catch up. ketchup.

well, im back into the swing of things from spring break. it was an amazing amazing time to be at home. i got to spend a few days in charleston with some good friends and explore a new place- one of my favorite things to do. we rode bikes and enjoyed the beach and i learned how to overhand serve in volleyball and ate the best hushpuppies this mouth has ever tasted and discovered the university of charleston- amazing place. the most beautiful campus ive ever been on. overall a wonderful trip.

yay for beach! side note: there were about a billion starfish on the beach. you never see them in destin, so it was neat. i even touched a starfish belly! it was really weird feeling.

i came back home and got to have a good 5 days at home to see people, relax, ride bikes, and enjoy reading. thankfully, i got to see good friends i dont always get the pleasure of seeing when im home for a quick weekend. my friend lauren turned 20 last week, and so we had a paint party for that. super fun. give me a dance party and im there. 

such a fun night!

life is funny. things never go the way you plan. this has been evidenced in my life and life around me recently. the theme that is constantly evident is that whatever happens, its the journey the Lord deems best for you at the moment. whether its the plan YOU had for yourself or not. its hard for us humans in our limited mindset to understand we have someone who can see the path when we cant. we forget He is on our side so many times. Hes the one who can see it mapped out, and we are to have faith that backwards turns or briar patches or rugged cliffs or points of oasis are all  leading us to Him and His glorious eternity. its a path designed to suit you as His child and what is best uniquely for you to bring Him the most glory. areas in my life right now are unknown and hazy. to me. but He knows. and will hold me and take care of me. please be encouraged by this and take hold of this. He has been giving me reassurance in His word and other various ways such as conversations and songs. there are some i want to share with you. the first is a verse:

 ³ Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
   and the ears of those who hear will listen. ⁴ The fearful heart will know and understand,
   and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. 

isaiah 32:3-4

this was given to me today in my devotional and it was about no longer fearing but as children, learning to start disciplining ourselves to turn to Him and rest in Him if we start to fear anything. He wants to take care of us. let Him have your fear and rest in His peace. 

the last thing i want to say is that there is a song that is so so comforting to me right now. please look at the words and realize the promise, hope, and love we have. i hope this is a comfort to you too, whether you are in a place of unknown like me or not. 

My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope
Is found in You
I'll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
Jesus, You will never fail

My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope
Is found in You
I'll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go
Of all earthly things
I'm clinging to the cross
Mercy's found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm clinging to the cross

Even darkness
Is as light to You, my Lord
So light the way
And lead me home
To that place
Where every tear is wiped away
Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go
Of all earthly things
I'm clinging to the cross
Mercy's found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm clinging to the cross

What a Saviour
What a story
You were crucified
But now You are alive
So amazing
Such a mystery
You were crucified
But now You are alive

Simply to the cross I cling
Letting go
Of all earthly things
I'm clinging to the cross
Mercy's found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus, You are all I need
I'm clinging to the cross

Grace's made a way
And lead me to the One
That is higher than none
Lead me
Lead me
Lead me
Grace's made a way
Sent me to the cross I cling
Letting go
Of all earthly things
I'm clinging to the cross
Clinging to the cross