following grace

gosh y'all life has been SO insane. and I love LU, like love it. but every month or so, my heart longs for time at home. or just to get off campus for a few days.   this weekend away has been in the works for months. and the way all the details fell into place so perfectly made it the cherry on top of my month thus far.   Saturday morning I drove through the snow and all rushing to meet my sweet Gracie Lou for breakfast. it was so worth every moment in the car and an early early wake up to see her sweet face, hear her laugh and to listen to her tell me about her life these days. these are the sweet times I cherish the most.   after a sweet time with her I drove the other hour of my trip to meet the birthday boy and some family for his birthday lunch. goodness I can't believe he's 11! he just loved being the center of attention, and we loved spoiling him with cupcakes and a yummy l...

so, last time I wrote I wasn't exactly expecting snowpocalypse 2015 to arrive 24 hours later..   schools in the area got a free spring break in February, but those lovely people at LU.. they wanted us to suffer the struggle bus.   however we definitely reaped the benefits of living in the "south" and we've gotten quite the laughs about it too.   I've only been to one day of classes so far this week.. so I'm thankful for 2 feet of snow, and the southern shut down to allow a snow week. and an excuse to stay inside! pj's, and movies have never been more enjoyable!   this has been quite the fun week of memories.. donuts in the snow mobile, breaking in the 4WD, way too many coffee trips, ratchet outfits and so much more.   so for future's sake.. here is some of the fun we've lived out this week. coffee is necessary when you wear flats in the snow.   and for the record, fetal pig...

as I sit here on a frozen Sunday night, I am completely floored by the goodness of our Father and the love that He has shown this week.   with each passing day, I stand more and more amazed by Him, and his ability to just pour love and grace over me and my life.   This week was good, so good, so rich in love and joy and so needed.   this year, as Valentines rolled around, I told myself I was going to ponder how thankful I am for all the love in my life, instead of joining the sulk party of single.   yet, pondering how different things were this year and how stressful the past few weeks have been I found myself overwhelmed and starting to feel kind of down.   after spending some time in prayer, and telling the Lord I needed a pick me up it was no surprise..    the very next day I found myself at the post office 3 times in 24 hours. and that was only the beginning I was completely overwhelmed wit...

the past two weeks have been something straight out of a crazy action packed movie.. at times it was hard to believe it was real life and that I actually survived.   some weekends roll around and I have non-stop plans from Friday after work until Monday morning...   which make the weekends that are relaxed and plans just fall into place, all the more sweeter.   because who doesn't love Friday nights of worship and fellowship with sweet church friends?    sleeping in till noon, grabbing lunch and free coffee with your roomie?   getting your nails done?   crazy fun car wash experiences?   laughter with the people you're blessed to live with?   adventures downtown with another beyond precious friend?     conversations that I will savor forever?   yummy diner dinners?   but really though who doesn't LOVE 70 degree weather in February that ...

  He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18   Adoption is something the Lord has placed large on my heart. for going on almost 8 years now, one special little almost 11 year old {wait, WHAT?! not possible.} has absolutely stolen my heart.   it has been the greatest blessing to be his big sister, and best friend. we are the same person, in two bodies. gosh, God is so cool y'all. my twin is Asian! born from two different mothers, but loved by the same mother's heart. he has blessed me so big, and I cannot believe we've walked this road for 7 1/2 years.   I think the coolest thing about growing our family by 2 feet, has been the other families and people we've gotten to meet and reach out to in their process of adoption, or after they've already walked through it. the lifetime friendships, are some of my most treasured. ...

People often laugh, along with giving me crazy looks when I make it known that I'm an introvert. through and through.   I love people, like LOVE them. and I love spending time with people and laughing and making memories.   but nothing says heaven like moments alone. these moments are harder and harder to come by as life progresses, but when I find the still silence and the ability to just sit and savor each and every minute of it. I leave so refreshed.   since starting college, I have learned to cherish the times that I'm able to just slow down, to stop and just rest at the feet of the Lord. to reflect on his goodness.   this week, was nothing compared to last week but it was still quite a challenge.  I constantly live in survival mode.   yet, the Lord was so gracious as to allow my only class to get cancelled today, creating an hour of silence because sometimes, planners, pan...