Adventures in Cake Decorating

A new little adventure of mine...the bottom two are my first try at carving and the top two are my first try at fondant! Maybe on the next one I'll try to fondant a shaped cake!

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne,

New Years in Rodanthe.




I love the beach in the winter. So peaceful. And with some of my favorite people.

Confessions of a selfish heart

I spent a long time with Jesus today just reading and realized that even though I thought that keeping my distance was best so that I wouldn’t seem cold towards you, I ended up doing that anyway. I failed to serve and be a true friend the way Jesus desires. Several verses stood out to me which describe the way I truly desire to live but have failed and therefore failed you as my friend and sister in Christ: “Love must be sincere, Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~Romans 12:9-12 “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” ~ 1 Cor. 10:24

I have not loved sincerely or honored you above myself. Though I feel like I am very patient in my own affliction, I didn’t see just how much it affected you. However, along with realizing this, I do rejoice because the Lord always knows the best way to teach and rebuke me. I do not like it nor do I deal with it appropriately all the time. But I would be lying if I were not thankful for all of the times in my life God chooses to use things like this to teach me. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” ~Romans 5:3-5

So, as much as I am sorry for the way I handled this and hurt you I am grateful that the Lord who we love so much never gives up on me. I see that in you too. He is always patient with me and never leaves though I practically turn and run away so often. You do the same. He is a God of love and mercy, but also a just God desiring obedience and discipline. He will always pursue and search my heart and demand for me to live a life in reflection of his son Jesus.

Loves at all times...

Who comes in when the whole world goes out.
Remaining.

Believes in you when you cease to believe in yourself.
Enduring.

As iron sharpens iron.
Sharpening.
Instrumental.

If one falls down.
Essential.

Confidential.

Always pulling up.
Influential.

Sacrificial.

...Friend.

"Just okay is not enough...gonna let my heart defeat my mind"

This amazing song has been playing in my heart since the day I first heard it riding in my car. I've become so complacent with life these days. Letting so many opportunities to glorify the Lord and grow my relationship with him pass me by.

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

~Matthew West, The Motions

Awesomeness

On September 13th I turned 26! And I had the best weekend! One of my best friends from college came to Augusta on Friday night and we got to catch up and hang out. Saturday morning me and some friends met my family in Athens for the first UGA game! I just love tailgating in Athens and we were out there all day. The dawgs pulled it out for their first win of the season (thankfully). Everyone pitched in on the food and I must say the spread was pretty sweet. Sunday we were supposed to kayak down the river which I was really excited about because I've never done it, but the river was too low so we just played on the sandbar all day. I felt like a kid. It was truly an amazing day! The best part about it was that I was with my family and friends. They're pretty awesome:)

Ohhhh we're half way there.....livin' on a prayer!

School started for the fall semester. And its going to be the busiest semester ever! Not to mention full of bittersweetness! (I think I just made up that word) But It means that I'm that much closer to leaving Augusta and the wonderful friends I've made here! I am excited about level II's and that we are half way done with school! So I guess I'll just focus on that for now, not to mention the sweet intramurals coming up!! Another exciting thing is the fact that I have no idea where God wants me after that. Its like reading a novel (and for those of you out there laughing at that statement, I'll have you know I've finished another!). Guess I could end up back here. But who knows the Lord may want on the other side of the world (or state). Its kind of fun not having to worry about that though. Takes a little pressure off and really lets God show you where He wants you to be! My prayer is that the Lord just keep me focused on His will right now. I know he wants me to do well in school and I should probably put a little more into that:) That's why he has me here anyway. And enjoy the opportunities I have to build new relationships (esp with the first years) and deepen the ones I'm already blessed with.