cheers, here’s to life :)

yaaaaaay life! that’s all i can say!

things are just changing and becoming brighter and better. i think that comes with the season change, eh? fall is such a time of change… colors, temperature, moods, etc. this is by far my favorite season. i’m always really encouraged, probably because it’s the most GORGEOUS time of the year. i love love love reds, oranges, golds, browns, etc… and thanksgiving is always my favorite time because i get to celebrate it with both sides of my fam. just really love and cherish this time. i think i am the happiest during the months of october and november… so i am anticipating all the fun times this next month!

i’ve been meeting with a lovely lady named emily for a little while now… she has been discipling me and mentoring me and just imparting all her wisdom onto me, praying with me, encouraging me. it’s been the biggest gift. it’s so nice to have women who see something in you and want to touch on that and help you get to the place and be the person that you aspire to be. so thankful for emily and her heart and her sweet love for the Lord.

also exciting news- one of my besties from high school, meri-leigh, moved to NYC for an internship. SO, i am going to visit her in december! yay! i’ve never been to NY during christmastime, so i am thrilled to do all the christmasy things… ice skate, go to rockefellar center, etc etc. PLUS, NY is the home of one of mine and meril’s all time favorite movies, home alone 2: lost in new york. DUH! it’s only appropriate that i visit her there. also- emily is going up there too on the same weekend, so we are flying in and back together– soooo excited. can’t even wait to see meril. my heart misses her. it’s been almost 2 years since we’ve hugged, so it’s long overdue.

i registered for my spring semester of classes and i am pleased to announce that for the first time in 2 years, i am taking LESS than 18 hours. i have made it down to 16 hours for the spring and then i will be down to 13 my last semester of college in the fall of 2010 and then i am FINISHED. it’s so strange right now to be looking at internships, grad schools, jobs, etc… just to explore some possibilities and options of what i could be doing after graduation. it’s a scary time, but i am also so anxious and excited to be done!

my girl friends are ROCKING my life right now. i can say i have spent more time with my ladies in the last 2 months than i probably did total in the last year we are all just craving our girl time. if we don’t see each other 3-4 times a week, it’s a strange feeling. i have never been a part of a more encouraging group of women who are chasing after the heart of God… it’s so encouraging, yet also rewarding to know that i also have something to contribute to the group. i think that’s what makes us work so well. we all have different talents, gifts, viewpoints, etc… but we all come together and it just works. it’s perfect. i LOVE my girls. can’t even say it enough. if i think about it too long i’ll cry. tehehe. so thankful that the Lord has given me such incredible women to help strengthen me and uplift me, and that i get to do the same for them.

my sweet friend, carly, and i have been running 3-5 times a week for the last couple of months. i have noticed a HUGE change in my stress level, my worrying, my anxiety… it has been so good for my body as well as for my mind and my soul. not to mention, carly and i have the best talks while we’re running (and sometimes walking). it’s so refreshing to run every afternoon with her and for us to just get to catch up and have girl time as well. we’ve been working towards running a 5k… so we’re doing that in 2 weeks. i am so excited to see how our running has paid off. i am proud of the discipline we’ve had, as well as the improvement that we’ve show as far as distance and time. so i’m pumped! my body is loving me as well as my heart!

i feel like the Lord is just blowing me away right now. things aren’t awesome, but they are fine. i am confident in Him and therefore in myself. my precious friend, hayley, has this name book that gives you what your name means, as well as your spiritual trait/gift/etc. my name means “counselor” and my word is “joy(ful).” holy mess. how perfect? i’m going to school to be a counselor and i love love love that my spirit radiates joy! how encouraging! what a great feeling to have joy in the midst of trials and unfortunate circumstances. i’ve spent too much of my days being anxious and depressed… there is something stirring. so excited to see what it is.

lovies.

a lady in waiting

so I have been reading this book by Jackie Kendall called, “Lady in Waiting.” It has really opened my eyes and my heart to the life of a single woman and trying to live without being discouraged when it seems like all your friends are getting married, engaged, in serious relationships, etc.

since I’ve been in college, I’ve been really lucky to have exceptional men in my life. The men in my family have always been amazing and supportive (dad, brother, grandfather, stepfather, etc.) and have given me tangible, living examples of how women should be treated and have always reminded me of my worth as a woman. I have the most INCREDIBLE guy friends in the world. They have been the most influential in my knowing what I deserve and what I want in a man that I could potentially date and/or marry. They are leaders, men after the heart of God, and respectful of women. I’ve been in a couple serious relationships that I am very thankful that I got to endure and be a part of. They weren’t always easy, but they have helped put into perspective for me the things that I desire out of a relationship and the kind of man that I desire to be with, should that happen for me.

I want to be a better person for being with the person that I am with. I can say that about so many of my friends and members of my family… ‘I am better for knowing you.’ ‘I am my best self when I am with you.’ A lot of times I’m told to just go on lots of dates and yada yada yada, make yourself unavailable and men will want you, etc. NO. I will NOT do that. There are days where I am discouraged and feel like I missed the boat somewhere. But, HELLO! I’m only 21 years old. I have a lot of friends who feel this way too- like our friends have these serious, almost ready to be engaged relationships, and here we are, young, fresh out of college some of us, and discouraged because we don’t have a significant other? How warped and messed up is that? I want to use my singleness for good. Not think of it as something negative or like there is something wrong with me. This is the time for me to get to know myself aside from other people and aside from having a relationship, and should I some day be in a serious relationship, this will have been the time to prepare me to be ready and the kind of woman that someone else would want to be with and have in their life. Also- I’ve noticed in myself and in other women, that we always say when we get married, that that is when our life will start. I am TOTALLY guilty of this. I have thought this subconsciously for years. But lately, I’m noticing what sounds so simple, has become so profound to me. My life has already started. I’m going to miss out on so much if my main focus is simply on finding someone to share my life with. I am perfectly capable of being strong on my own and when/if someone does come into my life (remember, I’m not complaining, I understand I’m only 21), then that’ll be great. But that is no reason for me to sit back and wait on someone to walk into my life and THEN my life will start. it’s a really silly thing to admit and honestly say that that has been my mentality for the last few years. Haha and please do not think I’m on this independent woman/feminist high kick. I’m just simply stating that women don’t need men to be completed and that has been my state of mind for most of my life, unfortunately. I guess better to recognize it now rather than later, right?

I really do tend to get discouraged about this. I started writing this blog on Sept 16 and forgot all about it. Since I wrote this, my perspective on being single hasn’t changed 100%, I still get down about it some times, but over the last few weeks, I’ve gotten to know myself a little better. I’ve technically been single for a long time, but my heart wasn’t available to anyone and I was very closed off. But, I’ve seen changes in myself and have really been making conscious efforts to get to know me again and figure out the me that I want to become. I’m trying to be transparent without giving too much personal stuff away, so forgive me if I seem vague.

My perspective and my outlook has just shifted. I’m working towards the same thing… my major hasn’t changed, the career path I want has not changed, but the way I look at all of it… that’s changed. Also- I don’t want anyone thinking the wrong thing… I am INCREDIBLY happy for my friends who are in committed relationships, engaged, and married and so happy that I get to be a part of their relationships and share in that with them.

I’m learning a lot. For the first time in a looooooong time. I’m learning about myself, more about the heart, grace, and love of Christ, and learning to accept those things. I feel like since I’ve technically been a believer for like 4 years now, I’ve learned a lot of stuff. but that’s all that really resonated with me…. it was just stuff. I never really took it in or accepted it or thought twice about it. God was only semi-real to me. But, without getting too personal, I’m learning a ton. I really am. I feel like the old me, 3-4 years ago, but better.

a close friend told me the other day that he thinks that the next 2 years for me… they’re going to produce a ton of fruit. I surely surely hope so. I just want to grow and be used. I know it’s going to bring a ton of trials and lots of healing and stretching and going outside my comfort zone. but, I think I’m ready, and if not, I’m going for it anyway.

everything is really, really, good. my heart is FULL.

holy moly.

Wow! It’s been almost 3 months or so since I posted anything and Josh Murty is amazing! (i just saw this on here… that’s what i get for leaving my computer open when people are over. YES josh murty, you are amazing!)

My good friend, Claire, and I moved into an apartment back downtown and we LOVE it. We’re slowly getting everything painted and put together and making it our home. Once we get everything situated, we want to have a little get together for our friends, so that will be exciting.

I also celebrated my 21st birthday on July 11th. I had such a good time with my friends! It was amazing to have all my groups of friends in one place at one time. I felt so loved. Thanks to everyone who came out… you have no idea what it did for my heart!

School has started and fall recruitment is starting very soon… I am stressed, but I am READY. I am beyond excited for us to take new members in the fall. I’m so glad we had spring recruitment so that I was able to become familiar with my job and know what I can do differently in the fall to make the new members experience within our sorority so much greater. I can’t wait to meet these sweet new babies! Our chapter has been working so hard to make recruitment so special for our girls… I have no doubt that we’re going to get some amazing girls that were born to wear our crown

I have officially started my senior year of college… it is surreal. I am looking into graduating this upcoming summer. HOLY COW. I can’t believe it. If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll be graduating next fall. Either way, a semester late. I’d rather graduate in the summer, but we shall see. Either way, I’m going right back into school shortly after. More updates on my post-graduation plans to come the options that I have are SUPER exciting and I can’t wait to share them as soon as I’m more certain as to what I’m doing.

so now that graduation is in sight and I’m starting to look for internships and jobs, I am getting a little nervous but excited at the same time. I realized though after talking to some friends that are closer to graduation and that have already graduated, that I don’t have to be absolutely certain what it is that I should do, but rather that I am striving for some sort of goal. I also realized that it’s been about 2 years or so since I really prayed about what God wanted me to do, not what I thought I needed to be doing. I don’t know if I’d have as much uncertainty if I had honestly asked Him and humbled myself enough for Him to do with me whatever it is that He wants me to do. sooooo. that’s where I am. It’s pretty crazy… but I’m hoping for some clarity about exactly what I need to do. I’m really quick to ask God something, but then completely cloud my thoughts with other things and try to be completely independent. and then I risk not hearing from Him. I always think, “He doesn’t talk to me.” in all reality… He’s speaking clearly to me, but I am not hearing nor listening.

this is a crazy transitional time for me. this season of my life is going to be AWESOME. I can feel it. I’m hoping to get involved in my church a little bit more. we’re starting a middle/high school ministry and I REALLLLLY want to be involved in that. That’s where my heart is… in student ministry and we haven’t had that in my home church. I’d be begging for opportunities to invest in students and VOILA! here they are, hopefully.

anyway. too much stuff to do to blog this week recruitment is on Thursday! so much to do, so little time!

hope everyone is doing well.

lovies!

it’s good to see you again, dear friend…

yes, that is a chris coleman lyric for that heading

 

it has been a long time since i’ve written in my good ol’ wordpress journal. i couldn’t even begin to put anyone who reads this, up to speed on everything that’s been going on lately.

so i’ll start with today. or tonight, rather. tonight… i got the privilege of acting out my big sister duties. one of my little sisters, isabella, is turning 6 in a week. she had her birthday party tonight and 8 of her sweet little girlfriends came over for a princess birthday party and a sleepover. the night would not have been completed without a silly string fight, pizza, cake and icecream, presents, and then mani’s and pedi’s done by yours truly i can’t even begin to describe the joy that i felt tonight. it brought so much delight and so much pleasure to my heart to be able to be the “big sister.” she was so proud to have me there… and would tell everyone that i was her sister. but, the most important part of the evening was this: i got to serve my 6 year old sister and her friends. i helped my mom prepare the cake and ice cream, sat beside her as she opened presents and put all her gifts away, cleaned up the wrapping paper and made sure she saved all the cards, laughed and sprayed silly string and did cartwheels in the grass (eventhough i am allergic)… and then did 8 mani/pedi’s until my back hurt. and i LOVED it. i absolutely loved it. and i’d do it again in a heartbeat. i miss being that young… being so easily entertained and innocent. little girls are one of the most precious gifts in the world… i’m convinced of that much at least. also convinced that i LOVE being a big sister.

other than that… i am moving back to my parent’s house this weekend. my precious roommate, tiffany, is in the midst of planning her wedding to her wonderful fiancee and they’re trying to start their life together… so therefore, i am heading home for the summer. but i am super excited to live with my sweet friends and sorority sisters, claire and katie, in the fall. we’re apartment hunting while claire is in europe until june. looking for places to live always stresses me out because i love every place that we visit. so… fingers crossed that we will find something and SOON. and i am officially a SENIOR in college. i started my senior year this may taking my 1st maymester/summer class in my college career. and it is a pain in the BUTT. i am SO SO SO ready for it to be over. monday is my last day of class and then tuesday is my final. then DONE. such a good feeling.

the world is speeding up all around me… and i feel like i am just still in the same place. summer always brings significant change, though. i’m ready for it. but if i expect change, i have to allow change. and i don’t usually allow it to happen in my life. so that’s my barrier to break down this summer. i’m tired of the same old routine. my life is lacking direction… and for someone who plans like i do, no direction is NOT a good thing. all the things i wanted to do… i don’t anymore. the dreams i had… i kind of lost sight of them. so i’m trying to gain some insight and think introspectively. i’ve gotta grab a hold of the reigns on my life before it gets too far out of my control. 

my mind/heart/body/spirit… all exhausted and worn down. in the last couple weeks… my grandmother died, my best friend moved to south africa for the summer, some parents of close friends have passed away, and things are just out of control lately. not that they always aren’t. but i’m worn out.

i’m gonna try to update as much as possible, but i forget. love you guys.

change.

i am the worst blogger ever.

truth be told. not much is going on that i feel comfortable sharing. for the first time in a long time, i feel as though i’m making some sort of progress. and the best part, it’s obvious progress. progress that i can see in my life and not just think that i’m doing. so that is really really thrilling for me. it’s something i haven’t felt in a long time. and my friends are noticing it. so that is good.

school is nearing the end and i could not be more excited. i am doing 2 may-mester classes, so i won’t be finished til the end of may/beginning of june. after that, i’ll be getting a much needed break and it’ll be close to my day trip to NY, my 21st bday, my beach vacation with my family… and lots of time to work and save money. so i am very much looking forward to the end of the school year/summer to start.

i experienced the most INCREDIBLE worship of my life on Easter night. i spent the first half the day working since my fam was out of town… but i went to the night service at my church, and HOLY LORD. literally. it was amazing. so freeing. so liberating. people were dancing and every person in the room was singing loudly and just proclaiming the goodness of the Lord. i mean… i was just in tears the entire time. but of course, dancing and rocking back in forth during worship (those who know me… you understand this. and make fun of me for it). then we went to baptisms at the pastors house. OH. MY. GOODNESS. indescribable. i saw my sweet friend, samuel, get baptized… and as if i hadn’t cried enough…. i bawled. everyone there had some story about how samuel had encouraged, challenged, loved, etc on them. and i just didn’t think there could’ve been anything better than what we were doing that night. spending time in community, loving each other, and loving Christ. best thing ever. literally changed my heart. broke my heart. challenged my heart. it was…. just so good. 

i think that’s all i got. i’m sweating to death in econ. and spending the afternoon in the library afterwards. and then GSU vs. GT baseball so excited.

blessings

the grind.

so this season is slowing down… when i say this season, i mean this season of my life that i’ve been in for awhile now. i feel as though it’s ending and i am about to start a new one. could be wrong, but things are quickly changing around me, and it feels like something is about to happen. i’m constantly aware of how vast the world around me is… and sometimes i just feel so lost in it. it seems like everyone has their life together (i know this is not true) and i am always scrambling to keep mine in some kind of organized chaos. i’m stressing about graduating college next year with the economy being the way that it is… and deciding what the wise step will be: 1. grad school or 2. attempting to find a job. it’s all quite exhausting to think about. also trying to think about where i’d like to live after graduation is something that’s been on my mind a lot too.

i don’t want to grow up. i spent a majority of my adolescence being the responsible one… the mom, the DD, the go-to girl if things were messy… and for the last year or so, i’ve still been somewhat responsible, but instead of growing up, i’ve kind of stayed the same. does that make sense? the world got bigger, people started growing up, i kind of fought the whole growing up thing, and kind of remained unchanged. which is no good. i enjoy being 20 and i’m in this phase of going out and having a good time and dancing and bars. and it’s all fun… but is it wise? i’m just trying to figure it out. 21st birthday is coming up and that will be an entirely different ball game. there’s going to be some self control that’s going to have to be learned. so i’m just frustrated with trying to be an adult and trying to still be young and somewhat responsible all at the same time. it’s time to grow up a little bit.

one thing i feel like i HAVE actually been understanding a little better, is the Lord’s love for people. my heart breaks for lost people, for broken people, for people who can’t seem to get their lives together… my heart just yearns for them. and maybe it’s because i’ve been all 3 of those people at some point in my life. but i feel like He’s instilled some sort of strength in me to be able to relate and hurt and love on people lately. which clearly we are supposed to love people ANYWAY, but i am just kind of overwhelmed with the compassion that i feel placed in my life lately. those who know me well know that i’ve really struggled with compassion due to an extremely calloused heart throughout high school and a good bit of college. i feel like i see people the way Jesus sees them and want to make them feel the way He would if He were standing right next to them and hanging out. a lot of times, i am TERRIBLE at this. i mean, terrible. but it’s very hard for me to dislike anyone, even when i try reallllllly hard. i just love people. 

so as the Lord takes away, He also provides in return. as certain constants in my life are starting to fade away, i’m constantly overwhelmed with the friends that i have and their never-ending support for me. i know i am constantly crying, ranting, trying to figure things out… and they don’t grow tired, annoyed, angry, upset or anything with me. they have continued to love on me, listen, encourage, support, give advice, whatever i need. i have the best friends in the world. i really and truly do. whenever i leave after being with them, i feel edified, encouraged, loved, well respected, adored, you name it. i feel it. and that’s the way it should be. my precious friend, allie, has been my saving grace these last few months. i’ve probably driven her crazy with everything that’s been going on, but she has never lost patience with me and she has always stood by me. always cried WITH me. prayed with me. hurt when i was hurting, sort of thing. she’s for sure been my rock this entire time. love me some allie d.

alright, i’ve gotta get ready for the day…. turning in a paper and going to be spending the rest of the day in the library doing another!

love,
mal

herro.

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve written and I had every intention about being better about writing. oh well. I’ve been a busy girl with school, sorority, and spring break the last few weeks and it hasn’t stopped I’m still going strong, attempting to balance lots of things at one time. how very typical of me.

Amongst everything, I haven’t had much time to rest… so I’m a little weary and a little tired, but trying to stay encouraged, positive, and motivated. I’m almost done with major sorority stuff for the semester and we only have like 6 weeks left of school after today. So only a little more time to stick it out! I officially got my major changed out of nursing back into psychology and picked all my classes until my graduation in December 2010. I’m graduating a semester late, but that’s totally okay with me considering how I’ve been to 3 different schools. I’m excited because I will be applying for graduation in the fall. HOLY COW. I can’t believe it’s fastly approaching and in 6 weeks, I will be a SENIOR in college. Out of control. I don’t feel old enough yet… it’s time to start thinking about jobs and building my resume and being a big girl

congratulations to all of my friends who are engaged and getting married! I can’t believe how many people I know that are engaged or recently married. it’s all very exciting and I am loving being a part of it all. haha I am so not even there yet, but I admire that my friends can settle down and make adult decisions like that. it’s crazy how we’re all growing up. I can’t handle it.

I don’t really have much going on other than the usual work and school. I saw my best friend, Krissy, the other day for the first time in like… 3 months or so. it was an emotional reunion with lots of tears and lots of hugs. oh the love. also, Holly, my bestest, is in California on her spring break to see a friend of ours from high school that moved out there. it was her first time on a plane, so I’m excited for her to come home and tell me all about it. My new Zeta babies are getting initiated in a couple weeks and I am SO excited and SO proud of them. They’ve come a long way and persevered and have just done a really incredible job. I’m not ready for them not to be my sweet, little babies anymore! They’re going to be sisters it’s bittersweet. but, I’m a proud Zeta Mom to say the least. We have a retreat this weekend at my apartment with the new girls and then our entire chapter retreat out in Cumming. I’m super excited for some fun pictures, cosmic bowling, yummy food, and some good sisterhood. I am SUCH a sorority girl.

 

I feel like I am in like this rut where I’m not sure where to go with my life. I’m running a million miles an hour all the time… I’m not sure what I’m investing my time in anymore. It used to be in students and in relationships, school, work, etc. Now, it’s minus the students, add Zeta and a few other random things to the mix… and my life feels like a mess a lot of days. It works for me because I work best in chaos, but still, it’s been a little much lately. I’m always tired, always stressed, always worried about something or not getting my responsibilities done. I can’t half-ass things and I am starting to just so I can get things done. Also, applying for a big girl job is right around the corner and I’m terrified with the way that the economy is going at this point that I won’t be able to find a job. I don’t even really know what I want to do. I know I want to go back to school and get my masters in education… but that’ll take a couple of years. Ugh. I don’t wanna grow up, I’m only good at being young. (thanks, John Mayer). But I do want to graduate soon. It’s a weird transition for me… I’m  4 months away from being 21, so that marks an age for me that I’m excited to get to, especially with all my friends being 21 or older and being able to go out without me.  haha here I am saying I don’t want to grow up, but I can’t wait to be 21. oh me.

Well, here’s to the most pointless blog ever. Cheers!

I’m bored in government and taking off facebook for lent, so this is what I resulted to. OH, and I’ve been up since 7. Delirium at its finest.

Holler.

my favorite things.

 

so…. I’m out of biology lab early, and every part of me wants to take a nap and go to sleep. but, I’m not. I am in a writing mood and will probably journal after this. so, I was reading Bethany Dillon’s blog this morning. (i stinkin’ ADORE her)… and she did “a few of her favorite things.” not that anyone probably cares what MY favorite things are, because let’s be honest, I’m NOT Beth in any way, shape, of form… and also a whole lot less famous. but, I’m going to write it anyway.

so here we go, my favorite things:

• burt’s bees pomegranate chapstick. oh my gosh. if you have never used this, you have not lived yet. it is the best chapstick of life. (this is coming from an avid chapstick user/addict). i HIGHLY recommend it.
• golden girls. ok, let’s be honest. this is probably one of the FUNNIEST TV shows you will ever watch. and the women are so precious. i want to be like rose when i’m older… but alas, i am blanche in a lot of ways, haha.
• nicholas sparks books- i know, i know. but give me a break. i’m a girl. in my 20’s. i’m single…. ya know. it’s just going to happen. i like any super cheese, romantic book. which is weird considering i am NOT  into that sort of thing at all. hm. but nonetheless, i’ve read them all and think they’re fab.
• my sorority. that was not a surprise to anyone who knows me personally. i’m obsessed. i love zeta. everything about it. 
• one tree hill and dawsons creek. i put them together because… well, they share the same set and their story lines are about identical. same director and so forth. i’ve seen almost every episode of dawsons creek and i have seen EVERY episode of one tree hill… multiple times.
• hummus. totally random, i know. i love it and would eat it for every meal with pita chips. yummy.
• coca cola. yea. it’s bad. it’s always been mountain dew, but lately i’ve been heading towards coca cola. i never thought that’d happen, but ya know. gotta change it up. oh yea, and you have to add a lime!
• autumn. fall is my favorite season. i don’t like it when it’s super hot outside. plus i like fall clothes better
• sephora. ok, it’s every make-up wearing woman’s dream. i’m not a huge make-up wearer, but i do love to wear it when i do and i could spend hours in that store. (and drop a lot of $$)
• my baby sisters. i have 2 sisters. one is 5 and a half and the other is 6 and a half. they are, without a doubt, the most precious gifts i’ve been given. the best feeling in the world is pulling in my driveway and having them run out the door with their arms open and hug you and say, “i love you sissy!” i love them way too much.
• my brother. well the sisters thing obviously led to my brother, taylor. my best friend, and my partner in crime. one of my favorite things about him is that still to this day… he calls me “sis.” he’s called me that since he was able to talk. none of my siblings call me malloree.
• midtown community church. go here. the Lord is at work. in tremendous ways. the community is OUT OF THIS WORLD.
• painting. i love to paint. i don’t do it as often as i used to… but i love it. 
• my littles. sorority lingo. but my little sisters within ZTA. i’m obsessed with them. i love being their big. love love love it.
• psalms. there’s something so comforting about the book of psalms. i love reading it. psalm 62 is my favorite right now.
• my boys. my brothers. my best friends. my bridesmen they exemplify all that it means to be a man of God and with a heart for people, the world, etc. they are THE best guys in the world. i am convinced.
• dancing. if you are around me, you know. i never stop dancing. i could care less where i am.
• the twilight books. don’t hate ‘em ’til you’ve read ‘em. then you won’t hate ‘em, you’ll love ‘em.
• tulips. whew, buy me tulips and i’ll love you forever. flowers in general, but tulips are my favorite.
• encouragement. a kind word goes a long way. 
• hugs. especially krissy hugs. my best friend gives the BEST hugs in the world. but hugs in general.

well, i think that’s enough. i have a lot more favorite things… but i was trying to think of them all and realized there are too many. i gave up facebook for 40 days. technically 47 if you count sundays. so i’ll probably be on here more to cure my boredom and distract me from doing work

set apart.

i have decided NOT to go completely hiatus on the blogging world… but i am going to just post random quotes or videos or things that i like when i find them. i just can’t NOT write and share my heart with people.

this is a quote from leslie ludy’s website “set apart girl”…she wrote one of my favorite books, “set apart femininity.” she’s a beautiful writer with a heart 100% sold out to the Lord. ladies if you get a chance, you should read her books. all of them are really great. and her hubby, eric ludy, writes really awesome books for guys. they’ve come together and written a few as well. so check them out if you get a chance or need a good read!

Noble, breathtaking, captivating, Christ-centered femininity is truly a sight to behold.  It’s a beauty that does not draw attention to the woman, but to Jesus Christ.  It’s a radiance that is not dependent upon age, circumstance, or physical enhancements.  It’s a loveliness that flows from deep within – the refreshing beauty of Heaven, of a life transformed from the inside out by Jesus Christ.

i love this. it’s what i want to be, what i am striving for. may we as women seeking Christ, not buy into the lies of others and the lies of the enemy. our identity is found in Christ and Him alone. i am guilty of finding my identity in others opinions and the through the lies of satan. may we have confidence in who we are, who we were made to be. may we have hope that we are far more valuable than the world tells us that we are. that we are found blameless and flawless to our God; who loves our loud laughs, our free spirits, our quirks, our ridiculousness, our outgoing personalities.. and whatever qualities we individually possess. we are who He made us. that will always be enough. may we know that we are NEVER damaged goods. that what was once lost can ALWAYS be restored. 

psalm 62:1-2 says, “my soul finds rest in God alone. my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Fortress. i will NOT be shaken.”

5-8 says, “find rest o my soul, in God alone. my hope comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my fortress. i will NOT be shaken. my salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my Refuge. trust in Him at all times; pour out your hearts to Him. for God is our Refuge.”

i don’t know why i felt like writing today… but i hope this hits home to someone!

can’t hold my love back.