thanksGIVING party // I am thankful

I haven't written a post in quite some time but I was excited to write this one. I would take time to invite all my readers (who live close enough) to come to a thanksGIVING party. It's a combination of a blogger meetup + giving back!

Let me rewind. I work at Denver Rescue Mission. An organization that focuses on creating and providing an environment where homeless men, women and families can thrive in. And in my roll in public relations, I had a new goal: engage the Denver bloggers to what the Mission is doing. Within that week, Jenny emailed me wanting to be more involved. WHAT!!!? Amazing - I didn't even have to search her out!

Turns out Jenny knew Hannah, who I was already friends with! And then I met the lovely Sarah. And one night we sat at a table eating homemade pie (thanks Jenny) and talked about how we can help more men, women and families in our city for Thanksgiving.

Their hearts and passion to serve is inspiring. These women are full of joy and gifts that they want to use to help others. Seriously, I have made some amazing friendships in Colorado - I sit here two years later filled with GREAT friends in this new state. ((I thought making friends was suppose to be hard))

Living far from family, leaves you feeling insecure at times, but then God reminds me that He is at work! He knew what He was doing when He picked us up and dropped us in Colorado. I know full well that the people I am building relationships with in Colorado are for the best. They are challenging and life-giving friendships. And for that I am FULL of gratitude!

I wrote all of that to say, come and join the fun on November 14th at 6 p.m. Even if you don't know me or the other girls, or much about the Mission. Come anyways - to meet these inspiring women and to give a little back to our city - you won't regret it ((RSVP to SarahAnn.Noel@gmail.com))

with JOY,
Aneta Nina

ps :: give with JOY is giving away items in the giveaway! 

Storviks Visit the East Coast // Sneak Peek

I am watching Monday night football here in Maine, well by watching I mean doing other things with it on in the background yelling out a yahoo when necessary! How does anyone on the east coast stay up late enough to finish the games on Monday night...

We leave tomorrow late afternoon and it's always bittersweet. I am excited to be in my own home but it's always hard to leave a place that your heart has fallen in love with. Boston was simply amazing, busy and charming. Coastal Maine was unique, quiet and beautiful.

Here's a sneak peek into our travels in Boston and Coastal Maine //  "...I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air." // Nathaniel Hawthorne 

with joy,

aneta nina

Always in Motion // A lesson in slowing down

I've been told, especially lately, that I move quickly. And maybe I agree only because I have way too many scars from accidents that happened in the past year.

And then there's this scripture, "...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Sometimes I am not quick to listen and slow to speak, especially when I am in a "heated" discussion. I am only thinking about my next comment. But marriage, has taught me that it's always best to listen over speaking. I get myself into trouble! Just as much pain comes from slicing cheese too quickly and slicing my thumb as speaking over listening when I am in an argument with my husband! I usually wear a band aid for a while.

But there's grace. So much grace that Steve gives me. So much grace that God allows me to feel. I grow in those moments - the moments that I fail the most.

The last two weeks have been great lessons in slowing down.

with joy,

Aneta Nina