Carried.

Image via Pinterest

Last night, I was in a bit of a funk.  I was staying at my parent's house for work, but they were out of town, so I found myself all alone.

I was chopping up some brussels sprouts in the kitchen for dinner, when all of a sudden, Michael Buble's "Home" came on my Pandora station (which, in my opinion, does NOT belong on my Lady Antebellum station).  All of a sudden, I had tears in my eyes, as I thought about how I'd like to be pretty much anywhere but here—in my swivel rocker in Charlottesville, with my sweet husband, dog and Laura Ashley throw; at my parent's house WITH my parents and siblings; in DC with two of my best friends that I had said goodbye to the day before, on a beach with a good book sipping a margarita...I was feeling mopey and alone.  

The thing is, usually I enjoy a night to myself; I find them to be very therapeutic, but for some reason, last night was not one of those nights.   

But even in my loneliness, I still had this confidence that even though I felt alone, I most certainly was not alone.  No matter where we go, God's presence and His faithfulness goes with us and before us.  I've seen Him go with me to camp as a little girl when I was scared to leave my parents, to the grounds of UVA when I watched my parents pull away and I thought, "now what?", into the jungle of Sri Lanka (another story for another day), and to DC as this anxious and scared little 22-year-old entered the "real world." 

What a gift that no matter where we are and how alone we feel, we are never truly alone!  

After dinner, I hopped in the car to go to say goodbye to a dear friend who is moving away (another reason I was a bit mopey) and on my Christian radio station Amy Grant's song, "Carry You" came on.  A song that I completely overplayed in college on my most emotional, lonely, saddest days.  

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Lay down your burden

I will carry you

I will carry you

My child, My child

  

The perfect song for my weary heart to be fully aware that even though I felt lonely, I was not alone.  I have a God who loves me, who goes with me, and who carries me.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. 

Psalm 68:19 (NLT)

Do not fear, for I am with you; 
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you; 
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Oscars & Baptisms

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a fabulous weekend!  Did you watch the Oscars last night?  What did you think??  Well, I guess I'm going to have to add "See The Artist" to the top of my to-do list!  Above are two of my favorite dresses via of US Weekly. 


In other news, yesterday I journeyed up to DC to see my sweet friend Josie's baby, Mary Tobin, get baptized.  It's a pretty cool thing to be able to witness one of your best friends standing with her husband and publicly committing to raise Mary Tobin in household that is fully aware of God's vast, incredible love and grace.  Getting to watch Mary Tobin come into that fold, was pretty amazing!

Sweet Mary Tobin...sorry about the quality!

Their church service is in Spanish and I just have to say, even though I don't understand everything that they're saying, I LOVE singing worship songs in a different language.  At the first song, I had tears in my eyes, because I think it's so cool that God transcends all languages.  To think about people all over the world, worshipping God in different tongues just blows my mind.  I also think lots of the Bible is just a tad prettier when read in Spanish:

Por mi parte, mi familia y yo serviremos al Señor. 

Joshua 24:15

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father. 

Philippians 2:10-11

Have a great day!!

Friday Favorites: Oscars!

Did ya'll know that the Oscars are this Sunday?!  I'm so excited because here in Charlottesville, my friend is hosting an Oscars party where the dress is: "dress it up or down, as long as something sparkles."  How fun is that?!

So here are a few favorites in honor of the Oscars:

This post by Cindee Riordan on The Descendants is amazing.  She so perfectly and beautifully captured the sentiments I felt after seeing the film with words I was unable to string together.  

Here's a great rundown on the best picture nominees from Lincee.

A few of my favorite gowns through the years:

Penelope Cruz in Ateller Versace, 2007

Reese Witherspoon in Vintage Dior, 2006

Anne Hathaway in Armani, 2009

And who can forget Sharon Stone's effortless look in a Vera Wang skirt and Gap t-shirt from 1998?

All images via Pinterest

As for my picks?  I SO wish Midnight in Paris would win, but my bets are on The Descendants, another fabulous choice.

Best Picture: The Descendants

Best Actor: George Clooney, The Descendants

Best Actress: Viola Davis, The Help

Best Supporting Actor: Jonah Hill, Moneyball

Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain, The Help

Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris

You can also check out posts I wrote on Midnight in Paris and Moneyball here, here & here.

So tell us, who are your picks??

The Pits

Image via Pinterest

One final thought on observing Lent...yesterday morning, I woke up so excited to embark on this 40-day journey!  I was pumped!

 Fast forward to 6:00 pm and I was a cranky, snippy mess wallowing in the commitments I had made.  "It's only day 1," I thought, "there's no way I can pull this off!"

Impeccably timed, as always, was my Jesus Calling reading today that talked about guarding against self-pity.  One way to distance ourselves from "the pit" is to stay as close as possible to God and completely fix our eyes on Him.

As an extremely competitive person in ALL aspects of life, sometimes I turn Lent into a competition where I have to beat my personal best.  Yet, again and again, I must remind myself that Lent isn't about competing with myself, or anyone else; it's about cultivating—strengthening, deepening, and stretching my faith so that at the end of these 40 days, I'm that much closer to my God who literally gave everything for me.

So, if you, like me, consider day 1 to be a big, fat FAIL, take heart!  We have 39 more days to go!  If we're just doing this for ourselves, we're not going to make it, but when we fix our eyes on Jesus, even our failure is an opportunity to grow and watch as God picks up our pieces and gives us a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th chance.  He's pretty graceful like that!

Today, I was so encouraged by the words of Hebrews 12:1-2 and I hope they'll encourage you as well:

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   

Cultivation Tips

Image via Pinterest

Yesterday I wrote about Lent and how this year, my prayer is that I will be able to use this as a season of cultivation.  If you've decided to embark on the Lenten journey this year by either abstaining for something, or adding something to your life, here are a few more thoughts I'm pondering as this year, I'm attempting to give up something that, for me, seems completely impossible. 

Don't go it alone—if you've committed to action this season, tell someone!  Ask them to help you, encourage you, and if you're really bold, have them ask you questions along the way to see how it's going.  (If you need an email buddy, let me know!)

Cling to grace—inevitably there may be times when we fail.  Rather than wallow in guilt, hold tightly to Jesus' abundant grace and keep on going.

Pray—let's be honest, you and I can't do this on our own, and if we're trying to, I think we're missing the point.  Pray—for strength, endurance, and for eyes to see and experience Jesus in fresh and new ways. 

But God—Lisa Terkeurst wrote a recent post on "But God" verses when we think we can't/won't/or aren't able.  When you're at a low point, when you've lost your energy, or your will to make it to Easter, remember these two words: But God.  With man this is impossible—we're weak and helpless—But. God.  Here are two of my favorites:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26


Okay, are ya'll ready?!  Let's go! 


Lord, thank you for this season to reflect, prepare, and cultivate.  At the end of these 40 days, I pray that each of us will walk away with a strengthened faith and a deeper sense of who you are in our lives. 

40 Days to Cultivate

Garden via Pinterest

Happy Fat Tuesday!  A day that frequently tends to sneak up on me.  Unlike Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's day, or even Groundhog's day, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter wander around February and March, making it difficult for me to keep up. 

You may or may not know that tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent.  A forty-day period on the Christian calendar leading up to Easter.  Often, Christians use this time to prepare their hearts for Easter in the form of fasting, praying, or reflecting. 

One reason Lent always has a special place in my heart, is because four years ago, the start of Lent was what propelled me into the blogging world.  It started with a group of women spending 40 days to say, "God, more than anything else in this world, I just want to love you." 

It also helped re-start my blogging two years ago. 

Who knew four years later, we'd still be going?!

So this morning, I'm was thinking and praying about Lent and the word cultivate came to my mind as if God was whispering, "take these 40 days and cultivate your relationship with me."

If you're anything like me, it's easy to arrive to church on Easter Sunday clad in your cutest, brightest sundress, but feel completely spiritually ill-prepared for the sacred, celebration of Easter. 

The good news is this year, each of us have been given a forty-day period where we can get ready, so when Easter Sunday rolls around, as our favorite Atlanta Housewife, Kim,  sings, we won't be "tardy for the party."

I'm no gardener, but as the word cultivate has been mulling on my heart, I was thinking about a garden, and how when caring for a garden on any given day, you can weed, water, or plant. 

So that's my challenge to us: that each one of us will practically consider one way we can cultivate our spiritual gardens over the next 40 days.

Not because we feel pressure to do something, not because of guilt, but because we want this to be a season where we cultivate our relationships with God and take some time to take care of them. 

A few ideas for "weeding":

• Prayerfully consider what is deterring your heart from God and commit to giving it up--I'm sure they're different for everyone, but mine tend to consist of TV, celebrity gossip, and Facebook.
• Are you over indulging in something?  Consider letting that go during Lent and pairing back.  Mine tends to be sweets.

A few ides for "watering":

•  Wake up 15 minutes early to spend time each morning in prayer
• Find a simple devotional you can read each day.  A short, easy one is Jesus Calling, or you could try My Utmost for His Highest

An few ideas for "planting":

• Sacrifice something you love to do something for others.  Three years ago, Meg challenged us to only drink water during Lent and donate the money we would have spent on coffee, soda, and wine to Living Water.  Blood Water Mission is doing a similar campaign this year.  Click here to learn more.  
• Plant seeds of loving others--commit to doing one loving act each day for your family, neighbors, co-workers, etc.  

When done correctly, Lent is a great way to sharpen, till, and prepare.  I pray that if you do end up observing Lent this year, that God will reveal to you the perfect thing for the two of you to do and that these next 40 days will be a time where you cultivate and grow!

The Vow

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  In addition to a fabulous "apres ski" affair, one of my highlights was getting to see The Vow with a few friends.  Ya'll one of the reasons I LOVE Valentine's Day is because of the onslaught of chick flicks that accompany it.

I had modest expectations of The Vow and I have to say, it pretty much exceeded all of them.  Here's a little trailer to give you some background:
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What I loved most about the movie was seeing the way Channing Tatum's character, Leo, refused to give up on his wife Paige.  She had no recollection of him, no love for him, and had no idea they were even married, but Leo did not give up.  He never stopped loving her and did whatever it took to win her back.

There was a brief moment in the movie, where I thought about how in so many ways, Leo's faithful pursuit and commitment to Paige is just a glimpse of God's faithful pursuit and commitment to us.  Even when we forget, wander, or run the other way, God does not leave our side.  He waits.  He waits for us to return to Him.  And when we do, He doesn't judge, He doesn't lecture, He just opens His arms and brings us into His loving embrace.

That, my friends, is love in its truest form.

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.' 

Isaiah 44:22

"I have seen (her) ways, but I will heal (her);  I will guide (her) and restore comfort to (her)." 

Isaiah 57:18

Kim & Krickitt Carpenter (photo from Urban Christian News)

And here's a fun fact: Did you know The Vow was inspired by a true story?!  The couple even wrote a book about it.  What I loved discovering is that the couple  are Christians and credit their lasting love story to their faith in God and commitment to uphold the vows they made to God and one another.  Check out an interview they did here.  

  

Friday Favorites!

Image from Pinterest

Happy Friday, my friends!

There have been a few fabulous Valentine's Day posts that I'm excited to share with you:

The Love Project by Sara Hagerty and Cindy Finley's post on how she celebrated Valentine's day were both challenging and encouraging insights into loving your husband.

Also, I know I referenced this before, but all 14 posts from Nina Simone on Love were amazing.  Click here and scroll down a bit to get to them. 

I loved this Grammy wrap-up from Birchbox and learning about Adele's Christian Louboutin mani.  What do you think, could you pull it off?? 

Speaking of Adele, her big Grammy sweep reminded me just how much I love her.  That. Girl. Can Sing.

Here's a peek at my most favorite from her newest album:





And while we're on the subject of YouTube videos, Sophia Grace & Rosie are back on our side of the pond.  I'm pretty certain I could watch them all day, everyday and be happy...
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Fashion Forward

My sweet sister Abby is one of the most stylish girls I know.  True, she may make fun of my Talbots jeans, but she's always willing to take risks and pull looks together I would never even begin to envision.  She also LOVES a good theme party and always has the perfect outfit for any and all occasions.  Though our styles differ a bit, I'm always quick to accept her opinions as fact and appreciate her expert advice.

Last month for my birthday, Abby took a risk by buying me a new pair of fancy sunglasses.  I don't know about you, but sunglasses are a personal purchase I wouldn't reccomend getting as a gift, but Abby saw a cry for help in me and decided I was long overdue for a pair of fabulous shades.  (Much like shoes and handbags, sunglasses are a feel good accessory because they fit even on the flabbiest of days!)

I'll admit, when I opened them, I was totally unsure.  Could I, "Miss Talbots Mom Jeans," really pull these off?  But since she's the expert, I ignored the gift receipt in the bag and just decided to go with it!

Little by little, these little shades have wiggled their way into my fashionably challenged heart and when I put them on last week, I wondered just how I ever managed to live without them.  Abby and I agree: you never think you need a new pair of sunglasses, but once you take the plunge and buy a new pair, you are well aware of what a fabulous decision it is! 

Though they're not something I would have chosen for myself, they have not become a part of my everyday routine and now, I just can't imagine my life without them.  I decided  to trust my fashion expert and just do it!

Similarly, we might think we know what works for us in life, but sometimes, our life stylist has other plans for us.  Plans we might not have ever envisioned, plans we don't think we can "pull off", or plans that we haven't planned for, but we have to choose to trust that our God is the expert.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows what works for us.  He knows what will fit us the best.

We might be hesitant, apprehensive, or reluctant at first, but when we choose to allow God to guide and shape our plans, we can be confident that He will lead and guide us to exactly where we need to be.  It might not feel like our style/shade/or size at first, but just give it a little time and choose to trust that HE is the ultimate expert!

I trust in you, LORD;
   I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.

Psalm 31:14-15

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Love Me.

A few more pics I found on FB

Happy Wednesday!  I hope you had a fabulous Valentine's Day!


As I mentioned on Monday, over the weekend, my baby brother Willis got married.  From start to finish the weekend was amazing!  I had no idea how fabulous California was and am seriously contemplating a move.  I recently asked B what he thought about moving to LA to see if I could "make it" as an actress, but I'm not sure he thought that was the best idea.

Well, after a little lunch on Thursday where I sat right next to this lovely lady, I'm definitely re-considering it.  I just know we'd be best friends!

Kate Walsh via Pinterest

One thing I was not expecting was how emotional I got watching my little brother get married.  When it comes to weddings, we Robertsons have a hard time giving people away.   So we tend to stay up on the surface to avoid the onslaught of tears we know are coming.  Hence instead of sentimental toasts, we prefer to opt for singing a group song, to keep it light.

Throughout the weekend, Willis and Caitlin were calm, peaceful and just totally ready and I was SO excited for them.  But when showtime came, everything started to hit me.  It began when I watched my brother walk my mom down the aisle, both fighting back tears.  Then I watched Willis standing up at the front of the church waiting for his bride, and I thought, "when did my baby brother—the one I woke up at 4 am to rock because I thought he was my real live baby doll, the one I dressed in middle school because I didn't want him to embarrass me, and the one I picked up for class every morning at 8 am when was pledging his fraternity and had a stress fracture so he wouldn't miss Spanish—become old enough to be a husband?"

Soon after the wedding began, it was time to play my part as the scripture reader.  Besides getting to be the bride, being a scripture reader is my favorite role to play in a wedding.  What was extremely special is that Willis and Caitlin decided to let each sister choose a verse for them.  As much as I wanted to give them a little shock and read a racy passage from Song of Solomon, I settled on my favorite wedding passage that I first heard at my friend's wedding six years ago, and then had it read at my own wedding.

What I was not expecting standing up there, was for the tears I had tried to fight back all weekend suddenly begin to emerge.  I began slowly, but barely got the first sentence out..."Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one..."

As I struggled to continue, my eyes became blurry and I could no longer see the words.  My sister Cally and I joked about the scenario arising in which one of us would be unable to perform our duties, but we didn't actually think it would happen!  But there I was crying, and then laughing, because I just couldn't believe this was actually happening.

Laura stepping in

Thankfully, my big sister, who has saved me many times in my life, came to my rescue and finished my passage.  I share this extremely loooong winded story with you today, because I think one of the reasons I got so choked up is because this passage is so extremely special to me, and being able to read it to my brother and his beautiful bride was an incredible honor.  Alas,  since I wasn't able to share it on Saturday, I wanted to share it with you today:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 

When it comes to marriage, for me this is where it all begins.  No matter how wonderful or perfect your marriage appears to be, we cannot forget our first Love.  God wants our hearts and is saying, "Love Me, Love Me, Love Me....when you're awake, when you're going to sleep, when you have kids and you're up all night, when life is taking an unexpected turn...Love Me.  Keep this commandment with you everywhere you go—Just. Love. Me."  

A Love That Trumps Them All

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you are enjoying this heart-filled holiday.  When it comes to Valentine's Day (and pretty much every day), there are three things I especially love:

• Chick Flicks
• Chocolate
• Flowers

Sleepless in Seattle

Chick Flicks—I love the chase and pursuit as we wait and wonder just what will become of our heroines—will Sam fly from Seattle to meet Annie at the top of the Empire State Building?  Will Cher and Josh end up together?  And what about the beloved Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?  I just love a good love story!

Similarly, each one of us is living our own chick flick of sorts, as the God of the Universe chases, pursues us, and woos us.  His love extends far beyond the most dedicated male lead and He is absolutely crazy about you!   

"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life."  

Psalm 23:6 (The Message)  

Image via Pinterest

Chocolate—I don't know what it is about chocolate, but chocolate is a food that satisfies, calms, and just makes life a little bit better.  But even on the crummiest of days, chocolate has nothing compared to the rich, abundant ways God is able to fully fill and satisfy our weary hearts.  

"He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

Psalm 107:8-9

"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."

Psalm 145:16 

Image via Pinterest

Flowers—what girl doesn't love a bouquet of flowers?  Flowers bring cheer, joy, and beauty on the dreariest of days.  They're a small reminder that someone loves and cares for you.  But sadly, even the most beautiful bouquet eventually comes to an end.  There are few things I hate more than throwing out what was once a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  But when it comes to cheer, joy, and beauty, flowers may be temporary, but God is constant and eternal.  He will not leave us!

"The flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever."

Isaiah 40:8   

No matter how romantic or unromantic your Valentine's Day forecast appears this morning, just remember this: when it comes to love, God wins!  

May each one of you have the happiest of Valentine's Day!  Filled with the love of a Man whose love is so powerful and vast, it easily trumps all the chick flicks, chocolate, and flowers in the world! 

    

Mr. & Mrs. Robertson

The groom with all of his sisters on the eve of his wedding

The groom with his STUNNING bride!

It's official: my baby brother is married and we have a new Robertson to add to the clan!  This weekend was a mix of emotions for me, but the one that trumped them all was JOY!  Just look at my brother's face...I mean, he's always been a happy guy, but I've NEVER seen him exude so much joy, love, and adoration as when he beheld his incredibly beautiful bride.

Being Caitlin's husband is a role he was made for, and one he was eager and honored to assume.  As his big sister, I'm beyond proud of him and I can't wait to see what's in store for these two!

I'm sure I'll have more to say about their wedding weekend in the days to come, but I'm still processing and fighting back a little jet lag.  For now, I hope you enjoy the two photos I was able to swipe from Facebook.


In other news, last Friday, I was honored to be interviewed over on Cindy Finley's blog.  Cindy is an incredibly faithful and wise woman and super mom to SEVEN kids!  Her blog is chocked full of truth and encouragement--it's definitely worth checking out.  You can check out the interview here. 

Have a great Monday!!

Friday Favorites!

 Today, we have a treat for you!  My friend Virginia Craig is going to share her latest favorites!  Enjoy!!

Happy Friday!

(To the tune of the Sound of Music Song) "Here are a few of my favorite things....." 

I’ve always had a thing for Europe, but lately I’ve been fascinated by anything French.  I decided I am going to learn the language by reading this blog I just found.  At the same time, hopefully I’ll learn how to make French pastries! 

If you know me, you know I am slightly obsessed with coffee, this past weekend I had the opportunity to go to DC and visit Café Bonaparte.  The French press and coffee were delicious (yes, I had both)!  Luckily, Charlottesville has Shenandoah Joe’s where the coffee is roasted each day and it can be made at home, one cup at a time.

The above inspiration board has a few of my favorites, pink, pastries, tea/coffee, and flowers.

Image via pinterest.

I would be remiss if I did not mention a few more favorites…

                Paperless post for Valentine’s Day Cards and Academy Award Party Initiations.

                This Anthropologie dress.  I’m determined to hold out until it goes on sale…

                The new Lela Rose for Payless line.

                Online Magazines:  Matchbook Mag, Rue Mag, and Lonny Mag.

                I can’t say it’s a favorite yet, but I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Sanders Bohlke’s new cd.

Lastly, granola and frozen yogurt are two things I’m not sure I could live without.

Image via Pinterest

I hope this weekend brings a few moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Take time to enjoy those moments and... 

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD of lords:
His love endures forever..."
Psalm 136:1-3, read more of Psalm 136

New Day, New Beginning

Image via Pinterest

Happy Thursday!!  Just two more days until my brother's big day out here in California and we are getting so excited!  


A little while ago, I received an email from a friend who is currently in the midst of a trying and disappointing time.   As she processed how she was feeling and what was going on, towards the end she said something that touched a deep place in my heart.  I loved it so much, I asked if I could share it with my favorite blog friends, and she was quick to agree:

"The next morning when I woke up, I had a renewed spirit and a thankfulness for a new day, a new beginning.  How cool is it that God gave us days and nights so we could start over each day....similar to the Gospel...we are made new again. "

Don't you love her perspective and how she brings it back to the Gospel?!  Nothing in her circumstances had changed, but the morning brought a new renewed spirit and the promise of a new beginning.  It's easy to speak of God's promises after everything sorts itself out and we see the big picture, but when you're still stuck in the middle of confusion and disappointment, that takes a lot of faith and strength.  

She goes on to talk about how God is giving her verses about being content in all situations--one of the hardest lessons to have to learn, but she shares of her eagerness to cling to God's word and truly learn what it means and how to apply it to her life and situation.  

I share this with you today, because I thought her words were so beautiful and often, it's so easy to try to wait until we can wrap up our difficult seasons with a bow and talk about them after they're over...that's what I tend to do.  Here, rather than waiting to package it up, I love the hope that she has and her eagerness to cling to God and His word in the midst of difficulty.  

She has inspired me during disappointing and trying times, not to merely run to a surfacey fix (reality tv marathons, ice cream, wine), but to Go. After. God.  Seek Him in prayer, cry out to Him, study His word, and not be afraid to ask others to pray as well.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
   I call as my heart grows faint;
   lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge.

Psalm 61:2-3

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Happy Wednesday!  This morning I'm scurrying around trying to pack my bags to head to California for Willis' wedding and attempting to tidy my house for a few fabulous house guests staying here while we're away.  But for those of you with a little more free time this morning, I have great news!  Mary Elizabeth Stone's talk from Changing Seasons, the one I spoke a bit about here, is now online!  Head here to watch the video.  You will NOT be disappointed!  

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

Revelation 21:5

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of

So, as I mentioned yesterday, this past weekend, I was in New York, and I just have to tell you: sometimes in life, things are hard, unknown and confusing, but sometimes, even if just for a few days, God paves the way and goes out of His way to bless you. 

The entire time we were there, I just felt God blessing us.

1.  B had an interview so his flight and hotel for two nights were covered.

2.  I decided to take the train and was able to work the entire way, not having to miss an extra day of work.

3.  The company told B to block off all day on Friday for the interview, but it turned out that there were two groups, and so B was done by 12, which gave us an extra afternoon to play and explore.

4.  Not only was it Broadway week and we got a great deal on tickets (you know me and by bargains!), but it was also restaurant week, so we had a fabulous three-course meal with Cally and Marshall before the show.

5.  B had to fly home Saturday night, which at first I was disappointed by, but then I realized it gave me a night with my sweet sister to do the things we do best--shop, nails, eat, mud masks, and catch up on all the really important things we've missed like Grey's Anatomy, Real Housewives, and Downton Abbey (say what you want about the rest, but Downton Abbey IS important!)  A night in with my sister is just what I needed and I can't tell you what a blessing it was to get so much quality time with her!

I know God is sovereign over the big, huge, major things in our lives, but He's also sovereign and in our midst in something small like a weekend trip to New York.  As we bounced around 5th Avenue, I just kept thinking, "thank you, Lord!"  We've been trying to get up to New York since the fall, but on our lovely business school budget that we're currently operating on, it just hasn't worked out.  I felt so grateful that God found a way to provide it for us, I felt so loved that He would carve out a weekend for us that we could enjoy AND throw us a few deals and discounts along the way.   He's just that incredible!

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

  

Godspell

Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  We had the BEST time in New York!  This week was Broadway week, so we were able to get 2 for 1 tickets to a show.  At the recommendation of my newest brother-in-law, we saw the newly revised version of Godspell.  Ya'll it is so good.

I had no idea what to expect going into it, but I was blown away.

When John the Baptist started walking out singing, "Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord," I had tears in my eyes.  I loved the power of the music, but mostly, I couldn't believe something filled with so much scripture was actually on Broadway, right next to Wicked, playing for a packed theater.  It was amazing!  Here's a little peek:
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Hearing so many of Jesus' teachings come to life made me convicted that I really don't take the time to study and learn the words of Jesus.  He has incredible, challenging, amazing, powerful teachings, stories, and truth.  Often my head is buried in the Psalms (my favorite book of the Bible) that I'm missing out on the rich and powerful red letter words of Jesus.

So if it's been a while since you've opened up the Gospels, why not check it out?  That's where I'm hoping to be this week!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 

 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  This week's favorites are short and sweet:

Nina Simone, one of my favorites, is doing a great series on love leading up to Valentine's Day.  I totally related to her post on envy. 

In an attempt to limit my alcohol intake as well as my aspartame & phenylalanine intake in 2012, I have fallen in love with La Croix sparkling waters.  (Thanks to the fabulous recommendation from my friend Virginia)  My favorites are the plain and grapefruit—delicious and refreshing.  If you're looking to check it out, so far the cheapest place I've found it is a Kroger.  Cheers!!  

And my final favorite of the week?  The good old American Amtrak train.  Yesterday, I hopped on the train in Charlottesville and was whisked away to New York City by the afternoon.  There's just something so classic and romantic about taking the train.  And it DEFINITELY beats flying—no security, no middle seats, no turbulence, no turning off "electronic controlled devices"—you just hop on, sit where you like, and you're good to go!  They even have WiFi, power outlets, and a quiet car to avoid screaming babies and loud phone talkers.  PLUS, you get to look out the window at our beautiful country.  Ya'll, America is a pretty incredible place! 


Feel free to leave your favorites in the comments below!  Have a great weekend! 
 

Follow Me

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"Follow Me one step at a time...If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for the strenuous climb.  I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways."

-Jesus Calling

Spring Is Coming!

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Yesterday, in Charlottesville, on January 31st, it was 70 degrees.  Not 30, not 40, not even 50, but 70 degrees.  A quick errand and a walk with Neely revealed that pretty much every spring sport at UVA was coming out of the woodwork.  At one point or another, we saw the frisbee team, the tennis team, track girls running loops around us in just sports bras, and the cycling team searching for new routes in our neighborhood.  Everyone, it seemed, was outside taking advantage of the beautiful weather. 

What is it about a warm sunny day that just makes you feel better about life?  Though it was just a taste, it made me extremely excited for what's to come—sundresses, grilling, Foxfield, flowers—it's not here yet, but spring is coming...

Last week, we hosted a Changing Seasons event featuring Mary Elizabeth Stone and every woman in that room was so taken by her story and deeply encouraged as she spoke on "The Hope of Spring in the Dead of Winter."  I just love that concept.  Even when it's cold, icy, dreary, and lifeless, the promise of spring is coming; we need not despair.  Yesterday's spring day, smack dab in the middle of winter, was just a little preview of what's to come in a few short months.

And the same holds true in our own lives.  When our situation seems to be at the most bitter, cold, and lifeless point, it might be terribly hard to see, but spring is coming.  Our God is more than able to breathe life into dead situations and cause fruit to grow out of circumstances that appear to be hopeless.  Winter is merely a season of darkness, but don't lose hope, the promise of spring is on the way!

Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland.  

Isaiah 43:18-19

I waited patiently for the LORD;
   he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
   out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
   and gave me a firm place to stand.
 He put a new song in my mouth...

Psalm 40:1-3