cold weather is here!

The world needs a few things..

1. heated steering wheels

2. heated pockets

3. a thermos that will boil water

4. heated socks

5. more indoor running tracks

Can you tell it's winter here already?

I want some things too...

1. to learn basic graphic design

2. a kitten or my cats to be here

3. more skinny jeans

4. more pomegranate green tea

5. three more hours in each day reserved for naps/chill-time.

I can't wait for Christmas break!!

As of right now, I am finished with three of my courses!

revenge?

Today was crazy. Two finals, an etiquette dinner, and lots of studying and preparation for the next few days. Today was also great. So many people said kind words to me or encouraged me and I got to spend time with my awesome sisters. Despite all the good, something heavy has been hanging over my head for the last two weeks.

I feel recently wronged by someone I care about, and even though they mean a lot to me, my first instinct is to defend myself and return the unkindness. Thinking this way made me feel super ugly so I took some time to think it over.

I decided had to take a breath and relax... and google. I literally googled: "what does the Bible say about retaliation?" and here it is folks..

"You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer the other cheek also." Matthew 5: 38-39

another good'n:

"You have heard the law that says 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 43-45

Essentially, when I read this and apply it to my situation, I get: When someone mistreats you, forgive them and respond with love. It is not our place to condemn or intentionally harm another. God loves us unconditionally, and to call ourselves his children, we must aim to be like him and show love to others, even when it is difficult.

How awesome would life be if everyone put those verses into action? Imagine the love and respect we would all have towards each other. It is definitely tough to be submissive to someone causing you pain, and being the hard-head I am, this will take extra patience. I'll admit, I knew that lesson was coming, but it is not like the plan I had a'brewin. But are we really THAT in charge of our plan anyways? I think I'll hand it over to THE ultimate plan maker and see how things go.

This is not at all the post I had in mind today. I wanted to write about my favorite teas and how much I freakin' love them! That can be saved for any day though. Maybe later tonight when I'm procrastinating!

I am so out of tune right now.

Feeling weird.

Love!

Yesterday I got the opportunity to attend my first ever engagement party! I must say, it was quite fun, made even better by the people it was held for!

The couple getting married consisted of my freshman year fish camp DG leader, Devin, and a guy I knew from an on-campus organization, Peter. Seriously two of the cutest, kindest, most deserving people I know.

Naturally I had to make them some kind of card, so I got all crafty and put something together using that graphic above I made. Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture before I delivered it to them, but rest assured it was spectacular!

To make the night even better, as I was saying goodbye the Devin, she asked if we could chat sometime about the wedding flowers! Literally nothing would make me happier than to chat about wedding flowers with a girl I look up to and admire. I am so excited for what might come of this! If nothing else, I get to experiment with growing cacti and cute succulent plants (her choices). Very pleased to help.

In other news, I wanted to cover some of my favorite clothing items for the season, but my iPhone camera really does not do them justice, so we'll have to wait a few weeks for Christmas break!

I don't have much else to say today. Just general happiness and joy, as per usual. Still awaiting the arrival of all my awesome Etsy presents.

I hope everybody is having a great day. If not, let's go hole up at Sweet Eugene's with chai lattes and study and chit chat! It's that kind of evening.

Love to all!

rambling..

In personal news, this is my first post from my new Macbook Pro! I am so happy to be part of the technologically advanced population. I feel so chic and high-tech!

Anywho...

Today was a sad day for me. First of all, I had to come back to College Station early in preparation for finals. How depressing! But more importantly, the time came for me to put away my spring/summer clothes and break out the winter wear. Unfortunately there is no autumn weather here in CStat, only blazing hot or freezing cold, so there isn't really a place for my 14 cardigans or adorable 3/4 length sweaters. (single tear)

I generally never classify my clothes in seasons, but today I realized, it is the true mark of a stylish person to accept the task of putting away cotton sundresses and coral-colored knee-length skirts when the weather gets cold.

Also, I'm etsy obsessed!

Since last year, my family has been practicing a gift-giving habit called "wabi-sabi," which basically means shop local, buy recycled items, repurpose old things, make what you can by hand, and be kind to the earth while you do all of it! I really love Etsy because it helps me fulfill a few of those goals and buy something more meaningful than a gift card or something bought from a chain store. Many thanks to Pinterest as well for all the DIY inspiration. I'd post pictures of what I've bought but it would give away several Christmas gifts for my loved ones! We don't want that now do we?

I DID buy this laptop case though. SO CUTE!

celebrity style crush

I have a confession.

Everytime a see a new picture or video or interview of Zooey Deschanel, I want to be her a little bit more. If you've seen New Girl on Fox, you probably share my obsession.

Zooey is the perfect celebrity. She stays out of the spotlight, married an adorable indie rock star

(Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie), seems totally nerdy, has perfect hair, and wears adorkable, modest, retro-chic clothes. I love her.

real talk

It is extremely easy to get caught up in our own problems.
I, for one, struggle nearly everyday with feeling sub par, invisible, not thin enough, not attractive enough; constantly comparing myself to others. Being in an organization where I am surrounded by gorgeous girls 24/7 really doesn't help eliminate these thoughts.

In Anchored in Faith last week we learned when we compare ourselves to others, we generally deal with those insignificant feelings in three ways:
1. Striving - trying to be what we're not, attempting to be like the people we envy.
2. Sulking - we take those feelings and dive into a rut, giving in to our negative self-image.
3. Seeking - A lucky few can say they instantly turn to God, remember they live for an audience of ONE, and go on their merry way, knowing they were made to be exactly as they are.
Unfortunately, I can't say that my first reaction is seeking. First I sulk a little, then strive to be what I am not, and later after a shower and a run and maybe some retail therapy, I can comfortably seek. How awful is that? I forget I was created in the image of someone PERFECT and He is constantly watching me and is SO PROUD of me! Who am I to deny that?
Something awesome to meditate on:

Psalms 55: 22 Cast your burden on the LORD,

and he will sustain you; he will never permit

the righteous to be moved.

He wants all our troubles and our burdens. Dealing with something heavy? Give it up. Hating on yourself for this or that? Lay it on him! There is a silly billboard I used to pass driving from home to school and it says "Nothing is too big for God." It's an odd thing to see on a billboard, but is total truth. Our God is indescribable, eternal, so massive our minds can't even begin to fully understand Him, so why wouldn't we lean on him for strength in all seasons of our lives?
I found this written on the top of our bathroom mirror the other day..

1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

He can handle anything you throw his way. Don't ever think your issue is so heavy you have to go through it alone. It is a constant issue for me to remember that I am seen by God, and he made me just the way I'm supposed to be. I challenge you, if you're feeling less than awesome about your image or in some area of your life, take your worry and give it to God. And when you commit to letting him deal with it or heal you of some hurt, REALLY LET GO. If you find yourself thinking on it, just let it pass. You a.) are not meant to go through life alone, and b.) were made beautifully and perfectly!

Dude, today should be a great day.

gah!

I just finished writing a post, hit publish, and then realized my internet was not connected anymore, so everything was lost. I will make a huuuge update tomorrow after my sorority's philanthropy event.
Awesome things have been happening left and right!
Can't wait to write about them.
Lots of love!