beach vacay

I'm not one to jump at the first chance to go to the beach. However, lately... I've been dying to get there. Maybe just to experience some rest from the hustle & bustle, or maybe to get away from the dreary cold days. Soon enough hopefully, I'll be venturing down for some fresh salt air.

sense of urgency?

You know those times when something happens of the blue -- a death of a close family member or friend, a life threatening illness, a near death experience, a family issue, etc-- that really just gives you a great big reality check. Well, the end of last week was one of those times for me.

One of my roommates, Allie, got a call Friday letting her know that one of her very best friends from home was in the hospital with a rare (very serious) blood disease called TTP. Without going into all the medical details...it's not good. She contracted this disease from a parasite she got while visiting another country over Christmas break.

(Prayers are greatly appreciated for her and for her family and friends right now. Allie is currently there and is remaining there for awhile. We are just continually praying for strength and healing.)

...It really got me thinking. We, in general, always assume we have time. It's nothing that we consciously ever really think about. Like how many times do we say, "Oh I'll do that later," or "I'll tell him/her that later because it'll be a better time," or something might be "awkward" so you don't want to do. Or better yet, how many times do we not doing something in fear of what others think? You know, I bet we are all scared. The people I am scared of thinking a certain thing are probably scared of the exact same thing themselves. The thing is we don't know if there is going to be another time. As morbid as that sounds, we have lost a sense of urgency that is imperative to our being. Imperative to what the Lord has for us. 

I think often times we forget we are just a mist.

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." [James 4:14]

"You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath" [Psalm 39:5]

Through all of this I have been encouraged to make the most of every opportunity. To live more in a sense of urgency about things. Not fearing death, but celebrating life, and the time you do have. Not in a foolish manner, but in a fully alive one. I also challenge you to think, as I am myself... What does it truly mean to be fully alive in the LORD and let that be displayed in your own  everyday life?

wool socks and coffee kind of day.

Today was just one of those days when you don't feel like doing anything. Any excuse not to do a thing is adopted. The cold weather & Saturday... perfect excuse for me.

so true.

This little piece of art by Parker Fitzgerald, was shared by my sweet friend Ansley Hayden ...

I am learning a lot right now, but this quote is definitely an overriding theme. Thankful for the Lord teaching me this.

little things i'm thankful for today

the beauty of the Lord in the outdoors. i love seasons and how the Lord is so maticulous in all of them.  His majesty is on display.

Even though it's extremely cold. I love bundling up in sweaters and gloves. Yes, I love cold weather. And everything that comes with it.

Morning coffee with my roomie, Allie. Our apartment is perfect in the morning with the sun coming through the windows.

Good music. Always. Lately, just loving the piano.

Funny friends. Goodness, doesn't laughter make things so much better. Thankful for my hilarious friends.

happy ice day!

Happy Ice Day from Auburn University! Hope everyone is enjoying the indoors.

"make hay, while the sun still shines"

My Dad always gives me very wise advice. He is one I look to as a pillar of strength. It's almost like it was engrained in him to say just the right thing at the right time. As time goes on, and I am nearing the end of my collegiate times- he is pouring out old stories from his past and advice on the reg. I love it, and it's also quite hilarious. I appreciate our coffee dates together so much.

Today over our Starbucks lattes Dad reminded me of the phrase, "Make hay, while the sun still shines." Normally these little riddles do I not pay much attention to. However, he explained it in such a wonderful manner. He was saying how the riddle came from when farmers get together hay for the cattle, how the cattle will not eat the hay if it has been at all wet from the rain because the hay will rot and mildew. The cows will not eat it. So the farmers had to gather the hay and roll it before the rain came. 

He reminded me of kind-of adopting this little motto as I enter the last semester of my senior year. You know we never know when the rain is coming, but we can make the most of it and take the opportunities we do have while we have them. Fear of the future is something that has definitely plagued me in recent months, yet that is not what the Lord intended for us. It says in Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." 

gotta make the most out of it, and don't worry about the rest. it'll come when it comes.

passion 2011

One thing I look most too in the New Year is Passion Conference! It is such a wonderful and powerful way to start off the new year seeking the Lord's presence and focusing on His renown being our desire and foundation. This year I was blessed with the privelege of singing in the first ever Passion 2011 choir. It was one of the most incredible experiences to aid in facilitating worship for 22,00 people lifting high the name of Jesus. 

Passion 2011 choir family!

backstage, just waiting for worship to get started

The foundation of our joy is the Lord, and He is to be made MUCH of it.