wayfaring stranger

This blog isn't going to say what all is in my heart, because sadly I do not have the gift of beautiful words. Although, if you're a frequent reader you are well aware of this by now. Hopefully, you will see that there is love, hope, and compassion hidden in the lameness of this blog.

For the past year (see here) I've been praying and searching for some sort of Appalachain ministry opportunity. I have such a burden for this area. A few weeks ago I came across the Christian Appalachian Project. I feel like I've found such a good match. Their Child and Family Development program is exactly the kind of thing I'm interested in.

So, what if I spent 9 months in Kentucky? How would you feel about that?

truly madly deeply

My friend Juliana posted this on twitter last night and I laughed out loud (literal lol, if you will) the entire time. This will absolutely improve your morning.

celebrity boyfriend: sufjan stevens

I have had such a crush on Sufjan Stevens for so long. It might have something to do with his banjo playing skills. And his silly outfits. And his dreamboat eyes. That last picture is the hottest thing I've seen in years. Listen to his music and it will improve your life.

wild sweet orange = survival

There were a few things that kept me alive last summer. They were:
- my girls and boys
- an abundance of greek food
- fiber one bars
- site babies like Kentavius and Jada
- parachute games
- the narnia secret passage way
- hang night in the store (which included shout to the north)
- and wild sweet orange
Walking to and from the rec field was always the worst part of my day. It was about 340982309 degrees (well only like 95), the walk felt like at least a mile, and I had to try and keep 300 plus kids out of the road. To stay in a good mood, I would sing wild sweet orange songs in my head. It worked... and that is why I love wild sweet orange so much. Their songs are so beautiful and honest. Also, isn't wild sweet orange the best band name ever?

ouch

Today I felt so terrible. I didn't even get out of bed until 12:30. Can you say BUM?! But seriously, my fibromyalgia has been really bad today.

And now a few letters...

Dear vanilla soy milk,

Why didn't I taste you until I was 24. You are wonderful.

Dear fibromyalgia,

You suck.

Dear mean black cat,

You are not allowed to live in my yard anymore. Or pee on my garbage can.

Dear Panera,

I just want to eat your soup everyday of my life. And your green tea.

Dear girls who like boys in bands,

Don't do it. You will hate your life.

Dear readers,

I love you. Thank you for reading my ridiculous blog. And looking at all my pin up girls.

God is good

This is so true. and cute.

Good things not by Martha Stewart

- Last weekend was brought to you by the letter "O". Olympics + Olustee festival. It made me feel like the proudest American.

- A lot of random and unexpected people have been really encouraging about my Macedonia mission trip. Thank you.

- I will also be going to Guatemala for a mission trip in September with my church. YES!

- Disney World twentyten? Possibly.

- I'm currently sitting on my beautiful blue couch, drinking a grande iced white mocha with hazelnut and watching My Life as Liz. Best.

- Today is pajama pant Tuesday. Community group style. One time I was almost kicked out of my youth group for wearing pajama pants. It's a pretty fun story. Maybe I'll tell you.

- This weekend I will be making thank you cards on my goco. It's about time. I tell you how they turn out.

- I'm thinking about making home made oatmeal cream pies. I think that will give me at least 5 domestic goddess points.

I hope everyone had a great Valemtimes Day! Tell me something good.

mmm whatcha say?

It's almost Valentines day. For all of you admirers (or stalkers) out there, here are some things you can get me: vintage jewels, pretty wild flowers or hydrangeas or tulips, a good mix cd, a tiny orange kitten named Clementine, a picnic, a secret adventure, an elvgren print to put in my bathroom, a kayak, a banjo, a cream soda, a new bike, or a new camera. No pressure.

pop goes good

This is so good. Sorry boutcha Miley. Better luck next time.

updates

- my king cake turned out ok. it was pretty, but i think i will try a different recipe next time.

- apparently my roommate erin and i are crazy magnets. lucky us.

- i did not watch the super bowl... but i am glad the saints won. again, this is only because i really like new orleans.

- i am about to start getting more extensive photoshop lessons... then i will be the ultimate designer.

- my life as liz is my new favorite show. does this mean i'm 14? i think maybe...

bringing a little mardi gras to dinner on the grounds

So, this Sunday my church is kickin it old school and having "dinner on the grounds". Hallelujah! Problem: I can't really cook. Allison do not mean about a casserole. However, I'm a decient baker. I make some mean chocolate peanut butter cupcakes. The cupcake is almost always my go-to dessert. It's easy, cute, and delicious. Sadly, someone is already bringing cupcakes. LAME. So, in honor of the season and the saints, I think I will make a king cake. I've never attempted a king cake... I mean, come on, I'm from Florida... but I will be this weekend. This is going to be another step in my quest to be a domestic goddess. Wish me luck!

Also, clearly I'm a ghost.

greater things

This is where I will be going during my trip to Macedonia. These are the people I will see. This video might break your heart.

Goodbye, old friend.

When I was in 7th grade I went with my church to a youth camp called Fuge. It changed the way I viewed God, love, missions, people, ect. Amazingly, I ended up working 3 incredible summers at Fuge. It's a life changing, week long Christian camp for teenagers. It's also a life changing summer for staffers. Fuge has a very special place in my heart. I've met some of my best friends while working camp. As a camper, Fuge taught me about love and giving (and crushes on boys from Alabama... and maybe late night secret haircuts). As a staffer, Fuge taught me about passion, encouragement, and grace (but don't forget exclusive relationships, flarp, and ebonics). The past three summers have been amazing, wonderful, hard, and draining... all at the same time. Students, site children, youth leaders, and staffers have all, in some way, changed my life. I will not be working this summer... but I have a feeling God has something else equally amazing in mind. More on that later. Let's reminisce...

Let me show you the sunset.

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.

A lot of times I think I have everything figured out. I think I can do things on my own without God's help. He lets me wander for a while and then gently starts whispering things like "Go talk to that person", "I love them just as much as I love you", "Call your friend, she needs you", "Show them grace", "Watch the sunset."

I'm really glad he does that. I'm really glad he has such grace.