Music for the soul… {Ben Howard}

I wanted to share with you one of my absolute favorite artists this morning, Ben Howard. I could (and often do) listen to him on repeat because he is so captivatingly talented. If you haven’t bought his album, Every Kingdom, you are missing out…

Two of my favorites:

Oh so good.

Are you hooked yet? Maybe one more for this Tuesday morning…

Sweetest of Tuesdays to you!

a favorite song.

Good morning, sweet friends! I don’t have much to say today so I thought I would share with you one of my favorite songs. I could listen to this over and over again. I can’t wait to dance with my future hubby to this in our kitchen one day…

Wishing you a lovely Thursday!

Therapeutic Tuesday

{I spent my Saturday morning tackling a few assignments}

Good morning, girls! After a weekend filled with assignments and an overwhelming Monday, I wanted to share with you today a few of the ways that I relax when life starts to get hectic. As the semester starts to pick up and more “to-dos” are added to my planner daily, I wanted to write this as a little reminder to myself to slow down sometimes. Here are a few ways I do that...

 

{one}

 

I write in my journal. I’ve kept a journal consistently for the past three years and I treasure them. It’s my place to freely write anything and everything. I write lists, quotes, prayers, stories, and so much more. I can write without the hindrance of knowing that somebody will read my thoughts.

 

{two}

 

 {How cute is my mom?! And yes I know how much I favor her... :) }
 

I call my mom. I talk to my mom everyday, but there is something calming about talking to her when I’m overwhelmed. She always knows just what to say.

 

{three}

 

 

I read teacher blogs. I know this sounds crazy, so let me explain! As a future teacher, I love seeing what teachers are doing in their classrooms and teacher blogs provide bucket loads of inspiration and creativity. When I’m overwhelmed by school work, it helps for me to look through teacher blogs to remind myself what I’m working toward.

{four}

I drink hot tea. There's something calming about having a warm cup of tea in my hands.

 

{five}

 

I go out by myself. Usually, I end up at Starbucks where I order a white mocha americano. While I’m there I like to watch as all sorts of people come and go. I love hearing the variety of drinks ordered and the banter of the baristas while they work.

 

{six}

 

{Friday night}

 

I go out with friends for frozen yogurt. There’s a local shop near campus that I visit every single week. We went Friday and Saturday night this past weekend. It’s just so good.

 

{seven}

 

I quote scripture out loud. It calms my heart when I speak truth over my anxious or overwhelmed heart…”when I’m overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” {Psalm 62:1}

 

{eight}

 

Like many others, I listen to music. I especially love Brooke Fraser and Ben Howard. Also, I’m loving Noah Gundersen. I don’t even know how to describe his music because it’s that good. The video below is of him and his family and I encourage you to listen to it…

 

I Found Love.

I discovered this video posted on Amanda's Facebook page and I wanted to share it with all of you…

Did you get goose bumps too?

One word stands out to me…JOY.  After I finished watching, I couldn’t help but think about what joy means to me. Many things flooded my mind…

laughing with my parents

freedom to worship my Father

thunderstorms at night

being silly with my friends

conversations over coffee (or tea!)

kids

being able to bless someone else

dancing in the kitchen

writing and receiving handwritten letters

vibrant and life-giving classrooms

Christ centered marriages

being able to relate and connect with someone

set apart femininity

cozy friday nights at home

All of the above bring a special sweetness to my life, but they aren’t my ultimate joy. No, that deep and satisfying joy is found somewhere else. My ultimate joy comes from knowing the God who breathed life into all creation. The God who sent His Son to earth to rescue me before I even knew I needed rescuing. The Lord who spilled His blood so that I may be redeemed. Now, I can have an intimate relationship with the God who holds the stars in His hands. I have joy because I found Love. This God is the source of my ultimate JOY.

And you know what is even more amazing…my joy in Him multiplies the sweetness of all the other little joys.

“You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.” Psalm 4:7

Micsellany Monday

Today, I’m linking up with Carissa from lowercase letters…

 

{one}

 

I’m writing this post early (it’s Sunday night). As I write, I’m watching a tribute to the best songs of 1960s on television. So far, The Supremes, Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Mamas & The Papas and The Beatles have made appearances. We danced in the kitchen to a few of the hits…

 

{two}

 

I move back to school this Saturday. I’ve had a wonderful summer, but I’m ready to start a new semester. I have so much excitement and expectancy in my heart! Plus, it means I’m one year closer to being a teacher.

 

{three}

 

I’ve been in a reading funk since I finished reading Little Bee. I usually always have a book on my nightstand, but I haven’t for the past week. Any book suggestions?

 

{four}

 

Have you listened to Anthem Lights yet?  It sounds cheesy to say, but their voices make me melt. They did an acoustic cover of Demi Lovato’s “Give Your Heart a Break” and it’s just so so good.

 

 

{five}

This time next Monday I'll be sitting in my 8 am Theology class.

{six}

 

The weather was GORGEOUS this weekend. It rained Friday night which ushered in cooler temperatures. I spent lots of time in the rocking chairs on the front porch. On Saturday night, my mom and I grabbed throw blankets and just sat and talked and looked at the stars.

 

{Sunday afternoon.}

Who would have thought I'd have The Beatles and Anthem lights in the same post? Ha!

Letter Day

Goodness, it’s Friday again and I’m sitting here wondering where this week as gone. These summer days are breezing by and it’s time to write a few letters again. I’m linking up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds…

Dear Cara Carroll,

I want to be you when I grow up. They creativity that you pour into your classroom is such an inspiration to this future teacher!

Dear You’ve Got Mail,

You’re still one of my favorite movies. What’s not to love about New York City, small bookstores, and Tom Hanks?

Dear Amazon,

I love opening my mailbox to see a package from you. The joy that comes with those brown boxes is too fun! Tell me I’m not the only one…

Dear storm clouds,

Please stay all day! Rainy days spent at home are the best.

Dear summer tunes,

You make ordinary moments so much better! How mundane would certain moments be if there wasn’t music to dance or sing along to? Here are a few of the songs that I’ve listened to consistently:

Have a joy-filled Friday, girls!

Music You’ll Love…

{source}

Johnnyswim is a singer-songwriter duo consisting of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano (the daughter of Donna Summer). They also happen to be married! I would describe their music as a mix of folk, soul, and pop. Their voices blend so perfectly together and I can't get enough. I've listened to them continuously over the past month or so and I couldn't recommend them more!

You can download their album HERE for free. Go check them out and let me know what you think!

{source}

They are just so so good. I hope you love their music as much as I do!