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.