hot beverages

Mmm, there is nothing better than hot beverages. Anything from hot tea to apple cider; from cocoa to coffee. What is it about a hot beverage that makes it so much more charming than a cold one? Even as I write this I'm drinking cranberry apple tea and it is warming me, and in more than just a physical sense. This may sound a little crazy, but it is things like hot beverages that bring me comfort. I am one of those people who loves rainy days, fuzzy blankets, and crackling candle-light. I love reading long romantic books and getting up early just to enjoy the cool morning. There is obviously nothing wrong with this but lately I've realized that those moments of my day, the "ideal" moments where I am curled up drinking tea and reading, are the moments that satisfy me and keep me going. To get through long days I allow myself little breaks. Moments where I can enjoy whatever I want. But I've come to realize I'm leaving something out.

Along with these moments are parts of my day that I dread but I force myself to do. exercising is one of these things. If I don't do it first thing in the morning I won't do it at all, so lately I'll drag myself out of bed and go for a run. It is definitely satisfying afterwards, but I rarely look forward to it before. I think I have put devotions into this category for me. If I don't force myself to do them, I won't. If I'm not very intentional about it, I will pick up Jane Eyre and a cup of coffee instead.
How ridiculous is it that those romantic little moments that I mentioned, that I live for and look forward to each day, are pulling me away from the one true satisfying thing? This is a busy summer for me and a time of HUGE changes. Why can't I turn to the one thing that will always still constant and continue to fulfill me no matter what?
I want to push through this patch and make my time with God even more idolized in my life than my good books and hot beverages. I need to seek out him first and foremost and the rest of my days will fall into place.
Hot beverages are wonderful, but tonight, with my tea and candle-light, I am going to spend some time with my God.

old friends. the best.

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one" - C.S. Lewis

There is only one thing greater than sharing a good evening with friends and that is sharing a good evening with old friends. What a blessing it is to reunite after years apart and realize that although we're changing and growing, we're still very much the same. What a charity to find people in this sea of humans surrounding us, that are so much like ourselves and can share our pains and joys because they feel the same things we feel. What a gift to look into a friends eyes and know exactly what she is thinking or feeling because you've felt it too. What a joy to say nothing at all or to talk until your throat is sore, but either way connecting. I love my dear old friends. They've known me forever and still love me. They've seen me grow and still understand my heart.

So to you, dear friends, welcome back. Welcome back into my life. I love sharing my thoughts and feelings and my cares and concerns. I love sharing laughter, oh so much laughter. I promise you that no matter where we end up, or if we go years without being together again, I will always love you, care about you, and pray for you. I know that you will do amazing things, and I can't wait to see you take on this crazy world.

You bless me more than you know.
So thankful for you,
kelly.