Life Can Spring Again

I get a devotional eMailed to me every morning and today's words were powerful...I just wanted to share them. It grows terribly burdensome when you just "don't look" at your sin so that you don't have to deal with it. But there is sweet freedom that comes in just saying "It's my fault." The first sentence really speaks to me. Take a minute to read:

"When we call sin what it really is, we can embrace truth, sin can die at the cross, and life can spring again through Christ's resurrection. Confession makes us real. It stops us from creating a web of lies to cover up our sin, and allows us to acknowledge our shortcomings to ourselves and those around us. This humbles us, but living in humility is living in honesty. Trying to hide our fallen-ness only makes us think more highly of ourselves than we ought...Jesus is so good to forgive us though. When no one would cast a stone at the woman caught in adultery, Jesus' words brought shock and relief: "Neither do I condemn you." How sweet these words must have fallen on her ears. Jesus had just saved her life! Then Jesus added, "go, and sin no more" (Jn 8:11)."

Life can spring again...I just can't get that beautiful phrase out of my head! Thank you Jesus!

Honey, I'm home!

I'm back from Spring Break '08 and it was...GREAT! The secret destination location was Rockport, Texas! Meg and I left on Saturday, drove all day, and then arrived on the beach! It was such a fun week filled with fun on the beach (like laying in the sun, playing in the waves, and flying kites!), shopping trips, ferry rides, renting a new movie every night, DELICIOUS food (including my favorite restaurant: Charlotte Plummers!) and the Texas State Aquarium! Wahoo! I needed a week like that. :)

Pictures/Videos will be coming soon!

Now it's back to reality, and I'm really not complaining. I feel more focused after having a week of total fun and relaxation. I'm a little nervous about how much homework I have to do before Monday...and the week after that, teaching every day...but I'll get it done!

Right now I have photography fever! My creative juices are flowing, and I want to make some stellar shots! I've got a few engagement sessions coming up the next few weeks, and I'm SO excited about them! I keep getting lens/equipment lust though! The 24-70mm is a'callin' my name. ...Caroline... But don't forget about my exciting news from my last post. Still a "secret" but I'm sure if you run into me somewhere, I'll spill the beans. :)

I really can't explain how refreshed and refocused I feel after this week. Simply wonderful. :)

One night, after hanging out on the beach all day, I ran across this verse: "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment...when I fixed limits for it when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'?" Job 38:8-11

The next day, that's all I could think about while watching the ocean waves roll in and out. God, my God determines exactly where those waves stop. Wow. Our God is so powerful and so in control! And He is good. In the deepest sense of the word, He is good. I got to experience some of His goodness to me this week. Beautiful.

Make sure to watch out for some photos from the week in a day or two!

Get used to writing 2008!

Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I've been reflecting tonight, thinking over this past year. SO MUCH has happened and changed. Attitudes, relationships, career decisions...I can't even begin to get that personal on this blog (ha!). But trust me, the Lord has done some miraculous, as well as quiet, acts in my life since 2007 started. 

Isn't it amazing to look back and see the Lord's hand carrying you and leading you, even during times when you felt as if He'd left you? I love that, as years pass, we can gain a bigger perspective on our lives. We can truly see the hand of God at work. It's like we are writing our own story, and we can look back on it and be encouraged. 

Looking back is great, but looking forward is another thing. The uncertainty of the future can be burdensome. I just want to encourage you, with whatever you are facing come 2008, you may not know exactly what is going to happen next, but if you're a believer in Jesus, you know where your story will reach it's climactic scene: before the throne of God in heaven where you will hear the sweet voice of our Savior saying, "Well done." God has given us this great climactic scene for our stories...and we take that scene and we get to be creative with the journey on the way to that scene. We live our lives in light of the climactic scene. 

So...two verses that sum this up:

1. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)

2. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Phil 1:27)

Hope you all have a delightful January 1, 2008! 

Inspirations! Cecilia Carlstedt, The Cake Girls, Zara, and Loeffler Randall

Wow, do I ever have the coolest things to share with all you lucky blog readers today! I haven't blogged in a few days and things have piled up. So get ready for a lot of artistic inspirations to ring in the new year! First up, check out Cecilia Carlstedt's work...Finding these sweet artists always just makes my day! You really do need to grab a cup of coffee, sit down, and go through her portfolio. Amazing texture and color. I love how imagery is subtly incorporated into the overall composition. Be warned that it is really artistic.

Are you in the market for a new purse? How 'bout a cake? Yep, those aren't purses...they're cakes! Check out The Cake Girls for some inspiration (especially if you're a bride...they bake such sweet, simply designed cakes). Yummm!

Do you need a new place to find some fashion inspiration, lounge-o-licious music, and a bit of the Spanish language thrown in? I thought you did. Try Zara!Finally, I'm in love with the new accessory line from designer Loeffler Randall. His website has some seriously cool ideas for fashion photography (which is what I love most). Best part? The line is available at Target! Go!

P.S I realize that these posts may seem really small and materialistic. Hopefully, if you know me, or if you've been reading for a while, you know my life does not revolve around fashion and trends. But I do find a lot of creative inspiration from these "petty" pretty things. The things of this world are merely a poor reflection of His glory...but when kept in an eternal perspective the reflection can spur us on to rejoice in what is to come.

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create." Isaiah 65:17-18

Finding Encouragement in Strange Places

Confession: I read InStyle magazine.

Now, this is a big deal because I was that girl growing up that was highly opposed to fashion magazines because of the whole body image thing. I think it was a good choice for me while I was struggling through all those teenage girl insecurity issues. It also made it easier for me to keep my mind on things of God. Nowadays I like to flip through the pages of a magazine every once in a while to get some inspirations for photography and things. But I think it's crazy the way I've been encouraged spiritually by reading the occasional InStyle magazine.

If your any bit like me, you probably get kinda frustrated and disgusted with the whole celebrity/Hollywood scene. The extravagance, the selfish attitudes, the stupid scandal things, the focus on one-upping everyone else, the obsession with external things, I could go on. BUT I suppose it's not fair to completely overgeneralize all celebrities. Recently, I've found a couple of things that have encouraged me: people (and I'm talking about non-Christians here) really do love and serve others.

So here's my two favorite encouraging things I've found in InStyle magazine:

(1) In the December 2007 issue, Natalie Portman was interviewed for the cover story. She's apparently "living green" and one of her favorite ways to show it was by donating her old shoes to people in Kenya through a website called Shoe 4 Africa. She says, "Each pair that's worn [in Africa] will cut down the spread of disease...If you're going to buy $200 Nikes, then spend $7 to send your old shoes to Africa." I freakin' LOVE IT!! And I'm definitely donating my shoes! Check out the website!!

(2) You know how InStyle always has the "Parties!" section all about who came to so-and-so's party and what they wore? I guess so that we can feel like we were invited? Yeah, it makes me laugh too :) But something caught my eye in the October 2007 issue: a photo of an actress showing off her Invisible Children bracelet! I got excited and read about how Kristen Bell had a little party in honor of Invisible Children! How cool is that? The little caption read, "'Action' took on a whole new meaning for this crowd." I like it.

And as cynical as people can get about Hollywood and all, I'm okay with getting excited about these two things. Even if it is just for publicity or whatever. In Philippians, Paul writes that some preach Christ out of selfish ambition, just trying to stir up trouble, "...but what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Phil 1:17-18) Well said, Paul!

And go donate your shoes to Africa!

Can't we just live?

Before I even jump into everything I feel I could write, I just want to marvel at how God created our minds and emotions and everything that makes us "us." It is mindblowingly complex. It's cool to look at the big picture and know that God is the God who created mountains and galaxies, but I think it's even more incredible to see His attention to detail. Each breath. Syllables. Shadows. The color red. Such tiny things that he gives His attention, all while keeping the big things in order. We serve a God who is everything.



Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Rom 11:33



These past few days, my mind has not been on the things of God. I've wanted God's leading, but my heart has not put forth the effort to seek Him with all my heart. It's a lesson I've learned a million times, but all my frazzled-ness is calmed when I am in the Word. I finally let down and just read and thought out loud to God a little bit ago...the peace makes it seem like I was never freaked out. And my heart is absoluteley welling up with the love that God must have for His children to offer such peace again and again. So good. So beautiful. And so sweet.



Since my mind hasn't been on God these past few days, my mind has been on myself. Selfishness was the name of the game (and IS the name of the game alot of the time). I do not want it. I want to wake up every morning and ask myself why I am so selfish when I've been given so much. Father please help me get it in perspective.



I was talking to Kassie last night at the NSO paramount movie showing and we were talking about how worrying and selfish thoughts can get us stuck and we miss life. She was telling me that Chase (her boyfriend) always asks her, "Kassie, can't we just live?"



If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you are probably thinking, "Is this an entry from last month. Because it sounds the same." :) You would be right. I get selfish, then realize how dumb and dangerous that is, then come back to the Lord with such joy that He is yet again taking me back. I wish I was a perfect person so that I could give God a great rap on earth...but did anyone catch something wrong with that sentence?



God can make His own great rap. Sorry Caroline.



I don't really understand the mastermind plan of God :) but this I know-- 1. I can't understand it fully (Isaiah 55:9 go look it up), and 2. God is good anyway (Psalm 84:11, go read it. And notice it says "Blameless" which means forgiven...not perfect).



Anyway, I hope you are all having wonderful days and I hope that somehow the Lord uses this to inspire you to Him. As always, I'm greatful to you for reading. :)







Seriously, go look up those verses.

November's Top 5!

Am I seriously already writing another Top 5? This month flew!! Okay, well here's the Top 5 for November (Top 5 is made up anything that catches my eye if you were wondering.)

1. Raise your hand if you were looking for a PLAID coat this winter! Look no further than American Eagle! They even come in different colors and have a detachable hood. You can bet your bottom dollar that I asked my parents for this one for Christmas. :)

2. Chilly? Go buy some really cute thick tube socks (or knee socks), pour in a few cups of long grain rice, sew the end shut and you've got yourself a new best friend: a heatsock! Once you make yours, put it in the microwave (NOT the oven) for 1 or 2 minutes. The things stay warm forever! I use mine (or, um...actually my roommate's) when I go to bed to keep my feet warm. They also feel great on your neck (or anywhere else). You'll have your own little heating pad- no plugs required!

3. I love free stuff. And I love Mars Hill Church in Seattle. So it stands to reason that I love their free podcast on iTunes! Rob Bell is an amazing teacher, and I'm so excited about his sermon lineup for Christmas! Make sure you subscribe by December- it will be a four week Advent series (sermons by week will be: Do Not Be Afraid, Joy, Glory, and the Peace of God). What a way to get ready for the glorious celebration of Christmas!

4. Looking for a sweet gift or something to make stellar invitations? Look no further than Angela Adams! These stationary designs are simple and balanced, but retro-fun and colorful! Totally mix and match-- anything goes! I especially appreciate her little slogan, "Shouldn't you be inspired by the thing that you use everyday?" :)

5. Ready for some ultra-lounge Christmas music? Grab a copy of Christmas Cocktails-- some of the jazzy-est and most classic Christmas songs ever. The best part? It's on iTunes! More good news? There are three (maybe more) volumes, so you won't get tired of the same ol' songs. Another Christmas music recommendation: Michael Buble's 5 song EP "Let it Snow!"

There ya go!

On a more heartfelt note, it's been a rough past couple of weeks for me dealing with stress and school, and I'm sure it's been that way for lots of other people out there. It's just that time of the semester when everyone seems exhausted. I was flipping through my Bible the other night and came across these few verses that spoke peace to me, and reminded me that we have a heavenly home that we will soon see. This is a truth that cannot dim: I will see God!

Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered...but be glad and rejoice in what I will create. For I will take delight in my people. The sound of weeping will be heard no more. Never again will there be an infant who lives but a few days or an old man who does not live out his years. Isaiah 65:17-20 (a bit paraphrased)

Much love,

Caroline

Hmmm...

*PHOTO POST!!*

Apparently I thought I was done being sick...but I'm not. This week has been the most off week ever for me; it has NOT been fun. Aside from randomly having a fever every other day and being behind in classes, my purse got stolen on Friday which kinda pushed me over the edge stress-wise. I'm not sure why stress is getting to me this much this year since I usually have a pretty easy time handling it...And also, if you are a girl reading this and struggling with insecurity, know that you are not alone at all. I've definitely had one of those weeks. Sometimes it's just good to know your not alone.

Some good things this week though: I got to have lunch on Wednesday with my BFF Emily :) She's engaged and just so beautiful! It was WONDERFUL to see her and get to catch up. Going to different colleges means we hardly get to see each other, but when we do it is so great and I'm so thankful for her! Another good thing: I had two photoshoots this week where I actually got paid! My first ones! And they were lots of fun. Photography has been the greatest gift during this stressful, not-feeling-good-enough time because it's something I know I love and can do successfully. Yay! One more good thing: On Monday, I got to hang out with Christina and Cara, some of my most precious friends from HS. They wanted to have a time when we could just get together and seek the Lord and pray for each other. Not an official Bible study or anything like that, just 3 girls wanting to encourage each other and make sure we are all being encouraged. What a blessing it was and will be!

I haven't gotten to spend much time in the Word this week, but one verse that has been stuck in my mind all week is Jonah 2:8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Wow, what do you even say about that? In those times when we don't want give up whatever idol we are using to make ourselves feel better, we don't realize what we are forfeiting...the grace that will bring peace and true life. Mmmmhmmm.

So, here are some of the pictures from the Aeschliman family photo shoot!! I found this sweeeeeeeet vintage couch and we headed out to First Baptist on Saturday to snap some family pictures for their Christmas cards. Jennifer goes to school at HSU, but her mom and brother drove in from Dallas for the shoot! Whoo!! It was really fun :)

Aren't they the most beautiful family you've ever seen?!

I hope you all have a great night. Much love.

Thoughts on Esther 3

Tonight at Bible study we were looking at Esther 3. We're going to be going through the entire book this semester and it's been so nice to take it slow, just a chapter a week, and really dive deep into the contexts, words, history, and lineages to see what the Lord is weaving together from all these separate lives. I just wanted to share some reassuring thoughts we gathered tonight. Hang in there, it gets wordy but is worth it, I think...PS if you haven't read the book of Esther, this might not make sense. So go read it. It's short. :)

The craziest thing to me in this chapter is how much influence Haman (the "bad guy) has over the King. Haman has so much power, yet we read that he is a descendant of Agag the Amalekite. This is a big deal because God had declared "war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" because of their attack on Israel (see Exodus 17:8-16 and 1 Samuel 15:2 for more on that). So this guy who was an enemy of God was basically the King's right hand man. I find it fascinating that God allowed him to come to that much power. You would think God would be like, "Oh an enemy of mine? He can't be the king's right hand man. All my enemies have to be servants or something." Haha, sorry for the loose interpretation of God's persona. If I were a Jew at that time, I would be like, "Hey God, can't we get this guy out of office?! He's your enemy and he wants to kill us all!" But God is so in control. He allowed Haman that position so that He might further display his glory. He had it under control the whole time. Even when it seemed like Haman was taking over and was going to kill all the Jews, GOD HAD IT UNDER CONTROL.

It gives me comfort to know that even though God might allow "bad people" to come to power over our country, another country, the world, or even something local I'm involved in, He still has it under His control. No matter how powerful the person might seem, that person still must succumb to the power of God. NOTHING is greater or more magnificent than the power of God. EVERY knee will bow. I am so encouraged by that. It is good to know I am on the winning team. Sorry for the lame sports reference.

Another cool little tidbit from Esther 3 is that Haman decides to cast lots to pick the date when he wants to wipe out the Jews. "By a seeming coincidence the date indicated was nearly a year away. As someone has said, 'Even superstition is chained to the divine chariot-wheels.' God overruled to allow sufficient time to thwart Haman's plan. 'The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.' Prov 16:33" So encouraging to know that superstition, the stars, or even Satan are all under God's ruling. I just love it that my God is so powerful! And yet so full of love for His children! If this is making you stand in awe and reverent fear, it should! So awesome! I'm definitely feeling the holy fear in me just thinking about it.

The book of Esther is awesome. One thing that I'm loving right now is reading the Bible with a commentary next to me. Commentaries bring so much light and practical application to some passages of scripture where I'm like, "What?!" My dad bought me the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald a few years back and that's what I'm using and loving. It's a big fat book, but well worth it! If you're tired in reading the Bible, try it out! It really helps you understand.

Well, thanks for reading this whole post if you made it this far. I hope it made sense. I was just so amazed I wanted to share it! Hopefully you will be spurred on to read the Word and God will reveal even MORE amazing things to you! Have a good night. :)

I will give you $1 so you can go download this song...

Man...what a day. Very surprising. Anyway, the main reason I'm writing is to share with you this amazing song that has helped me keep my focus on our sweet Savior today. It's Crown Him by Enter The Worship Circle (Ben Pasley) from his album Chair and Microphone. Go to iTunes and DOWNLOAD IT!! Just one song people...you can afford it. :) Ben's voice carries so much passion and emotion and the simplicity of the guitar and voice only are refreshing. The lyrics are the most amazing part. Here they are:



Listen all you unborn children, and those yet to be born again
A seed from the God of heaven… was planted here in the world of men
He grew up only to be broken, He grow up only to be buried
“Hold on,” I heard the prophet say, “hold on, that’s not the end.”

‘Cause when the cross went up, the curtain came down
And a hush ran across the stage, but when the stone was rolled back
All the angels came ‘round, and the earth stood up on its feet to say…

Crown Him Love, crown Him Alive and Well, Crown Him God of Our Salvation
Crown Him Lovely, crown Him Beautiful, He is God and we adore Him…



I love the reference to the curtain being torn in two. We have free and sweet communion and fellowship with the Creator of universe and it's details.

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:4-5

We Are Not Unaware...

Last night I was present in a conversation about getting cancer and all the troubles it brings and how most of us will get cancer at some point in our lives. Just so you know, I really do not enjoy conversations like that, and last night was no exception. I just wanted to go outside and look at the beauty of a night sky and get away from all this hard stuff of life. And that's ok.

But later I was thinking. This is life. Life is full, ever so full. Full to the brim with things like excitement and weddings to things like depression and divorce. I can't pretend the bad doesn't exist (although sometimes I'd like to try)...but I have been given a reason to be fearless in the face of it all.

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

We would be foolish to avert our eyes to problems and trick ourselves in believing everything is dandy. And I am not going to find my "joy" in turning my eyes from the obvious, claiming naivety--THAT is asking for it. But what I am doing is looking straight in the face of the things- all the things- that come in my full life, acknowledging they are there, but knowing my God is greater. I am finding my joy in the truth that life is hard but God is greater.

There is so much joy in embracing the truth of the moment-- that God is going to provide in His divine manner, no matter what the situation. There is false control in averting our eyes from what is actually happening.

I'm not sure if I'm getting this across well...it is so deep in my heart. All our hopes and dreams of getting out of life predictably, easily, and on schedule are NOTHING compared to God's surpassingly more powerful and more beautiful plan for His children. We can't get our minds around that, it seems...but it is true no matter the way things seem.

When will we as Christians claim that bold promise God freely gives? How much will it take?

The World Spins Madly On

"You can spend your whole life working for something just to have it taken away." -Brett Dennen

My new music love is Brett Dennen. He's great to chill out to. This one line in his song, Ain't No Reason, stuck out to me. That line could seem really tragic, but it depends on your focus. It is a harsh reality, that everything on earth is subject to decay and disappearance. But that is all the more reason to pursue eternal things and hold lightly to the material things of the world. I keep coming back to that thought. This verse sums it up perfectly and completely:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Mat 6:19-21

Our spiritual "things"- our soul, our salvation, our God-molded hearts, our pursuit of His heart- those things can never be taken away from us. No matter what. I think it's awesome that Brett Dennen and the Bible can even be saying the same thing there. God can use any and every means to get His message across. :)

Oh, the situations we get into :)

Soooo yesterday was a very interesting day. I'll start off with Thursday night: I decided after much back-and-forth-ness NOT to go to the photography seminar. It was just too much of a sacrifice monetarily, time wise (for massive amounts of extra hours put in at work to finance this thing), and school-wise (I'd have to skip a whole week! haha). Sad, sad, sad. But I was ok. I'm hardcore planning and saving to go NEXT year! The whole situation was almost kind of humorous. :) But then Friday, 10:00 came and registration went live. I couldn't help myself! I was sure they would sell out oober fast (they did, the seminar was booked within the first 3 MINUTES of going live...crazy), but I just had to register so I could get that email saying, "Sorry, but you didn't get in the top 40" and close the door knowing I had "tried." So I registered at 10:40. Ha. And then went about my day, finished work, got into my car to go home...

And then the phone rang.

"Hi Caroline, this is Kelly Clark. (AH!!! World famous photographer on the phone with me!!!!! :))Well, you didn't get in the top 40, but all the photographers decided we'd stay an extra week and have the same seminar over again with a different group of 40. You made it into that group! Do you want to come?"

Oh, the irony. What a situation. I'm pretty sure I'll never forget this haha.

Love, Caroline





P.S. No, I'm not going to the workshop. I just can't right now, but all in all it's a hilarious situation. I hope whoever gets my spot is blessed by it. I also hope you all know that I am thoroughly enjoying this funny situation...and am looking forward to next year like nothing else!

P.S.S. And Thursday night I got to just sit and play guitar for a while, figure out some new worship songs for the coming semester, and worship my amazing, loving, God...who does indeed have an awesome sense of humor :)

P.P.S.S "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare!" Psalm 40:3-5. That pretty much sums up my heart right now. So joyful :) Thank you Lord!

Hold Lightly

Knowledge means nothing unless it is put into practice...Here are some verses and thoughts that have made a huge difference to me today.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world...The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." I John 2:15, 17

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Mat 6:24

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. -Jim Elliot.

I've had ants in my pants or something spawning me on in this race trying to keep up with earthly possessions. I mean I have been freaking out. I admit it- I've held on to the things of the world with a death grip. And the tighter I hold, the more things get out of control. Jesus offers so much peace and we turn Him down for...what? I do not know...but I do it all the time. I want to follow the Voice full of untamed splendor and persistent beauty.

Sweet Jesus forgive me. Be so near. Thank you for this realization, help me put it into practice so that Your name may be praised and honored. Oh how much I love you. Clarity, Lord, please give clarity and rest. Amen.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do...

God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with it's regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14

We give thanks to you O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near. Psalm 75:1

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you ALL DAY LONG. Psalm 25:5

Today is Saturday, July 14, which means it's the beginning of my really long title campaign, just like Sufjan Stevens does in all his CD tracks.

I love this blog so much! It's a little sad because it's taking away from time with my REAL journal...poor guy. I'm also diggin' the new layout. That's right, I said diggin'.

It's been so nice having Megan back in town for a few days. Last night and this morning we went DRESS SHOPPING! And I got a super cute one! I can't wait to wear it. :)

July is going by really fast...but I'm actually really excited about school starting again. It means I'll get to see people more and start ballet!

Well, apparantly I don't have that much to say again. But that's ok. I want to encourage you all to praise the Lord. He is good. He is good. He is good.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Eph 1:3-6