Flowahs

We have a giant empty wall space in our living room that is needing some love. I bought a 3-pack of flat canvases from Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago and have been wracking my brain for the perfect thing to do. Well, I stumbled upon some inspiration this week and am proud to show you number one of the three paintings that I am going to complete.

My work in progress.

I am very happy with how this one turned out. I added some of my favorites into this painting (the yellow billy balls) and I am glad I did... I think the yellow really popped! I have two more to finish, but unfortunately painting is reserved for the weekends. 

I am trying to decide about the background of the other two. Should I continue with the dark blue/grey background or make the other two painting that will flank the sides of this one a lighter, more airy blue color? Opinions? Ideas?

Jealous.

So every Tuesday night I attend a huge worship service called Breakaway. Thousands, and I mean thousands of A&M students (and even friends from Waco and Austin) file into Reed Arena to worship and hear Ben Stuart speak. I know I've mentioned it before, but if you are looking for great sermon-type things to listen to, go here and you can subscribe to the podcast! I love to listen to these driving back home to Tyler and when I am running. Give it a try!

So, story time. I remember last year at OU a group of people would stand on the South Oval and shout to all passerby's how they were going to hell and many other sorts of things that really peeved me. I stopped and listened, watching girls go up and defend their Jesus (which gave me chills). However, one person also standing in the audience posed a question. "If you're God is so loving and great, why throughout the bible does he say that He is jealous? That doesn't seem like such a good quality to me." Um. Boom. I had no idea how to answer that. And either did the girl who was up there defending what she believed in. Maybe this isn't an idea you've struggled with in your faith, but I had never heard a great explanation of this quality before so it definitely was a stumbling point. I mean, it's God. He has to be good, He has to be right, He has to be perfect, so I knew there was some wonderful explanation out there that would set things right for me. And last night I finally got it. While it might not be complete and might be just the tiniest fraction of God's true character, it really resonated with me.

A wife and a husband. It is good, it is right for the husband to be jealous of anyone taking over his place in her life. Being committed to one person, loving one person with your whole heart. Isn't that what love is? Or a father. Imagine a father having to split his time with his precious child with a lesser, evil person who has nothing but bad intentions. Wouldn't you want your own father to be jealous for you? To be gnashing his teeth, screaming out your name, doing and being everything in his power in order to have you, and to have all of you? Isn't that the basis of unconditional love? Well my lovely little readers, we have that Father. We have that love. And when we put those "lesser, evil" things above our Heavenly Father and force Him to have a fraction of our heart, he gets jealous. He wants our whole hearts and nothing else.

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God- Exodus 20:5

So how is a perfect God a jealous God? Because he loves us unconditionally and expects it back in return. He desires our hearts so much and wants nothing less. You tell me about a love like that in this world, and I'll point you right back to my Savior.

Whether this is a truth that you've known and grasped for a long time, or a spark that was just ignited, I think it's a great thing to be reminded of. Keep a look out for the Breakaway podcast from this week. Listen to Ben speak and hear in a ten-thousand times more eloquent way an explanation of this and ways for God's name to be hallowed.

O My Soul

The sun comes up 

It's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass

and whatever lie before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes!

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name!

{here}

Happenings.

Syllabus week. There is nothing better, really. Except when your professor starts lecturing that day. I know, I know-- wahh. At least I do not have Friday classes. Sleep in today, check! The weather in College Station has been absolutely glorious. I mean, 70 degrees in January? Ok, yes! Anywho, here is what has been going on in my life lately.

While I was home, Millie liked to snuggle. Made it hard to get out of bed, you know?

Hayden is taking his MCATs in a week, so we had a little study date at Barnes and Noble. I ate some Godiva chocolate cheesecake and read lots of magazines. I feel so classy. He has some dedication and I have, well, a sugar high.

I got a new car that I absolutely love! It's a Subaru Forester that is kindly called the Forest Ranger thanks to Hayden's brother. I am so blessed that my parents gave my sister and me the gift of a new car our sophomore years of college. I can now pretend that I live in Colorado or Minnesota, because everyone and their dogs drives a Subaru in those states. It's also being outfitted with a roof rack that I bought with all my earnings from working over the break. Pictures when that is finally assembled (Avengers?!) Also, my mom got me luggage for my birthday in October (remember how I used to come home for the holidays?) and I think it's her dream for this to be my life. I can't say I disagree. One step closer Momma, one step closer.

I bought a new headlamp which is one of my other new favorite things. This is a celebratory picture I sent to Hayden (because we are dorks). I was greeted by a nice little Moosejaw package when I came back to College Station. Nice timing on my part, yes? Also, behind me is a shot of my room. I hope to do a little house tour soon. Problem is there are still some things that need to be completed!

I made some yarn and twig flowers for our living room on Monday. They took all of 10 seconds and look so neat. I will put up a little tutorial of my own soon.

Otherwise, last night we had an A&M Pine Cove Ranch get-together at Rosa's. I am so excited for this summer to be here. I met some wonderful people and cannot wait to get to know them better. We called the new Ranch director and left a sweet little voice message saying "We're the ranch, WHOOP!" Gotta represent the best college in the world, right? Really though. This summer is going to be such a blessing in so many different ways, and I cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to use me and all the other staffers.

I got to spend a little time with my silly roommates last night for some fro-yo. Delish. It makes it better that Katie (what up, girl!) loves sprinkles just as much as I do. They are the bomb.

Have a most fantastic weekend, my friends!

Back in the Swang of Thangs

Three hour drive to College Station: check.
Jamming out to Josh Ritter for the entire time: check.
Driving through familiar College Station roads: check.
Unloading the ten tons of things I brought back: check.
Organizing, cleaning, and putting away-ing: check.

To do:
Grocery shop,
Buy books,
Take a breather,
Mentally prepare myself for the four months that lie ahead!

Good luck to all of you starting (or who have already started) your Spring semester. I can't say I was happy to leave home, but I can say it's nice to be back in this familiar little town of mine.

Sweet Baby Gussie

My heart is so heavy today. We found out the my puppy Gus died at 3:46 this morning at the emergency veterinary clinic. The plan was to pick him up at 5 this morning and continue to care for him until he got better, but unfortunately, that plan didn't follow through. He was only four years old so this was such a terrible surprise. The vet didn't know what was wrong with him or what caused him to get so sick so quickly. No one expected him to pass away-- we all figured it was just a doggy flu of some sorts. I can't tell you the pain my family feels right now. Our pets have always been another member of our family, and the fact that Gus was taken away many years before we would have ever expected just leaves our hearts cold and hurting. It is strange to be sitting in my house without my buddy sitting next to me. I spoiled him so much by letting him sit by me on the couch when my parents were at work. He was growing out of his puppy stage into a gentle, sweet ol' guy, and I just loved to sit with him and hug his neck.

From the day we brought home little Graham Green until the night he crawled up in my lap and slept there, nothing could replace those wonderful memories. Gussie, you were such a gentle giant, except when you thought you could use your paws like the cats do. You loved to go and get the mail with me, walks with mom and dad, taking rides in the Mini (which always brought smiles to peoples faces), being the kitchen "vacuum" while mom and I cooked, snoozing on the couch with me, jumping on my bed in the morning to wake me up, and having your neck scratched. I could always count on you to be ecstatic when I came home from school, and to back your big behind into everyone's legs when we were sitting on the couch- a sign that you needed a good scratch. You loved to play with Millie (although Henry might not have been your biggest fan) and you loved to bark at motorcycles and pester the squirrels. We loved you so much Gussie, and I hope you knew that. Nothing can ever replace you. I am sorry I couldn't be there when you left us, but now you have your own big couch and all the peanuts and Kongs you could want in puppy heaven. You were the best puppy, Mr. Goose.

gussie and millie after gus had surgery and wasn't feeling well

you can always count on him to make you feel better when you are sick

home for the holidays 2010

gus and me celebrating my a&m acceptance

the last, best memory i have with my goose.

I love you, sweet puppy.

My Week in Ten

1. The last week in December my mom came down with this cold/throat/nasty sickness. Throughout the course of the week my sister caught the bug, followed by my dad, followed by Hayden (is this related?), and of course, to cap it all off, followed by myself. This is my second time to have this grossness. During finals week I came down with a tremendous case of sniffles and congestion, so I was hoping I would be spared. Looks like I wasn't so lucky.

2. I signed up to run my second half in March. With the way I have felt I didn't get to run very much this past week, but hopefully tomorrow I can start that up again soon. I can definitely tell I haven't run in a while... now to just overcome that.

3. I have been working at the paint-your-own pottery store I worked at this summer. My boss asked me to work while I was home for the break, so I have been working every day. I am thankful to have this little seasonal job.

4. I celebrated Hayden's 21st birthday with him and mix of friends from Tyler and College Station. It was fun to see all those people together. I think Hayden felt very blessed by the people that surrounded him.

5. My mom and I went antique shopping together and got some fun inspiration. I dream about the day I have my own little house to decorate with my mom's help. I guess for now we can focus on Em's nursery!

6. We are officially in car-buying season. My parents and I have been on the hunt for the perfect car to make my permanent car. It's very exciting but very stressful! 

7. My puppy Mr. Goose (really just Gus) came down with something awful last night. He is incredibly lethargic, has very shallow breathing, and cannot sit or lay down without being in a lot of pain. We finally took him to the emergency vet this morning, where the blood work they took came back all normal. They do not know what is wrong with him. He is currently there under an IV and taking antibiotics, hoping whatever it is will be kicked soon. The update we just got said that there has been no change in his state since we brought him in around 8 this morning, which is not the news we have been looking for. If you think about it, please say a prayer for Gussie and for his family that just wants him to get better.

8. One week until classes start up again. Once I am back in College Station I think I will be excited, but right now being home is all I want to be.

9. I officially have my Etsy store set up- now I just have to put things in it. As soon as it's ready I will post it on the blog. It's definitely a work in progress.

10. Date nights to Target and TCBY make my heart very happy. It's the simple things, right? Or maybe it's the 17 pounds of sprinkles I poured on my icecream. Either way.

We cannot do a week without a bonus...

11. I got to catch up with my wonderful friend Andi at one of my favorite places in Tyler, Don Juans. I always feel so refreshed after talking to her, and am so happy that we can still get together even though we are not at the same school. I'm thankful for you, Andi! I hope we can keep up a little better then we did this past semester.

Thank you so much for reading this little blog. I know it's not much, but it's a glimpse into my life that I might not share otherwise. Thank you, friends!

Shepherd of the Flock

During finals week I had the chance to see the Star of Bethlehem presentation. A professor at Texas A&M (whoop!) researched and studied all about the Star of Bethlehem in order to prove it's existence. And what he found was absolutely incredible. I can't even tell you how much my mind was blown and how in awe of my Father's intricacy and sheer power I was. Not only did he prove the Star of Bethlehem, he also gave signs that the Scriptures are true, and the events were real, and that the birth of my Savior was one of the greatest days in the history of the world, if not the greatest. If you ever have the chance to see this presentation in person, I BEG you to go. If not, buy the DVD. It's so worth it. The Lord is working through this man to reach of to so many people-- brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are waiting to be found.

All this be said, lately I have been thinking a lot about God's character, specifically as the Great Shepherd. I was given a little insight in a bible study once, so here is my less-than-eloquent retelling. Shepherds of the day cared for their sheep more than anything. Like a baby can recognize it's mothers voice out of a wave of voices, so these sheep would respond to the shepherds call. A specific, distinct, familiar, soothing voice. Oftentimes, herds would venture out through the lands to come upon a steep cliff or patch of thistle or some other danger. The shepherd, the great protector, would send out his call to his lost sheep in order to bring them back to safety. But it didn't always work. But did he just sit there and watch his flock fall down the wrong path? Well of course not. Here is my most favorite part. In the case that the flock didn't respond to his calling, our friend the shepherd would literally lay down in front of the sheep's pathway, making himself a barrier between the flock and their certain demise. Because of this barrier, the sheep would know that danger was ahead and would turn back. Sound eerily familiar?

How many times a day do I hear the Lord calling me out to me, knowing I am lost and far from where I should be? And yet, how many times am I like these little sheep who just do not hear the voice and keep following this path of destruction--- of jealousy, insecurity, anger, and unawareness of the person I am made to be. Much more than I would ever care to attest to. It took Jesus to lay His life down in front of me, just as the shepherds do, to be a barrier between safety in His care and danger in the pits of hell, in order for me to see that the way I am living is dangerous. He calls me back to Him, and now I come running. There is a permanent barrier laid down that keeps me in His loving grasp, so that I down have to continue my trek down that dark destructive pathway. I cannot imagine a greater love, but more importantly, I could never be thankful enough for that selfless act. I stumble and I get lost. I am far from an obedient sheep. But I know I can always call upon my God and He will be waiting for me, standing at the top of the hill overlooking His valley of sheep.

He is there, He is watching.

What I'm Diggin' No. 3

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It's been a whirlwind vacation for all the Anderson's, so once again here I am begging for your forgiveness for being a spotty blogger. Here are a few things that have caught my eye now that I have a bit of time to relax and browse.



These wonderful little Valentine bowls from West Elm. They have the sweetest little grey print paired with not-to-girly little pink hearts. My sister and I both saw these within an hour of eachother. Needless to say it looks like we will both have our own little collection soon. I cannot wait to eat my morning cereal out of these guys. I feel like my day would just have to be good after that!

The typography and message of this print. This is one of my favorite hymns and such a great reminder. I really want to make something for my house with the lyrics on it, but I trying to stray away from everything I own and decorate with looking handmade. We all know I vow by handmade, but as I get older I want to have pieces that will carry on into my mature adult life. Whenever that comes. Tryin' to get my classy on, ya know?

I am definitely digging the progress of some of my headbands and other items for my Etsy store. My mom and I made the three girls in our family pom-pom cowl scarves that are absolutely wonderful, so I am hoping to add those to the line up soon. I am hoping to use the rest of this break to build a little inventory and get my shop set up before school starts again. I also might add some bow ties to the collection. Here is a picture of the bow tie I made for my brother-in-law Aaron. He loves flannel just as much (even more?) than I do and even started the Lumberjack Club at The University of Nebraska. I thought it was fitting.

Emily gave me Jesus Calling for Christmas this year. I have been eyeing this little devotional for quite a while but never followed through and bought it. I am so thankful Em gave it to me, I already love it and it will be such a wonderful supplement to my daily reading.

Watching Bravo this morning, I saw a commercial for one of those Cricut machines. I have used one before to do lettering and though it was pretty neat. I am such a sucker for advertising because man, this commercial sucked me in! It can cut paper and fabric in all sorts of designs. How much easier would crafting be if you didn't have to hand cut every little design?

Lastly on my list of wonderfulness is this wonderful photo. I can't wait to get out and use my tent I got for Christmas.