Hope is the Thing with Feathers

We've probably all heard this poem by Emily Dickinson:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chilliest land
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

This weekend, some of my family and close friends camped together. I had so many unspoken desires and prayers about this trip as I was planning it. Tonight, though, a friend shared with me a goal of his for this trip,  and it was exactly what had been on my heart. To know that God heard my pleas, and placed that on my friend's heart as well, moves me tremendously. To know that my friends care about me, and to see God actively working in an area of my life I've thought was hopeless, suddenly renews my spirit.

I'm on a high right now-- a high from an amazing trip away from cell phones, computers, homework-- a high from fresh air, shooting stars, and campfires-- a high from God's abounding love and faithfulness.

Hope is the thing with feathers and I've heard it in the chilliest land. Amen.
SDG

Last Week

Last week I went home. It had been over two months, which is a long time for me. While I spent a majority of my time working on assignments, it was so good seeing my family. It was also good being able to take my laptop on the patio and enjoy the outdoors while being productive. Here's my paper-writing buddy. He missed me. :)

While I was not writing papers, though, I got to do a little shopping. Granna was kind enough to buy me some amazingly cute clothes (one item being some red skinny jeans!) and my sister found the perfect item for me to purchase for my coming nephew!

It says "My Auntie is the Best," which I totally will be! I left Sunday right after my cousins' 8th birthday party. Just an fyi, it's very hard to find the motivation to leave your family and drive 4 hours when they are having fun and eating cake. Yea for cousins!

It's good to be back in Hattiesburg, but I already miss my family. It's sort of a catch-22, because when I was in Tupelo, I missed my Hattiesburg family. I guess I'm really lucky to have so many amazing people in my life who care about me. God has indeed blessed me beyond comprehension.
SDG

Good Morning/Afternoon

How I've woken up the past few weeks:

1. Heard alarm
2. Groaned
3. Turned off alarm
4. Imagine what it'd feel like to sleep a few hours more
5. Groaned again
6. Rolled out of bed

How I woke up today:

1. Woke up on my on
2. Smiled because I had nothing to get up for
3. Opened my eyes
4. Realized I was home
5. Smiled again
6. Went back to sleep

Yea, mornings with no obligations! Yea, Tupelo!
SDG