letter day

Dear summer mornings,

As ready as I am to start the fall semester, I’m going to miss you. Waking up slowly, drinking coffee on the porch, not having to rush off to class, etc. You’ve held such sweet moments with Jesus…I’m always learning and growing.

Dear BEN RECTOR,

I just bought tickets to see you live in Atlanta over fall break with my best friend. YES! Janice and I dance and sing to your music like we’re crazy fools so get ready…

Dear Janice,

Getting to finally look through all your wedding photos was the absolute best. I stayed up way too late scrolling through every single one. You were a gorgeous bride! I also found a few photos that highlight our crazy dancing…

I about died laughing when I saw this one. Watch out world! ;)

I’m the bridesmaid on the right in both pictures. I had SO much fun that night!

Photo credit: Jarmon Photography

Dear Eleanor {Lilac & Anchor},

Thank you so much for reaching out to connect with me. I adore building friendships with other bloggers. Can’t wait to start studying the book of Ruth together very soon! Virtual coffee dates are so sweet.

Dear country roads,

Sometimes I just have to get out and go driving on my own. Windows rolled down and music turned up. I don’t think I could ever get tired of exploring.

Happy Friday, sweet ladies.

Dear…

Dear Vanessa (one of my best friends),

I’m incredibly thankful for our friendship and how you constantly encourage me to pursue Christ and His calling on my life. You know me so well because you sent me this yesterday and I couldn’t love it more! It’s so so true. And I think my future hubby needs this shirt… :)

Dear snapchat,

How was I missing out on you until this past week?! You’re too much fun.

Dear roomies,

You make studying and everything else much better. You make me laugh every single night. You’re the best!

Late night study break to take pictures. Oh! The boy doesn’t live with us if you were wondering…he’s one of my roomie’s boyfriend.

Dear preschoolers,

Let’s tackle this Friday head on without any meltdowns or tantrums, okay? You’ve thrown me through a loop this week and I’m constantly learning from you. Even though this semester has been tough, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work with you.

Some funny moments and sayings from this week…

One of my girls looked up at me and whispered, “Miss Samantha, you’re just the sweetest!”

If you’re a teacher, you’ll know that kids LOVE to bring you flowers (a.k.a weeds) that they pick specially for you on the playground. I have a handful of “flowers” by the time we go inside everyday…I kind of love it.

Another one of my girls will start to break dance if you provide a beat or song for her. Too funny!

I tell my kids that they make my heart grow when they share (a HUGE issue for 3 year olds!) and they love it! Whenever they share they turn to me and say, “MISS SAMANTHA WE MADE YOUR HEART GROW!”

Dear snail mail,

You’re my favorite. I love checking my campus box to find sweet surprises and I’m pretty sure handwritten letters/cards are one of the ways to my heart.

Dear windows-open weather,

I can’t get enough of you! Being able to open the windows in my apartment and getting to roll the windows down in the car makes me one happy girl. Can you see the sunshine streaming through the window below? Happiness.

Here’s to a productive weekend before finals start next week! Much love to you, today.

Dear…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I have to miss work at least I get to spend my afternoon with Tom Hanks and Matthew Macfayden. No complaints on this end.

Dear pink eye,

Please hurry up and clear up. I’ve missed two days of classes and work because of you. Bleh.

Dear spring weather,

I’m so excited that you’re finally making your way to Tennessee. I see lots of afternoons spent outside and driving with the windows down in the near future.

Dear encouraging professors,

I’m so thankful for you. I’m so blessed that I get to pursue my education at this school.

Dear prospective students,

You’ve overtaken campus this weekend and it’s so fun to see you walking around with your parents. It’s hard to believe that I’m almost to the half-way point of college when I feel like I was just in your place.

Dear mail,

You were so good to me today when I opened up my campus mailbox! I squealed when I saw a letter from one of my forever sisters. You made my morning!

Have a weekend filled to the brim with JOY!

Friday’s Letters

{After a l-o-n-g week, I’m pressing on…source unknown}

Dear readers,

I’m sorry my posts have been incredibly sparse recently. This week was so so challenging and I hope to be around more often in the blog world next week!

Dear Friday,

Oh goodness. Thank you for showing up…you’re fully embraced and welcomed. I don’t have many school assignments this weekend to do which makes you even better.

Dear preschoolers,

You’re oh so funny and sweet, but you tested every ounce of my patience this week. Let’s start fresh next week, okay?

Dear mom,

You’re the best. Seriously. You’re my biggest encourager and are always there for me. Even when I called you yesterday feeling so overwhelmed and like the absolute worst teacher.

Dear Bryan and Katie Torwalt,

You’re music draws me in and calms my anxious heart. Thank you for such truth in your lyrics that always turns my gaze toward Christ.

Dear Target,

You’re a weakness of mine. I go in with three items on my “to buy” list and always come out spending at least $25. This usually happens without fail.

Dear readers (again),

May your weekend bring lots of coziness and rest. I hope you’re able to spend sweet time with friends and/or family!

Friday’s Letters

Dear pomegranate seeds,

You are delicious and I’ve been eating you like crazy the past few days. I just wish pomegranates were a little bit cheaper…

Dear The Civil Wars,

I keep coming back to your music because you are that talented. Anytime I’ve had iTunes open this week you’ve been on repeat.

Dear philosophy of education paper,

I have lots of ideas swirling around about how to best convey my passion with others in 4-5 pages. That’s a good thing because I’ll be spending all Sunday afternoon writing you.

Dear dad,

I love that you drove over to my little college town to take me out to lunch earlier this week. I loved getting to spend the afternoon with you. Plus, I couldn’t help but smile when you called me later just to tell me that I looked beautiful.

Dear weekend,

I welcome you with open arms.

Dear fall,

You’ve felt more like winter this week. When I get back to my apartment all I want to do is curl up under a blanket with leggings, a hoodie, and socks to keep warm.

Dear Katie (from Hope Engaged),

I’m so so thankful for our friendship and that we were finally able to have a Skype date. You’re lovely, radiant, and entirely genuine. I can’t wait for more Skype dates in the future! And your encouragement blessed me more than you know.

Side note: If you haven’t “met” Katie yet, you must. It’s such an understatement when I say that she’s wonderful. Go say hi here!

Just a small glimpse of what most of my afternoons have looked like this week! Comfy and cozy. Also, I get to admire the last of the fall colors on my walk to work everyday.

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!

Skype Date & Letter Day

I had the best afternoon yesterday. Why you ask? It’s because I had a Skype date with Ameera from The Wandering Theologian. We’ve corresponded all summer and have developed such a sweet friendship. So, it was wonderful to talk to her “in person” for over two hours. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics from silly stories to more serious moments where we shared our hearts. There was a lot of laughter thrown in too! I came away so encouraged and thankful for our friendship.

Now, for a few letters…

Dear Lee University,

I’m coming back tomorrow! I have excitement and expectancy spilling out of me for this new semester. I thrive off of new beginnings.

Dear Keurig,

I’m so excited that my mom doesn’t need you anymore because now you get a cozy home in my apartment. You will get lots of love this semester as I make coffee every morning before my 8 am classes.

Dear "Aftermath",

The truth of your lyrics wreck me.

Dear readers,

It means so much that you would take the time to read about the pieces and parts of my heart and life. I genuinely enjoy sharing with you and hope that my blog is a place of encouragement.

Happy Friday, sweet friends.

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!

Letter Day

We made it through another week which means it’s time to write a few letters again! I’m linking up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds to participate…

Dear Janice (one of my best friends),

You’re engaged and my heart is bursting with happiness for you! I’m so thankful that we met during those awkward middle school days and forged a friendship that has been such a blessing to me ever since. Now, you’re getting to marry the man you love with all your heart!

Side note: She was proposed to on top of a waterfall…how romantic is that?!

Dear Ben Rector,

I just adore your music. I don't think I will ever get tired of your voice. I can't wait to dance to this in my kitchen with my {future} hubby one day.

Dear snail mail,

You are one of my favorite ways to communicate! I've especially loved the unexpected letters and packages you've brought lately. Keep 'em coming.

Dear Liz from explore. dream. discover,

Your photos make me want to move to Europe right this minute! You travel all over and capture some of the most breathtaking shots. Someday I'll visit these places too...

Dear summer days,

Despite the heat wave, you've been so very good to me. As much as I love school, I'm soaking up this time free of obligations. Please take your time in coming to an end.

Letter Day

It’s Friday again, which means it time to link up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds to write a few letters! Without further ado…

Dear morning cup of coffee,

I’m naturally a morning person, but you make waking up so much sweeter. You are the best companion as I sit on the front porch and get ready for the day.

Dear Gilmore girls,

Your wittiness keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh every time. I love that you remind me of my relationship with my mom. I’ve been watching you so much I’m starting to think that I live in Stars Hollow…


Dear teacher blogs,

You are such an inspiration to me as a future teacher! I love seeing how you incorporate creativity into your classrooms while still meeting curriculum standards. You are a huge resource to me and your passion for teaching is such an encouragement!

Dear local thrift stores,

Thanks for the “treasures” I’ve found lately! The perfect summer dress, a white pencil skirt, and four books that I’ve had on my Amazon wish list for the longest time.

{Books: The Tiger's Wife, Gilead, The History of Love, and The Glass Castle}

Dear 2 Thessalonians 3:5,

You are my summer verse…”May the Lord direct [my] heart into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” I pray that I would continue in this prayer for a lifetime.

Happy Friday, sweet girls!

Letter Day

Happy Friday! I'm linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds to write a few letters this afternoon.

Dear Ben Rector and Michael Buble,

Thank you for serenading me on my drive home yesterday. Both of you are so much fun to sing along to while driving with the windows down! I'm sure I got a few stares at the red light as I jammed out.

Dear spring like weather,

Please don't resort back to the sweltering heat of summer! I love sleeping with the windows open and being able to wear a light jacket in the early mornings. July and August will be hot enough, so why don't you stay a while?

Dear Starbucks,

I love sipping your blonde roast coffee while sitting and people watching. I really enjoy watching all sorts of people come and go. It's neat to hear all the different drinks being ordered.

Dear F.R.I.E.N.D.S,

You are one of the best shows of all time and make me laugh every single episode. Please keep playing reruns forever.

Dear country backroads,

Your winding roads surrounded by farm pastures and rolling hills make for a beautiful drive! You make me feel like singing Keith Urban's "Who Wouldn't Want To Be Me"...

Enjoy your weekend!