Jehovah + me + encouragement

I am about to go brew some tea and sit on the rooftop with my little sister. We are practicing the art of living slowly before we both head off on our adventures by next week. Then living slowly will be somewhat improbable for some time.

I got a package today. It was surprising + sweet + unexpected. Two more lovely books to add to the best ones that must come with me. I probably shouldn't be, but I'm taking most all of my dear novels with me and only leaving three boxes behind for safekeeping. I'm too sentimental to part with them at this point in life. They seem necessary. They are necessary.
I've traveled to hundreds of worlds, lived hundreds of lives, learned thousands of things. How could I leave that all behind? There is no possible way. I tried to talk myself out of a few of them the other morning. You don't really need these, I said to myself, my hands clutching a small red-bound book of poetry till my knuckles turned white. But I knew in my heart that I did. I do, I do need them. All of them.
Books are the ability to time travel. Giving that up would leave me a destitute soul.

These days of late have been full + brimming. We have been busy with loved ones and learning to love others. I took some time today, stole away really, to nap and write out an essay I had been meaning to because I cherish it so. And now, tea will happen.

It was one of the best things I've ever learned, that I can be others by reading. But it was better that I learned I am already beautiful, and I have a good life to live too. It was proven to me today, by a parcel + a small note.
I want to encourage you all my friends, because I was encouraged today. Your life is what you make of it, so make it gorgeous. Take time to read. Wanderlust. Learn. Discover. Do simple, slow things. Things you love.
And God is great. God is glorious. Because He is Jehovah-Jireh, and He is Jehovah-Nissi.

Today it seems that everything is a gift, and everything is wondrous.

If you come visit me, I'll make you cinnamon rolls.

Dear Fleur.
Once in a rare blue moon our friends will randomly fix their schedules and come visit us. It's always crazy when they do it. Some people tell us they're coming. Some people don't(These people get in big trouble).
It is always amazing.
Everyone's visit is different. Sometimes it's softball and goodwill and parks. Sometimes it's pizza and kitchens and redbox. Sometimes it music and music and music. They are all different. And I love them all.
One time, Nat and Roger and Andrew all came to see us. That was a music trip. Lots of music. I usually don't like the music trips the best.
I don't do music.
But this was a good trip. Roger gave me a present. Well, actually, Roger gave me a person. I just call her a present.

When we first started going to Calvary Chapel, the Pastor couldn't for the life of him remember my name. He just couldn't. He would scratch his head and then pretend he remembered and say, Good morning Victoria.
He thought my name was "Victoria."
I thought that was hilarious.
He thought that for 6 weeks or something. Even though I corrected him.
He finally got it right a little while ago. I think he has it right. Actually, he doesn't say my name much. For all I know, I could still be Victoria in his head. And I'm o.k. with that.

Roger gave me the real Victoria.
And she's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. She likes pastels. And making forts. And she speaks French. Gah. I love her. That's her, at the top of this post.
That's her.
And she's kind of already mine.
We might even meet. We might even meet next weekend. I am going to where she lives. I really want to meet her. I really want to kiss her on the cheek and tell her I love her.
Because I do.
I love her.

She has brown eyes. I adore brown eyes.
Love Bella.