FLORA & FELICITY

Something is amiss. The person who forgot for a time that she had a blog is now posting two weeks in a row? I know. Feels funky to me too..attention needy or boastful perhaps.. Well you all can't stop me now! (Literally. You're hours too late to stop me from writing this post) There are so many lovely things around me that I have felt the need to share them //because I am needy and want to blab about all the excellent things that happen in life!

Let's start by talking about how gorgeous these hydrangeas are. There is no shame or hesitation on my part when I admit that flowers are a weakness of mine.

Perhaps it began with the far off summer spent working at a friend's flower shop, which was essentially getting paid for hours of messing around with all types of florals and calling them "arrangements". Since moving to the desert the availability of wild florals (or any plant life) has been scarce so I have made a point to bring flowers up every weekend to bring life and inspiration back into my space. There's something beautiful in their monotonous pattern that keeps my gaze...and makes my eyes go wonky.

Remember that Vacationers concert that I mentioned in my last post? IT WAS MOST EXCELLENT. Yes, the all-caps was necessary because unless you were also there to experience the endless #chillvibes that emanated forth from this band then you wouldn't quite understand. If you are into music that you can jam to while simultaneously feeling like you're at the beach then this group is a serious recommend. Thankfully you can find both their albums on spotify, youtube, etc... so go listen..now! The entire concert was a great way to kick off the new week- eclipsed slightly by all of the drunk dudes who lost comprehension of the personal bubble but even they couldn't stop the waves of music. [also... SHOUTOUT TO LE'ANNA & GREG who also went to the concert]

Last thought for this week: I'm choosing joy. One would think that joy isn't necessarily a choice..until you notice that it seems to be lacking. Reflecting upon this past month, it seemed to have lacked some joy but I was reminded of this verse:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the tesing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3

Nothing can downplay the joy and freedom given through Christ. Difficulties will always continue to arise from school, family or relationships and there's nothing wrong with me or my life, because God has greater plans in life with a more beautiful purpose for this gawky person. Hosanna. 

lots of love

God likes donuts

It is Monday morning. Unlike normal people with normal schedules, Mondays are kind of my day of rest and recuperation. I am fully aware that the weekends are usually the time for those things but recently my weekends have been quite eventful- though enjoyable not necessarily restful. Although Sundays is a day of spiritual rest sometimes the hustle & bustle of church makes one forget to be still. That brings us to Mondays. With no scheduled class or clinical rotations, a house to myself after the family goes about normal schedules and an ample fridge (thanks mom & dad for letting me come home if only to let this poor student eat) I let myself enjoy a time of reflection.

This particular morning gave rise to some interesting thoughts...

• God likes donuts...and coffee. For sure He likes naps in the park under the warm sun. Trust me. I like donuts, coffee and naps in the park under the warm sun- so He probably does too! Why? Because best friends share your interests and know you. In the past month it has become increasingly evident to me the extent that God is more than just Lord in my life but also a best friend.  

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thought from afar.

3 

You scrutinize my path and my lying down,

And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

4 

Even before there is a word on my tongue,

Behold, O Lord, You know it all.

5 

You have enclosed me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

6 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is too high, I cannot attain to it." Psalm 139:1-6

I'm so thankful for the blessing and freedom given to me through Christ knowing me, because that means He will always have the best for me in store and in Him I can always find acceptance. 

• I really miss fishing. My family would go every summer when we were younger and it was not always something I looked forward to. Being younger and getting woken up at dawn, putting on lots of clothes in the frigid cold, and sitting next to a lake for hours without a tv was not necessarily fun. The best part was eating hot chocolate & ramen while throwing marshmallows into the lake. We haven't been for a few years since my dad's shoulder surgery. Now that I'm older (more used to waking early) I can see that there is something very peaceful about the entire experience....maybe even fun?

•  Live music is the best. The energy of the band and the crowd is an experience. Last week my sister and I got tickets to see St. Lucia at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood and it was the best way to end a stressful week. As much as I love jamming/ awkward dancing to music in my car, there is something so much more enjoyable jamming/ awkward dancing around strangers in a concert. Next week we are going to see one of my new favorite groups, the Vacationers at the Roxy, so if you also happen to be there come be awkward and chill. 

Thanks for sharing in my Monday morning. We should do this again...but right now there's a midterm waiting for me with my name on it...

lots of love