{diy} : fall-themed wreath

I made a front door wreath this week.
check it out here:
https://imoliviagrace.wordpress.com/2017/10/08/diy-fall-themed-wreath/

thick f a i t h

these are just some of my thoughts, straight from my heart, speaking right into my heart. 
inspiration from genesis twenty-two. (and new morning mercies)

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"After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!", and he said, "here I am." (1)
- answering to God's call of "hey" is the beginning to a test of faith. Exactly as it was with Abraham. He didn't say, "what?"and he didn't say "again, really?" He just answered with a willing heart and said, "here I am". He surrendered himself without even knowing all of the details.

"Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you." (2)
- God tells him WHAT he's going to do, but he doesn't give him ALL of the details, which in a human sense we usually want all of the details. many times we are too lazy to do something, or we're too consumed in something else to even care. but Abraham cared - he cared so much about God and His will for him, that he gave God the time of day, and he answered to the call right then & right there. he willingly went even though he didn't know where he was going.

"Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the land for the burnt offering, my son." "(8)
Abraham had so much faith that he didn't even use words that would worry his son. He used strong words about his heavenly Father that were (and still are) so true: God will provide for Himself.

"He said, "do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, you're only son, from Me." (12)
- Abraham fearlessly surrendered everything he had to God. His only son. In turn, God surrendered His only son, Jesus. His only son. And Jesus also...went fearlessly to the cross.

what echoed for me was...do I go fearlessly to the cross? do I surrender my everything everyday?

"And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (18)
- in the end, was Abraham's faith worth it? so worth it. blessings upon blessings we're given to Abraham.

even when we don't understand, even when we can't see the reasons - even then, we must have faith. faith so thick that we know God will come through in His timing, and in His way, which is not always our way...and we have to come to a place of understanding that.

let your faith flow to seek what God wants in the outcome. I struggle with this. but once again - we are all in this together.
let us together, put aside hallow faith and hallow prayers. let us call unto God with the most thick faith, believing that His outcome is best. surrender it all. go fearlessly to the cross. go fearlessly to the end of yourself to do what God has for you. in the end it is always so so good. 
we serve such a good good Father. 

xx sorry for the book. 
happy weekend!

thick f a i t h

these are just some of my thoughts, straight from my heart, speaking right into my heart. 
inspiration from genesis twenty-two. (and new morning mercies)

+

+

"After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!", and he said, "here I am." (1)
- answering to God's call of "hey" is the beginning to a test of faith. Exactly as it was with Abraham. He didn't say, "what?"and he didn't say "again, really?" He just answered with a willing heart and said, "here I am". He surrendered himself without even knowing all of the details.

"Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you." (2)
- God tells him WHAT he's going to do, but he doesn't give him ALL of the details, which in a human sense we usually want all of the details. many times we are too lazy to do something, or we're too consumed in something else to even care. but Abraham cared - he cared so much about God and His will for him, that he gave God the time of day, and he answered to the call right then & right there. he willingly went even though he didn't know where he was going.

"Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the land for the burnt offering, my son." "(8)
Abraham had so much faith that he didn't even use words that would worry his son. He used strong words about his heavenly Father that were (and still are) so true: God will provide for Himself.

"He said, "do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, you're only son, from Me." (12)
- Abraham fearlessly surrendered everything he had to God. His only son. In turn, God surrendered His only son, Jesus. His only son. And Jesus also...went fearlessly to the cross.

what echoed for me was...do I go fearlessly to the cross? do I surrender my everything everyday?

"And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (18)
- in the end, was Abraham's faith worth it? so worth it. blessings upon blessings we're given to Abraham.

even when we don't understand, even when we can't see the reasons - even then, we must have faith. faith so thick that we know God will come through in His timing, and in His way, which is not always our way...and we have to come to a place of understanding that.

let your faith flow to seek what God wants in the outcome. I struggle with this. but once again - we are all in this together.
let us together, put aside hallow faith and hallow prayers. let us call unto God with the most thick faith, believing that His outcome is best. surrender it all. go fearlessly to the cross. go fearlessly to the end of yourself to do what God has for you. in the end it is always so so good. 
we serve such a good good Father. 

xx sorry for the book. 
happy weekend!

to be caught in His beauty.

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it is something to ask yourself everyday. if the answer is, "no. not really" - that's okay. the most important thing is to be honest and move more towards it daily.

- AM I IN LOVE WITH JESUS MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY? -

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- HAVE I BEEN BATHING IN HIS GRACE DAILY? -

a couple days ago I was burdened with the thought that sometimes we forget God in His beauty.

I so often am ungrateful for what the day throws at me. so much that I don't see God's beauty in it - when it truly IS there.
{Isaiah 43:1}

when we take control of a situation, all that is left is selfish pride. 

it's hard to grip with, but God's will isn't all "good things" - at least what we call them in a worldly sense.

sometimes sickness is God's will. death is God's will. chronic pain is God's will. being emotionally drained is God's will. and that is hard for us to understand. and through every part of it, God is still beautiful, He is still graceful, and He is still God. 

everything in our lives is suppose to bring us to love Him more. no matter life's circumstances, no matter the day's situation, I should still be at His feet, praising His beautiful face. He should become more beautiful to us everyday.

so in all honesty, I ask myself,

am I truly and willingly more in love / more like Jesus today than I was yesterday? in this moment than I was in the last?

ask yourself, every day for the rest of your life. let your answer grow, and let us see God in all of His breathtaking beauty.

and remember - we are all in this together. reach out for accountability, and know that you are never ever alone. xo

happy weekend friends! 

to be caught in His beauty.

-

it is something to ask yourself everyday. if the answer is, "no. not really" - that's okay. the most important thing is to be honest and move more towards it daily.

- AM I IN LOVE WITH JESUS MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY? -

+

- HAVE I BEEN BATHING IN HIS GRACE DAILY? -

a couple days ago I was burdened with the thought that sometimes we forget God in His beauty.

I so often am ungrateful for what the day throws at me. so much that I don't see God's beauty in it - when it truly IS there.
{Isaiah 43:1}

when we take control of a situation, all that is left is selfish pride. 

it's hard to grip with, but God's will isn't all "good things" - at least what we call them in a worldly sense.

sometimes sickness is God's will. death is God's will. chronic pain is God's will. being emotionally drained is God's will. and that is hard for us to understand. and through every part of it, God is still beautiful, He is still graceful, and He is still God. 

everything in our lives is suppose to bring us to love Him more. no matter life's circumstances, no matter the day's situation, I should still be at His feet, praising His beautiful face. He should become more beautiful to us everyday.

so in all honesty, I ask myself,

am I truly and willingly more in love / more like Jesus today than I was yesterday? in this moment than I was in the last?

ask yourself, every day for the rest of your life. let your answer grow, and let us see God in all of His breathtaking beauty.

and remember - we are all in this together. reach out for accountability, and know that you are never ever alone. xo

happy weekend friends! 

another year of - g r a c e -

it's twenty thousand and seventeen.
it's another day.
it's new mornings.

i'm not making a list of resolutions...or even goals.
those kind of lists never work for me, so instead of making up things I think I need to work on and writing them down, I am going to focus. focus in on real life and my day to day goals.
often times we get too worked up on following something exactly and if we don't, we dislike ourselves for it. i'm learning to be okay with schedules and lists not always being perfect to a "t". but instead, being thankful for what does happen.

I slept in late today and my devotions and personal prayer time didn't happen until 8 o'clock pm. but I ended up being okay with that. it was a perfect time, because that's when He spoke to me and encouraged me and gave me more than I deserve.

>> abide in God and bask in His amazing grace <<

whatever your goals may be, let this foremost be another year of God's grace.

always remember: we are in this together. we can keep each other accountable. never be afraid to call another sister or friend for help throughout your journey this year.

wake up. love God. love people. (and maybe even conquer the world)

Xo happy 2k17!

another year of - g r a c e -

it's twenty thousand and seventeen.
it's another day.
it's new mornings.

i'm not making a list of resolutions...or even goals.
those kind of lists never work for me, so instead of making up things I think I need to work on and writing them down, I am going to focus. focus in on real life and my day to day goals.
often times we get too worked up on following something exactly and if we don't, we dislike ourselves for it. i'm learning to be okay with schedules and lists not always being perfect to a "t". but instead, being thankful for what does happen.

I slept in late today and my devotions and personal prayer time didn't happen until 8 o'clock pm. but I ended up being okay with that. it was a perfect time, because that's when He spoke to me and encouraged me and gave me more than I deserve.

>> abide in God and bask in His amazing grace <<

whatever your goals may be, let this foremost be another year of God's grace.

always remember: we are in this together. we can keep each other accountable. never be afraid to call another sister or friend for help throughout your journey this year.

wake up. love God. love people. (and maybe even conquer the world)

Xo happy 2k17!

photo log: restful prayer

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it's a peace knowing that we can rest in prayer of God's peace.

photo log: restful prayer

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it's a peace knowing that we can rest in prayer of God's peace.

plan + goals + motivation

"it's a good week to have a good week".

in result to being motivated by this quote, I am realizing that every week should be good, every week should be productive, and every week should teach something new. 

this week really needed a lot of motivation for myself. I mostly had things that needed to get done around the house, so if I didn't give myself an opportunity to get going, it was going to be very unproductive. on monday I did start a little slow, but it was definitely better than not trying at all. I want to focus on one word that is important in relation to all of this. :: t r y  :: no goal is ever perfect, but I think the word "try" screams effort.

here is my collaboration of things I have found helpful and that work for me (which I am still currently working on) :
- try getting up earlier. if you don't have work, an appointment, or event that doesn't call you to get up early, still try to get up at a time that works for you and keeps you motivated. (note: I used the word "earlier",  not "early"). I have been shooting for 7:45/8ish. it hasn't happened every morning, but I do set my alarm and at least shoot for it.
- study the bible. if you are not use to doing this, I highly recommend making it a habit and putting it at the beginning of your day, although what ever time works with your schedule is up to you. along with this, pray & memorize scripture.

- get into a routine. I am still definitely working on this myself. getting yourself into a morning/nightly routine can help your motivation in getting the day started and prepping for the next one (at night). a great idea for a morning routine is starting with the most important things. I read on a blog that it is a good idea to leave the "fun" things as rewards for yourself later on. for example: clean and do laundry - then scroll through instagram or pinterest. these are simple and easy ways to live life to the fullest!

- make a list. get out your planner, piece paper or post-it-note the night before and write down in a list format what needs to get done. if you can't think of anything pressing that needs to get accomplished, think of some creative things to make yourself productive. here are some examples: exercise your body, read a book (if you don't have one on hand, take a trip to the library), clean or sort through something that hasn't been touched in quite sometime (maybe that bottom drawer of your desk or donate clothing from your closet), make a new recipe (even a latte!).

- exercise your body. this can be as simple as taking a walk, bike ride, or just stretching. I need to work on this one as well. I am most motivated with things like this in the morning/early afternoon times, so I would suggest putting it near the top of the list. again, just do what works for you.

- journal/get creative/think. I don't journal much, and it's not usually a thing where I write out my direct thoughts. I have a bible study journal which contains my personal notes and I also have my bullet journal, which consists mostly of a personal & creative planner. it helps keep me getting what I need to get done and is slowly becoming a creative outlet. the idea is to get creative, in whatever way that might be for you. I also enjoy taking photos, so you could get creative in that way. maybe handwriting or calligraphy could be your outlet - pinterest is a great place for all ideas & inspiration.

SO: make this week (and every week) a good week!

plan + goals + motivation

"it's a good week to have a good week".

in result to being motivated by this quote, I am realizing that every week should be good, every week should be productive, and every week should teach something new. 

this week really needed a lot of motivation for myself. I mostly had things that needed to get done around the house, so if I didn't give myself an opportunity to get going, it was going to be very unproductive. on monday I did start a little slow, but it was definitely better than not trying at all. I want to focus on one word that is important in relation to all of this. :: t r y  :: no goal is ever perfect, but I think the word "try" screams effort.

here is my collaboration of things I have found helpful and that work for me (which I am still currently working on) :
- try getting up earlier. if you don't have work, an appointment, or event that doesn't call you to get up early, still try to get up at a time that works for you and keeps you motivated. (note: I used the word "earlier",  not "early"). I have been shooting for 7:45/8ish. it hasn't happened every morning, but I do set my alarm and at least shoot for it.
- study the bible. if you are not use to doing this, I highly recommend making it a habit and putting it at the beginning of your day, although what ever time works with your schedule is up to you. along with this, pray & memorize scripture.

- get into a routine. I am still definitely working on this myself. getting yourself into a morning/nightly routine can help your motivation in getting the day started and prepping for the next one (at night). a great idea for a morning routine is starting with the most important things. I read on a blog that it is a good idea to leave the "fun" things as rewards for yourself later on. for example: clean and do laundry - then scroll through instagram or pinterest. these are simple and easy ways to live life to the fullest!

- make a list. get out your planner, piece paper or post-it-note the night before and write down in a list format what needs to get done. if you can't think of anything pressing that needs to get accomplished, think of some creative things to make yourself productive. here are some examples: exercise your body, read a book (if you don't have one on hand, take a trip to the library), clean or sort through something that hasn't been touched in quite sometime (maybe that bottom drawer of your desk or donate clothing from your closet), make a new recipe (even a latte!).

- exercise your body. this can be as simple as taking a walk, bike ride, or just stretching. I need to work on this one as well. I am most motivated with things like this in the morning/early afternoon times, so I would suggest putting it near the top of the list. again, just do what works for you.

- journal/get creative/think. I don't journal much, and it's not usually a thing where I write out my direct thoughts. I have a bible study journal which contains my personal notes and I also have my bullet journal, which consists mostly of a personal & creative planner. it helps keep me getting what I need to get done and is slowly becoming a creative outlet. the idea is to get creative, in whatever way that might be for you. I also enjoy taking photos, so you could get creative in that way. maybe handwriting or calligraphy could be your outlet - pinterest is a great place for all ideas & inspiration.

SO: make this week (and every week) a good week!

a real good year (2015)

I almost didn't write this and I don't even know if I have much to say. I think I can say what I want to about this past year in a short and sweet way. :::

I had a great year, and I really mean that.

I graduated high school and started college. the hardest thing probably was graduation and that was just a transition that still seems a little weird.

I started dating my love and became so very thankful that he is my best friend.

I turned 18 and still don't have my license.

I chopped 12 inches off my hair (and kinda, sorta regret it).

I started mentoring a young girl.

I made new friendships that I cherish over and over.

I lost my doggy and it still breaks my heart, but I am grateful that he gave us all of the times and memories to remember him by.

God really blessed my year. sometimes He does things out of the water like that. it's like He was thinking, "two thousand and fifteen is going to be a real good year."

and it was.

~ two thousand sixteen...what do you have for us? ~

how was your twenty fifteen? x

a real good year (2015)

I almost didn't write this and I don't even know if I have much to say. I think I can say what I want to about this past year in a short and sweet way. :::

I had a great year, and I really mean that.

I graduated high school and started college. the hardest thing probably was graduation and that was just a transition that still seems a little weird.

I started dating my love and became so very thankful that he is my best friend.

I turned 18 and still don't have my license.

I chopped 12 inches off my hair (and kinda, sorta regret it).

I started mentoring a young girl.

I made new friendships that I cherish over and over.

I lost my doggy and it still breaks my heart, but I am grateful that he gave us all of the times and memories to remember him by.

God really blessed my year. sometimes He does things out of the water like that. it's like He was thinking, "two thousand and fifteen is going to be a real good year."

and it was.

~ two thousand sixteen...what do you have for us? ~

how was your twenty fifteen? x

a {2015} list

GOAL: // "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result." 

my 2015 theme is based on the verse Proverbs 16:3 ... "serve the Lord and your plans will be established." this year will be full of decisions, so I want to keep them fully according to a surrendered servant's heart. thus, what I hope to strive for this year is decisions (even daily ones), based on serving the Lord. I do believe by serving Him with everything I have, He will work out the rest.

2 0 1 5 /// goals & ambitions

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READ {BOOKS}

GRADUATE {HIGHSCHOOL}

GET A {JOB}

STICK TO MY {BED TIME} &

BEGIN MY DAY EARLIER

DO MY BIBLE DEVOTIONS IN THE {MORNING}

WRITE {MORE} ENCOURAGEMENT CARDS

BE MORE {INSPIRING/POSITIVE} & FORGIVING

EAT MORE {CLEAN} 

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I am looking forward to a full year of many more life adventures and God using me in ways that go beyond borders. I hope to be an encouragement this year and step outside of what I think I am capable of. aspiring for two thousand and fifteen to be a year that uses me in many different ways. I am living to make the next year of my life simply "beautiful". (and also, I may just be really excited to use my new planner. ;))

a last inspiration comes from the lovely ladies over @ she reads truth. using this as my mindset for the upcoming year and encourage you to do the same. 

"this year instead of resolving to finally get it right, let's resolve to walk with Him as He makes it right. instead of determining to get better, let's determine to get closer to Him through His word. instead of making a list of all that we will do on our own, let's notice all that He is already doing, AND LET'S JOIN JESUS IN THAT."

///

what is on your 2015 list?

(feel free to check out my 2013 & 2014 goals!)

a {2015} list

GOAL: // "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result." 

my 2015 theme is based on the verse Proverbs 16:3 ... "serve the Lord and your plans will be established." this year will be full of decisions, so I want to keep them fully according to a surrendered servant's heart. thus, what I hope to strive for this year is decisions (even daily ones), based on serving the Lord. I do believe by serving Him with everything I have, He will work out the rest.

2 0 1 5 /// goals & ambitions

-

READ {BOOKS}

GRADUATE {HIGHSCHOOL}

GET A {JOB}

STICK TO MY {BED TIME} &

BEGIN MY DAY EARLIER

DO MY BIBLE DEVOTIONS IN THE {MORNING}

WRITE {MORE} ENCOURAGEMENT CARDS

BE MORE {INSPIRING/POSITIVE} & FORGIVING

EAT MORE {CLEAN} 

-

I am looking forward to a full year of many more life adventures and God using me in ways that go beyond borders. I hope to be an encouragement this year and step outside of what I think I am capable of. aspiring for two thousand and fifteen to be a year that uses me in many different ways. I am living to make the next year of my life simply "beautiful". (and also, I may just be really excited to use my new planner. ;))

a last inspiration comes from the lovely ladies over @ she reads truth. using this as my mindset for the upcoming year and encourage you to do the same. 

"this year instead of resolving to finally get it right, let's resolve to walk with Him as He makes it right. instead of determining to get better, let's determine to get closer to Him through His word. instead of making a list of all that we will do on our own, let's notice all that He is already doing, AND LET'S JOIN JESUS IN THAT."

///

what is on your 2015 list?

(feel free to check out my 2013 & 2014 goals!)

2 0 1 4: R E W I N D

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h i g h  l i g h t s:

/// SNOW CAMP /// (february)

/// 17 /// (june)

///CAMP & TRAINING WEEK/// (july)

///AFRICA ROUND TWO/// (august)

///MY SENIORS & BESTIES/// (october)

///ALL I KNEW WAS THAT I WAS HAVING FUN/// (october)

///VISITS/// (october)

///REVERB/// (november)

///CHRISTMAS DAY/// (december)

-

two thousand and fourteen was refresh, new things, different, trying, beautiful, crazy good, and graceful. I went new places, was tried with situations, had the ability to forgive, and new adventures were laid in my lap. God gives anew everyday and in every moment, and I definitely tasted that in this past year. in 2014: I got my driving permit, turned 17, went to uganda, visited friends, prayed hard, read 14 books, and made one of the best friendships of my life.

two thousand and fifteen --- striving for a beautiful new year and to make everyday of it the best day of my life. 

I encourage and inspire YOU to start with your own fresh plate this year, believe in forgiveness, and do things you can't even imagine.

how was your 2014 and what did it teach you?