Needs

Today I'm realizing some 'needs'

I needed this and this.

I needed this
to further confirm my love and need
of Love

I need this
Because it doesn't feel an ounce
like Christmas -- and I need it to.



I needed a bus driver who dressed as
Santa Claus
and gave away candy.

I needed a Korean co-worker
to send me this song mid-morning


I needed to re-read these words from a friend
"I think thats my soul recognizing that your soul is extraordinary. I see something in you that many people don't have, which is an ability to love wholeheartedly. I want to thank you for that! I think a lot of people are scared to love with all parts of their heart, but yet you do it daily. That's pretty incredible."

I need to know that a good friend
will soon be arriving...
and that we will hug.

I need to let go of some things
to move on
get over it
have some conversations
bake some cookies
write some blogs
and breathe.

I need encouragement. love. joy. Christ.

I need to remember it's Christmas.

(Typed with nothing to drink but because I needed to. I needed to remember what has brought joy in the last few days and that even though today is tearing me down...I have all I need and more.)

Of Falling in Love...

Again.
and Again.
and Again.

Saturday morning

Awoken by sweet kisses

The voice of my love

"We're leaving in an hour,

I'll make French toast,

you shower and get ready -

make sure to look your best!"

Unaware, unsure, un-awake

I obeyed.

Out the door, boarding the metro

arriving at the train station

friends. Anticipating

a sweet day.

One hour by train takes us to

Seoul.

Tacos. Avocados. Taxis. and Subways.

Book Stores. Guesses. Posters. and Theaters.

The Nutcracker.
Sugar Plum Faries.
Symphonic pleasures.
Dancing. Leaping.

Watching. Smiling.
Next to the one I love.

Days not over

just beginning...

Find ourselves at the top of Namson Tower.

Here is where we lock our love

where others have come before us

Committing to love each other

until the end of time.

Tradition is:

Write a message of love

attach to the lock

throw away the key

My man has written our message

our vows

our promise

our committment

Tears of Joy

So often I am blessed by this man whom I wed. So often I realize just what an honor it is to participate in life with someone of his character and compatability. So often, I take it for granted and fail to give praise where praise is due. And yet, we are in love. Constantly falling even deeper into this relational adventure of marriage.

And he wins my heart, again and again.

He has committed to our vows in a way that astounds me. Keeping them as an ever present force in our marriage - something to know and obey, to cherish and honor. And I love it. For so many reasons. But particularly because we were so deliberate in what we chose to speak to one another on that September day of 2007.

(Typed while wishing I were warmer and drinking something warm in a classroom of a faraway land known as Korea)

For another account of this day with more details and more photos check out this article.

PSA: It's Christmas Time

Living in Korea has me missing the Christmas atmosphere.
Perhaps I thought it was all
a little over the top...
in years past.

However, without it
I don't know that it's Christmas.

There is no snow.
There are not carols playing
24/7 on the radio.
There are not sweets on every
table, waiting to be consumed.
There's no 'holiday cheer'.
It's just another day here in Korea.

So, when I awoke this morning with a Christmas song in my head.
And was able to enjoy a cup of tea from a Christmas mug...
it felt like Christmas.

It's going to be a good day.

(Typed having finished off a perfect mug of Lady Earl Grey with sugar and milk out of a darling Christmas Plaid Mug).