Ready?

Tomorrow I leave on a youth choir mission trip with my church.
My bags are packed,
But I am still trying to feel ready.
I'm excited for this new adventure,
Anticipating challenges and fun and growth,
But hit with the need for deeper reliance on God.
The newness of this experience intimidates me.
Seems the challenges and growing have already begun.
Gathering words of strength. . .

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56: 3-4

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. Isaiah 40:22

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1 

I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1 

I always appreciate prayers, but appreciate them especially this week. Will be back sharing words and pictures soon~

outside blur

Thinking that life can be like taking a picture from the passenger seat the second after the traffic light turns green- there's not quite enough time to focus and only the outlines of what's ahead are visible.

Sweet Sixteen and a Thousand Gifts

Hello last day of 2012!

You, dear year, have been quite exciting and full of growth.

This was evidenced well on Saturday. 

I had my sixteenth birthday,

And was surprised with a roller rink full of family and friends!

There was even an assortment of beautiful balloons in the deal! 

Later (with the comparatively smaller group of my mom, dad, and sisters) I enjoyed my first ever carriage ride around the city. . .

See the wheel theme? :)

Strawberry cake ended the day fittingly sweet. . . 

And today? 

It was exciting too, with snow deciding to fall. 

I attempted to take pictures of the flakes. . 

Then my sisters and I enjoyed the wonderland in our backyard. . . 

Today also happens to be a Monday.

And, though the time is always right for gratitude, it is nice to participate in Multitudes on Monday on the day it specifies. . . . 

989. candlelight Christmas Eve service

990. afternoon enjoying Christmas decorations, trees, and lights in the city

991. gift giving and opening 

992. going bowling for the second time this year

993. reorganizing/decorating/expanding Barbie World in the basement

994. seeing the movie Parental Guidance at the theater (really enjoyed it!)

995. my mom finding chai scones to make for my birthday breakfast

996. surprise party! sweet family and friends celebrating with me

997. my parents giving me a fountain pen 

998. full, golden moon

999. big, beautiful snowflakes

1000. a new age and a new year

This year has shown me the beauty and freedom that comes with Giving All to God, trusting His Grace, and allowing Him to spread what I have. 

Spread it around dance and school, gratitude and art. 

And, despite growing responsibilities and varying busyness, there has always been enough. 

Extra, in fact. 

When contemplating my name for this new year, another g word came to mind. 

Gather. 

Gather the beauty and freedom, the over-flowing extra.

I am excited for what 2013 holds! 

Blessings~ Megan