tom + camila // engaged

This is Camila.



This is Tom.

Tom likes Camila.

Camila likes Tom.




And they're getting maaaaaarried!




Tom is actually family and I remember being the little kid that totally looked up to him. Now he's grown up and he and Camila are awesome -- I look up to them both so much. These two are literally on fire for Jesus and it's so visible in their lives. Both of them are ridiculously funny and so great to be around. I had such a good time hanging with them and taking their photos while simultaneously laughing. (and smiling at their cuteness, because, come on -- these two are ridiculously attractive)



These guys don't just like each other...they love each other too. A lot. Their relationship is such a Godly example of what love should be. The Lord is using them radically for His kingdom and they are going places. Tom and Camila are world changers.

Like I said, they're the best.

treasure.

it's in the quiet moments,
when I sit with my bible in my
hands, clutching the words that are so full
of Your truth.
I long to be like you, O God!
Let me love you more,
when words fail and my hands grow weak, my
head heavy like autumn leaves falling,
and heart heavier
breath Your life into me,
let me be filled with you,
filled with wonder --
You Alone are good!
all these thoughts run through my head,
as the light fills the room softly
and I read Your Word,
breathing it In,
and letting it sink in, not through
my skin, but instead into my mind,
write your truth on my
heart.

This past month has been extremely eye-opening and life-changing for me. While it's been busy and filled with some exciting things, the impact has been hitting home in my heart. I've been really thinking about Luke 12:34, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Where is my treasure? Where do I place the most value in my life? There's so much truth in that verse that I sometimes feel like I gloss over. It's deeper than just how I spend my time. It's an integral part of my thinking -- it's where my heart is at. We are called to guard our hearts, because from them flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23). If my heart is found in treasures that are things of this world, then I am not guarding it.

I am committing to guarding my heart in all areas of life and looking to Jesus as my only treasure. I want so badly to live an intentional, radical life for my King. Not just living an image -- I don't want to be like Christians, I want to be like Christ. And to be like Him, I need to know Him.

To know Christ and to be called His own; to be saved by His blood...I cannot think of a better gift. I am chosen, loved, and redeemed because of my King. This truth should shape every decision I make, because there is no love greater than the love of Christ. That is why my heart should sing and my spirit rejoice -- why I am free!

My treasure is Jesus.

overdose of color

We like sweets.

We like colors.

And we like popsicles.

However...

We do not like popsicles that:
a. stain clothing
b. are ridiculously colorful
c. glow in the dark
I kid you not.
okay, maybe I kid a little bit.

These popsicles were all of the above, plus with the added benefit of being very sweet. And I admit it, kinda tasty. However, this taste left itself in your mouth in the form of bright blue stains, resulting in celli green and turquoise lips, skin, and clothing. Let's just say that the washing machine had an extra "load" on its back...

Get it? Load?

I think the sugar's going to my head.

little sister and big brother.

Pason is almost two years old. Nora is a little over two months. They are the cutest little brother and sister duo and are such sweet siblings. I had so much fun following them around (at least Pason!) and taking their photos. We snapped a few inside while they played with animals (Pason told me all their sounds) and made puzzles, or in Nora's case, stared wide eyed at the world. Afterwards, we slipped outside into their backyard for a few fall photos full of leafy goodness.
thanks for all the sweet comments! just want to clarify that these are not my siblings, but are some kiddos I took photos of the other day!

apple cider saturdays

My grandpa built his own apple press years ago, and every fall, we spend several Saturdays making cider (and apple sauce) out of the apples we've picked. Some of us are in the kitchen, cleaning apples, cutting and coring and slicing them, stewing them, drying them out for dried apples, or mashing and stirring them. The rest are outside, feeding the apples into the apple grinder, then putting them in the apple press, and finally, straining the apple cider into jugs. Busy Saturdays in a steaming kitchen, or a sticky (hornet happy) outside, but the result is the most delicious cider ever. We have seven milk jugs full of the sweet stuff. Homemade is truly best.

life as of late

on the way to ballet, we passed a random field and my mom pulled over, jumped out of the car, and said, "quick! let's take a picture!"
so we did.
This past week flew by so fast that I woke up yesterday and couldn't believe it was Friday already! It always amazes me that even when time flies, I still feel so busy. Ballet, school, work, and several short outings filled up my days fast. But sunrise watching, leaf-raking, and a coffee date with a friend were lovely respites in the midst of the craziness. However, I can safely say that I'm so glad that it's the weekend. Have any special plans for the next couple of days? Would love to hear them!