"A Savior Has Been Born to You"

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day full of love and giving. Ethan woke the whole family up promptly at 7 AM to open presents. We all sat around the Christmas tree in our pajamas as we unwrapped gifts from one another, accumulating an incredible amount of recyclable* trash. Gift giving is my love language to others. Giving people gifts and seeing their excitement as they open and use them is my favorite part of Christmas. It warms my heart. Although gifts are only material items that last for a certain length of time, I sometimes struggle to express my love for another person. Since love cannot be touched or held, I enjoy showing my love in a way that is tangible.

*Seriously y'all, in the season of giving, do something good for the environment and be sure to recycle all of your used wrapping paper!*

It was so nice to be home with both of my brothers and parents for Christmas. Living over 300 miles from my home and family makes every moment I get to spend with them so much better. With Adam in graduate school and me in Boone, we're beginning to go our separate ways and the time we are able to spend together is becoming rare. Being able to spend time with the people I love most on Christmas day was an incredible blessing, and I am so thankful for every moment and memory.

I can't make a post about Christmas without mentioning the ultimate reason for celebration, giving and love that takes place on December 25th every year.

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2:9-11

All that we have and all the incredible blessings we are given are made so evidently clear on Christmas day. By gathering with our families and loved ones, exchanging gifts, stuffing ourselves to the brim with homemade meals and surrendering all of our worries and stress, even if only for one day, we are placed in the perfect position to give thanks to the Lord for all that we have due to His unfailing love and sacrifice. 

"For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

    will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6-7

As you go on to enjoy your Christmas break, don't be afraid to be lazy and offer your soul some rest. Sacrifice your time off to The Lord and soak yourself in all that we owe to Him, and all the good in our lives that He is responsible for. 

Winter Scarves

In search of a Christmas present?

Wanna help out your favorite broke college student?

As most of you know, I am back in Georgia! I am also broke as a joke since I am an unemployed out of state college girl. Christmas is only 10 days away! I'm still running around doing some Christmas shopping despite the number in my bank account, just like the rest of the country, and you are still trying to find the perfect gift for someone you love. I might have a solution to solve both of our problems, my friends. 

I have recently picked up knitting, super cool I know.  I have been obsessed with making the cutest, comfiest and warmest infinity scarves around. 

I'll be making and selling these hand knitted infinity scarves while I'm home, which will be until the second week of January! I gave them to all of my best Boone friends (please take the time to admire my day one homie Virginia modeling her scarf) and they loved them! These scarves are the perfect Christmas present and everyday accessory to complete any outfit as it continues to get colder. What lady doesn't like scarves? Seriously, do you know a single girl who doesn't like scarves?!

Single color scarves are $12

Scarves with two colors are $15

I can make them and get them to you in at least 24 hours of your order placement. Just contact me on here, Facebook, Twitter, via text, or any other way you are able to reach me, and let me know what color(s) you would like. I need money and you need to get your Christmas shopping done, so let's work together on this one!

Thank you all in advance for your business!

Wishing every single one of you the happiest of holidays!

You've Got Mail!

First off, there is something you all must know about me. Hand written letters are my favorite thing in the world. If you have ever written me a letter of any kind, it is more than likely in a box in my room along with all of my other letters. Technology is great and all, don't get me wrong, but there's just something about seeing someone you love's very own scratchings of hand writing for no other reason than just because they love you. 

On Monday, I promptly took a trip to the post office on campus, and checked my box to find a note stating I had received a package. As an out of state college student, let me tell you, care packages are the absolute best. There I was all excited about picking up my surprise package, thinking there was no way I could be any more excited, until I saw who it was from.

AHHHHHHH! I walked to my next class grinning ear to ear. The whole class period, I sat with my box in my lap, dying of anticipation. When we were dismissed, 30 minutes early to top it all off, I ran back to my room and tore the package open.

A+ on the extravagant package, mommas. The tissue paper added some class while the paper on the inside flaps spiced it up.

As odd as it sounds, Pumpkin Spice Oreos are the bomb. For real. I cannot wait to wear my fleece lined leggings. The Boone wind is starting to get serious. The scarf, gloves and fuzzy socks will also do a lovely job of keeping me warm. Tea and honey to relax, smell goods, Kleenex, nail polish, candy and gum....I'm ready for hibernation. Seriously, this package is going to be the reason I survive this winter on the mountain.

Mommy, Anissa, Secret, Laura and Jaclyn, I am so thankful for each of you. I appreciate all the things you have done for me as well as all the love and support you provide. I am such a lucky girl to have y'all and all of your daughters in my life. I love love love y'all and can't wait to be home so we can all be together soon!

Boone Weekends

This morning, I woke up and decided to have a good day. It's been a long week capped off by the world's longest Friday.

I woke up bright and early and the sun shinning outside my window was my motivation to get up, get out and put a smile on. The weather in Boone today was flawless. The sun was out with all its glory, and the temperature stayed around 70 degrees, but the constant breeze made me so ready for the leaves to start changing. I walked over to King Street and treated myself to lunch at Hob Knob.

Hob Knob is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Boone. All the food is local, and they have an overwhelming amount of vegetarian and vegan options. Today I got the Avocado Tempeh Melt. It is homemade bread with aioli, sautéed tempeh and onion, avocado, fresh cilantro, romas and melted cheddar. Yum! It really hit the spot and I was accompanied by another customer's poodle who stretched out under my table. We made great conversation. After lunch, I proceeded down King Street for some window shopping.

There are so many quirky little stores in Boone. My favorites are the art stores and the all natural, spiritual, incense burning stores that capture the "hippier" vibe Boone has to offer. They are all so unique, homey and local. I can't wait until I have some friends that will hang out on King Street with me...haha...seriously though...I need some friends.

Naturally, I had to try the local coffee. No offense, Starbucks, I love you, I really do. I just wanted to try something new. So I adventured out to Bald Guy Brew. I'm a simple girl, so I just got a hot cup of their house coffee. Even though it was about 4:30, the coffee was still steaming hot and tasted as if it had just been brewed. I may or may not being sipping on the microwaved leftovers now.

All in all it was a good day. Friday afternoon was disappointing to say the least, and left me wanting to mope. But I fought the comfort of my bed and had a good day. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do now or where to go from here. I was really counting on Greek life to find friends to fill my days, and a place where I fit in and am always welcome. I'm really counting on God's timing right now and I have faith that I'll find somewhere and some people that make me feel at home. It all takes time, but patience is not my strong suit. I'm sure I'll figure it all out.

Rest in The Presence of The Lord, Truett Cathy

Today, we lost a great soul. Today, I lost the person whose vision solidified my faith.

Truett Cathy

I began attending Winshape Camps in 2005, as a Chippewa. I was only 10 years old when Truett Cathy's spirit captivated me. In my first few summers at Winshape, Truett would come and speak to us on Sunday night. The topic of the conversation could be anything from a scripture that had been on his heart or, most memorably, abstinence. I can distinctly recall Truett going off on a tangent about how boys should cherish us, and if a boy ever tried to get us to do anything we shouldn't do, "say no and slam the door or whatever object is closest to you in his face."

My first summer at Winshape Camps 2005

As the years went on, and Truett grew older he could no longer make the trip out to Mount Berry to speak to us. But my 3 first years, when he did come, he always directly handed each of us a gift and a warm smile. The most memorable to me were a sign that read "I AM THIRD" as a reminder to put God first, others second and yourself third, and a gold frame, with the words "If it is to be, it is up to me". This frame now sits in the living room of my home. His genuine personality and care for each of us campers was evident in all he did when he visited us at camp. I am so lucky to have experienced such a soul, even if it was for only a few moments.

First year Chickasaw 2006

I am so grateful for the influence Truett and his family has had on my life over the last 9 years. To have known such a devoted follower of Christ, and have him speak love and truth into my heart, is a blessing that could never be replaced. Having submitted an application to serve as part of Winshape Summer Staff 2015, I can only hope for the privilege to serve in the name of Winshape, for the kingdom of God.

Winshape Camps

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

Proverbs 22:1

 "Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give someone else our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return."

Thank you for your love and service, Mr. Truett Cathy. Although it hurts my heart to see such a great man of God gone from this earth, I know you are sitting next to The Lord right now, fully covered in His love and Grace. I am so excited for you to be with The Maker you so greatly loved and served. Rest happily knowing what an impact you have left on the tangible world in the name of God.

The Journey

Hello & welcome!

I've been wanting to start a blog since before I could remember. Unfortunately, laziness, exhaustion and frustration overpowered my will to get this thing up and running. Now that I'm living in a new place and starting a new part of my life, I figured it was time. So, let's talk about my new home. I live here:

Pretty incredible, right? I'm a lucky girl. Boone, North Carolina has my heart right now. Every morning I wake up to the most beautiful mountain view right outside of my window. I'm about 5 hours away from my family, dogs & boyfriend, which of course can be tough from time to time, but I'm liking it here so far and I'm slowly but surely  making friends. Proof:

I suppose my charm and personality is coming in handy after all.

There are about a million more things to do, learn and experience. I'm anxiously awaiting everything that lies before me on this journey. I hope to grow and love a lot. 

Please continue to be patient with me as I figure this whole new blogging world out! It might take me some time, but I think I'll get the hang of it. Until next time, my friends!

XO