Close to the Return.

This is very much a "new things" post, but I did not want to title it so. For the first time I have felt like I had a clear enough mood to make what they call a "mood board." One should be coming soon. But here is a compilation of the new features in my wardrobe. As well as my new favorite hairstyle. I love braids now. Maybe because you don't necessarily have to wash your hair for it to look good (college laziness).

So yesterday I was in the walk-through-a-store-and-buy-something mood. And that's exactly what I did.

First I went to Hobby Lobby but that was unsuccessful. I had no specific hobby in mind. So then I ventured to the mall and had my make-up done at Chanel. A visiting make-up artist put the entire spring line on my face. I have had that much product on my face in my life. It was not photo-worthy and I shall never wear so much caked on foundation and eye make-up ever again. But I did buy a few of the products I liked: Rouge Coco lipstick in Rose Dentelle, lip liner in Pêche, and waterproof eyeliner in Espresso. I am very excited for the new spring lip colors. 

Following my mall trip I ventured down to my favorite store in Five Points--Urban Thread. And that's where I found them, the most beautiful boots in the world. They would normally be from Urban Outfitters. I know they will get plenty of wear.
Pictured with the shoes are my beloved Moleskines. Two are filled up while the other two are written in on a regular basis. I highly recommend buying a notebook to carry around with you. It is so unbelievably practical for those with jumbled thoughts. 

The rings pictured are designed by a fellow Kappa. Check out her beautiful jewelry here!

I am so ready for summer. I am finding all these cute summer party drinks (virgin) and I have the strange desire to throw a classy summer get-together. Sounds like a wonderful idea, right? I think so too. Only 37 more days in Columbia! I am going to do my best to enjoy every single one. Even though the weather is dreadful right now, crushing my dreams of photo-shoots.

Last night I read Ephesians 1 and it was so encouraging.
I love verses 11-14. It's too long to feature here, but check them out! It is incredible to think that he wants each of us to be a part of His plan. 

Salt of the Earth.

Now for the long awaited spring break post. I went to Panama City beach with Campus Crusade for a week. About 50 people from USC joined another 1,100+ to learn about evangelism and spread the truth and joy of the Gospel to the other spring-breakers on the beach. It was an incredible experience and I got to make so many new friends, both at USC and not. 

Above is the very disappointing scan of our group picture. I didn't take many pictures until the last day and since I was the one taking them I do not have many of myself. Mom was a little upset. 

I also gave up Facebook and Tumblr for lent (grits teeth a little). So I cannot steal other people's pictures. I don't even know if there's any good ones of me, but you are welcome to check if you haven't already. Let me know if any untagging needs to be done :) Though I won't be performing the task until after Easter.

So we lived in a six-person condo, beachside. It was in desperate need of some renovations, but we did the best with what we got. I lived with fellow kappas Sarah Anne, Kristen, and Ashley, as well as Cru friend Hanna and our Cola Hall Bible study leader, Maria. It was a wonderful group. 

I took Mom's D60 on the trip. 

Free hugs on the beach. Cute. 

The sunsets were breathtaking every night. Save for the storm night, pictured later. I think I am going to have a post consisting of only sunsets. I seem to have accumulated a lot. 

Sarah Anne is a tremendous cook. Stuffed mushrooms, mmm. 

We had morning and evening sessions which included praise and worship. The band was so awesome. I do not know this fellow. Thanks for the picture, man. 

And then the storm came. 

Friday, our last day before leaving, was absolutely beautiful and the majority of it was spent on the beach. 

Beauties. Hanna and Sarah Anne.

Kristen. 

Another Kristen being hugged by her friend from ECU. 

Another Kristen (There were four). I did not mean to catch this but I think it turned out pretty cool. 

Some of the boys. All stuck in a hole they dug. 

They thought the sunset was worth capturing as well. 

The boys made us spaghetti on the last night. This is one of few pictures I had with us actually smiling for the camera. That's Bethanie and me, with Hanna posing in the background. 

Mirror. Can you find me?

I have been following an Old Testament reading plan and it did not divide up Psalm 119. I know, crazy right? It expected me to read through 176 verses in one night! I have been reading through it all day and it is so beautiful. I did not want to have to rush through it. 

Here's one of my favorites. Though there must be verses for every single situation in life. 

"How sweet are your words to my taste, 

sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

v. 103

    Oh, Father, please forgive me for ever not wanting to read your word. Once I open this living book, I taste words sweeter than honey. Everlasting truth. Nothing could ever be better. 

School has been pretty good. I had a little break down earlier this week but as my Bible study leader, Maria wonderfully said, "Jesus wept." Shortest verse in the Bible. John 11:35. The life of a Christian is not easy. But the joy I find in the Father is priceless. Please keep Kappa in your prayers. Pray that His light may shine throughout. 

Also, I failed to mention a little in memoriam for Elizabeth Taylor. But here's to you, beautiful woman. You were real Hollywood. I with I could have lived in that time. But thank you for everything you did for film. 

Over the trip I read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and I just finished A Dove Set Free by Debbie Sobeski. 

Now I'm reading Lady In Waiting by Jackie Kendall

I also watched:

Rebel Without A Cause

East of Eden

(LOVE JAMES DEAN)

I'm No Angel

Tell Me What You See.

My camera is back! I missed it so much. Here are some pictures I've taken since its return. So much has happened since my last post. I went to Panama City for spring break and I still have to post those pictures. I will hopefully have a post with them later this week. But last weekend I went home and saw Hardy, so here are even more pictures of the sweetheart. 

Yesterday I sat in the courtyard by the business building for a while. It is such a divine little place. Below are some pictures of this well-kept secret. 

A longer post is coming soon, I promise. But for now I must go to Econ (bleh). 

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have the one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

1 John 2:1-2