The One About Lists

So, I'm a list kind of girl. I appreciate lists in all forms, but I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I create to-do lists (insert all the heart eyes). If you've ever texted, emailed, or even chatted on the phone with me, you know at some point, maybe all too often, (#sorrynotsorry) lists have been involved. 

While lying in bed last night avoiding sleep, I began making one of my infamous to-do lists. Between all of the events this summer: packing to move, finishing grad school final papers, projects, and a portfolio (*cringe*), friends having babies, friends/sisters getting married (SO GOOD), planning my own wedding (eeeek!), babysitting and tutoring, switching teams and grade levels at school, traveling with my family and B's, and training Hattie to be a therapy dog (well... attempting), things have been HECTIC. I need a list just to organize my thoughts or I may get lost in the shuffle. But, there are times when I'm so caught up in the ever-growing and ever-changing list of to-do's that I lose sight of the day, and before I know it, it's over and I haven't lived an ounce of the day.

I woke up this morning ready and armed to take on the day (and the world) with my long list of things to do, buy, return, organize, move, pack, upload, email, call, mail, etc. (color-coded for optimum productivity), when I sat down to read my devotional before heading out the door for a walk with Hattie. I knew I was in for a major heart check right away when I read the words "Mary" and "Martha." I knew the story all too well of the two sisters who were focused on very different things when Jesus came to town to stay at their home. Martha was lost in the preparations and busyness of readying their home and tidying up for their guest, Jesus, while Mary was lost in his words, his voice, his teaching. In Luke 10:38-42, the account describes Martha complaining to Jesus that Mary was not helping accomplish anything, to which Jesus responds, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her." 

While Martha is lost in the stressful planning and of crafting a perfect image on the outside to impress, which will fade, Mary is literally sitting at the feet of perfection, soaking in wisdom, which can never be lost. There I was, smacked in the face this morning with the truth of where my heart goes many times - to create an image, worrying about the way things appear, stressed about productivity and making progress, instead of choosing the one and only thing that is needed and will never fade: Jesus. How many times do I begin my day with a list instead of Jesus? How many times do I sit and plan and analyze and become worried, anxious and stressed to the point of nearly losing my mind? (I'll tell you: WAY too many.) I attempt to plan every detail of my life, become entangled in the million things clamoring for my attention in this world, and then question the Lord's care for me. How backwards am I? Like Martha, I have been distracted by the thousand things on my list, the things I have convinced myself must get done, instead of seeing and choosing the One thing. Thank goodness for the Lord's mercy. I get the chance today to be Mary instead of Martha, so that's what I'm going to do. 

Is productivity and staying busy a bad thing? No. Are lists bad? No. Will I continue making lists to organize things, accomplish tasks and goals and make plans? Yes. Did I toss my to-do list for today? Nope, but I did put it aside for a while. Will I continue to struggle between choosing the idol of perfection and busyness and my Jesus? Probably. But I want to be like Mary, recognizing when it is time to stop and rest, and leave the list for later. After all, the list will always be there, but the moment may not be. 

Learning to be Brave

I’m reading this cute (challenging and encouraging, too) book by an adorable (well, I imagine her to be adorable because how could she not be?) author named Annie Downs. It’s called “Let’s All Be Brave” and in many ways it’s an easy read. Don’t get me wrong, this book has challenged me to do things I had sworn off years ago. I am sifting through things I didn’t know required my bravery and am challenged to deal with them. But what I love most about this book is you feel like you’re sitting down and talking with a close friend over a cup of coffee. With every new page I turn, I feel like I’m getting a glimpse into my own soul with her words. Man, is it refreshing. 

So, I’m learning to be brave. By no means would I consider myself a brave person. AT ALL. Sure, I love surprises and I love adventures, like trying new foods, traveling to foreign places, cliff diving, eating at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant even if it means running the risk of food poisoning. But, traditionally, I follow the rules. I do what I’m supposed to, I don’t ask (too many) questions, I listen to authority, and I don’t take big risks if I’m uncertain of the outcome. I think most people would agree that to risk being brave in an emotionally vulnerable way is the most frightening kind. Well, one little nugget of truth I’ve pulled from my friend (is it okay to refer to Annie Downs as my friend? I mean we’re basically soul sisters...) Annie’s book is that you don’t need to know the whole story. We’re not meant to know the whole story, or hold onto it. You just have to take that first step. Do the first thing. You don’t need to know or worry about the next thing, or second or third thing, or the ending to the story; just do the first thing. When you finish that, you move on to the next thing, and the the next. And so on. Sure, you keep the big picture in mind, but it changes shape as you make decisions and you are flexible and learn to be okay with that, and maybe it turns out different (and better) than you thought. (You’d think after 5 years of teaching little 11 and 12 year old's this same process in their writing and their projects I would have thought to apply this to my own life? Nope.)

Being brave means all kinds of things for people. For me, it has meant having conversations with people where I have had to be bold and say things I swore I would never say (I mean, really, in a million-years-pinky-promised-I-would-never-ever-say kind of way). It’s also meant dealing with things from the past that I sort of glossed over and ignored or pushed away. Being brave has also meant thinking that the future might be different than I thought (and maybe brighter and better than I could have possibly imagined on my own). Isn’t that something? What does being brave mean for you? Having a tough conversation, offering forgiveness, following through, trying something new... I hope you do it, whatever it is. Just do the first thing. Annie (my new bff) is right when she says it's all you have to do. 

My very favorite place in the entire world is the beach. There’s not one in particular that I love, but if I’ve got sand, sun, and the ocean I’m the happiest girl seen since the Backstreet Boys announced a reunion tour. I love it for a million reasons, but I’ll spare you. One of the reasons I love the beach is because I can gaze out at the ocean and I’m absolutely mesmerized by the vastness of it. Pondering the depth of the ocean and everything that’s unseen has my mind spinning before I even know what’s happening. So, as I’m sitting in my cozy blue chair and working on my tan, I’m thinking about being brave, and the sparkling ocean and a familiar story flashes to my mind. I flip there in my Bible and read Matthew 14, where Jesus walks on the water with Peter. The winds and the waves were crashing against the boat the disciples were on while Jesus was alone praying elsewhere. (The man had just fed 5,000+ people, so he probably needed a little alone time. Ya feel?) Jesus walks out to the boat out on the lake knowing the distress of the disciples, but they mistake him for a ghost. 

“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Peter got out of the boat and WALKED ON THE WATER. What?! Madness, I tell you. Amazing, I tell you. If you read on, he begins to sink because he notices the wind and waves encircling him. He takes his gaze off Jesus, who is the key to his bravery. But Jesus loves him; he doesn’t let Peter sink or even come close to drowning. He is with him the entire time. He holds him up. Peter, with his failures and mess-ups and all, experienced Jesus in a way no one else on the boat did, and Jesus never failed him. Peter experienced Jesus in an incredible way that no one else in that boat did because he was brave and because Jesus is all good all the time. He stepped out of the boat. He walked on the water with Jesus. I want to be that kind of brave. I know I’ll mess up, I’ll make mistakes, I’ll fail. I'll lose sight of Jesus sometimes. All of these things will happen regardless. I want to live a life that takes risks, not recklessly, but with my eyes fixed on Jesus, taking one step at a time, ignoring the wind and waves, learning to be brave, whatever it means. 

**Let’s All Be Brave by Annie Downs** --> buy me here! (you won't regret it)

a few of my favorite things: the summer edition

In lieu of the the summer ending (oh sad, sad day) I decided to make a list of all of my favorite things I have been blessed enough to enjoy this year.

In no particular order...

1. Breakfast. It is by far my favorite meal of the day, and in the summertime I have opportunities to eat the kinds of breakfast I really love - eggs (huevos), pancakes, crispy bacon, orange juice, mouth-watering fruit, YUM. There is no need for lunch when you get to enjoy the deliciousness that IS breakfast. Delish.

2. Hammocks. My oh my, have I realized how much I love a good hammock. They are perfect for so many of my favorite activities: reading a good book, dreaming, listening to music,  conversations, being outside... the list goes on. I actually just purchased an adorable sweet red hammock today, which I intend on spending every free moment in for the rest of my life, ever. 

3. Ocean. I don't even think I can describe my deep love for the ocean (pardon the pun). It's so refreshing and such a great reminder of how big God is and how small I am... the thundering crash of the waves, the wind in my hair, sand in between my toes, the sunshine, and not to mention some of my favorite people lounging in chairs beside me. 

4. Driving. This one may sound silly, but I love driving in the summer, but really only when it is sunny and clear. It's wonderful to be headed somewhere, whether to run an errand, visit a friend, or if it's the beginning of a trip, and not have to be in a rush. Most days I feel like I run around and drive like a maniac, trying to get from one place to the next in the most efficient way possible, usually speeding (sorry Mom and Dad). In the summer, life slows down just enough so that I actually enjoy these mini road trips, driving with the windows down and a little song-singing. You know the kind I mean... the belt-it-out-like-you're-Whitney music. 

{see what I mean... perfect}

5. Young Life camp. I could write a book on why I love this week so much, but I won't (at least not right now - more on this later). I get to spend a solid week with some of my favorite girls in the entire world. Not to mention, this year was extra special because my parents finally got to experience a week at Young Life camp! We did it all... zip-lining, playing volleyball, running around barefoot, screaming on the giant swing, eating and then eating some more, dancing, singing at the top of our lungs, exploring the woods via bicycles, dressing up like Duck Dynasty characters, playing "what are the odds...", smiling and laughing non-stop. It's truly the best week of my year, every year. So many of my sweet high school girls experience the most drastic life change - meeting Jesus, and I'm so thankful to be a small, small part of that, walking through life beside them and usually laughing the entire time. 

{all the gibbies. BG forever <3}

 {Duck Dynasty look-alikes}

 {half of my parental unit}

 {the entire crew... Illuminati}

 {riding the swing at night... we look GOOD}

 {the BG's dominate the monster hill} 

{50's night late night dance party. YES}

6. Stargazing. This is actually one of my favorite activities in life, in general. For some reason there is something beautiful and almost magical about sitting outside watching the sun go down and listening to the sounds of the night. Whether it's from my back porch, the roof, the beach, home, or a random city... I'm always amazed by the intricacies of the sky and especially the stars. Vincent Van Gogh said it perfectly... "Looking at the stars always makes me dream." Touche, sir. 

7. Dancing. Okay, now let's take a second here to pose a question. Is there anyone who doesn't love a good dance party? Probably not. But if so, they must be no fun at all. Dance parties are wonderful in all forms: impromptu at my house, Young Life camp style, or my personal favorite, weddings. I am by no means a great, or even good dancer, but I LOVE to dance, and love bustin' a move at weddings. They are so great. There aren't any (or at least very few) creepy dudes on the dance floor and it's perfectly acceptable to wear a dress and some heels, or go barefoot. Party on, party people. 

{sometimes you might literally burn up the dance floor and then the fire dept. has to show up}

8. Sleeping in. This could probably be combined with #1, breakfast because truly sleeping in and breakfast/brunch go hand-in-hand. I rarely sleep in during the school year, and if I do it means sleeping past my 6:00 am alarm to a lovely 7 or 8 am waking, but in the summer I am able to enjoy the glorious blessing of sleep. I have only recently come to enjoy this little gift as I have been so busy all summer, but I'm telling you, there are few things greater than waking up to the sunlight streaming in and not having to rush out of my nice, cozy bed. Oh, happy day.

9. Painting. My most recent obsession is beginning to take over my life. I have always loved to paint, but never really had the time to invest in it. Towards the end of the school year I finally allowed myself to start to do something I really love, just for me. My oh my, now it is all that I want to do. I love to create things and make new things, but never truly realized how much until this summer when I finally had some time. Just a peek of a few things I've done recently...

{so happy this moment was captured}

10. Europe. This one sure is hard to sum up in just a paragraph, but I will try (more to come later on my European adventures)! I had an incredible opportunity to travel to some amazing places including Italy, Turkey, Czech Republic and Germany. My sister and I got to spend a week together exploring Venice and Rome, and then met our parents and little brother in Istanbul. My all time favorite thing to do is explore new places and try new things - food, activities, everything, but add in the time I got to spend with my family and it just doesn't get any better. Between the Turkish baths, piranha pedicures, gondola rides, bike tours and boat tours, and Segway rides, I learned so many new things about myself, the world, and my place in it. Not to mention, the food was incredible! After eating pizza, pasta and gelato in Italy, baklava in Turkey, kebabs in the Czech Republic, and pretzels in Germany, it was hard to come home! This trip truly fueled my need and desire to travel and discover new places and people. I'm already looking forward to the adventures next summer will have. 

 {oh hey there Roma}

  {Hagia Sophia in Istanbul}

  {the familia in Prague}

  {bike tours in Berlin}

  {the hidden treasure of Europe, Prague}

  {Bridge of Sighs in Venice}

  {Venice... its beauty is unmatched}

  {Segway selfies}

  {the best pizza in the WORLD}

  {hey sister, sister}

{piranha pedicures... first and last time for that adventure}

Summer 2013, you've been pretty amazing and it will be a hard one to follow next year. But for now, I will relish the memories of the last two months and just be thankful. 

Those who can't do teach...?

Like most teachers, as this time of year approaches I am feeling two things: excitement and anxiety. Excited because I get to meet my students in 2 1/2 short weeks, and anxious because I have SO MUCH TO DO before I feel prepared for them to walk into my classroom. My to-do list is ever-growing and somewhat daunting, not to mention, school starting means the summer comes to an end and that is 1) hard to believe and 2) just sad. However, August will mark the beginning of my 4th year of teaching (seriously, where has the time gone?!) and I'm feeling a little bit different this year. While I would normally be overwhelmed and reaching a near panic, I am feeling pretty calm and at peace about the approaching school year. Let me back track...

The last two weeks I had the opportunity to participate in a grant at my school, hosted by some wonderful people at the University of Kentucky. While I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first since I have had very little time to "rest" or slow down this summer, it ended up being an incredible two weeks! I was able to spend some much needed time learning new teaching strategies and dreaming up possibilities of how I would use them in my classroom. For the duration of the two weeks we were paired up with someone from our school to collaborate and create a 90-minute "demo" or lesson that would show use of literacy skills (reading and writing) within the social studies curriculum. We were essentially merging the two contents to create one lesson, which we presented and "taught" to our peers as if they were sweet little middle schoolers. I was unsure about how this was going to turn out, but it was amazing. I learned so much from the other teachers I was able to work with, and was challenged as I experimented with new teaching strategies and ideas. It was great to work with people in my school, as well as meet people from other areas in Lexington. We had a pretty incredible group of teachers there, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Not a day went by that we didn't laugh at someone or something ("Honey, if you believe in your heart..."), or learn something new. In fact, every single day I left with at least one new idea (usually several) and felt refreshed and inspired; my passion for teaching and kids was completely renewed - it was truly a blessing.

I have never wanted to be anything other than a teacher (after my childhood dreams of WOWing the world with my singing skills, or hosting a baking show, of course). I was reminded the last two weeks of exactly why I choose to do what I do... I love kids and seeing them succeed. I love to see a student achieve something they thought was impossible; set a new goal and reach it. I love being a light during what can often times be the darkest and toughest of years (seriously, did anyone like middle school?!). Middle schoolers are just beginning to think on their own, figure out what they believe about the world, and decide who they want to become... I love being a part of that. I love seeing my students learn - anything! I love laughing with my students and we laugh A LOT. I would definitely argue that as a 6th grade teacher I have the best deal. Not only do I see my students progress throughout their 6th grade year, but I get to watch them grow up into (somewhat) mature adults throughout 7th and 8th grade, so it feels like we've spent three years together and not just one. This year my first class will become freshmen in high school (I still cannot believe it!), and while I'm excited for this adventure for them, I'm a little bit sad that I won't see their sweet faces walking the hallways in a few short weeks. I have come to realize that as much as I disliked being in middle school, I absolutely love teaching in a middle school.

As if on cue, on the last day of our conference, I went to my classroom to organize a few things before heading home and came across an old notebook from college when I was studying to become a teacher. This particular notebook was from my methods writing class (teaching me how to teach students how to write). It was one of my favorite classes in college because it was a group of about 8 students (all girls- heck yes!) and our professor, whom we all adored. I sometimes get lost in time going through old notebooks, journals, and photos, and as I sat on a table in my classroom I found an note from this professor, one of my favorites... 

This was dated from my fall semester in 2009. It was so great reading this and remembering why I started pursuing this career in the first place... I just love kids. I want them to know they are valued for who they are, important and loved, and capable of great things if they are willing to work hard and believe it. As the school year nears, I am anxious and excited, and joyfully anticipate when I will meet my new students... the ones I have been entrusted with for the next 180 days. Of course, my to-do list hasn't grown any shorter in the last two weeks (but in fact longer), my days are currently consumed, and I haven't finished prepping my classroom. However, I have been reminded of what a blessing this job is and the incredible role I have been given as a teacher, so despite not having my to-do list completed yet, I think the most important thing is prepared... my heart. 

I think I'm in love...

I would not have anticipated having the time (or energy) for another post so quickly, but I HAD to share this. I am in love (or at least I think I am)...

...with this song: Words Fall Through by Sam Heilig. OH MY GOODNESS, MY HEART HAS ABSOLUTELY MELTED INTO A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR. I'VE LISTENED TO THIS ON REPEAT FOR ENTIRELY TOO LONG ALREADY. 

Seriously, this song has what I consider to be the sweetest and most sincere lyrics describing a girl the artist is in love with. I LOVE love, genuine and real in all its forms. I have had my little bouts of relationships and dating but haven't ever fallen in love (with the exception of Tim Tebow - holla at ya girl). However, I have seen it and I know how real, true and powerful it is when reflecting the greatest example of Love, Christ. I only hope that if and when I fall in love that the man who loves me sees me the way this song depicts, as a child of the King, a "princess", "carefree and dancing", "given a light that points to the Heavens". It's just perfect. 

To my Young Life girls, sisters, and friends - do not settle for the cheap love the world offers. You were made for so, so much more and your only true fulfillment can come from the One who made you and knows you. Do not settle for a man who views you as an object, a thing to be owned; be patient and wait. God knows the desires of your heart, and loves you too much to give you less than you deserve. What you want may not come in the way or timing that you think is right, but trust that God is sovereign and knows what you need (even if that means "no"). Seek the Lord. Wait for someone that loves you like Christ. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6

Words Fall Through

She's got a hold on the night

She's carefree and dancing

Under the streetlight

I had never seen grace

Like I did in her face

Captured in a smile

She's been given a light

That points to the Heavens

Up through the dark night

In a world that's so tired

She knows a hope

That's greater than gold

And I try to hide

How my tongue gets tied

At the very sight of her

What am I to do when

Words they fall right through

I'll just sing a melody

Pray that you'll hear me

She is a princess who hides

Her heart in a castle

For she is the bride

Of a King that loves her

Stronger than the ocean's tide

He has dressed her in white

Washed her with water

That purifies

She's an example

To the world of a captive

Who's been set free

And I try to hide

How my tongue gets tied

At the very sight of her

What am I to do when

Words they fall right through

I'll just sing a melody

Pray that you'll hear me

I'm a kid at heart.

This is the story of an extraordinary day with my anything-but-ordinary little brother, Michael. This sweet little dude is 12 1/2 years old and my absolute favorite person in the world, hands down. I think we get along so well because of the age difference between us (13 years) and because even though I'm an adult (technically) I act like a kid, and am not afraid to be silly or ridiculous. 

Michael came to visit me about two weeks ago to experience what life in my (new) old Kentucky home is all about and hang out with me (his favorite oldEST sister). We had several adventures while he was visiting, but I can confidently say our all-time favorite day was spent at King's Island. 

If you know anything about me, or my brother, you know that we take our roller coasters very seriously, so naturally we came up with a game plan prior to entering the park. We decided we would hit up the most popular coasters first, which meant we needed to start with the Firehawk. However, we were side tracked a bit too easily by the giant "hamster wheel"/slingshot. (Literally a giant hamster wheel that shoots you 275 feet into the air at 100 miles per hour...YEAH). Despite my love of adventure and roller coasters, I don't love heights, but I do love my brother, and he can talk me into just about anything (and he knows it). Alas, before I knew it we were strapped into this tiny and somewhat unstable metal ball that shot us toward the bright blue sky at 100 mph and then flipped upside down, spinning us toward the ground as it turned forward and backward. We bounced up and down from the ground to the sky and back again, all the while spinning forward and tipping backwards, seeing shots of the land around us, and the concrete ground below. I held on so tightly (just in case we were launched into space) that I couldn't feel my hands by the time it was over, but it was well worth it to see the giant grin my brother was sporting the rest of the day. 

{see what I mean... hamster wheel}

We had fast passes which meant we got to cut to the front of the line for every other ride, so we spent the next little while checking the Firehawk and Flight of Fear off of our "to-do list" and finally made our way to my personal favorite, the Diamondback. After a short debate on whether the front or the back of the coaster is the best place to be, we decided to try out all of the seats and then make a more informed decision, starting with the very back. 

The great thing about the Diamondback is that no matter where you sit, you always feel like you're in the front of the ride because of how the seats are arranged. However, after a very intensive case study, (which involved testing out all of the seats and riding the coaster 16 times) we discovered the very front is in fact the absolute best. We also discovered the location of the camera that snaps your picture as you wiz by, so that added another piece of excitement to our riding adventures. Really, who doesn't love a photo shoot with the wind blowing through your hair as you travel at 80 mph? 

{Mikey is Superman and I'm spelling "wow"... we're creative}

{look Mom, no hands}

{round #5...should we sit in the front again? ABSOLUTELY.}

{best day ever}

{so much joy}

This was absolutely the best day I've ever had at an amusement park, not just because I set a new record for the consecutive number of times riding the Diamondback, but mostly because I laughed and smiled all day long with my sweet little brother. We would get off the ride, run and check out our photo, discuss options for the next photo, look at each other and run back to the front of the line. Over, and over, and over, and over. The people working the ride knew our routine, learned our names, and adored us (I'm sorry, but my brother is precious, who wouldn't love him?). It was such a pure, innocent, child-like fun that so many kids today miss out on because they grow up so quickly. I love seeing my brother being just that: a kid. 

Like any and all kids do, we ate junk food all day - diet coke, ice cream, chicken fingers; the works. I guess I'm still like a kid in that aspect of my life too... I can eat all of that junk food and spin upside down, topsy-turvy, backwards and forwards and not get sick! 

After getting our fill of the Diamondback, we did go on the rest of the rides as well, but always came back our favorite! After a solid 8 hours of riding adventures, we drove back to Lexington and met some of my favorite Dunbar high school students to play putt-putt for a Young Life event. This just so happens to be another favorite activity of my brother's and he dominated and won in our group. After all 45ish of us finished playing, the final moment of glory happened: 90+ tacos were delivered and eaten. YES, 90. What better way to end putt-putt than with Mexican food? (Hint: there isn't a better way). I'm fairly certain this was one of the best days in my brother's life, especially since tacos are his favorite food. 

{putt-putt + tacos = LOVE}

I was reminded throughout the day of how important it is to throw caution to the wind sometimes, to love people by surprising them, and to be silly and laugh at yourself. It seems like children are sometimes better able to do all of those things. I'm a young adult by the numbers but I want to always remain a kid at heart... to never grow tired of doing the things I love with the people love over, and over, and over, and over again. 

Sto-ry (noun)

According to my good friends at www.dictionary.com ...

story (noun):  a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader; tale.

I have thought a lot about this little word and I have grown rather fond of it. It's a pretty ordinary word with a pretty straightforward meaning, but it's often overlooked. (Sometimes when you say a word over and over you lose sight of its meaning and it even starts to sound funky. Try saying couch 10 times and let me know what you think). Still, I love the word story. I think it's lovely, and mostly because so much life can be wrapped up into its five little letters. Seriously, who doesn't love a good story? An adventurous, love story, a tale of bravery and courage, an against-all-odds, feel-good, hopeful, inspirational, laugh-until-you-can't-breathe, all-time classic? Everyone loves stories... including me. I love to tell stories and I love to listen to stories. My favorite stories revolve around the people in my world - my family, friends, teammates, co-workers, and students (especially my students...not a day goes by that I don't have a humorous story involving them!). 

Well, my life is a story (your life is a story, too) and within its pages are woven lots of little stories, or little moments, if you will, that all point to the Bigger Picture; moments that remind me of who I am, what I was made for, and Who I'm living for. I don't necessarily mean the dramatic, extreme, life-altering experiences (although those are important and included too), but I mean the little day-to-day things that happen in life - having a meaningful conversation, watching the sun set, getting a hug from a sweet 6th grader, laughing with close friends, watching the waves crash onto the beach, singing a favorite song at the top of your lungs, being surprised, experiencing something new - the everyday and the ordinary. Sometimes the simplest and smallest things are the most beautiful and most meaningful. So if you wanted to know my purpose for this blog, like the word story, it's pretty straightforward - capture the little moments, live in the little moments; live in the story.