An Update | The Reason for the Silence

For the past couple of weeks, my little heart has been aching to get behind this camera of mine again.  In the hustle and bustle of this crazy, yet wonderful life, I've not been taking time or investing in the things that are refreshing to my soul.  So let me play catch up on this little corner of the Internet if you don't mind.

Basically I say over and over again that I want to get back into blogging and reacquaint myself with Charlotte. While that's all good and true, the last couple of months without this little journal full of thoughts, lists, and moments captured have grown and challenged me and have proved to be nothing short of a blessing.

In the past few months I've:

• started dating the sweetest, most caring, goofy guy (I'm sure they'll be more on that later)
• moved away from my beloved little college town, leaving some of the most dearest friends I've ever had
• moved back in with my parents (for now)
• started working at a church 
• volunteering in youth ministry at the church (these girls are amazing)
• started teaching dance (dream come true!)
• ate way too many donuts 
• realized my need for Jesus' sweet, sweet grace more and more

I'm still trying to figure out how in the world my life has changed so drastically in just a few short months. But here I am!

So there is an extremely brief update on all things in my life.
And these pictures are from December just to prove how far behind I am in posting.
But, I get to relive these moments at my favorite place, with my favorite people.
Also, I GET TO GO BACK TOMORROW.
*happy dances the night away*

RVA Days | Night Life + Hospitality

 A few old snaps from my wandering about my hometown city at night.  Naturally, I made a friend with a homeless man and bought him a pizza.  If that doesn't give you a taste of my spontaneity and ability to make friends with strangers, I don't know what does.  Not to mention my love language of food, namely pizza.

 This night was filled with chai lattes, challenging blogs, and learning good lessons.  

I had JUST read this blog about hospitality and the difference between how we often view it in our time and culture and the biblical representation of it.  Hospitality is something I really enjoy and have been gifted with, so I was very challenged by this particular post.  Little did I know, just minutes later that I would have the chance to carry out the biblical truth I had just read about.

2015 | A Hope for the New Year

A New Year. For someone who loves fresh starts, new beginnings, striving towards goals, and making lists, you would think I thrive and love this holiday we celebrate.  In years pasts I always had a silent excitement for the new year, knowing that I had the chance to start over and afresh. It gave me an excuse to make a list without people judging me for my weird obsession with listing anything and everything. But this year, has been much different.

I could go on and on about the memories that this year held.  I could make another list of things I'm going to strive for in 2015, but strange as it may be, I've not been in the list making mood lately.

This year has stretched me and grown me more then ever before. I experienced seasons of joy, sorrow, confusion, pain, and everything in between. Yes, there are many memories of great adventures, endless laughs, road trips, and delicious coffee and donuts. But those are not the memories from this past year that stick out the most.

Seeing a life drawn to Christ, a study of Ephesians over coffee, praising with thousands brothers and sisters, seeing fears conquered, crying on the mountaintop. Those are the moments that I hold dear. When Christ was exalted. When I saw the victory that we have. When I saw chains broken. When I saw hearts healed.

I'm so humbled in those moments when I get to witness a life changed by the love that the Lord so graciously lavishes on us. I'm so thankful for the moments that I wept before the Lord full of hurt, fear, and uncertainty.  For he turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me with joy.

That is all that I desire for this year. To see Christ lifted high. In my life and the lives of those around me. What a gift we have to be able to experience the life-changing, patient, all-powerful love that comes from the Father, the maker of heaven and earth.

Morning Time

Morning time is my favorite time.  I love to be able to sit down, eat a yummy breakfast, drink hot coffee, read Scripture, and stare out the window.   I don't think there is a better combination then breakfast food, coffee, and a journal.  I tend to want to sleep in till the last minute, but when I take the time to get up a little earlier, my whole day is always much better.  Steel cut oats with cinnamon, honey, and apple chips are my breakfast of choice as of late.  Warm, sweet, and filling.  And it keeps me full till my lunch break at work.

Okay, I'm not a food blogger.  But I do know how these times intentionally set aside are where the Lord meets me.  MERCY.  His refreshing, life giving Spirit whispers in my ear, and I am changed.  Much better then that extra hour of sleep.

Also, I'm learning and growing so much lately and am so excited how the Lord is going to stretch me in this new season.  I feel like the unknown of the future is becoming more and more exciting lately.  Let's pray my mindset and emotions about the future continue to stay this way!

Adventures | Alta Vista with Alaina

Reunions with my sweet soul sisters are always excellent.  They're worth the long drives and last minute planning.  These friendships are something that I believe only come once in lifetime, and I am thankful for them.

A few weekends ago, I spent Saturday afternoon venturing through Alta Vista with Alaina.  We drank coffee, got vinyls for a steal, and frolicked through the park.

The Christmas party is right around the corner and I could not be more excited.

Learning to Rest

I'm convinced that the most beautiful of all creation is watching the sunset behind the mountains.  The last glimpse of light, the radiant colors in the sky, and the dew that starts creeping onto the ground.  I watched this right before my eyes as I got out of work today.  I can't wait till I can do it again from this mountaintop. 

I'm setting a goal for myself that I will catch those glorious sunrises once a month as well.  I love morning times, but often find it hard to get out of bed before the sun is up, but the few times I have have been well worth it.  Also, one of those sunrises has to be a sunrise hike, which I need to make happen sooner rather then later with the cold starting to set in.  I just need someone willing to wake up at an insane hour to go with me.

I am so thankful for things such as the sunrise and the sunset that remind of the Lord's grace and mercy.  The sunrise an ever present reminder of his new mercies.  The sunset brings forth the night, a time to rest.  A time to snuggle up in front of the fire with a thick blanket, hot tea, and my sweet roommates. 

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:1-2

Rest is something I believe I will always be learning about.  I can so easily be consumed with making plans and that I forget to sit and rest in the presence of my Savior.  I go through the motions, read my Bible, mutter my thanks and requests, but don't sit to listen and be still.  However, the Lord is so good and patient, just waiting for me to acknowledge his grace and the rest that I can only receive through Him. 

I am a planner and a doer.  But I need to not obsess with having something penciled in on my schedule everyday, but instead take time to physically and spiritually rest. 

RVA Days | Alex + Lamplighter

This lady and this city have a special place in my heart.