Summer 2013

Happy September!

Looking back on my last few posts, I realized that I really only posted one or two posts the whole summer..I usually don't like to use busyness as an excuse because it's usually not true for me, but I guess I was sort of busy the past few months? All I know is, they went by really quickly!

I really want to post more now that summer is done! I truly love this blog and I love writing out things that God is teaching me and hopefully encouraging you. As I've said before, I don't know who reads this, or if anyone does, but that's not the point. I do this because I love it. (Although if you do happen to read a post and are encouraged by it, do tell me. ;)

Anyway, I found my post last summer where I made a list of all the things that made me smile in those few months. I don't like to post "personal" things too much, because honestly I'm afraid you might be bored, but I decided to do it again this year, if nothing else just to express my thankfulness for the things that happened this summer and to celebrate them. I encourage you to do this too, even if you don't post it anywhere.

Things That Made Me Smile in Summer 2013:
-beautiful blue skies
-our ridiculously adorable new dog
-my parents
-the Lord's presence (so many times!)
-time to rest
-the precision of God's word to my life
-awesome photography opportunities
-engaged people
-time with best friends
-deep conversations
-Lucky Charms
-being part of a team
-kids and their unrestrained personalities
-the Lord giving me super-sensitivity to His presence
-getting my license (fi.na.lly.)
-happy music
-making new friends of all ages
-going to Brazil and all that went with it
-God's grace
-birthday fun
-friends (all of them.)
And so much more!!

Wow. Well, I feel better already. Really..if you're ever doubting your blessings, make a list like this. It helps. This summer went by really quickly, but it was absolutely wonderful. Thank you Lord, for summer 2013!

Summer 2012.

Hey there. So, summer's officially over for me as of tomorrow. I know I mostly post about my deep (?) thoughts about God and whatnot, but as I was thinking about that and scrolling through on my Twitter, I saw someone I follow ask a question - What made you smile this summer? My summer has been pretty great, but I wanted to make a list of things that made me smile this summer, just for fun. I have a habit of only remembering the bad things and downplaying the good things sometimes, so this is more for my sake than yours. But feel free to read along anyway. But maybe some of the things made you smile as well. ;)

What made me smile this summer?
-getting to sleep in
-my hilarious parents
-my new obsession with White Collar
-sunshine
-my puppy
-Nationals and all that went with it
-precious kids at VBS
-finishing How To Kill A Mockingbird
-having good work-outs
-good music
-getting to have lunch with people I hadn't seen in a long time
-naps
-my birthday
-getting my iPhone
-crazy adventures with good friends
-making crafts from Pinterest
-friends' birthdays
-registering for college classes
-amazing worship services
-coffee
-La Madeliene
-square dancing
-spending time with my grandparents and extended family
-helping at debate camp
-making cheesecake and really messing it up with good friends
-graduation parties
-finally figuring out how to French braid my hair
-deep-cleaning my room


And there are many more. Thank you, Lord, for a blessed summer!

What made you smile this summer?