{Monday} Musing

Posted by Caroline on Apr 30, 2012 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

{found here}

em·brace/emˈbrās/
synonyms: verb. hug- clasp- include- comprise- enfold- encompass

for some of you, the current season of life is finals.  I’m not sure how you can “hug” your tests, but I guarantee you’re going to someday look back & fondly remember finals as the time you went on more spontaneous adventures than actual studying and guzzled more coffee than water.  You will one day call yourself hardcore and brag about not sleeping.  Psha.

for some of you, the current season of life is a new precious baby.  I’m thinking of you, Sasha!  You no doubt understand how to “hug” the moments of sleeping Collin in your arms, even though he probably kept you up all night & there are days you don’t know how you will make it.

for almost everyone, spring represents transition.

New jobs, new homes, new schedule, new wardrobe (& white legs), even just new… weather.

Embrace.

Hug. it. in.

I’m hugging in engagement even though it’s so easy to dwell solely the wedding. 19 more days of eating the same meal everyday (Clayton isn’t game for a diet of eggs) & listening to country music non-stop.

What are you hugging in this season?

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{Sunday} 1

Posted by Caroline on Apr 29, 2012 in Amazing Grace | 0 comments

Happy Sunday.

Throughout undergrad, Sundays meant the day I would take a nap and not set an alarm.  It’s such a wonderful feeling to know you don’t have to wake up until you’re fully rested.

Every season brings a new meaning to Sunday.

Sabbath reinvents itself but spells rest in a way every exhausting week needs to read.

Sometimes Sabbath means reading a book, running, or even… blogging.

Today, Sabbath means processing.

Church this morning was somewhat of an awakening.  Our pastor shared about freedom from shame– shame that we all have whether we say it or not.  It was raw.

I could feel the veils of hidden regrets fall.  For one of the first times in church, it seemed like everyone was ok with admitting we are all struggling, failing, but redeemed humans.

Afterward we walked outside to a fight right outside our doors and five police cars pulled before we made it to our “Sunday lunch.”

It was a reminder that Sunday morning we proclaim freedom and joy and redemption,
but we need to pray for freedom and joy and redemption… constantly.

There’s a tension between the peace I feel within church,
singing as a community, and claiming truth
&
the pain that sits right outside the door.

the pain that begins at 12:01 as soon as our worshipping body splits for the day.

I’m not sure what to do with this tension, but I’m acknowledging it.
I acknowledge it amidst my perfect little Sunday with my outrageously expensive coffee in hand.
I acknowledge there’s a pain that worshipping on Sunday morning doesn’t fix.
I acknowledge that this is sometimes confusing,

but I acknowledge that Christ is Hope and I will choose Christ over and over and over again.

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Perspective

Posted by Caroline on Apr 26, 2012 in Amazing Grace | 0 comments

image found here

Love this.

Love the perspective.
(kinda) Love the little punch right into my self-centeredness.
Love the reality check.

I love how my to-do list & unopened emails & awkward comments & failed workout plans…

are all part of the circumstances that crumble into insignificance before

God’s Plan.

God’s Plan for me.
my future.
tomorrow.
for my growth.
my character.
my sifting.
my relationship with him.

Be encouraged

amidst
unknowns, questions, broken relationships, self doubt, insecurity

a plan far exceeds it all.

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Camaraderie

Posted by Caroline on Apr 26, 2012 in The Backpack | 0 comments

I’m not sure if the library is really all that conducive for studying or if it is really more of a coping mechanism.

Others are plowing through work so maybe it’s not that bad?

And pumping caffeine through your veins at midnight doesn’t seem like a dumb idea when everyone else is, right?

There’s a weird camaraderie amongst procrastinators down here in the basement of the library.

Finishing up (most of) the semester tomorrow!  I feel like I’m beginning to peak around the mountain of school and see what’s just on the other side.

I see a white dress
tons of friends & family
hopefully some good dancing
& vows that reach beyond the day into eternity with my man.

*pinch* focus, Caroline.
school, school, school.

And now, High School Musical is stuck in my head.

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True Story.

Posted by Caroline on Apr 24, 2012 in Family, The Backpack | 4 comments

The picture captures a monumental moment…

my dad’s FIRST time in Starbucks.  He noted this “first” so non-nonchalantly, and then he ordered a water and coffee cake.

Who knew that the place I have to pull myself away from my dad had never experienced?!

It’s probably good my dad isn’t likewise addicted to $5 coffee drinks, but it hit me that some parts of our lives are compartmentalized in front of some people.  My dad and I will stick to going out to breakfast instead of going to Starbucks with no loss.  But, are there people I interact with daily that don’t know I find Salvation in Jesus Christ?  Have I never invited them along to experience something far better than Starbucks?

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