crafting

Even though I find myself pretty busy... I certainly have way less stress and a bit more free time to do some of the things I LOVE :) This often includes craft/ artsy projects! [as well as being active outside!] Doing creative things makes me so inspired about life and just makes me feel "all warm inside" :)

Here are some of the latest things I have done:

A baby blanket (which took much longer than I anticipated!) for our new nephew!!

A treat box for my baby boy (a little paint, sharpie, wooden dog, and blank box!)

And a bulletin board for my husband and I! (Refurbished frame from goodwill, a little floral flare, reused cork, and buttons/ ribbons added to the push pins!)

being content in the moment

I have been realizing lately to really TRY and be CONTENT in the moment.
It is so important to appreciate where you are at and where you have come from.
Often times that in itself allows for much celebration...
Although dreaming of where you hope to be someday is important to your drive and hope, I have to continually remind myself to not let that take over my thoughts.
The oh so well known phrase (even I know it with my EXTREME lack of knowledge of sayings) "stop and smell the roses" is so true!
How are we supposed to enjoy each phase and point in our lives if we are always looking towards what will happen next?
If we forget to just stop and find joy, peace and even frustration in what is in the NOW, we will miss many life lessons and just plain happiness that is present RIGHT NOW!
I have a lot to be grateful for as I am sure you do too...
Although i find myself comparing my life to those around me quite frequently, and feeling that I either do not measure up to what they have accomplished, I have to remember that is a very debilitating thing to do to yourself. To be honest, these people may be looking at you and thinking the very same things about themselves.
I need to remember...

BE YOU (and celebrate your differences/ strengths)
DONT WORRY about what someone else has done, or how great their life seems to be (A. Just be happy for their successes and B. Anyone can make their life look good "on paper")
STOP AND ENJOY THE MOMENT (and every moment there after!)
BE GRATEFUL for the love and life you have been given :)

As I inspire myself to be a better person and always GROW, I hope I can do the same for you!!

Christina <3

If your not sure

[if your are not sure if you mom loves you, think again.
if you are questioning if the words you are saying to her are hurting her, reassess how you treat her.
and if you don't think that pushing her away makes her heart break, try and draw near.
A mothers love is so incredible and pure, and the roller coaster of emotions and roles in their children's' lives is sure to take a toll on them in some way. Can we as children try and make it just a bit easier on them?]

*New life is so precious and such a gift! There is a new Dittrich in the world and he is incredibly healthy even though there were some huge concerns along the way. But...prayers were answered and God had it all planned out for his little one :) Good thing we were faithful!

*Lately, I have really started to actually ENJOY completely intertwining my life with my husband. I feel like we are slowly working through some of the kinks and getting into the swing of things with this thing called marriage. Yes, its always tough and the concept that one CHOOSES to not only live their own life to the fullest but meshes with someone else's life as well is...well...kinda nuts! We are such selfish beings and it takes a lot of effort and training to stop living for ourselves but equally (if not more) live to serve, please, and LOVE every aspect of another person. However, companionship in marriage is irriplacable :)

Off to another "normal" week, except for the fact that Sam's Jr. High student ministry kicks off on Wed. :) So excited!!!

-Christina

I love my dog....

...and im not ashamed!
I have ALWAYS loved animals so much. I have had pets my whole life, but only what my parents would allow. From fish to hamster, to cat and then mice...I loved them all. However, last july, I was blessed enough to get the best lil pup for my husband and I. I never knew it was possible to love an animal [part of the family] so much! He is a yorkie, and is one of the biggest joys of my life! Theodore...your amazing!

Fall

As much as I am in love with the sun, the heat, and the bliss of summer... I do have to admit that I am a little bit excited for what the fall will bring. Such as:

• More crocheting projects (that can actually be used)
• Clarity with my job situations (Hopefully!)
• Sweaters and sweatshirts
• Warm Starbucks coffee 
• Trips to Stillwater with Tiff
• To get a grip on how youth ministry will ACTUALLY work at SOV:) (and to build relationships with the students and leaders!)
• Sweatpants
• Being able to take Theo on longer walks where he doesnt over heat
• Being able to run in a comfortable climate
• Football games
• Our trip to Duluth
• Darker hair that will not fade with the sun!

I already feel like I'm "cheating on summer" by thinking these things, but what the heck, I guess I cant deny that fall is NOT so bad ;)

Adios <3

standing still

Ever find yourself waiting for some of those you love to come around?
It seems like they are often off in their own little world with little realization of just how much harm they are doing to themselves and those around them.
More than it saddens me/ someone to watch this, it is tough to picture the damage that is being done on the person's life.
As I in fact know, wisdom and learning often comes from your mistakes. However, at what point do you stop "acting in a way you may be able to learn from" and actually start learning? Because my biggest fear is that months turn in to years, and then a couple years turns in to a lifetime. One that you cant get back.
What is my part in all this? How long can you watch and support when everything in you wants to intervene and pull them away from all the destruction.
I do believe change is possible, but I hope it is not false hope. I guess thats not up to me.
Just know I love you.

Slumberland

So as I traveled with my friend Genette to buy some furniture for her new place, we encountered the most dorky/ heart warming "sales man." It was not only entertaining to chat with him, but so ever refreshing to see such an innocent and glowing perspective on life (even at slumberland). It was so cute, and according to him, he "has a lifetime friend now!" Anyways, it was just very pleasant to be around someone with such a light hearted and innocent approach to life. I don't think words can describe him! All we could do was smile. real big :)

I am so pleased to be a part of Sam's new career path as a youth director. It is such an uplifting journey filled with some pretty amazing people at the church. I cant wait to start building lasting relationships with all the students there. We are truly blessed to be where we are. The future excites me. I am not sure where it will go, but i know that it will be promising!

5 years ago, I never would have guessed that I would be where I am now. I always hoped my life would be put back together again and I would someday find peace and happiness in non destructive things. Who would have thought that I would have been given the love, support and tools to actually get here? Im sure everyone I grew up with would be surprised. Our God is good and faithful when we follow Him.

The phrase thats on my mind (and soon hopefully on me) is: Saved by Grace

We all are.

Adios<@