Sunday, July 31, 2011

room with a view

It was about this time (literally) last year when I made the decision to move home. I still think it is single handedly the worst decision I have ever made as it has been the worst year of my life, however, I know there is purpose and meaning behind it. As awful and hard as this year has been, God has still been gracious enough to give me a sprinkle of blessings. For example...

- Even though work keeps me from seeing her as often as I like, I now live less than 5 miles from my BFF as opposed to 100+ miles.
- I have a job I actually like (that probably pays about the same) with people my own age. And I don't have to sit at a desk by myself for 8 hours!
- I was the only one home holding our sweet dog when she started having seizures and had to be put to sleep.
- I was able to help my sister plan her wedding. AND I got to help Matt plan their engagement.
- I got to spend more than a weekend at home for the holidays!
- The beach. No other words needed.
- I spent every week dancing in ballet class.
- & I was blessed with some awesome mentors and friends who poured into my life and reached out to me when I was hurting.

The Lord has taught me a lot about myself and really humbled me this past year. I know that things will fall into place as soon as He is done shaping and molding me into who He wants me to be. Which, let's be honest, is hopefully sooner than later.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

random ramblings



my most recent obsessions...



Bunnies...still, I know. They are just too cute!


Toasted marshmallow creme. Is there anything better?



Feather hair extensions. I need Tab to do this to my hair ASAP.


Wasting time on www.pinterest.com.


Mandia's ENTIRE "What if We Were Real" album. I can't even pick a favorite song, they are ALL sooooo good! How am I just now discovering this?


The Row & Toms!!!!!! I've always been a fan of MK&A.


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

danger


I think it is a little more than obvious that my family has been through some rough water this year. And maybe its because I grew up by the beach, but I can't help but think of these hard times as a huge rip current. You see, rip currents are usually caused by storms (sometimes miles and miles away!) that create a break in the waves where water is pulled back out to sea. They are so strong that if you get caught in one there is absolutely no way to swim back to shore, you have to go with the current or you'll practically drown. Kinda hard to explain so click here if you didn't grow up on the coast. What is important to note here are these 3 things:

1. Rip currents are caused by storms - anything that can shake things up and cause a mess in the water, or in my case, my life. I found myself in a rip current when a series of unfortunate events caused me to question and doubt everything I knew to be true. Things like Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."

2. Getting caught in a rip current pulls you further and further from where you want/need to be...the shore! I found myself straying far away from God during the time that I needed Him the most. Hebrews 13:5 - "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you."

3. It is much easier to get out of a rip current when you have a little help. Lord knows I could use a little help here. "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." - Psalm 121:2.

It is about time I quit swimming against the current and trusted God to get me safely to the shore. Why do we even bother exhausting ourselves swimming...fighting through life...when all we really need to do is surrender to the only one who can really help us?

Pray that I'll soon be returned to safe shores and a calm sea!


Saturday, July 16, 2011

big brother

The big day has come and gone! My sister is officially a married girl & I now have a new big brother!! Everything leading up to the wedding was super stressful but the wedding day itself went surprisingly smooth! The wedding location was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the DJ was rockin' and her photographer was the best ever! My sister is so crafty and I love that practically everything in her wedding was a DIY project - including the bouquets and her cake. Here is a little sneak peek until we get the official photos back from Alicia...













Thursday, July 14, 2011

terrifical


For everyone who didn't have the pleasure of knowing me as a third grader, I give you this...


It was about this time last year when I went to see this movie in the theater with my friend Beth. It brought back a flood of memories from third grade. Not only did my third grade teacher, Mrs. Abbitt, LOVE Beverly Clearly books (especially Ramona) but I spent a lot of third grade life accidentally getting into trouble so I could completely relate to poor Ramona. If you haven't seen the movie and/or read the books you need to STAT. They are all so good!


Monday, July 11, 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

day dreaming


i could really use a vacation...