love songs.

So I got to see Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors last night in concert. They were so amazing. Such great music and so fun to watch. But my favorite part was watching Ellie and Drew and the way they looked at each other while they played together. It was so obvious that they adored each other. They played this song during the acoustic part of the show:

I really want to be in love like this someday :)

the next thing.

Sometimes I want to skip ahead in my life. On to another phase. Around the next corner. I dream of the future and all the awesome things I'll get to do then. And I start to get dissatisfied with the things God has me doing now. I think they're boring, or just not quite as awesome as the picture of the future that I have in my head.

I was reminded this week by my dear friend Anna Kate of Elisabeth Elliot's saying, "do the next thing." I constantly want to skip ahead and look for other things to do, all the while ignoring the next thing that is right in front of me.

And for me, the next thing is going to work. It's teaching well. Loving my students. Interacting with my co-workers. Figuring out how to teach well in the weird situation I'm in. The next thing is coaching adorable 4th grade girls on Saturday and teaching them how to play sports and honor God in that. The next thing is leading students at my church in worship on Wednesday nights, and singing in the choir on Sundays. It's being a good sister, a good daughter, a good friend.

I have so much, and the Lord has been so good. He has given me so many wonderful next things. And when it's time for that hypothetical awesome future to get here and become a next thing, I'll embrace it. But for now I want to soak in this season of my life, because I don't know how long it will last, and I don't want to miss it.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... he has made everything beautiful in its time. 

be strong and courageous.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

This past year, I have let fear creep into my life. Fear of looking stupid, fear of caring too much. Fear of not being good enough, not trying hard enough. I've been afraid of living at home and leaving my friends. I've been afraid of my own emotions.

Fear has been like this disease, poisoning my relationships, and stealing my joy. And I'm so tired of it. 

This year, Lord, remind me that you're with me, and let it make me brave.

live in the sunshine

Cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine

We'll understand this, all by and by 

....

Josh Garrels

good advice.

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish." 

John Jakes

saying yes.

Lord, help me to say yes to my adventure instead of longing to have someone else's. 

things making me happy [december edition]

{1}

In honor of December's arrival, I made these little guys last night :)

{2}

Christmas music has started! Here are my favorites this year:

[1] Santa Clause is Coming to Town - Justin Bieber

[2] Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Josh Groban & Brian McKnight

[3] Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Andrew Ripp 

[4] I'll Be Home for Christmas - Michael Buble

[5] God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman - Bethany Dillon

[6] O Come O Come Emmanuel - Maeve

[7] Oh Come All Te Faithful - Faith Hill

[8] Joy to the World - Sufjan Stevens

[9] Silent Night - Sarah McLachlan

[10] What Are You Doing New Years Eve? - Ella Fitzgerald 

[11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra

{3}

I bought a MacBook. I'm mostly in love with it so far, and spending way too much time playing around on it.

{4}

Funny things my students write on their worksheets. 

{5}

These adorable silver-tipped matches I discovered at my house

{6}

Hilarious conversations my family has on this group messaging app we started using

{7}

Reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I'm embarrassed to say it's my first time to ever read them.