Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A Step Forward....



The last few weeks have been a struggle. Life has brought me through an emotional roller coaster that I've never experienced before. The Lord has put me through situations that test everything He has taught me. But what do you do the Lord is silent? When He steps back and gives you the reigns. You have decisions to make, roads to travel down.

 Your whole being fills with anxiety and you began to think of the what ifs, the why nots, and every emotion at once. You begin to question your motives, and if you really are making the right decision. People will give you all sorts of opinions. But none of them seem right. You find yourself questioning why, how, and if you can make it without. You find a whole new perspective. Your eyes no longer see what in front of you, but much farther than that. Into the future and into the unknown.

Is it worth fighting for? Are you strong enough to fight? Can you fight while everyone is telling you to give up?

But there, in all the stress, happiness, anxiety, and excitement when God whispers, in a still small voice....I am with you. You are not alone and I will never forsake you.


Which road will you travel? Will you risk what you have or find safety in what you know? Whatever you do, the Lord is with you and He is holding your hand all the way through.


Monday, April 29, 2013

Meet Sarah!

Hey guys! I'm so happy to have Sarah guest posting today! She is a great blogger and is so good at what she does! Spread some love and go check out her blog! 

Hey everyone! My name is Sarah and I blog over at Limited Space Organizing! Lauren and I became blogging buddies about a month ago and I thank God we have met! She is such a wonderful person inside and out, and I love reading all of her posts! Today, in order to tell y'all a little bit about me, I decide to give you 10 Fun Facts about me!


10 Fun facts about me!

1. My husband and I are high school sweethearts
2. I'm an accountant at a CPA firm in Dallas, TX
3. I am the only girl in my whole family on both sides (except mom and aunts)
4. I have never had sea food, nor do I ever intend on having any (yes, this includes shrimp for those who always ask!)
5. I am OCD about planning and organizing.  I hate when things are out of place, it stresses me out
6. I LOVE NFL football! (GO PACK GO!)
7. I don't like sweets, I'd choose a bag of flaming hot cheetos over a piece of cake any day
8. I love to read (I'm always looking for suggestions!)
9. I have a hard time wearing color and buying color, I usually walk out of the store with black and white items, and our home is decorated in neutrals, I'm trying to slowly incorporate color!
10. I can't run to save my life! I'm on a very slow process of trying to "learn" how to run!

Thanks for letting me stop by! Be sure to come check out my blog!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

#thankfulsweetness

Erin over at Sweetness Itself is a wonderful woman! I spent quite a bit of my weekend reading her posts, she's just amazing! She created this hashtag a while back to express the little things (or big things) you were thankful for, so I thought I may share some with you and make this a new series!


My dear sister in Christ Katie. She is a huge blessing to me and I love her so very much.


Currently On Repeat.....


The Lord knew I needed to read this at the perfect moment this morning, such a great verse. 


It's 82 degrees outside and I have two Christmas candles burning away......I clearly miss winter.....


Sweetness Itself Blog

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Few Favorites.....

It's funny how God works. My week has been crazy-insane-when is graduation again-busy. I woke up this morning and thought about all the simple things in life I forgot were so wonderfully wonderful: 

Thank you lovely neighbor for planting star jasmine, it smells wonderful.

Getting emails like this.....*gasp*


I can't look at this picture enough, I just love it. Read about my day surfing!
I have found one of the most beautiful song I've ever heard. The words are amazing and have been my prayer all week. Check out Oceans by Hillsong here!

Have a great weekend! 




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A Moment of Thankfulness

"But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress."
Psalm 59:16
What an amazing feeling it is sing. To lift your voice higher and sing praises to the One who gave you the breath to do so. It gives me so much joy. A joy that is indescribable in words. While leading worship is an amazing and humbling experience, it is difficult. It takes dedication, time, and patience. Last night was the first time I felt free. I let go and sang as if no one was listening, except the Lord. I wasn't worried about hitting my notes, singing the right words, or what I sounded like at all, I 100% let go. And for that, the Lord shined His love upon me. The words I was singing consumed me and I was overcome with happiness. So here I stand, thankful. Thankful to the One who allows me to lead worship. Thankful that His love never fails.

"Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid 
Because I know that You love me 
Your love never fails."
-Jesus Culture

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Tuesday Topics!

The Austin Family Diary
Silly me, I just realized that I mixed up week 7 and 8. So, looks like I'll be doing week 8 this week! Here are my 8 Favorite Posts:

1. Here I go with another shameless shout-out to my girl Sarah! Check her out, she's awesomely amazing!
2.While I may not be married, this post reminded me how many things there is to be thankful for! Check out Marquis!
3. Lacey always makes me giggle, this post was one of my favorites! Why You Won't Catch Me On Survivor
4. I recently discovered a wonderful blogger. Erin, from Sweetness Itself wrote a post called, 5 Things I Love, that I thought it was so cute!
5. I would definitely say that this is the one post that started it all. Who doesn't love Kate from the Small Things Blog? So thanks Kate, for loving what you do and inspiring me to make a decision that would change my life. Starting a Blog
6. I can't get enough of Lauren's blog. (Previously know as, From My Grey Desk) I absolutely LOVE this idea. I'm obsessed with making lists so this one is for sure one I need to start to write every week. Happy List
7. Emily is such a great blogger. I can tell by the way she writes that she has such a sweet spirit. I loved this post she wrote about How To Be A Godly Woman It was amazing! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
8. Can't help but give another one from Lauren's blog, she's too awesome. In this post, she challenges us to Choose Joy. A choice I need to make more often!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Musing Mondays: My Lovely Weekend!

Hey Guys! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I most certainly did! I went surfing for the very first time and I had such a blast! I woke up this morning with sore muscles, beach hair, and bruises, but it was oh so worth it! If you haven't tried it before, I definitely suggest it. It's an amazing feeling standing up on a wave for the first time! I can't wait to improve and get back in the water.

Days like yesterday remind me how thankful I am for my church family. It's very bittersweet to think I will be saying goodbye in a few months. I'm so thankful for my ohana. I love them so very much.

The Stereotypical Board-And-Wetsuit Shot
"A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for times of adversity."
Proverbs 17:17
Almost Sunset...

Shaka Brah!
My Ohana

Friday, April 19, 2013

Ever Sing For Joy....


Have you ever had one of those amazing "But God" moments? When the only explanation you can give is the hand of your savior? I know I have. It's truly unbelievable. Like many girls my age, I am constantly questioned by others in all directions, "Where are you going to school?" "What are your plans after college?". If you've been there, you know it can get exhausting. Its hard to reach the point in your life where you really don't know. But God. (Don't you just love those words) But God steps in and says, "My beloved child, I have a plan for you.", it's mind blowing. I still think I'm dreaming. You feel wrapped in the Fathers love and begin to live out the faith that you have so earnestly prayed for. 

This is exactly what I experienced merely weeks ago. I asked the Lord where He wanted me to go, He showed me. He showed me one college. Just one.  No other options even crossed my mind. I filled out my application and waited. And waited. And waited. While my friends where applying to 5-10 different colleges, I sat quietly and waited. But let me tell you, it was not easy. For what seemed like years, I prayed for the results. That God would let His will be done and show me exactly where He wanted me to go. I waited for 3 weeks and at the most unexpected moment, He showed me His plan. I was accepted to my bible college and I was overcome with joy. A joy that I have never felt in my entire life. He showed me that by simply following Him and listening to His still, small voice, He will take care of me. He paved the way for me, He opened the doors, and in 4 and a half months, I'll pack my bags and walk down the path He has set for me. 

I found this verse in Psalms last night and it explained everything I was feeling and experiencing. I found refuge in Him. He kept me safe and comforted me in times of hardship. So when people ask me what my plans are after I graduate, I can't help but smile and "ever sing for joy". Has the Lord done something great in your life lately? Has He answered prayers that you never thought He could answer? Then find your voice, stand up, and ever sing for joy.....

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

It's Tuesday.....

The Austin Family Diary
Happy Tuesday Guys!
1. Try My Best to Get Up On Time: This is a hard one. I try my best but often times(like this morning) its super hard to get up on time. But we all know every single one of those snoozes are worth it...


2. Gotta Check the Instagram...I'm a little obsessed..#sorrynotsorry


3.Daily Vlogger Dose...I've been a YouTube addict for nearly 8 years now. If you have not found some daily vloggers to watch, look no further. So its merely out of habit that I reach to watch all three of these guys every day.  (By the way, for those who are not familar, these "vloggers"basically film their day, all day, everyday.)
Check out LeFloofTVitsjudyslife, and danandkelcieTV!



4. Get Ready...Call me crazy but I can't be productive until my hair and makeup is done. (Attire may vary, though...*ahem* "Sweat pants or yoga pants today?")

What's wrong with this coffee??
5. Liquid Gold...Come on now, it wouldn't be a SWAS post without me talking about my coffee. I have a problem and I don't plan on seeking any kind of therapy. I always start my day with a cup...there I'm done talking about it now, moving on!


6. Thank Him...I talk with some pretty amazing people everyday. I always take a moment and thank the Lord for all of them.

7. Give it Up to Him....Some of my days can be hectic. (like today.) There is no way I can make it through the day without the strength of my Savior. I look at my to-do list, and give it up to Him. After all, its His day anyway right?



Saturday, April 13, 2013

You are Loved...

If you feel lost, confused, rejected, alone, afraid, or empty, be still and know that you are loved by the one who put the stars in the sky. He makes the waves move, the sun rise, and flowers bloom. He knows your name. And He loves you....

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday!


1. Buble' Kind of Day: *did you see what I did there with the rhyming?* "Everything" by Michael Buble' has been on repeat ALL week. I can't get enough. I've been a fan of his music ever since I was a little kid and my mom would play all his CDs. Check this song out here! You won't regret it. Let it be your theme for this Friday! If you know it or listen to it, leave a lyric in the comments!

2. Spring Has Sprung: I walked into the grocery store this week to this shot. It made me smile so much. Spring is such a beautiful time of year, what an odd place to find that out than in a grocery store.

3. Target Trap: I will admit. My name is Lauren and I have a Target problem. I find something every.single.time I go in there. I'm a huge sucker for those little red tags. I don't care if its 70% or 15% off, I automatically can justify buying it. Anyways, I've been looking for a pair of headphones like these for a while now. Snagged this yesterday and I love them already....thank you Target...

4.Listening to the Rain: I'm obsessed with an app this week. This one is called SleepMaker All In One Free. (that's a mouthful, sorry) I love listening to the rain. This particular app plays for 45 min and you even get to pick what type of rain you would like to listen to. My favorite is "Rain steady trickling puddles" (In case you wanted to know:P) This is great to have while reading or even falling asleep to!

5. Button Party!: In case you guys missed it, I made my very own button this week! Hooray! Go ahead and take me with you!

Linking up with Lauren as always!

Hope you all have a great weekend!



Thursday, April 11, 2013

Fear (Finding My Voice)



Fear. It's a consuming fire that is silent and can be easily disguised. There are moments when I walk out the door looking as though I have it all together. I look like the girl everyone sees. Little do they know, I may be falling apart on the inside. Just waiting for the moment that I can come home and dwell on the judgmental comment they just made. Spending hours wondering if what they said is true, how I can fix it, etc. Fear is not something you can fake. It's real and is the most destructive thing I know and I know it well. It covers my entire mind, a battle I have lost time and time again. But this friends is where I have to make a choice. Do I let this thought consume me for days, reminding myself each time I look in the mirror? Or do I stand firm in the truth that the Lord has chosen me and delights in me? This is a daily battle. The Lord has shown me in the last year that He truly has a plan for me. He loves me. He cares for me and knows me by name. I lean solely on my everlasting rock because His love.never.fails.

"I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand. I will not be shaken."
Psalm 16:7-8 









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Monday, April 8, 2013

Tuesday Topics!

The Austin Family Diary

9. Marriage-Its a covenant, a promise, and a commitment and it shouldn't ever be broken.
8. Winter- My favorite season of the year, not matter where I live.
7. He has a plan- My God had a plan for me. It will be better than anything I could ever hope for or imagine.
6.A Mug a day-I will always start my day with a cup of coffee, always. Without fail.
5. Feeling Blue-It's my favorite color and I will continue to buy clothing items that color even though it seems to be the only color I wear.
4. Sushi- Turn up your noses if you wish but this just so happens to be the most delicious food on the planet....(Well besides coffee, of course.)
3. My Path has been Paved- Everything that has happened in my life, good or bad, has been the Lord's will.
2. I'm Blessed- The Lord has blessed me with an amazing family and the best set of friends a girl could ask for.
1.My Faith- I stand firm in it.

Grab A Button!

I love blog buttons! I love my little collection growing down there. It's so nice to have some of my favorite bloggers sitting on my page, making it look at pretty and cheerful... Anyways! Look who made herself her very own button! Me! So go right ahead, grab my button and take me with you!


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Friday, April 5, 2013

Happy Friday!!


Happy Friday Everyone! I think you all would be so happy to know that Lauren has been quite the busy bee this week! Last semester is officially underway and there is no turning back now...*gasp*. As always, linking up with the lovely Lauren!

1. This week was hard but productive. I got to visit my future college for the first time yesterday and I cannot tell you how much of a blessing that was. My student adviser was so very patient and spent her time answering every last question. (Poor girl!)  I can't wait to see what God has in store for me! So blessed!

2. Carmel Macchiatos: I think I had my 4th one of the week today......hey..you don't judge me, I don't judge you!

3. Easter was so much fun. I had so many laughs with my friends and made so many memories. Couldn't help but make it a favorite for the week.

4. I went ahead and got a manicure this week. Can we just talk about the colors for a second....wow. I was IN LOVE!!! (O.P.I.'S Lincoln Park After Dark and O.P.I.'s Birthday Collection)

5. I think I found this on Pinterest this week. (Or some other social media site...:P) In times of hardship, the way we react is what makes the situation. "How strong you stand is what makes you" Thought I would share that with you guys!


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Tuesday Topics!

The Austin Family Diary

Good Morning Guys! Whose ready for a new weekly post? Found this great one through Tiffany and Lauren! Check these girls out!
So here is 10 of my favorite pins!
Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

This is me. All.The.Time.

This is such a powerful (but true) pin! A daily prayer for me!

These two outfits are too simply and cute to not re-create one day! Adorable!
Yup, that's pretty much how it goes.
Finally found a recipe for Chipotle's rice! Must try this one day!
I'm not into an all formal wedding, this is the perfect happy medium.