A Few Snippets from Summer

Wednesday Nights

Wednesday nights are special. Every Wednesday night over the past year, I have gathered with the same small group of girls. The first Wednesday I walked into a room full of semi-strangers. They came from different backgrounds, states, and age groups. Some were in completely different life stages than I was.

Only three things tied us together at that point- 1) a commitment to keep showing up each Wednesday night, 2) a commitment to each other, and 3) a desire to learn more about Jesus and grow in our faith. 

Those three things have made all difference. We committed to each other long before we even knew what we were committing to.

Over the past year God has knit our hearts together in such a way that Wednesdays do not make sense without those faces. We have walked through heartbreak, the end of relationships, financial struggles, and even the death of a beloved family member together. We have seen the joy of transformation, the beginning of new relationships, and celebrated with each other at birthdays, a new marriage, and an engagement.

Sometimes, we hurt each other’s feelings. The sting of an insensitive comment made coming back next Wednesday one of the last things you wanted to do, but we had committed, so we showed up. It was in this place, where we learned to ask for forgiveness, and the importance of saying, “Please will you forgive me?” 

It was here where we learned to forgive and the value of staying committed to people – not because they are always pleasant or perfect - but because we are called to stay actively involved in committed relationships long after the feeling of wanting to be there has left us.

 The business of modern life in the city means that unless you regularly schedule time with friends, you just will not run into them. This commitment to dedicate our Wednesday nights to each other means taking time to slow down and just listen to one another. We have cried with each other and prayed over one another when we could not utter the words to speak ourselves. It means that there have been nights when we never got to our study because one of us just needed to be heard, understood, loved and told that she had inexplicable value to God and us.

People have stopped and asked us what it is about our group that makes it so different from the normal, self-interested, “I will love you when you are lovable” type of groups of friends that the world is used to seeing. The answer is so easy. 

We have committed to each other, committed to seeing one another grow closer to Jesus and committed to placing each other’s interests above our own.

We are still growing closer to God and one another. The rhythm of life means that some faces have been called to other states and communities. Nothing stays the same but looking back at the way we have grown over the course of this year, that is such a blessing.

Throw On and Go

This jumpsuit is by far one of the most fun items in my closet. It can easily transition from summer to fall and takes zero thought when getting dressed in the morning. Plus, it is just a fun piece that adds a little something different to your wardrobe and day. However, because it is clearly a fashion trend I do not recommend paying  a lot of money for it. Mine was very affordable, around $40, and the links below will direct you to some more affordable options. 

The jumpsuit that I am wearing is from Abercombie & Fitch, but is unavailable online right now. They are all on sale- so shop before they are gone. 

Similar  Here. Another option Here. Both on sale. 

Scarlet & Gold Typography Prints

I am a complete sucker for beautiful typography prints. Every single member of my family has received a typography print at some point as a gift. Scarlet & Gold has some of the best ones that I have seen. I love how they take scripture and make it into art that can be displayed in your home. They make beautiful encouraging gifts for someone who might want to spruce up their home. 

The following three are my favorites: 

{All images from the Scarlet & Gold website.}

**Shop the prints Here. **

Monday Musings

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on his height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."- 1 Samuel 16:7 

This verse always reminds me that God's value system is different than that of the worlds. He sees past our shortcomings. He sees past all the reasons why we are incapable for the task at hand, may it be physical incapabilities or that we lack the proper qualifications, and instead opens doors based on the appearance of our heart. Our hearts need protection from cynicism, doubt, bitterness, envy and self pity. I hope that I am always more concerned about the state of my heart and value protecting my heart from things that are not from God over all else. I pray that God helps me love the things that He loves- to love anything else is just a waste of time and a cheap substitute. 

"Set your mind on things above."- Colossians 3:2. 

Pancakes, Shot Guns and Afternoon Naps

^^ The sweetest little house on the way to Blackberry Farm. 

Our days at Blackberry Farm consisted of lots of time spent eating together, going on bike rides, hikes and taking afternoon naps. After a long summer mostly spent trying to stay hyper focused in the library, it was exactly what I needed. 

^^ I mean, this tree! There is nothing more beautiful than old, sprawling trees. 

^^ Shannon being adorable while waiting for me to push her. 

^^ Summer at Blackberry Farm means lots of tomatoes and this was a sampling of Gazpacho. 

^^ Fresh made scones and biscuits from the kitchen and the most gorgeous fresh fruit.

^^ There is so much beauty in simplicity. 

^^ Hiking through the Smoky Mountains before we got lost and had to call the front desk for directions out of the woods. This only happens to city people. 

^^ Hanging beds in the sanctuary which allowed for tired guests to take afternoon naps- the beds were on pullies and disappeared into the ceiling making room for a yoga studio in the morning. 

^^ My fellow napper 

^^ I learned how to shoot for the first time! What an amazing stress reliever…one that I am really glad I did not know about during law school… 

^^ It is really surprising how much strength it takes to shoot a shotgun. They are really heavy! My arm was sore for days afterwards. 

 ^^ Such a sweet picture of Shannon and her butterfly friend. 

Until next time Tennessee … 

Sweet Sweet Tennessee

Blackberry Farm is a piece of heaven right outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge with family. Everything about the hotel is eloquent, tasteful and perfectly thought out. I never wanted to leave. 

^^ There were so many beautiful nooks and cranies. No space was forgotten. 

^^ The rocking chairs really allowed us to sit back and enjoy the Smoky Mountains. 

^^ One of our favorite spots was the swing! There is really nothing like the simple pleasure of swinging, especially when you have this beautiful back drop. 

^^ Every morning I jumped out of bed to run down for breakfast in the main house. Blackberry farm only serves food that it has grown on the farm. Everything is fresh and seasonal. 

^^ You just don't get beautiful farmhouses like this in the city. 

^^ We got a chance to explore the farm and see where the food that we ate was being grown. 

^^Celebratory toasts.

^^ Can I just stay here forever please? 

^^ The simple pleasure of reading with a cup of coffee and nothing to do but just enjoy the mountains. 

^^ The Smoky Mountain sunrise.

^^ The most beautiful boat house you could ever imagine. 

^^ Sisters enjoying each others company! 

More pictures to come. Some memories are just so good that you want to savor them as long as you possibly can.