I’ve been praying this year about my blog. I have had many thoughts, but not necessarily a direction or vision for content. Until . . .
One day a couple of months ago, I was driving and listening to a new podcast that has quickly become a favorite. One of the comments made by the guest being interviewed really stuck out, and in my mind, I saw that statement as little square art that could be shared.
That night, I feel like the Lord began to answer my prayer for direction.
Read MoreThese were sermon notes from 2018 I came across this last week—sweet timing in a couple of ways. When we are in the midst of loss and/or devastation, we can choose to turn to the Lord, to rejoice in the truth of who He is and how He enables us to keep going and provides for us, no matter what our circumstances are.
Read MoreHow soothing is this dear Christmas hymn? I love it. It was one of the first ones I ever learned as a child, and as I’ve grown over the years in my faith, it’s become all the sweeter.
Read MoreIf you’re like me, you have quite a few favorite sayings, verses, or quotes that you enjoy being reminded of and strive to apply and live out. As I’ve pondered over the month what I’d want to share on a #DoTellTuesday, this quote came to mind, and I thought it’d be a good one to share and ask you this question too:
What are some of your favorite quotes or scriptures, and why?
Read MoreSome would call me a sentimental kind of girl, and I wouldn't argue with that description :) While not a hoarder in the sense of needing a television intervention, I do hoard memories: cards, invitations, photos, movie stubs, special dinner receipts, arm bands from events, and so on — currently they sit in a jar for the year, but let me tell you, I started with (and still have) a few shoe boxes of memories that go back to ninth grade!!
One such ninth grade treasure is this little bridal gem that always makes me both laugh and shake my head when I see it. This magazine memory was torn and tucked securely away in my little puff paints decorated Keds box (below), waiting for the day I'd go wedding dress shopping and find one just like it . . .
Read MoreYou know what I was reminded of today? That is it GOOD and life giving to talk about what God has done in my life; to be reminded in concrete terms, talking out loud, sharing with another in Christ, of the ways He has taken care of me, provided for me, comforted me, spoken to me, and led me. Which makes me think of Psalm 23 . . .
"He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." vs.3
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (why?) because you are with me. Your rod and staff (used for protection), they comfort me (to know you are in control and looking out for me)." (parentheses commentary, mine) vs.4
Read MoreShortly after I woke up this morning, this first day of 2016(!), I got to spent some quiet time with the Lord, the cloudy sky, some hot coffee, and a new devotional. "New Morning Mercies" has been a somewhat regular source of encouragement in my life this past year, as one of my besties has been great to take and send pics of random pages from her copy that seemed to hit me just where I needed it. Well, for Christmas, I got my very own copy!
Thinking on what the Lord has been teaching me and on the new year ahead, these thoughts below are where I landed today in my hopes for life going forward. Instead of a New Years Resolution, I'm calling it my New Years Declaration :) I posted it earlier on my personal Instagram feed, but felt like it'd be a great way to start 2016 on parapalla too . . .
Read MoreIt may sound cliché or a little childish, but for years, I've "wished on a star" pretty much every night :)
With the first star I see . . . I close my eyes . . . and I think of this nursery rhyme . . . then I think very intentionally about what I want to wish for that night. Sometimes friends kinda giggle and/or look at me in confusion when I tell them I do this . . . their faces seeming to wonder why I would do something so superstitious, I guess.
But in my mind, when I make this "wish," I'm not assigning power to the stars themselves to grant my wish, rather, my thoughts go to the One who created those oh-so-beautiful and seemingly magical stars. My "wishes" are essentially quick mini-prayers, and the first star of the night I see serves as a simple reminder to me to hope and dream and let my requests be known.
Read MoreSo here's a fun and procrastinating, let's not think about the fact that I still haven't filed my taxes, (or even filed the extension yet -- UGH), tax day post . . .
I've often thought that if I could only ever look at one thing for the rest of my life . . . I think I would pick the sky. You may have heard the famous quote by Vincent Van Gogh, "Looking at the stars always makes me dream." Well, I kinda feel the same!
Whether it's filled with twinkly stars or is a deep, solid blue (or pours rain, as my friends know is a favorite), the sky and all that is in it, just makes me dream. It often catches me off guard with its magnificence, and I could, and do many times, just stop and gaze, in thankful wonder.
. . . It's just so ever-stretching, awe-inspiring, BEE-U-ti-full!! :)
Read MoreI considered keeping a random fact friday post/theme this month, but decided to hit pause in July, exercise a little creative writing freedom, and pick it back up in August.
On this site, whether through a design or my blog, I like to recognize and celebrate the small and large parts of life -- the things that go into making us, "us." I kept thinking this month about "freedom." Of course it was spurred with our country's fourth of July celebrations -- which are so much fun! I mean, who doesn't love a good hot dog with a beautiful fireworks backdrop?? :)
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