following grace

Being from the south, we all know that whenever we gather together, there's always food involved.   Last year, I attended a meeting for a bible study I was going to help lead, and this was served.   I thought my friend had worked some kind of magic, but when she gave me the recipe I almost fell over because of how stinkin simple it is!   Needless to say, I can't believe I waited so long to make it again.   It's so easy, and SO good!   So here ya go: you and your taste buds will thank me later.   Tortilla Soup: 3-4 boneless chicken breasts 2 cans of rotel 1 can of corn 1 can of busch's black beans 2 cans of chicken broth   Literally all you have to do is turn the crockpot on, low if you're going to let it cook for a while.   and just layer the ingredients in..   I ended up taking the chicken out at one point and chopping it up/ shredding it just to make it easier to ...

Y'all the Lord has done amazing things in 2015 so far.   I hope and pray that each of you have sat at his feet and tasted of the joy that 2015 holds already.   I always have an urge to post, but sometimes I just don't really have the words to say.   Today's Friday, this week has been super crazy and life this semester consists of handwriting (thank you elementary education degree) endless emails daunting discussion board posts long hours of lectures never ending reading assignments homework galore leadership duties working 4 days a week and applying for a new leadership position including interviews and such. soaking up every moment spent with friends and trying to deny the odds that I will soon take on the nickname "hermit"   but y'all  there is so much joy in the chaos of life. Jesus works in the smallest of spots to provide such life and happiness such comfort, hope and peace even when the due dat...

I don't really do the whole New Year Resolution type deal-   because lets just be honest, I'm definitely not gonna be at the gym every day at 6am for 365 of days of the year. If we're really being honest I'll probably never in my life be at the gym that early.   being a full time student with 18 credit hours, working 5 days a week, being on leadership and just being a teenager in general is plenty to keep up with for the year.   However, my close friends and I have conversated about some things I do plan to implement in 2015. and several others have asked, so I'm gonna be brave, and share. because millions of strangers keeping me accountable is never a bad thing.   While I've made some smaller changes before the new year such as eating healthier, using organic natural products, scheduling weekly phone calls/ time with friends and some other small things to increase my years and keep my friendships thriving...   my mai...

There once was a day, a day that I promised to do something so incredible, so time consuming, and yet so freeing..   I promised to blog often. To keep the world wide web up to date on Austyn's every life event. and then life took over, and we see where that went.   But 2015 holds new opportunity, and while I can't promise which opportunities I will take advantage of, I can promise, to simply try. try to make time, try to make blogging a priority, try to let this be a place full of thoughts, life events, pictures and Jesus.   so with that being said, here's to 2015 {even if im 48 hours late..} being a year of new beginnings new blogging habits and raising HIS name from every rooftop.   Life lately, has been so full of Him. and oh friends, what a joy it is to truly delight in Him.   Just say, "Yes!" and let Him take you for the wildest ride of your life.   There is no greater joy in making a decision...