via pinterest

Sometimes I just need to document the little things that make me happy…. So I am.

• buying my new saucy shoes on sale at Nine West and then finding out that they were even cheaper at the register.
• dinner with great friends and their sweet babies over the weekend.
• the feeling I get when I think about the future. it’s an overwhelming excitement and complete happiness.
• going into work on a Monday morning and not hating it. I know this is a true blessing.
• enjoying my favorite cup of soup even in this hot as you know where weather.
• the celebration that’s going to go down this weekend with boyfriend and his family.
• my faith and the way I feel when I read Lamentations 3:22-23

“God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning.” MSG

Anything in particular that’s making you happy…? 

Care to share!?! Please do, I'd love to hear! 

Have a happy day friends!!! 

xo

see you later...

I always prefer to say "see you later" instead of "goodbye" when someone is moving away... 

it just seems much less permanent. On Friday night I enjoyed some girl time with two of my favorite 

women that are sadly moving away from Greenville. 

Laura is moving to Anderson which isn't too far thank goodness... 

but Anne is moving all the way to Columbia!! 

Life is full of changes and adventures and I'm happy she is off to find some of her own 

but of course we will miss her! To celebrate the "see you later" we went out for some beer and pizza and I chose 

Magic Hat #9 and a Pimento Cheese Pizza which of course made me all happy inside!!!! 

It was a hot but beautiful night and of course the fab6 had a fabulous night like always!

Anne, have a safe trip to the State Capital, good luck and I will see you later! 

Top of the World

While I was on the plane flying to St. Martin I decided to listen to some Bethany Dillon (Barnard). I sat there; eyes closed and spent some time worshiping my Jesus and thanking Him for the week long vacation. I set all her songs on random because it’s my favorite thing to do… listening to each song and waiting to for the next, not sure of what it will be. Then “Top of the World” started which was pretty darn fitting if you ask me…

“I’m on top of the world. Seeing for the first time, how beautiful You are. 

Here on top of the world.” 

At that moment I opened my eyes and turned to the window and saw the view from the picture above.

He is so beautiful. His clouds, His sky, all the blue colors He painted that day… everything was His and I felt like I was on top of the world in many ways. His love is such a high.

As I’m writing this I can’t help but think about the title of my blog; Living on Cloud 9.

Living in His love and relying on that everyday is truly what cloud nine is all about in my life.

The bible verse I have placed up there is spot on.......

“I will thank You, Lord, among all the people. I will sing Your praises among the nations. For Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 57:9-10

He is faithful and I’m so glad that I got to experience that moment.

“You Could Be the One” also came on during that flight but that’s a completely different post for another day. ;)

The top of the world is a pretty nice place to find yourself and when you realize who put you there, well… 

that makes me thankful & I can't help but lovingly sing His praises!

you knew it was coming....

I’m back and let me tell you, it was wonderful!!!

I’m going to try and not extend days of posts about all the fun adventures over the past week but its going to be hard! Just one or two and I’ll be finished…. I promise!

St. Maarten is such a beautiful place and with the gorgeous water and perfect mountains framing every picture I completely fell in love. Every shot looked like a postcard that didn’t completely do the view justice. With the low poverty areas and the super friendly people I couldn’t help but feel more blessed every single day. 

I’m also extremely thankful to not only have a wonderful best friend and boyfriend but in addition have friendships within his family. I had such a great time creating memories and growing closer to such important people!

The Lord is such a gracious Father and I could constantly feel His love throughout this trip. He made Himself known in the small and big things, which is one of my most favorite parts about His love.

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! This week is flying by and I'm pretty excited about a weekend at home. After all, one of the best perks of a vacation is how thankful you are when you are home sweet home! I guess I will end with the good news.... I have tan lines and I'm pretty darn proud of them. Just sayin'.

All On A Quiet Tuesday Morning.

VIA

This morning while doing my usual “Pinterest Checking” I saw the quote above. My eyes instantly filled with tears. I was baffled. That’s what I want… to surrender everything and live for Him. Walk toward Him instead of all other things, leaving behind anything that isn't pushing me toward Jesus.

There are a lot of things that I have decided to walk away from in the past few months. Some are little, some are big, but they are all things that weren't driving me toward His grace and love. I thought about listing the things that I cut out of my life but I didn't want to come across as self righteous. I actually typed everything out but then with one easy motion I erased all of it. My Lord and Savior knows what I have removed and refilled with Him and that’s all that matters to me.

He knows.

After reading the picture above I went to read my daily devotion from #shereadstruth….

“ ²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. ²⁵ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? {Matthew 16:24-26 NLT}

I couldn't believe it… It always amazes me how God meets us right where we are. He knows how to get our attention and if we turn to Him we will find a security that no worldly goods can give.

This cross that I've taken up can get heavy. It can become difficult to carry. Honestly, it gets in the way sometimes. But it is the best thing I've ever picked up because in the hard times when I turn toward the cross, its then that I realize I’m not carrying it at all… it’s always been carrying me and pointing me in the right direction. I just have to be still and listen. And sometimes on a quiet Thursday morning it all settles in place as I rest in His grace. 

du dn du du du‏....

and I say it’s all right little darling! 

With the awesome spray tan I got over the weekend (and one more this weekend – 3 for $30 deal on Groupon! What, what?!?) I don’t feel as pressured to bake in the sun on my pending vacation.  I honestly try to protect my skin as much as possible since I don’t really “tan” anyways. Either burn or freckle… I’m used to it.

It also helps that I have a “Sun Police” as a boyfriend… protective in an understatement but he has seen what happens when I forget to reapply sunscreen or I say I’m fine,  I’m not even burning…. 

then hours later I’m on the verge of tears in pain.

Yep, I think I have learned my lesson and I can handle the sunshine as a mature adult woman. Protection is the key!! I’ve also accepted the fact that I will be the fairest of them all… just call me the red headed Snow White on this trip. Once again… I’m used to it.  

So this adult woman has stocked up on the amazing Aveeno SPF 55, some cute cover-ups just in case and my favorite hat. It’s going to be pretty awesome.

also, note from above from here!

oh, happy days.

Let’s be honest…. I’m beyond ready for vacation. 

The weekend went by WAY too fast and of course this week is going to draaaaag. Torture.

I’m just hoping that once I’m in paradise the clock will stay slow.

Maybe. Hopefully!

I can’t complain though. Last week was one of the happiest weeks!!

Being a girlfriend to a boyfriend that is actually in town is a wonderful thing. Lunch dates almost every day and a couple hot yoga classes with the man of your dreams does all kinds of things to a girl’s heart. It’s the little things.

But now he has flown off again. And I’m here in Greenville in my normal routine which isn’t bad, 

but when compared to last week… hmmph. Well, it’s just not as great!  

Watching movies and enjoying cuddle time on the couch

Random steak and wine date nights

Tasting the delicious Oktoberfest homebrew and pretending I was sitting by a warm fire on a Fall night

Yummy Saturday morning breakfast with my long lost girlfriend, Madison

4th of July!

Fourth of July was an interesting day….

I woke up with some ickyness in my tummy (yes, I still say tummy at 25. So what?) but had to go on to work since I was the smart one that volunteered in my department. Most of the day was spent catching up on work since it was slow and I hoped that some lunch would help with the stomach pain. That’s was not the answer, but a nap was!

Thankfully after a quick nap and some relax time I felt all better!!

Peter and I took my mom out for some dinner and fireworks in downtown Greenville.

It was fun, just the three of us… sipping on some beer, eating some food and enjoying the fireworks.

The traffic after wasn’t as much fun but it was worth it because I love spending time with two of my favorite people!! 

Even if it means sitting in a car stuck in traffic! And listening to REM because Peter wanted to. 

Honestly, I’m not a fan. Just sayin...

Hope you all had a magical July 4th with all the fireworks and fun you could stand!!

It’s almost Friday… that deserves a little happy dance.

Do it, a little jiggity jig never hurt ya!

Goodbye June.... How ya doin, July?

Wow… I can’t believe that this year has flown by so quickly. I don’t know why it always surprises me but it does.

Another month come and gone but I’m looking forward to the exciting months ahead.

vacations and weddings and summer and most of all fall.

Sorry Summer, you don’t have anything on those beautiful leaves and football fun!!

Goodbye, June. You were fun.

You spoiled this little gal with downtown date nights, summer dresses, weekend trips, 

frozen yogurt, cool mornings and even the hot afternoons.

A lot of memories were made over the past 30 days but I’m ready for July.

More heat and more fun sounds okay by me.

After all… it’s going to fly by before we know it.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!! 

have fun with fireworks, family & friends, and all of your traditions. 

this hot summer day is always a great time so enjoy whatever you do.... and yes. I do have 

the song Independence Day by Martina McBride stuck in my head. 

You're welcome for placing it in yours... ;) 

hotlanta

I think I understand why they call Atlanta, Hotlanta now!

It was so gosh darn hot this weekend but it was also a wonderful weekend!! 

I got to rub a baby belly and felt a few kicks too, eeeek!! 
enjoyed some yummy breakfast and an overload of fruit.
help with hanging curtains and painting a guest room. 
enjoy some delicious food at Pure Taqueria which made me so very happy!
surprise fireworks on Saturday night and honorary flags in downtown Duluth
for a little 4th of July celebration. It was a great weekend!! 

 

Even if the heat was annoying at 109 degrees at one point we had a 

great weekend with some sweet family! 

Joy and Fadi are going to be such wonderful parents 

and I can't wait to love on that sweet baby boy! 

Even if he doesn't have a name yet I'm already in love with him!