seriously?

how do i live with purpose daily, while still looking ahead?

outside of my bedroom, the apartment is virtually empty.  its a strange feeling.  in three days i will no longer be a resident of grapevine.  and once again i will claim mesquite as home.  

so much happens in a year: new jobs. new backs. new friendships. quitting jobs. friendships ending.  traveling to new places.  traveling to familiar places.  people dying.  new life. brokenness. restoration.  

the end of maybe the craziest year of my life is near.  the end of an era if you will.  it brings with it a sigh of relief.  but also a lot of sadness.  i like my apartment.  i like being close to my church. i loved living with monica.  a lot has happened, but it has all somehow been edifying.  and good.  

life is so sweet.  even when it's hard. 

i will, without a doubt, look back on this year and smile, because i know so much more about myself.  and there were a lot of good memories.  out of it all, i've been able to experience the Lord in a precious way. 

for now, sprinkles and the flower shop.  until i hear the Spirit speak where to head next.  no plans.  just actively waiting.  it's an exciting place to be.  

rejoice.  rejoice.  our God is good.

good question.  

i want to laugh often. dance plenty. and explore near and far. 

if you're not familiar with these special mattresses, you can adjust the firmness of the mattress.  you have an option for one or two chamber.  one for all over, or two for the two sides of the bed.

my mom encouraged me to get the two chamber bed just in case i get married soon.  

thanks mom for thinking ahead.

last night we went to the ranger game, as we do on many summer nights. sitting there and even later last night when i got home, i started really thinking about how much i love them.  they get on my nerves, and there are a lot of times i see no reason as to why they do/say certain things.  but at the end of the day they still win my heart over.  we, the whitneys, are a crazy bunch.  and i like it that way. 

i love my dad because he's the silent leader.  and a fixer.  if you have a problem, he makes it right. [and his bottle cap eyes]

i love my mom because her heart is first for her family.  whatever we need, whenever we need it Debs has our back.  [her driving skills are less than perfect, but you can always bank on giggles and yelps when you tickle her]

i love my brother because  he is fascinated by the world.  he has a genuine interest in everything no matter how simple.  and that goes for people, too.  heart of gold.  [and the best softball coach i EVER had]

not everyone will be happy or agree with my decisions.

how can they not agree with me, though? surely i have vast amounts of wisdom for a 23 year old. 

in my good ole' people pleasin' nature, i want everyone to affirm me by backing up anything i do or say 100%.  

but maybe, just maybe, it's time to start doing what i gotta do. for the Kingdom. and for myself.  

i am at peace in your will, oh Lord.