summer lovin'.

summer is: strawberry lemonade, sandals, lightning bugs, tan lines, lots of sunshine, iced coffee, italian ice, VBS, cut-off shorts, sno-cones, drive-with-two-fingers-cause-the-steering-wheel-is-too-hot kind of days, freedom, fun in the sun, warm southern breezes, makin' memories, s'mores, windows down; music up, picnics, fireworks, fresh veggies, that fresh-cut grass smell, wildflowers adorning the highways, sweet tea in a mason jar, bright-colored nails, blowing bubbles, bare feet, pool days, watching a sunset from the porch swing, root beer floats, bbq's, garden-fresh salads, ice cream, bonfires, outdoor concerts, beachy hair, flip flops, and road trips.

summer isn't just a season; it's a feeling, it's a memory. it's a time when you just smile and feel the sunshine on your skin, 

the breeze in your hair, the sights of God's beautiful nature, and the company of loved ones.

three things.

one // the last post i wrote was quite vague, but for those wondering, i am okay. just some tough family stuff going on. 

two // if you'd like to sponsor or swap ads, i have my page set up. free ad swap code is AMBERDAWN

three // with google reader shutting down next week, i wanted to give updated social media links: 

blog lovin' || instagram || small town fashionista ||  twitter || tumblr || pinterest || facebook

in the hurricane.

the past week of my life was hard. though the pain won't ease up anytime soon, i find immense comfort in the shadow of His protecting wings. when everything around me came crashing down last thursday, i didn't cry. i didn't worry. truthfully, i felt nothing. at first, i thought i was just numb from the hurt i knew my family was about to experience, but i realized it was His peace showering over me. i prayed for His protection for my family and for my heart. i know how brutal small town gossips can be.

"dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  
for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  
so let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
james 1:2-4.

when troubles come, have joy. that's not the initial reaction i want to have, but i am choosing joy in Christ. it's easy to have faith when life is peachy keen. amen, hallelujah, God is good. but when life's storms come rolling in, that's when your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. i will praise You in this storm hurricane. i trust in my God because He is faithful, He is able, & He is for me.

"and when you feel the rain, call His name. He'll find you in the hurricane."

currently.

fun designs using the a beautiful mess app

▲creating:
- fun crafts for vbs.
- a cleaner, fresh workspace.
- more designs using a beautiful mess app. that app is like cheap therapy for me.

▲ listening: 
- "furious" - jeremy riddle.
- "let it shine" - all sons & daughters.
- "rise and sing" - fee.
- "You remain" - ryan fitzgerald.
- "radioactive" - imagine dragons.

▲ reading:
- harry potter, book four. i totally get all the hype about this series now.
- soaking in verses of comfort / psalm 34:18, nahum 1:7, psalm 9:9. 

▲ watching:
- the office. i just started season three. when jim was all like, i'm in love with you - cue the gasp and teary eyes. i'm such a girl.

▲ looking forward to: 
- VBS!
- the fourth of july. celebrating 'merica and mama's birthday, fireworks, grilling, family, cake, and root beet floats!
- june 27, 2014. transformers 4 comes out! yes, i realize that's a year from now. and yes, i have already asked off work.

▲ praying for:
- His eyes to see people as He sees them. during my time at falls creek, God worked on my hard heart toward certain people. people who are rude or lash out at others. they are that way for a reason. it's not my place to solve their problems, i just need to love them.
- comfort and protection for my family.

▲ making me happy:
- a blooming magnolia tree.
- falls creek memories.
- strawberry lemonade.
- spelltower.
- deuteronomy 31:6.
- knowing that God is in control, even when life is turned upside down. 

life via iphone.

falls creek 2013.

 boulder springs (aka the devil's bathtub) // the gum tree

  tabernacle // my daily chill // cross

 cool teepee // fishtail braid

boulder springs

i'm baaaaack!

falls creek was a blast. the worship band and speaker were amazing. i drank way too many icees and slushes, climbed the massive hill that led to our cabin about seven times a day, made new friends, learned valuable lessons, barely slept, laughed until my stomach hurt, and so much more. the memories i made will always be a reminder of the wonderful ways God works in my life. you know what's crazy? i took nine pictures the entire time i was there. what?! yes, i know. i'm kicking myself now. but hey, i was makin' memories.

- after morning worship on tuesday morning, one of my sunday school boys told me he didn't know i could sing. umm, i can't. he explained that when the worship band started playing, they thought i was up on stage because the girl looked just like me. (she had bangs, so she kinda did). it was an ongoing joke all week. kids would ask me if i was going to band practice or they'd tell me i sang great that night. i got a good laugh from that one.

- on the last night, we got to sit on the front row. it was awe-inspiring. the band was so great. but the best part was at the end when people came down front to accept Jesus as their Savior. tons of kids, crying, realizing their need for Jesus. amazing.

- i'm pretty sure i drank my weight in icees, slushies, and lemon chills.

- i swam in the lake. and it. was. freeeeezing.

all in all, i had so much fun. there were a few problems, but i know it was just the enemy trying to mess with our good time. i learned a lot about others. i know what to expect next time and can't wait until next year!


i started blogging HERE now! make sure to follow along!

to falls creek i go!

i'm soooo exciiiiited, and i just can't hiiiide it!
(if you just pictured jessie spano singing that in her room, give yourself 100 cool points. dang, i love saved by the bell.)
so why am i so excited, you ask? i am leaving for falls creek on monday!

most of my readership is from out of state, so some of you might wonder why someone would want to fall in a creek? falls creek is a youth camp located in the arbuckle mountains of southern oklahoma. each week, thousands of students and sponsors travel to spend five days of worship, fellowship, and activities with friends. i have been to FC numerous times, but this is my first year as a sponsor. i am excited to hang with my sunday school kids and spend time with Jesus this week!

so far, i have packed... nothing. oops. i have a legitimate reason: with all the severe weather in oklahoma the past few days, i have been preoccupied. but alas, i must start packing today. this afternoon. or this evening. (i have a feeling the actual answer is tomorrow.)

cell service is shady in the mountains, so i will be back online next week. if you think about it during the week, please say a prayer for us. i want these kids to soak in all God has in store for them while having fun at the same time. hope everyone has a great week!

ps: how is it already june?!