ten things i heart: seeing yellow

(photos)

:: xoxo ::

the monday hum

(photo & print)

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how my prayer life caught on fire

We all know the story of Moses and the burning bush. He was roaming around in a field… minding his own business… when out of nowhere, BAM! God decides to become a pyro. He had a message for Moses, but first, God had to get his attention. In a lot of ways I equate my story to Moses and his burning bush. Many of you know that I’ve been fighting cancer for almost eight years now, but you may be surprised to know that I’m glad it happened in the first place.

I was complacent for many years with a ‘King’ for a father like Moses (feel free to laugh at that little joke) and was very involved with church like any good preacher’s daughter would be. My involvement wasn’t any indication of my walk though. God had to get my attention.

Now you might think cancer is a pretty sucky burning bush, but it brought stubborn little me down to my knees. It striped things from my life that helped make room for the presence of the Holy Spirit. It made me blatantly aware that I wasn’t in control, and I needed to be in constant communication with the Lord. My new prayer life was suddenly on fire.

Learning to praise God while I am in the desert of my life where it continues to storm and flood with no sign of milk and honey has been rough, but my fire for life “does not burn up,” like it says in Exodus 3:3. I’ve learned you must start all of your prayers with a spirit of thanks and end with an “I love you too,” because the Lord never releases you from His caring grip.

Grey Street (my sunday school class at Second Baptist), as a community, has also truly blessed me by hosting numerous prayer nights to storm the gates of heaven on my behalf. I was so overwhelmed by the shear number of people supporting me that I came to feel almost guilty for not being able to really give them anything in return that would show my utmost gratitude. But the Lord reminded me that I, too, could pray for them. Being surrounded by prayer warriors that proudly dawn those turquoise or pink bracelets has helped show me how I can be just as much of a prayer warrior.

Now I still don’t know what God is calling me to do with this challenge in my life, but what I do know is that He has my attention and I’ve said, “Here I am, Lord.” Because you see, I was roaming around… minding my own business… when out of nowhere, BAM! God decided to become a pyro.

:: xoxo ::

oh you...

(photo)

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big red

my first big purchase out of college was a comfy red, suede-like sectional that instantly became my favorite place to lounge, eat, play on my mac, you name it... but now i'm wanting to restyle it with maybe an accent wall or new accessories. what do you think of these choices??

 a blush wall always adds a nice feminine touch...

 turquoise and red is my new favorite color palette though!

 teal brings a certain warmth to the red...

 animal print is also a fun way to add some sass...

or i could go with vintage pillows for a homey feel

help! what are your suggestions on how to update big red and bring new life to my living room?? it's definitely the focal point of the room (hello, it's firetruck red! haha) so it sets the tone of our living space. i'd love to hear your feedback!

:: xoxo ::

passing a message

"we chose the in-between" 

"creature gestures" 

 "gilbertville public library"

 "trajectory"

"passing a message"

sometimes skillful inspiration finds you, and you can't help but sit and stare at it, wondering the hidden meaning. i find that with a lot of collages simply because there are literally layers and layers of different media intertwined with one another. i hope you find these collages by hollie chastain as intriguing as i do!

:: xoxo ::

zuppa toscana

thanks to my wacked out medicines, i tend to have crazy cravings for very particular foods. i'll go from sushi to oreos to pickles in a span of thirty minutes (and no, i'm not pregnant). one of my go-to restaurants that i tend to crave a lot is olive garden... now some of you foodies might turn up your noses to this chain restaurant, but i happen to have fallen in love with one of their soups, zuppa toscana. it's like the italian version of chicken soup - need i say more?

it's creamy goodness always makes me feel better, and ever since my mom found this recipe, i've been making it quite often. and girl, if there is bacon in anything you know i'm down.


zuppa toscana


1 lb. ground italian sausage (half spicy, half sweet)
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 large diced white onion
4 tbsp. bacon pieces
2 tbsp. garlic puree
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb. diced russet potatoes
1/4 bunch of kale
3 tbsp. kosher salt
parmigiano reggiano cheese


1. sauté italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. in the same pan, sauté bacon, onions, and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 minutes or until the onions are soft.
3. add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
4. add the diced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
5. add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
6. stir in the sausage, kale, and salt. let all heat through, top with cheese, and serve! buon appetito!

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