This morning before I put on my makeup I just stared at my face in the mirror for a while. Don't pretend you haven't done it. I know you have. :) Anyways, I of course started getting frustrated. What is with my nose? Has it always been this huge? I mean...where are my cheekbones? Do I have any? These phrases started slipping into my mind - consuming my thoughts like some kind of poison. I thought back to times in my life when people have made comments about my appearance. Most of these times I don't think they were even aware that they were hurting my feelings...and it has literally been YEARS...but the thoughts have stayed with me. I can still hear them in my mind:

"You know you would be really pretty if your skin cleared up."

"What size is that dress? Oh wow. That's a big 5."

Okay, this is not a "let's all feel sorry for Abby post". I know we all struggle with things; and I know I am perfect in the eyes of God - His chosen. This just made me think about the things we say to people. Do we even know what kind of effect we have on them? Maybe they are already struggling with something and we candidly joke about or point it out. Our tongues are powerful.

I was just convicted this morning to be on guard. You never know how your words will affect those around you. We should be lifting up and encouraging everyone we come in contact with. I'm so guilty of making jokes at others' expense and the fact that it's funny doesn't make it right.

James 3:8 - "But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil; full of deadly poison."

Home Sweet Inexpensive Home....:)

I spend large amounts of time looking at lovely pictures of houses...and then trying to figure out ways I can make my house look like that for a small amount of money (or free:)

I've decided my house can be completely girly at this point...since I'm the only one living there. Here are some pics I've been drooling over:

Fresh flowers on the table everyday? Yes please. :)

Okay, my bathroom will NEVER look like this but a girl can dream right?? :)

Sweet girly little bedroom...

And here's my little livingroom. I'm workin' on it. :)

I would like to take this time to mention that my birthday is coming up next month. *cough cough* this rug would look PERFECT in my livingroom don't you think?? Haha...

So Long Sweet Summer....

Let's see...I haven't posted anything in a while! We have had an amazing summer. I honestly can't say enough about our beautiful summer staff. We have been working over the past three years to build up a staff that truly sees working at Zephyr as a ministry and not just a summer job. This year I think we actually accomplished that. They have been so extremely selfless. They just get things done - without complaining - and most importantly, they have chosen to go out of their way to make an impact on the campers spending time here. Lives have been changed because of them and I feel blessed to have spent these three months with them! I will miss them a lot, but know it is time for them to go back to their respective schools, communities and jobs.

I always have a difficult time with August. I'm ready for things to slow down and to get back to some kind of routine in my life, but I really miss the staff.

I have been encouraged lately by Psalm One. I memorized this chapter in kindergarten so I've known it for many years, but I have been thinking a lot the past couple of weeks about trees. In that chapter, it says that a blessed man will be like a tree planted by streams of water. I didn't ever think I would move back to South Texas, and it is so much different than my college years. I really miss the Christian fellowship at ETBU. There were so many people my age. God is reminding me that if He has me somewhere for a purpose, He will provide "streams of water" for me in that place. He will provide ministries for me to be involved in, and other Christians to encourage me in my walk. Yes, these 'streams' look different than they did three years ago, but He will not leave me without them. Psalms says God can provide rivers in the desert! Surely if He can do that He can provide streams for me in South Texas. :)

Me and the sister had amazing fun in Dallas this past week. I now have a mild obsession with Thai food. I also really don't understand why there can't be a trendy coffee shop within thirty miles of where I live. They are everywhere there! I'm pretty proud of the fact that I drove around without getting in a wreck or a severe case of road rage. I'm also wondering if maybe someone could come over every day and make up my bed like they did at the hotel. Haha...I don't think that trip was good for me actually. It made me just a little more high maintenance. :) I had a really great time. I love my sister to pieces and haven't spent time with just her in a while. You know, the more time I spend with other people, the more I realize that I just adore my family. Is that embarrassing? Whatever. It's true.

What should I do for my 25th birthday??!! It's coming up next month and I want to do something memorable...but I don't have that much cash....might be a problem....:) Any suggestions??