In the Words of C.S. Lewis

I wrote a long post in the past hour, but I don't think it's quite appropriate to post right now, so in stead I'm going to give you the words of C.S. Lewis.

"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."

Amen.

Change

Hello, friends! I forgot how hard it is to just blog! Without second thoughts, 1,000 re-writes, doubts, etc. But here I am-- I want to be present and authentic in this little space, so I'm just going to write. Sound good? Great.

For me, this season is one of change. Day by day, change is taking place in the hard choices I make and I see so much change ahead. The past months (I'm not even sure how many) have been somewhat of a dry patch for me spiritually. It's funny, because when I try to track the origin or cause, I draw a blank. It's been nothing earth shattering or gut wrenching, but rather something closer to apathy and disorientation. But despite the fog I've been in, I can see Jesus and His great big world getting a little bit closer and clearer. He is showing me who He is through His word and I'm tucking it into every corner of my brain. He's rooting me in His truth, both through my own study of it, and through teaching it to those younger than me. Co-leading a Bible study for middle school girls has really helped me to think about what I believe as I teach it to them. Often I wonder if I'm getting through to their curious, developing, and sometimes distracted minds, but then I realize that Jesus is the one who's going to get through to them and that's what matters. In all of this,  I'm seeing how dry patches only bring a more joyful spring shower. Praise the Lord!

As I look forward to this year, I can't help but get excited. I can't wait to start my design classes-- and I'm really thankful that I'm excited about my major. I'm excited for travels to new places. I'm excited to spread my wings (*cringe* because that sounds so cliche) in exciting new ways that are beginning to shape up. Mmmm yeah. I'm thankful for this big world, a life to live, Good News to tell, sunsets to chase, independence at my doorstep, and grace for each new day.

What are you excited about?

A New Start

It's amazing how much someone can change in just a few years. Looking back at the blog I started when I was thirteen, I'm both amazed and amused at how different I was then. Not necessarily good or bad; just different. (For example, my thirteen year old self was usually like, "Colors! Give me all the colors!" So I'd wear a rainbow and a half when given the chance. Now, my wardrobe consists primarily of denim, black, and grey.)

I feel like I've arrived at the beginning of a new chapter. It's the one where adventure and responsibility are ever increasing and I'm trying to figure out what it means to be free and independent.

I'm trying to learn what it means to be rooted. Rooted in Truth, growing as a person, an artist, a follower of Christ. Rooted in every moment, being fully present here and now. Rooted in this town that I love + know like the back of my hand, but do wish to leave at times.

And on the flip side, I want to grow wings. Because I'm choosing to stay where my roots are deep in the ground, I want (need, maybe) to find adventure and new experiences and the unexpected. Whether on the other side of town or the other side of the world, I want to travel and get lost and meet new people. I want to do something every day that scares me and always choose to be brave.

As I walk through this next chapter, I hope this blog will be a place where I can document life, process thoughts, and encourage others. It is my hope that this will be a place of authenticity and encouragement-- an open book about an honest wrestling. A place to write the way I write, and not strive to sound like someone I'm not. A place to share my adventures and misadventures. Recipes, thoughts about living simply, words that have changed me, design projects, photographs, stories, and everything in-between. 

I hope you'll come along for the ride as I seek adventure and beauty in the glorious mundane. Cheers!