Fall in Full Swing

It is most definitely fall here in Clemson, SC, and I, for one, am thrilled. So here's a little catch up on my life here in tiger town...

The night before the FSU game, I went to a bonfire with friends at my CP group leader's house. We went around telling embarrassing stories, so it was for sure a night full of laughter. 

And s'mores, of course.

The next morning I woke up, went for a run, and then got ready for the FSU game and ESPN College Game Day round TWO!!

 The most anticipated game of the year. The results were definitely less than desirable, which is an understatement. The events of the day leading up to the worst football game I've ever seen, however, were great. I got to see the Heisman trophy, Bill Murray, wear my orange overalls, fill my tummy full with tailgate food, and take lots of pictures with friends.

I also got to hear Death Valley shake with the sound of Tiger Rag once again. Which was good since Death Valley was as silent as death itself after the first half...

Needing to recover from the late night and heartbreak of the previous night, I spent Sunday afternoon in my eno by the oh-so-peaceful reflection pond. I planned on doing some homework but ended up just reading and napping instead.

I've decided this is how Sunday afternoons should be spent :)

Thursday of last week I got to see my wonderful grandparents. They took me out to lunch for my first visit to Mellow Mushroom, as well as brought me delicious mountain apples and homemade apple pies. 

It was so great not only to see them, but to sit down and catch up with them as well. I am so incredibly thankful for them, their wisdom, and their love for the Lord.

Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a picture of/with them while they were here :(

Friday night one of my small group leaders from home, the one and only Jonna Storms, was in Clemson so that her son, who is a senior in high school, could check out how college life is done here.

 Our small group girls from back home met at Chipotle for dinner. We had a great turnout, and it was nice for us to all reconvene and catch up!

Mrs. Jonna spent the night with me in my dorm room, and it was really great to catch up with her as well, for she is yet another person that makes my heart oh so happy!

The next morning I woke up bright and early to go hike Table Rock with three people that I've met through Crosspoint: Mackenzie, Logan, and Daniel.

For starters we saw a bear cub...

While I'm sure this little guy's mother was near by, I am extremely thankful we didn't have a run in with her!

In addition we got to get some great exercise in while reveling in the glory of God. 

And oh how glorious is our God!

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

-Psalm 19:1

 All the excitement and wonder, however, seemed to be too much to handle for these two... 

It was really nice to not only go hiking, but to go in a small group setting where I got to learn more about people besides they're name, major, and home town. I'm definitely looking forward to actually getting to know more people on a deeper level.

After hiking we all got some R&R and then headed over to a friend's to watch the Clemson vs. Maryland game. Although the Tigers are still looking real rough, we thankfully pulled out a win.

As soon as the game was over, we drove to Crosspoint, where we met more people with whom we went to Denver Downs, a nearby corn maze with hay rides, corn boxes, rope swings, and a 'jumping pillow' as seen below...

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year, for so many reasons. The football (however ugly), the bright reds, yellows, and oranges that characterize the leaves, the jeans, boots, and scarves, the corn mazes, pumpkin flavored everything, friends, and memories with them through it all.

Everyday I am thankful. So thankful. There really are more than 10,000 reasons for my soul to bless the Lord, to shout His praise, and declare His glory that daily overwhelms my heart.

The least I can do...

For those of you who are unaware, it's this hot mama's birthday!!!

It's killing me that I can't be with her, seeing as I'm two hours away, and so I figured that this is the best way I can celebrate her with the rest of the world (wide web). 

Because let me tell you, this girl deserves to be celebrated. 

Not just on her birthday, but everyday.

 Her birthday just serves as a good excuse to do so. :)

Let me tell you a little bit about this woman that I am so blessed to call mom.

She is worth far more than rubies.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; 

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

(Proverbs 31:10a, 25-31)

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her, just like all little girls want to be like their moms.

But now it's so much more than that. As an adult, I have watched her. I'm now aware of the fact that she is sinful. 

I've seen her short comings.

And yet I still want to be just like her. 

As you can see, that's slowly happening...

        

...and I'm so thankful!

She truly is a Proverbs 31 woman in every sense. 

This girl knows how to have a good time.

She can break it down like nobody's business.

She can be incredibly silly.

She is so full of the joy of the Lord. 

Her laughter is contagious.

She is a diva.

She is hilarious.

She is an amazing cook.

She can do some mean laundry and even meaner house cleaning. 

She is a great person to spend lazy days with.

She serves and loves my whole family through the Lord's strength and by His guidance.

She is truthful about her shortcomings, and then turns to the Lord's grace.

She spends serious time with the Lord.

She prays for our family and teaches us Scripture.

She can read me like a book.

She knows exactly when something is wrong with me.

She knows exactly what to do when I'm upset.

She gives me a shoulder to cry on.

She speaks wisdom and insight into my life.

She gives the best advice.

She sacrificially loves me. Like, really sacrificially.

She is so giving of herself to everyone.

She is one of the most merciful and encouraging people I have ever met.

She is an amazing confidant.

She takes care of people's physical, spiritual, emotional and mental problems.

Basically, this woman is incredible, and if you don't know her, it's a shame.

The amazing thing is that I'm not only blessed to call this birthday girl my mom, but I am incredibly blessed to call her my friend. My best friend. 

Mom, I love you so much. Thank you. THANK YOU. For everything. I'm sorry that I can't be there to celebrate you, but I hope you know that I am celebrating you in spirit, and that I am thankful for you every day. I count your life as one of the biggest blessings in my life. I don't understand why the Lord has given me such enormous grace through you, but I rejoice and my heart overflows with thanksgiving because of it. 

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Philippians 1:3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!