Teacups & Baubles

 

Teacups from my favorite vintage-chic online retailer

Life lately has been a series of juxtaposed moments. From attending a funeral and wedding ceremony in the same day, to feeling so far yet so close to our loving Creator. January was a month of contrasting highs and lows, to say the least. In college I felt I learned and gained new insights everyday about a variety of topics. Now, two years post-college, God has pressed the "hold" button on those constant new experiences, and has been encouraging me to wholeheartedly focus on the basic foundations of life: faith and friendships. I've seen God's hand slowly yet tightly knit together those two things for me and it's been a gradual and beautiful process to witness.   

These past few months I took advantage of the holidays and took a break from the boutique (though my busybody mindset did keep me active on Poshmark). Now, I'm back in the game with a handful of new items in the shop (see below). I'm also working on a complete re-brand of my boutique, which may even bring on new name. . . . Something that I have been thinking about and preparing for months. Below are a few snapshots that display my new love for the VSO cam app and white background photography. I can't help it, I'm addicted.  

New Jewels in the Sparkles & Prays Boutique 

Aqua tassel bracelet. One of my favorite new arrivals

Learning to partake in ceaseless prayer with my Maker.
Prints available at this lovely Etsy shop.

xo,

Elissa

All is Calm, All is Bright

The Emoto Family Christmas Tree!

My sweet mother is incredibly creative and this year's Christmas tree did not disappoint. Covered in ornament pictures of our childhood, my mom's masterpiece reminds me, once again, how lovely it is to be home. My birthday happens to be today as well (The end times? Please, I'm turning 22), and something that I've come to cherish most about each celebration of growing another year older is that my family--the five of us, for now--is always at home, together. Though I am incredibly blessed to be with my own family this season, my thoughts are with those who are suffering tremendous loss during the holidays. May the lives of those we are missing be celebrated with joy, and our hearts filled with hope in the promise of our King.

Merry Christmas! From my family to yours, may you be blessed in every way.

Life of a Twenty-Something: Careers

The place where God calls you is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. (Fredrick Buechner)

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Earlier last month, I was surprised when my boss called me into his office and offered me a permanent position at Reasons To Believe, the science-and-faith think tank I've been working for (as a temporary copyeditor) these past four months.