The Perfect Timing

happy december :) a few days ago I asked my wonderful friend Annie if she had any ideas for a blog post. And now here I am writing an entire blog post because I loved her response. [Side note- She has no idea I included this in my blog, but shoutout to her for the sweet questions and insight.] This was her word-for-word response: "As a faithful subscriber to your blog I wanna know either 1) What God is teaching you, 2) What you are thankful for, or 3) What's challenging you these days." First, the answer made me laugh but then I thought about the questions seriously. :) And "timing" popped right into my head. Often I hear from others or find myself quoting the following words- "It just wasn't the right timing." We often all want good things to happen in our lives, but too often we want it now.. not later. I have trouble understanding why something "wasn't the right timing" when it appears to be the perfect timing (in my eyes). This is the outlook I find myself having when I am trusting in myself. Here's the situation though- I don't even know the right timing, let alone the perfect timing. But thankfully God does. 

So here's my answer to not only one, but all three of her questions- 1) God is teaching me to trust in His timing. 2) I am thankful that I don't know the perfect timing or what my life will look like in a few years. 3) Finally, I am challenged to not trust in what I believe is right, but to trust in Him who knows all things and will work all out for my good and His glory. And this is just a little of how the perfect timing has changed my perspective, my understanding, and ultimately my whole life-

In certain situations in the past, I've found myself wishing I could look at my life a year from now and see how a certain "trial" or situation was going to work. However, I've learned how the tendency to want to know exactly how my life will "play out" can be detrimental. God is teaching me the ways I need to leave situations and things alone, and be okay with not knowing the outcome. I first saw this outlook as, "Be okay with not knowing if everything in the end will be okay." But, now I view it as, "Trust God that everything will be okay because His timing is perfect." I'm learning to trust the One that knows all things and accept that I will not always know the answer to questions or outcomes to situations. Trust me, I am so so far from fully understanding how perfect God's timing is. But if I say "yes" to accepting God's timing in this stage of my life, I'm able to rest in the assurance that He will work all things for good. You can say yes to accepting His timing too. 

I've also experienced the sweetness in not knowing the timing of things. Looking back on my life, if I would've known how much longer problems would've taken to work themselves out fully, I probably would've given up much quicker. But thank goodness I didn't know the timing, because the growth and rewards that have come from the challenging times are far more worth it. I didn't know that would be the case at the time though. Our lives would be so drastically different if we were given the answers, if we didn't have challenges, if we knew how each day would begin and end. There is beauty in the unknown. There is beauty in the reward's one will experience from living by faith.

Looking over at other's "paths of life" with jealousy can also be a hinderance to fully trusting in God's perfect timing. Each person has had to walk through the darker, harder times to get to the light. Maybe someone is thriving in the "light" while you find yourself still in the "dark". But don't be discouraged. If anything, seeing the results of those who have trusted God's plan through the dark and now are enjoying treasures in the light should be an encouragement to you. 

I find myself losing sleep over decisions I have to make or situations I need to address. I wonder if the timing is right, that is if the timing in my own eyes seems right. I wouldn't be losing sleep in the first place if I had entrusted these decisions, situations, or issues to God. Learning to understand and accept that I don't know the perfect timing for every situation is sometimes hard to accept. But when I open my eyes and see how God has shaped me throughout my life, I am assured that God is in control. God has the perfect timing. All we have to do is trust in it. 

When God tells us to wait, He does so because of how much He loves us. All things will work for our good and for God's glory. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

summer full of lessons :)

Just a lil bit behind on keeping up with the blog! It's almost winter and I'm posting something I wrote this summer. ha ha ha...... OH WELL. Sharing this little piece I wrote at the end of my summer and didn't get around to posting. I find it so interesting rereading what I had learned and realizing that I am continuing to be challenged and learn more in each of these areas of my life daily. Such a sweet truth to recognize how many times I mess up but how many more times God sheds immense grace and love over my life.
------

August 15, 2016 

Over this summer I was graced with learning a lot of "little life lessons". And I learned each and every one of them from messing up and making mistakes. I think mistakes are beautiful for this reason. I make a whole bunch of mistakes and mess up quite often. I'm learning to embrace the mistake and learn the lesson. My summer was exciting, adventurous, wonderful, full of love, and joyous. It was also very busy, challenging, frustrating, humbling, and tested my patience. Through this, I've learned how important embracing, recognizing, and sharing my mistakes are. But even more so, I have realized how important the lessons I have learned should be shared.

We all have learned lessons over the years that either our family, friends, or God has taught us. Whether the lessons were learned from mistakes made, or simply taught before you were to make a mistake- I believe accepting your faults and sharing the knowledge you learned from messing up is beautiful. There is grace in telling the truth, letting down your pride, and being open about what you were taught in the process. I love lessons. I have learned several lessons this summer. I thought today I would share a few with you. :) 

Here are a few of the wonderful little lessons I learned this summer -- 

1. Find joy in loving people. I love being around people, talking to people, & hearing their stories. Sometimes I feel the burden of constantly trying to be joyful, instead of seeing the beauty in loving others. Romans 12:8-  "If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

2. People are watching you and looking up to you. Set a good example. Live joyfully.

3. Enjoy what you eat. Don't look upon your body in a negative way. Negative thoughts are the enemy. Don't wish for someone else's life or body. Look at yourself as unique and original. Proverbs 23:7- "As a man thinks in his heart, so he becomes."

4..  Don't depend on others for happiness. Although sometimes this goes without saying, I often need the simple reminder that my friends and family do not always have the perfect answer. I was taught that I need to make decisions for myself, because I know myself better then anyone else does. I was also shown that God has the answer I am searching for and that I need to look to Him first.

5. Social media can bring you down. Don't look to it for approval. If it stresses you out toss it out for a bit. You can't let others define your life. Be happy with you :)

6. Be a bible-bearing Christian vs a bible-beating Christian. Self explanatory, but convicting and powerful. Share God's love. Don't beat down others for not.

7. Fake it till you make it. Smiling even when you are upset actually makes you a little less upset. Try it :) Force the smile, and you'll notice your heart becoming a little softer and quite a bit less angry

8. Stop thinking too much. I think about the past, present, and future way too often. It's alright to not know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it. Timing is apart of everything, and God's timing is far more perfect than ours.

9. How other people judge us is none of our business. What others may say or think of you is a reflection of them, and most likely has very little to do with you. Wonderful little truth to live by :)

10. Plans are for adjusting. Usually nothing turns out how I have planned, and I usually let it get to me. I've learned instead to ask for patience, and God will give you the people, opportunities, and circumstances to help you learn and grow in that way.

11. Be goofy. Be silly. Go out of your comfort zone. Show others how it's okay when you make a fool of yourself or say something really stupid. I embarrass myself ALL the time. But then I always have something to look back on and laugh at myself for :) "Be honest, be silly, be kind."

If I didn't make mistakes, I wouldn't have learned any of the above lessons. Thank God I messed up. I couldn't be more thankful for grace in failure. I love writing down lessons I believe I've learned- not only in hopes that I don't have to learn the lessons again- but also to look back and see the ways I have grown through my mistakes. Trust me though, I have not come close to grasping these different lessons and am continuing to be taught more each and every day. I can't wait to see what this next season of life will teach me.

-- peace and love,


        Lauren :)

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a glimpse of God's grace II: Ghana :)

ghana. africa. here we go.

I'm going to share a little about my time in Ghana first, but then comes the pictures and stories behind them. ENJOY! 

Ghana was an adventure. It was sad, heartbreaking, eye-opening, humbling, joyous, wonderful, bittersweet, and more. I felt every emotion, and my heart longed to love every single person I met there. I prayed I could meet their needs in every way possible. I wanted to change their lives. I still wish I could snap my fingers and make their lives just like mine. That's when God started to reveal my own pride and selfishness. The kind humans I met in Africa were not interested in anything I "had". Instead, they wanted a relationship with Jesus that far surpassed any needs I could give to them. I think I needed to witness Ghana- the terrible conditions, sanitation, begging children, and needs of the people- to fully understand how the children and adults I met are pleased with their country, but even more pleased with all God has given them.

I met the kindest, sweetest people. The children's hearts were full of love, happiness, and joy. I wanted to bring every child I loved on home. I didn't want to say goodbye. HIV and AIDS were a very large part of the lives I came in contact with in Africa. Many children had HIV, and no method of treatment to prevent the progression of their disease to AIDS. Such a horrific disease in such a sweet, small body. It isn't fair. I had to remind myself daily that God was watching over their lives, and loved them more then I ever could. My heart was constantly longing to love the children just a little bit more, even if I had just met them. While I was in Ghana, God showed me how big this world is and how vast His love is. My trust was challenged, and I had to lean completely on God. I wasn't comfortable. At times, I wondered what I was doing across the ocean from home and my family. But every time I questioned myself, God quietly reminded me that this time in Ghana wasn't only about myself. I was there to meet the needs of the people, love on orphans, and shine Jesus' light through my actions. *sign of relief because that is a pretty sweet job if you ask me*

I traveled to Ghana through Acts 2 Collective, a nonprofit organization united to care for the most vulnerable, for the spread of the Gospel. If it is placed on your heart to learn more about this organization, become involved, or go - check out www.acts2collective.org! My team to Africa was a small, quaint group of seven people. But what a diverse group it was - from one who is moving to Ghana indefinitely, to two of whom are living there for three months, and finally to a mother and daughter going to meet the sweet girl they are in the process of adopting. Before this trip, I didn't know one person I was traveling across the country with for a few weeks. (side note- How cool was my mom to let me travel 15 hours in an airplane across the world, to a country in AFRICA that she didn't know anything about, with a group of people she'd never met? Don't get me wrong, she was worried. But she trusted in Jesus and knew I was safe in His hands.)

Back to the precious people I met in Ghana. Our team was able to experience two different "cultures"/cities while in Ghana- Asikuma and Cape Coast. At both of these locations, the Acts 2 Collective organization has planted a Mission Center. Asikuma's center was filled with orphans, from the age of 1 to 15, while the Cape Coast Mission Center held women being rescued out of sex-trafficking and men recovering from drug abuse. Both situations broke my heart. But then I was able to witness God's love and mercy. Although these children didn't know their biological parents, they were so loved by the staff at the centers' and even more loved by Jesus. I was overcome with joy upon realizing how truly happy these "orphans" were. The kiddos hugged, kissed, and loved on us. They showed us Jesus through the light they shined for Him. [It wasn't always pretty, clean, or near perfect. Their lives were dirty and corrupt. Children begged for money and water. Trash was thrown on the street. People went to the bathroom anywhere on the road. The air was hard to breathe in at times.] BUT see, these imperfections were made beautiful through the kind, generous, courageous people in Ghana. They loved. They lived. They laughed. And did all of those to the fullest. Most Ghanians didn't let their circumstances affect their happiness. They were truly happy, truly joyous, and truly compassionate in the beautiful part of the world God choose to place them in. 

I could go on and share stories and memories that are on my heart and special to me. But instead, I'm going to share a few pictures, because through them all can see the beautiful eyes, hands, and feet that are just like ours. Miles and miles across an ocean is a beautiful continent {Africa} with a beautiful country {Ghana} that I had the privilege to travel to. My mind was blown away by God's love for the nations & my heart was torn apart and put back together more beautiful. I'd love to share more about my time in Ghana with anyone that would like, but for now I'll bring a little joy to your heart through these pictures and stories. 

"God is so good"... on the door of a mud hut. How sweet is that?! 

The sweet kiddos of the mission center and local school! Everyone wanted pictures of themselves. Lots and lots of pictures :)

This is Madjawa. She is a precious little angel of only one year. Madjawa was found in a trash can at only a few days old, and won't be an orphan for much longer. Praise God that she's in the process of being adopted! {And no, sadly I'm not the one bringing her back to the US soon.}

Our team traveled to the slum areas of Cape Coast on one of our last days. It was heartbreaking to see the conditions and corruptness in these areas, but extra special that we got to love on the children for a bit :)

these two. THEIR HAIR. From the sweet faces to the pretty rad hair styles, I quickly fell in love with both of them.

The local fish market. This was such a unique experience.
[Quick little side story] - The Ghanians that traveled with our team told us before we came to the market about how child trafficking is extremely large in this area. Adults will kidnap the children walking around the water and force them to fish for them. In some cases, if the children don't cooperate or do a good job - they are thrown overboard and left in the sea to die. It was heavy and hard to take in. When I look at these pictures, I pray for the children in Ghana that are in these situations. Because praying is one of the only and most impactful things I can do. 

 At the mission center we stayed at in Cape Coast, the staff had their children living with them there. This was tons of fun for our team since we got to spend every morning and night with the kiddos. Lots of hugs and lots of love. It truly never got old :) 

The most beautiful little girl I met in Africa. Isn't she precious?

I came across math problems on the side of a hut in Asikuma. Witnessing what the children around Ghana were learning about in school was very interesting.

This pretty girl gave me a tour of her school, and loved every minute of showing me around. She even posed for a picture at her school desk :) 

Missy here adored having her pictures taken and then looking at them. She would pose differently every time, and was quite talented with her moves. She also LOVED the key I wore each day that she's holding in her hand. [Giving Keys - www.thegivingkeys.com go check their meaning out] 

She'd take it off my neck and try it in every door. Unfortunately, she didn't have much luck with that :)  

COME ON. just look at her. and those side buns. I need to learn how to do those. 

a precious face and a kind heart. Her eyes shined with joy and her heart was filled with love. 

I love this photo for three reasons:

1) HOLY CUTE. This boy had more faces up his sleeve then anyone I've ever met. His emotions were hilarious. I probably took 30 different pictures of his faces. He was enjoying a piece of bread in this shot :) 

 2) The lady behind him. She lives in the small mud hut behind her, along with about 20 children whom she cares for. This woman has leprosy and no toes. She cannot walk. It is with stories like this that I put my life into perspective and realize my problems are really not that big or important. Thank God for eternal joy and happiness in Heaven. "So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last." -Matthew 20:16 came straight to my mind when I met this lady.  

    3) The bagged water next to the little boy, because this screams Africa. I got used to biting off the side of a plastic water bag and drinking out of that for a few weeks. Different is fun I have learned :)

If you know my dad, you know he LOVES giving his hats to everyone. So naturally I had a pile of hats in my suitcase to Africa! I got the sweetest picture ever of these two twins- Princess and Priscella- sporting their new favorite hats. This photo was all for dad :)

 I fell completely in love with this girl. She had one of those hugs that squeezes you tight and makes you smile real big. I met her only for a few hours, but she is on my mind daily. Her smile and grin can light up this world. WOW, how I wish that little monkey could be in my arms right now. This was our last day in Ghana. God truly provided in so many ways. The uncomfort I felt at the beginning of the trip was completely taken away by the grace God shed on this trip. I know why I was sent to Ghana, and I can only pray that I showed God's love to everyone I met. What a wonderful life this is. Praise God for Ghana. Praise God for orphans. Praise God for grace and eternal life. Where I'll hopefully get to see all these beautiful faces again, and love on them even more then. :)

thanks for reading friends. 

p.s. Go to Africa if the opportunity ever arises. You won't regret it. 

peace and love. why is summer going so fast. 

lauren xoxo

// college freshman year + a letter to high schoolers //

{Saying goodbye to a year of my life filled with learning, loving, and tons of laughing ~ thanks for a good time freshman year.} 
&
{Writing a letter of advice to you wonderful high schoolers who are ready for a "fresh start".}  

Here we go. :)

Trying to process the fact that I am already done with my first year of college is unreal. My life has changed in several ways, and I have learned more about myself in the past few months than I thought possible. The lessons learned, memories made, moments captured, and friendships created are priceless. I wouldn't trade the past months for anything. I have seen all of my flaws and mistakes exposed, and have been able to grow so abundantly because of them. School is hard. Trying to balance everything at once is scary and sometimes frustrating. I've learned to embrace the road bumps along the way and make the most of every moment.

Oh the adventures, memories, and stories of this past semester. Pictures on pictures of silly, spontaneous times, along with posed laughing pics (those are the best) - all caught on camera to remember forever. The excitement I have from knowing the next several years will only bring more adventures, memories, and new friendships brings me so much joy.

I have made some of the sweetest friendships. I cannot even explain how special my friends are to me, although at times I think they make me crazy. Thank you for sharing your hearts with this world and making it a better place everyday. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet these many kind-hearted people that have influenced my life and led me closer to You.

College has been more than I ever expected, especially since I was so scared to leave home and start on a new journey. I found so much comfort and joy throughout high school, in everything from sports to friendships. I absolutely loved my high school years, but towards the end remember being ready for something "fresh" or "different". It's incredible looking back on high school, and realizing all those times I thought the small dilemmas were going to be the end of me though. I didn't put anything into perspective, and wasn't able to realize that until this year. I am so thankful for my high school years, along with the friendships and memories I made with them, but I think everyone has a time when they wonder what the next step in life will bring. The freedom, the friendships, and the fun that comes with college is thrilling. I've learned so many lessons in the small time I've been at college, and have witnessed truths I had never recognized before. But as I look back on my four years of high school, I wouldn't trade what they taught me, and what they are still teaching me now, for the world. I decided to write a letter of "advice" to you wonderful human beings who are so ready for this "fresh start" of college.

--dear high schoolers,

What you have heard over and over is true. The best is yet to come. High school is not your whole life. It really doesn't matter how many friends you have or how popular you are. I promise. You are so loved by Jesus, and your joy isn't going to come from other people's approval. Stop working hard to impress others, especially boys. Your heart doesn't deserve to be broken or let down by a relationship that may not be meant to be. You will find someone who thinks the world of you, loves your flaws, and who makes you the better version of yourself. It's not a race to who can find that person first though. Everyone has a different story. God has a plan for your story. Trust in it.

College is a whole new world. You get to choose the life you want to live, and how you want to be seen by others. Don't get too wrapped up in what others think of you right now. I've been there, and done that. Let me tell you, it is really not worth it. Do what you love. Love who you are. Stand up for others.

Be the one to stop judging others and start encouraging others to live for Jesus. Stop living for the world, because you will only be let down. You are enough and you don't have to be something that you are not to fit in with the crowd. Every little thing that goes wrong in high school is not the end of the world.

I challenge you to focus on the positives and make a difference in people's lives. High school can be a tough time for people, and imagine the impact you could have on someone by spreading kindness and being a light of positivity. Cherish your time with close friends and family. Be kind and love always. Be patient. You will get what you deserve, whether in a few days or five years. But, if something is not meant for you, then you deserved better. I promise you will be rewarded for your patience, and God will bless your life more than you could ever imagine.

You are special and loved. I can't wait for you all to experience college, but know your time in high school is precious and can never be returned. Make the most of it. :)
--

much love & HAPPY SUMMER,
~Lauren

XOXOXO

confidence

Blogging on confidence tonight :) Confidence enables us to reach our goals, try new things, and stand independently. But there's a tricky part ~ confidence comes from believing in yourself. 

I'm afraid of making mistakes. We are all afraid of making the mistake that would ruin our lives. However, is there really such a thing? If we made every mistake that we feared would ruin us, our lives wouldn't be ruined. They would be very different and changed. But they wouldn't destroy us. 

Confidence is a learned skill. Comparing myself to the world or to others' lives is the thief of joy. I'm still learning the importance in recognizing your blessings and others' blessings, and keeping the two separate. It is entirely up to us to determine how much we are worth and matter. It is up to me to decide how I make meaning in the world, and up to you to decide how you do.

{Galatians 6:4 -- "Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won't need to compare himself with someone else."}

{Romans 12:6-7 -- "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."}

keep in mind :)

--- You were designed on purpose, with intention, love, and care. 

--- You are broken - terribly broken - but the One who made you can also bind you up and make you whole. 

---You have hope- real hope for the next moment and season, for a lifetime and forever. 

Pastor and teacher Tim Keller explained it in this way: 

"We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time were are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." 

We don't have any reason to be confident in ourselves without Jesus. We are nothing. But when you add Jesus in the equation, you have every reason to find confidence in yourself through Him.  

It is so simple. But so profound. And much more difficult done than said.

We were intricately created. Each of you has many talents I don't have, but that I wish I could gain. Focusing on these "desired qualities" prevents us from recognizing all the positive talents and gifts we were given. You are not less worthy than someone else because they "hold" something you don't. We are discrediting God's power and beauty by not loving who God made us to be.

God created you specifically because the world needs a you. 

I am continuing to learn more everyday about trusting Jesus and putting my confidence fully in Him. Not letting the world define you is difficult. I'll leave with you the "keys to confidence" I have found to be true, challenging, and encouraging:

Never say or think negative things about yourself. Speak good about others. Stop comparing. Focus on your potential. Have the courage to be different. Learn to deal with criticism. Don't let the way another person treats you determine your worth. Stay positive. Place your worth in what Jesus thinks of you. Place your confidence in Him, not in this world. Confidence in Jesus is key. 

{{Jeremiah 17:7 -- "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who confidence is in Him."}}

You are special and unique. How cool is it that the same God that created the mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too.

happy spring! <3
~lauren 

whimsical, profound love. {Bob Goff's kind.}

Recently I read "Love Does" by Bob Goff. Bob is an ordinary guy living an extraordinary life. His story invites us to step into that kind of life. You can't help but be filled with joy after witnessing his evident radiance and passion for loving others and loving life. If you haven't read his book, you're missing out on a breath of fresh air and an impactful message to say "Yes" to anything presented before you. For those of you who have read it, you know just how whimsical it is. 

As I read through the book, I jotted down quotes or sayings I felt really hit home for me. I was struck by the truth and powerfulness of some of Bob's messages and stories. Below are a few of Bob's quotes that opened my eyes to view aspects of life in a different, brighter way. I expanded on the message I received from the quotes and how they affected me. I hope the lessons drawn from Bob's life might inspire you, as they have me, to be "secretly incredible" too. 

• "I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.”

This quote made me stop reading and think. Think a lot. There is such an abundance of truth in these few words. Why am I so consumed with succeeding at every little aspect of life? I am so afraid of failing. It had never crossed my mind that I might be spending all my energy trying to succeed at things that are not important or don't matter. God talked about losing our job, or even our life, if we want to find it. He doesn't want our failures to shut us down, but instead, He wants to be there to pick us up and show us the right way. 

• "I used to think I had to act a certain way to follow God, but now I know God doesn't want us to be typical."

I think so many people believe they have to be a certain person or follow a certain set of rules to follow God. I used to think so too, and still find myself trying to "impress" God. Bob proved this wrong, with his story and with his life. For Bob, it was Jesus plus nothing. As Bob said, "We could leave all of the comparisons and all of the trappings and all of the pretending of religion." Jesus told us we would know the extent of our love for God by how well we loved people. It is so sweet to know that we are not judged for how "religious" we are, but for how we show love and kindness to others. Jesus told us to leave typical behind. 

• "Grace works that way. It's a kind word from a gentle person with an impossible prayer." 

God delights in answering our impossible prayers. Bob's message was as simple as this: "And God says to ordinary people like me and you that instead of closing our eyes and bowing our heads sometimes God wants us to keep our eyes open for people in need, do something about it, and bow our whole lives to Him instead." Woah. My life was just sort of rocked after reading that.

• “I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.” 

This was one of Bob's ongoing themes throughout his story. "Just say YES." If you are anything like me, I am terrified of many things and not brave enough to say Yes to just anything. Through reading this chapter in Bob's book, I was pushed beyond my boundaries and shown that God sometimes uses the completely inexplicable events in our lives to point us toward Him. One of my favorite lines of Bob's was this: "God is always trying to save lives, and it seems like He usually uses the least likely people to do it." 
-- Maybe that will be me and you. :) 

• "I used to think being loved was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never satisfied just thinking about it." 

I enjoyed this section of the book immensely. I believe everyone, at some time, has thought about being loved and how incredible it is. I am guilty of this, definitely. It is so easy to imagine a world where you are loved by each person and love each person to the same measure. But how is that realistic? You can't love my just thinking about it. Bob nailed this point. As he shared in this story, "Being engaged is a way of doing life, a way of living and loving. It's about going to the extremes and expressing the bright hope that life offers us. Love never grows tired or is completely finished finding ways to fully express itself."

• "When we get our security from Christ, we no longer have to look for it in the world, and that's a pretty good trade." 

I would have to agree. That is a pretty good trade. It is so common to search for our security in the world- whether through people, things, or feelings. It is also exhausting constantly trying to be accepted or impress someone. Bob explains that we don't have to waste our time searching for acceptance in the world: "The cool thing about taking Jesus up on His offer is that whatever controls you, doesn't anymore. People who used to beg for acceptance are now strong enough to give love."

• "Following Jesus looks like dealing with all of the issues everyone else does and having your mind change all the time as you learn how Jesus would've dealt with things."

How true this is. I used to think that I would be "cured" of all issues if I followed God. I was SO incorrect. I have learned that when following Jesus I deal with disappointments, unexplainable joy, uncertainty, and every other emotion. However, my perception of how I should deal with these issues has changed incredibly because of Jesus. Jesus once said, "You once thought this, but now I tell you that it's different."

• "Be palms up."

Bob shares that when your palms are up toward the sky you have an easier time being calm, honest, and accurate. I didn't quite catch on to this phrase at first or its connection. But when I eventually did grasp its meaning, I couldn't let go of it. Being palms up means you have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose. Palms up means you are strong enough to be vulnerable, even with your enemies. Jesus was palms up, to the end. 

• "Leak what you love. Leak Jesus." 

Nothing can hold back God's love and our creativity. Love never follows the rules we try to give it, and God's love doesn't take no for an answer. So what is stopping you from leaking Jesus, from leaking God's love?

• "Simply put: love does."

Bob Goff wanted everyone to hear this one: "If I have learned one thing, it's that love does whatever is takes to multiply itself and somehow along the way everyone becomes a part of it. You know why? Because that's what love does." 
~

I was invited to dream bigger through Love Does. To imagine that God is doing something bigger than we could ever grasp. I found myself eager and inspired to say Yes next time a crazy adventure presents itself. I have been challenged to put away my list of excuses, and just do. Hopefully you found this same eagerness through Bob's unique and profound words.

I saved one of my favorite quotations of Bob Goff's with which to end: "Words spoken by kind people have the ability to endure in our lives. If you want to receive, you give. If you want to lead, you follow." Encourage others, be kind and whimsical, and use your words to change lives. Love is never stationary. Love DOES. 
:)

with love,
// Lauren //

// looking back on 2015 //

WOWZA. what a year.

looking back on an entire year is a reminder of how times change and you are shaped into the person you are meant to be. It is so sweet to see how God moves us in the direction He has in store. 2015 was a crazy, spectacular, adventurous roller coaster of a year that I would never take back. 365 days of learning and living and loving.

2015 started a little like this with {second semester of senior year}--
from sports to dances to graduation, the last semester of my high school years was a little bit of a whirlwind. It was a semester I will never forget though, and so very sweet for many reasons. Experiencing many "lasts" and realizing I won't be around the people I knew so well for very much longer. Graduation was a bit of a reminder of just how soon life was going to get real different.

 on to {summer} ~ filled with lots of family, friends, & adventures

// and to {college}. Iowa has been incredible. The friendships that have been created are so sweet and genuine, and the memories and adventures are so abundant and exciting. Trying to process the fact that I am already done with my first semester of freshman year is unreal. My life has changed so dramatically, and I have learned more about myself in the past few months than I thought possible.  I wouldn't trade the past four months for anything. Trying to balance everything at once is scary and sometimes frustrating, but I've learned to embrace the road bumps and trust God along the way. //

{thanksgiving break} with this crew :) 

{& finally ending the semester and year with these sweet faces}

2016, I can't wait to see what you have in store.

Lauren :)