The Art of Adventure

It snowed in Athens last night! This is a picture my friend sent me of it…

how I wish I had a white Christmas.

Unfortunately, West Palm Beach was 75 degrees and sunny on Christmas day. Some may think that sounds great, but it’s not when it is all you’ve ever known during the holidays. So over it!

“Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez.

<3 <3 <3

Welcome to my future living room. 

xx Caroline

Obsessed.

xx CB

My dear friend Alex gave me a wonderful reminder today of the freedom that I am privileged to live in through Christ Jesus. It was a 3x5 notecard that clearly defined who we are in the Lord, who He is, what that means in my relationship with Him, and what that ultimately means for my life. 

These truths expose a glimpse of the freedom given to those who believe in the Him…

• You have been given everything you need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3-9
• You are a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
• You are connected to Christ forever! John 15
• Your life is hidden in Christ (so you are never alone). Colossians 3:1-17
• Christ will satisfy your needs which are deeper than food and drink. Isaiah 55
• God’s love for you will be firm and steady forever. Psalm 52
• Trusting God while you wait for things is pleasing to Him. Psalm 130
• God will meet your needs. Psalm 137
• God sees and cares about every tear you shed. Psalm 56:8
• God cares about your desires. Psalm 145: 16-19
• God cares about your worries and anxieties. Matthew 6:19-34
• MOST IMPORTANTLY… The power to believe these truths and live in a different life that trusts the Lord cannot happen in your own strength! The power to live and believe comes from Christ himself. Romans 8:1-30

What joy to know these, His words, remain true for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. What joy to know that we can live in this freedom… What a freedom, that we can overcome the desires of our human nature and choose to trust Him in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit within us…

I am always so encouraged by these reminders, especially right now in light of recent months where I feel I’ve been particularly disobedient and proud. I know that I am so fallible and distracted by the selfish desires of my heart, and I have fallen time and time again into the same sins that so easily/frequently entangle me. However, these verses remind me that I don’t have to live under the burden of those sins any longer, because I can choose Him/His will for my life over all else through the power of the Holy Spirit that He has graciously given to me. Mmmmm mmmm. Thank the Lord, I don’t know where I would be if He wasn’t the strength of my heart… I am so thankful for this freedom and love that never lets up, not even a little bit. It’s a crazy love. I am so thankful that my failures don’t define me anymore, even now, for He redeems and restores me and gives me His righteousness when I am sinful still… it’s just so bizarre, and I am so undeserving, and thus, I would be an utter fool not to respond to Him by offering my life as a pleasing sacrifice and blessing to His name after all He’s done for me… And as painful as this continual realization of my weaknesses/sins are, I love when convicts me and draws me back into His presence. There is total freedom in His arms, and I can’t think of one reason why I would want to be anywhere else…

Took this on the beautiful drive to my lake house with my incredible friends… Gorgeous sunset. 

** Thanks, Al, for these much needed reminders! :) **

“Falling” by The Civil Wars

MMMMMMMmmmmmmmm, yes. 

The Civil Wars concert with Alex Guzman :) Best concert ever. Officially obsessed with these two incredible musicians. 

“The Face” by Kings of Leon

This is one of my favorites on their latest album, which is phenom. “Pyro”, “The End”, and “Radioactive” are also keepers.

City and Colour - “The Girl”

Thank you Jeanne for the introduction to this fine band. 

Lil P-Nut “You Might Be The One”

I’d venture to say that this is the most ridiculous/hilarious new artist in Atlanta. He is 7 years old. Please pay attention to his overwhelmingly inspirational lyrics. :)

chrismohney:

Dan Colen photographed by Marley Kate

(Source: chrismohney)

Glenn Blackwood

(a.k.a. my father)

“Keep Breathing” by Ingrid Michaelson

Currently studying for my “Survey of Historic Dress” exam tomorrow and loving my background tunes, this song is in particular. However, Frou Frou’s “Let Go” is a close second on this getyourstudyon playlist.

I would also like to add that if there was one word to describe my present mood it would be: senioritis.

…and if there was one more word to accompany that which was previously mentioned, further explicating my momentary status, it would most assuredly be: distracted. 

C.S. Lewis