when i was a young warthogggg

My best friend greeted me with a goodbye hug and a stack of old photos from our youth group days this morning at church. It was so fitting, since I had just been looking at my own stack of old film memories two days prior. I thanked her and then commenced Reveling in Nostalgia this afternoon. This Winter break has been about a lot of different things for me, namely growing my relationship with God and spreading His name, spending time with family and getting immersed in nature. But I also have really strengthened my friendships with my youth group buddies, some of which I've known since I was seven years old, and gawky as all get out. I'm so glad to have life long pals in these people. I love them dearly. See you all when I visit! Hopefully soon!

only love is all maroon

I found a secret spot today at the park.

I didn't think there were any cool spots left to find there. The park is one of my favorites, and I have done a decent amount of exploring there already, but today God showed me a new spot. Curious, I walked over to the edge of the brush and came upon a previously overlooked path by the trees. There, tucked in the woods, was a cute little picnic bench by the water's edge. It was a nice escape from the noise of the cars on the streets, although there was a particularly vocal duck in the lake that had quite a lot to say. (He was a ham!) To take solace in the forest is to visit with an old friend.

In 2015 I want to spend more time in the woods. I have been taking some nice evening nature walks and they have been really relaxing. I have also been trying to read poetry instead of spending time online.

Or she and her lover would sit opposed
And darkly drink each other's eyes 
With faint headshakings, no more wise. 
The most he asked her eyes to grant
Was that in what she does not want 
A woman wants to be overruled. 
Or was the instinct in him fooled?
He knew not, neither of them knew.
They could only say like any two,
"You tell me and I'll tell you."
-- Robert Frost 

I'm looking forward to living more naturally in 2015. I want to eat more fruits and veggies, and write letters. I am excited to see how God is going to help make me a more gentle soul as well. 2015 is going to be a year of exquisite heart change, I can feel it.

Shouting Mountains

For quite a many months now, God has been laying it on my heart to create an online magazine of sorts. I wanted to make a site that married art and faith in an aesthetically pleasing way, and I hope that Mountains accomplishes that. This project is very dear to my heart, and I can't wait to see what it grows into in this next year! Mind you, it is still under construction and will still be, I presume, for the month of January as I get things together!

Without further ado, I give you Shouting Mountains!
*throws confetti*