happy 4th

images via

True, the United States is not a perfect country- far from it; but despite the country's troubles, I am thankful to live in a land where freedom is a bedrock idea upon which we live. I am thankful to live in a country where as a woman, I have equal rights, where as a writer I'm free to share my ideas, and where as Christ-follower, I'm free to discuss my faith.

And on a day where the celebration of freedom takes center stage, I can't help but think of this verse:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1

Yes, indeed let freedom ring. From sea to sea, from heart to heart, let sweet freedom ring.

fini

Dunzo. no more. fini.

Goodbye textbooks.

So long ridiculous research papers.

Buh-bye exams.

It's quite a spectacular feeling- I must admit.

i dare you.

to be unique
and do what you really want.

Like making wedding cake for your birthday.

Hey, it's the little things that add
up to make you who you are.

l.p.

Happy Birthday to LP!

Roommate of three years,

friend for four.

She'll have you laughing
until you're crying.

She'll outwit you,
creep better than you,
and love hot dogs more than you.
She has a closet any girl would envy,
and the tenacity any boy would.
She has the best stories,
no fear,
and all the ginger qualities.
More than anything,
she's wholly and solely herself at all times,

the loyal friend everyone hopes to have,
and I'm so glad I count her among my own.
I couldn't imagine the last four years with out her.

Happy Birthday Laura!

practically blissful

Do you ever have a moment where in the middle of everything you pause and realize how incredible it is? Dancing, laughing, yelling the words to favorite songs with friends and a hundred other people? It's practically blissful. I'm going to miss college functions, there's no doubt about that.

At Tri Delt Formal...one last time.

Good Friends.


Date.


Family. Please note the lack of shoes, I think this is only possible at college functions. In grown-up world they probably tell you that shoes are required at all times...

Little.

And then they make you become alumni. Trading my pine for a pansy- I still can't believe it happened.

a morning like this

Did the grass sing?
Did the earth rejoice to feel you again?
Over and over like a trumpet underground,

did the earth seem to pound: "He is risen."
Over and over in a never ending round:
"He is risen, alleluia, alleluia."-Sandi PattyReveling in the resurrection today and everyday, Happy Easter.

Image found {here}

pink, purple, and red

A little pink, purple, and red love for the day of love.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8

roadtrip to SA

New Years and a wedding in San Antonio:

Sunset on the way...He makes all things glorious.

Cheesy Janes!

Eating blackeyed peas for good luck in the new year.

Bouncy Fire in attendance!

Joey and Kristen's wedding was an absolute representation of the beautiful and pure love God intends for us all. In vows that they wrote themselves, they promised to serve one another and love one another like their God has loved them. It was incredibly touching and even holy to be in the clear presence of God and two people committing their lives to Him and each other. I am so thankful that I could be a small part of their very special day.

Not to mention that the wedding was a wonderful excuse to see family and old friends. Catching up with recent Baylor alums allowed me a glimpse into the more nearer than ever future of life after Baylor. We laughed and ate, and best of all, partied and danced in celebration of the new Mr. and Mrs. Aviles- so thankful for this sweet opportunity of rest and fun before the craze of rush, sing, and a new semester.

Congratulations Joey and Kristen!

welcome, 2010

It's going to be a big one and a good one- I can feel it.

"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Here's to believing in the Hope, Peace, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Joy, and Love that this season is truly about. Happy Christmas Eve Eve.

All images found {here}

reflecting lights

All images found {here}.

Everywhere you look during the holiday season, there are lights: lights on the roof, lights on the tree, and lights in the front windows. Every part of the city sparkles with holiday cheer. Sometimes it’s hard not to become a little overwhelmed by the commercialized side of Christmas- it’s everywhere and inescapable. But I believe that the lights we see are so much more: they are the unconscious reflection of the true Light of the world: Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, we remember and celebrate with joy the birth of our Savior. Reveling in the story, remember how the sky was filled with light the night of his birth by a multitude of angles and how three men valiantly followed the light of one star to find Christ. Light is all over the Christmas story. But nothing compares to the light that Christ himself brought into the world.

John describes Jesus and his birth saying, "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:9)." And Jesus himself told crowds, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12)." His light is the life of men and in His light we are at peace. Just like the lights all around us, we too can be a reflection of the true Light by opening our homes to someone in need, spending time with someone who’s lonely and by showing love to friends and family. Celebrate the Light this season with joy and exuberance and join in on the reflection.

go ahead, believe.

Go ahead, wish, believe, celebrate.

It's what makes the holidays the holidays.

Make your spirit bright.

It's Christmastime.

a reflection

It's funny how you talk about certain events for months and months and then suddenly and finally, it's here. And then it's gone.

Matt and Sarah's wedding was a beautiful, lovely, honest, touching, and unforgettable celebration. A celebration of family, friends, and above all, love and the goodness of God. God is the giver of all good gifts and I'm so thankful He has given Matt and Sarah to each other.