Adventures, Joyes & Krafts

It's Never Too Late to Change - Delve

2012-01-26T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, I make New Years Resolutions on the 26th of January instead of the 1st. This year, I said that I wasn't going to do any New Years Resolutions. In the last few weeks though, I've changed my mind. In fact, I may have made twelve resolutions...

Reading all the beginning of the year blogs and talking to my friends, Andrea and TeeJay, about all the options of the new year made me desire to actually do something. I've ended up combining a few of my favorite New Years Ideas including Jon Acuff's Finish Year with Words of the Year (Up, Grow, Delightful) and Andrea's sister-in-laws Twelve for Twelve - Twelve Resolutions for the year 2012.

I'm kind of excited about this. I mean, it's all still new. It is still January. I know making a New Years resolution-ish blog post so close to February is a little iffy, but that's okay!

Twelve for Twelve
They are: Books, 5K, Quotes, Blog, Create, Learn, Gratefulness, Minimize, Handmade, Intentionality, No, Word.

1. Finish Year: Books I've Already Started.
I am positive that I am not the only person with a reading problem. I used to devour full books in a day, now I can't even stumble through reading a full book in a year. I have a knack that no matter how much I am enjoying any particular read, I will stop at Chapter 3. Okay, that's being way too lenient. I usually stop after Chapter 1. I made it to the first page of Chapter 4 on Redeeming Love so in my mind, all the books I've ever started that ended up in piles of books on my nightstand or in my car were all immediately jumped to that first page of Chapter 4. This is exactly how I missed a full half of one of the Harry Potter books. (For the record, I figured it out because of the confusion my mind was in during the movie.) For Finish Year: Books, I will attempt to finally finish all those books that got left behind after that first chapter or so.

2. Finish Year: Work Out More - 5K.
I ran a half marathon once. Okay, okay, I sprinted about 5 minutes during a half marathon that I walked. That does seem quite different now that I think about it. My goal is to run a 5K in its entirety by the end of 2012. I'm going to start slow by walking the majority of one next weekend, but we all have to start somewhere.

3. Finish Year: Quote Book.
I started a quote book when I was in high school. This is really just a green journal that I wrote down a few quotes I liked and has now expanded to a huge list including sections of books that challenge, inspire and make me laugh. I want to fill up the whole thing with quotes from the books I read for Finish Year, scriptures that are near to m heart, favorited tweets and other quotes I've heard or seen around Pinterest.

4. Blog More. Regularly. Intentionally.
You agree on this one, right? I wish I had gotten paid this last semester for every time someone asked me when I was going to update again. I don't want this blog to be a place where I update when I feel like I have the time. I want it to be intentional. I stink at journaling because my hand cramps up, but I can type all day plus I have things to say to the world, whether I always believe it or not. Here's to blogging more regularly!

5. Create.
I was really good at favorite-ing food items on Foodgawker last semester. I was really good at adding blogs to the bookmarks on my computer to come back and look at, cook the recipe of, or craft from, etc. Now after having held out for almost a year, I am finally on Pinterest. (You can follow me here.) It's dumb to have all these great ideas and recipes at my fingertips and not utilize any of them. That is what I will strive to do, whether it's a recipe, craft or whatnot as often as I can.

6. Learn.
Confession time. (Although, my whole 12 for 12 may be one big confession really). I have an awesome camera with access to a ton of great resources and I don't utilize these resources nearly enough. I have a desire to speak Spanish even more fluently yet never practice. I want to be able to tell you what wrong with my car but I just never read up on it. I want to be able to do ________, yet I just don't. For all those things I need to practice or learn, this is their spot in my next year. Can't say it will be perfectly done, but I want to at least put forth an effort.

7. Minimize & Organize.
I have a bunch of stuff I don't need or even have the desire to still have as well as things that are silly but I still want to hold on to. Jeans that don't fit? Yeah, it's time to part ways with you. Piles of ticket stubs in drawers? Let's get you in a book or something. Every card I've gotten in my life? The full drawer is nice, but let's find you a better home. I need to give away and declutter. I need to organize and repurpose.

8. Gratefulness.
'Hi I'm American!' seems to be synonymous with 'Hello, I'm ungrateful.' I want to use up a bunch of thank you notes this year not only so I can get new ones, but because there are a ton of people that could use the encouragement, gratitude and even a Sunday funnie in a letter to brighten up their day. I wan to give that to them.

9. Handmade.
Ever go into a friends house and you can practically see the store layouts of where they got them and which of your other friends also owns it? No? It may just be me and my problem with noticing things at stores right after seeing them at a friends house. It's like individuality has gone out the window with all these brands (Sorry to rag on you Target. You know I love you as I have my fair share of Target buys littering my home). The favorite gifts I've given these last 2 years have been homemade gifts. This is the year I want to try to give as many homemade gifts as possible (although there will be some exceptions!)

10. Intentionality in Relationships.
You can say I'm good at this. You can say I'm terrible at this. Both statements are true. How? I'm really good with being intentional in some relationships and not so intentional in other ones. Why can't I just be intentional in all of them? Its ridiculously hard for sure, but their are definitely some friends that I have allowed to be stranded by the wayside during tough crunch times. (Also, shout out and thank you to all of those whom were more than willing to change our coffee dates into picking out diploma frames, running errands, etc. You know who you are and you are amazing!) This year though, I want to try my best to be fully present during hangouts and opportunities I have with family, friends and strangers. This will be a work in progress, possibly forever.

11. Say No & Relax.
This is for sure going to be the most difficult thing to do. I think it's pretty self explanatory but do more downtime rather than running at 97 miles per hour just because I can. All the running, chaos and last minute plans cause burn out and that's not good to cope with. Why not forgo all that and just rest some before the burn out? Brilliant. This is going to be so hard.

12. Word.
Delve into the word. This one is also pretty self explanatory, but I really want to get inside the stories of the Bible and really develop not just a relationship with God, but truly a deep intimacy with the scriptures to go alongside of it.

& The one word that sums it all up for me? Delve

Also, if you've made it this far, enjoy the 2011 Twitter Timeline Review.

Target, I like you a lot.

2012-01-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Target,

I thank you for ads
Awareness without the words
Down syndrome made cool.

Love,
Me.

That's all I have to say. Noah's Dad (the link) said everything far too perfectly.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012.

2012-01-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
I took 22 college hours all at once, became a missionary intern for the Quiocho Family in Costa Rica and graduated from college!
2. Did you keep the new years resolution you made last year?
I decided not to make any last year and I think that worked out rather nicely for me.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah! Alejandro and Yendry gave birth to Deikylnn. Jason and Connie gave birth to Rowdy.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.
5. What countries did you visit?
Belize and Costa Rica.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I struggle with loving everyone no matter what. I want to learn how to do that. - This has not changed since 2007. That still stands. Also, I would really like to have a big girl job that I enjoy.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory?
New Years Even with Laura, Lori and her friend, Gina. The random nights spent playing board games at Otter Family Game Nights. It's not really a particular date, but all the nights spent at Chelsea's house doing WILgroup Bible Study and discussing life together. Disciple Bible Study with the "counselor" group. Brambling in Belize. All the Fall 2011 Monday nights doing Journey to Christ and then driving Bri Wilson to ASC. Tons of time watching trick shot videos, hanging out with youth and baking for StudyBreak Cupcake. All those moments spent at the Rio Frio community playing Sorry, hanging out with little children, having sleepovers with Angie, cooking, sharing stories and life in general, laughing and worshiping alongside each other. My last night in Rio Frio - the dinner with everyone and the sleepover with Angie and Kristina. Graduation day.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Graduating from college.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Can not knowing what I want to do for the future count as my biggest failure?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah. We're still not sure what's going on with that.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Costa Rica Internship!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
What?
13. Whose behavior appalled you the most?
Like I'd really put that here.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, Food & Gas.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Costa Rica!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Kristian Stanfill - Like A Lion and pretty much anything from Passion.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you
a) happier or sadder? happier after the holidays.
b) thinner or fatter? thinner without a doubt.
c) richer or poorer? poorer for sure.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Study the Bible and talk to Him. SLEEP/RELAX (in the spring)! Study! Job Hunt.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I'm not really sure.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I spent Christmas eve with my Aunt Polly, Uncle Jim, parents, and Lori eating chicken tetrazini and opening presents. Christmas day was my parents, Lori and I and Jason with his wife and kids. We hung out around the house, ate a big meal for dinner and opened some presents.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Nope.
22. Did anyone close to you get married?
Alejandro & Yendry! Ben & Jessica! :)
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Wizards of Waverly Place, Haven and FRIENDS.
24. Do you hate anything now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read the first of the Yada-Yada Sisterhood series and loved it. I also read a series about a girl that didn't know what she wanted to do with her life and so she became a baker. I feel like that may have been a beginning catalyst for my baking fall semester. I can't remember the name of the books, but they were actually about that. I mainly read and adored reading blogs though.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kristian Stanfill I guess. I already knew about him though.
27. What did you want and get?
Joy.
28. What did you want and not get?
Jobs.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
HP7 - the ending, Kung Fu Panda 2 or The Muppets.
30. What did you do on your birthday?
Otter Family Game Night with a few extra friends that turned into broomball at the church.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Knowing what 2012 would look like.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Vintage, classic, detailed, layered, comfort, styled.
33. What kept you sane?
God, youth group, Kathy Kothman, The Quiochos, ASC girls, Kali Myers, A&M UMC, road trips.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Carlos Whittaker.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I can’t really think of any at the moment.
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my friends in Costa Rica.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I'd have to go with the Quiocho Family and all the people that we met along our summer journey. Also, getting to know Zac Gilts, the A&M UMC Youth Dream Team and some of the A&M UMC counselors better.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
These are from 2010, but I never published my 2010 New Year Questionnaire: Plan B. Be flexible and it will all be okay. (Summer study abroad falling through). Just because you started it a long time ago, doesn't mean you are tied down to it. (Crazy Love Bible Study). Do what you love and be with who you love because those around you and what you are doing will affect you, especially your attitude towards life.
& For 2011, there is: Listen to others. Everyone is interesting even if they don't believe it themselves. Help them find it if need be. (Costa Rican Internship). The roots of my faith aren't really what I originally thought. (Spring 2011 WILgroup). Investing time in people will never be a waste of time. (Fall 2011). With God's help, you really can do anything, even 22 hours of classes. God really does care about the little things. (Spring 2011). Days without laughter, are not truly lived. (All year long - Costa Rica SAPC B Team, especially).
39. Quote a song title that sums up your year:
Roaring Like A Lion - Kristian Stanfill

my Life Changes for the year two thousand and twelve are as follows:

1. Grow in Christ's Likeness- become a Godly Woman
- it's like a John 3:30 thing where,
"He must increase, but I must decrease."

That is it for the resolutions this year. I don't want to be "tied down" to others, even if they are fabulous or needed.

& A Different Way To Remember '11:

45 of the most powerful images of 2011. 15, 20 & 45 are my favorites.

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It's been a whirlwind this past month or so with Thanksgiving, my thesis being due and graduation, Christmastime and all that comes with that and of course the lingering question of What Now? What Now you ask? I don't really know. Job hunting and seeing where the Lord leads me.

This Christmas was filled with white elephant gift exchanges, last minute coffee dates while running errands, a lot of wondering, a ton of joy, renewing my commitment to Christ amongst some of my favorite people, watching holiday classics with friends while working on my favorite gift (a Valentines wreath) for my Mom. It wasn't the Christmas season I necessarily imagined, but I did have a lot of fun. I spent Christmas Eve with my family, Aunt Polly and Uncle Jim. It's a Christmas tradition and one of my favorites. Christmas Day was spent with my family and my brother and his kids. I still can't believe Christmas has come and gone.

& Just A Few Christmas Links From Me to You:
These are a ton of Chrstimas-y links, but I did enjoy back reading blogs today as everyone slept and I caught up on my TV.

If you enjoyed the kids nativity video on my last post, you will love this kids nativity scene inspired photoshoot. It's not just because her photography is gorgeous, but her creativity is impeccable and always in abundance.

There's something about Christmas decorations that make the holiday season so fun. This can't beat the traditional tree, but it is pretty whimsical. Then again, this is a pretty good tree too - and a great place for all those books that just don't fit on your book shelf all at once.

The lack of Texas snow this year makes it hard to envision the white Christmas, next year we'll have to go man-made on the snow. (Check out the video on the comments to see. It is awesome!) Until then, snow men will be made out of creativity. Making snowflakes is often necessary to pretend as well, especially if Darth Vader is there. If not, have Chewbacca sing Silent Night as a substitute.

One of my favorite holiday activities is wrapping Christmas presents while watching classic holiday favorites on ABC Family while enjoying some hot chocolate. It's just not Christmas until I've seen Frosty, Rudolph and Santa on the big screen. Wishing I could use some of the gift wrapping ideas or decorations like these: retro, pinecones, tying perfect bows, and cute labels, sheen and sparkle from melted crayons, fringe pom garlands and super sweet gift toppers.

Possibly some of the worlds' cutest front yard decorations.
Possibly one of my favorite Christmas Improv Videos.
Possibly one of the funniest versions of Christmas songs I've heard.
Possibly one of the most informative Christmas how-to videos. Want a candy cane?
Possibly one of the best Christmas musical uses of an ipad by a church.
Possibly one of the most interesting Christmas raps. Jack Frost creepin'...
Possibly one of the most inspirational story/song combos I've seen this year.
Possibly one of the videos that demonstrates what the visions of Christmas are.
Possibly one of the most fun holiday cards I've ever seen.
Possibly one of the greatest explanations of Santa Claus internationally.
Possibly one of the best versions of Mary Did You Know? It's Darth Vader style.
Possibly one of the most Aggie Spirited Christmas houses ever.
Possibly one of the best renditions of Bethlehemian Rhapsody I have ever seen.
& Fabulous pictures encapsulating the holiday season.

It would have been fun to wear something glitzy like this scarf though, but my flannel was good too. I possibly should have done something red and glitzy for Christmas nails, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my natural silver glitter nails I got done with Elley right before the holidays.

Hope you had yourself a very merry Christmas!

Really Cute Nativity Scene

2011-12-11T21:00:00.001-08:00

Today was the Journey to Christ Lunch. I've really enjoyed doing that every Monday night. I'm definitely going to miss it. Tonight was also Live Nativity at the church and our youth did wonderful as always. I saw this video last week and still can't get over the cute-ness of these children.

Thankfulness

2011-11-21T11:46:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I'm currently watching the Aggies and Longhorns play their last rivalry game for quite some time. It hasn't really felt like Thanksgiving here, just time at home with the family.

Some of the things I'm thankful for this season are...
Grace and salvation from my savior. Family and friends. Plan B's. The whole summer in Rio Frio, Costa Rica. My Tico Family. A&M UMC, especially the youth group. Inspiration. Holiday flavors - pumpkin! Clyde and Lori's antics. Foodgawker. Laughter. Opportunities. Cupcakes. Tears from growth and obedience. The Otter Family. Yogurtland. Bella the soccer playing dog. Those Forever Friends. My phone holding on this long. Almost being done with school. God's protection. Creativity. Second Chances. Relaxation. Trick shots. Surviving 22 hours. Fresh fruit. Getting lost in movies. Getting lost on road trips. Boots. Freedom. Possibilities. Dreams. Chai tea lattes. & So much more...

Getting Back Into the Groove

2011-11-21T10:17:00.001-08:00

Between working on my thesis paper, job hunting, hanging out with the youth group and missing critical steps to graduation such as getting a cap and gown*, I've kind of let the blog go by the wayside as many of y'all have let me know. I am hoping to get a good uploading of Project 365 which has been so much harder than I previously anticipated to keep up with it for this semester. Until then, enjoy some things that have caught my eye around the internet.

*If you have a black cap with a tassle, can I borrow it?

I am aware that Thanksgiving is approaching rather rapidly, but these Valentines animal cookies are pretty cute.

I thought by this point in the semester I would have read a lot more books for fun that don't deal with Costa Rican economics. At least there's other uses for books that are just as awesome.

Christmas is coming up. I'm not sure if any of y'all have noticed it's arrival which began possibly in late July and hit full force by the first week of October. Too bad my Dad doesn't need to wear a tie anymore, because this one would be the great gift of ties - especially for lunch meetings.

Felt pennants have somehow stolen my heart over the last year. So simple, yet so perfect.YAAAY!!!

I tried training for a half marathon a few years ago. I've decided that I'm so much better at other things that I probably shouldn't waste my time on it. (This really means that I can't get to that 2 mile marker without dying.) This news article about an extreme marathoner not only puts me to shame, but I'm pretty sure he's insane.

I'm short, like really short. This sign makes me chuckle just thinking about shortness.

My best friend, Laura, came to visit me at college a few weekends ago. We got into a conversation on ruggedness. Not what you were expecting? Yeah, us either. Apparently, I love the creativity of something unique, bold and rugged.

This cartoon has been circling for awhile, but it still makes me laugh when I see it.

This book is on my to-read list.

I have very few stuffed animals that I have kept. (This does not include an entire Beanie Babies collection, but hey, that's just the 90s inside of me not willing to let go!) Decorating with these cute little critters might change my mind though. Just look at that squirrel!

I'm a vintage shopper. I'm a vintage collector. I'm a vintage decorator. I love this vintage owl cookie jar.

I could probably go on for a bit longer, but I'll just say sayonara here.

Hello there Katie!

2011-10-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Katie and I got to head out on a fun adventure that took us all over the Texas A&M campus for her senior portraits we did last May. It was a fun day with my friend not only shooting, but remembering the laughter and tears we had over the previous four years. This semester, she is truly missed. Missing you today Katie!

Dearest Fall, Hello!

2011-10-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Fall has officially come in Texas. By officially has come, I do mean between the hours of 8PM and 8AM. A girl can still dream though, right? Who knew Fall could be so hot?

Boots. Scarves. Typewriters. Nail Polish. Fun Navajo Inspired Patterns. Fleece Blankets. Star Gazing. Pumkin Spice Lattes. Bowties on Dogs. What makes you think of Fall?

Be satisfied. Be content.

2011-10-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Psalm 63. A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Wonderfulness!

2011-10-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day. By crazy, I mean I will approximately spend at least a good 8 hours sitting with my thesis. I will also enjoy a game night with the Otter Family or what portion of it that isn't sucked into Aggie football. Yep, I just said that. In honor of tomorrow, I have been doing everything online that I know I will want to instead of my thesis, but can't. Enjoy the wonderfulness that I have collected. :)

I love little kids and things that they say are one of those reasons.

Braids are so pretty to me. I wish my hair would cooperate and hold one well.

You could say I'm a big fan of backpacks, but I'm kind of starting to love utility bags.

I always thought fisher of men bracelets were kind of cheesy, but I'd wear one of these in less than a heartbeat. I just can't stop looking at them!

I have a definite love for hammocks. This hammock-y invention makes me want to nap outside in the sun!

Shutters on a wall. Yes, I'd do it.

I will probably never in my life be cool enough to rock this necklace, but something about it just makes me happy.

It's a little hard for me to find an artist that I am crazy in love with their style where I almost want to buy every single piece of theirs. Cristopher Stott may have just become one of my faves though. I mean, paintings of suitcases and other vintage items? Yes, please!

Things Hanna and I should have thought of when living in the dorm.

Sometimes, it's hard to make a good pie-related decision.

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for a vintage suitcases. I have 3 currently in my room. Ron Baron must agree with me on their loveliness because his sculptures from them are incredible.

Can we talk about how I completely do not understand this video. HOW?

It's no secret that I love to travel. I mean, maps in and of themselves are artworks. Making them into a piece of artwork is even better though.

& If you're worried about me getting my thesis done. Don't be. I had these all bookmarked so I'm really not searching the web for ways to procrastinate. Yeah? Okay... I'll go work on my thesis.

Funny. Awkward. Yep, Let's Talk about Dating.

2011-10-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Edit: This was started in May and is being finished now, like when I hit publish now. I've had several discussions with both guys and girls over the last few weeks about this topic of dating and singleness. A lot of woe as me has been discussed. A lot of this has been good chatter about the gifts of singleness. I started compiling this listing of sources that I personally have been able to find some strength in. Also, I listened to the two sermons this weekend on a long drive this weekend and let me just say, that was fabulous use of my time.

It's a rather intriguing thing that most sermons about dating are pointed towards, well, dating. There's not so many on singleness. Talks on singleness preached by someone in a relationship or married just seem kind of confusing because the person is not single. The guy that does these sermons is single - which provides both laughter and honesty from a single to a single and from a single to dating/married friends as well. [/endedit].

I am single. I'm writing this in May and will probably post it much later in the summer when I'm in Costa Rica. I'm pretty confident though that the initial statement in this post won't change. I've read a lot of great posts about the subject lately. I'm not sure if I'm drawn to the subject or they just happen to find me. Either way, I hope you can gain some insight into singleness with these links:

Never dated. Never asked out. Never rejected.

Singleness with a purpose.

& A dash of funny because I've definitely encountered the awkward singleness question.

Check out these resources: God's take on dating and how to be a wise woman as well.

The September 2005 Village Church podcasts entitled Single-Minded (Part 1): "It is better to marry than to burn..." and Single-Minded (Part 2): "It is good to remain as you are...". I really hope you can find them through itunes still. They are gems.

Today, I'm Missing Friends, Family & Retreats

2011-10-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

There's this wonderful family called the Williamsons that I have lived life alongside of for years. I got the chance to go on family retreat with them awhile ago, like two years ago. It was great catching up with them as I don't get to see them too often. There were awesome moments of teasing and SkipBo and more laughter than should be permitted. Here's some memories from that retreat that I never got around to posting:

Seeing these pictures me miss the family a lot.
Good thing I should be seeing them soon.
Also, I kind of want to go on a retreat now...

Website

2011-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have redesigned my joyephotography website and wanted to show it to y'all. I hope y'all enjoy it. It needs a lot more updated photos, but I wanted to get it up and running again. Let me know any feedback y'all have!

217. 218. 219. [220-222]. 223. 224. [225-233]. 234. [235-237]. 238. 239. [240-242]. 243. 244. 245. [246]. 237. 248. 249. 250! [251-256]. 257. 258. [259]. 260!

2011-09-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's been about a month since I've been back from studying abroad in Costa Rica with the Quiocho Family. Being back is still extremely weird to me on many different levels. A lot of things have happened in the last few weeks. I've gone back to college and begun trying to readjust back into my 'old' life. It doesn't seem to really be fitting back together. I'm in a major period of transition from college kid to adult and I'm not a fan of this change at all. Also, I am completely lost as to where my life is leading to say the least.

I realized that I never finished updating my pictures from Costa Rica. In addition to that I have become a slacker on my Project 365 as I have become incredibly horrible at remembering to take photos over this past month. I'm not sure why exactly that my photo taking has decreased, but it is finally starting to increase back up to the daily photo which is good. I'm guessing that the slacking is probably due to a lack of desire, which is what I seem to have for many things that are happening around me right now...

twohundredandseventeen. unseenbeauty: colorwaitingtohappen.

twohundredandeighteen. unseenbeauty: beingabletoseevolcanoarenalfrommyroom.

twohundredandnineteen. unseenbeauty: vacationdayswithfriendsthatarenowfamily.

twohundredandtwenty through twohundredandtwentytwo. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandtwentythree. unseenbeauty: smilingisalovelanguagefromtheLord.

twohundredandtwentythreecontinued. unseenbeauty: thepoweroffriendships.

twohundredandtwentyfour. unseenbeauty: tearsareauniversallyunderstoodlanguage.

twohundredandtwentyfive through twohundredandthirtythree. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandthirtyfour. unseenbeauty: beinghomeandenjoyingfamilylifetogether.
twohundredandthirtyfive through twohundredandthirtyseven. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandthirtyeight. unseenbeauty: timeisplentiful.

twohundredandthirtynine. unseenbeauty: sweetfunnyClydeboy.
twohundredandforty through twohundredandfortytwo. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandfortythree. unseenbeauty: greatfacialexpressions.

twohundredandfortyfour. unseenbeauty: learningtoenjoysalads.

twohundredandfortyfive. unseenbeauty: deathtotheoldlife.
twohundredandfortysix. Sad no photo day.

twohundredandfortyseven. unseenbeauty: beingbackatcollege.

twohundredandfortyeight. unseenbeauty: havingpeopleandsituationstomiss.

twohundredandfortynine. unseenbeauty: knowingthattearswillcomeanditwillbeokay.

twohundredandfifty. unseenbeauty: confusionandblurrinessinlifeisnotthewholereality.
twohundredandfifyone through twohundredandfiftysix. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandfiftyseven. unseenbeauty: learninghowtoimprovise.

twohundredandfiftyeight. unseenbeauty: experimentingwithnewrecipes.

twohundredandfiftyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: gettingreallygoodatbaking.
twohundredandfifynine. Sad no photo day.

twohundredandsixty. unseenbeauty: obtainingthatmuchcovetedaggiering.

Keeper

2011-08-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Psalm 121

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the LORD,
whomade heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
⁸ The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

Words... about Costa Rica.

2011-08-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Ted & Gracie's August newsletter and read about basically what I did this summer. Yes, there's been pictures but this newsletter actually has words. Haha.

Ok, it seems weird to not post a picture, so enjoy this sweet picture of my friend, Eposi, jumping rope at the school in Finca 1. :)

Funky Designs.

2011-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Things have been kind of crazy since I got back, so I'm just going to let y'all enjoy some fun design stuff that I found around the blogosphere before I left for Costa Rica. More updates on life back here in the states when I get a chance and things settle down.

=======================================================
Lego of all your previous designs, this wall is way to fun to pass up!

Months after seeing this, I am still floored this is someone's dorm room.

What childhood memories could be created sleeping and dreaming in a tree house.

Not sure if I'd live in a real tree house, but I wouldn't mind spending a few nights.

Money usually allows people to buy design, but why not make money into design?

My Fireside DVD is quite comfy, but the i-Log could take it that comfy-ness a whole new level.

Ribbon is quickly becoming one of my favorite decorative items.

Some people train their dogs to shake. Some people train their kids to put socks into dressers.

This isn't really design room-related but these little potted flowers are adorable.

Sometimes I want to have my own roped-off space, yet have yelling access to people nearby. A rope wall combines this quite nicely.

Who said when you grow up you have to paint inside the lines?

Speaking of painting, I'm in love with this artist's abstract designs and vibrant colors.

Costa Rica Update + Fun Things

2011-08-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm here on one of my last nights in Costa Rica trying to process that this whole thing is over. Well, I say I'm processing, but I'm really waiting to leave for our Mother's Day Church Party. Tomorrow, here in Costa Rica, is Mother's Day. I will wake up and say goodbye to my Costa Rican Mom, Gracie, and return in Houston to say hello to my Mom. It's so strange to think about and draws tears to my eyes, so I try not to.

I did break down last night. Cristina and Angie spent the night last night with me. We had the big room with all the bunk beds to ourselves. With 4 bunk beds, we decided to crawl (all 3 of us!) into one bed to spend our last night shedding tears and laughter together. I wouldn't have changed my last night with them for anything. Before bedtime, we had a bunch of the families over for some games, dinner and goodbyes. It was wonderful. This morning, we trekked around the neighborhood for a bit, cleaned up the house and had lunch at Alejandro and Yendri's before heading back to San Jose. I still can't believe that I'll be in Houston this time in two days and not waiting to head back to Rio Frio.

So, to not think about it, let's talk about something less well, SAD!
I read blogs late into the night a few weeks before I came to Costa Rica delving into photography, design, typography, fashion, etc. etc. Here are some fun things I found through those readings:
=========================================================

First off, my heart longs to canoe. Second, how great would it be to see through the canoe?

I hate to see things like cassette tapes fade into the past. Making it into a MP3 player? Yes, please!

Icebreaker games can be so hit or miss. Icebreaker nametags though make me actually kind of want to wear a nametag.

Who knew your face could be a blank canvas? Mustaches and beards as art is cool.

How cute is the kid in the rocket ship? Adorable? Yes, that's what I thought.

Sticky notes, you have become so fun. Floppy disks, apples, tweets? Fabulous!

I love traveling. Clyde does too. I'm sure he's too big for this, but he does need an airstream.

This cracks me up! Guess no one will be stealing my sandwiches anytime soon...

Who says knowledge can't be mapped out? Especially by nerdy kitties that make everything better?

USB Drives either seem to be the ugliest computer accessories or the most interesting. A roll of film USB makes me smile.

Sometimes cheesy things are, well, cheesy. Sometimes I love them. Have a ball this summer!

Last summer, I transformed a lions tail into a leopards tail. These could have come in so handy.

209. 210. [211]. 212. [213]. 214. 215. 216.

2011-08-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

twohundredandnine. unseenbeauty: newfriendscomingtovisit.

twohundredandten. unseenbeauty: backpack,chacosandkindle,allagirlneeds.

twohundredandeleven. Sad no photo day.

twohundredandtwelve. unseenbeauty: bananasinthebackyard.

twohundredandtwelvecontinued. unseenbeauty: funnysituationforgordo.

twohundredandthirteen. Sad no photo day.

twohundredandfourteen. unseenbeauty: familygamenightwithrummicub.

twohundredandfifteen. unseenbeauty: discoveringgreatnewreads.

twohundredandsixteen. unseenbeauty: silentmoments.

At least this week I've been consistent with my inconsistency of taking photos. Somehow I've made my Project 365 into a Project Take A Photo Every Other Day. Hopefully that will change this week.

These past few days, I made some new friends and worked countless hours on my COMM 485 paper over social media. The good news though is that my paper is done! It possibly has the longest works cited ever though. It was supposed to be a 12 to 15 paper and despite it ending up to be much longer, the works cited ended up being 15 pages in itself!

In other news, I got to visit the clinic this week. No parasites here! :)

192. [193]. 194. 195! [196]. 197. [198]. 199. [200-205]. 206. [207]. 208.

2011-07-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

onehundredninetytwo. unseenbeauty: fittingin.

onehundredninetythree. Sad no photo day.

onehundredninetyfour. unseenbeauty: gorgeousflowersatsoccerfield.

onehundredninetyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: discoveringnewthingsonAlejandro'sproperty.

onehundredninetyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: preciousbiker.

onehundredninetyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: life.

onehundredninetyfive. unseenbeauty: learninghowtomakenewfoods-patacones.

onehundredninetyfivecontinued. unseenbeauty: besttwistergamesofyourlife.

onehundredninetysix. Sad no photo day.

onehundredninetyseven. unseenbeauty: learningtodolaundry.

onehundredninetyeight. Sad no photo day.

onehundredninetynine. unseenbeauty: prayingovernewfriends.

onehundredninetyninecontinued. unseenbeauty: enciendaunaluz.

twohundred through twohundredandfive. Sad no photo days.

twohundredandsix. unseenbeauty: seeingthelaundrypiledisappear.

twohundredandseven. Sad no photo day.

twohundredandeight. unseenbeauty: gettingtodiscovernewcoffeeshops.

I didn't seem to have my camera on me much these past two weeks. We had the BIG Team in from Arizona. It was a youth team and although it was fun, it really made me miss my youth group in CS. I'll be back there soon though!

[182]. [183]. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. [189]. 190. 191.

2011-07-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

onehundredeightytwo. Sad no photo day.

onehundredeightythree. Sad no photo day.

onehundredeightyfour. unseenbeauty: beingabletogetreallyclosetonature.

onehundredeightyfive. unseenbeauty: beingabletogetreallyclosetonature.

onehundredeightyfivecontinued. unseenbeauty: youthsteppingintoleadership.

onehundredeightysix. unseenbeauty: havingfunwhileworking.

onehundredeightyseven. unseenbeauty: bilingualfriendships.

onehundredeightyeight. unseenbeauty: popcornandlaughingwaytoohard.

onehundredeightyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: cutestcowgirlever.

onehundredeightynine. Sad no photo day.

onehundredninety. unseenbeauty: makingupboardgamesbasedonfunnycircumstances.

onehundredninetyone. unseenbeauty: alittlepeaceandquiet.

After being tired from our second St. Andrews team, we had to gear up rather quickly for the Ziner family mission team that came in the next morning. This week proved to be quite interesting; along with a bit of frustration, a ton of laughter and getting to see what the Lord had in store for this past week was great and something that none of us could have even imagined or foreseen. More to come on that later.

175! 176. 177. 178. 179. 180! 181.

2011-07-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

onehundredseventyfive. unseenbeauty: chocolatechipcookiesfromjovin.

onehundredseventysix. unseenbeauty: journalingwithafriend.

onehundredseventyseven. unseenbeauty: Karen'ssmileandburbujas.

onehundredseventyeight. unseenbeauty: findingwildlifeinsidethehouse.

onehundredseventynine. unseenbeauty: bonding.

onehundredseventyninecontinued. unseenbeauty: exploringrainforestproperty.

onehundredseventyninecontinued. unseenbeauty: playinggames.

onehundredeighty. unseenbeauty: relaxingafterahardweek.

onehundredeightyone. unseenbeauty: laughablemomentswithcake.

Relational Ministry

2011-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the next mission team to come in right now.

We spend a lot of time between teams relaxing, coordinating with different team leaders from future teams, stocking up on supplies we need for the next teams, enjoying fellowship with each other, cleaning and doing relational ministry in Rio Frio.

What does relational ministry look like?
It's different than a lot of other ministries. It's not "let's go build these people a house". It's not "we need to feed these people for x amount of time". It's not "a huge week production then nothing". This is getting to know people, getting to know their life stories, meeting them right where they are and encouraging them to grow, taking them to the Bible and disciple-ing them.

So what do these teams that come in do if they aren't doing physical labor?
They build relationships. Ted and Gracie's ministry in Rio Frio is about building people, not buildings. They do this through couple's meeting women's meetings and youth meetings that the people asked to set up, not something Ted and Gracie decided to do. They will be starting a men's group soon as some men asked Ted if they could start one a few weeks ago. The teams participate in these meetings as well as teaching values lessons in the local schools. We can't outright preach the gospel, but caring for your neighbor is great coupled with the good Samaritan story just like the prodigal son teaches the value of unconditional love. We're in a different school every week with the teams teaching different lessons. These may be the only values lessons these students get though. Costa Rica has seen a need for good values to be instilled in their people and are doing that with mandating values lessons be taught in schools. This is where Ted, Gracie, their ministry, and the teams that support them step in.

Aren't the people hungry? What about housing for them? What about programs?
Sometimes, often, possibly always giving begins a cycle of co-dependency. If someone always came in and gave you what you needed, do you really think you'd be able to survive if that someone stopped giving? Giving things is great, but when people start to rely on them is where trouble begins to set in. The cycle of co-dependency starts and can really mess things up.

Thoughts to think about today...
We're off to wait at the airport for the team now.

169. 170! 171. 172. 173. 174.

2011-06-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

onehundredsixtynine. unseenbeauty: camelbak.

onehundredseventy. unseenbeauty: relatingtofriends.

onehundredseventyone. unseenbeauty: seeingthestarsrightbeforegoingtosleep.

onehundredseventytwo. unseenbeauty: skypingwithMom,DadandClyde.

onehundredseventythree. unseenbeauty: feelingbetterafterfeelinghorrible.

onehundredseventyfour. unseenbeauty: popcorn,m&msandskype.

& Some Prayer Requests.
- Strength. We have four weeks back to back with teams. That's about 3 mission trips back to back but without the downtime in between of a weekend to watch. In each case, our "down time" which means time to wash and restock supplies is about 24 hours or less. Pray for God's timing, no stress and for details to fluidly come together.

- Stress about school. I can't get in contact with the professor I'm working with for my summer Communications class. I have no idea when I'm supposed to turn it in. I won't have internet for the next four weeks really but I'm not sure that even matters since my topic has never been researched before no matter how hard I look for even just one article to appear.

- Confidence. I left mine somewhere when it comes to translating, especially in large groups of people. I don't enjoy speaking in front of large groups of people. When I'm not sure what I'm saying, the anxiousness inside of me is even worse.

160! 161. 162. 163. 164. 165! 166. 167. 168.

2011-06-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

onehundredsixty. unseenbeauty: Bellaandsoccer.

Gracie'sphoto. unseenbeauty: breakswhilecleaning.

onehundredsixtyone. unseenbeauty: bedtime.

onehundredsixtytwo. unseenbeauty: organizationsthankstoDr.Chele.

onehundredsixtythree. unseenbeauty: listening.

onehundredsixtythreecontinued. unseenbeauty: family.

onehundredsixtyfour. unseenbeauty: facingyourfears.

onehundredsixtyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: universallanguages.

onehundredsixtyfive. unseenbeauty: caughtiguanas.

onehundredsixtysix. unseenbeauty: laughablemoments.

onehundredsixtysixcontinued. unseenbeauty: newtoothbrushes.

onehundredsixtysixcontinued. unseenbeauty: firsttimebrushingwithanewbrush.

onehundredsixtyseven. unseenbeauty: beingreallyclosetowildlife.

onehundredsixtysevencontinued. unseenbeauty: coffee.

onehundredsixtyeight. unseenbeauty: selfexploration.

onehundredfiftysix. onehundredfiftyseven. onehundredfiftyeight. onehundredfiftynine.

2011-06-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who I haven't been able to talk to, or just check by for quick updates, I am currently interning with a family of missionaries in Costa Rica. Right now, we're getting ready for a team that will come in on Saturday. We're doing a lot of prep work getting supplies and housing for the team right now, as well as a van. In fact, I've been here four days and today was the first day I didn't go to a car dealership. We'll hopefully have the van next week if everything works out.

onehundredfiftysix. unseenbeauty: havingapieceoflovedoneswithyouinaforeignland.
I packed my bags right up until the security line at the airport. This is Dad's hat, off of his head, thrown to me while I was in the line to go through security at the airport. It's kind of good having a piece of him with me here in Costa Rica. I came in and we went to a car dealership to look at a microbus that Ted and Gracie are trying to buy. You know, what you typically do in a new country on the first day.

onehundredfiftyseven. unseenbeauty: chacos,waterbottle,backpack,kindleakacomfort.
Lunch with the pastor and his wife, went to the car dealership aka my favorite place and started getting things ready for the teams to come in.

onehundredfiftyeight. unseenbeauty: checkingthingsofflists.
We spent our day going to Rio Frio to look at the house and then returned to Tibas and San Jose to start shopping: Pequeño mundo, Mas y menos, Walmart, etc.

onehundredfiftyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: bienvenidosalriofrio.
This is going to be our conversation piece rug as it has nothing to do with our fish-themed bathroom in Rio Frio. It does however have a farm, kind of like Finca Dos, which is where we work.

onehundredfiftynine. unseenbeauty: thingsalignedbyGod.
Shopped, put together things, organized, blew up air mattresses, etc. First team comes in Saturday!

I'm not really sure what to say. Things are expensive here. The rainforest is beautiful. I'm enjoying it. ... Ask me questions!?

150! onehundredfiftyone. onehundredfiftytwo. onehundredfiftythree. onehundredfiftyfour. 155!

2011-06-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

I could blog about everything that is going on in Costa Rica with my internship. I will... tomorrow. Tonight, I want to finish up photos from my last week or so in the states. During this week, I got ready for Costa Rica, met up with old friends before leaving, saw my sister, Lori, graduate from high school and did our Aggie Ring Dunk with Hanna. AKA a fabulous week!

onehundredfifty. unseenbeauty: frenchbraids.

onehundredfiftyone. unseenbeauty: periodsofpreparation.

onehundredfiftytwo. unseenbeauty: friendsthatknowyouwell.

onehundredfiftythree. unseenbeauty: bakingnewrecipeswithHanna.

onehundredfiftythree. unseenbeauty: beingdonewithschool.

onehundredfiftythreecontinued. unseenbeauty: doingthingstogether.

onehundredfiftyfour. unseenbeauty: littleluxuriesinlife.

onehundredfiftyfive. unseenbeauty: figuringoutwhatyoureallyneedtolive.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2011-06-06T00:26:00.000-07:00

It's 2:27AM. I still have nothing in a suitcase. I'm not worried though.

I'm working on getting some electronic issues in order before I leave such as getting my resume off of my laptop desktop. I'm also getting some books downloaded onto my Kindle such as the ESV Study Bible, which weighs approximately 99.9% lighter than the hard copy. I'm also getting some fun books and speaker notes from Kathy. Incredibly excited to put this Kindle to use!

I still can't believe I'll be leaving tomorrow for Costa Rica for 10 weeks. I haven't really mentioned this on the blog much but this summer I am an intern with Greater Commission Ministries with Ted and Gracie Quiocho. I'm super excited.

I've been getting asked one question more than anything else: Are you nervous?

Am I nervous? I'm essentially moving to another country to live with friends of a friend that I barely know for 10 weeks of my life working in a community of people I have never met while being the translator for several teams that will be visiting us. What's to worry about?
NOTHING really.

My biggest concern is that I'm going to lose something on the way down.
Other than that, I'm excited to see what God has prepared for me in Costa Rica.

Guess I should go get something in a suitcase now...

ninetyeight through onehundredfortynine. [100]. [102]. [113]. [119]. [129]. [130]. [135]. [136]. [146].

2011-05-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

ninetyeight. unseenbeauty: findingtheperfectcreativitylaunchpad.

ninetynine. unseenbeauty: Addy,thefutureAlaskangoverner.

ninetyninecontinued. unseenbeauty: photoshootingwithfriends.

onehundred. Sad no photo day.

onehundredone. unseenbeauty: growinginChrist.

onehundredtwo. Sad no photo day.

onehundredthree. unseenbeauty: Tuesdaynightwalkbreaks.

onehundredfour. unseenbeauty: neverseeingmathagain.

onehundredfive. unseenbeauty: thetruth.

onehundredsix. unseenbeauty: cuddlyoldstuffedanimals.

onehundredseven. unseenbeauty: displayedwork.

onehundredeight. unseenbeauty: sunshineonacloudyday.

onehundrednine. unseenbeauty: notsoimportantdecisions.

onehundredten. unseenbeauty: jumpingrope.

onehundredeleven. unseenbeauty: findingbabybirds.

onehundredelevencontinued. unseenbeauty: preciousbabybirdchirps.

onehundredtwelve. unseenbeauty: sillymomentsbeforeaseriousservice.

onehundredthirteen. Sad no photo day.

onehundredfourteen. unseenbeauty: thenoblepursuitofeatinglizardtails.

onehundredfourteen. unseenbeauty: clothingoptions.

onehundredfifteen. unseenbeauty: puppydogeyes.

onehundredfifteencontinued. unseenbeauty: Clydenoteatingeastereggs.

onehundredsixteen. unseenbeauty: revelinginwhatlittlesleeptimeyoudoget.

onehundredseventeen. unseenbeauty: rustybikes.

onehundredeighteen. unseenbeauty: postdentistnumbfacelaughter.

onehundredeighteencontinued. unseenbeauty: goodcurlyhairdays.

onehundrednineteen. Sad no photo day.

onehundredtwenty. unseenbeauty: murdermysteriesandgiggles.

onehundredtwentyone. unseenbeauty: learningnewthings.

onehundredtwentyonecontinued. unseenbeauty: livemusic.

onehundredtwentytwo. unseenbeauty: Breakthru.

onehundredtwentythree. unseenbeauty: lettersfromfriends.

onehundredtwentyfour. unseenbeauty: anunstoppablespirit.

onehundredtwentyfive. unseenbeauty: fibersthatcreatesomethinggreaterthanthemselves.

onehundredtwentysix. unseenbeauty: whenlongdaysarefinallyover.

onehundredtwentyseven. unseenbeauty: sunsetswhilewalkingwithfriends.

onehundredtwentysevencontinued. unseenbeauty: joiningtogetherforRelay.

onehundredtwentyeight. unseenbeauty: Aggierings.

onehundredtwentynine. Sad no photo day.

onehundredthirty. Sad no photo day.

onehundredthirtyone. unseenbeauty: freedomtoquestion.

onehundredthirtytwo. unseenbeauty: knowingotherlanguages.

onehundredthirtythree. unseenbeauty: theabilitytosee.

onehundredthirtyfour. unseenbeauty: supportinglovedones.

onehundredthirtyfive. Sad no photo day.

onehundredthirtysix. Sad no photo day.

onehundredthirtyseven. unseenbeauty: encouragement.

onehundredthirtysevencontinued. unseenbeauty: thingsthatmakeyouponder.

onehundredthirtyeight. unseenbeauty: textureofcotton.

onehundredthirtynine. unseenbeauty: nightlife.

onehundredforty. unseenbeauty: smallthingsthatmakeyouhappy.

onehundredfortyone. unseenbeauty: oldschoolknowledge.

onehundredfortytwo. unseenbeauty: SnowWhiteandfavoritepasta.

onehundredfortythree. unseenbeauty: arelaxingsleepafteratoughday.

onehundredfortyfour. unseenbeauty: reallifeTetrisskills.

onehundredfortyfive. unseenbeauty: moviesandpopcorn.

onehundredfortysix. Sad no photo day.

onehundredfortyseven. unseenbeauty: SnowWhiteandfavoritepasta.

onehundredfortyeight. unseenbeauty: bakingwithcriticism.

onehundredfortynine. unseenbeauty: friendship.

Philippines

2011-05-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture please.

80! eightyone. eightytwo. eightythree. eightyfour. 85! [86]. eightyseven. [88]. eightynine. 90! ninetyone. [92]. 93. 94. 95. [96]. ninetyseven.

2011-05-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

eighy. unseenbeauty: faintestsignsofachacotan.

eightyone: unseenbeauty: giggles.

eightytwo: unseenbeauty: sunshineandfunpatterns.

eightythree: unseenbeauty: makingnewfriends.

eightyfour: unseenbeauty: originalartwork.

eightyfive. unseenbeauty: surprisebirthdayattacks.

eightsix. Sad no photo day.

eightseven. unseenbeauty:readingoptions

eightysevencontinued. unseenbeauty: photoshootswithfriends.

eightyeight. Sad no photo day.

eightynine. unseenbeauty:resttime.

ninety. unseenbeauty: pickingupwhereyouleftoff.

ninetyone. unseenbeauty: beingdonewithclasses.

ninetytwo. Sad no photo day.

ninetythree. unseenbeauty: Passion!

ninetyfour. unseenbeauty: PassionWeekendwithMegan.

ninetyfive. unseenbeauty: lastminuteprocrastination.

ninetysix. Sad no photo day.

ninetyseven. unseenbeauty: beingridiculous.

BELIZE WEEK! seventyone. seventytwo. seventythree. seventyfour. 75! seventysix. seventyseven. seventyeight. seventynine.

2011-04-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

This entry is all about he A&M UMC Youth Mission Trip that I participated in over Spring Break. You can read all about it in detail here: http://amumcyouthmission.blogspot.com/

It was a great week of bramble clearing, getting to know and attend worship services with our new friends from Belmopan Methodist Church, and of course getting to know the youth and adults I went with. Hope you enjoy seeing the trip! Thank you to all of you who supported both myself and the team through finances and prayer.

seventyone. rustiness.

seventytwo. unseenbeauty: uniqueperspectives.

seventytwocontinued. unseenbeauty: vibrantfloralcolors.

seventytwocontinued. unseenbeauty: agoodrallyofvolleyball.

seventyfour. unseenbeauty: bodyofChristworkingtogether.

seventyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: TheElephantGraveyardbeingcleared.

seventyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: conqueringobstacles.

seventyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: breakinggroundonanewlife.

seventyfive. unseenbeauty: backtobasics:childhoodgames.

seventyfivecontinued. unseenbeauty: workinglikealeafcutterant.

seventyfivecontinued. unseenbeauty: learningfromthelocalelders.

seventysix. unseenbeauty: seeingculturalartifactsfrompastcivilizations.

seventysixcontinued. Q How many can fit in one van? A 24.

seventyseven. unseenbeauty: doublerainbow.

seventyeight. unseenbeauty: calm.

seventyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: goofiness+chickens.

seventyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: roaringocean.

seventyeightcontinued. unseenbeauty: towelonthesand.

seventynine. unseenbeauty: friendsthatmakeyoulaugh.

fiftyone. fiftytwo. [53]. fifty4. fifty5. fifty6. fifty7. fifty8. [59]. 60! sixtyone. sixty2. sixty3. sixty4. 65! sixty6. sixty7. sixty8. [69]. 70!

2011-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

fiftyone. unseenbeauty: learningtocookviacellulardevice.

fiftytwo. unseenbeauty: organization.

fiftythree. Sad no photo day.

fiftyfour. unseenbeauty: helpfulroommate.

fiftyfive. unseenbeauty: ASClove.

fiftysix. unseenbeauty: trickbasketballshots.

fiftyseven. unseenbeauty: stoppingtosmelltheflowers.

fiftysevencontinued. unseenbeauty: God'screation.

fiftysevencontinuedagain. unseenbeauty: thepowerofketchup.

fiftyeight. unseenbeauty: bookcoverillustrations.

fiftynine. Sad no photo day.

sixty. unseenbeauty: the12thman+Bible.

sixtyone. stressful weeks.

sixtytwo. unseenbeauty: thepoweroflaughter.

sixtythree. unseenbeauty: paperstacks.

sixtyfour. unseenbeauty: favoriteverse+awesomedisplay.

sixtyfourcontinued. unseenbeauty: freedominChrist.

sixtyfive. unseenbeauty: wonderfulfriendfilledweekends.

sixtysix. unseenbeauty: comfyspots.

sixtyseven. unseenbeauty: sweetartskills.

sixtyeight. unseenbeauty: dailychoices.

sixtynine. Sad no photo day.

seventy. unseenbeauty: packing.

Best Way To Celebrate!

2011-03-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

I'm almost done. 3 weeks of midterms are almost done y'all! All that's left now before Spring Break is 3-4 tests, 8 homework assignments, some reading, a few other odds and ends...

Oh! AND PACKING!!!
This Saturday a Spring Break Mission Team from A&M UMC comprised of 13 youth and 14 adults (including me) will be heading to Belmopan, Belize to lay the foundation for a local high school and working with area youth. What I think is really cool about it is that it is mainly high school students, college students and parents of high school students that are going to be building this. I love that!

I know you're going to be kind of curious as to what's going on and since I can't seem to keep all my thoughts on here or even keep up with posting my Project 365 pictures when I'm not on a mission trip, you should follow our Belize Mission Trip Blog! The mission blog may or may not ever have a post from me, that is yet to be known. It will, however, contain blog posts and thoughts from various team members as we are in Belize which is going to be really awesome. Pre-trip thoughts are going up already!

Go read about our experiences and PRAY for our team please!
Can't wait to go. And let the countdown begin... five days! :)

I Wish

2011-03-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today, I wish I woke up before my alarm clock with the ability to cook a wonderful breakfast or at least drive through Chickfila before heading off to my first class of the day. After class I wish I had been able to obtain malaria medicine quickly before sitting down with a good not reading this for school book at a favorite coffee shop while waiting to meet up with a friend to catch up on life. Then, I could have gone to my last class which wouldn't be even 1/2 as terrifying as it is in real life. I would have played a few rounds of Rummicub before going to youth before coming home to sit down to watch a movie before snuggling into my bed.

Today, I woke up before my alarm went off and still only had time to grab a chai tea latte and a chewy bar before heading to school. I rushed around College Station calling around and practically giving up on getting malaria medicine. I sat down in the coffeehouse with a pile of papers to read. This is where I remained inundated in political science game theory with a confused look on my face and tears in my eyes. I went to class. What a waste. I went back to coffeehouse, played 2 rounds of Rummicub while shoveling in dinner before heading to Stacey's to learn game theory. Then, I went back to coffeehouse to read more political science. Now I am home. I want to go to bed. I still have 2 chapters of powerpoint slides to go over before even beginning to study for my Spanish test tomorrow.

What I wish and what is real isn't the same.

[36]. thirtyseven. [38]. thirtynine. [40!] fourtyone. [42]. fourtythree. fourtyfour. 45! fourtysix. fourtyseven. fourtyeight. fourtynine. 50!

2011-02-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

After 13ish hours of writing a Spanish essay test and working on an extremely involved Spanish project, I needed a break so I'm uploading photos and then it's back to reading for me. Whoooo!

thirtysix. Sad no photo day.

thirtyseven. unseenbeauty: silliness

thirtyeight. Sad no photo day.

thirtynine. unseenbeauty: thepowerofrest

fourty. Sad no photo day.

fourtyone. unseenbeauty: friendsthattrulycare

fourtytwo. Sad no photo day, but it was my birthday! :)

fourtythree. unseenbeauty: seeingfamilyonweekends

fourtyfour. unseenbeauty: theperfectpancakesyrupchoice

fourtyfive. unseenbeauty: justtherightamountofblankets

fourtysix. unseenbeauty: textbooksthatcauseenjoyablereading

fourtyseven. unseenbeauty: smallbreaksthroughouttheday

fourtyeight. unseenbeauty: magazineswithanexcellentdesign&products

fourtynine. unseenbeauty: asemilazyday.

fifty. unseenbeauty: ahomecookedmeal.

The Unphotographed Four. & Midterms!

2011-02-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

Four. Four days on my 365 went unphotographed.
This is okay though. I knew that I would miss days starting the project and I decided to not hold it over my head. Missing days happens and it will not be the end of my world. Plus, I usually don't just take one picture most days, so it's not like I'm not getting the practice in.

What did I do these days? I believe for two of the days, I hit the hay exhausted. Three days could be counted this way if you wanted to add in my birthday which I ended up taking a nap and waking up the next day. The other day is lost to the imagination as I do not recall at this moment why it went unphotographed. Plus, without a photograph it is as if that day never happened. Just kidding!

I'll probably upload new pictures in a few days. I'm editing right now and then will probably hit the hay. 22 hours of classes isn't meant for humans.

My planner a few weeks back told me this: "I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once." - Jennifer Yane. So true, so true.

Here's to the next 3 weeks of midterms!: 14 tests, 5 homeworks due (doesn't include individual assignments), 1 photo project, 1 research paper outline/thesis/bibliography (If you know me and how I write, the paper will have to be practically done to get this.), 1 JHigh Girls' Bible Study lead, and 1 youth retreat between weeks 1 and 2. Bring it, Midterms, Bring it!

twentythree. twentyfour. twentyfive. twentysix. twentyseven. twentyeight. twentynine. 30! thirtyone. thirtytwo. thirtythree. thirtyfour. thirtyfive.

2011-02-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

twentythree. unseenbeauty:gardening

twentyfour. unseenbeauty:lastminuterememberings

twentyfive. Preparation for Mosaic talk. Lots of tears. unseenbeauty:LaChureca

twentysix. unseenbeauty:craftingjoyes

twentyseven. unseenbeauty:simplicity

twentyeight. unseenbeauty:HPClue/OtterFamily

twentynine. unseenbeauty: comfystudysetup

twentynine2. unseenbeauty: thefunofnerfguns

thirty. unseenbeauty: sunnyandrainyweather

thirtyone. Chad got a Facebook!

thirtytwo. unseenbeauty: icephotographyprojects

thirtythree. Beautiful Katie leading Bible Study.

thirtyfour. unseenbeauty: perfecttimingphonecalls

thirtyfour2. unseenbeauty: snowinTexas

thirtyfive. Gabby and I watching Enchanted.

A Thousand Words Isn't Enough.

2011-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

No matter how many times I look at the images on my computer taken by my hands (and from a few friends) I can't fathom them. Images of dirt, blazing sun, wire topped buildings, trash piles larger than cars, children bathing in the midst of the trash - these are what I've been looking at tonight.

I'm speaking at Mosaic, my church's college ministry, on Thursday night. It's not something I normally would do. I don't speak. I don't even speak up in class when my grade is dependent upon it. The whole idea just freaks me out. For some reason, along with being slightly distracted, I agreed to speak about my international mission experiences this Thursday night. I believe I will be focusing on Mexico and Nicaragua.

I've been trying to get some pictures together to show. Pictures that can show what it is like, but all my pictures pale in comparison to the real heartache and situations that I have seen in these countries.

I'm good at having my mind on several different topics at once. I'm great at compartmentalizing and becoming numb to things. These pictures though, I can't become numb to. To become numb to them is to deny the reality that these situations are truly going on in other places and in a way right here at home too.

Now I can't get the pictures out of my head. Although my tears are gone, I can feel them lurking, waiting for an opportunity to escape.

I don't know what else to say. These pictures kind of cause a loss of words...

If you want to see my Nicaragua pictures from Summer 2009, click here.
If you want to see how God reminded me of La Chureca in the fall, click here.

nineteen. twenty. twentyone. twentytwo.

2011-01-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

nineteen. unseenbeauty:learningsomethingnew

twenty. unseenbeauty:thelittlethingsthatmakeyoulaugh

twentyone. unseenbeauty:cookingexperimentsgoneright

twentytwo.

sixteen. seventeen. eighteen.

2011-01-18T20:51:00.001-08:00

sixteen. Taco making. I've talked about this a bit before on the blog. Counselors, youth and Dan preparing tacos to hand out to day laborers to show them Jesus' love.

seventeen. Read the quote. Living it this semester. unseenbeauty:encouragingquotes

eighteen.

thirteen.fourteen.fifteen.

2011-01-15T17:11:00.001-08:00

thirteen. Breakfast.

fourteen. Studying outside in winter is kind of chilly.

fifteen. Gabby's facial expression expresses my love of studying right now.

*Pictures were taken on actual days and being posted today. That is all.

twelve.

2011-01-12T19:18:00.001-08:00

Twelve, or as I'd like to call it "Mother Knows Best" or "Should Have Listened to Mom". I'm back up at school, but I didn't need to pack my mousse to bring with me as I had some up here. I reassured Mom on this when I was questioned. I washed my hair and started looking for the mousse. It was no where to be found. Mousse was not an option. Craziness was about to be. Thus, my hair was straightened for the first time in quite awhile. It is really weird to not have a mess of curls on my head. Plus, it's hard for people to recognize me. It's like I went on winter vacation and came back a different person... unseenbeauty:change

eleven.

2011-01-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

unseenbeauty:uniqueness

ten.

2011-01-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

unseenbeauty:thejoyofboardgames

nine.

2011-01-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Dad's amaryllis from his garden.

eight.

2011-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

seven.

2011-01-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

unseenbeauty:fulfilledfoodcravings

six.

2011-01-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Clyde decided that he should visit the neighbors' yard this afternoon, which is a place where he isn't supposed to be visiting as it is not our backyard. He enjoys going for a ride though, so that's how my Dad got him to come back home. The car door opened and he was practically already in there waiting for the adventure of a car ride, one of his favorite things! Just look at that face, it's practically begging for someone to take him for a drive! unseenbeauty:carrides

five.

2011-01-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

unseenbeauty:televisionofthepast.

four for four.

2011-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

I watched Lori and Clyde after lunch while my parents ran errands, so I had plenty of time to read blogs and work on some photography. I ended up with four and I didn't even realize that it was day four. Nice coincidence.

Clyde was my inspiration for the first. I took several pictures of him whimpering and crying because my Dad was gone. His best friend was gone, what was he supposed to be doing? Completely understandable.

Sarah Rhoads did a really cool project on her blog asking for self-portraits from other photographers. I love it. I didn't participate, but I tried out a few self-portaits myself today.

three

2011-01-03T21:36:00.001-08:00

Two pictures once again. I didn't expect to do that again today. The first is my dog, Clyde, in his natural habitat of being what my Dad calls the "table shark" as he tries to convince my Dad that he should eat people food as he is a person. The second is of my friend, Hanna, and our favorite movie which we watched today. We watched 10 Things I Hate About You around twenty times at least during our freshman year of college. unseenbeauty:favorite90smovies

two.

2011-01-02T22:00:00.001-08:00

unseenbeauty:relaxation.
Spent the day sleeping, watching television and movies with Mom, drinking coffee and tea and playing Harry Potter Clue with Teejay. Relaxing days is a beautiful thing that I rarely get to fully enjoy as I seem to constantly be on the go. So thankful for the beauty of relaxing days like these!

one.

2011-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

happy 2011 to you! :)

This is the first day of Project 365. Today, I started to teach myself how to knit. It's a bit imperfect, as the first one should be as I am learning. It's a new beginning though, a new hobby, for a new year. I didn't mean for it to happen that way, but it did. No regrets.

Today, I Like Lists

2010-12-29T16:22:00.000-08:00

11AM. The dog, Clyde, woke me up. Weather status: raining.
2PM. Hijacked Lori's TV to watch Disney Channel instead of PBS kids. Weather status: raining.
3PM. Ate Mac&Cheese lunch. Weather status: raining.
5PM. Parent's got home from errand running, tackled Clyde, and talked to my best friend, Laura, on the phone. Weather status: raining.
6:30PM. Still wishing I could walk outside without getting drenched. Weather status: raining.

Today's been a bit, well, wet. This has given me time to do some online looking though. If you're trying to stay dry and looking for some distractions: enjoy!

1. Blog find. todaysletters has such a cute writing style. Don't be surprised if you see their writing style surface here some day. It looks fun!
2. For some reason, I'm a big fans of owls lately. I'm not as big of a fan of dishes, but this dishtowel has a cute little owl on it.
3. This is a short wedding dress that I think is very lovely, but it wouldn't my final pick for a wedding. I'd definitely wear it for another occasion though.
4. Headpieces are something that are simply darling. This little headpiece I found at an etsy shop is such a great whimsical one.
5. Cristoph Niemann is a genius. He has a fantastic little blog on the NYTimes called Abstract City and does some really interesting artworks such as working with legos or cookie dough.
6. I haven't actually finished reading through this although it's been open in my tabs since before Christmas. I've watched the video though and read a little about it on another website. This muppets proposal has definitely got to be one of the cutest things ever.
7. There's a pledge out to buy handmade. I suggest purchasing these earrings because they are handmade and make me want to don a gown.
8. Interesting article on cheating and college. There's not really anything else to say. Or is there?
9. How cute is this photography sequence of all the adventures that a dreaming baby can have?

I'll leave you there to search on with your own adventures.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

2010-12-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this on twitter and I really thought it was such an interesting way to picture the birth of Christ. Hope it makes you think and gives you a new perspective on the reason behind the season of Christmas itself.

Merry Christmas y'all! I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
I'll be spending the day with family and friends. I hope y'all are too!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

Just got home from spending Christmas Eve with my parents, sister, Uncle Jim and Aunt Polly. It was a lovely evening of chili, presents, love and laughter. We ended the night early so that my aunt and uncle can head to Austin to visit more relatives in the morning. We also tried to beat the storm that is brewing outside. It's almost like a white Christmas, just a little clearer and wet rather than white and fluffy.

Now we're sitting around watching old claymatian favorites. It's such a joy to see The Year Without a Santa Clause rather than the new animated stuff that was on earlier. It's just not the same as the old stuff that I grew up with. I have already seen this classic as I now own it on video, but it's not the same as when it's on TV. Weird, right?

I'm piddling around the internet as we watch and ran across these cute little gingerbread houses on etsy. Aren't they precious? Some of my friends and I tried to make one of our own earlier in December, but ours pale in comparison to this village of beauty. By pale in comparison, I'm pretty sure the roof caved in while making it so many times we finally turned in our icing spreaders and gave up. My favorite is the airtram, but really, who wouldn't have thought that?

three sixty five thinking.

2010-12-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

There's a photography project called Project 365 where one takes a picture every single day of the year to share. It ultimately makes you a better photographer as the year progresses and makes you see life from a different perspective. It seems like fun. I've been wanting to do it for awhile now, but I wasn't really sure about starting in the middle of the year.

I'm hoping to start on January 1, 2011. Now, there's going to be some catches during this year as I will be studying abroad during the summer and that will slow down some photo posting for sure. I'm hoping to still post from overseas, but I will be on my Canon Powershot, so the quality will be different. I'm also not planning on posting every day as that may get tedious after awhile. If there aren't any pictures for a few days, it will be okay, I will be posting several pictures at once eventually.

Now, should I choose a theme for my 365?
So far, I don't have one. Well, I have an idea for a possible idea: unseen beauty. It would be focusing on details that might not be seen otherwise but are still beautiful.

Any ideas?

Winter Break

2010-12-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

The school semester is over. That's pretty much all I care about right now. I've been enjoying some blog reading. It's been great to just relax, watch some TV and look at some pretty and unique things online.

I've run away back home for the break.

I wish my pancakes looked a bit more prehistoric.

Sometimes, I wish I had a mustache and a beard. Now I can!

This semester has come with lots of engagements and this ring is simply precious.

New store discovery: Madewell with a scarf I love and a jacket to die for!

It may be my love of travel, but globes have captured my heart.

twentysomethings.

A prison testimony a friend of mine sent me earlier this semester.

Officially obsessed with this super cute and fun wedding!

What a great use of space with this little "igloo" bookcase/room.

Bike thieves? No problem. Here's one way to keep your bike from being stolen.

That's enough for now. Heading out for some lunch and to wrap some presents.

Thankful

2010-11-28T20:17:00.001-08:00

It's a few days past Thanksgiving, but I thought I'd share with y'all what all I'm thankful for (or at least the things that come to my mind in this instance):

+ My family
+ True friends that will be there through thick and thin
+ Podcasts and beautiful Texas scenery
+ Lovely ASC girls who are willing to hold me accountable even when it's tough
+ The opportunities that God has given me - Brazil, Nicaragua, reconnecting with old friends, attending Texas A&M, etc. etc.
+ Laughter
+ Ponkeys and Teal Jaguars
+ Working with some of the best youth ever
+ Roommates whom I love
+ Aggies beating Longhorns in football
+ Photography and creativity in the world

There are so many more things, but this is a small glimpse of what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season. What are you thankful for?

Guess I Should Update y'all?

2010-11-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

...But not with my life just yet. I don't really feel like hacking away at the keyboard just yet, but I did find this unpublished post filled with fun things:

There's nothing like a tall glass of sweet tea and reading some blogs to find fun things to share with my friends...

One day my prince will come and he will like traveling, baking and lazy Sundays...

Art and music will keep the family together.

Canoeing makes me wear my heart on a string.

Keeping the wheels turning all the way home.

God created Australian flora to be beautiful.

Just 'getting them'. Them = youth.

Even Mario likes to get some shopping done.

Please buy me all these cameras/artwork. They are gorgeous.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm (hopefully) headed home to celebrate with family and friends tomorrow. It's all up in the air right now as my tummy is a bit too rumbly to be comfortable on the road. (If you want that cleared up a bit more, I haven't felt too swell today.) Halloween will be fabulous either way! (Even if I'm just sitting on the couch in our living room watching movies and studying all weekend.) I really hope I get to see my family and friends though!

My sister, Lori, and I are Dalmatians in that picture NOT cows. That is all.

You can have your cake...

2010-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

...but you may never be able to eat it if it's this cute:

Thank you yourmindblown.com, for showing some awesome cakes that not only make me want cake, but a cake that will be incredible.

La Chureca Is Holy Ground

2010-10-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight at Disciple, we spoke about the part in Exodus where God speaks to Moses in the burning bush. Moses takes off his sandals because he is on holy ground and hides his face in reverence. Laurinda, our pastor and leader of the study, asked us if there has ever been a time we were on holy ground. Tongue-tied is the only way I can describe that moment as I saw the faces of those that I passed by in La Chureca, the city dump in Managua, Nicaragua, the faces of those that I spoke with, tarped houses for and generally enjoyed. Our team claimed La Chureca in the name of the Lord as his holy ground. Tonight, as Laurinda spoke about holy ground and us being on it, I began to read part of Exodus as if the Lord was speaking directly about La Chureca in the passage.

The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in [La Chureca, the city dump in Managua, Nicaragua]. I have heard them crying out because of [the situation they are in], and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the [oppressors] and to bring them up out of that land [known as La Chureca] into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey ... And now the cry of the [Churecans] has reached me, and I have seen the way the [government] are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you ... to bring my people the [ones I adore] out of [that filth and grime]." - Exodus 3:7-10 NIV

God said, "I've taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in [La Chureca, the city dump in Managua, Nicaragua]. I've heard their cries for deliverance from [the situation they are in]; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of [those who oppress them], get them out of that [dump] and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey ... "The [Churecan] cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the [government]. It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you ... to bring my people, the [ones that I adore], out of [the dump]."- Exodus 3:7-10 Message

The Lord is crying out for his beloved people who are living in this filth, grime and oppression as the world turns, having the knowledge of this and yet living life as if it is not a reality but just a fact of life.Wake up, for it is real and Jesus Christ desires to redeem his beloved people of La Chureca.

Great Mornings Start With Photography

2010-10-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up to go get my senior portraits done at A&M today. Loved the photographer they had! He's from Columbia and got his start on photography when he moved to the U.S. with his dad over 20 years ago. It was fun to just talk to him about Spanish and Photography. He let me in on a few secrets on how to fully get into the field and emphasized the necessity of experience. Definitely could use some more of that. It was a wonderful chat and a great start to an extremely hectic day.

& Clyde has absolutely nothing to do with anything,
but he's cute and probably one of my best photography subjects.

Bad Bull

2010-10-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

At Texas A&M, when something's bad it's called "bad bull" Well, let me introduce you to something that I would consider to be bad bull. Skechers has decided to become social justice friendly and sell shoes in order to give another person shoes. Sound familiar? No? What about TOMS Shoes? Does that ring a bell? I hope it does. The Skechers shoes are called Bobs and are a direct rip off of the alpargata style of shoe from Argentina that TOMS has made famous.

I'm excited that Skechers has decided to branch out and become more inclined to social justice issues, I'm just not thrilled they decided to do this with ripping off someone elses' idea.

I found this not so fun fact out thanks to Brad Ruggles' blog where he shed some light on the truth of the issue and provided several links. If you go explore it, be sure to read the comments as they are rather insightful.

Praying to one day have TOMS if they ever fit me...

Mongooses, Cobras & Dragons

2010-10-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

The following items have absolutely nothing to do with each other, they are just two things that I have seen and loved this week. It's Saturday. My Saturday hasn't been completely cohesive, yet it has been threaded together just as this video and this quote aren't cohesive but are held together by the fact they are both about animals. Just go with it...

Fairy Tales are more than true;
not because they tell us that dragons exist,
but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.
-G. K. Chesterton

Not My Typical Blog Post

2010-09-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

There's a crispness in the air that one can just feel as October creeps towards us. For the last few nights, I've gotten home with a chill in the air, a feeling that my fleece will become a permanent piece of my everyday wardrobe soon and a pumpkin spice latte on my mind. (I've never had one, but I really enjoy the smell.) Another thing fall makes me think of is the countless football games I've gone over the years to see my friends play or watch a game with my friends.

Most of my friends know I'm not a huge football fan. I don't go to many sports event period. I do however enjoy going from time to time. I went to the Aggies football game a couple of weeks ago with Elley, our new student director at the church. That game was simply delightful. For those that don't know, Elley is from Kentucky and still learning about Aggieland, which made the game even more enjoyable.

I'm pretty sure no one expected me to write about football this morning. For those of you who don't know, I have a twin sister with down syndrome. Her name is Lori. Lori isn't a big sports girl herself and certainly would never play football, but I saw an article on yahoo the other day that warmed my heart. This is the story of Ike, a boy with downs, and his Varsity football touchdown. Watch the video and read his story. This brought tears to my eyes this morning as it is simply beautiful. These are the football stories I enjoy.

Stephamiah!

2010-09-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a photography intensive blog! After months of not having all the pictures edited from Stephanie and Jeremiah's wedding, I have finished! This was such a fun wedding and I'm incredibly happy for these two friends of mine. First, the rehearsal!

Excitement was in the air!

Maybe some nervous butterflies too?

Some preciousness....

And some fun dancing down the aisle after the rehearsal...

The next day started out with some getting ready and being silly
before the wedding commenced!
(Pictures are in no particular order, because I've got to make it to youth soon!)

Something To Really "LIKE"!

2010-09-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are not yet aware, I am a youth counselor at A&M UMC. I also love photography and missions. When you put this all together, there's this unique mathematical equation:

youth counselor + love for missions + photography
= joye photography missions fundraising!

Through my photography, I want to express God's creativity in the world around me, as well as introduce the world to things that often go unseen. joyephotography is not a business. It may one day be one, but right now God doesn't have joyephotography or myself in that place. Who knows what he has as far as the future, but for the moment this is not.

Having said this, I am a youth counselor at A&M UMC in College Station, Texas. We are currently trying to raise funds for our Spring Break Youth Mission Trip. All of my photography "proceeds" for the moment will be going directly to this mission trip, either to fund students to get there or for supplies once we are there.

If you'd like a photo session*, I would love to shoot one with you. It doesn't matter what kind of session it is! Portraits, engagements, bridals, weddings, friends, families, kids, newborns, every day life moments, events, sports, retreats, etc. *Each photo session is for a $50 minimum donation for the A&M UMC Spring Break Youth Mission Trip! Get excited! :)

joyephotography is now on facebook if you would like to "like joyephotography" or invite a friend, a dozen friends, or all of your facebook friends to support this cause and get some neat pictures made in the process.

Embark

2010-09-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm embarking on an adventure.

This will be an unspoken adventure for the time being.
I'm not really sure where it will take me. (Shocked? Ha!)
This adventure begins with a necessity for this:
wix.com/stegokarlen/joyephotography

Todos se murieron.

2010-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

School started back up. I'm still not on the side of being super excited about it, but I'm at least adjusting. I only have 12 hours as of right now: 2 communications classes, a sociology methods class and a Spanish class on the Mexican Revolution.

One of my friends asked how classes was today. My reply was, "It was good. Everyone got shot." I forgot that they didn't know I was in a Mexican Revolution class and unsurprisingly, the majority of people I know do not have an extensive knowledge about the revolution. All the leaders of the revolution end up dying by gun shot either in assassination, battle or by another revolutionary leader. Our professor ended our class today telling us how everyone got shot and then said "Todos se murieron." That's that. What's the moral of this story? My classes aren't that much different than in semesters past.

I'm excited about Aggie Sisters for Christ starting up again. We start back on Monday. I'm incredibly excited about that. The other big thing I'm excited about is youth, which should be a given. I'm starting to get a bit more ecstatic about my group of friends' bible study now that we've looked at a few book options.

It should be a good semester overall. I just wish there was a way I could take a Portuguese class.

2010-08-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

School's started.
I think the way to describe my feelings towards it is way less than excited.
Actually, I'm rather anti-excited.

Internet Finds Are Intriguing

2010-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at some blogs on my study breaks and just saving neat things to share. This may be long, but it ranges from being creative to wildly entertaining. Enjoy.

The perfect indoor igloo.

Graffiti your way to your loves' heart.

Yes! No more losing my wallet/keys/phone.

The Kea fascinates me.

Take me to this airplane hotel, please!

Hot air balloons and planes? My walls will be happy.

I'm a big fan of coffee facts.
So much a fan, I have different lists of facts.

My kitchen counter was never so jealous.

Compassion and softball. That's a beautiful game.

Reasons to not let your parents pick out your date.
(No offense Mom! I know you wouldn't do this anyway!)

Star Wars and Cereal. I love breakfast.

True character.

Now, that's a proposal!

I guess I'll stop there... :)

Surprise Phone Call

2010-08-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

I got an excellent phone call yesterday. It was my brother, Jason, who rarely calls me and when he does it means something special is happening. That sweet special surprise yesterday was the birth of my niece, Mackenzie Catherine!

I am so excited to meet her. My parents and sister have both gotten to meet her and see the proud parents and older brother. I can't wait to get that opportunity!

One of the cutest moments was when I was on the phone with my Dad and he was telling me about Mackenzie. He told me that he was a grandfather, a granddad, granddaddy, grandpa-pa. He's still working on his new title.

Lord, please cradle Mackenzie Catherine in your arms as she begins to grow. Please teach her your ways and help guide her towards you in all that she does. Allow her to see who you have created her to be. Help her parents, family and friends to come beside her and help her to be the woman you one day desire her to be. Lord, thank you for this precious gift.

Adventure, Plan B & Being Deadline Oriented

2010-08-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

This summer has been crazy in ways that I never would have thought of when I was between study abroad, summer school and looking for a job. God's taken my scraggly plans and made them blossom into something that I would have never expected or deserved even. This summer, I've been on the go between cities and even countries as I've traveled with two different youth groups as a volunteer counselor. In addition to that, I've been doing summer school. (It was a success by the way!) The following is a journey through part of my July facebook status updates that I just think are really funny and indicative of what's been going on.

AK would gladly start hardcore training for a marathon or triathlon if she just never had to think about summer school again. She's talking about the real deal complete with the diet and getting up at 5AM to run.

AK To be responsible... or not? Ashley Karlen is on her way to a mystery location with a bag packed full of mystery items. L-O-V-E it's a mystery.

AK ‎"You have 4(.5) years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember tme you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay (up) late. (Go to UM ARMY) with your friends when you have (3) papers due (Monday and a test). Spend (time) you don't have. (Have fun) 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but (online classes do)..." UM ARMY for the week? Yes.

AK Dear summer school, we only have a short while left together. Not so sad. & You will not defeat me. Thank you and never come back. Ashley Karlen is very conflicted over whether she wants to study and take a math test today or if she wants to write a research paper. She'd rather go camping.

AK ‎"It's not procrastination, I'm just deadline oriented." Truth. Math class? 1 week? 94! What? What? Now... 24 hours to write 3 papers. Bring it, summer school, bring it.

AK does not think anything could motivate her to write these papers. 2 more papers. 9 hours. & Still no sense of urgency...

AK ‎3 math tests in one day? Check. 3 papers written in one day? Check. Running on coffee, tea and little sleep? Of course.

And before all of those statuses (plus a few that didn't make it over to the blog) this was put up:
AK thinks this summer is all about the Plan B's of being in transit or repacking a suitcase to be in transit to a new adventure. This just may be the best summer of my life.
Now that my friends, is the truth.

1, 2, 3, Throw!

2010-08-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

The next time I get on an airplane, this is what I want to happen.

Parabéns Rodrigo & Katie!

2010-07-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

This picture has been taken from one of the Harrison's facebook pages. Today is their wedding day and I, along with the rest of our team, are incredibly excited about this and wish we could be with them for this celebration. I have never met Katie, although I do hope to meet her in the future whether it is on earth or heaven. Rodrigo was our translator from the Brazil trip and he is an awesome friend. I am incredibly excited to see where God will take these two adventurers in their lifetime. I'm praying for y'all! Congratulations! Parabéns!

Floating around in my Mind

2010-07-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

I really like youth ministry... maybe too much?
I am not the biggest fan of summer school, but it will soon be over.
I am incredibly behind on photography. Never fear, Stephamiah is next!
I want to blog about a myriad of subjects, but I don't seem to have the time.
Time budgeting will be a huge part of my life over the next few weeks.

I believe humans get a lot done,
not because we're smart,
but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.
- Flash Rosenberg

Poetry Makes Me Gloomy

2010-07-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm currently writing part of a paper about the following poem. Although, I want to strangle poetry in general and set it ablaze, this is the first poem that I have written about that I haven't completely hated in every aspect. Yes, I have a very gloomy outlook on summer school. No, I don't think that's going to change much. However, this poem states why perfectly. (Also, when I came downstairs this morning, Barney was singing about obligations versus fun on TV. Isn't that a great way to start your day?)

Stopping by Woods on a Snow Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Oh golly, what fun!

2010-06-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

I've got a lot to say about Brazil, but before I can spill about the trip I've got to study. Of course after some transit time, I need to unwind by finding great videos sent to me via twitter. Oh golly, what fun!

Exhausted and Excited

2010-06-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

I'm back from Brazil. There is so much to say, that I can't even narrow down what to share first. I love and miss my new friends and family in São Paulo. I'm extremely tired and I don't want that to water down my experiences or those of my teammates on the trip. Instead, I would like to invite you to look at Brian Coats' blog as he blogged two of the days we were in Brazil. Here is Obrigado and God of this city.

Even though we're not in Brazil any longer, our hearts and prayers will forever be with them. I'm personally incredibly excited to see what greater things God has in store for São Paulo, Brazil.

Heading To Brazil

2010-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

This past week and a half has been filled full of adventure. It all started with a text message about an open spot on a mission trip with my home church to Brazil. I really wish I had the time to go in and explain everything that has gone on, however, it is 9:35 the night before I leave and I have a lot of summer school, picture editing and packing to get done before I go. I'm hoping to find some time to type it out, but I'm not sure when that will be. (My goal, which I know isn't feasible, is to not pull an all-nighter. Ha!)

Just know, that it's a bit crazy how everything came together in just 8ish days.
And with that, I'll be leaving on a plane to Brazil tomorrow!

Want to pray? Splendid! Here's how you can be praying:
I'm going to attach the list of what the team needs prayer for, but to pray for me personally it would be great for y'all to be praying for no stress as I will still be doing summer school stuff, just from Brazil; an open mind/heart receptive to whatever God has in store; my heart to not be complacent (hope that makes sense!)

Now on to how to pray for the entire team!
Sunday, June 13: Pray for God to prepare each team member to be a vessel for Him to use this week; pray for rest before traveling.

Monday, June 14: Pray for safe flights and for unity between the youth and adults; pray for the team’s rest and energy after a long flight; pray for an outpouring of God’s spirit on the team and those we will serve.

Tuesday, June 15: Pray for open doors and relationship with the families we will be serving; pray that we will be light in the darkness and the presence of God in people’s lives.

Wednesday, June 16: Pray for attitudes to be Christ-like and for God’s favor with the local people.

Thursday, June 17: Pray for the lost in Sao Paulo to hear God’s word; pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the evening outreaches.

Friday, June 18: Pray for God to open new doors and give us boldness and confidence to share His message.

Saturday, June 19: Pray for our team to bless our host families and the church, to help meet their needs.

Sunday, June 20: Pray for powerful worship and for some of the new families to come to church; pray for safe travel to Rio.

Monday, June 21: Pray for a fun day of sightseeing and time together; pray for great closing worship and a plan to bring what we have learned back home.

Tuesday, June 22: Pray for safe travel to Sao Paulo and a safe flight home.

Single Ladies

2010-06-12T13:54:00.001-07:00

I know I said I'd let you in on what's going on soon. Soon isn't in this post either though. There's something about Beyonce's "Single Ladies" video that I love. What's better than a Christian parody to it?

Side Effect Is Death.

2010-06-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have gotten four shots within the 48 hours earlier this week. I can't tell you I braved it like a true soldier. I can tell you there was no tears and much to my dismay no lollipops to ease the pain.

The shots weren't the most painful part though, although my arms still hurt and every now and then a sharp shooting pain finds it way into my lower right forearm and my left shoulder. No, this is not what has left a painful mark on me. It was something my mother said. She didn't mean it to be painful, but it was. Why? Because it held a truth that I needed to hear.

She was talking to my doctor and she told him that I wasn't very patient. I don't know what she was talking about. Me, impatient? 110%, yes. Certainly I am impatient. I want things to go my way, on my timing. When they don't, I get a little frustrated. I get a little impatient.

Jonathan Mountainstreams of Stuff Christians Like wrote a blogpost that resonated this idea for his serious Wednesday post. It focuses on how he wants things to move fast and how Jesus might have the steering wheel puttering along on the feeder road, but he's crushing Jesus' sandaled feet under his as he hits the gas pedal hoping Jesus will accidentally swerve onto the 70mph highway. This is how I feel!

Right now, I should be on the road to Houston. I should have my car loaded with an array of clothing that stretch from work clothes to Sunday morning attire, winter jackets and shorts for sitting out by the pool. (This will make sense shortly, but that day isn't today.) I should be thinking about buying a cheap computer already having printed out millions of sheets of paper so that I can do my online summer class reading from anywhere. (And I mean anywhere!)

So where am I? I'm sitting in Langford, the architecture department at Texas A&M reading about patience. About how sometimes, Jesus wants to just putter along with us in the car instead of driving off like a maniac. My sweet roommate, Zara, just got up here to try and help me out with everything. Hopefully we can figure out this whole printing mess and I can be on my way... to begin packing.

One of the side effects of one of the shots I got was death. That may be a side effect of the shot, but the likelihood of that happening wasn't very high on the sheet if I remember correctly. However, the likelihood of my impatience killing me seems to be much higher. Because when I'm impatient, I'm wrapped up in myself. I'm not paying attention to what's going on around me, or who is around me and what they are struggling with. Worse of all, I'm not trusting that Jesus really is fully in control. It's definitely time to fully be sitting in the passenger seat and not crushing Jesus' foot down on the gas pedal.

He knows what He's doing and doesn't need my help whether I like it or not.

Summer Plan #134252-1B

2010-06-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, God started doing some crazy works that I'm not quite ready to speak of on here. Either way, I'll let y'all in on exactly what crazy out of this world plan God has for me. We'll call it Summer Plan #134252-1B. I'm excited about this plan. I'm wary of this plan at the same time though. I won't know for sure until Friday at the earliest if this plan will pan out. Please be in pray for this plan. Y'all can shorten it to Plan B in your prayers if y'all like. God knows about it, it's His plan in His hands. Plus, Summer Plan #134252-1B is kind of a mouthful. Please pray for trust and relying fully on Him, against sickness/exhaustion, knowing that either way God will allow things to work out in a way for His glory to shine.

Since you'll already be praying, click this to learn more about and see how you can pray for Achille.

Summer Plan #134352-1

2010-06-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

This past month of May has been a time of waiting and celebrations. I've celebrated the arrival of summer, Hanna and Alexis' graduations, and Jeremiah and Stephanie's wedding. I've also done my fair share of waiting to figure out what was going to happen this summer.

The time of waiting is pretty much over. After what seemed like 21 phone call messages just left on one individuals' answering machine at HCC, countless phone calls to others, days of waiting for returned phone calls, everything is solved. How? Hanna and her Mom took me to HCC today and we pulled a few strings and I'll now be in classes this summer. Yay! :)

For the record, that means Summer Plan #134352-1 is a go.

Cascades of Ruffles

2010-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Somehow over this past semester, I've fallen in love with the way that ruffles well, ruffle. I love how they just cascade out. I did a little shopping around of some things that are cute and ruffly. Enjoy!

Probably the thing that born this love of ruffles in me was my XA fall formal dress. It is black lace ruffles. Gorgeous. I found this wedding dress, which I'm not in the need for a wedding dress in any way, but I think it's cute. It's from a cute little wedding shop on etsy called yourfairytalewedding. To clarify, I didn't search for a wedding dress with ruffles, I just typed "ruffles" into the main etsy search and this dress found me.

J Crew, I do love you. I love vests. I love ruffles. This is perfect.

I think my favorite ruffle-y things are from etsy shops. There's something about an independent designer/creator that makes my heart happy. Elizaandaxel is one of these shops. I love how the ruffle on this fades from color to color and the spontaneity of a ruffle of this luxurious beauty being on a tshirt.

Cascades of ruffles next to the sound of cascading water of a cool shower on a hot summer day sound like a peaceful moment straight from heaven. Urban Outfitters has this cute little shower curtain that I'm not sure why, but it captured my heart when I clicked across it.

This necklace would never adorn my neck because I'm not sure how it would look on me, but there's something about it that is simply elegant. This piece is also from an etsy store which called Cobblestone Lane. I wish I could see someone wear this.

This is probably one of the most adorable ruffled items. It's a hedgehog pillow! There's also several others on the etsy shop WinckNCrane. They are so fun!

Cascades of ruffles! Haha! Urban Outfitters carries four colors of these ruffles, but I really like the soft grey color pictured here. This bed looks so comfy. I kind of just want to curl up in it and take a nap! (Too bad I'm a horrible napper!)

I've seen several cute banners lately, but they are always themed. Themed banners are cute and I'm sure they serve a purpose but once the event is over, what do you do with that banner? Throw it in the back of a closet and forget about it? I love the simplicity and versatility of this simple white and ruffly banner at 31vintageroad. At this point, you should know it's a cute shop on etsy!