Flowers & Easter Treats

Right now I'm studying for a week of exams, but looking back on these photos brings me back to a beautiful Easter weekend. I hope yours was full of love & joy! My goal in the days to come is to keep the fact that He is risen top of mind ALL the time, not just at Easter. Because He lives, we have life, and have it in abundance! What a beautiful truth. 

Much love, Vivi

Can I tell you a Story?

It goes like this,

Once, there was a girl
She was clothed with strength
and dignity
She laughed without fear of the future
She was confident
Confident in Christ, confident in her destiny
She didn't have it all figured out
She wasn't perfect
Wasn't flawless, but she
was kind,
and gentle,
and patient
and humble
and caring
and passionate

This story. I want it to be my story. I want to leave a legacy of confidence in Christ, that no matter what I'm going through, that I remain confident that HE who began a good work in me WILL continue, developing and bringing it to completion in me. Life has been no easy ride lately. It's been painful and full of tears. But can I tell you another story? God is good. He is faithful. He hasn't left my side, not even for a coffee break. He crowns me with compassion and fills my life with good things. Through the winds and storms of the past few months, He has given me an extra measure of grace to push through. To be strong in Him when all I want to do is fall over. To be kind when I'm in pain, grumpy, tired. To be generous when I feel like I need things more. To be gentle, to be patient, to be humble. THIS, friends, is the story of life. It isn't about stuff or outward beauty or pretty photographs. And those things are pretty wonderful! But He is over and abundantly more. Today I choose to live in the light of this story. To live victoriously with the knowledge that I am a child of God, so loved & so cherished.


Much love, Vivi 

Take a Walk

 Things that make me happy:

crisp air & pink blossoms & a snow white calf & family & funny shaped pine-cones & neighbors with gardening skills 

Much love, Vivi

Friends & Beaches

In the midst of writing a Cell Biology paper, I remembered that I hadn't posted these photos. So of course, a break was in order and these wonderful photos are at last being shared! This day was full of joy, exploring, walking on a chilly beach during the sunset, and some good good food. :) 

Much love, Vivi

Winter's end & Spring's first blooms

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Much love, Vivi

Lentil Salad

 This salad is the ultimate cleansing meal after the Christmas season. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you'll be able to relate to the vast quantity of delicious food that Christmas brings with it: dark chocolate molded Santa Clauses, fruit cake, sugar cookies, apple pie, you name it. Enough about treats- back to salad! The best thing about this salad is its versatility. You can add almost any raw veggie to the mix for an added flavor dimension. 

R E C I P E

1. Combine 1 cup of dry lentils with 1 bay leaf and 2 sprigs of rosemary. You can also use one tsp. of ground rosemary instead of the sprigs. Add enough water to cover the lentils by one inch in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 16- 20 minutes until the lentils soften
3. Next, drain the lentils and discard the bay leaf
4. Finely chop 1 cup carrots, 1/3 cup celery, 1/4 cup bell pepper, and 1/2 cup cucumber. Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onion.
5. Add in one 15 oz. can of chick peas to the salad and mix together
6. Finally, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, or 5 tsp. of lemon juice. 

 E N J O Y!

Much love, Vivi 

Snippets of Christmas

Merry Christmas, beautiful people!

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. It's the day that we rejoice in the salvation we have in Him. It's the day we reflect on His mercies, grace, and the amazing lives that we have in Christ. It's the day that, no matter what the year has brought us, we are reminded of Christ and His peace that passes understanding. I hope that your Christmas was filled with so much love and peace.  You are SO loved!

Much love, Vivi