{8.20.14} Snapshot

//because summer is over.

I can't even believe it.  The summer that I thought would never end has somehow careened by at a breathtaking speed, and on the night when I should be running around throwing my entire life into a suitcase, I'm instead trying to wrap my mind around what's just around the corner.

So many memories from my freshman year are threatening to make nostalgic tears trickle down my cheeks.  Oh what I would give to tell the freshman me to hold. on. tight. to each and every moment because life passes oh so fast and I am left wondering where on earth does the time go?  So many changes.  So many dear friends not returning to PHC this fall.  So many questions.  Yet over all, there is so. much. peace. 

If you ever go to follow me on Instagram, you'll notice that my username is "andnotbysight".  As I sit here surrounded by all my earthly possessions, I keep coming back to the reason I chose that name because it is so true that we walk by faith, and not by sight. 

Elation.  Anxiety.  Joy.  Doubt.  Peace.  Worry.  Hope.  Fear.  So many emotions are firing through my mind on this last night in Pittsburgh, yet I hold on tight to the fact that each and every one of us is in the eternal grip of grace.  God's grace is sufficient, even in my weakness, and therefore I walk by faith.

To God be all the praise and glory.

(as a completely non-deep side note, my soon-to-be-roommate sent me this link, and it perfectly sums up my evening)

(also I just realized that my past few snapshots were dated as July, not August.  Yep.  That's just the way things roll around here ;))

{7.19.14} Snapshot

//because this was the weekend that we decided to abandon adult responsibilities (aka: "work") and travel to one of our favorite places (aka: "Lancaster") and along the way we got sidetracked by outlet malls and ice cream factories and we took crazy pictures and ate too much food and all in all we decided that this annual trip really is the best part of the summer :)

(and because lists make the world a much happier place, I have everything organized for your easy reference :))

Stop #1: Turkey Hill's "Ice Cream Experience"

If you spend any amount of time with my dad and I you will quickly find out that mint chocolate chip ice cream (ok, any ice cream) is our biggest weakness, so naturally we were intrigued by Turkey Hill's ice cream factory/museum/hands-on experience :)

(did I mention it was hands-on?  As in, you got to create your own flavor.  Now these are the kinds of places I could get used to!)

Yeah I don't think I'm taking up the dairy life anytime soon.

My dad, on the other hand, just might have found his new calling!

No we're all just crazy.  Anyway...

Stop #2: Outlet malls

(I didn't take any pictures here because that would have been kind of weird and besides my mom and I are power shoppers and we whipped through the clearance racks so fast that we were done in record time)

Stop #3: Smith's Candy Store

Ah yes, Lancaster's best-kept secret.  Yes I told you we ate too much this weekend, and this store did nothing to help matters.  With endless rows of glass jars filled with every sugary goodness imaginable, this store is definitely for the serious candy lover.

(and because I think lollipops are one of the best photo props ever created.)

Stop #4: Lunch

Did I mention we ate a lot?

Oh and coffee shops have cool artwork, mirrors, etc.

(from your token third wheel on this trip :))

Stop #5: Walking around Lititz

This town is a very happy place filled with adorable stores and amazing book nooks.  It is good for the soul :)

Stop #6: The Best Chocolate You Will Ever Have

(aka: "Wilbur Buds")

Why thank you!  Don't mind if I do....

Stop #7: My Favorite Place On Earth

(aka: "Sight & Sound Theater)

I really need to stop going here because I question my career choices every time.  Seriously, if you have never been here you need to make a trip out to central PA just to see one of these Broadway-caliber musicals.  Even though we've seen every single one of their productions for as long as I can remember, this new one was probably one of their best yet!

(and don't worry - I thought about things rationally on the car ride home and decided that PHC really is where I belong.  But I still wouldn't mind doing this kind of musical theater on the side.  That totally fits with international policy....right?? ;))

And that's that!  These are just some late-night ramblings, but I can't even say how wonderful it was to spend a relaxing weekend with the best parents in the world...the Lord truly has made my cup overflow with blessings :)

{New Beginnings}

Well folks, I am officially a southern girl now, complete with steamed okra ;)  I know this poor, sad, little blog has been rejected lately and I'm sure it won't get any better in the coming weeks, but I wanted to do a quick post and share what God's been doing lately :)

I recently had the privilege of moving to Purcellville, VA to attend Patrick Henry College.  This week has been a whole lot of orientation, etc, but already I am so overwhelmed by the amazing community of people that surrounds me.  It's been quite the journey to get here, but God is oh so faithful!

One song that we've been singing in chapel is 'All I Have is Christ' - if you haven't heard it before I encourage you to take a few moments to listen to it!  The last verse is especially powerful:

Now Lord, I would be yours alone,
And live so all might see

The strength to follow your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

Hallelujah!  All I have is Christ
Hallelujah!  Jesus is my life

As I prepare to delve into this school year on Monday, that is my prayer.  That Christ would be all I need, all I pursue, and all I desire!  May each one of us trust in Him, commit our way to Him, and believe that He who called us is faithful!  This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. {Psalm 118:23}

So with that, I'm off to study the syllabus and see what I need to get done :)  Every once in a while I'll try to post pictures from my iPod to give you a glimpse of what I'm up to!  Can't wait to see what this year holds :)

{The roomies have already discovered the fro-yo place next door ;)}

{I'm back :)}

Hello to the blogosphere!!  My goodness - it's been forever since I've posted anything....it's incredible how much can happen in just a few months!  Let's see...I started a full time job, was the maid of honor in my big sister's wedding, got my flower business up and running for another year, and oh yeah!  I just got back from Italy :)  Needless to say things have been a little hectic, but I really hope to start blogging more during these long summer evenings :D  

To start with, I definitely wanted to share some pictures from Italy.  The trip was so incredibly amazing I don't even know where to begin!  Besides visiting all the places I've only ever read about, roaming about the Italian countryside, and eating about double my weight in gelato, it was just amazing to walk around the different historical sites and see history really come to life!  My poor computer is currently groaning under the weight of 1,500 photos, but here's a few of my favorites to start with :)

{Roman streets}

{Hill town life}

{Gorgeous cathedrals}

{St. Peter's Basilica}

{My new favorite vehicle}

{Colosseum at night}

{Amalfi}

{Positano}

{San Gimignano} 

{Shady walkways}

{Poppies in bloom}

{Leaning tower + gelato}

{Yellow birches}

{Abandoned church}

{Mountaintop cities}

{Under the Tuscan sun}

Happy weekend!!

Bex <3

I'm BACK!!! (for now :D)

Before you even say it, yes yes I know I've been a horrible blogger for the past few weeks :D  But just in case you were starting to wonder, I promise I'm not dead!  Just been busy running around trying to finish up some things :)  

I am back from the Philippines now, and a lot of things are in the works...I'll keep you posted as further developments are solidified :)  But as the snow whips around the house and the temperature keeps dropping, I wanted to share some photos I took on my last day in Manila.  They bring back happy memories of sunshine ;)  

Kezia, Heather, and Sharon are the three American staff girls for IBLP Philippines

(don't you wish your garage door looked like that??)

^ My personal favorite ;)

Some pretty awesome personalities right there!! :D

Hopefully more will come soon...maybe I'll actually brave the elements and try to get some snow photos :)

Bex <3 <3