elc {God's timing and plan}

just got home from spending 5 weeks in a place that i didn't want to leave. rather, with people that i love and miss. leaving those people was so hard. over the 5 weeks that we worked together, we grew in the Spirit with one another, and the bonds that were made in between us were strong. God brought us together like a family, united by His Love. we became as close as brothers and sisters. 

even though i didn't want to leave them, i knew in my heart that God had put us together for that amount of time for a reason, and that His timing is perfect. i am extremely thankful for the impact that was left on my life by them. and i hope, that someday i will see them again. i love them. 

here are a few photos {out of many} that i snapped while at camp. enjoy. :)

"the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

philipians 4:7

playing with sunshine

yesterday's weather was so gorgeous. vivid blue sky, a light breeze, and so much sunshine. :) took a few photos when we were headed out to camp last night. 

this just makes me smile. :)

biggest seeded dandelion i've ever seen. 

the trees caught on fire! 

every time i see even the tiniest thing in nature and all of it's beauty i'm reminded of what an awesome God we serve. if you're ever doubting, just check out a sunset, a thunder storm, or even something as small as an insect. you shouldn't be in doubt after that. 

"truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him." 

-Mark 11:23

the mitten state

yes, michigan.

way up north visiting some of my favorite people, the swanks. :) their new house is backed up to 10 plus acres of beautiful woods, meaning tons of photo ops for me! here are a few from the last couple of days. enjoy!

these little guys are EVERYWHERE! 

meadow. :)

"-but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." -1 Peter 3:4

nature calls. and so do finals.

so. i have a thing for flowers. trees. sunshine. grass. fresh air. nature in general.

spring is such a hard time of year. it's also a favorite. the hard part is that spring calls for final exams, and at the same time the earth is coming back to life. and i'm telling you, i cannot stay away from it. so studying outside has been my combination of the two, but sometimes i get a little distracted....hehe. enjoy les photos. :)

buttercups.  :)

weeds. i think they're pretty.  :)

handiwork of Papaw.  :)

honey suckles. that one tiny drop of sweet nectar was always so hard to get. i once tried to fill a jar with it. that didn't work out. :P

the storm is over. but the affects of it will last for months. maybe even years. please keep those who have lost their homes, everything they ever owned, and even their loved ones, in your prayers. 

my family wasn't affected, so it's hard for me to imagine what those people are going through. but i know it's not easy. not at all. i've seen so much destruction and ruin, and it's heartbreaking. 

if you're looking for ways to help, the Salvation Army is the place to go if you live in or around Cleveland. they're in need of volunteers and/or donations. bread, peanut butter, jelly, diapers, water, work gloves, and anything else that you feel you should donate. 

yet through all of the loss and devastation, God has a plan. He knows what He's doing. if you were one not affected by the tragic storm, be thankful for His protecting arms. 

"'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?' And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?'"

Mark 4:39-41