Symbolism

My friend, Kane, introduced me to a new artist named Coffey Anderson. He is absolutely incredible. His music is so soulful and rich! He sings awesome love songs, and even better gospel music. That is right up my alley considering all my friends jokingly tell me that I should have been born black. :) Check him out, you might love him as much as I do.

It is finally feeling like autumn here in Jacksonville. Fall is my FAVORITE season by a long shot. I love everything about it. The crispness in the air, the excitement of college football, the anticipation of upcoming holidays, having cool weather to spend in the outdoors and, most importantly, the leaves changing colors. The colors of the leaves when they change is so beautiful to me, especially in Jacksonville. There are trees everywhere here, and being in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains isn't bad either because when I look outside I see endless mountains and trees. It is absolutely gorgeous. That being said, I think the actual reason I love fall so much is because of the symbolism it has in my life. Leave it to an English major to write a blog entirely about symbolism, but if the shoe fits...

My high school youth pastor unknowingly changed the way I will experience fall forever. Before we were dismissed from the service he always said a prayer for the upcoming week. In his prayer he said something that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. He thanked God that He created the leaves to change colors for the sole purpose of our enjoyment. I could not believe what I just heard. As I was riding in the backseat of my friend's car on my way home I looked out the window at all the trees and their leaves. They were beautiful, but I had never stopped to realize why. In school I was taught all about photosynthesis and plant processes. I knew the science behind the phenomenon of autumn leaves, but I never stopped to give credit to the Creator. When I thought more about it, I realized that God didn't have to make the process beautiful. He could have made photosynthesis boring and blah, but he didn't. He made the process pleasing to us because He loves us and wants us to enjoy this place He created for us. What a sweet Lord we have to make even the smallest detail of his creation beautiful simply out of love for us. When I see the leaves I am always reminded of God's deep love for His people and His precious lovingkindness. Everything in this life that I enjoy comes from God. Even something as simple as the leaves changing colors.

"God looked at everything He made, and it was good. So very good!" -Genesis 1:31

Gathering

Last Friday Jen, Anna Catherine, Erin, Ashley, and I left for the lake. Anna Catherine's family has a lake house on Lake Weiss in Centre, AL and was gracious enough to let us stay there for the weekend. We had the best time! Our first night we watched movies, went out to eat, and just spent time together laughing and enjoying ourselves. Erin had to work in the morning, so she left early the next day and headed to Jefferson's. The rest of us got up and went to the ultimate in breakfast cuisine: Waffle House. The rest of the day was spend inside due to rain, but none of us were disappointed. It was such a cozy day that allowed us to fellowship and wind down from the previous week of school. Christina came later that night, and after playing a few rounds of dominoes and other fun games I didn't think the weekend could get any better. Then Sunday came, and it was one of the most memorable days of my life.

Sunday, September 20, was my 21st birthday. When I woke up my sweet friends had made yummy blueberry muffins, put a candle in mine, and sang me happy birthday. I felt so special! It was such a great way to start the day. After breakfast we got dressed and headed to Little Rock City to have church on the mountain. Lake Weiss is located near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, so there are a few mountain ranges that people will come and explore. When we got there, we walked up to a series of boulders and climbed them to the top where we found a clearing overlooking the lake and surrounding area. There is no telling how high up we were, but it felt like we were on top of the world. Right there, on top of the world, we started our church service. No rules. No rituals. No denomination. Just five women seeking after the Lord, and guess what? He showed up. :)

Anna Catherine brought her iPod dock, and we spent some time in worship. "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" by Sarah Sadler came on, and it was one of the most incredible moments in my life. To listen to her sing, "How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure" while looking out on His vast creation knowing he loves me even beyond all that is in front of me still humbles and amazes me. After singing a few more songs, we got to spend some time in the Word. Ashley lead us to an account in the book of John (v. 15-19). We got to share our hearts with each other and spend some great time in prayer. Then, we shared the most beautiful thing I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Five college women got to lead each other in communion on top of the mountain that day. I have no words for the infinite meaning that communion holds in my life. The whole experience of having church on the mountain is something I am so thankful to have been a part of. It was the best birthday I have ever had, and I am so glad to have spent it with such sweet friends and an even sweeter Lord.

"When two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." -Matthew 18:20

September So Far

What a great start to September.

Last weekend I go to go home and spend some time with the family. When I go back to Gwinnett I normally spend a majority of the weekend with my mom, but this time I got to spend a lot of quality time with my dad and brother. We got to go to the Georgia Tech vs. JSU football game, and our tickets were in the front row! College football and a trip to Atlanta equals an awesome Saturday in my book! I was so glad to get to share that day with my dad and little bro. I loved spending the day with them, and we had a really good time.

This weekend Jen, Eric, and I got to go down to Talahassee to see the Florida State vs. JSU football game. It was a 6 hour drive, but it was worth it. Not only did we get to go to the game and spend part of the weekend in Florida, but we got to sit in Bobby Bowden's family box! It was so cool! JSU really played a great game. We were up 9-7 all the way until the fourth quarter with only 1:31 left on the clock when FSU scored two touchdowns back to back. It was a heart breaker, but it was such an exciting game. My friend, Robert, who I met the summer I lived in Winter Haven, went to FSU, so we met up and stayed with him at his brother's house. I was so glad to be able to see him and catch up. What a sweet friend!

With the semester back in full swing, I am already busier than I have ever been. Juggling school, work, Ambassadors, Student Senate, and YoungLife is challenging, but I am excited for everything that is coming my way. There are a lot of things to get caught up in, but through all of it I want to be mindful of who I am serving and searching for Him in all I do. What an adventure He has planned for me!

"I am always doing something new within my beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all I have prepared for you." -Isaiah 43:19

A Thought

"Many of the most significant moments in our lives come not because it all went right but because it all fell apart." -Rob Bell: Drops Like Stars