Lindsay's Wedding- A Sneak Peak

My beautiful sister was married on Saturday. It was a special, memorable day. Check out this sneak peak picture of them by the amazing photographer Michelle VanTine! She took Lindsay and Dan to a nearby children's park with a carousel and got some awesome pics! I LOVE the colors, pose, and this sweet moment she caught between the newlyweds.

michelle vantine photography DC Alexandria weddings: Forget -Me -Not Mondays!

What's More American than Country Music?

My summer playlist mostly consists of country music as I'm driving in the car or getting ready each morning. Lady A, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, and Keith Urban to name some favs. There's something nostaligc and unequivacocally American about country music.

Being the patriotic and American history-loving girl that I am, July 4 is one of my favorite holiday celebrations. BBQ, apple pie, lemonade, tank tops, fireflies, flip-flops, fireworks, friends and family commemorate our Founding Fathers' determination to lay the foundation for liberty and justice in the new nation.

Country music pays tribute to the American spirit. As you celebrate today and give thanks for the freedom you enjoy each day in this great land, take some time to listen to some of the music that is grassroots and devoted to American pride. Happy Birthday, USA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f33KzjrjTg0

Do the Next Thing

I had coffee with a friend on Friday during my lunch hour. She shared with me some nuggets of simple truth and encouragement that have been replaying in my mind. The one I have found myself reflecting on most this weekend is to just "do the next thing." When I'm feeling unmotivated, disappointed, or lethargic I am telling myself to do the next thing. One step at a time is very manageable.

I can get carried away with plans and looking too far down the path. As much as I love planning and being prepared, it can sometimes get overwhelming when I don't think I can accomplish all that is set before me. I can shut down and do absolutely nothing.

Recently, just since school finished for the summer, I have become a casuality of this shut-down. I have been unproductive, lazy, and uncharacteristically scattered. And of course, I need to remedy this. So the idea that I just have to do the next thing might just work for me when I find myself in this condition.

I love to-do lists and prioritizing my tasks, so if I can just do the next thing on my list, I will slowly make progress. Let's not get too eager though...my lists aren't very long at this point. Today on my list: post a blog entry. Check.

For the present nothing, for the future everything

I wanted to share this because it so closely ties to what I posted last week. My dad sent me this link as an encouragement and I have read it several times. I feel like I'm in a very dark, dismal, and lonely place in my life right now. These words resonate with me and give me some hope. I continue to feel like nothing's changing...I'm waiting, waiting, waiting...and nothing's changing. Perhaps comparing my current state to walking through the fire is dramatic, but I love the analogy in terms of the refining process. I love the opening lines of this devotional, " The process of discovering, processing, purifying, and shaping gold is a lengthy, painstaking process. Affliction is gold in the making..." So in the present, I see and feel nothing changing. My current fears, doubts, and uncertain future seem insurmountable. But with courage and heart, I find reassurance that my future is being shaped as I'm waiting. "That's what's happening. For the present time, nothing. For the future, everything!"

Dark Before the Morning

As some of you know, I've been going to counseling since the end of January. It's been a difficult process at times with many emotions, highs and lows. I am grateful for what I have been able to work through and verbalize in a vulnerable way. It has truly been humbling. At the heart of it all is that I want what I don't have and I am not who I want to be. When I think of the conversations I've had with my counselor and her wise words, it all comes back to this process of sanctification and change...and God's timing in my life. Even in the midst of what I feel in my longings, pain, darkness, I know that I am not alone and that there is joy and peace to be claimed. I know that there is joy in each day and I need to intentionally look for it. I can find gratitude in my heart even when I am discouraged. When I feel darkness, I will shine light. And with each new day there are blessings and reasons to celebrate. I continue to trust and wait in hope that God's plan for me is still unraveling. And each night as I fall asleep either through tears or with calm content, I know this is just the dark before the morning.

Before the Morning Lyrics Josh Wilson

Do you wonder why you have to feel the things that hurt you?

If there's a God who loves you, where is he now?

Maybe there are things you can't see and all those things are happening to bring a better ending

Some day, somehow you'll see

Would you dare to believe that you still have a reason to sing?

Cause the pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you have to wait for the light

Press on, just fight the good the fight

Cause the pain that you've been feeling is just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends and you know where you're going

You just don't know how you'll get there, so say a prayer

And hold on, cause there's good for those who love God

Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time, but you'll see the bigger picture

Would you dare to believe that you still have a reason to sing?

Once you feel the way of glory, all your pain will fade to memory

It can't compare to the joy that's coming

Cause the pain you've been feeling is just the hurt before the morning, just the dark before the morning