have a cheerful weekend!

What are your plans for this weekend? With the snow days this week, the past few days seem to have gone by so fast! Andrew just let me know that he is taking me on a surprise weekend trip for my birthday (on Tuesday)! I'm not sure where we are going or what we are doing, but I am told to pack a bag and be ready to head out straight from work this evening! 

I hope your weekend is full of pleasant surprises and smiles :)

xo

Image found here //

His unchanging nature

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." {James 1:17}

My perspective of God and who He is sometimes seems to shift day to day, based on my circumstances or how I do or don't see Him working in my life. One day He seems intricately involved, one day He seems distant. One day He seems full of love and mercy, one day I feel like He's out to get me. It is vital to remember that who He is does not change just because of how you feel, or because of how you see Him (or don't see Him) moving. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He doesn't change (Malachi 3:6). He is always good, always just, always compassionate, always merciful, always sovereign. In all things, always.

Image found here //

the 2-inch snowpocalypse

We were helping a friend in Douglasville, GA yesterday at the Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club when "Snow Storm Leon" hit, and the beauty was just breathtaking. We were so happy and grateful to make it home safely last night, and with almost absolutely zero traffic. Can't say the same for everyone traveling the opposite direction though, many who were stuck overnight (!).

To all my local friends: enjoy the snow, and stay safe & warm!!

xo

a short video from living in Haiti

Last weekend I had a little fun messing around with iMovie and created a short video of our time spent living in Haiti. During our time there, we occasionally filmed moments and interactions for the sake of memory, but never had the intention of actually making anything of them. The filming is shaky and the quality is low, but it's fun to look back and remember bits and pieces of what made up our days there.

You can click this link to view the 5 minute video, but don't forget to make it full screen and turn up your volume so that you can get the full experience ;)

xo

enduring patience

"There may be faith which never complained or questioned; 

but still greater is the faith which was tortured by questions and still believed."

     -William Barclay

In the moments in your life when you think God has forgotten, cling to the remnants of faith- you will see His kindness and mercy.

xo

Image found here //

are you rich?

Although Andrew and I are both recently unemployed and in the process of starting a new chapter, when I reflect on the good things in our life, I see that we are richer than we've ever been before. We may not be rich in money, but we are rich in support. We've been given so much love and generosity through our friends and family. God has filled our (love) bank to overflowing. Our parents contribute a large amount to that, and on top of that we have so many people that have chosen to invest in us and extend themselves to us. We are so rich. 

If you change your perspective on what it means to be rich, and what it means to want, to need, and to have… you might find that you are so very rich, too. 

xo

Images found here & here //

simple & pretty

Did you know that today is National Handwriting Day?! In celebration, Chesea Petaja is offering a 25% discount off anything in her etsy store with the coupon code HANDWRITING. Check out her designs at Oh My Deer. 

Also loving these prints/cards (a few of my favorites…)

xo

beautiful peace

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."
                                           {Psalm 52:8}

I was reading through some scriptures this morning, and was struck by the beauty in this particular passage. Not only the imagery of the first part, but even the confidence of the writer in the second segment. It's not "I will" or "I try", but, "I do." It's easy to think this kind of confidence is pride or arrogance, but being sure of your confidence in God is purely humble, peaceful, and reassuring. I also looked up a few olive tree images, and now I'm wishing I lived near a grove- what objects of such beauty and peace!

xo

Images found here, here, and here //

unexpected plans

"When your plans our thwarted, be on the lookout for [God]. [He] may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected. It is essential at such times to stay in communication with [Him], accepting [His] way as better than yours. Don't try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust [Him] and thank [Him] in advance for the good that will come out of it all."
                                                  - "Jesus Calling"

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
                                                    - Isaiah 55:10-11

Image found here //

have a creative weekend!

Have you seen photographs printed onto canvas? WeddingWire.com is offering a gift of a free 8x10 canvas (originally $45 value) if you complete a survey/reference for two of your wedding vendors on their site. You still have to pay for shipping (unless someone can find a coupon that can be combined!), but it still seems like an okay deal for an alternative way to display a photo. Maybe you could find something less expensive at a local drug store, but I bet the quality wouldn't be as great. Could be worth a shot!

I hope you have a great weekend, and find some time to be creative!

xo

georgia on my mind

For a couple who met in Georgia, how sweet is this print? Once we find jobs and move into our own place, I am hoping to bring some sentimental Georgia pieces to our space, to remind us of the special places and memories. I also like this sweet and simple print, and this map print. I have a typography map similar to this one, but it is of Athens-Clarke County. In the past, I've always been at a loss with what to decorate my walls with besides photographs of friends and family. I've been collecting some art pieces to add a little diversity to our future walls, and I am so excited for when I finally get to hang it all :)

What about you? What do you like to hang on your walls? Any ideas or suggestions for unique displays??

xo

guarded by His peace

   

     Recently I have expressed concern that through this time of waiting, my heart feels that it is hardening towards God. The frustration that comes with waiting and not being in control, as well as the fear and doubt in His timing and love, adds up and creates distance between me and my Heavenly Father. I feel vulnerable and therefore want to put up my walls and shut down. I've been praying and asking God to keep my heart soft, for I know that I truly do not want to be separated from Him and His perfect love. It's just hard to feel that in these times. 

     Anyways, all that to say, I read these scriptures this morning and was comforted by the reassurance that His peace (which transcends understanding) will guard my heart from hardening, and I was refocused on Jesus enduring the cross so that I do not have to grow weary in waiting. If you are experiencing a challenging or frustrating situation, I hope these words speak to you as well. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
                                                                                                     Philippians 4:6-7

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
                                                                                                     Hebrews 12:2

xo

Top Image found here // 

to live each day

"A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective… Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side."

- Calling Jesus, Sarah Young

rethinking your strength

Ever heard the phrase, "God won't give you more than you can handle"? I stumbled across this blog post yesterday and wanted to share it- the writer disagrees with this common offer of reassurance, as it is to be found nowhere in scripture. (The scripture this phrase stems from is in the context of sin and temptation, not of sorrow and heartbreak.) It's surprisingly comforting to discover, yes, He sure will give you more than you can handle- it's in these times that our strength truly comes from Him. What do you think about this perspective?

Follow the link here to read more: "God will give you more than you can handle: I guarantee it."

(Photo of Lake Michigan sent to me yesterday by a friend visiting home in Chicago!)

wedding whimsy

Back in November, I had the opportunity to assist my friend, Gracie with Gracie Blue Photography, with a wedding day shoot. I didn't have a camera in my hands… well, not my camera, anyways. I was her assistant and basically did all her "busy" work- it was a blast! Although the weather was pretty frigid, it was an absolutely gorgeous wedding. The couple, specifically the bride, was so cheerful, playful, and down to earth. I have met a few of Gracie's clients, and I can't believe how she always seems to find such great people to photograph. 

                           

Anyways, the pictures from the wedding are finally up on her blog and I wanted to share. It was so much fun being behind the scenes and now seeing how they all turned out! I took the above pictures with my iPhone, and if you compare them to Gracie's pictures, you can see what was really going on to create the stunning images!  

Click here to experience the magic :) Enjoy!!

P.S. Isn't the bride's dress amazing??! I want to have another wedding so that I can wear it ;)

xo

what did you gain/learn in 2013?

One thing that 2013 did for me was renew my love for reading. During college, it was hard to squeeze in time for "books for pleasure," and the list of books I read during that time is pretty sparse. Starting last summer, I went on a reading frenzy and read 7 novels in just a few months (I highly recommend Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion 3-book series… so. good.). I already have two books currently on my "next" list. With all the buzz over the book-based film coming out in March, Divergent, I popped into Barnes and Noble the other day and decided to give it a try and read the first 60 pages… And hopefully it makes it's way to me in the mail today :) Also, I received Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers, for Christmas, and will be starting that one soon after my Divergent kick finishes. Now, I can't believe I went so many years without indulging myself in the world's greatest pastime.
Any good books you've read recently?

xo

Image found here //

do you like the cold?

I'm often surprised by how many of my friends can't stand cold weather! I guess it makes sense, living in Georgia, that one would prefer the summer over the winter. I, however, really don't mind the cold. I love bundling up in layers of winter clothes and getting cozy by the fire. Even once the holidays pass, it still just seems so festive. I am dying for a snow day here in Georgia! I love the magic of winter. I say that now… we will see how I feel if I ever live in a place that actually has a "real" winter :)

Image found here //

desk dreams

I am in love with this desk from World Market. It is the rustic minimalist's dream. It's on sale, it's almost my birthday… I'm thinking this is not a coincidence ;) This little shelf would look cute next to it, for extra storage.

I've also had my eye on this coffee table for quite a while, though based on the reviews, it doesn't seem to withstand the normal wear and tear of glasses and food contact. This is a cute alternative, but I'm not sure the reviews are much better. Bummer! Any suggestions on where to find similar style, but good quality furniture? 

Happy Friday!!

xo

not the anchor, but the boat

In times of sorrow and trouble, we feel the need for God even more. But the reality is, our need for him is ever-present, regardless of our feelings or situation. Our need for him is infinitely unceasing and unchanging. 

Image Found here //