Mornings

It seems I have had a lot of slow and peaceful mornings over the past few weeks. The kind of mornings where I stumble down the stairs in my baggy sweatshirt, pour myself a cup of coffee, plop down on the couch, and wrap myself up in a blanket. I pull up pinterest on my computer and scroll through looking at images and feeling inspired by all of the beautiful design and funny messages. Cortez (my dog(strange name right?)) will jump up on the couch and snuggle up between me and the large number of decorative pillows on our couch. I  sit there for hours sipping my coffee, basking by the fireplace, and simply enjoying the morning. 

Morning-the period of time between midnight and noon, esp. from sunrise to noon

The word is really quite beautiful. It has a slight ring to it between the two n's and single g. The definition seems a bit too simple for me and I could think of a hundred others that would sound prettier and fluffier. However, when creating my own definition, I realize that the simple definition for morning mirrors the simplicity of those early hours. Everything seems much simpler in the morning. Life feels like its in slow motion. Everything has a subtle glow bouncing across it. People talk slowly and quietly because they are still a wee bit sleepy. Its the only time of day where it is acceptable to have crazy looking hair, only one sock on because the other was lost in your bed, and drink multiple cups of coffee. 

This morning I sit here munching on granola yogurt and fruit thinking about and thanking the Lord for these beautiful hours. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning"  Lamenations 3:22-23

Every morning my Father wakes me up with a clean slate. He wipes away all of the chalk I scribbled over my chalkboard heart the day before. He wakes me up every morning with a purpose for my day. His love is living. It never ceases. 

So as I sit here this morning, with eyes that are finally opening up and a body that has been energized by rest and food, I pray I will start appreciating these mornings for more than what I think they are. I pray I will see the beauty of His mercies that are new every morning. 

Living Love,
Lauren

A Christmas Coffee Date

Merry Christmas, my friends! I hope your holiday season has been a splendid one so far and that you haven't received too many fruit cakes. In the mist of all of this Christmas commotion, I felt the need to write up a coffee date post and letcha know whats going on in my world. So, step away from wrapping presents for a few minutes, make a cup of coffee, and cozy up by your Christmas tree.

If we were on a coffee date right now, I would probably tell you that I watched Elf a few nights ago for about, ehhh the 16th time...... this Christmas season. Jokes. I have only watched it 3 times this year, but I will probably watch it about 3 more times from now until Christmas. So get ready, if you spend any time with me from now until then, I will probably make some sort of Elf quote.... don't get too excited.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you how happy I am to have my sister back in town. When I say she is the best, she really and truly is. We've already had plenty of car ride concerts and embarrassing moments in clothing stores. Today she introduced me to Emily Hearn's music. Her voice is so soothing and her lyrics are real and simply make me happy. Thanks for telling me about her, Hannah. You were right, I would love her music!

About this time on our coffee date, I would probably show you this video because it is literally the cutest thing I have ever seen. It is guaranteed to make your heart smile, I promise.

Lastly, I would tell you how amazed and excited I am about the support I have received with starting my business Living Photography. It's so strange saying that I actually have a business now, but it is true and it makes me happier than an elf with syrup. I have learned and am still learning quite a lot. The Lord has placed the perfect people in my life to give this 17 year old "newbie" experience, encouragement, advice and teachings, and a chance. I am especially thankful for my parents, who have been there to help me do research, look at all of my drafts for a logo, and cheer me on the whole way through. You guys really are pretty great and I haven't thanked you enough for all of your help.

So my friends, I would like to end this pleasant coffee date with a very merry farewell. I hope that your Christmas season is blessed with plenty of family memories and a big celebration for Jesus' birthday. Also, I'm sorry for ruining your lives and stuffing 11 cookies into the vcr.

Living Love,

Lauren 

(if you noticed the Elf reference at the end, then I am giving you an imaginary high five)

A Happy Heart

I sit here tonight with a happy, happy heart (note Duck Dynasty quote). My new sweatpants give me just enough warmth, I have pictures loading into iPhoto that can't wait to be edited, and I just finished a very long visit to Pinterest (my favorite place to be). I feel contentment and peace....the kind of feeling you get after your first sip of coffee in the morning. The feeling that everything is okay and that somehow, in all of the chaos of your life, the Lord has a plan and stays constant through it all.

I have many more reasons to be happy. First of all, I would like to note that it is officially fall. If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. I feel a corny connection to this season. I don't know if it is the bonfires, pumpkin flavored everything, or the feel of the air outside...but for some reason I believe that if I were a season, I would be fall. There is something about the Friday night football games, the boots with the fur.... I mean jeans, the rainy sundays, and chicken wing nights with my Dad that make it a happy time for me. In fact, I would venture to say that almost everyone I know seems a wee bit happier in the fall. Go ahead, try to prove me wrong.

Want to know another thing that makes my heart happy? Fellowship...over coffee...with friends. There is something about sitting in a booth at Panera with your best buds, wearing your favorite workout clothes (even though you never worked out), and sipping some hazelnut coffee that brings out the best in a friendship. People become honest and open. You feel the support surrounding you and lifting you up. You see eyes completely focused on each other. You can hear not only their words of encouragement, but also the Lord's words of encouragement. Verses are shared like pieces of pie and prayers are said so genuinely and beautifully. I don't know what it is about fellowship over coffee with friends, but I know it makes my heart happy.

This past week I was at bible study with friends when my leader brought up the topic of discussion... stress. It is easy for me to admit that I am a slave to stress. You name it... I stress about it. Stress is a war I have always battled and taking control of it comes in waves. One of the verses my leader brought up was Habakuk 3:19.... it was the verse I labeled when school started as my verse of the year. One may say it is simply a coincidence that it was the same verse, but I would rather say that it was a God thing. A small instance when the Lord decided to give me a quick wink and whisper to my heart that he has my back, that I am headed down the right path, and that he truly is my strength. A quick instance where he not only showed me that he loves me, but also that his acts of love are living and not frozen in biblical times. Instances like that really make my heart happy..... happy, happy, happy.

Living Love,
Laurey 

Anticipation

In 9 days I will leave for FUGE camp. This year, instead of going with my church, I am participating in the Student Leader Apprentice. SLA is a two week program for upcoming or leaving High School seniors that have a passion and heart for camp. During those two weeks, I will work on leadership studies, meet new people, and have the chance to be an apprentice with one of the MFUGE counselors. I don't know any of the other people attending SLA or any of the staff that is there. Everything I am about to dive into is the complete unknown. Me, being the planner I am, wants to know exactly what will happen. I want control of the situation; however, this time, I have none.

 My heart is anxious, eager, scared, and immensely happy (weird combo right?). A day doesn't go by when I don't think about what is to come. What will the experience be like? Who will I meet? Who will I room with? Will they think I am a little weird and a little camp crazy (that one I can answer myself.... YES)? I know God had a plan for me when he put me into this position. He is teaching me how to live in peace. How to live without asking a million questions. He is teaching me how to put on my seat belt, close my eyes, and zoom off on this big scary roller coaster, because,for the rest of my life, I will never have all the answers. I will never see the exact play by play of all he has in store for me. I am learning, slowly but surely, that it is probably a good thing. I know whatever those two weeks hold is something so special, sparkling, and popping with excitement. This fear I have now is growing into a beautiful future.... just 9 more days and it will all begin.

Living Love,
Lauren

Coffee Date

I follow many, many blogs. Probably too many to count with just my fingers. One thing that they all do and is very common in the blogging world is virtual coffee dates. Why? For some reason bloggers love coffee. Also, coffee dates are relaxed times of conversation to catch up with one another. So, grab a cup of coffee, pour in a little cream, and lets catch up.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you it is summer. Finally. I would tell you how I can't wait to read new books and magazines, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, drink my coffee on the back patio in the mornings, and wear pretty sundresses every chance I get.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about how my photography is finally kicking off. I am taking some portraits next week for another senior girl and hope to do some more for a few families. Yippee!

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you how about the new book I just started reading today. It is called Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. I am in love with her writing style and the simple truths she shares. Her goal to find the "pretty pearls" of life and hold on to the precious moments we are given, inspires me in many ways. If you are looking for an easy and captivating summer read, you should definitely check it out.

Lastly, if we were on a coffee date, I would tell you how amazed I am. How amazed I am by life. By the power of listening to a song with the windows rolled down. By the power of a little sunshine on a summer day. By the power of coffee on a quiet morning in bed. By the thoughtfulness of people and simple acts of kindness. It really is amazing. I pray you too will find power behind the little things.

Living Love,
Laurey

Anna the Amazing

Anna Robinson: the superwoman of the senior class and a mermaid at heart. She could easily win America's next top model and I am sure every photographer in Birmingham would love to shoot her. However, I, a newcomer, was given the opportunity to take some of her pics. So, last Wednesday, she got fancy, I got my camera, and we headed out to the great unknown.... I mean the back of Liberty Park. She showed up with no shoes, a pretty face, and bubbling energy. Anna is one of those people with a personality iced with creamy lemon frosting. She is spunky, super sweet, and sparkling with beauty and brightness. She loves the Lord and allows His love to shine giant rays from her life. She is living HIS love. Her endless positivity and selflessness draws in everyone she meets. I truly had the best time shooting her. Don't leave me next year!

When Life Hands You Stress

Spring is in the air. Bursts of sunshine are slipping through the windows and Easter bunny sightings are keeping us all on our toes. However, with this exciting and active season also comes the most stressful time of the year (in my own opinion). Today I made a list of things to do before the summer and well.... lets just say the list was endless and my hands got sweaty just thinking about it. It's really a great feeling (insert sarcasm here). I am sure that many of you are experiencing the same thing. While I may not be a master at handling stress, I am a pro at collecting it. Stress comes to me like pollen comes in the spring. It has a tendency of giving me horrible migraines, unhappy attitudes, and constant butterflies in my stomach. I am hoping that at least one of you has the same feelings (not you Mom... someone I am not related to). I could go on and on about the toll stress takes on me.... or I could give you  a few of my own favorite stress relievers.

1. Yoga-  I am not a master at yoga and I honestly only do it about once a month for 15 minutes. However, I have read that yoga really can make a difference in your life and the few times I have done it I felt a lot better. If you aren't sure what kind of yoga moves to do, try searching yoga videos on pinterest. I tried this once and found some really awesome ones.
2. Tea or Coffee-  I don't know if you are a coffee or a tea person; however, I do know that warm drinks and soft smells help me in times of stress. I find comfort in a cozy mug and steaming drink and somehow the world just seems better when I can sit and enjoy a cup in silence. So why not take 5 minutes to sip and sit?
3. Shower-  I know I cannot be the only person who finds great joy in taking a shower. Somehow taking a shower gives you a different perspective on life and the stress that you feel just goes straight down the drain. However, there is one rule with this. You must stay in the shower until all stress is gone. I don't care if your fingers look like prunes and you are tired of standing up. Don't step out until your perspective is cleaned up.*Shower singing is optional, but highly recommended*
4. Conversation-  If you are more of the quiet type like me, then conversation is a must for you. Talking about your stress will help you relieve your stress. Plus, you might also get some advice on how to handle the pressure.
5. Pinterest-  Pinterest is my imaginary world. Everything I love and want is all in one place and just opening up the app puts a smile on my face. Now, you are probably wondering how pinterest could relieve stress. The answer is simple. While focusing on pinning, your stress goes away. 
6. Sleep-   If all of the above fail to work for you, then it is probably time for you to close those eyes and catch some ZZZsss. I have learned that if you are so stressed that you feel sick and your attention is not on what it should be, then sleep is the best thing you can do. 
7. Prayer-  While all of the ideas listed above are good, you will never be able to live the rest of your life stress free. Consistent communication with the Lord is the best way to handle your stress. Why? Because with God, you hand him your stress and pray that you will learn to live with less. What happens? With your complete trust in him and your willingness to follow his plan, you will begin to realize stress is a thief of the present.

So my fellow friends, I challenge you to step back this spring and analyze the things that get you stressed out. Breath in and breath out. We WILL make it through this and everything WILL turn out okay. 

Overcoming stress,

Laurey