Perseverance

Dear Readers,
     This has been quite the week for me. A lot of things have taken place over the course of seven days. As a family we are looking for a new car. As a teenager, I'm getting my first job and getting my license. As a student, I'm learning new things that excite me. As a christian, I'm being challenged in many new ways. All in the span of a week, I've grown tremendously. It wasn't one of those stressful kind of weeks where as a result you grow in who you're becoming. No, it was the kind of week that offered many exciting experiences and opportunities and as a result you grow in who you're ultimately becoming.
     A reoccurring theme throughout this week has been perseverance. That was definitely what God was teaching to me this week. It was popping up everywhere; God likes to get our attention that way. So I decided to acknowledge Him and look a little more into how to better practice perseverance.

-- And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:3 --

     - Pursue what interests you

In the chocolate recipe you add

nutmeg, it makes all the 

difference. It makes it taste 

like a donut shop donut.

     A great way to practice perseverance is find something you're passionate about and STICK WITH IT!! There are plenty of things I'm passionate about in life, but let's be honest here, I don't stick with things as often as I'd like. This past week, I've recognized my love for baking. Yes, I love writing and art and hiking - but I bake prolly more than I consistently do any of my other hobbies. I always get so excited when my mama says she wants to try a new recipe. There's something so simple and humbling about baking. You do all the work, you know everything going into your work, and you ultimately appreciate the result more. I love it!
     So this week my parents had a breakfast out, which meant Jill and I could make something for breakfast. Already getting excited. My sister suggested her favorite - waffles. But my mom said why don't we try donuts. I get to make one of my favorite breakfasts from scratch? Yes please! Baking from scratch is something I simply adore. So, we made donuts; chocolate and snickerdoodle, and oh man, they were so good, so moist and so decadent. They are the type of bakes you rave about...after you've eaten all the evidence. I can't keep something so lovely all to myself so I'll share the recipe with you- Snickerdoodle Donuts & Chocolate Donuts.

     - Practice
     This week I went to the dreaded DMV to get my license. And oh, what the experience it was. Evidently you have to make online appointments, and my dad and I were very unaware of the fact. Frustrated, disappointed, and annoyed I left unlicensed. But it was kinda a good thing actually. See, in order to receive the license I had to master the three point turn resulting in backing up into a parking spot. Not my strong point in any way. We practiced before heading over to the DMV. If backing up into two parking spots at the same time were the goal, I'd nail it. But it's not. I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity for me to practice my backing up skills.
     When it comes to perseverance, practicing an area you wish to become adept in is vital. I want to become a better driver and get my license but if I don't practice I'm not going far (no pun intended). and this doesn't have to be about driving, practice can absolutely apply to any part of your life you want to improve. If you want to up your perseverance, up your practice. Give it effort and give it time. Choose to see it as an opportunity to grow, not something you're dreading.

     - Find purpose
      To gain perseverance, gain a purpose. Your purpose can be whatever you feel God calling you to, but in my case I find it in serving. Serving can apply to so many people in so many definitions, that's why I love it. Same goal, same purpose, just a different execution. I definitely find my purpose and even some passion when it some to serving with my fifth graders at church. They are my whole world. I find that I honor God's kingdom best when I'm pouring into those around me. That's my purpose.
      With an identified purpose, you gain perseverance by consistently giving time and effort to God-honoring activities. You're endurance will increase because it's going towards a goal that excites you. This week, while serving at church, I saw God at work through so many people and it was marvelous. I was witnessing so many people's passions meet God's purpose and that is something truly inspiring. I love weekends like that, it reminds me that I'm exactly where I should be.

     - Have Hope
     There are two different types of hope. One is the kind of hope that is filled with daydreams and someday-things-will-be-betters. The other hope is an active hope where things will improve because you're going to improve them. I experienced both types of Hope this week.
     I had my very first ever job interview on Wednesday. It was for a very unique job and position. Months ago I met a woman who had stared her very own business where she helps other independent business women start their own companies from the ground up. She provides just about everything they'd need to get there business going; social media managing, website design, marketing, and advertisement. Two weeks ago, I reached out to her seeking job opportunities and an earnest offer was made by her and a meeting was quickly set up. The job sounds so amazing and exciting, and I've done my thinking and made my decision. I would like to take it. But now I'm waiting to her back from her on some minor details, and even the bigger picture; can I handle this, can I do this? That's where the hope comes in. I could daydream about how great I'll someday be at this job OR I tell myself "Hey, you got this because we're gonna work for this." That's the mindset I need. I need the type of perspective that says, I'll become better because this is important to me. That's an active hope, that's perseverance, because yet again you're choosing to stick with something because it's a goal and a passion.

     - Persevere with others
      Okay, so those above are all great ways to gain perseverance, but if you're like me, you can tell yourself for about a month you're going to stick with something, then a month later move on. To truly gain perseverance and make it last, you have to be around those who want to gain perseverance as well. You have to be around those who will encourage you when you're ready to move on. they'll restore in you that active hope that's vital to endurance.

This is Rend Collective - now one

of my favorite bands. It truly was

so fun watching them and so many others 

live.

     On Wednesday, our family had the amazing chance to attend the Outcry concert. Spur of the moment concerts really are exceptional. A lot of our favorite Christian bands were playing and it was extraordinary. But my favorite part was watching over 9,000 Christ followers gather together for one purpose; to all praise the same God. Now that was the moving part. Different stories, different reasons for attending, but same Spirit working through everyone. There, we were all encouraged to persevere as one and to unify as one.
     You don't have to attend a concert to receive to same feeling. I feel it every time I step onto my church campus or even when I'm around my friends. It's the sense that we should come to together to achieve the same purpose God has for His people.

     That's perseverance: finding something you're passionate about, practicing it with effort, identifying purpose, achieving an active hope, and being around those who will encourage you to persevere along the way.

XOXO - Em

The Sweet 16

Dear Readers,

Joyride is a yummy little taco joint and is
somewhere I've been wanting to go,
so why not go when it's your birthday? :)

      I know I've absent for quite awhile, but I've also been absent of inspiration and motivation. But I'm not going to fill this up with excuses. This summer has been a roaring one. I traveled to two summer camps, one here in Arizona, the other in California. Both camps have grown me in my faith and the person God has me becoming. He's confirming what I want to be doing. It's very exciting. For my campaign, which has come to an end, was blown out of the water. I had a huge fundraiser with and outstanding turnout of $500 and it really showed how blessed I was with the friends I have. The total amount raised over these eight months was $1500. My campaign has grown me in ways I never imagined. I trust my God better and my perspective has widened as well. Also amongst all the little outings and shenanigans throughout this summer, I turned 16 yesterday. Yes, the big sweet 16! It's funny, I don't feel older, I've been feeling 16 for the past month to be honest...now it's just official. The thing I have been feeling is changed. A new sense of maturity and responsibility arise when you turn 16 and a whole new door is opened to you. Looking back, there a few things that I've figured out that I'd like to remember later on in life. Well, not a few, more like 16 little tidbits to hold onto. See what I'm doing here ;)

-- This means that any one who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- 

     1) Be content with who you are.
         God designed you exactly the way you are created for a purpose specially planned for you. Be content with with our Creator for He makes no mistakes.

     2) Find joy in the little things.
          Take time to notice all the little things in your every day life that bring you so much joy. Figure what those things are, devote time to them, and appreciate them often.

     3) Live simply.
          Re-prioritize. Line your priorities up in such a way that keeps God the center, honor those you love, and even growing yourself. In that order too. Always keep God first, it makes all the difference.

     4) Do more of what makes you happy.
          Find the things in your life that simply make you smile and make you who you are, and devote more time to doing those certain activities. It's very important that we take time to do the things that make us happy as well.

     5) Find a friend.
          Find someone in your life whom you can be totally comfortable around. It took me forever to find a friend who I could be myself around, but once I had it totally changed me. Find someone who will challenge you and encourage you all the way.

     6) Don't live in the crowd.
          Stand out amongst the crowd. Don't get caught up in the ways of this world, it's not worth it. Instead rise above and be the one people want to follow, become the leader. Once I made the decision to become the leader, it greatly increased my level of influence and impact.

     7) Clean it out.
          Clean out the things in your life that cause you to stumble or revert to an old pattern of life. Find the things that easily tempt you or clutter your thoughts and clean them out. Choose to replace them with thoughts that honor Christ.

     8) Enhance the Kingdom.
          In Ephesians, it states that we all have unique gifts from God, and when united we all accomplish the big purpose God has for us all together. But in order to do that, we have to recognize the ways we've been gifted. For me, I feel gifted in the way I encourage and pour into people, so I'm then choosing to enhance His kingdom wholeheartedly.

      9) Invest in those around you.
           A big take away from this summer is who I invest in and pour into. I've felt the conviction to invest more of time in my fifth graders, my youth group, and even my sister. I've realized that I have influence with those around me, so I have to be intentional and a good example to those looking up to me. That's an honor not a burden.

     10) Trust God with it all.
          That statement has been one I find myself repeating everyday. With my campaign, I've learned what it is to really trust God and how to rely on Him. And oh, how it's paid off. God blesses obedience, and I am beyond blessed because I've chosen a life of complete trust and complete surrender. Trust Him wholeheartedly.

     11) A servant's heart.
          When you get an opportunity to serve, do it with a servant's heart. Serve cheerfully. Serving is such an amazing way to grow God's community, so we best do it cheerfully. I adore serving, and I've had the opportunity of watching growth within other's and even myself. Serving is a marvelous way to see God at work.

     12) Choose joy.
          This summer has been one that's brought me abundant amounts of joy. From some many sources, joy is possible. Choose joy because joy is rooted in Christ and will therefore last forever.

     13) Positive mindset.
          This one has been very important throughout my life. Our lives are filled to the max with unknowns, and that freaks me out. Not knowing what I'm walking into... oh boy. How I combat that is the perspective I choose, which is one of positivity. Look for the good in all things, then you'll start noticing the good in all things.

     14) Set goals.
          Set goals for yourself. I love setting goals, because I love finishing the goals even more. Results motivate me, but I need something to reach for. When you set goals you'll find yourself more motivated, consistent, and empowered. Goals help you become the best person you can be, because you're pushing yourself to you're limits and achieving innumerable results.

     15) Set standards
          Upon entering any relationship, start by setting standards and expectations. It will make all the difference and say a lot about your character. It'll show people what you expect out of them. Create the relationship you wan to be in, don't let worldly standards dictate your expectations.

     16) Make a difference
          In everything you do, leave a legacy; make a difference. Make such a difference that others who come after you will be inspired by what you've done. In any and every situation, make a change that inspires others and glorifies God. Make a difference by standing above the crowd, constantly enhancing the Kingdom, and pursuing God's unique purpose for you.

The 2016 Summer Bucket-list!!

     I could go on and on with those topics, but that's the basis of what I've figured out over these past years. I did not learn this on my own. I went to those who know far more than I do, those who have far more experience. This doesn't stop at 16, the list continues, I keep growing. But I wanted to take what I've learned and share that with you. As I learn more, I'll update the list ;)
     This summer has been one for the books, and sadly it's coming to an end. I made a bucket list even, and checked off so much. New restaurants, friend time, summer camps and way more that I'm still checking off. There was plenty I wanted to get done, and plenty I was not expecting to do. This summer has taught me way more than I imagined. I definitely made the most of this summer, and got a lot done, but I've also learned a lot this summer. Now that's an experience I'll never forget and something to hold on to for quite awhile.

XOXO - Em 

Simplified Priorities

Dear Readers
   On Tuesday, I had my wisdom teeth pulled out, and let me tell you, this isn't fun. I look like a chipmunk, my cheeks are so swollen. No pictures, take my word. The only things I can eat for the next two weeks are foods that are on a spoon or come through a straw. There's an abundance of mashed potatoes and ice cream in my house currently, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Lots of resting for me, according to my sister who also qualifies as my nurse for these next two weeks. But, I am not writing to you about wisdom teeth, that would be a dull post. Today I'm writing to you about a trip mom, Jill, and I took last week that inspired a new perspective in me.

-- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23 --

My favorite part of the trip was seeing this house. I fell in
love with this lemony yellow, Victorian house. If
possible, I would live there. 

   


Last Thursday, mom, Jill, and I went to Pioneer Village which is in North Phoenix, a.k.a. the other end of the earth for us who live in the East Valley. Pioneer Village is just that, a village including houses and businesses from the 1860s-1890s. It was quite captivating to see all the houses that were actually lived in and to see all the businesses that were actually used. We walked around the entire village, hitting up the cheesy gun show, catching the burned down bakery, seeing more pioneer houses, falling in love with the school house, and finding inspiration. It was hot, it was dusty, it was long walks everywhere, and it it was life in the 1860s.

All the old carriages and farm equipment made for great
black and white pictures.

     The pioneers lead a fascinating life. It was hard work for them, but inspiring for me. What made the pioneer life so desirable was their hardworking nature. If they wanted anything, a dream to come true or a meal to put on the table, they worked for it. Their life style was much more simplified then the lifestyles we lead today. Even though their work was difficult, their lives were simplified. There weren't a lot of distractions. The pioneers found what was important to and made it their priority. They were focused and diligent, which created a more simplified lifestyle.    

Towards the end of the trip, mom, Jill, and I
found a miner's cabin and a rail road. It was
eerie and vacant with cable cars scattered
about. We had fun with the rail road track
taking many pictures. 

      That's what made the trip so inspiring: the hard, diligent work of the pioneers. It made me stop and look at my own life to find what was important and re-prioritize. I should become more focused on my goals and passions in the same way the pioneers were. When I do that, I will then lead a more simplified life. And that's really all I want, a life solely centered on the things that are important to me with few distractions. If there is any positive to wisdom teeth it would be the time. The time I have to focus on the things important to me and to rearrange priorities. 

XOXO - Em

 

A Spring In Your Step

Hey Friends,

     Spring is upon us. Spring time in Arizona starts in late March and ends in early May due to weather, so April is about as springy as it gets in Arizona. I love spring so much. Pastel colors, everything is vibrantly blooming, fresh fruit with every meal, more enjoyable walks outside, and of course spring dresses. There's a simplicity about spring that makes it so attractive. Everybody during these two short months appreciates the natural and the simple. The vibrant flowers, the fresh fruit, the natural colors; it's the theme of spring and I'm lovin' it. It's times like these that has me missing Lubbock, Texas. In Lubbock, spring lasted the usual full three months. The weather was more than just bearable, it was perfect. I had a huge green garden, and five ducks with five personalities. It was perfect, and I realize now, I was embracing my inner Johanna Gaines in Lubbock. I may not have a garden any more, or ducks, but there are still plenty of ways to embrace spring in a place where spring lasts for a short while. 

    -- For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the LORD God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. -- Isaiah 61:11

     Spring is a beautiful time of the year and prolly the most bearable time of the year in Arizona. My mom and I have been hiking so much more, which is lovely, because you get to see a whole desert in full bloom. We've been taking bike rides every day after lunch. But, one of most favorite things to do in the spring time is to go to the Farmer's Market. It is so fun and fascinating to hear all the stories and to sample all the foods. It ranges from fresh local grown veggies, to natural jams and peanut butters. I would seriously eat peanut butter with everything if I could. Spring this year has really inspired me to embrace the season and all that it has to offer. 

     One of my favorite ways to hug the season is with some fun foods. Food is good, but is even greater when you can have fun with it. Most of you know my love for breakfast, and I've recently discovered a quick, healthy, and delicious staple for me. It's simple; yogurt and some fun toppings. All I do is start with a vanilla yogurt base (or any yogurt flavor ) and go crazy with some toppings. In the picture, I used strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, one of my favorite cereals, and some raisins. And that's it. A super simple, quick, healthy, and extremely yummy breakfast. And you can't really go wrong with yogurt. Another staple of mine are smoothies. Today, my mother asked me if I could live without smoothies. Silly question, I don't think I could. I love fruit, and adore smoothies. You can make a smoothie out of anything which is the fun part about it.

     Pictured here is a strawberry banana smoothie. Super yummy, super simple. 

Spring time is... messy braids, fresh fruit and vibrant colors :)

• A hand full of ice
• About six strawberries, thinly sliced (Add more if desired)
• One whole banana broke in half
•  lmond milk (a lot for a thinner smoothie, a little for a thicker smoothie, up to you)
• Two tablespoons of vanilla protein powder (optional)
• One heaping tablespoon of cottage cheese (I hate cottage cheese- on it's own, but I love it in smoothies. It makes a creamier smoothie every time, it's like a milkshake)   

     Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend together until the desired consistency is reached. I always thought smoothies were a hard thing to make until I had to start doing it on my own. Follow the recipe and there you have it; an easy, delicious meal. 

     Besides all the fun flavors and colors spring brings, I believe there is one more element to a fully embraced spring. Being you. I see spring as a season overflowing with joy. I mean, besides allergies, what isn't there to love about spring? When you are surrounded with that much positivity and joyous emotion, it's bound to affect you. Let it. Seize the joy and happiness and let it seep into you and overflow within you. Feeling an abundance of joy is not a bad thing. I feel that it really highlights who I am and what I'm all about. Therefore, when you are in a season (literally and figuratively) that is full of joy, vibrant personalities, and constantly blooming; carpe diem.

XOXO- Em 

P.S - Please check out my campaign and consider donating!! It would mean so much to me. I'm four months in and am making great progress, but I still need your support. All donations mean so much to me. Thank you!! Emma's Mission - link to my campaign 

The Queen Creek Olive Mill

Hey Friends,

The most common used olives used at the olive Mill

     I've made it to Spring Break!! As a family, we have so much packed into one week. Monday morning marked the start to a much needed break. The Surretts headed for Queen Creek, Arizona to go get some waffles. I don't usually wake up early, but breakfast is a good reason to do early mornings. Why travel thirty minutes just to go get a waffle? Simple, because it's the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The Olive Mill makes waffles the size of my face infused with vanilla olive oil. Fluffy, moist, and topped with whipped butter - oh yes, I ate it all. When you walk into the restaurant, you walk first into a store filled with all sorts of olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, blood orange olive oil, chocolate olive oil, and of course there is a bacon olive oil. The store gave off a rustic farmhouse vibe that totally filled my tank and the environment was amazing. The environment is very welcoming, the company is family owned and the Mill is family grown. After breakfast we roamed around the store, and signed up for the tour of the Mill. We headed outside to get the story behind the business. The Olive Mill's sole purpose is to produce high quality extra virgin olive oil with farming practices that exemplify their dedication to the environment and our health. A lot of thought goes into one bottle of oil, which is reason enough for me to buy a bottle. During the tour we learned that the Mill has at least seven thousand olive trees growing, and that it only takes one hour to process two and a half tons worth of olives oil. It's mind blowing to see how much can be done in one hour. Also we tasted fresh extra virgin olive oil, and let me tell you it's not like the stuff from the store. This was the read deal. When you swallow real extra virgin olive oil it leaves a burning peppery taste in the back of your throat. And evidently in Italy, they leave what's called pomace inside the oil and import it here, so we aren't getting the full experience let alone the real oil.

     My inspired writing juices began to flow. A classic, yet relevant, metaphor played out in my mind. I pulled from Matthew 23:26 - "First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean too." What the Italians do is pretty similar to what we so often do. We are a culture that is so easily worried about our outsides instead of focusing more on our insides. When the pomace is left inside the oil, it's not at it's best or displaying it's best qualities. When the pomace is left inside the oil, the consumer doesn't taste the true oil. When the oil is mixed with other unnecessary ingredients and isn't pure oil. We are the oil and this messed up world we live in is that pomace. When we allow sin into our lives it does two things. It dirtys up the inside of our cups and clouds our vision. We convince ourselves it's alright, because no one sees the inside of the cup, it's only the outside that people are watching. Well, that's a lie. Eventually cups over flow the more they are filled. So, eventually what ever is inside will flow out. Then everyone will see what is really inside you. If you're filled with pride, it'll show. If you're filled with jealousy, it'll show. If you're filled with doubt, it will show. In the same way I can taste the difference in olive oils, I can just as easily see the insides of the cups based on the outsides. Some people's outside may be convincing, but is their inside worth believing?
     Through out this week let's clean our cups, so that it shines. This week my cup will over flow with grace, kindness, and patience. This is a challenging thing for me, to watch what comes pouring out. This week I don't want to worry at all if my cup happens to over flow. I want it to over flow and have it be evident of what I'm full of. "The fullness of Him who fills all in all." -  Ephesians 1:23. Let's rid ourselves of the pomace in our lives and fill our cups with pure and authentic olive oil.

XOXO - Em
P.S. New cards up in the etsy shop- The Art of Stationary
This past week $127 has been donated to my campaign!! That's awesome. Please consider donating, it would mean a lot to me! - Emma's Mission 

Trust the Plan

Dear Friends,
     Currently I am fifteen and a half. Here in Arizona when you are that age you can get your driver's permit. In order to do that you have to take a test. On that test are thirty questions that gives a concise account of the Arizona driver manual and you can only get six wrong. Well, being fifteen a half I could get my permit. On February eighth I went to take the test. On February eighth I missed seven questions. I was severely unprepared and a little too confident. I was told to come back next week to retake it. Throughout this entire week I've been studying like crazy. I practiced all the one's I remembered getting wrong and practiced all the one's I already knew. February nineteenth was round two for the permit test. I felt way more prepared and genuinely confident. Once again I missed seven and was told to come back next week for yet another retake. I was frustrated, disappointed, annoyed. But, most of all I was confused. I really thought I was going to get it this time. Why didn't I? This morning my supportive and proud parents both said to me that there was a purpose God didn't allow this to happen. That he has a plan for me and God's big plan said, "No, not today Em,"

-- Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. -- 2 Samuel 7:28

     Numerous times, God has presented me with opportunities to trust him. I feel that has been a reoccurring theme for me lately. I have a difficult time trusting relationships and outcomes based on previous events. I'm not proud of that. But, now this year knowing that these reoccurring opportunities are from God, I look at them differently. I find it crazy, yet comforting, that this is all a part of God's plan for me. God has created a unique plan for Emma, and he has created a unique plan for you as well. Now it's our job to trust God and this plan he has for us. For, within his plan there is a purpose. God has laid out this road specially marked for me. And God has made a road for just you. That was done for a reason, there's purpose to it. He didn't make a plan for me so I could share it with you. All God wants is to be close to us and how much closer can you get when you're on a road made for only two people. Our problem comes when we have a lack of trust, when we choose to doubt God's unique plan for us. OK, just saying the sentence sounds crazy to me. Why would we doubt a God who wants nothing more than to be with us and has created a plan made exactly to fulfill that? Well, we do it anyway.

Seriously my life motto 

     In my day to day life I see God reveal this master plan to me countless times. Sometimes I choose to ignore them, because I don't like the way I see them. Yes, God has created a plan for me, but He's also chosen a way to present that plan to me. Not only do I have to trust the plan, but I have to trust the process just as much. In Jeremiah 29:11 I'm told that God has a plan for me, a plan to prosper me and not to harm me. A plan to give me hope and a good future. Now, re read that sentence and replace the word me with your name. Think about it that way, God has a plan for you and we are told to trust Him. He knows what He's doing, He's got it under control, He promises us all these things and we have to trust that He will fulfill his promise.

     So this is where it will get hard. We first need to trust the outcome. We know that God's plan for us will lead to a prosperous hopeful future. Will lead. Not start out that way, our path will lead to that. God has us all on a unique and different path so He teach us all in a unique and different way. That's where the doubt and hardships come in, when we're being taught. God will lead us towards certain people and away from certain people. God will lead us to a place of plenty and maybe to a place with not a lot. God will lead us where we need to be on His timing. Sometimes you have to live in Texas for a year and a half in order to realize what God wants you to be doing to glorify his kingdom. God took the Surretts to Texas and took us right back to Arizona. I don't regret living there at all, but I now realize that the move there was one of the bigger lessons God was teaching me. My faith grew as a result and I when I returned it became easier to decipher what was from God and what was form the world. Sometimes God doesn't allow you to get your driver's permit two times in a row. I was frustrated and confused. But I know that was all part of His plan and purpose for me. The lessons He shows me on my path aren't always big like Texas, there are also the small ones like permits. The reason for the small ones are because He can present Himself in even the little things.

     Our trust doesn't go unnoticed, that's all God wants from us. He desires for us to seek Him and to trust him with everything. Rejoice that God has a plan for you and don't look at it as a source for doubt. Trust that in everything he does, he does it for the good of those who love him. Always. Trust His covenant made to you because He has promised good things to his servant. You are his good and faithful servant to whom he has promised so much because you trust Him. Yeah, daily life might be confusing, disappointing and frustrating at times, but know it's all part of the plan Stan. And what more reassurance do we need when knowing that a jealous God filled with unfailing love and mercy has a plan made out specifically for you alone and has your life all planed out for his ultimate glory? I don't know about you, but for me, that is quite a comforting thought.

XOXO- Em

The Art of Stationary - All Valentine cards were sold out and a few donations were made. But we still have a long way to go. Please check out either my shop or campaign in order to help reach my goal Emma's Mission  THANK YOU!!

Run the Race

Hey Friends,

     I have wonderful news for you all!! My Etsy shop has been suspended for about the entire month of January, but now it's back up and running. I'll be honest, it's been quite a frustrating month, but I've learned how to be patient. Throughout this month I've learned how to rely on God and His timing. All good things happen on His timing. After patiently waiting, the Art of Stationary is back up!! Soon I'll be uploading Valentine's day cards, but until then feel free to check out cards already in the shop! The Art of Stationary . As for my campaign, I've yet to receive any donations. Remember that when a card is bought all the profit will be going to my campaign. This is something I'm very excited to be doing, but I need your help to accomplish this goal. Emma's Campaign. 

-- I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the Heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us. -- Philippians 3:14

     Monday night during our family bible study, this passage inspired me. Basically this passage explains that, as Christians, we are in a life long race. But, the most important components of this race is the prize at the end and the way we run. Where we are in the race doesn't matter. All we have to do is run in such a way as to gain the prize. While we are in this race, we need to give it our all and not go back to the starting line. When we mess up along the way, we shouldn't go back to the beginning and attempt a re-do because we weren't please with the way we executed something. We are going to make mistakes along the way, but we aren't going to give up. Our prize and finish line seems further and further away every time we go back tot he start line. 

     When I was a freshmen and still in public school, my parents told me I had to do a sport while I was in highschool. I decided to get it over with my freshmen year. Two facts about me: I hate doing sports and I hate running. Yes, the girl who despises sports and running decided to do track. I thought it would be easy, it wasn't easy at all. The one hour of practice felt like five hours and doing track in march in Arizona is brutal. It's already hot. I still to this day have no clue why I chose track as my one sport. When it came time for my first meet, I was looking for any excuse not to go. I was slightly sick, my legs were very sore, I had a bunch of homework. My parents still drove me to my first meet and were in the bleachers eagerly awaited my turn to run. I lined up for the 100m race, my very first ever race. When I started running I ended up in someone else's lane and dead last. Most of my races were either last or second to last. Yes I was a little disappionted, but I was more proud of finishing than the actual place I came in. I finished the entire season and don't regret doing it. On some days I gave it my all and on others I slacked off. I was never overly enthusiastic about track, but I persevered and saw it through.

     In a lot of ways, track is like the race we're running now. On some days we give it our all, and on others we slack off a little bit. On some days we swerve out of our straight and narrow lane into one that is not our own. On some days we feel a constant urge to go back to he starting line, wanting to try again. On some days we mess up so badly that we just want to quit this race entirely. But we can't. When we committed to this life of following Jesus, we left the start line and we can't go back. God knew we were going to mess up... a lot, but he still runs the race with us. When we feel like abandoning, He doesn't, and He won't. While you are running this race, run in such a way that focuses on the prize rather than prioritizes the place you're in. 

XOXO- Em