a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we might end up having coffee at the beach because it is so hot and the only way I know how to solve this is by iced coffee, sandy toes, and ocean waves.

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you how your summer has been.  

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how God is doing a huge work in my heart. I have been reading through Nehemiah, which is all about restoring, redeeming, rebuilding, which is what my heart has needed after the past six months. 

If we were on a coffee date, you might tell me that God is doing the same thing for you. Or maybe He feels distant. Or maybe, you don't really know what He is doing right now. And that's okay, too.

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably ask you if you have ever been to New York because I am planning a trip there in the Fall! One of my sweet high school girls was asked to join a ballet company out there and if that isn't God trying to tell me to go on vacation, then I don't know what is! I found round-trip tickets for $250 and I have started a Pinterest board of all the places I need to visit, the foods I need to eat, and the adventures I need to have. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably share a Strawberry Chocolate Chip Larabar with you, because they are AMAZING. They taste like a chocolate covered strawberry and would pair perfectly with our iced coffees.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I bought mascara because a woman I follow on Instagram told me to. And I love it. Find it here. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Phil Wickham's new album, "Living Hope". His song "Anthem" makes me weepy in the best ways.

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably need a second cup for the road. 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you share?

the wheels on the bus...

"Are you awake?"

I am not the best at asking for help. I would almost rather spend an extra hour doing something in my own power rather than asking for help from others. Call it independence, call it fortitude, call it something frilly and pretty and noble, but I know what to call it... pride.

This week my car has been in the shop for repairs, and will continue to be there for probably another three. Inconvenient, but not the worst thing in the world. So for a week I have been taking the bus to and from work and asking all my friends for rides to events, to church, to the grocery store. It's definitely humbling to be so dependent on others. 

Yesterday was just like any other day. I stood at the bus stop. I waited for the bus. I chatted with another woman at the stop and then we got on. I sat and prepared for the seven minute ride. Then, we switched to the left lane. NOT NORMAL. Then, we switched over to the left turn lane. SO NOT NORMAL. My bus ride is literally a straight three miles on the same familiar street. I started to panic. I pressed the little button for a stop request. We turned on to the next street. The bus stopped and I walked off, completely bewildered. HOW COULD I HAVE GOTTEN ON THE WRONG BUS? I walked to the stoplight and immediately called a friend. She happened to join a 6am yoga class this week, so I knew she would be awake. I walked across the street to the local Starbucks, texting frantically. She was quick to respond and even quicker to drive over. 
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"...sharing life with people means humility..."

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She pulled in to the Starbucks, I jumped in her car, covered my face, and laughed. Friends, sharing life with people means humility. It means calling them at 7:30am asking them to pick you up at a local Starbucks because somehow you took the wrong bus and have no idea how to get to work on time. And can I just tell you what my friend said when I told her that I owe her a cup of coffee?

"You don't owe me, this is what friends are for."

My prideful, stupid heart needed to be reminded that this is why we are never meant to do life alone. We need people, we need Jesus, we need to be dependent on others (ultimately Jesus) outside of ourselves. 

Humility. Community. Grace. May we all continue to learn the gift of each.

a list of thanks...

I am thankful for the many cups of warm, sweet coffee shared amongst friends.

I am thankful for the copious amounts of sunflowers that have graced my life this year.

I am thankful for pie, for cherry and caramel banana and apple and pumpkin.

I am thankful for the provision and faithfulness of the Father through the many small and big trials of this year.

I am thankful for my church family, for their love and protection and acceptance.

I am thankful for the ministry that I am allowed to take part in every single day.

I am thankful for the healing balm that worship music has been in my life this year.

I am thankful for where my passport has taken me this year.

I am thankful for the ability to walk and run and see and hear.

I am thankful for the beauty of laughter.

I am thankful for handwritten cards and words.

I am thankful for dancing, the kind that without your shoes on.

I am thankful for the yeses and the no's of this year.

I am thankful for Jesus.

I am thankful for another year.
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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything GIVE THANKS, 

for this is God's will for you…" - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

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Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
What are you thankful for?

on guards and walls...

Hi, my name is Kristi, and I am a Feeler.

It's hard living life as a Feeler. Being a Feeler means I filter life through my heart, not my head. Being a Feeler means I bear my burdens and the burdens of others in a very serious way. Being a Feeler means I am quick to trust and quick to love; it means discernment and gut instinct over fact and formula. I tend to love people and things when love doesn't make logical sense. My heart carries a lot within it, and by a lot I mean A FREAKING LOT. I like this about myself, I truly do, but sometimes, having a big heart means you need to install big boundaries. Because when you wear your heart on your sleeve, when you love everyone and everything with all you have, you are exposed to a serious amount of pain, rejection, and false hope.
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"...sometimes, having a big heart means you need to install big boundaries..."

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Recently, I can feel myself beginning to install walls around my heart; big, hefty, Home Depot-type walls. The walls are being laid brick by brick, sort of haphazardly and unintentionally. There is no rhyme or reason, there is just construction. Where once there was liberty to hope, there is the beginnings of a hedge. 

The Bible speaks of the heart as both a wellspring and as wicked. In Proverbs 4:23 we are warned to guard our hearts and in Jeremiah 17:9 we are told that we aren't to trust it. A wellspring bent towards wickedness, that's our heart. Wellsprings and wickedness and walls... What do we do with all of that? (Seriously, asking for a friend myself.)

In an effort to try and understand my own heart and my own hopes, I am resting in a place that says guards are healthy and needed. Guards are healthy, walls are not. Guards are meant to keep something safe while walls are meant to close off. A guard allows my heart to be protected, a wall confines my heart to be hidden. In my plight to keep myself safe, sometimes I end up closing myself off completely, and that is not a tendency that I want to cultivate. 

We all want to be safe. We all want to be protected from pain, from embarrassment, from shame, from false hope. Friends, there is nothing worse than a false hope, of this I am absolutely sure. And this is why I want the walls... I want the walls because earthly love does fail. Earthly love disappoints and expects too much, it has too much potential for pain.  But, in the fear of false hope, we cannot lose all hope. While I was listening to the words of Ellie Holcombs "Love Never Fails", my prayer echos her words: "Oh Lord, help me to live like love never fails..."
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"...in the fear of false hope, we cannot lose all hope..."

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I want to live like love never fails, because real love is unfailing. I want to live like love never fails, because love itself offers as a wall of protection. I want to live like love never fails, because I don't want to live like love fails. When we live like love never fails, we love without fear and without expectation and without walls. 

His hope is secure and His love is unfailing, I am praying my heart finds solace and comfort in that place, and that I allow His secure hope and unfailing love to act as guards, protecting me and softening me from the walls I continue to build.

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about fear, anxiety, stress. Do you know that everyone is anxious? Everyone has fears? Everyone is a little overwhelmed? I think that we need to be reminded of that every now and then; you are not alone.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how Adele's "Carpool Karaoke" is the greatest. I want to be her best friend. I think everyone needs to hangout with Adele and sing her songs with her. And chug tea. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am 83% positive that I am going to start Whole 30 after MLK Weekend. I also need to get back into my workout routine because health. And because El Nino is almost over which means no more scarves and puffer vests and big jackets. And summer is coming and I plan on spending a lot of time at the beach.

If we were on a coffee date we would talk about our plans for this THREE DAY WEEKEND! I will be starting the weekend off by seeing "Thirteen Hours" because I am a sucker for those Navy SEAL stories. And also John Krasinski. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be filled with spring cleaning, packing up Christmas, real life coffee dates, church, and hopefully some adventures. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how I leave for Ecuador in 48 days. FORTY EIGHT DAYS, WHAT. This is my first time travelling internationally alone, which is a little bit daunting, but will be completely worth it.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that Organic Peach Cobbler Tazo Tea is a thing and it is from the Lord Himself. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I love women's ministry and I am not ashamed of that in any way.

If we were one a coffee date, we would talk about dating. Do you know that you can have a great date and still decide to not date the person? I didn't know that was a thing, so... #datingishard

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the concept of inheritance can only be obtained after a death. What in your life needs to die in order for you to inherit what God has for you? 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to talk about?

What are your plans for MLK Weekend?

#bestthirtysix...

Two thousand and fifteen.

I wanted to get away to write this; I wanted to take a retreat to really spend time with the Lord and dwell on this past year and the year that lies ahead. But, sitting here at the local Starbucks, I think that the Lord is speaking just the same. This year has been abundant; I mean abundant in every single way, in both the trials and the joys. There has been an abundance of laughter and blessing, but also an abundance of change and mourning; an abundance of life and also death. 

As the year began, the Lord spoke softly to my heart a theme… "Be still." Throughout this year, the words of Psalm 46:10 were an encouragement and a comfort… "Cease striving, be still, and know that I am God…" Stillness, it's not my spiritual gift, but with each moment and lesson this past year, it was the sweet whisper that the Lord was faithful to give… "As you wait for this new position… be still. As you end seven years of junior high ministry… be still. As you pray through your singleness… be still. As you mourn the death of your grandpa… be still. As your best friend moves overseas… be still. As you welcome new babies and take on the title of "Aunt Kristi"… be still. As you seek God… be still. As you wait for God to move… be still." This year, I saw God move mountains and open floodgates in the stillness. This year taught me that stillness on our part allows for movement on His part. 

Social media has been blowing up with the idea of the #bestnineofinstagram. I love this campaign, but when I generated mine, I had a few thoughts. First off, this is generating the photos that "the people" (whoever they may be to you) liked most, NOT what I liked most about my year. Second, NINE SQUARES? You guys, only nine little squares?! That's not the way that I roll… So, here I am (and on Instagram!) with 36 teeny, tiny squares of memories and moments, reminding me that this year has been hard and rich and full. I want to stop and rest in that, just for today. 

This year has been incredible! When I look at the little details, I recognize it's true fullness. When I look back on 2015, I will look back to when I went to the IF: Gathering in Austin, TX, ended my time serving in vocational ministry at my church, started a new job at CBU, transitioned from junior high ministry to high school ministry, bought a new car, mourned the passing of my Grandpa, became an Aunt for many sweet little babies, turned twenty six, drank too many hawaiian lattes, was published at Incourage, had conversations with Annie Downs via Twitter, read some incredible books, watched every season of "Parks & Recreation",  quit my job as a substitute teacher and barista, went on my first date ever, got seriously healthy and became a runner/jogger, saw great movies, ate great food (mostly BBQ and Mexican), took rest very seriously, went to the 1989 Taylor Swift concert, went to a Luke Bryan concert, went to a Brett Eldredge concert, went to a Shane and Shane concert, learned the importance of FaceTime dates with my best friend living in Ecuador, had a house broken in to, went to Disneyland, spent a lot of time driving around my town and praying, had hard conversations with the Lord, learned a lot about myself, bought a rug, started a retirement fund, and nurtured old friendships and made some new ones. And I am sure I am forgetting a lot of other things! Man, 2015 was rich. (But please note, 2015 was NOT the year that I became rich. #targetstealsallmymoney)

I have spent time in prayer over 2016, asking the Lord to reveal a theme to me. I sat with an expectant heart, waiting to glean what He would speak. I am excited to share that with you all in the coming week, but for now, I am leaning into the gleanings of this past year rather than the excitement for the new one, because there is a lot there. 

So here's to 2015, the year that has come and gone. Whether you want to forget it forever or relive those memories for years to come, I pray that you would lean into the things that God has done for you. May the pains and the joys be redeemed by the work of Christ! Raise your glass (of sparkling cider) and celebrate that there is a time for everything, for mourning and for dancing (and lets hope tonight is full of dancing!)!

Cheers to 2015, friends! 

all the things: november...

Holy Moses, IT IS DECEMBER. We are less than one month from a new year and maybe that gives me a little bit of anxiety. November was really fun and busy; I resurrected my inner athlete, blasted (and am still blasting) Adele every single day in my car, and had some good food.

Here are all the things of November:

Athletic Things: I participated in not one but TWO athletic things this month and my team won both. Our Annual Broom Hockey Championship with our high school students was this month, and we KILLED it. I also played in our Young Adults Turkey Bowl, and they KILLED it (they meaning the others on my team because watching football is one thing, but playing is a whole other thing entirely). This month, I am just thankful to be a winner, because I always lose everything.

Incourage Post: This month I was featured over at Incourage and it was so much fun! The response to my writing was so humbling… To hear that your words were needed, that they were an encouragement, that they spoke truth into someone’s life season… It’s maybe one of the best feelings in the world. I love writing, I love being able to use my gifting’s for God in such a way. If you haven’t read it, pop on over HERE.

Adele: I mean, do I need to elaborate? This entire month my car-dancing, car-singing, and car-crying has gone to a completely new level. #allthefeels

When She Gets a Yes: You guys, this article is gold and rubies and all the other precious things. You need to read this, whoever you are. Pop over HERE.

Friendsgiving: This should really be called Pantsgiving, because I gained about 14 pounds after that dinner. We had enough food to feed thirty people AND have leftovers. I am so thankful for friends who have become family (and for friends that cook really great food).

Short and simple, because I am already anticipating December will be a very long list of good things.

                                        How are you doing post-November?

all the things: october...

People, October is hands down my favorite month of the year and I hate that it is over. Even though Southern California is not really getting the whole Fall memo, I wish that every month could be October.

Here are all the things (a lot of things!) of October:

What More Do You Want?: Everyone needs to watch this right now. Annie Downs is one of my favorite authors/speakers/people in this entire world. I fully believe that we would be best friends if we lived in the same city. I love her heart for God and for this idea that we are living the good life NOW. Whatever you are waiting for (a job, a marriage, a child, etc.), know that God knows and God sees and He is in control. Trust His timing, trust His character.

Jason Derulo: You guys, I went to a live taping of a particular show with a few friends this past month, and let me tell you, I have no words. I will say that I probably won’t go to another taping (unless it is for Ellen Degeneres or Jimmy Fallon), but seeing Jason Derulo without a shirt… Worth it, worth all four hours of standing. I also ate my feelings in burgers and fries that night because JASON DERULO WITHOUT A SHIRT.

Kick The Dust Up Tour: I also went to see Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, and Dustin Lynch this month for the “Kick The Dust Up Tour”. Luke Bryan kept sneezing on stage and chasing it with a shot of tequila, but you know what, I love that man and his music. Also, Randy Houser was the most pleasant surprise; that man has PIPES. Like, I want him to sing me to sleep every night. We had so much fun and I am already ready for next summer and all the country tours to roll back in to town!

WhenYou Have An Overly Expressive Face: People, this is me. I have gotten in to SO MUCH trouble because I wear my emotions and reactions on my precious face. I often look much like Kristen Wiig in that photo. 

Adele and Bieber: YOU GUYS THESE SONGS. “Hello” and “Sorry” have been the soundtrack to October.

Dating:Are We Doing It Wrong?: Okay, so this. I wish that I had written this article myself because it is good good good. We live in a time (in this church) where we are terrified to be vulnerable and to date and confess that none of us know what the heck we are doing. Coffee dates are NOT marriage proposals, people. Please read this, you will not regret it!

Twenty-Six: This month I turned 26, and it has been one of my favorite birthdays! I am thankful for what 25 was for me and am excited for what 26 will be; did you get a chance to read about everything I learned in these past years? Read HERE.

Pumpkins, Wheelbarrows, and Halloween: Halloween is my most favorite holiday ever. I love carving pumpkins, going to the pumpkin patch, passing out candy, dressing up, drinking cider… It’s just the best! This year, my college roommates and I spent the day at a local pumpkin patch going through the corn maze and picking out pumpkins. We spent the rest of the night eating candy, drinking cider, carving pumpkins, and watching “Hocus Pocus”. It was the absolute best. Also, I carved my pumpkin as an ode to my favorite emoji: HEART EYES. It turned out perfect. Halloween was perfect.

So friends, how was your month?

Are we ready for November?

all the things: september...

September is the swan song of the Summer. It was a good month, but I am so ready to be in Fall (even though us Southern Californians only get about ten days of Fall per year). I will choose to wear my scarves because it is now October, don’t tell me how to live my life!

Here are all the things of September:

Fancy Fall Cups: I am in LOVE with these new cups at Starbucks. Forget the red cups, these are shiny and new and I really hope they keep them for the coming years! (Sidenote: I have yet to actually drink a beverage from one; every Starbucks I go to is OUT of the cups. No, I don’t know how that happens.)

Incourage: You guys, I posted on my social medias that this past month I submitted a piece to Incourage and I received an email that I have been chosen to be featured! Cue the screaming and happy dancing! God is so good, and I am thrilled and honored to be featured along with women like Annie Downs, Jen Hatmaker, Shauna Niequist, and Anne Voskamp. It’s super humbling and exciting! My post will be live on November 23, and trust me, it will be linked here and in all my social medias! Eeeek!

Friday Night Lights: Now that my girls are in high school, I am able to basically relive those four years with them. I have made a point to go to football games on Fridays with them, and let me tell you, it is so fun. I miss football, I miss cheering on the boys of Fall, I miss the colder weather and being wrapped up in jackets and blankets and team paraphernalia. Gosh, it’s just so fun. I love being able to share this season with my girls and relive high school a little bit.

Simply Tuesday: This book by Emily Freeman, you need it. Loving it, loving the idea of embracing the smallness!

Take Yourself Out of The Running: This post by Jessa Connolly completely wrecked me this month. Please go read this. It will do wonders for your soul.

Women’s Bible Study: This month we started Women’s Bible Study (WBS) and I am LOVING it. We worship, we study, we discuss. We are going through Acts this year and it is so needed. This past Wednesday especially; we talked about the crippled beggar outside the temple in chapter three, and my heart just about burst from truth and encouragement. I am already so thankful for these women and for the past month of Bible study with them.

                                                 How was your September?

all the things: august...

How is today the first of September? My mind cannot seem to comprehend this fact. But, September is the month of the PSL, so bring it on. Also, colder weather cooler weather, please and thank you Jesus!

Here are all the things of August:

Handwritten Notes: I have received lots of snail mail lately, and I absolutely adore it! I also snagged some really cute note cards at Target and I can’t wait to deliver them to my high school girls before their first week of HIGH SCHOOL.

Articles and Blogs: The interwebs are full of some really great things right now. If you are needing some good reads and encouragement, hop over to these links:

If The Internet Is Making You Tired by Jennie Allen

When What You Want Brings Joy And Sadness by Annie Downs

(No Bake) Maple Butterscotch Stacks by The Hill Collection

Naptime Diaries Fall Line: This goodness launched today and let me tell you, these paper goods are GOOD. I am loving the Scripture prints for kids and the new "Back to Basics" Line in general. The creator, Jess Connolly, is also gracious enough to give us 35% off! Hop on over and enjoy all the new, beautiful, inspiring prints!

He Reads Truth: I have been plugging She Reads Truth forever, and now, He Reads Truth is live! If you are a man and you read this blog, you need to download and subscribe to He Reads Truth RIGHT NOW. Do it, and thank me later. 

National Peach Month: August was National Peach Month and I celebrated by drinking too many (not enough) CFA Peach Shakes. And I attempted baking a peach granola crisp and that was a nightmare, so I stuck to peach treats that are cold and delicious and I don't have to bake. 

My HIGH SCHOOL Girls: Excuse me, these girls start(ed) high school this past month (and this week) and I have all the emotions about it. Don't grow up. Don't like boys. Don't leave me. 

Dancing: Weddings, youth events, solo dance parties… I have been doing A LOT of dancing lately. Currently, my favorite jams are “Drag Me Down” by One Direction (THIS IS THE BEST SONG AND I DON'T CARE IF YOU JUDGE ME), “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfield, “You and I” by Johnnyswim, “Dibs” by Kelsea Ballerini, "Fire and The Flood" by Vance Joy, and “Love is Your Name” by Steven Tyler.

What about you?

What were some of the things that got you through August?

all the things: june + july...

These past two months have been a complete whirlwind.

I am basically playing catch-up with June and July, so bear with me. These past couple months have held joy and heartache, spiritual rest and spiritual turmoil. All I have to say is I am so thankful for the Lord’s hold on me, for my community, for the truth that sobers anxious thoughts.

That being said, here are all the things of June + July...

Stress Relief Aromatherapy Lotion (Eucalyptus + Spearmint): This stuff SMELLS SO GOOD. I keep it at my (new) desk and it is heavenly. Bath & Body Works has a sale going on right now, all aromatherapy scented lotions are $8! That’s basically a steal. Run, don’t walk.

Johnnyswim: This husband and wife duo are the soundtrack to my office days! “You and I” is on repeat, all day e’eryday.

My New Car: You guys, I just made a big adult purchase. A NEW CAR. (Cue the Oprah “EVERY BODY GETS A NEW CAAAAAAR” clip”.) It is a black 2015 Honda Civic and it is perfect. I am so thankful for people in my church who helped me find the best option for my lifestyle and budget as a 25 year old person. Also, I have named her “Bonnie”, short for “Black Bonita” which is Spanglish for “Black Beauty”. Naming cars is fun.

Concerts: This past weekend I went to my very first country concert EVER and it was the best. We saw A Thousand Horses, Brothers Osborne, BRETT ELDREDGE, and Darius Rucker. Please see BRETT ELDREDGE. What the heck, even? My very first country concert and it was one of my most favorite musicians in the business. My heart melted as he sang about love and country and trucks. Heart eyes forever.

Graceland: My newest obsession via Netflix. This show is still “live” on TV, but there are two seasons on Netflix and I just finished them last night. Cop shows are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. Now I have to wait until Season 3 is released on Netflix… HOLD ME.

Friend Dates: Now that I am working 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday like a real adult, my weekends are full of intentional time spent with friends (and grocery shopping). I am so thankful for my community and the joy that comes from good food and good conversation.  

Fruits of the Spirit + Jesus: I think that Galatians 5 is such an important portion of Scripture and a lot of times we reserve it for VBS and children’s ministry (because there are so many art projects we can do with this, right?). But, this month I am studying through the fruit and the intertwining’s of them all. I am reading through writings by Jonathan Edwards and Tim Keller and the Lord is blessing me with a fresh perspective.

The Beach: As a Southern California resident, I don’t take advantage of the beach as often as I should, until recently. It was my go-to place the day my grandpa passed away, it has been my go-to place for adventuring, and it has been my go-to place for friends and Jesus time (and because it has been so hot). There is something about the ocean; it reminds me that God is in charge of the huge things. The ocean, I think, is one of the most tangible representations of His sovereignty and power. I sit there and think about life and I am humbled and sobered up from the attacks of the Enemy. Thank you Jesus for the beach!

Insta-Sayings: The insta-world has been on point in terms to graphics as of late. My favorite one I have seen is pictured above. “Drink some coffee, put on gangster-rap, and handle it.” You guys, this is the best because this is 40% of my life in a nutshell.

What about y’all?

Tell me about some of the things that have 

gotten you through the past couple months!

all the things: may...

I don’t know about you, but May is kind of like the calm before the storm. And because of that, I have been totally stressed and anxious. I know this because my body has decided to freak out and have sinus problems and rib problems and all the problems. But, despite that, May was fun and full of good things. 

Here are all the things (the important ones, at least) of May!

Parks & Rec: I know I am super late to join this bandwagon, but, LESLIE KNOPE IS THE BEST THING EVER. Seriously, this entire show is amazing and I can’t stop laughing and quoting and watching. Each character has something to add (except for April because I generally don’t like weird, dark characters). Ron Swanson? I want him to take me hunting. Leslie Knope? Let’s chat about life over waffles. Ann Perkins? Take my vitals and tell me I am healthy. Chris Trager? Let’s talk about how literally, everything is the best. Tom Haverford? Let’s blow up Instagram and other various social media outlets with photos of us at the best events around town. Every night, I come home to these people and I love them. (This sounds pathetic, but it’s not, it’s pretty much awesome.)

Porn & Technology by Jeff Bethke: This 10 minute video is SO GOOD. He talks about vulnerability, intimacy, porn, technology, the worth of a woman, and so much more. Please do yourself a favor and watch this.

Baseball: Our season has started! I have already been to Dodgers Stadium for my first game of the year (I am not a Dodgers fan, but how can you say no to a free ticket, good company, and Dodger Dogs? YOU CAN’T). I am already scouring Groupon for some deals on tickets for the summer!

Biblical Singleness by Matt Furby: My old boss/current pastor/basically older brother just spoke on Biblical Singleness at our church and it was literally the best message I have ever heard on singleness. If you are single, or even married, you need to watch this. I sat in his office this past week, pouring my heart out about the struggle and the emotional aspect of singleness, and I am so glad that I did. He even quoted me! “My hope is FOR marriage, not IN marriage.” Yep, Kristi Howell original right there!  

Two Years to Forever: This month marked the end of my two year small group with my junior high girls. I blogged about it here and frankly, I am still processing that they are now in high school. How did that even happen? I am going to be a total wreck when I become a mom and have my own childrens’ transitions to cope with.

My Selfie Stick: First off, the fact that these are called Selfie Stick’s? Lame. They should be called Groupie Sticks, because you only use them with a group. I realized that Summer Camp was in about 50 days, so I celebrated by purchasing a Selfie Stick. Feel free to judge me, but also know that I will get THE BEST camp photos, beach photos, etc. with this thing. I feel like every youth leader should have one of these things, it’s like an unwritten rule.

Iced Coffee: My go to this month has been iced coffee. It is a real addiction and I am okay with it. Is that bad? Probably.  

What are some things that you enjoyed this past month?

What are you looking forward to in the coming summer months?

all the things: april...

April was a very fun, interesting month. I felt like April gave me a some time to breathe before the craziness of May and before we launch into the summer months.

Here are all the things of April!

Joanna Gaines’ Testimony: If you have a free four minutes, you need to watch this. I love her show “Fixer Upper” and love how her and her husband are so real and goofy! She talks about her Korean/American heritage and how the deep-rooted lie of being “enough” was sown into her at an early age. Watch HERE. 

Easter: I have said it once, and I will say it again and again… I LOVE MY CHURCH. It is so much more than the place I work, the building I walk into every Sunday morning; that place is a home for me. The community I have there, I just can’t begin to tell you. Easter was such a fun, beautiful time in our community.

Old Navy Jeans: I live in these. Literally, they are so comfy and beyond perfect for the summer heat that we are beginning to experience. Go grab yourself a pair and thank me later. Order online HERE. 

Netflix: This past month I finished the first seasons of Bloodline and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and began re-binge watching Friday Night Lights and One Tree Hill. I usually watch my new shows after dinner, curled up in my bed right before I go to sleep and my binge shows are on when I clean, cook, etc. I have loved having extra time to invest in new shows… It’s the simple things in life that being the most pleasure!

Let’s All Be Brave by Annie Downs: PICK THIS UP NOW. Annie Downs speaks my language and I am very confident that if we lived in the same town we would be the best of friends. She writes in coffee shops, so every chapter feels like you are literally sitting at a quaint coffee shop in Nashville, drinking lattes and discussing life. And, if you don’t have time to go grab her book, hop on over to her blog HERE.

When Dreams Don’t Come True, And Even When They Do: This is perfect. Please read this blog post and be encouraged. So good, like Jimmy Fallon so good. Read HERE.

On Narrowing by Shauna Niequist: This post is simply brilliant. I am not in the same life season as Shauna, but her words speak such truth into the deep places of my soul. As we grow older, we do discover what is important to us, we weed out the unnecessary and narrow down to the things we unashamedly want in our lives. Learning to narrow now is something worth pursuing. Read HERE.

Guest Blogging: This past month I was over at my friend’s blog, Familiar Friend, writing on stillness and what it means to try harder. Hop on over to that post HERE.

What are some things that you enjoyed this past month?