Reflections of the past

The past few days have inspired a few reflections on past events. 

On Sunday, the kids from youth group went roller blading... and a bunch of us dressed up 80's style. I had no idea how much work that hair was! I have a new appreciation for the photos of my parents that we've previously made fun of. We had a blast, but there is no way that I'd be willing to put that much effort into my hair and makeup on a daily basis. It was super great to look through old albums and to wonder what my kids will think about the pictures they see of me. 

In a different reflection, I was remembering back to a year ago as I finished up my one year Bible reading plan yesterday. A year ago in February I wasn't really reading consistently and I didn't really know where to start. I found a chronological plan, which I had never done before and decided to use that. At that point, a certain friend of mine reorganized the entire plan so that it started on February 24th instead of January 1st and offered to do the plan with me for accountability. I was very blessed by it back then, even more so a year later as we are finishing it up together. Maybe he thought that if we read together that we'd get to spend more time together... I guess it kind of worked out according to his plan, haha :) Time to start a new reading plan!

//psalms//

Sometimes singing is hard, especially when days aren't glamorous or pretty. But God's love is steadfast. I am so thankful that His love for me is not based on how smooth of a day I have. Therefore, because of Christ's sacrifice and wonderful grace I will sing and make music. 

Design

I was tired of the way my room was set up, so last weekend I decided to clean and reorganize. It is such a good feeling to have a tidy room and I was even able to add some designs (inspired by Pinterest of course).  There isn't much else going on around here besides snow, work, and school. Opportunities to update and be creative are rare but very enjoyable!

//psalms//

Truth is sometimes a struggle to hold on to and lies so easily creep in. But there is hope to be found in truth, and I need to cling to that with everything I have. I want to fight but sometimes the doubt and fear seem ready to drown me. When I feel like this, the best way that I've learned to fight is through reading scripture. Psalms is a place of rest and peace and so much solid truth. Knowing this, I have decided to start one of these 52projects that I've been wanting to attempt. 

In order to inspire me to hold onto truth, take pictures, and expand my editing practice, I have decided to start a photo project based around the book of Psalm. My goal is to turn photos that I take into designs, using verses from Psalms, and maybe other books as well. I'm going to aim for one a week, but I'm also not going to be stressed about it. 

California and sweet rosy sunshine

I realize that this post is way overdue, but better late than never! And I could use some sunny memories today anyways. 

It all started on Christmas morning when I was handed a box wrapped in gold paper. It wasn't heavy or unusually shaped but it contained the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten and probably ever will get. At first I thought it was just a super awesome Rose Bowl MSU t-shirt... and then my eyes found the golden piece of paper laying in the bottom of the box.  It was a certificate (my dad loves to make certificates) for five days and four nights in Los Angeles, California aaaannnndddddd a ticket to the ROSE BOWL with my dad!!! I think my jaw came unhinged for about 20 minutes after that as I tried to fathom how epic this was. I didn't have much time to prepare as we hopped on a plane just four days later. 

When our plane landed, I immediately fell in love with the delicious sunshine. 

The view from my hotel room... Dear MI, this is what December should look like!

Everyone, meet my little friend Leroy. I was taking pictures and walking the shoreline when I noticed a dog swimming in the close waves. Then I realized that it wasn't a dog, Leroy is a seal :) I watched him for probably ten minutes as he swam up and down the tiny waves in front of me. He was so close to shore and it was really neat to see creation in front of me like that!

We went to the L.A. Zoo one afternoon and I enjoyed walking through the different exhibits... but I was on a the search for one specific exhibit.

Yupppp! This is the one I wanted to see! After walking around the giant elephant pen for about half an hour we finally were able to see them having dinner. 

Purely adorable!

Hugging a palm tree for Mom 

So the story... because my dad gives talks at conferences around the world he ends up knowing a ton of people. As it ends up, the company responsible for the grass on the Rose Bowl field had two tickets that they offered to my dad (because he knew them of course) as well as hotel accommodations and a tour of the field the day before the game. 

Although the tour excited my dad a little more than it did me, I still thought it was fantastic that I actually got to walk on the field and be this close to the logo! I learned plenty of facts about the maintenance of the field as well :}

  

After our tour, we drove through the Rose Parade route and into downtown L.A. for the MSU pep rally. They estimated that over 10,000 fans showed up to get excited and watch the MSU basketball game on the big screens. 

The Rose Parade was alright... I'd prefer to watch it on TV but it was a fun experience

Although the Rose Bowl was clearly the highlight of the trip, I did kind of forget that it was the climax. I had been enjoying the sunshine and the touring and the beaches but then we showed up at the stadium and it all came rushing in with a wave of adrenaline. 

We took our seats and I looked out at the mountains in the distance and felt the sun on my back. After the first couple minutes I was kind of disappointed with MSU's start and I kept telling myself to just enjoy the experience and not be sad about the outcome because this was a once in a lifetime thing. But then as the game progressed, a small part of me began to think about how cool it would be if the Spartans won. 

The final minutes were nearly torturous as I could imagine a win, but I could also picture a devastating loss. 

And then they did it! They pulled out a win! Talk about adrenaline rush now... my heart had been pounding so fast in hopeful anticipation and then with a victorious leap from a back up player it was over. We won and the whole trip was instantly wrapped up in a rosy red bow. 

We headed home early the next morning, smiles still on our faces and traces of sunshine on our cheeks. Granted, I think I made Michigan pretty upset because then it decided to spit up snow all over the place for a month to try to make me forget about California and warm sunny joy. Don't worry CA, I won't forget about you.

Thats my story about the best Christmas present I've ever gotten. I was massively charmed by Cali and I wouldn't mind going back there someday (the cost of living is crazy and there is that thing about it falling off the world, but besides that it is pretty nearly perfect).