Arnold and Lita

Considering the current weather in Columbia (see above), today is going to be a lazy Saturday. Well, partially. I am alternating between studying for Econ and watching Hey Arnold on Netflix. I know, you're jealous (of the Hey Arnold part). It's been too long since I've watched some good Saturday morning cartoons. Let's have a week recap, shall we?

 My car was decorated thanks to some thoughtful Cru boys.

I made my first banana bread (I do not bake) and it was a huge hit! Check out the recipe I used here. I omitted the nuts. Some say banana bread must have them, but I don't like them. That's the perk of baking your own delicious treats. 

I made it for our last Kappa Bible Study of the year. Half of us will be graduating and I will miss them dearly. I can see this will always be a difficult time of year in college. 

I also have been making a summer to-do list. Here's what I have so far:

• Scan all of mom's old photos and have an occasional vintage photo post. I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, The Sartorialist.
• Learn to cook. 
• Learn to use a film camera.
• Throw a classy summer party (we may be moving soon so I have to make the best of my house while I still can!)
• Clean out my closet, I am sensing a blog giveaway
• Garden
• Write a message in a bottle
• And of course, grow closer to my Lord and Savior. 

One week of classes left! I can do it! Tonight I am going to Charleston with Hanna for the Shrimp Festival (?) sounds like it should be fun! I am bringing my camera so expect a long post upon my return.

Oh, and one more thing. 

I have found true love, and it's name is Lita.

These Jeffrey Campbell shoes have captured my heart. I will be gladly accepting donations, in case you were wondering. They will be mine. 

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Hebrews 4:13

We cannot hide from God, but isn't that comforting? We have nothing to fear. He sees everything and yet He still loves us enough to sacrifice His own precious Son. 

Much Love. 

Lilla.

Yesterday I had a moment. I thought, "God, why did you make me this way? Am I of any use to you? Wouldn't I be better off as someone else?" I was being convicted. It was much needed but I don't know of anyone who actually enjoys the actual feeling of extreme conviction. But as usual, He redeemed me. By the end of the night I was reminded of my purpose. Reminded why I am here. And reassured that I am who I am for a specific reason. 

Psalm 139 may just be my all-time favorite chapter of the Bible. Or it's up there. I have been reading through the book of Psalms since Thanksgiving. Last night happened to be night 139. These poems have followed me throughout these past few months. They have been there for my highs as well as my lows. Last night it hit my mood spot on. 

I recommend you read the entire thing. I cannot push this enough. 

These particular verses spoke to me. They don't call it the Living Word for nothing. 

"For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well"

(13-14)

Thank you, Father, for always saving me. Constantly. Every single moment you rescue me from the depths and bring me back into the light. 

Hot Shot.

One of the coolest back packs I've ever seen. 

Frankly, my dear.

I am sitting at Starbucks on a beautiful Sunday morning. This takes me back to a post about a year old, here. It's still cappuccino season, and it may have become an all year thing for me. I have changed so much in these past 8 months. I look back and ask, was that really me? God has turned my entire life upside-down. One might think a situation like that to be a little frightening, but what am I to fear? Nothing. I know God only wants what is best for me. He is my loving Heavenly Father who created me. Down to the last detail. It isn't about me finding who Makena is. It's about God showing me how I can lose Makena and gain Him. 

I have been gathering quite a bit of photos lately. I couldn't decide exactly what I wanted this post to feature, so this is one of my longer posts. 

Friday we had a little Cru (Campus Crusade) cookout. That was really fun. I am loving this warm weather. 

 Hanna and Cooper :)

Friday from 7pm to Saturday at 7am I was at Relay for Life. It was not easy. Especially considering the grandma that I am (not physically, but behavior-wise). But I did it! Kappa was the biggest Greek group! See all the girls in the red shirts with white writing? Those are all kappas. 

 My awesome big, Maggie, braided my hair. A 5 strand braid. Pretty incredible, I know. 

 So I just learned how to take screen shots. Yes, I know I am a little slow, but didn't I just mention that I am a grandma in all cases other than physical appearance and offspring? I have been taking screenshots of the movies I have watched lately. 

Doctor Zhivago

 A Room With A View

 Please notice the tiger rug on the floor.

 Gone With The Wind--one of my all-time favorites

"You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." 

-Rhett Butler

"Because after all, tomorrow is another day."

-Scarlett O'Hara

"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you."

3 John 5

We are to spread God's love to everyone. Even those whom we might consider strangers. God has been laying on my heart the fact that I need to be intentional in every situation. With every person I meet. It sure is hard. But with God I can do anything. 

Much love,

Makena

Dwell.

Sidekick.

I am going to start having these occasional candid shots. I am just getting up the nerve to take pictures of people so they may be posted sparingly. Here is one of my favorites.

"When the earth and all its people quake,

it is I who hold its pillars firm."

Psalm 75:3

It seems like a lot is quaking in the world right now. Both literally and figuratively. But the LORD is holding firm. He is still God. He still loves us. He will NEVER fall. 

Moments.

Bree, a friend of mine, was baptized yesterday. It was the perfect weather for a baptism in the river. 

I also brought my camera along and had a blast taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and Bree's symbolic event in her walk. 

No captions this time. I want this to be a bit of a photo-diary. From one fabulous day. 

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

This verse has been coming up often in the past few weeks. People mistake it, thinking it means that God will give you anything you want. False. When you delight yourself in the Lord, you want only what He wants for you. The desires of your heart become His desires for you. Nothing could be better than God's plan for your life. Nothing. I mean it.