How A School Field Trip Changed My Walk With God

Yes, a school field trip.

I’ll say it loud and proud.

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with my school to the Georgia State Capitol for a program called TeenPact, a student leadership organization designed to get teens involved in government while learning about Christ. (I’d highly encourage you to check it out- it’s hosted in almost every state!)

Despite the fact that I’m promoting it right now, I was absolutely dreading it. I knew literally 2 people from my campus who were going, we had to wear knee-length skirts the whole week, and there was a ton of homework to complete. Yippee.

But I should have known that God uses stuff like that.

He used my fear of starting a new school to bring friendships into my life and give me confidence, He used my terror of going to Portugal this spring to draw me into His heart, and He used my wariness of so many group events to show me that I loved being around people. Like, a lot.

So why couldn’t I trust Him with this?

Under Fire

I know, I know.

It’s been months since I published anything.

I’ve read all the blog posts about keeping your blog alive, absorbed all the advice about posting on a consistent schedule, yet when I sat down to write the post… nothing came. 

That was terrifying to me!! Writing is what I love best, and the fact that I just could not do it was like a toddler meeting Santa for the first time.

It was the unknown. The scary.

I was determined to know just why I was in such a creative burnout for such a long time, so I took some more time off and did some real deep thinking about what had changed. Y’all, one thing was so common.

Comparison.

When God is God

Hi, friends!!

It feels so stinkin’ good to be back in the groove of writing. I’m planning on finishing my book during NaNoWriMo this November, and I can’t wait to tell you about it, but today is not that day…

After a friend texted me and confided in me something that she had experienced, and since I had had close to the same experience, I wanted to write and shine a little flicker of hope into this feeling we all share at some point in our lives.

This post was so, so hard to write- I wasn’t sure what to say or how to say it. I pray that it touches you and encourages you that you’re not alone and that God doesn’t allow painful things for nothing. Let’s jump in!

A Letter to my 5th Grade Class

Hi, friends!!

it’s been a long few weeks of last-minute summer trips, starting school, and creative burnout.

“Hold up, I didn’t hear that right. You go missing for FIVE WEEKS, and you call it burnout??”

Yepsolutely. It was like that scene in Big Hero 6 where Hiro bangs his head on the table. I feel you, man.

BUT.

I’m back, and fired up- because today, I get to talk about some of my favorite people in the universe!! Just last month, I started to assist in a 5th grade Sunday school class.

And what a joy it’s been.

I have so many hopes, dreams, and prayers for my girls, and I thought it would be nice to document them so that I can look back and see how God has moved.

Are you ready? Me too. Girlies, this is for you!!

Internet Friend Friday #4 // Ella R.

Hi, friends!!

It’s once again time for Internet Friend Friday, and I could not be more excited about today’s post. My favorite (and only) sister wrote a powerful message on living our lives on mission for Christ. I’m completely stunned by her insight- and I know you will be, too!! Be sure to encourage her in the comments! Let’s dive in, because I can’t wait any longer…

It’s Time to be Brave

Hi, friends!!

I hope you’re all having a great week, whether you’re back in school or hanging onto those last days of summer vacation.

As summer comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about the ways I can influence my school and church during my sophomore year. With all the tragedy that daily strikes our fallen world, it’s up to us to be a spark of hope. This battle will rage on until Jesus returns and wins it forever, but He’s given us the leadership and influence to help heal hearts.

Of Highest Worth

Hi, friends!!

What a crazy July it’s been- birthdays, trips, and even guest posts! I never meant to take a hiatus, but it sort of slid into my brain that I needed one. Now, I’m back and on fire!

Internet Friend Friday #3 // Abby Franklin S.

Hello, lovelies! ❤

Today is going to be a tiny bit different. That’s because I’m actually one of Annie’s friends, Abby Franklin. *waves* I asked to fill in for Annie Cate today while she’s having an adventure down in Orlando.

If we don’t know each other, it’s so nice to meet you! I’m Abby Franklin and I’m a writer, blogger, and absolute ninja fanatic. It’s such an honor to be able to share on Annie’s blog. She’s got so much to say, y’all.

It was on my heart this week to talk about a time when I was reminded to push through loss and stay positive in the hard times through the obscure power…. of a t-shirt.

“My Favorite Things” Tag + A Letter to my Freshman Year

Hello, friends!

You know, blogging has become a way of life for me these past few months. I used to forget to post, stress over the blog’s design, and hide my blog away from the world (most of the time unintentionally).

Now… Change has taken over. Though I sometimes miss a week or two, I’m way more consistent in my blogging life. I still want my blog to look beautiful and appealing, but I realize that the design isn’t as important as having an outlet for my words and ideas.

And most of all, I’ve found some of my best blogging buddies through Annie Cate Anderson!! I’ve been able to have meaningful conversations about God’s nature, change, and celery sticks. (Thanks, Grace! XD)

I’ve also been tagged three times in the past month for blog awards and tags. Two were for the Sunshine Blogger Award (you can read this here), while one was for the “My Favorite Things” tag.

This tag is so adorable and creative, so let’s hop right in!

Sunshine Blogger Award

Hey, Friends!!

I’ve been so behind on blog awards lately that I thought I’d share them both in one big post! I was tagged by 2 lovely ladies for a super creative and fun award: the Sunshine Blogger Award. It’s circulated quite a bit, but I hadn’t gotten around to mine up until now.

I hope you enjoy this “double-post,” so without further ado…

The Sunshine Blog Award!!