Music Monday-Modern Love Edition

No one's denying that love (and the way that it's expressed) has changed, but it doesn't have to be for the worst!

Die A Happy Man-Nelly cover

Hold Me Up-Conrad Sewell

I Met A Girl-William Michael Morgan

I Choose You-Sara Bareilles

Little Romance-Ingrid Michaelson 

Mirrors-Hunter Hayes cover

Have a great week!

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Music Monday

Over the last two months, I've been genuinely getting into instrumental or classical covers of contemporary music. Not only is it relaxing, but I also enjoy listening to it during any kind of writing session. Granted, I have plenty of other favorites, but this is just to start....

Love Story-Dallas String Quartet (Taylor Swift cover)

Just The Way You Are-The Piano Guys (Bruno Mars cover) 

Fact: This was the song that I was referring to in one of my most vulnerable posts to date.  

Black and Yellow-Josh Vietti (Whiz Kahlifa cover) 

Take Me To Church-Brooklyn Duo (Hozier cover)

Smells Like Teen Spirit-The Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra (Nirvana Cover)

Have a great week!

All videos can be found on Youtube.

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Music Monday

Country Nation-Brad Paisley

Renegades-X Ambassadors

Gonna-Blake Shelton

Cheerleader-Omi

Whiskey On My Breath-Love and Theft

Have a great week!

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Friday Finds

A lot of what is detailed in these articles has been on my mind lately. And my heart. I have my own thoughts and responses, but it will take time for me to process it and write it down. Yes, a lot of it's deep. Some of it's sad. But it needs to be talked about, nonetheless. 


A purpose on life after the locker (via The Players Tribune)


Going deeper than "I'm so busy"  (via Allison Vesterfelt)


When Athletes are more than athletes  (via The Des Moines Register) 


Responding to the refugee crisis (via A Holy Experience)


A guy's perspective on Tinder and the "dating apocalypse"  (via Verily) 


Have a great weekend!!

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Friday Finds

Because sometimes we need a good read with a good cup of coffee, but we also need a good laugh, too!

Wait...I'm An "Ambivert"? (via The Wall Street Journal)

-I've never fully identified as an introvert or an extrovert, but a little bit of both. And now I know what to call it!


Another reason to adore Luke Bryan (via Country Rebel)




Being "too emotional" can be a good thing (via Allison Vesterfelt) 




What NOT to say to a writer (via Entertainment Weekly)

-Based off the popular Twitter hashtag, and I could definitely relate to it!



Failure is your friend (via HeartSupport)


Have a great weekend!!!



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Music Monday

Saturday Night-Brian Wilson
-I recently went to see "Love and Mercy," and am an old soul when it comes to music. Unfortunately I couldn't find the original, but this one is enough!

Hell of a Night-Dustin Lynch

I lived-One Republic
-Will forever remind me of the Chicago Blackhawks recent Stanley Cup Championship. They played this at the rally and I couldn't help but get emotional over it.

Out Like That-Luke Bryan
-I can't wait to see him at Country Thunder again!! Say what you will, but he was part of the reason I fell in love with country music again. That, and the way he says "Twin Lakes"....

Addicted to Love-Florence + The Machine
-Different than the original, but still catchy nonetheless!

John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16-Keith Urban

Have a great week!

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All music videos/clips can be found on Youtube!

Friday Finds

This whole country needs a hug (via John Pavlovitz) 


Comfort for children of divorce (via Desiring God)

-I don't agree with everything written in this; I don't think it's fair to say that those who experience divorce are somehow forever "broken." We're all broken in some way, regardless of where we come from. However, there is healing, just as there is moving forward.


How babies celebrate Friday (via Stylish Eve) 


23 and 1/2 truths you won't hear at college graduation (via Paul Angone) 

-They might be unconventional, but many hit the nail on the head. 


On dating like an adult  (via Verify Magazine)


photo credit: After the Rain. via photopin (license)

Friday Finds

It's been a busy month, but I still want to share some beautiful things I've discovered around the blogosphere (and the internet).....

Expanding The Ways We Experience God (via Relevant Magazine)



An interesting perspective on those that feel mentally different (via Momastery)

-I love this so much because I can relate to this on many levels. For years I felt like I had to be happy all the time; that once I could somehow "fix" the way my mind worked and the way it dealt with emotions, all would be right the world. But somehow I get the sense that the world needs people that aren't afraid to show that their sad, angry, or down right pissed off. And this article gives me hope.




With Love, from Bob (Via Willow Creek Community Church)

-The author of one of my favorite books, Love Does, spoke at my church during our Celebration of Hope series. His words are soul stirring and his personality is so infectious that I literally want to jump up and dance. Despite how whimsical and out there it all seems, just take his words for what they are. Oh, and read the book too!


Every decision should include this one question (via Stephanie May Wilson)



Inspiration from Jamaica (via My European Adventures)

-Written by one of my closest friends from college. She is an incredible person with such a big and beautiful heart! I wanted to share it because it was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. 


Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!


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Friday Finds

The internet is such an interesting place in terms of how I experience community. In this last couple of weeks I came across some some incredible and thought-provoking articles, and I thought I would share them with you all. 

The wrong conversation about virginity  (via Mic) 

I didn't even notice this when I was watching the episode, but this article helped me to see just how many lies are out there about this kind of thing. It's sad at times, but it is definitely something worth pondering. 

How we look at singleness, and therefore look at God (via True Love Dates) 

This was so eye-opening for me; we so often buy into the lie that God wants to punish us or enjoys seeing us unhappy when the desire of a relationship (and perhaps marriage) goes unfulfilled. Her perspective is amazing!

The saving grace of Defensiveness and being flawed  (via Ten Thousand Places) 

I love this. SO MUCH. As someone who has been through the wringer in being told that I'm too (insert supposedly negative trait here), this resonated with me in a way that I had tears me in my eyes. 

Let It Begin With Me (via Momastery) 

So much emotion. Many feelings. Chilling, moving, and beautiful.

Burn The Candles (via Shauna Niequist) 

I am the kind of person that does this: that get's wonderful (and typically expensive) gifts that I'm afraid to use because I don't want to run out of it. I want to savor it as much as possible. Well, shelving isn't necessarily savoring. Don't wait for a special occasion; rather, create it.

Have a great weekend!!

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Friday Finds

I found some amazing things on the internet this week, and it was actually hard to pick just five six. Nevertheless these were all very interesting and thought-provoking, so I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did!


On Cookie-Cutter Christianity  (via Bedlam Magazine)


Being brave doesn't mean having to do it alone  (via Sarah Bessey)


Can we please stop stigmatizing sensitivity?  (via HelloGiggles) 


It's sad that kids can't be kids anymore, and the reason is silly (via Upworthy) 


When it comes to dating, inexperienced doesn't always mean what you think (via Verify Magazine)


Being afraid at 23 (via The Huffington Post)


Have a great weekend!!

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Friday Finds

The Good Kind Of Pain (via A Deeper Story)


Thank You For Sharing  (via She Loves Magazine)

I found this refreshing; too often when choosing to be vulnerable in a group, one has to deal with the response of "I know what you're saying because I went through this..." before venturing off into their own story. And not that there is anything wrong with similarities, but when someone is being that open-hearted, sometimes it truly is best to say "thank you" and then go onto the next person.

I am not a victim (nor do I have to be)  (via Daughter By Design)


Don't waste your season  (via The Identity Project)


Do we inherit our parents mistakes?  (via Verify Magazine)

It's not a matter of "if", but how one (or in the case of marriage, two) persons go about the situation. 


And to end things on a light note....What do you get when you mix James Marsden with Country music? (I'm definitely hoping a recording contract!!)


Have a great weekend!

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Friday Finds

Every so often, I like to take the time to share some of the awesome things that I've found around the blogosphere. This particular segment is a little heavy-duty, but I hope you find these writers just as encouraging and refreshing as I have. 

An interesting take on chivalry (via True Love Dates)


On love, virginity, and identity  (via A Deeper Story)


Writing as an act of Hope (via Redemption Pictures)


When "fixing" someone isn't the answer (via [In]Courage)


Stop pointing fingers. Start doing this instead. (via Daughter By Design)


Have a great weekend!!

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Music Monday

After a brief hiatus, I'm slowly trying to get back into the swing of things. Here are a few tunes that have either been played repeatedly (thank you, Spotify), or at least have been stuck in my head this past month. 

More Than Miles-Brantley Gilbert

I'm well aware of the various adages that pertain to moving on to bigger and better things, but right now I miss my friends. A lot. 

Sing-Ed Sheeran 

Dirt-Florida Georgia Line

There's just something about this song that's poignant and beautiful. It has helped me to appreciate where I come from (literally and figuratively). 

Am I Wrong-Nico and Vinz 

You Can't Make Old Friends-Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers 

-That's the thing about country music...there is a good chance that it will make you cry. In this case, I bawl my eyes out every time. 

Small-Town Throwdown-Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, and Justin Moore

Invisible Touch-Genesis 

-Yes it's a throwback (one that I wasn't even around for), and kind of weird in context. But it has sentimental value from the last two months, so that's why I'm including it. 

Have a great week!

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Friday Finds

A new take on "Amazing Grace"  (via Taste of Country)



Connecting Late Night Comedy and Spirituality  (via A Deeper Story)




A Letter To Women and Daughters (via A Holy Experience)




Pop-Band Dancing Groomsmen (via The Huffington Post)




Why Swimsuits Make Me Mad; a unique take on modesty (via The Identity Project)




On "Overnight Success"  (via Relevant Magazine)


I will be taking a bit of a break for the rest of July due to a very busy schedule, and will start back up again the following month. In the meantime, I'll be sharing some of my "Best Of" posts, so feel free to keep up with those on Facebook and Twitter! 

Have a great weekend!

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Weekly Wisdom

In an effort to keep the blog going while keeping busy with an internship, job searching, and working on various writing pieces, I thought I would try something new. 

Whenever I have instances where I'm too busy to write a full blog,  or just don't know how to put these thoughts into words, I'll go ahead and share these little snippets. Some might be from Instagram (where in that case, I will do my best to give credit it where credit is due), but most I will often come up with on my own.

I post a lot of these things on various social media handles, so feel free to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter! 

Inspired by a conversation with one of my closest friends that took place before the start of last semester

This was all created using an app called Quollective, which can be found in the Itunes app section. 

Have a great weekend!

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Music Monday

Every so often I like to share a little playlist of what I've been listening to as of recently. Here are my picks for this particular segment!

Yeah-Joe Nichols

-Personally it's not as good as "Sunny and 75" (which I absolutely love) but it comes in close second!

Slave To The Rhythm-Michael Jackson

-This might seem somewhat suggestive if you read into the lyrics, but I still danced to it while watching the Billboard Music Awards a while back.

Sing-Ed Sheeran

Lee Brice-I Don't Dance 

I definitely wouldn't mind being spun around on the dance floor for this! It's just that adorable.

Somethin' Bad-Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert

-Can I just say that I wish I was Miranda? She brings out my inner sassy lady and no one messes with her!

Have a great week!

All videos are from Youtube!

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Friday Finds

Every so often I like to post links to great articles, videos, and other things that I find around the internet. Here are a few that I've come across over these last couple of weeks. 



A Newlywed's Advice to Newlyweds (via Paul Perkins)

Very eye-opening, particularly during wedding season



On The Flip side of Love (via InCourage)

A gentle reminder about the only way to truly experience love (romantic and otherwise) 


Three Things Every Woman Needs to Survive... (via The Identity Project)

I love this because I'm starting to hate all those articles out that there are basically just lists and don't always apply to everyone. I'm tempted to write something that says "here's the most important list you'll ever need" and then all it says is "quit trying to prepare so much and just roll with it!"


Connected, But Alone? (via Youtube)

One of the best TED talks I have ever watched (thus far) and a great precursor to a blog post that I'll be writing soon!

I Remember You 

This Sunday marks the one year anniversary since a friend of mine from high school tragically passed away. I wrote a tribute to him back in December, and I thought I would share it again.

Have a great weekend!


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