Humbled by my best friend in life.

Always give people the benefit of the doubt. I am not always good at doing this, but Jeremy is. He has taught me to love people and always know that my first impression of someone is ALWAYS wrong. And who am I to judge? I feel like we are often arrogant and subconciously think we are better than other people. But, Jeremy has humbled me because he is the one person in my life who puts others first, listens intently to anyone who talks to him and doesn't judge. I hope to one day have these qualities that Christ has given Jeremy Dean.

This morning.

I like to open my window in the morning so I can hear the birds talking to each other and the wind rustling the trees as if to say "Good morning!" I like hearing the cars woosh by and the bugs buzzing around. All of these sounds remind me that the world is alive. The mornings are a time of reflection for me. Itis a time to sit down and remember that the Lord is the creator, the sustainer and the giver of life.

This morning I decided to brew a cup of declicious coffee from the shop (thanks to Michele). As I sip my coffee I am reminded of my blessings...which are abundant. Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you for the sun, the wind, my coffee, my family, Jeremy, my friends and this season of rest. I don't want to wish it away or try to make myself busy. Teach me to love the time that I have alone, especially this morning.

The beginnings of summer

 1. Dinner with my housemates, Lauren and Corey. Conversations consiting of what Harry Potter house we would be in, which Lord of the Rings character we would be, and what kind of animals we would be.
2. Watching Thor with friends and singing loudly in the car on the way home.
3. Bike rides in the pouring rain with Liz.
4. Light pictures with my housemates.
5. Home made pizza with the Pasmas on the South Hill
6. Cinnamon rolls and tea for breakfast with my lovely Nana.
7.  Long walks in the park with Ali Johnston.
8. Sleepovers and Notting Hill with Holli Godare.
9. Reading East of Eden in the sun.
10. Drinking a soy vanilla latte outside of Starbucks on a breezy day.
11. Baking Delicious chocolate chip cookies with Jo Jo.
13. Discovering Paradise tea in Kennewick, Washington.

A quiet joy.

I am constantly reminded through prayer that I will never be fulfilled by anything in this world. Happiness does not come from a life filled with appointments, tests, schedules and internships. Happiness does not come from reading books or drinking tea or even spending time with people. Happiness does not exist but something even better does...joy. Joy comes from a life of purpose in Jesus Christ.

I am remided of this when I think the "next thing" in life will be better. But, then summer comes and I no longer have any papers to write, tests to take or grades to stress about...but I am still not fulfilled. Last night I read the first few chapters in Romans and was encourged by a life of righteousness through faith. Christ gives me joy...joy in reading, in loving others and in loving Him. But the things of this world do not bring happiness in themselves.

I want to live a life of purpose. Looking back on this year I am reminded of my mistakes and failures that God turned into opportunities for growth and for purpose. I am nothing without Christ. When I am reminded of my true fulfillment, that is when I can find joy in reading a book for fun. I find joy in loving my family and giving to others. The world tells us to live for ourselves but selfishness only brings sadness. This summer I pray that my life is filled with purpose, growth and joy. I want to know God who gives me a desire to know other people.