The Best Things

The best things in life don't seem particularly special at the time. They just seem like good things, good times, good laughs. It is only when you look back, when you remember, in contrast to the present, that they are marked as truly remarkable. You see what a precious and unique thing you had, even though you didn't know it. My desire is to live each day to the fullest. To love deeply, despite the possibility of pain, to be vulnerable, and to laugh those aching and silent laughs that cause tears to stream down your cheeks.

I guess I am just feeling rather nostalgic. And while the past can remind us of the things we loved, the future is uncharted territory. It is full of joyful moments, of beauty, of life. Yes, and pain too. Isn't it wonderful how pain and sorrow can be used to magnify joy and peace? That even though the worst may happen, the Lord uses it to work for good, to create something new and strong. We can't even fear Death, or Evil. No creature, angel, demon, or human can take away our Life, our forever with Jesus Christ. I want to live every day appreciating my time here like the precious gift it is. And I'm not saying that I always do, I can be as pessimistic and cynical as the next person. But man, I can do and be anything through the strength of the Lord. There is nothing to fear, because it is already planned. Each day has a purpose.

And that is a comforting thought. 

Only 7 more days left in Statesboro!

Change

This has been a different, difficult season for me. My best friend/boyfriend had to move back to Atlanta in March to pursue a job opportunity, and most of my friends moved away after graduation in December. I was promoted to a full-time position at work, which kept me busy, but many of the moments in between were full of fear, loneliness, anxiety, and hopelessness. 

Loneliness, as miserable and frightening as it could be, was what I needed to go through. I needed to be in a place of such extreme need that the Lord was the only one who could minister to me and sustain me. Many days I went home discouraged and hopeless, but somehow the Lord used those tears and sleepless nights to bring about a joy and peace. What the enemy tried to use to harm me, the Lord used to bring about good. 

I know that I will not be moved. I may be weak, unashamedly so, but it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can be victorious and live abundantly each day. I cannot live in the future, the present is the only reality we ever dwell in. As humans we don't like change unless it suits us, unless it works for out benefit. As crazy as life looks to me right now, and all the millions of things that have to somehow come together, I can rest assured that everything we go through is an opportunity to trust the Lord, to let Him show Himself faithful and true, no matter what the outcome. Living in joyful expectation, with a thankful heart, is the only way to live. Our relationship with Him is the only treasure we can take from this world, the only thing worth pouring everything into. 

That being said, change is on the horizon for me. I am transferring back home with my company, but into a new position. I will be living at home again for a little while, until I can get on my feet or until B and I can start a life of our own. Being close to my family, to my sisters, and Ben, is worth all the hassle of having to transfer. It's just...scary. No, it's terrifying. The future freaks me out. Change freaks me out. I like security, have consistency to count on. But I know this: 

"In peace I lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

Home for the Weekend

I was able to come home for a few days to interview at the location I am trying to transfer to full-time, and had a chance to see my family and hang out with my sisters. We were out enjoying the day and decided to come back to one of our old favorite places- The Pooh Bridge. Now, I know that many people nowadays do not know who Winnie the Pooh is, or have never played Pooh-sticks (shame on you!), but it was a tradition in my family. And this is the location we used to play it at (hence the name).
What was once a lovely flowing creek and a busy park, today is overgrown, neglected and the creek holds barely a trickle. But we still love it, and like remembering all the memories we had playing there.

I've really been in love with Hunter Green lately. Even though it's not really a "summer" color, I decided to go with it for a much needed manicure. 

I was wearing:

AMERICAN APPAREL ONESIE

THRIFTED SHORTS

MOSSIMO LEATHER SANDALS

Beauty Everyday

I've bought a lot of books lately, which in my opinion, is always excusable. Like the quote from Les Miserables, "Books are cold but safe little friends." My latest treasure, which I found at Anthropologie, is the book Beauty Everyday. I was so excited for it to come in the mail that I ran all the way to my apartment's front office in my jammies to pick it up! This book is a collaboration between photographers Rinne Allen, Kristen Bach, and Rebecca Wood. It's 365 pages of beautiful things that most people would overlook. Old bottles, raindrops, flowers, peeling paint, all the beauty that is in the world if we slow down to truly appreciate it. It's the little things that make life special. I know that this book will serve as an inspiration and refuge for the rest of my life!

June 7, 2014

Today was a great day. Ben was able to come down to Statesboro in a last minute decision and I was able to get someone to cover my shift at work! Otherwise I wouldn't get to see him for another three weeks and that is WAY too long to be away from each other! So we decided to go to our favorite place, Savannah! Also, can I just take a moment to brag on his blooming photography skills! I am so grateful that he is such a trooper and loves to take pictures as much as I do!

Lately I cannot get enough of fringe! This top was at the store I work at and I fell in love immediately. I love the macrame knot effect too- it would probably be really easy to make! (I'll have to look into a possible DIY). I bought some mom jeans at a thrift store awhile ago and turned them into these shorts. Why pay for what you can make yourself?