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!