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: 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?

a coffee date (featuring Hawaiian lattes)...

If we were on a coffee date, it would have been in honor of National Coffee Day.

If we were on a coffee date, I would order you a Hawaiian Latte. Yes, there is such a thing, and it is as close to Hawaii (and Heaven) you will get without actually going there. Coconut and honey and milk and espresso… For the love of all things… Thank you, Jesus!

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about how I am now a substitute teacher for my local Christian junior high and high school system. Note: I made sure to tell the principal that I absolutely cannot teach math in any sort of capacity. When it comes to math.... GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how Citizens & Saints came to my church this past weekend. They showed up at our junior high event in between worship services, before they went to lunch off-campus, and let me just tell you, I was more excited than our students!

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you about struggles and how God is using them to teach you His truth. I would share with you that I am indeed struggling with some things, and that God is using them mightily. But right now, it’s not fun.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am going to Texas in February for the IF: Gathering. I am beyond excited to spend a weekend away with great women, focused on His will and desires for our ministries. Not to mention, I am going to hunt down Christy Nockels, Ann Voskamp, Jen Hatmaker, and Shauna Niequist at this thing! I am determined to have sit-down coffee with at least one of them! PLEASE JESUS, MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about She Reads Truth and Shop Kick and lose track of time. 

*These posts are inspired by this lady. She's a new favorite.*

a coffee date (sugar included)...

If we were on a coffee date, I would order some sugar-laden drink that I haven’t been able to have in the past two months because PRAISE JESUS HALLELUJAH, I can have sugar again! Hazelnut latte, hear I come! (YOU get a sugary latte, and YOU get a sugary latte… EVERYBODY GETS TO ORDER A SUGARY LATTE! Oprah Winfrey, anybody?)

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I love too deeply and give too freely and grasp too tightly.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about my recent itch for travel; to experience new cultures, spread the Gospel, and hold sweet little babies.

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably talk about all the new season premieres of our favorite TV shows. Parenthood!? Final season, and I can’t begin to process. Grey’s Anatomy!? Meredith has another half-sister… Awesome. And by awesome, I mean wildly stupid.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about spiritual gifts. What are yours? Are they fruitful in your life?

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you about your dreams, goals, and aspirations. What has God planted in your heart that you just can’t seem to lose vision for?

If we were on a coffee date, I would invite you to my church this weekend, because Citizens & Saints are leading worship for our services AND playing a free concert after our 5PM service. Come worship with us, and jam with us, and eat with us.

*These posts are inspired by this lady. She's a new favorite.*

celebrate the season (no, not Christmas)...

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall…” 

– F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you don’t know, today is the First Day of Autumn. And if you haven’t already, today you can whip out all your leafy garlands and polka dot painted pumpkins, start planning your annual trips to the pumpkin patch, and finish the day off with a festive PSL without judgment.

Although Southern California typically boycotts Fall and any sort of cooler weather, I am completely and totally devoted to everything about this season! As the girl who breaks out my boots when there is one cloud in the sky, an overcast morning, or a flash flood, I am now justified in my actions. “What? Oh, my boots? In 80 degree weather? Yes, it’s Fall, and I am choosing to celebrate. Get off my back, Negative Nancy.”

Summer people, you have had your season. Your beach days, strawberry shortcakes, deep-fried fair foods, summer flings, and pool parties… These are all good things, things that I enjoy, but please make way for my heart season! It’s time to roll up the slip’n’slides and popsicles and roll out the blankets and pumpkin pie recipes. I say it again, ROLL UP AND ROLL OUT.

Can I just quickly tell you my most favorite things about Fall? Can I get all Julie Andrews on you for a minute?

Scarves: In and out of season, scarves are my jam. I have a slight obsession, and it gets worse in Fall. Target always has some Cartwheel coupon, and my heart just can’t resist. Florals and cheetahs and infinities and the chunky knits… Give me all the scarves, all of them, now.

Pumpkin patches: Homemade fudge, apple pie, apple cider, artisan crafts, crunchy leaves, petting zoos, corn mazes… What is NOT to love about these places? Pumpkin patches are easily one of my favorite fall festivities. There is just something about scouring a field of pumpkins, looking for “The One”. White pumpkins, orange pumpkins, gourds, and sunflowers… Majestic. People talk about that tingly feeling they get about Christmas morning… I get that when I think about pumpkin patches.

Boots: Again, it’s 80 degrees and I am wearing boots. I am 100% confident that boots make any outfit that much better. And, it’s the end of September; so don’t judge lest you be judged, sir.

Candles: During Fall, my house smells like leaves and pies and lattes, and I couldn’t love it more! I mean really, would you rather your house smell like a cotton candy machine blew up in your house or like you just made pumpkin pies and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for an entire army? The latter, please and thank you.

Food: Pies, lattes, breads, and pumpkin everything… Sign me up! This season ushers in the spirit of hospitality and gathering, baking and inviting. Fall begins the hustle and bustle of kitchen ministry, baking for others just simply because, inviting friends over to try a new recipe just simply to try it. (And if you aren’t into baking at all, see point above… CANDLES. Make them think you made it from scratch.)

Leaves: The colors and the crunch, the leaves are easily one of my most favorite things about Fall. The world bursts into these oranges and reds, and I am always amazed at the beauty of creation in this time. Again, Southern California rarely experiences this fully, but when I catch glimpses, I am so very thankful.

My birthday: My heart was made for Fall, how could it not be, I was born into it! Exactly a week before Halloween of 1989, little Kristi made her entrance into the world. Yes, another reason to be thankful for Fall!

Oh Fall, I will continue to sing your praises all of my life! Coffee tastes better, weather is cooler, and clothes are prettier.

Celebrate the change of the season today… Buy a little pumpkin, drink a festive latte, light a flavorful candle, or wear a scarf. Welcome Fall with open arms, Lord knows I am!