After the Storm

One year ago I sat in my car, drove up and down Gulf Blvd, and listened to "After the Storm" twenty times. Yeah, it sounds like a scene from Dawson's Creek or something, but that is how I spent my last night in St. Pete. Alone, with my thoughts. 
Some how in the summer months I lost myself. I forgot who I was, I forgot what I believed in, and I forgot what I was doing with my life. I was at one of the lowest points in my life, and I was on the eve of a major change and move; and I had forgotten who I was. 
One year later, tonight, I sat in my car and drove up US 19 with my dad, on our way to Walmart to buy Emperors New Groove. I put that CD in the stereo, knowing that I wanted to listen to that song only. 
I can't exactly explain how I felt, but I did feel a surge of emotion. That girl sitting in that car, listening to that song was very different from that girl exactly one year ago. I don't even know that girl anymore. And it amazes me how much God can put into motion in one year, I am amazed at how God's grace can drastically change us, I am amazed that after everything He is still faithful. 

So for all of you packing up, moving out, going back; enjoy this song, enjoy this moment. Because you'll blink, and everything will be different.

"Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different?"

C.S. Lewis

After the Storm - Mumford and Sons

alligator bites and frog legs.

     The first blog I wrote here was filled with sadness for leaving my city, Chicago. I was not fully ready to come home for three whole months, I had just spent an amazing year at Moody and I didn’t want it to end. But life is full of seasons. Seasons of change; seasons that also change us. My Fall was a season of immense change and growth, I had to figure out who I was again, went it meant for me to be in Chicago. Christmas time and Winter brought around a settling into that new mold and lifestyle I found myself in, I had to find a routine to my new normal. Spring came with hardships from the stress and workload - it was a season of learning faithfulness and persevering. 

     Summer was a season of rest, and change. A different change. My home, my constant began to change for the better. It was a subtle, growing change that I only noticed after the changes took place. Changes came to our church, our family, our plans, my plans, our relationships, etc. My home is a little different now, I guess I had always assumed that since my life in college was chaotic, my home should never change. But it does; you grow, people move, passions and goals shift, and God works. Cliche I know, but change is always good. Change is like Spring cleaning, removing what has become unnecessary, dusting off the old to make it new, and maybe some redecorating. I’m happy with the change, because in my resting I found myself slowing changing with everything as well, being molded by those who are also being molded.

     God is making all things new, all the time. His plan and His goals are constantly in motion, and if we try and keep it stagnate, we will not be living in His will. 

     My fellow blogger has been writing about her “pilgrimage” across Europe and across the wonders of her God. I guess I’ve been on my own kind of smaller pilgrimage; a slow and steady pilgrimage, a distant goal, subtle but major changes. A pilgrimage of returning home, of resting, of restoring my soul in the Lord. 

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” 

     -Ps. 51:12

I was so blessed to spend my summer with these goons :)

I drank A LOT of coffee

I woke up early for work and watched the sun rise

I went to the beach, a lot.

I worked on my tan...

I spent  much needed time in the sun

I hung out with my two favorite men in the whole world (Jeremy)

(Stephen)

We did Floridian things, like ate alligator and frog legs

Hung out with these booshies :)

Supported the Rays!!!

Invested in a Kindle and used it wisely

Spent time with hipsters :) 

Endured thunderstorms, lightning, tropical storms, tornados, and flooding...

Spent my first time in Ikea with this crazy lady

Went go-karting

Instead of hanging myself, I decided to go bowling (watch Jim Gaffigans stand up on bowling)

Even though I'm allergic to diary I suffered through it to enjoy many nights eating ice cream. Martyr

Went to Tijuana Flats...a lot...every tuesday...for Taco Tuesday...

Finally had a reunion with my childhood friends!

I though that my summer would have been better spent in Chicago, but after 3 months at home I would have never spent it anywhere else. I love my family, I love my dogs, I love mexican food, I love my friends, I love my life and I love my God who was taken me on this journey.