The Woods

Great weekend with the family

enjoying the stillness of the forest,

the roars of laughter,

and the delicious food. 

J

Goodmorning

Certainly enjoying the beginnings of married life. 

Breakfast in the mornings. 

Dinners in the evening. 

j

Fall Drops

Once we have our proper wedding photos we will write a nice post 

on how perfect the day was. It truly was beautiful. 

Till soon.

J

Unseen

Evidence of things Unseen from Salomon on Vimeo.

Approaching

.seventeen.

little words or images can come close to grasping the state of heart, soul and spirit within. 

we are confident in the vastly approaching union.

given to us to reveal a greater glory.

to know and be known.

thank you abba.

amen.

till soon.

j

The Days

Not many remain between us and our day. A day looked forward to for so long. Longed for yet patiently waited upon. Love refined in the final days. My love I stay true to thee. 

woodnote

whole heart.

forever & ever.

j

39 days

I am lightened by love.

Till soon. 

♥f

Admiration

Today we celebrate an incredible son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend. 

I give thanks today for my complimenting part.

He is more than I deserve and nothing less than remarkable.

Jason John,

welcome my admiration and respect, for I give it to you

today and always.

Happy 24th Birthday.

Love,

f

The Heart

We celebrate a heart that is 

still beating

still loving

still growing

We gathered for a campfire last night to relax on my (soontobe) father's birthday.

A man I deeply admire and count as a great blessing. 

J

Wedding Wednesday

Just under 2 months!

J

Wedding (Monday): Invitations

The great task of designing, printing, assembling, addressing and sending the invitations is complete! My mother and sister were both up north for the week and were not able to join the team as well fearlessly attacked the piles one by one. I could not have done it on my own so I traveled to the Jahnke residence for backup. My gracious future mother-in-law and fun future sister-in-law were both such a help! For two days, miss bridesmaid Jordan supported me with such willingness as well. Her friendship has blessed me over and over again. 

Leaving the post office, I felt really good. Not many other ways to say it. Many of our loved ones even received their invitations the next day and so the process of preparing continues! 

Next stop: men's attire and picking out the wedding rings. 

♥f

Letting Go of Gripping

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:24-25

J and I are currently in a financial life group that is moving our hearts more than we tend to admit. It has been a loud, but quiet teaching. Some of the lessons are extremely practical but others are a whisper to the spirit. Not only are we gaining wisdom in how to best handle our finances as stewards of God's money, but even more so, I would say, we are being called to build a more intimate relationship with God through trust. Preparing for marriage, Jason and I have spoken often of God's faithfulness and provision. More often, J is looking me in the eye and telling me "It's going to be alright." 

We will not have much, but God has already given us enough. Enough to live and to give. God can and will do more with our money for his glory than we could ever imagine to do ourselves. The verse in Proverbs above is speaking to me today. It is moving my heart to trust in God. Simply. Wholly. As I learn to surrender money, my character will be enriched. If I withhold, I will surely continue to be in want. Oh, how I long to be watered with God's tender and perfect provision. His and not mine of my own strength. So I pray for trust in finding an apartment to live in and a job that ultimately uses me to glorify the Lord, as well as trust in numerous other circumstances in our lives right now. 

Surely we are called to set our hopes and certainty on God who richly provides us with everything we need and even gracefully with everything to enjoy.

With a surrendered heart to let go,

♥f

Check!

Together Faryn and I rounded out our wedding registry adventure last evening. I do need to admit that Faryn, along with her mother, took the bulk of the registry check list to bed bath and beyond whilst I was at work one day and did a great job. Still, the Target and Pottery Barn tagging was fun (I got to man the scanning gun, boys like guns)

It feels good to check off another "To Do" on our list. July is flying by faster than we thought and it aint slowin down! 

Have a super friday


J

Beauty

Today we celebrate a very special individual.

Today we give thanks to our Lord for a daughter, sister, friend. 

I give thanks for a companion.

Faryn Bo

You are Loved by many. 

Happy Birthday.

Love,

J

Independence Day!

The 4th of July. What a terrific holiday. We'd say that it sits right up there as 2nd best (Christmas will forever trump). We love the atmosphere of pride and thankfulness. Family, friends, food, summer, games, laughter, fireworks, parades...and colors! We hope that every year we improve on our festive attire. Stay tuned for next year. :) Till then, we hope that each of you had just as an enjoyable celebration as we did. 

Yesterday's itinerary:

Faryn did not get called in to work.

Faryn & Jason spent lovely chat-time at Starbucks.

Picked up 7 Jimmy subs for dinner.

Stayed cool at the Jahnke household.

The wonderful Jasinki's arrived!

Chit-chat.

Laugh.

A round of Scattergories! 

Troops rolled out to brave the heat.

6 o'clock set up camp near the harbor.

Jimmy grub. 

Bocce Ball.

Relaxation.

FIREWORKS. 

(Racine nailed it out of the park)

Traffic jam.

Shower.

Bed.

Awesome. 

Glen

"This Gift"

source: Glen Hansard

The Rip Tide

source: Youtube

Wedding Wednesday: 100

One hundred days until Jason and I are pronounced husband and wife! 

This number is filled with increasing hope. The growing intimacy between us through the hard and the joyful is surprising me with its beauty. The tears reveal passion and the smiles glow the presence of a steady love. I have never been so stretched in my life as now. 

First of all, I graduated. I am now planning a wedding. I will be moving out of my parents home for the first time. I have a part-time job still wondering what I am ever going to do with my life. 

Not to mention, the daily battle of fighting for God's truth. 

These transitions and growing pains are bringing me to a place of humility. It has been uncomfortable, let me tell you. I have found in me a rooted fear and anxiety. It has recently been affecting my attitude and words. Wedding planning is stressful and personal thoughts are negative for lack of trust and peace. These things God has talked of in His word. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:6-7

Insecurities find no meaning for my security shall be in Christ alone. 

God I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed Give me vision to see things like You do God I look to You, You’re where my help comes from Give me wisdom; You know just what to do I will love You Lord my strength I will love You Lord my shield I will love You Lord my rock forever 

All my days I will love You God  

Wedding planning continues with His strength! And with our delight!

♥f

There and Back

I took a quick business trip down to Miami last week. It was hot, so very very hot. 

It was a great opportunity to meet a cool athlete and shoot some behind the scenes. 

Within 24 hours I was back in Wisconsin. Its safe to say I want to live here. Of course I want to travel but calling this state my home feels right. Yes, its easy to complain about our weather and how it can be less than desirable at times, but its overall it is pretty good. I choose to look at the many positive characteristics of my home and having traveled just a little bit I appreciate them that much more. 

Here are a few shots from my trip. 

j

Varúð

Easily our favorite track.

j

Still Frame

credit: jason

Rest

Rest with purpose. 

As Jesus did.

"Jesus Christ, the only perfect person who ever lived, took time to daily cultivate his inner life. He rested. He prayed. He relaxed. And you are not better than Jesus.

Faithfully cultivating your inner life with God is the most important part of your mission. If you neglect this, you will burn out and your impact will be severely lessened.

The most effective change agents realize their mission is not theirs, but God’s and is fueled by His supernatural power."

source: Daniel Darling

J

Your Presence

Nothing can come close.

j

Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaids!

This past weekend I formally asked my dearest ladies if they would be my maids.

I put together a gift of sorts containing all the fun and important notes about our big day, their role, and my dress preference. Needless to say, there were girlie outbursts and tears involved.:)

Meet and greet my girls:

yannah standiford: maid of honor –most treasured sister, natural beauty, eyes and ears of my good and bad, cute nosed, unconditional, most likely to tell me everything is going to be okay on my big day and thereafter.

elizabeth becker: best friend forever, captivating soul, faithful through thick and thin, laugh of a free-spirit, most likely to smother me with hugs and tears regardless of my make-up and wedding dress.

hope jahnke: sister of the groom, youthful perspective, jolly ole’ time, beautiful young woman with envied lashes, most likely to shake her tail feathers on the dance floor.

sarah graf: most graceful friend, infinitely more than a roommate, admired Godly wife to mr. graf, comfort in all times, delicately lovely, most likely to remind me of God’s blessings throughout the day’s celebration.

jordan woiteshek: dear friend of many years, guaranteed good time and memory maker, quiet wisdom, unique in the best possible way, most likely to make me laugh until my asthma kicks in on my wedding day. 

They're the best. 

xoxo,

f

Motion

source: Vimeo

J

The Graduate

She did it!

With flying colors I might add. Summa Cum Laude, best of the best. I could go on and on with the many academic achievements Faryn has earned. She worked hard, applied herself and stayed focus and on top of things. All qualities that will enable her to excel in the working world. Yet, so much more of who Faryn is lay beyond the honors cords and tassel. 

We celebrate something more.

Faryn is truly a heart that blesses those around her. The degree to which that blessing is varies from person to person but it is without hesitation that all would agree she is something special. Her words, voice, style, spirit, and heart have great richness. A smile that can light up any room. A love that is full of Christ. 

We celebrate you, Faryn Bo.

Job well done. 





J

My Chains are Gone

Thirst

“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world”

-C.S. Lewis

"Unless you are heavenly minded, you will be no earthly good."

-Taken from Pastor Joel Lindsey's message


There is a stirring of the Spirit whirling around me and gently speaking to my heart. 
The gospel of love is good and omnipresent whether a soul chooses to be aware of it or not. 
 It has the power to make all things new every single day.
God is calling us to receive the free gift of all-sufficieny. 


Only the shadow of death touches us, but it does not overcome us. 
Christ died and experienced the apartness that we deserved. He became thirsty
so that we will never be thirsty again. (Revelation 21:6)
We are given eternal water. Life. 


 I will wait for Him and walk in His promises
unashamed.  

♥f

Style Muse: The Help

This past weekend my parents, J and I watched The Help. I am surprised that I had not yet seen it since it was the most talked about book and movie for quite some time. The movie was very moving and well, inspirational for many reasons: one being for the 1960's fashion! My mom can testify that almost every scene I made a comment about how lovely the outfits were. I suppose this means that I aspire to dress as such and, as my mom commented, "You may have majored in the wrong area." If at least it inspired me, I am content. 

I applied to Anthropologie yesterday just for the (hopes) & fun of it. 

♥f

Coming Soon

The Graduate

This past weekend was surely filled with smiles and miles. 

We journeyed north to Manitowoc, WI to celebrate the graduation of my dear mother from her masters program. A mother of 4 with a full time job who completed her Masters degree, how neat is that?!

Really neat.

Easily one of the hardest working and studious persons I know. 

She worked after "work", 

studied at the library on the weekends

and late into the night. 

It was wonderful to celebrate such an accomplished

woman and mother. A loving spirit and a servant leader

both at work and home.

We snagged a couple hotel rooms (boys room and girls room)

 and brought snacks, games and our swim suits! 

It was a fantastic weekend with just the family. 

These times are growing fewer as we grow older but for that reason they 

are rich in love and plentiful in laughter. Truly nuggets of life's gold.

Smiles for miles.

J

Hey, Kendi

I have recently upon my return from Ecuador fallen into a even greater appreciation for fashion.

Not that high-end, top-of-the-line, fashionista type thing but the down-to-earth, here's-what-I-dug-up-in-my-closet type thing. What I wear has been an expression of myself ever since my freshman year of high school (I recall wearing brown bowling shoes and a "hip" sweater vest). My closet has collected clothing like a vacuum and I still piece together outfits that include a shirt from tenth grade. People seem to compliment me often about my clothing when, in actuality, I look at everyone else and think they are the ones who look fashionable. I tend to see the best in people, even in their clothes. I don't turn heads but I like shoes. I like clothes. I like the art in the way a dress can flatter a woman's hips while at the same time express her inner humor or compassion. A shirt doesn't just have to be a shirt all the time. It can be paint.

So, I'm a fan. Oh, Kendi Everyday, you inspire me.

I follow her blog daily (okay maybe twice daily...among others). She colors up life in her own little way and is proud of it! I don't have the budget to shop Anthropologie or J.Crew but there is treasure at the thrift stores, right? One day this blog may actually have a "lookbook." That is a possibility. But what I have a hard time dreaming about is opening up my own boutique one day. 

Kendi has done it all. 

Her story: Kendi Skeen of Kendi Everyday and Bloom Boutique

On no, I should have majored in Business?

 Hoping in God above all,

♥f

Wedding Wednesday: Ready, set, go!

The wedding planning has begun, not quite in full-throttle (since I have to make it to graduation in 2.5 weeks) but it sure has been feeling like it! I actually got good sleep last night which was greatly needed! I have been up thinking about all there is to-do, all my ideas brewing, the what-ifs, and all the excitement J & I are antsy with. I am constantly being reminded to focus on God and His control. Everything will work out beautiful in his good and perfect timing. J has been awesome at reminding me of such Truth and peace. 

My mom & J have been incredible in their communication and making many phone calls all week. I am so blessed to have a fiancé that loves my mom as much as I do and vice versa. 

Because of their diligence we now have a date set, a reception venue booked in Milwaukee and an available photographer most willing to get to know J & I and make us look lovely in their photos.

A late September wedding is planned! 

(I know, I know, that is soon! but we are ready

to plan, create, and be "merried" in such a beautiful month!)  

With that being said, I already began antique shopping for various items the first week of engagement with a couple of my friends, the beauties, Elizabeth & Meagan. 

Besides decorating a home one day, this may be the most creative time of my life! I love it because it is giving me a rewarding and lively pastime.  

As more things fall into place I am getting more enthusiastic. 

It will be a special time to be a loving fiancé to Jason, an endearing time to enjoy and appreciate my family, especially my mom, and a time to bond with my girls! All in all, my prayer is that my life would reflect Christ during the entire process. I want to honor Him in my attitude. He is faithful to carry J & I through all things. 

p.s. If any of you see me hypocritically forget what I wrote in the previous sentences 

feel free to call me out on it! :)

Happy Wednesday! 

♥f

Engaged! From His Angle.

With just a little over a week into the engagement, it has been joyous, uplifting, loving and natural. 

All flowing from the blessings above, from a God who gives abundantly. 

But let us rewind a little.

You have previously read the details from my beautiful bride to be,

but now is my turn to give you the scoop on that wonderful day.

My heart began to whisper to me around the end of last summer and as Faryn departed for a semester in Ecuador that whisper became a roaring lion of sorts. Thus began my creative flow of possible proposal ideas.

After many days of dreaming, thinking, crafting, starting over and the like, I felt confident in my idea and the thought of it coming to life. 

I took my time with the preparation. God really put on my heart two different times of the year in which the proposal could happen. It was made obvious that it would happen in the spring and doors were opened to allow that to happen. 

Location was key. It became clear to me that it was right under my nose and ultimately the perfect spot. 

A few calls and I had it booked. A short couple of weeks after I would be on one knee. It was a go!

I began piecing together my ideas, mostly in my head as I lay on my pillow each night and morning. Envisioning my idea coming to life within the space and the unique moment it would be, brought much excitement and anticipation. 

Below is a short video of the testing and setup of the scene within the lighthouse. 

Perfect is the word that comes to mind when thinking about how it all went. From the song that was playing when we walked into the lighthouse to the tears of joy in her eyes, it was flawless.

I have been dreaming of that day for years and as I was down on my knee I felt at home. I felt comfort, peace, and humbleness. 

Truth.

The beauty that came across her face was indescribable.

It truly was a moment in which I felt the spirit move and draw us closer.

To each other.

To Him.

J