But...It's Only 8 Hours.

The title of this blog came about during a conversation my sweet mother and I had just this month. As I proposed the idea of touring Samford University, red flags went up for her at the thought of "her baby girl living all the way in Alabama." My point of reasoning, unbelievably week in hindsight, was "True, but...it's only 8 hours from home, mom."

If that doesn't get you off to a good start, I don't know what would, right? Wrong!

After some discussion, and better tactics on my part, we decided to attend the Summer Conference for Prospective Students at Samford University, which will be taking place this weekend!!!!

It goes without saying that I am thoroughly excited, but I have also had to take a step back and look at the big picture. As much as I may love everything I know about Samford, a church I found 15 minutes away from campus, and the list goes on, God is the one with the preordained, perfect plan for not only college, but my entire life. The last thing I want to do is get so far ahead of myself that I cannot hear Him speak and I miss out on any part of that.

So, as thrilled as I may be for the visit, my prayer is no longer that Samford live up to my expectations and that I absolutely fall in love with it this weekend. 

Rather, I simply ask God that He would speak. Move in my life. Make Himself real, especially in this situation, and that the desires of my heart would match His accordingly.

Whether it be Samford, LU, Chapel Hill, Elon, Clemson...you name it, I yearn to follow God's "good, pleasing, and perfect will," for my life.

Above all else, thus far, I have realized that I must "be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him" (Psalms 37:7). Not only concerning the college searching process, but life in general. I truly believe learning how to truly be still in God's presence will be an invaluable lifelong lesson.

Prayers For the Faithful

Still being obsessed with reading as ever, I am so thankful to have summer to dedicate an unruly amount of time to being a 'book worm.' Just in case you ever find yourself in search of a great devotional, let me offer a recommendation :)

A great friend, former teacher, and mentor of mine, Mrs. Andrea Davis, recently gave me my favorite type of gift. You guessed it! A book.

'Prayers for the Faithful' by Mary Ann Bridgwater has since then captivated moments of my time daily as I walk through this great tool, and what I consider to be a teaching guide.

 This book has taught me so much about how to pray specifically for missionaries, and to prepare myself for life in the ministry. It's practical, simplistic yet deep, and powerful.

Independence Day

With a year of AP U.S. History under my belt, and test results still pending, Independence Day held a little more meaning than just simply fireworks and cookouts this year. I've actually found that to be the case with many things now that I have spent an unruly amount of time attempting to learn the ins and outs of American History. 

I believe my friends and I have fallen into what I consider a really fun tradition. This is the second year in a row we headed out for fireworks at the Harrisburg Park. The music selection never fails to be...entertaining, every type of food your heart could possibly desire can definitely be found, and if you're a people watcher like me...there's certainly not a dull moment. All in all, I consider it a great way to celebrate the 4th!

My Chapel Hill Bound Buddy!

Miss Kaylaaa Hampton :)

These two...will have their own television show one day!

The Bible Study girls & I hanging out during our 4 hour wait for the fireworks!

So glad to have Miss. Hannah back in America :)

Some of the gang.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Here's My Heart Lord...

This song never fails to move me...

Radical

Maybe you can recall the process of college searching from personal experience, maybe you have a child, friend, cousin ...anyone (?), who just took on the endeavor. 

Either way, let me tell you, without the Lord's guidance, I'm not sure how anyone keeps their sanity throughout the process.

After opening envelope after envelope in the mail, reading a million websites, taking one too many virtual tours, etc. all of the colleges in America begin to blur into one.

However, despite it all, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," has continued to guard my heart, soul, and mind. [Philippians 4:4-7]

He's done even more than that though. The Lord is using this experience to challenge me to mature in my relationship with Him. 

In talking with a friend from one of my favorite schools so far, Samford University in Alabama, I was connected with a local church in Alabama that has blown me away.

The Church at Brook Hills has that 'something,' that leads to amazing things for the Kingdom of the Lord.

After having begun to read the Pastor, David Platt's, latest book, Radical,

 I have been convicted, changed, and enlightened possibly more so with this book than any other, with the exception of the Bible of course.

I'm only about half way through because I keep going back and just responding with "wow."

I would encourage you to go and buy this book...immediately : )

(or if you're really a go - getter...order it off Amazon!)

It is money well spent and the return is a million times worth the investment. 

The Church at Brook Hills is located about 15 minutes away from Samford's campus,

and I told the God this morning during my QT that "although I would absolutely go wherever the Lord is calling me, I would certainly not mind sitting under the teaching of David Platt and fellowshipping with the Church at Brook Hills on a weekly basis." 

We'll see what He has in store =]

PS - Good news! 

I do have a 'top 8' list now. Which, if you consider the vast number of colleges in this country, is pretty good!

Lights...Camera...Bella Zu

Growing up...I was always such a ham when it came to having my picture taken, being videotaped, acting, you name it!

If I was being honest though, I'm not sure I ever quite grew out of that completely : )

Although, I can honestly say I'd much rather be behind, rather than in front, of a camera nowadays. 

Recently though, I came across a website that caught my eye (http://www.bellazuphotography.com/). It was a photography company that happened to be located locally, Bella Zu Photography. They also happened to be looking for Senior Representatives to apply to have their Senior Portraits done.

I happened to be interested.

A lot of happenings later...and after spending about 4+ hours shooting with two of the sweetest and most talented women you'll ever meet, Gail & Charity, they managed to pull some good shots out of me. Told ya they are talented ; )

Today, I received some of the 300 images shot that day and I decided to share a few.

If you are looking to have any type of portraits done...senior pictures, family pictures, baby pictures, 'I look good so I should have my picture taken' - pictures, I would honestly and confidently recommend Bella Zu Photography. 

They are a pleasure to be around and I look forward to continuing to work with them!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Zu-Photography/277736636561?ref=ts

Blog: http://bellazuphotography.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.bellazuphotography.com/#

Check Bella Zu out on the web sometime if you get a chance!

"They are so not Walmart"...hahaha.

Flower Power

Going in Michaels is a very dangerous thing for me. I often times force myself merely to take my 40% off coupon (which you can usually find online - woo, savings!) and exact change into the store with me and leave all other forms of cash, debit card, etc. behind because other wise...I would be the definition of 'flat broke.'

Over the years, I have tried a ton of different projects - some were adorable and others you just couldn't help but laugh at. I am constantly searching for a practical, fairly quick, and reasonably priced craft (hence my love for Martha Stewart's Website).

I recently came across a "How-To" guide for making 'Flower Pens' (not via Martha this time). This is by far the best explanation I have ever seen for this craft, which is why I found myself walking the Isles of the Michael's Floral Section for supplies less than an hour after reading the article. 

(Just in-case you are interested, here's the link: 

http://floralshowers.com/floral/make-a-flower-pen/ ).

The 'visual learner friendly' guide really helped things along! For me to say that this craft was as easy as what I found it to be, speaks volumes.

I would recommend this for kids, adults, you name it! The supplies were fairly inexpensive and if you place the flowers in a cute arrangement - you have yourself the perfect present to give for birthday parties, baby showers, and so much more!

Here are a couple pictures of the final outcome of my 'Flower Pen' Craft trial...

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever

Isaiah 40:8