Too much for words...

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See, Listen & Read!

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This week threw so many things at me (on top of midterms, volunteer, school clubs and dance) that I am not even fully mentally accepting that I lived it.

Below are pictures of a carnival I went to on Friday followed by a song from Kari Jobe and words.

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Cross & Mustache Rings | Rox My Sox      Bangles | F21

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Does no word exist to describe the kind of week I had?  I have tried and am not even sure what to share, what to dumb down, and what to exclude in this post for you.  When I look back on it, this week happened so fast that it feels like a few hours ago was two weeks ago.  It is as thought I just opened my eyes from blinking, stare down at my feet, and realize it is two weeks later and this body I am in has taken me through the weeks... like a time capsule. It's like I am doing  a million things and God is carrying me through and I don't even need my body.

-A favorite from a  photo shoot I took this weekend-

Dependence.  I have learned that I am now going to find myself on the receiving end. When I have nothing I can offer for the kindness someone offers me it reminds me of Jesus.  Jesus Christ who would die in love... I don't think it is that he expects absolutely nothing in return... it is more like there is nothing we possibly offer him that he could need except living forward the love that He has taught us to live out.  

My relationship to God: faith and living out the love he taught me

Expectations.  I have realized that people without a faith do not truly understand why someone with faith would live the way they do.  This does not come to me as a surprise.  I know in living out my faith I have to be sure to live it out in love.  Doing this has been recognized by some who wonder why I am the way I am. This week I was told "I have to remind myself that you are human."  The answer to my personality is Christ who has showed me how to live in love(although I can be quite mean and very obnoxious). Someone once told me, "You truly love God if you have once hated him."  I do not think this is necessary because I love me parents with all my heart and have never hated them.  I also learned about hot & cold this week...

Hot & Cold in your soul.  Yesterday I spent an entire day at a church craft fair raising money for foreign economic development. There I met an amazing woman.  She told me a story about a young man who had been completely lost in life... she had been praying for him for 8 years.  Then one day he woke up crying, fell on his knees, gave his life to God, and became a missionary.  The young man was her son.   The verse below is what she would pray daily with.  She told me sometimes it takes someone to be very cold before they desire and go back to the warmth...

11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

 plans to give you hope and a future. 

12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

13You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart. 

14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord,

 “and will bring you back from captivity.

^b I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” 

declares the Lord, 

“and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

- Jeremiah 29: 11-14

Interaction.  At the craft fair I saw this strawberry blonde, crystal blue eyed, more attractive Matt Bomer man.  I know. It was so weird because it was like a piece of another realm had stepped into reality.  Like I was looking at a magazine or something unrealistic.  Sometimes I am just at awe at how outwardly stunning I feel God has made some people... I don't even know what to think because when I see people like this my brain and body just shut down and I honestly have no idea what to do.  Thus I avoid them to avoid this situation...it's a problem. lol

-A favorite from a photo shoot I took last weekend-

Relationships.  God is the most important thing in life, followed by family, then friends.  Being someone who comes from a strong and close-knit family, I do not find friends as important as others may- but for many people friends become like family.  I believe that God and family are worth investing time in because friends come and go, but God will never leave you, and family (whether blood or people who have become your family) have true love for you.  While I am on the subject, I have also realized how incredibly busy priests are. No wonder they do not marry- every moment they have is for the body of Christ (the church).

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So... this isn't even my whole week but I do feel like I became so much wiser this week. Amen. 

Leave me a comment because I like those! ^_^

*Shout out to Terry because you deserve it*

Changing Aspirations

"To whom much is given much is required..."

Listen, Look & Read!  Music, pictures, then text.  Experience this post with me...

Nothing is more refreshing than going back to the basics. I wanna see more Black & White photos on blogs!

 
Clutch, Neckalces | Forever21   Headband | Urban Outfitters     Skirt, Blazer | Element Style Boutique       Top | Borrowed From My Mom      
 Boots | Bamboo      Ring, Earrings | RMS      Leather Cuff | LACI Boutique

When it comes to my future so many people want to know where I will be, and what I will be.  I honestly don't care about the long term.  I see the point in this question, but I am changing every day, just like the leaves on the trees in this season!  It is good to know what I think I want, but obviously this idea is only a thought to keep me motivated to continue growing daily.  

All I know about myself and my future is that each day alive is a blessing.  The last thing I say to someone could be that last thing either one of us say.  So, I try to make use of all the resources and opportunities I have in front of me so every moment is somehow enriching. If this was my last day lived, how did I live it? I try to dream big- why not? When I fail I gain that much more experience which I can:
 #1 reapply to my future or
#2 share with others as advice.
There is always a chance of failure.  Failure is scary, but it's like the reality that we breathe air.  

So when asked what my future entails, I dream big and make up a story of what I could possibly be doing.  I never concretely think of my future because life changes, as do my aspirations.  God is the one who helps direct my path, so why worry now?  If I try my best and use the resources and talents I have personally been given for a goal that uses those gifts, I know I can aim for that moon and reach the stars!  Especially because, in my opinion, I personally already have... but there are always more stars to catch & share.  ^_^

"To whom much is given much is required." You may have heard this before, it actually comes from the Gospel of Luke in the Bible.  Ah, good 'ol Luke- always connecting with the confused college student in me:  

47“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready 

or does not do what his master wants 

will be beaten with many blows. 

48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment 

will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, 

much will be demanded; and from the one 

who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

-Luke 12:47-48

Obstacles come... laugh them over, cry a bit, pray to God to hold your hand tighter, learn from them, and move on! ^_^

Modeling for Laci Boutique!

Photo from when I modeled for a small town boutique back in August!!!  The family who runs LACI Boutique is so nice, and their clothing is so delicate and girly- it's such a good time! (I made a widget for them too located on the right of my blog... hehe) Enjoy! ^_^

Laci Boutique 

Blogging has really instilled in me more confidence in my work, and confidence in myself.  I remember the first photoshoot I did with Laci Boutique back in November...  I literally walked into their boutique with my then-new camera and tripod, after taking a walk through the small town(not at all dressed up) and asked if I could take photos of LACI.  I told her I would send them to her after I got home to edit them and download them... little did I know that would be the beginning of a relationship with that store.  Having the courage to offer your talents to others is such a great thing.  So ladies, never be afraid to take that first step!  Show a small town boutique some support...like them on Facebook HERE! 

>> LACI BOUTIQUE ONLINE<<

>> LACI BOUTIQUE ONLINE<<

>> LACI BOUTIQUE ONLINE<<

Be confident in your talents.  If you have found something you are good at and you can see that it brings joy to others, then it may very well be a gift God has instilled in you to help bring His love to the world!  You may be; artistically inclined, have a huge heart of service, very compassionate, or even be a born leader.  Whatever you are good at, remember how unique you were created. Do you know anyone who has the exact same talents and interests as you who has the exact same peer group?  If so, that is very interesting, and definitely share in the comments. :p
Go forth and share your blessing with others!





4Just as each of us has one body with many members, 
and these members do not all have the same function, 
5so in Christ we who are many form one body, 
and each member belongs to all the others. 
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. 
If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his^b faith. 
7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 
8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; 
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; 
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; 
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 
Honor one another above yourselves.
- Romans 12: 4-10

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