Miscellaneous Monday

{one}

 

When I was at the grocery store last week, the only coffee creamers they had out were seasonal editions. So, I chose the s’mores coffee creamer. It was such a good choice and I’ve been reminded of that every single morning. If this isn’t considered miscellaneous I don’t know what is…

 

{two}

 

My mom and I decided that we’re going to go to Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina for the day in December when it's all decorated for Christmas. We went as a family when I was little, but I’m excited to go back now as a young adult. Plus, I always love our mother daughter trips.

{three}

 

I think it’s the season of engagements. So many girls around campus now seem to have a diamond ring on their left hand. Craziness I tell you.

 

P.S. Did you see that Jenna got engaged as well?! You should go show her some love here. Afterward, be sure to spend some time looking around her blog. She’s one of my favorites.

 

{four}

 

I’m pulling out the coat and scarves this week. It’s getting rather chilly in Tennessee and I’ll be making sure my coffee is extra hot in the mornings.

 

{five}

 

I’ve started to listen to Christmas music already. It made me smile to hear those familiar melodies.

Speaking of music, you need to go download Johnnyswim's new song, Make. And if you haven’t downloaded their album, Home, yet you must get that as well! Both are free I might add. Their voices are incredible.

 

{six}

 

Please tell me you watched the Georgia/Florida game on Saturday!?!? Such a good game. Although, watching it all by myself made me miss being home so much. Even though I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida (home of the Florida State Seminoles) my family has always pledged our devotion to Georgia. And on Saturday, Georgia defeated the Florida Gators! GO DAWGS!

 

I realize how cheesy this is, but it captures a small glimpse of the excitement I felt while watching the game. Plus, it gives you another picture of the “real me.” Ha!

Thankful

Happy Saturday! I have CPR training  from 7:45am-3pm today, but before I rush off to that I wanted to share my most recent list of gratitude. I have so many gifts to be be thankful for…

knowing an intimate and relational God

s’mores

weekends at home

hugs from my mom and dad

fall leaves

Starbucks in the early morning

mac n’ cheese

honey crisp apples

hot water

friends that are more like sisters

If you really knew me…

Throughout the summer I saw several bloggers doing the “If you really knew me” post, but I never wrote my own. So I decided it was about time that I sat down and shared a little more with you. I genuinely enjoyed learning more about other girls and I hope these give you a clearer picture of who I am. Without further ado…

If you really knew me…you would know that I’m very facially expressive. Most of the time I wear my emotions on my face.

If you really knew me…you would know that I never wanted to be a teacher. In middle school, I tried to convince my best friend with much gusto that she should never become a teacher. I laugh now because I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything other than elementary education.

If you really knew me…you would know that my mom and I have a special connection. We’re like Lorelai and Rory. We even have our own language…she sent me this email earlier this week and to you it looks like gibberish. But, I knew exactly what she was saying.

If you really knew me…you would know that I love when I’m told that I look like an elementary school teacher. I actually get told that fairly often.

If you really knew me…you would know that I would much rather spend a day in the mountains than at the beach. Even though I was born and raised in Florida, I’m definitely not a beach girl.

If you really knew me…you would know that my love languages are quality time and words of affirmation.

If you really knew me…you would know that I don’t get upset easily. I’ve always approached life with a joyful heart. Even when I was little…

For some reason I had this saved on my computer and I just had to share.

If you really knew me…you would know that I genuinely get excited for my first cup of coffee in the morning. Sometimes I even wake up singing “the best part of waking up is Folgers in my cup!” Please tell me you remember that commercial?

Those are all I have for now! Hopefully I haven’t embarrassed myself too much… :)

Life Lately {Fall Break}

As I sit here and reflect back over the past four days I am just so full. I had the sweetest fall break spent at home. Although classes were cancelled last Thursday and Friday, I had to hang around to work Thursday afternoon. As soon as I got off work, I met up with Kelsie to head home. The short drive home was just what I needed….windows rolled down, radio turned up, and an explosion of fall colors. We spent Thursday night relaxing.

We slept in Friday morning and woke up rested before spending the afternoon in town. Kelsie and I went to Blue Ridge, Georgia to explore a few local thrift stores. We each scored some awesome pieces and the best part is I don’t think I spent more than $12! It was a gorgeous fall afternoon and we drove the back roads to get home. We rolled the windows down and sang loudly to this and this. When we got back home we went on a walk in my neighborhood to admire all the fall leaves. I wish I could accurately describe to you the amount of joy I felt that afternoon.

Friday night was wonderful as well. My dad started a fire so we roasted marshmallows and made s’mores (so yummy!). Later we sat in the rocking chairs on the front porch and talked for nearly two hours. The night air was chilly and we each bundled up underneath a blanket. I’m so thankful for my friendship with Kelsie because she continually points me back to Christ. Our friendship truly is rooted in Him.

I spent all of Saturday hanging out with my parents and my grandfather came up that night. It was so refreshing to just spend time with all of them. On Sunday, more extended family came over for the afternoon. The second photo below is of my mom and her sister…the last photo is of my parents and I.

Although I didn’t want to leave on Sunday afternoon, I came back to school refreshed. This break came at the exact time I needed it and I’m grateful for every second of it. It was just so so good. Now, I’m ready to finish the remainder of the semester strong.

Nothing Holding Me Back

Good morning, sweet friends! I had the most wonderful fall break. My break contained so much joy and I'll be be back to share lots of photos soon. In the mean time, I wanted to share this song with you as you get ready to start a new week. I urge you to listen to the lyrics...they hold such richness and truth.

"Thank You for Your death and resurrection
Thank You for the power of Your blood
I am overwhelmed by Your affection "

 

As another busy week starts, I'm holding onto the truth that nothing stands between me and Him. He desires an intimate relationship with me and that truly is overwhelming. I hope that I never become numb to the grandness of this. 

If you’re reading this…

If you’re reading this at 8:30 AM, I am probably stumbling into my kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. I’ll have messy hair and a huge smile on my face because I’m getting to spend the weekend at home.

If you’re reading this at 9:30 AM, I am probably sitting in the rocking chairs on the front porch with my sweet friend, Kelsie. We may be talking or we may be digging into the Word quietly on our own.

If you’re reading this at 11 AM, Kelsie and I are probably on our way to Blue Ridge, Georgia to explore and shop around at a few thrift stores.

If you’re reading this at 1 PM, the two of us are still off having adventures.

If you’re reading this at 3 PM, we are probably laughing and talking in the car on our way back home.

If you’re reading this at 5 PM, we may be sitting around talking to my parents or off on a four wheeler ride exploring the area (and seeing all the fall leaves).

If you’re reading this at 8 PM, we are probably deep in another conversation while we make smores. Yum!

I wrote this post ahead of time because I’m home in North Carolina on fall break right now! My close friend, Kelsie, is spending the first part with me and my extended family is coming in on Saturday night. I hope each of you has a weekend full of cool weather, friends, and family! I’ll be back next week with lots of pictures from this weekend.

Kelsie and I earlier this week…

Currently

Fun moments with one of my roomies! Don’t you wish you lived with us? Ha!

Reading The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis and The Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy.

Writing this post…

Listening to the rustling leaves and traffic right outside my open window.

Thinking about the human biology that I’m avoiding studying for. My textbook and all my flash cards are strewn across my bed, but I can’t find the motivation to sit down for a long enough duration. Bleh.

Wishing that the leaves would have a full explosion of colors. The seasonal change seems delayed this year and I’m missing all the reds, oranges, and yellows.

Watching this video. The lyrics get me every single time.

Loving that my fall break is this weekend! I get to spend time with a sweet friend and my family. Pure happiness.

Wanting to score some awesome finds when I go thrift shopping with my friend and mom on Friday. It truly is the little things. :)

Needing to work on the two papers I have due next week instead of pouring all of my “writing creativity” into this post…

Feeling thankful for the friendships in my life. I never would have imagined the phenomenal girls I would be blessed to know this time a year ago!

P.S. This photo has a backstory…

Last Saturday, a local frozen yogurt place had a competition that the first 20 people in line would receive free frozen yogurt every day for the next month. Kelsie (one of my close friends) and I were all for that so we decided to give it a try! Well, we were numbers 17 and 18 in line. Hooray! While we were waiting in line we met this sweet boy who entertained us the entire time. Also, I’ve now had frozen yogurt every day since Friday.

Focused on Jesus

Ever since I first read Jennifer's post on marriage and ministry a few days ago my thoughts have kept cycling back to this statement of hers…

“I want to finish well. I want to be more in love with my husband after 50 years of marriage than I am now. I never want to sacrifice my relationship with him on the alter of ministry, work or anything else. I don’t want a ministry or child focused marriage, but a Jesus focused marriage.”

As soon as I read her words I stopped to soak them in. A “Jesus focused marriage.” Even though I’m single and am no where near being married, I was struck by her description. Everything within me desires for my marriage one day to be focused on Jesus. I want for my marriage to be rooted deep in Him. I want my marriage to grow with Him at the very core of our relationship. The more I love Christ, the better I’ll be able to love my husband.  Like Jennifer, I want to be more in love with my husband with each year of marriage.

Such a relationship doesn’t come without work. It means guarding my marriage fiercely. It means investing in my husband every single day. It means the only thing he is second to is my relationship with Christ. It means that Jesus is the core of our marriage.

As I thought about how I could use the time now to better prepare for such a marriage, I was challenged with another thought. The best way I can prepare for a Jesus focused marriage is to have a Jesus focused life. It seems obvious, but how often I stray from this. I never want to sacrifice my relationship with Christ for anything else.

In many ways, I must guard my relationship with Him like I will my marriage one day. I can’t allow anything to sway my heart away from Him. Everything in my life flows from my relationship with Christ. He is my focus. Even though my passions flow from Him, I must be careful that I don’t become so caught up in these that I push away intimacy with Christ. My passion for teaching is the example that stands out the most. Although I know teaching is my ministry and will fill a large aspect of my life, I can’t allow this to become more important than abiding in Jesus.

I want to be more in love with Jesus in 50 years than I am now and this also doesn’t come without work. It takes intentionality in building a Jesus focused life. Every day I have a choice to respond to His invitation or not.

“There is no event so common place but that God is present within it, always hidden, always leaving you room to recognize Him or not to recognize Him.” –Frederick Buechner

Today I choose to recognize Him. I choose to see Him in the early morning breeze. I choose to see Him while I walk to my classes. I choose to see Him when a stranger responds to my smile. I choose to see Him in the changing leaves. I choose to see Him while I’m at work. One day at a time I will work on building a Jesus focused life.

Friday’s Letters

Dear parents,

I’m slightly jealous of the day date you had on your anniversary! I much rather would have gone exploring like you two did than sit in class…

The waterfall they discovered while out driving around.

Dear Human Biology,

Although I’m fascinated by how complex you are, I’m a little overwhelmed. The pace at which we move through the material is too fast for me. Only spending one class on each system is daunting.

Dear kindergarteners,

You are so much fun to work with! I love seeing your eyes light up as you come up with ideas and work on problem solving.

I so wish I could show you their faces!

Dear crockpot,

You make cooking so easy for this girl with a busy schedule. I’ll be using you much more often!

Snapped a photo minutes before rushing out to work.

Dear readers,

I hope your weekend is full of relaxation and moments spent with friends and/or family!

20 Years.

{On their honeymoon}

Twenty years ago today my parents committed their lives to each other. In front of friends and family, they vowed to stand by each other and live life together. They vowed to be partners as their lives intertwined in a way that only a husband and wife can.

I’ve heard the story of how they met over and over, but I won’t ever grow tired of hearing it. Their story is simple yet so full of sweetness. They met in January and were married in October…it certainly was a whirlwind romance. My mom had been single for a year when she finally came to a place where she released her grip on her love story and surrendered every aspect to the Lord. She submitted her desires and plans to Him. The very next day she met my dad.

At the time, my mom was teaching first grade and went to school like she had every other day. But, this day would be different. My dad was working for the same school district as an electrician. On this particular day he had a work order at my mom’s school. She was up front teaching when he walked into her classroom. Immediately, he noticed the beautiful teacher with dark eyes and hair. He ended up asking the ladies in the front office about this young teacher that had caught his eye…he found out that she was single.

Before he left school, he made his way back down to her classroom and asked her out on a date. After their first date, they were inseparable. People started to ask when they were going to get married...so they decided that they would! My dad sold his motorcycle at the time to buy an engagement ring. They were married on October 10, 1992 and I was born July 8, 1993 (nine months later…).

The past twenty years have been so full of sweet moments and laughter. I’ve seen my parents work through disagreements. I’ve seen them forgive and then continue to move forward. I’ve seen them as partners in life. I love that I still see the twinkle in my dad’s eyes when he looks at my mom. I’m so thankful I’ve grown up in a home with both of my parents fully present. Never once have I doubted their love for each other or their love for me.

So today as they venture out on a day date, I want to wish them a sweet sweet anniversary. Here’s to twenty years of doing life together!

Life Lately

{Running at the end of each day}

{I keep coming back to this verse…}

{Rediscovered this old photo from two years ago and I couldn’t get over how much I looked like me mom}

{Taking pictures while waiting at a red light}

{Oh the emails I send my mom…}

{Attending a middle grades education conference}

It’s an overcast and chilly Saturday afternoon in southeast Tennessee. In between working on homework I decided to do a little post to let you all know what I’ve been up to lately. I attended a phenomenal conference on middle grades education at Georgia College & State University yesterday. It was so fun to be around dozens of other college students who have such a passion for teaching. There is a group of future teachers that are going to take the education world by storm over the next few years!

I hope that the rest of your weekend is full of laughter and sweet moments!

A Little Break.

Good morning, girls! I never intended to take a blogging break, but nonetheless it has been almost two weeks since I’ve opened up Blogger. My days have been full of school assignments and work, but mostly full of sweet joyful moments. Every time I thought about sitting down to write the words just wouldn’t come. My ideas for blog posts seemed to run dry so I chose to take a break. To be honest, I’m still at a loss for ideas and I’m not sure how frequent my blogging will be in the near future. But, I promise that I’m still here! I’m just a little quieter than normal. I hope you find lots of joy throughout this day. I’ll be back soonish!

Side note: If you want to keep up with me on a more regular basis then you can follow me on Instagram!