JAY AND I ARE ENGAGED!

God is so good!  How blessed I am by my friends and family and especially Jay!  We are going to be counting down the days, waiting for June of 2013!!!!!

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

You make all things work together for my good

Yes, you make all things work together for my good

Ephesians 2

In my bible study, we just started studying Ephesians. And this week, we are studying chapter 2. As I have been going over it, verse 14 stands out:

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two ONE and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..."

I love the wording that the NIV uses. He himself is our peace. He is my peace when things are crazy. He brings inner peace, one you cannot get from earthly things. Jesus has destroyed the barrier and the dividing wall of hostility. Peace is what he offers us, who would not want it? I am thankful for the constant peace that Christ does give me.

This week has been tough, not gonna lie. I feel lots of pressure from different sides to get stuff done, do good in school, constantly be social, and always be on top of things. It's hard. I have not been diligent in the Word and I know that's something I need to work on. I have had a hard time hearing and feeling the Lord. But yesterday, I HEARD HIM. I have been stressed about classes and making sure that I graduate on time. While attempting to get an extra minor, I have 15 more hours to take. Physically, I do not have enough time for 15 extra hours, I only have room for 12. So yesterday, I went to my advisor to see if I could double count a class that I am currently in. And guess what? IT DOES! The class I am in now will be able to count for my major AND my minor. How cool is that?! That is totally the Lord... He is just looking at me and saying, "Elle, stop worrying, I got this." What a peace He gives if you just wait to receive it. He can calm the anxious heart if You just let Him.

MY SiSTER iS A BALLER!

My little sister, Parker, is going to be the 2012-2013 Chaplain of Briarcrest Christian High School!!!

She is pretty much a baller, and I am so proud of her! Parker is one of the funniest, down to earth, witty, talented, and Godly women I know. At 17, she is far beyond her years. I have missed a lot of her "growing up" years because I go to school in Auburn. I wish I could get some of this time back. P brings out the weird side of me. We act bizarre together and always get weird looks from my other sister and both my parents. But I think that's the way it's supposed to be. She brings constant laughter to my life and I am so glad I can call her a sister and a friend! SO PROUD OF HER.

P, Brennan, and me
my familia
Parker and I on vacation a few years ago..

Parker, I am SO proud of you and the woman of God that you are!!!

Gettin Down and Derby

Last night, we had our Derby formal! Everyone looked OH so classy in their sundresses and wide-brim hats. The event was filled with laughter and great food. Can anyone say shrimp and grits? Or cake-pops? or fried pickles? so good. Jay also came in town so what more could I want? It was a perfect night with perfect weather and perfect friends. JUST PERFECT.

Jordan, Millie, Nicole, Sasa, and Katie

Elizabeth, Ballard (who can't be seen), Millie, Nicole, Katie, Kristen, Sasa, and Jordan

Jay and I

just a little modeling

MY MAN

Work it

Sasa and Katie

Bags and I

Jordan, Millie, and I

Hope you all have a relaxing Sunday :)

a heart felt post

It's been a while since I've really written. But as I lay in bed on this beautiful Saturday morning, the Lord is urges me to write what's been on my heart.

While we were in Nica, the Lord showed me so much of His Faithfulness. Not only in the eyes of the children there, but in the eyes of the people with me on the trip. The Auburn people I was with showed such dedicated to their work and what they wanted to do while they were there. It was so cool the way God constantly showed me He was there... for example, one day I was reading Philippians 1:6 and then in our group meeting, someone wanted to talk about Philippians 1:6. That happened on so many occasions! Just feeling the Lord's presence everywhere, it's the coolest feeling.

All my feelings of inadequacy disappeared, for a moment in time. I struggle with being good enough or being "deep" enough. And that was hard, especially in Nica when you are surrounded with such solid people who know such much more than you do about the Word. But it's not about knowledge... yes, that is important, but it is about having a relationship with the Creator of the world!! AND the fact that He wants to have a relationship with me! What more could I want? That alone makes me feel like the happiest girl in the world.

Have a Happy Saturday!

laugh loud, rest often