to him. I have known other couples do this too, but this was the first time for us to try it and I would definitely do it again! It was really fun.


day five (January 22nd)
Share one secret about when you met, that you didn't think you'd ever share.
Now, be prepared for this to get a little goofy, but I think Billy, you will appreciate this memory. I was not a completely boy crazy person, when I was growing up, but I remember there was a little bit different thing with you. I think first of all I was surprised by how tall you were. And you were tan, you were funny, you were sweet. You definitely had charm, but I remember distinctively thinking "he's out of my league". I think the best part was when I had been getting to know Cassie (Cas, you might not remember this!) and she was only, thirteen I think. I remember one day I said, "Billy's your brother!?" and I looked at her again and realized how much a like the two of you looked. But, back to knowing you, I think the thing the biggest secret was how magnetic you were to me... and we were fifteen! I found you so interesting, and your big heart was contagious... along with the goofyness, how could we ever forget about that? Do you remember, on the bus back to the airport, we passed notes in our journal? I still have that journal. And we sat in the aisle together on the bus? I think that was just the beginning, but I never thought I'd really tell you how much I was enticed by you, and who you are. I'm so glad that almost six years later, I still get to learn more about you every day.

Continuing -

I didn't get to post last night because after work, I was dead tired! I guess this countdown may be harder than I thought, because when I tried to connect with Billy last night for our daily activity... we kept missing each other! Phone tag across 5,500 miles, who knew it'd be so irritating? :)

Last night's post was this
day two
Pick a place you've always wanted to go together, share a picture, and say why!
So my love, if you want to do this with me, post a comment or write me a message and I'll copy and paste your answer in here too!

I chose PRAGUE
Every person I have talked to that has ever been to Prague was so impressed with it's community, it's beauty, and it's exquisiteness. It's not our typical Tahiti or Bora Bora, but Prague seems like a wonderful little escape into Europe.

I have about three more that are top top on my list, but maybe I'll share those with you another day.



Here's some pictures! Doesn't it look beautiful? I remember Hillary and I almost going there when we were seventeen and I thought "No but I want to go to Paris because it's...Paris!" It was great for us, in the end, and I'm glad that maybe I can experience some of the other European countries, with you.

I'll post today's, tonight! As they say in Czech, ahoj!


day three (January 20th)
Find an encouraging quote or scripture to inspire the other to get through it.

I really love the way the Bible talks about patience. Patience doesn't come easily, and trusting in God doesn't always come easily either. However, if you have the two together, you are bound to live a happy and loving life. I like that when we feel comforted by God, and when we feel like we are holy to each other, we reap the benefits! Here is what I have been reading in Psalm, that maybe will touch in your heart somewhere.

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land." -Psalm 37:7-9

"I wait patiently on the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry." -Psalm 40:1
How true is this one? When we wait for God to fix our big pile of stuff, somehow, someway he does. This verse helps me remember I'm not in control of all the chaos around me.

And from Romans, while I wait for you to come home,
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:2

49

It's the final countdown.

For the next forty nine days, I will be sharing with you a journey Billy and I are going on to countdown until he comes home on leave. I came up with a list of things that we can do together (but apart) or things that I can do for him. I will be documenting them in my blog for anyone who is interested to read and follow! I will try not to be super sappy, but I won't be offended if you don't keep up ;)

For any long distance people out there that want to try anything we try, feel free! I think this will be a fun way for us to pass the time and connect.

day one
Write a letter, mail it tomorrow.

To start this month and a half off right, I will be writing a letter tonight to welcome Billy to a chunk-of-fun! I can't even tell you how much fun mail is. To receive and to send. Billy is so easy to write to too, so this will be an easy one to start off with. I have lots of fun ideas written in my journal for the next 49 days, but if you guys have any fun suggestions throw them at me!