Has anyone else around these parts had a hard time finding a decaf worth drinking at starbucks? No? I am the only one who worries about such things? While most people are trying to get their kids to bed at night or get to bed early for tomorrows big day, I am left wondering what to drink.

Well i was honest one day with my local barista. Starbucks doesn't brew decaf past 10 in the morning? Can anyone explain? And if anyone has had a decaf americano, well he. You know its disappointment in a cup. So the friendly barista whipped up a quad decaf for me. Which is 4 shots of decaf espresso topped with a bit of hot water, add a splash of half and half and you have got a buttery smooth and rich drink. Just in time for beddy bye. Which is what i am drinking before my 4 hour flight to AZ.

Can anyone else tell that traveling without the hubs is quite boring?

Purity means freedom from contamination, from anything that would spoil the taste or the pleasure, reduce he power, or in any way adulterate what the thing was meant to be.
Elisabeth Elliot.

Today is a day of doc appointments so John and I treated ourselves to Angie's Subs out at Jax beach. We have survived the first days of school with both of us feeling a little under the weather. I am not sure if our bodies are just now catching up to us or if we shook too many germy hands on freshman move in day.
Hopefully I feel better because tomorrow I leave to see my big sis graduate from PA school in AZ. And hopefully John feels better because there will be no one to care for his sniffles. In critical news: John is wearing a new shirt that I find him irresistable in. :)

For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by His fatherly care, that He is the Author of their every good, that they should seek nothing beyond Him-- they will never yield Him willing service. Nay, unless they establish their complete happiness in Him, they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to Him.

-- John Calvin

two brand new loves

Hello friends who read my blog.

I have been introduced through some friends to the wonderful site, pinterest.com.  It is a virtual pinboard of all the things that inspire you, things you want to remember, ideas etc.  And once I got the hang of it, I LOVE it.  Who does not like to keep all the pretty things they find on the world wide web in one place?  And I can see what my friends think is really pretty too.  My usernames is mrsteten.  shocked I am sure.  But check it out if you want.

AND then, through a pinterest link, I found this site just last night, and FELL. IN. LOVE.  A cute woman started her own vintage clothing and home goods store and has a blog about it called a beautiful mess. She includes oh-so-needed info, like how to pinroll your hair in the cutest way ever or how to DIY lace briefcase, pictured above.  Of course!

Hope you enjoy these to time wasters as much as I have.
Love,
Melissa

Freshman move in day at UNF. Can you see how pumped we are? Pray if you would!

Amy and I headed to the beach today. It was a perfect combination of sun, breeze and ocean. Maybe too much sun, I am a little pink. We only listen to depressing singer songwriter types so the only semi-pumped music we had in the car was Michael Jackson, so . . .

I finally caved. Here are the pics of God's home that He gave us. I have been so hesitant because I want to post it in all its glory. But any homeowner could have told me, the glory never arrives. There will always be three things I would do in any room to put our stamp on this house. But I am more than pleased with it already.  And John's youngest sister, Amy, will be living with us for a year!

John's office/ my fav room in our house/ the lodge/ the study/ the library
In a few months you will find me by the fire with a pumpkin latte

my office/ guest accommodations/ future nursery if God wills.
this is the house we prayed for.  no pics of the kitchen yet.  it truly is a disaster as we try to put our stamp on it.

Amy's room.

our love nest.  

steadfastness, that is holding on;
patience, that is holding back;
expectancy, that is holding the face up;
obedience, that is holding one's self in readiness to go or do
listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear

S.D. Gordon
Quiet Talks on Prayer

Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes one's thoughts. It is easy to talk oneself into a decision that holds no permanence-- easier sometimes than waiting patiently.

Elizabeth Elliot

For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?

Dueteronomy 4:7