If you know me, you know I love HGTV and all things home decor. I have a hard time choosing between modern designs and farmhouse classics, but I try to make sure that the space I call my own is one that makes me happy. Living (kind of) on my own in college made me realize that the environment we surround ourselves with is SO important. Being able to rest and relax in my own space keeps me sane when life gets hectic. Regardless of your decor preferences, I hope that you have a delightful space to call your own as well! Here's a little peak into mine...

I like to stick to neutrals because they tend to be calming and well, they just go with everything. I adore this vintage woven blanket my grandmother passed on to me a few years ago. The stitched details and fringe are so neat.

Living in the Word: My Favorite Tools for Connecting with God

I don't know about y'all, but when I have the necessary tools to really dig into God's Word and surround myself with Him everyday, life just makes more sense! So I wanted to write a post about habits and resources that really help me make the most of my relationship with Jesus. 

Post-It Notes: Seriously, my bedroom walls are slowly turning into a sticky note gallery. Whenever I'm listening to a song or reading a verse that really speaks to me, I write it down and stick it in a place where I will see it often. Some of them are on the wall right next to my bed so that they are the first and last thing I see every day. I also have one on my laptop that says, "the cross has made you flawless." That one is probably my fave! Put them in your car, on your desk, in your planner, literally anywhere!

Journaling Bible: When journaling Bibles first became trendy, I wasn't sure how I felt about them, BUT my mom got me one and it's just the most beautiful Bible ever. At first, I was actually intimidated by the blank columns on each page, and tried to fill them with doodles and fancy handwriting. Turns out that's just not my thing, so I've decided to just "be myself" with my journaling Bible! Being able to write encouraging notes and reminders to myself right next to the verse they relate to is super cool and helpful.

Highlighter Method: There are so many different Bible study methods, but the one I have found the most helpful is from Jordan Lee over on http://thesoulscripts.com. All you need is a set of highlighters, a pen, and your journaling Bible! I know it probably looks a lil crazy and messy at first (I thought so too), but it makes so much sense once you dive into the Word and map everything out. 

Spotify Playlists: For me, Spotify is the simplest way to include Jesus in my daily life. I follow a bunch of worship playlists and Christian artists, and I listen to them whenever I have quiet time during my day (when I'm getting ready, driving, working on a project, or even cooking). This is also helpful for keeping our minds on the Lord regardless of what we're doing during our day!

I would love to hear your favorite ways to connect to the Lord and study His Word in your daily routine!

A Word or Two

Resolutions. Words. Goals. New year. New everything.

At least that's what culture tells us. But rather than wanting brand new everything, or trying to fit in with the "new year, new me" crowd, I think this new year I will strive to build on what I already have. While I love the idea of a fresh start and new beginnings, I don't necessarily want to leave behind everything that happened in 2016. Like every year, it had its challenges, but I believe the Lord grew me in ways I've never experienced before. And that is something I would never want to toss out just because it's a new year.

So instead of starting completely over, or making a mile-long list of resolutions, the Lord put it on my heart to choose a handful of words that sum up my hopes for 2017. These words are words that stood out to me when reading the Word, or reading Christian books. These words represent my hope for the Lord to push and grow me in ways I can't even imagine. 

The first word that came to mind was fearless. It is a trait that I admire so much in others. You know, those people who don't think twice about pursuing their dreams, who don't doubt that God is working it out, and who seem to live the most carefree, adventurous lives. That's what I long for. Maybe 2017 won't be the year that I become totally fearless, but I hope to be able to fear less.

Awe. This word popped in my head as I was reading scripture yesterday. I want to be in awe of the Lord every single day. Out of curiosity, I googled the definition of the word. This is what I found: a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. I just love that. Those words are so rich–reverential respect, fear, wonder. I especially like the wonder part. Remember when you were little, and it took next to nothing to fill you with wonder? That's how I want to live my 2017. I want every day to be a wondrous, magical journey of being pursued by my heavenly Father. I want to live in awe.

Finally, I want to live in the present. More specifically, I want to choose Present Over Perfect. If you haven't read that book yet, head straight to the nearest bookstore and buy it! It opened my eyes to so many habits that I didn't even realize I had created for myself. I discovered that my behavior typically originates out of striving for perfection. But that isn't how I want to live my life–so caught up in the details and expectations and to-do lists. In 2017, I want to slow down and experience the present, without the weight of perfection on my shoulders.

So, what are your words for the New Year? Whatever they may be, I pray we will all experience God's radical love in the mundane of everyday life.