Summer Reading.

If you, then, though you are evil, now how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 

Matthew 7:11

God wants what's best for me. He wants good things for me. I've always had a hard time accepting this. For some reason, I am afraid that if I give my whole life to Jesus He will take away the things I love and make me live some miserable life. This verse says just the opposite. I think of how good it feels to give my friends and family presents for their birthdays. I think of the awesome feeling of giving a gift that is exactly what they want. In the same way, the Lord wants to give us GOOD gifts. He wants to give us joy and love. I want to live knowing He is GOOD. 

It's that time again...SUMMER. Finally, I have time to read for myself. Though, perks of being an English minor, I've been reading fantastic books all semester. But for the next three months, I control the reading list and the pace. It's going to be a relatively steady one if I want to get through all 13 of these. Here it is, my reading list in all its glory, listed in no particular order. (No, I didn't buy these all at once, it's an accumulation over a few years, as well as some loaners). 

1. The Fall Albert Camus
I read some Camus in high school and fell in love. His writing style is just up my alley and his stories so thought provoking. Can't wait to read this one.

2. Norma Jean: My Secret Life with Marilyn Monroe Ted Jordan
Loaned by a friend, this is the novel on which My Week with Marilyn was based. I am so excited to read this and learn more about this man's experience with Marilyn.

3. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald Therese Anne Fowler
I almost cried when I heard of the release of this novel. I love the author, she actually used to live in my neighborhood, and I love Zelda Fitzgerald. This one is a top priority.

4. The Uninvited Guests Sadie Jones
I bought this book a few months ago partially because the cover looks like a fancy 1920s party. The story sounds intriguing as well.

5. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn
I've heard so many incredible things about this book. I needed some suspense in this list as well.

6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince J. K. Rowling
CURRENTLY READING. Almost done with the Harry Potter series. It took me all semester to finish the Order of the Phoenix because of school work but I'm so excited to get back into the world of Hogwarts and Harry Potter.

7. Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows J. K. Rowling
See number 6.

8. Love Does Bob Goff
I got this book for Christmas. I've heard wonderful things about it. I've been slacking on reading inspiring Christian books, it'll be a good one.

9. Cat's Eye Margaret Atwood
I love Margaret Atwood.

10. The Edible Woman Margaret Atwood
See number 9.

11. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle Haruki Murakami
I read a short story by Murakami while I was in Italy and was hooked. He's such a cool writer, can't wait to read this one.

12. The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro
I've had this book for a while. It was on a list for those going through Downton Abbey withdrawals. Still very relevant, though I am still mad at that show.

13. As I Lay Dying William Faulkner
I've been wanting to broaden my Faulkner horizons for a while. I have a feeling this won't be a beach read but I'm excited nonetheless.

Have you read any of these? What are you reading this summer?

Sunshine.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him... 

Lamentations 3:25

These photos were taken on a very sunny afternoon. I've had this shirt since high school, I am amazed I haven't blogged about it before. It's so classic summer, I love it. 

shirt-- BCBG (old) 

shorts-- Gap

sandals-- Michael Kors 

Have a great Tuesday! 

Mother's Day

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 13:26-30

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world. I love you so much. 

This is my first post from the blogger app for iPad. It's pretty cool. Still learning, sorry if it looks a little different than usual!

In The Garden.

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15

A beautiful verse this morning in the #shereadstruth plan. 

 Finally a change of scenery, right? It was a beautiful day on the horseshoe yesterday. 

Well I am done with school until Monday. Today I slept in and went through graduation pictures I took of a dear friend of mine on my couch while watching Ratatouille. Life is good. 

photos by Katy Fant

shirt--Mom's

shorts--Tildon

Have a great day! 

Stripes.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Hebrews 10:24,25

Hi everyone. I'm almost done with finals which means I will have so much more time to write and take pictures for all of you to see! Just two short stories to go and I will be home free. Maybe I will share them with you when I'm done, if you promise not to be too hard on me. 

Anyways, I wore this outfit last week to a Band of Horses concert. It was a great concert and this ended up being the perfect thing to wear seeing as it was indoors. I love this top. I've been wanting some peplum for a while but could never find a top that fit me right. I love the nautical stripes on this one. And once again, my favorite jeans. 

peplum top--from Belk

jeans--Paige

shoes--Kork Ease 

Have a great evening! 

Music Monday: Mandolin Orange.

Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 

Psalm 100:3

I am so glad I found this band, Mandolin Orange. They make such beautiful music. It's relaxing and perfect for finals week. Check them out when you get the chance! 

Have a great day!