12 for 12 November Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 October Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

Remember that To Read List? I finished Quitting Church so they're still getting crossed off. I've got less than a month left and a ton of books to still read. We'll see...

2. 5K.

I signed up for the 5K! Running it may not be a possibility with zero training since I am in no way a runner, but I'm going to try my best and eat cookies! I mean... run.

3. Quotes.

'I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.' Sadly, this statement is still true months later.

4. Blog.

I think this one got better until my 12 for 12 was late.

5. Create.

I feel like I've made stuff but I can't remember. That's got to be a bad thing unless they're Christmas presents.

6. Learn.

Transition is hard... even months afterwards.

7. Minimize.

It's going.

8. Gratefulness.

The friends that I truly cherish and that truly cherish me are a dime a dozen and I am eternally grateful for that.

9. Handmade.

Hehe. I have decided that I won't be doing this again next year.

10. Intentionality.

'Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.' - Still ringing true.

11. No.

Not applicable.

12. Word.

Difficult.

Quitting Church

If you're not aware, I'm drastically behind in reading and finishing my To Read List. I'm trying to play a bit of catch up, but it will be okay if I don't make it. In fact, I know I'm not going to make it, but I've at least tried.

One of the books on the list is Julia Duin's Quitting Church. I have been reading this on and off for several years. It's a tough read. I'm not sure if it's tough because of the content that ranges from controlling pastors to house churches to gender roles within the church or that it is tough because it resonates in my heart so much.

I'd say check it out. It's tough. It's not a sit down and read through the whole thing kind of book. It's written by a Christian journalists filled with statistics, interviews and personal anecdotes. You can see it on Amazon here as well as read some reviews. Whether you like it or would rather leave it, there is definitely a challenge for the church today and for the souls of us who are going. (Plus, right now it's pretty cheap!)

'Fall Retreat 2012'

I've been thinking about Fall lately. It's my favorite season. I believe I am one of the few that genuinely love this season. We took a poll during all of our VBS Music Station groups this summer. I was the Lone Ranger standing at the end with Fall as my favorite season.

It's not just the colorful leaves and the advent of scarves that I love. Ever since before I was in sixth grade, I have been going on Fall Retreats. I have a ton of memories of these from moments around campfires to funny skits to great speakers.

This year is different though. This year I didn't have a Fall Retreat to attend with a church youth group. It's been a weird feeling. It's been a weird nagging at the back of my mind. It's okay though. I finally got my 'Fall Retreat 2012'.

I spent the past weekend driving across Texas and like most years, there was a terrific campfire, great speakers and laughter that could rival any skit. I spent approximately 10-11 hours driving across Texas listened to podcasts on my way to see my Forever Roommate, Christy and our friend Sara.

We ate more Mexican food in one weekend than Christy could probably stand, but my heart was fiercely in love with it and it was a pretty good exchange for being forced to watch Twilight. We made a campfire Saturday night and sunk our teeth into some well deserved s'mores.

Flannel, S'mores, Girl Talk, Laughter, Mexican Food, Jesus, Friendship, Fellowship. 
It was a 'Fall Retreat' to rival the best of Fall Retreats.

Y'all, I needed this. My heart longed for this. I'm so glad I got to see these two amazing women this weekend. May there be a Spring Retreat as well!

12 for 12 October Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 September Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

If you're unsure where I am on the To Read List, just be assured that I haven't crossed anything else off. I have in fact added books to it as well as come so close on Quitting Church by Julia Duin that it isn't even funny. 3 chapters to go when November hit and I'm still not done on the 10th? Shameful.

2. 5K.

I have found a 5K to run. There's something about a 5K where you get to dress like Santa and they give you milk and cookies at the end that just makes it worth it. Now, if I just sign up...

3. Quotes.

'I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.' Sadly, this statement is still true a month later.

4. Blog.

My love for all things pumpkin made it on the blog. WIN!

5. Create.

Pumpkin Mac & Cheese! Strawberry Brownies! New Coffee Recipes! Not too shabby of a month here.

6. Learn.

Transition is hard.

7. Minimize.

I'm still going through stuff. I need to get rid of a few things.

8. Gratefulness.

Heartbound.

9. Handmade.

I thought about preparing for Christmas gift season. My preparation stopped mainly after thinking. I have a few ideas though... :)

10. Intentionality.

Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.

11. No.

Success.

12. Word.

Transition.

Pumpkin Season is upon us.

I always feel kinda dumb when I come to blog these days. I don't have the same drive and I hate seeing how close I am to the next 12 for 12 Update, especially since I know there's so much that I haven't reached yet. I thought 12 for 12 wouldn't be so hard. Just so you know, it is.

Well, I'd like to let you know about a wonderful discovery that has been made: Pumpkin Mac & Cheese. Oh yes, you read that right. My Dad and I teamed up to make this delicious concoction come true with what ingredients we had bought - and which ones that we had left at the store.

We used this recipe from the Spoon Fork Bacon blog and threw out half the ingredients and a good deal of the directions too. Our recipe had double the sharp cheddar and no white cheddar and elbow macaroni instead of fusilli pasta. We threw out the butter, thyme, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, flour and cloves. I told you we got rid of a few things. We also added some shredded spinach to the mix. We threw the seasons, milk and pumpkin in a sauce pan and let it simmer before dumping it with all of the cheeses and the pasta in a pan to bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about half an hour. It turned out delightfully but I forgot to take a picture. Trust me though, it was worth it.

In other pumpkin related news, if you have a Keurig and have been using these little cups of joy, may I suggest that you use them with pumpkin coffee creamer? It's like double wham of pumpkin power and it's definitely seasonally worth it. It's also good with a mixture of pumpkin and vanilla creamer.

Well, I guess it's time for me to get back to rewatching last weeks' episode of Once Upon A Time while I enjoy my pumpkin coffee and actual fall weather.

Hope your Sunday is just as pumpkin filled and relaxing as mine is turning out to be!

12 for 12 September Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 June, July & August Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

Even though looking at my To Read List at the last 12 to 12 update made me realize how much I had to catch up on I didn't lift many pages in September.

2. 5K.

There is absolutely zero things I have to say about this.

3. Quotes.

I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.

4. Blog.

I always have ideas on what to blog about, they just never seem to make it on here.

5. Create.

I don't believe I created a thing other than new frozen yogurt combinations at Yogurtland.

6. Learn.

"Oh wow. What have I learned over these past few months? True vulnerable friendships are hard to find and shouldn't be let go easily. Goodbyes are and will always be hard to say. No matter how much time you think you have, you don't have it. Putting your whole heart into everything is completely worth it even if it becomes frustrating and painful. As long as you have people who truly love you, life will be good." That is what I said about the summer. I believe it was the true ring of September.

7. Minimize.

I'm still going through stuff. I need to get rid of a few things. 

8. Gratefulness.

Heartbound.

9. Handmade.

I wasn't able to make anything homemade this month.

10. Intentionality.

This was a month that flew by in light speeds. I said a lot of goodbye for nows. I spent a lot of time laughing with friends over JJ's, coffee and cupcakes. It was a good, but hard month.

11. No.

I said yes to a job... :)

12. Word.

Obedience.

September was a fast paced month with a lot of laughs and little time for sitting around.

Pretty, Artistic Things

I really like pretty, artistic things...

Art can be messy. Art can be organized. Art is great.

This is possibly the cutest idea for a 70th birthday party.  How fun would that be created into an artwork?

The design of this dollhouse is simply precious and artistic. 

Crayola Wild Fire Tribute. Super cute and creative.

Loving this watercolor. The biggest problem? Choosing the perfect quote.

White room + stickers + kids = me wondering why I wasn't there.

Sleeping beauty.

Volkswagon beetles, how beautiful.

Pothole gardener? Fantastic.

This may be a repeat, but can I stress how much I love this artist?

I love art made from nature. I can't decide which is better: the moose or the bear?

Beautiful finger paintings.

12 for 12 Summer Update (June, July & August)

Let's just go ahead and say that with the school year comes a fresh start for everyone, including those of us that aren't going to school anymore. I'm going to couple June, July & August into one big 12 for 12 Summer Update because let's just say these past few months have been crazy, hectic, fun, frustrating, and the list goes on and on. I'm hoping this fresh start will get me back on the blogging track for sure.

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 May Update?

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

My slight hiatus on the To Read List turned into me practically quitting reading completely. I know that I tried to read a few chapters of When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric Ludy but never finished it. Over the last week, I picked up Julia Duin's Quitting Church. That doesn't really constitute as much though. Going into the fall, we've got three months left and I've read six out of twenty four books completely read. That is ridiculous. I've got to start reading.

2. 5K.

I think the most I ran all summer was when I was playing volleyball with the youth group. I did a couple of Pinterest work out videos. They're actually pretty good. This running thing is going to have to change for this fall for sure. If I don't get the 5K goal down by December, I'm hoping to run the Color Run with my friends again in February. Hopefully, I'll get to run this time.

3. Quotes.

I have pinned and pinned more and more quotes. I have yet to fill up my quote notebook though.

4. Blog.

Can we just not even talk about this one?

5. Create.

Y'all. I've found the salsa, guacamole and queso recipes to satisfy me for a lifetime. No joke. I've made this so many times over the past few weeks that I may or may not have memorized the ingredients to the guacamole recipe. For a baby shower back in July though, I along with some friends also made these really cute little fruit pizza appetizers. We also tried to make Avalanche Rice Krispie Treats. Those didn't turn out that well though. Shoutout to my friend Matt who taught me to make iced coffee.

6. Learn.

Oh wow. What have I learned over these past few months? True vulnerable friendships are hard to find and shouldn't be let go easily. Goodbyes are and will always be hard to say. No matter how much time you think you have, you don't have it. Putting your whole heart into everything is completely worth it even if it becomes frustrating and painful. As long as you have people who truly love you, life will be good.

7. Minimize.

I went through everything. I gave some stuff away to friends and Goodwill got some. I've got a long way to go still, but by the end of this year I want less stuff in general.

8. Gratefulness.

I sent out two rounds of thank you notes. I'm hoping this really steps it up with this final stretch of the year.

9. Handmade.

I had a hiatus on handmade gifts because those don't work so well for things like weddings. Who wants a handmade blender? That just sounds awful. I started on some completely non-wedding related gifts but still haven't finished them.

10. Intentionality.

These last few months went by so incredibly fast. I was definitely intentional with several of my friendships, but I know in some of them that I should have and could have been a lot better.

11. No.

I've said yes and I've said no. I think saying no is becoming a bit easier.

12. Word.

There's a certain verse that has stood out for some time now that I can't get out of my head.


Here's to the last three months of the year and for this 12 for 12 challenge to really come into be! Bring it September!

12 for 12 May Update

You know that embarrassing moment when you sign on to your blog in August and realize you never wrote a 12 for 12 May Update, let alone blogged at all in the past few months? Yeah... that just happened. Good news is that I did write a May update, I just never published it. Let's play a little May catch up, shall we?


Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 April Update? (I kinda did...)

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I took a slight hiatus on the To Read List. I turned to the Hunger Games series. I read it and really thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't sure that was going to happen. Thank you junior high girls! Unfortunately, that was it for the month as things got crazy after that.

2. 5K.

I went running once and decided that it wasn't worth it to listen to a sermon and do my running app at the same time. My running is on a hiatus until I have more time in my schedule and there's music on my iphone. Also, instead of having 2 gym memberships, I'm down to 1 but the membership is on hold so that may really mean zero.

3. Quotes.

I at least knew where my notebook was in April. I have a general idea of where I think my notebook could be here in May.

4. Blog.

Other than TWR posts, I don't think I posted much at all. It's been really hectic and I've been extremely exhausted these last couple of weeks so blogging hasn't been a priority whatsoever. 

5. Create.

I made Reese's Popcorn. It was better than I expected. I bought supplies to do some crafting and cooking experimentation. I have been way too tired to really try either.

6. Learn.

Can my learning for the month be that it's okay to rest?

7. Minimize.

I organized my Pinterest boards? Success? YES!

8. Gratefulness.

I'm beginning to think that if I make it through a small box of thank you cards for the entire year that I will be doing good on this one. I haven't sent out any. It's June. It's a shame.

9. Handmade.

I have homemade gift supplies bought. The making of those gifts will hopefully be in progress soon.

10. Intentionality.

It's been great investing in my relationship with Elley before she left for Kentucky and my relationship with my roommates especially. I feel like this month went by way too fast though.

11. No.

I've done better. It's been good.

12. Word.

Working to get back in the game on The Grand Sweep. Tons of catching up to still do!


This is a short and sweet update, but there's a ton of things going on right now and I don't have much time to really get everything done. Pray for clarity, fun, direction and relaxation for the next few weeks if you think about it.

This Is How I Feel Today:

Today's the Day to Vote!

Hey y'all!

 

Don't forget that today is the day to vote for Together We Rise in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good competition this Wednesday to get a free Toyota Tundra. Currently we have a non-air conditioned van that enjoys breaking down. We’ll be delivering the 500 bikes we have to foster kids around the nation either way, but a new Toyota Tundra would be delightful. 

 

Want to partner with us and post a Facebook Status about this? Yes! Great! Here's one you can use or you can make your own: “This year Together We Rise will giveaway over 500 bikes to foster kids. Can you help us deliver them? Vote here: http://bit.ly/Jp4sTZ ”

Your involvement today to help get Together We Rise a Tundra would be greatly appreciated!

Can TWR Use Your FB Status For A Day?

Howdy friends,

As y’all found out last time I posted to my blog, I’m a Social Media Intern for Together We Rise (TWR) this summer. We’re in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good competition this Wednesday to get a free Toyota Tundra. Currently we have a non-air conditioned van that enjoys breaking down. We’ll be delivering the 500 bikes we have to foster kids around the nation either way, but a new Toyota Tundra would be delightful.

I would love for my readers to combine their compassion, willingness to help others and their Facebook influence to join with me for the cause of getting TWR a Toyota Tundra.

This leads me to ask the question: Would you please allow TWR to use your Facebook status on Wednesday which is our voting day to help us win?

The Facebook status is: “This year Together We Rise will giveaway over 500 bikes to foster kids. Can you help us deliver them? Vote here: http://bit.ly/Jp4sTZ ” (You can also make your own!)

Your involvement on Wednesday's Toyota Competition on the behalf of TWR would be greatly appreciated!




Also, the video on my last post has been fixed...

What A Summer It Will Be!

I'm pretty sure that the reason I don't blog is that I'd rather explore. I'd rather explore Pinterest and read blogs rather than sit still, type and pour out what's going on in my life. There's been some pretty great changes going on in my life recently like getting 2 JOBS! Get excited!

First off, I'm going to be the Summer Youth Intern at A&M UMC. In addition to that, I'll be a Social Media Intern for Together We Rise! I'm super excited about both opportunities! It's going to be a great summer!


Here's the video that Elley and I posted to Facebook announcing that I was going to be the Summer Youth Intern. That's a friend of mine who thought he was going to be pranking someone that he didn't want to mess with. Prank was on him! Thanks for the video help friend! :)

12 for 12 April Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 March Update?

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I love seeing the books being scratched off of this To Read List here. The first week or so of April I ploughed through The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 by Neta Jackson, Scared by Tom Davis and Confronting the Controversy - Adam Hamilton. I'm still about half way through Forgotten God by Francis Chan and still only 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity (which I may have slightly misplaced). Thanks to the Junior High Girls, I also added in the Hunger Games trilogy. Here it goes!

2. 5K.

I skipped the Blue Bell 5K. All that non-training was useful at least. I ended up doing work outreach projects with the college students and some of the youth at my church. It was worth it. I put my 24 Hour Gym membership on hold. I may end up having 2 gym memberships which is a far cry from 2 that I started my semester with. I have gotten to work out some thanks to Pinterest! (The difficulty level of some of those pins is not a lie in case you were unsure.)

3. Quotes.

I have not written any quotes down in the month of April. I am still aware of where my notebook is though! That's definitely a plus. I did organize my Pinterest boards of pins. That's something, yeah?

4. Blog.

April was definitely slightly higher. I need to find a consistent way to blog. Also, I tend to write a ton of blog posts in my head. Remember that time I blogged about the 10 Best Things About My Week? No? What about that post on My Failed Pinterest Moment? No? Yeah... there's more where that came from that never made it online... Maybe May will be the month where blog posts translate out of my head onto here.

5. Create.
I'm not sure if I designed grad invites during April or March. Either way, they were designed! I'm feeling rather uncreative although I do know that I experimented with some Pinterest recipes like mozzarella, spinach and feta quesadillas, making my own avocado pesto sauce and trying my hand at recreating Kerbey Lane's Queso. Can you say yummy?

6. Learn.

I've been reading a ton about animals and psychology lately for some reason as well as learning firsthand about jewelry making and different metals. It's been fantastic. I'm kind of ready for a tangible skill to be learned though. Any ideas?

7. Minimize.

I started to go through my college room. That didn't get too far.

8. Gratefulness.

Yet again nada. Here's to hoping May may have some real thank you notes.

9. Handmade.

I'm not sure if I had any gifts that I made. I did come up with grad gift ideas and decided that I wasn't going to bother with homemade gifts for weddings. Seriously. How in the world would I make a homemade blender? That just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

10. Intentionality.

I think this month was about seeking out and trying to invest in a few key relationships. I'm happy with the outcomes. I had to take the initiative to set a friendship straight and work out some past kinks that haven't been able to. It's now better than ever. It's been a great month. I loved finally getting to see the Johnson's especially.

11. No.

I said the hugest 'No' that I have ever had to initiate. That is all.

12. Word.

God's timing is perfect, true and right. Although it was difficult, I'm glad he not only led me to but forced the book of Jonah on me thanks to Jr. High Breakthru 2012. I really need to step up my game on this whole Grand Sweep of the Bible though.

"Desk Area"

Here's what my "desk" looks like today:
 

 

 What's your desk area look like?

There Are No Words

This is how I'm feeling today.

It's National Grilled Cheese Day!

Y'all, it's the best holiday ever: National Grilled Cheese Day! Recently I have fallen in love with grilled cheese sandwiches. There's something about that oozy, gooey, cheesy goodness that's practically irresistible. 

I celebrated today with making a guacamole and grilled cheese sandwich. It may sound kind of weird. Trust me, once you taste it, you can't go back. So stinking good! 

Really, how can you not want to bite into that?

If you want to celebrate with concocting a grilled cheese sandwich for yourself, I suggest you go and grill it up! If you're not reading this on the actual holiday, celebrate the day in retrospect - it will taste just as yummy! Check out my Pinterest board There's Nothing Like a Grilled Cheese... to get some more tasty ideas. I know for a fact that the pesto, tomato and grilled cheese sandwich is worth it.

Really, there should be more holidays like this. When's Chips, Queso & Salsa Day? I'm ready to celebrate!

12 for 12 March Update

Remember the February Update? Haha. It was a few days ago...

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

If you've missed out on the amount of books I'm attempting to read, it is here. March was a good book. I was able to scratch off The Dating Book by Matt Lantz and Blue Like Jazz. I'm about half way through Forgotten God by Francis Chan. I'm still only 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity. I'm about 40% through The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 by Neta Jackson. It's great! 

2. 5K.

This was my big month of training to make the Blue Bell 5K in April. I have trained exactly zero days to be exact. Sunanda and I have been faithfully going to our Zumba classes, however, I was out of town for what seems to be half of the classes. I'm pretty sure that snorkeling counts as exercise for that week though, right? I had no idea it was that strenuous until we were out in the water. So glad I went though

3. Quotes.

I have not written any quotes down in the month of March. This one has gone on the back burner for sure.

4. Blog.

The 12 for 12 February Update was done a few days ago, a few days before March was over. I was hoping all of the updates would be done in the first week of the month. It kind of sets the pace for the month as new. Here's to hoping April is filled to the brim with blog posts!

5. Create.
I painted a little ceramic piece for my friend and prayer partner, Sam, at U Paint It. I attempted to make a bunny out of a bandana. I was a failure at that. There was a lot of traveling this month so I wasn't exactly able to sit down and do much 'creating'. I did create some grad invitations which allowed some creative juices to flow. I also did some filming of the Belize Documentary John made. I have yet to see it though.

6. Learn.

The Holy Spirit and I had some good chatting time. That's going to be left at that.

7. Minimize.

Taking bags to Goodwill has probably become one of my favorite things.

8. Gratefulness.

Nada. I stink at writing thank you notes.

9. Handmade.

No gifts, nothing to make.

10. Intentionality.

I definitely played a lot of Tiny Wings while having conversations with family members. I also was texting at times when I should have been enjoying the company of those I was around. On the up side, it was not nearly the amount that it used to be.

11. No.

I said no to a certain commitment one night and ended up at a Bible Study that was perfect for what  needed to hear that night. I'm still working on this one for the most part.

12. Word.

It's been a hard month. I'm not sure if what I'm hearing God saying is what he is really saying to me or not. It's been a hard month for sure.

12 for 12 February Update (Finally!)

It's a few days late... or weeks, but it's here (finally)!
Can you barely remember the January Update? Me too.

Twelve for Twelve

1. Books.

I've compiled the list of books I will be reading here. I'm about 17 pages away from finishing The Dating Book by Matt Lantz. I'm about 100 and so pages into Blue Like Jazz. I began Forgotten God by Francis Chan and am loving it. I'm also 6 chapters through So Long Insecurity which is a wonderful read. Really, go buy it if you haven't read that book yet.

2. 5K.

The Color Run in Austin was a lot muddier than I expected, but it was a blast! I'm definitely hoping on running it next year. I signed up for a 24 Hour Fitness membership and started Zumba classes with my friend Sunanda. My class consists of a wide age range of women, which I find to be fabulous.

3. Quotes.

I actually did pretty good at this one. The pages of the quote book has begun to fill up. It's a lot of inspiration with a tad of humor thrown in. It's a great little thing. I've been writing down my favorites tweets. I'm hoping to get to my Pinterest board, Quotes & Scripture next.

4. Blog.

Should I really even go there? It's the last few days in March and I'm doing my 12 for 12 February Update which I wanted to do the first week of March. There's always next month, right? Maybe we should say week? You know, it's kind of embarrassing when you're writing the beginning of February post in the last week of March, especially when one of the things you wanted to do more of was blogging. On the plus side, five posts for February doesn't seem that bad in comparison to past months where I wasn't even present.

5. Create.
I'm having trouble with what I even got done creativity wise. I know that I made a dry erase board. It wasn't the prettiest thing in the world. It's not even worthy of an iPhone snapshot, it's just that terrible looking. It suited the need I had to use a dry erase board at that exact moment though. Other than that ugly little dry erase board, I believe that's it other than a few outfit creations. I did have some fun experimenting in the kitchen trying Nutella Hot Chocolate and several new muffin and cupcake recipes. I've found what may be my all-time favorite cupcake flavor: s'mores!

6. Learn.

I read some on photography and put that to use. I really don't know what I learned in February. Nothing is sticking out right now, although, I am positive that I must have learned something. Apparently, whatever I learned didn't stick with me.

7. Minimize.

I'm pretty sure that I need to take up scrap-booking. I have a ton of cards that I'm trying to decide just how to organize. I finished going through my room. It's kind of fun to see what I've kept over the years.

8. Gratefulness.

I have written several cards out in my mind. I even went so far as to get addresses. Hopefully that will get on paper and sent through a post office in March.

9. Handmade.

Dad wanted to wait and cash in on his birthday gift of pecan pie bites later on in the year. This may have something to do with Lori making him a pie. Lori loved her gift.

10. Intentionality.

I got to see the majority of my friends this month in both cities, however, it wasn't the amount of time that I necessarily wanted to see them. I probably didn't do that great of job being around family and not being on my phone. I think I did a bit better around friends though.

11. No.

Saying no? Ha! I said yes to going to Belize in March. I think that kind of sums up that I still have a problem with the word 'no'.

12. Word.

I finally got The Grand Sweep, however, it's not that easy to read the book and do all the readings. I found a Bible Study to join and never went to it. I did read a good portion of Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity and met up with my WILgroup when I was in CS. That book is crazy good. I'm pretty sure that I just sat down the day of the study and read most of what the girls had already read and man, it cut deep. Suggestion? Go get a copy.

Meet My Friend Sara K!

Meet my friend Sara K, a graduating senior at A&M Consolidated! There is so much to say about this lovely lady! She is just wonderful. Her passion and heart for missions is inspiring, she loves deeply and has a contagious laugh. I've loved getting to know her from church and seeing her grow these last few years.

I'm extremely excited to see where the Lord is going to take her as she steps into this next stage of life. Love you, Sara!

I Belize We'll Build A High School Together!

Hey y'all!

I just wanted to pop in and let y'all know that A&M UMC has a missions team heading out today to Belize. We'll be working on continuing building the Belmopan Methodist High School this next week that we started clearing the field for last year.

You can read updates from the field daily here on our missions blog.
Please be in prayer for us as we head out and fulfill the great commission.

Reading is Ridiculous...

One of my 12 for 12 goals is that I finish every book I've started in the last few years. I could think of a few book titles at the time when I wrote that down. I had no idea what I was about to find stashed away in plain sight on bookshelves waiting for me to rediscover them - all 24 books that I never finished. I'm not even sure that the number is capped there. I read a few excerpts from Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers but I think that's going to be rain checked for next year after looking at this list.

Okay y'all, here is the ridiculous amount of books I will try to read this year:

One Month to Live - Kerry and Chris Shook
I think I got to Day 2.

Vintage Jesus - Mark Driscoll
Read most of it, lacking a few chapters at the end.

Get Uncomfortable - Todd Phillips
I'm not even sure where I stopped...

Enfrente a sus Gigantes - Max Lucado
That's Facing Your Giants for those who thought this blog was in English. Yes, I only own this book in Spanish.

Wild at Heart - John Eldredge
I got slightly past page 10...

LiT - Dave Edwards
I can not tell you how many times I've started this and stopped.

Quitting Church - Julia Duin
I actually got through over half of this if I remember correctly.

A Call to Die - David Nassar
I always end up switching to something else...

Sacred Romance - Curtis & Eldredge
I can tell you where I was when I started Chapter 1, which was the last time I ever read it.

When I Relax, I Feel Guilty - Tim Hansel
There's a poem in the beginning of the book that I've read too many times to count. I at least finally started Chapter 1 this last semester...

Breaking Free - Beth Moore
I think I actually read about half of this one semester with ASC and stopped when we had to stop for Summer.

So Long Insecurity - Beth Moore
I actually haven't started this book yet. I'm hoping to read it in its entirety this spring though.

The Grand Sweep - J. Ellswoth Kalas
My church is doing this as a read the whole Bible in the year plan together. I'm way behind. I did get the book in February and it was supposed to be started in January. Excuse? Oh, yes.

Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning
I read the first chapter in a car once. I proceeded to carry it everywhere with me for awhile and never opened it again.

The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography - National Geographic
I started this and never really got too far into the book. I need to. I think its owner is missing it...

When God Writes Your Love Story - Eric Ludy
I think I may have read three chapters in this? That is probably an overestimate though.

Forgotten God - Francis Chan
I can guarantee that I only read the first chapter.

Scared, A Novel - Tom Davis
I have no idea how far I got into reading this, but I know that I loved it!

Dangerous Wonder - Mike Yaconelli
First chapter. I'm pretty positive on that guess. There is a bookmark at least in it indicating that I would return. That's a plus, right?

Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
I read a few chapters in the back of the book. I went back and read Chapter 1 the other day. I'm not so sure about finishing this one.

Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
I read three chapters in this book! Then, I went to sleep and never went back to it again.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, Book 2 - Neta Jackson
I loved this book! I was reading the first book in the series at the very end of my study abroad in Costa Rica last summer. I started this book when I was in the hospital right when I got back. I got to page 123/422 which isn't too bad.

Confronting the Controversy - Adam Hamilton
My kindle says I'm about 11% into this book. That's not too bad, right? That may be the Chapter 2 start page, or not, that's just how I feel...

The Dating Blook - Matt Lantz
I've actually gotten pretty far on this. I have been reading bits and pieces out of order, but with my reading history, what's to be expected?

I think I just proved that either:
A) I'm a quitter when it comes to reading.
B) I finished an extremely low number of books in college.
C) I have a lot of reading to catch up on this year.
D) I need help; AKA all of the above.

Pink, Red, Adorable.

As if all of the stores haven't thrown up pink and red hearted adorable-ness lately, here's some wedding fun for y'all to check out on this romantic holiday:

Nerdy love notes. You fog my spectacles. Genius.

Travel themed engagement photos are quickly becoming one of my faves.

There's something organically beautiful about ribbon streamers.

Cute little animated proposal.

How fun is inviting some flamingos to enjoy your big day?

Loving options for different stationary papers. So cute, elegant and fun!

Muppets + Proposals = Loving both this couple and their fun attitudes!

Super colorful and cute bachelorette party.

 Backdrops of sheer genius.

With all of the Will & Kate hype long gone, I still think this picture is pretty neat.

There's something about graphic designs on walls like graffiti that I just love.

A terrifying way to take the plunge into marriage.

Not sure where I am on the long vs. short wedding dress debate, but I would say 'I do' to the skirt of this dress.

Happy Birthday To Us!

Happy Birthday To Lori & I!
Enjoy this birthday video. It kind of cracks me up:

Cardboard

For years, I've loved cardboard. There's something about the texture and the endless possibilities. It must have started in my childhood with Mrs. Powers' classroom being turned into an airport with a huge life-size cardboard airplane. Best Teacher Ever!

My friend, Hanna, sent me this video a few days ago and I finally got the chance to watch it just now. I love it. These short testimonies written on cardboard say so much with so few words.

Fashion Venture

My friend, Sarah, told me out of the blue the other day that I should start a fashion blog. She had no idea I was already a blogger which is totally okay. I'm taking her advice though and letting y'all see what I'm wearing. It can be part of my 12 for 12 as it goes under Blog and Create. (Hey Sarah, thanks for the fabulous idea!)

This is actually the outfit I wore the day that Sarah let me know what new venture I would be starting with. Sorry about the picture quality - the lighting in my house is not exactly that great which explains why the first two pictures are so blah.

 

Keep in mind that some of these items as well as future items have been in my closet for awhile and I may not always know where they are from. :)

Denim Shirt: TJ Maxx?

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Belted Skirt: Dillard's

Leggings: Target

Boots: Shoe Rack?

Pocket Watch Necklace: Urban Outfitters

It's Never Too Late to Change - Delve

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.

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.

Video Link Up

It's the weekend and you ran out of good tv shows to watch online? Me too. It's okay though. Enjoy these videos instead!


Fast Food Folk Song? The guy at the window is astounding.

Purity/Sex Talk Video Rap. It's real and awesome.

Nature is incredible. Digging the stars especially.

I knew cycling was intense, but wow.

I can't tell if I like this music video or just the dogs. Decision? Both.

Superbowl commercial love = only reason to watch the game.

Bustin' a move.

Love this mash up of TV theme songs.

Tearjerker. Makes me miss my granddad.

I kind of want to see this movie: Goodbye, First Love.

So true.

Jaguar. Jaguar. Jaguar. Children are so funny.

Did you know you can buy Carl & Ellie's house from UP? Watch the video at the end for a tour.

Set free.

Way to go veterans! I love the idea of an eat in for a peaceful protest.

Who knew organizing bookcases could be this cool and this awesome?

Impressed.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012.

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.