A breath of fall air <3.

Fall is my favorite season. I love the changing of the leaves, the crisp cool air (even though I know the dreadful winter will soon be fast approaching), I love busting out my sweaters, the taste of mom's warm apple crisp, the fact that the holidays are soon coming. Fall is such a beautiful time to experience the work of God (not that you can't experience it anytime, but during fall I find it that much more apparent).

I just returned from my much needed fall break. I spent the four days at home (surprise surprise, I know). But those of you who know me, know that I just can't get enough of being home with my family. This break was a much needed get away from the Olivet bubble. Time to relax and hang out with my family.

I got to enjoy a beautiful wedding on Saturday. The joining of two souls. Spent that evening dancing and laughing and enjoying being with my mom and some of our friends. It was a nice cool evening, perfect for the outdoor party.

I got to watch my brother play football (twice during my visit home). I'm really impressed with the gifts and talents my brother has received and grateful to see that he hasn't become cocky or let others influence his decisions. He is one smart cookie and for that I am ever proud of.

I got to eat lunch with my mother, pamela and megan on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, before my doctors visit, I met my sister and mother at the hospital and I got to see my nephew for the first time (through an ultrasound obviously). I heard his heartbeat and at one point he even looked at us and smiled (i have this picture on my room door). Listening to E.J.'s (short for Ethan Nicholas Jeske) heartbeat was nothing short of listening to a miracle. This little boy who has captured all our hearts already. I have many dreams and hopes for E.J, as his aunt I want to be a listening ear for him when he needs someone other than his parents. I want to be that one that teaches him sports and takes him to his first Cubs game. I'm already wrapped around this little man's fingers and he's already won me over. :)

My doctors visit was one I've been waiting for since my junior year of high school. My doctor finally said he was pleased with my TSH levels and could confidently say I only need to be tested once a year now and that we don't have to play with my medicine dosage any longer. Praise the Lord. :)

I also made the decision to be baptized. Many of my friends have and I've never really though about it. I knew I was a Christ-Follower even if I hadn't been baptized and I knew that he loved me all the same. But the significance of being baptized is something bigger, a deeper commitment to the one who created me and the one loves me unconditionally. I do believe this service will be on November 16th. When I returned back to school my mom texted me and said that my brother has made the decision to be baptized on the same day. Many of you know the closeness I feel with my brother and how my heart prays that he learns the ways of following God, long before I did. I pray that he realizes that being a Christ Follower is one of the coolest things you can do, especially when others tell him differently. He has a good head on his shoulder and I'm mighty proud of the man he is today. I'm very excited to get to share in this day/occasion with him.



My break from Olivet was much needed and bit more than I bargained for. I shared in many laughs with my family and realized even more how much I miss them when I'm at school. They have been a great deal of support to me, even when times weren't always easy. I truly am blessed and I look around at all the changing thats going on with the fall season and I think of tha changes going on in me and with my family. Through the changes in nature and the changes with me, I see God, everywhere I look that are hints of His character, His grace, and His love.


'Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
How you love me"