expressing joy.

My cousin Tessa Joy is one of the most beautiful women I know. She is always extremely generous and is one of the few people who can make me feel like a princess.  For as long as I can remember, she has always primped and glamourized my hair and make-up followed by selecting the most flattering and stylish outfit for the occasion. This weekend was no exception. 

Our time together consisted of laughs, confiding stories, taking pictures, and of course shopping.

This is her, she is beyond the best. Check out her blog!

life lately.

As I try my hardest to savor these last days of ‘childhood,’ I have been trying to stretch as much time as I can to spend with friends and family.

Here are some pictures to catch you up on the last few few weeks.

Spending time with my younger cousins, Molly and Brooke.

Enjoying some strawberry shortcake with Nicole.

Relaxing at the lake house with a few of my lifelong friends.

I spent the 4^th of July visiting my best friend in our Nation’s Capitol, D.C.

Drinking homemade root beer at a Civil War Reenactment

And biking 25-miles in Chicago’s Annual Late Ride.

a beautiful shift

Life has been coming at me pretty quickly these days. In the past few weeks I interviewed for and was offered the most perfect public relations job that could not fit or be any more handpicked just for me, I found a beautifully furnished condo that I cannot wait to move into, amidst trying to savor these last few days of pretending to be a child.  I am eager to embrace this new phase of life independently but man, there sure is a lot to take in and consider.

Ironically, I have been both amazed and humbled, as I have strongly been reminded that I really have little control over any of my life.  My life is in huge transition and I can sense the Lord’s hand in it all, even down to the minutest detail. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9