Tuesday Treasures

July 28, 2015

For the ride up and back to Chicago (post coming soon), Apple Music was my best friend. When it first came out, I immediately made the switch from Spotify (all motivation goes to my inner teenage girl who occasionally wants to jam to Taylor Swift). It has taken me well over 2 weeks to get my playlists even half way decent, but with time, they'll get there.

To me, Apple Music isn't as appealing to the eye as Spotify. Spotify looks more sleek and user friendly, while Apple Music is bland.

Spotify also has some features that Apple Music doesn't. Spotify checks the playlist before you add the song, while it is very easy to double up tracks with Apple. Spotify's playlists are also a thousand times better. Apple's "playlists" are really only about ten songs long, which really isn't even a real playlist to me.

I've loved the library that is available on Apple Music, but that's really about it.

Friday Night Lights is absolutely golden, y'all. I'm only on season 2, but I am in love. I never have missed football season more or wished I grew up in a football town more than when I watch this show. Within only a matter of episodes, you fall in love with the Taylors and Tim Riggins. It's a quality show full of drama and love. I'm watching through it on Netflix, but it is also available on Amazon and other retailers.

I don't know how often you go to Chicago, but if you're ever in Chicago, I definitely recommend a stop at Rudy's Bar and Grille. For our "free night" on our trip, my group made a stop at Rudy's on East Madison, and it was wonderful. Our table split an order of fried pickles that were more expensive for the serving size and quality, but they were a great taste of home throughout the week of no sweet tea. For my entree, I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich without the bleu cheese and a side of their homemade chips. Now you see, I'm very picky about house made chips. I have had the best ones (Bricks' Cafe), and ever since then, I have only been impressed by a few, and Rudy's is one of them. They were so delicious. If you're ever looking for a decent, family friendly restaurant in Chicago, I highly recommend Rudy's. 

To close out this week of Chicago themed treasures, I have to include the bean. It's totally wrong if I don't. Another stop on our "free night" was at the large mirrored object in downtown Chicago. Despite the many hand prints and the streaks on it's reflection, the bean is pretty cute. In all honesty, I think the bean is pointless and a waste of money, but it makes for some cool pictures and creative captions, so it's all balances out. For example: 

"Hey how ya bean?" "Thanks for bean my friend" "Bean friends with you never gets old" "It's bean a while since my last selfie, so here you go" 

See? The possibilities are endless. 

Bean thankful for everything makes life so much happier.

Sorry, I couldn't help it :)

xo,

lauren

Never Be Thirsty

Another Sunday, another craft, right?

This week's story was about the woman at the well, who met Jesus there. In quick synopsis, this woman (who remains unnamed) goes as she does every day to this well to draw water, and on this specific day, she encounters Jesus there. Though first caught off guard for she is a Samaritan and he is a Jew and the simple conversation breaks the normal social ladder, Jesus tells her how this water she is drawing will never quench her thirst, but if she drank from the water He gives, she would never be thirsty. Obviously going over her head, she asks where to get this water. He proceeds to reveal some facts about her that only a prophet would know, and then, He reveals his identity as the Messiah. She runs back to town, and because of her testimony, many Samaritans become believers.

To me, this is a great story of undiscriminating love that only Jesus can give.
Since kids are very physical learners, as some entry activities, we got large bowls and filled them with water as well as some items that they could transfer the water from bowl to bowl with as if "drawing water."
For the craft, we made cups of water. It is so simple, and can be altered depending on age levels.

For my 4 year olds, I cut the water drop, punched the holes, wrote the reference, and cut the string. If you have older kids, I suggest letting them punch the holes and write the reference.

By tying the drop to the cup, it lets them "fill the cup" just like the woman at the well would have.

My church provides labels with the unit verse on it that we placed on the outside of the cup reading a paraphrase of Matthew 28:19-20. A few of the kiddos also decorated their cups with crayons if this seems a bit bland to you. 

For older kids, you could get a water drop for each word and have them write each word on one drop and tie them together. I would write the end of verse 13 reading "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst."

The suggested craft provided by my church looked like this, but I thought this was too coloring based for my class of all boys to enjoy.

If you're interested in this one, here is a file of the print out of the well. They used 2 man di-cuts to represent Jesus and the woman. Everything else was colored on.

"Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'" 

John 4:13-14

I think verses 13 and 14 convey the overall message of the story very well that nothing in this world can satisfy us except for Jesus. Friends, sports, fame, work, none of that can satisfy us.

This week, let's focus on the one who can satisfy us, and worship him in all that we do.

Tuesday Treasures

July 14, 2015

I have spent the past 7 months of my life watching Lorelai Gilmore's disastrous love life, and I have absolutely no regrets. After 153 episodes of Gilmore Girls, I finally know who Loreali ends up with, and I could not be more satisfied.

Stars Hollow and Gilmore Girls have become a part of me, like it or not. The girls' obsession with coffee has only fed my obsession with coffee, I can't help but think of Luke when I see an older blue pick up truck, and I see my mom as my best friend now. 

Gilmore Girls is one of the few clean humored shows that I thoroughly enjoy. Light enough to play in the background when I'm cleaning, but deep enough that I was in tears during the series finale. It's perfect.

Gilmore Girls follows the lives of single mom, Lorelai Gilmore, and daughter Lorelai Gilmore (known as Rory) from Rory's freshman year until she graduates college. When Rory gets into a prestigious, expensive, private school, Lorelai is left with no choice, but to turn to her wealthy parents after years of avoiding. They agree to fund her education...as long as Lorelai and Rory will join them for Friday night dinners.. If you're looking for a great TV show, Gilmore Girls is definitely it. All 7 seasons are on Netflix, as well as available for DVD purchase. 

I caved in..I bought Jack Rogers. I am totally not sorry for the $94 I spent on them either.

I ordered the Hampton's sandal in platinum, and they go with literally everything. I wore them to church on Sunday, I wore them to coffee yesterday, I wore them to a mission trip training. They go with everything. I discovered they run a little big, but nothing unbearable. I typically wear between a 7.5 and 8, and I figured it would be better to be too big than too small, so I went ahead and ordered an 8. There's a little bit of room at both ends, but not enough to trip or drag. 

Typically, from Jack Rogers' website, these sandals are $118, but I bought mine from Country Club Prep, where they are also $118, but I found a lovely coupon for 20% off, so I knocked the price down to $94. The 20% off code is for anything on their website, and you can use it over and over again. Awesome, right?

The code is "xcgal98". One of the girls I follow on Pinterest has a partnership with Country Club Prep, and encouraged me to use it, so feel free to get your 20% off.

Country Club Prep is an amazing source for all of my favorite brands. Until recently, I hadn't paid much attention to them, but they are definitely my go to shopping site now. With fast, free shipping and great quality products, I can't complain.

Check out all of CCP's Jack Rogers here, and the ones that I bought here. The black ones are the next on my list.

With the new addition of Apple Music (which I'm still trying to figure out), I've been using iTunes radio while trying to reconstruct all my playlists, and iTunes radio brought me a new artist who is one of the best.

Marie Miller.

Until this week, I had never heard of her or any of her songs, but "6-2" is one of my current favorites. Her folky style and easy, powerful voice draws me in and her creative story telling about her future husband and acceptance keep me listening. 

Check her album out on iTunes, and give her a follow on Twitter. I think she's just the cutest thing.

This week, I've needed some encouragement, and when I saw this, I just fell in love with it.
"I hope you know you're capable and brave and significant even when it feels like you're not."
I really love this, and I hope you always feel capable, brave, and significant.
 I found a sweet friend who made me feel this way this week and it made all the difference. Surround yourself with people who make you feel this way and help others feel this way, too. Life will be so much better if you do!

I'm off to Chicago for a mission trip on Saturday. Your prayers for safety and opportunity for conversation are greatly needed and appreciated! I can't wait to see what God is going to do through our team.

You're capable, brave, and significant. Live like it this week.

xo,

lauren

Culture or Faith?

The world is changing, and it is changing very fast. With the world changing, many people are going to change, too because if you don't know what you stand for, it is so easy to start believing everything the world is saying is true and right.

My church's weekly bible study is going through Colossians, which I think could not be more timely. The book of Colossians is a letter from Paul (formerly Saul) to the church is Colossae, who is undergoing many struggles, in the same way that the church is now. The church in Colossae is dealing with false teachings, and honestly, we are, too.

Is that group that protests peacefully right? Do we accept what the government says is right? Is Westboro Baptist Church right?

As laws change and new philosophies emerge, we, as Christians, have to know where what is right. We have to know what we stand for. We are going to hear all kinds of perspectives, but we need to know what the one thing that we know is true says. The church can't take Christians who are luke-warm with their beliefs anymore.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8

People are going to try to change what you believe. Maybe not straight up, but they're going to question why you believe something, and if you can't defend it, you're that much more of an easy target.

We have to know what we believe and why we believe it, now more than ever. In all honesty, we're in a post-Christian country now. Persecution to the church and to Christians has already begun socially. How long until it begins physically?

Culture in the US is a very powerful thing. It controls almost every aspect of lives from our eating to music to clothes. Though we're no longer of the world with Christ, we are still in it, and this culture can definitely effect us. But how long are you going to let your culture define your faith? When are you going to let your faith begin to define your culture?

It is hard to stick out in this culture. It's not easy, but just like a new suit, it gets easier. So many times in Colossians (especially chapter 3), Paul refers to life in Christ like putting on new clothes. It's uncomfortable at first, but it  really does get better.

Our culture is forever changing. There is always a new trend coming around the corner, so why do we let something so temporary decide something that is eternal? God is the same today that He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

It's time to figure out what you believe, and stand your ground for it. 

Are you going to let culture define your faith, or are you going to define culture with your faith?

"Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?" 

Colossians 2:20

Lauren

Tuesday Treasures

July 7, 2015

This past week has been a relaxing one. Though it was the 4th of July, and the U.S. Women's team won, this week here in Nolensville has been just like any other.

One thing that has dominated my life pretty recently is coffee. It shouldn't be a surprise that I love it, but I don't only treasure it for it's flavor (though it is one of my most favorite flavors). The conversations I have had this past week are the real treasures, and it just so happens that I had coffee in my hands during them. Such real, intentional conversation happens when you sit down with someone and lay your heart out, whether it is your best friend or someone you want to get to know. A good conversation can be hard to start, but saying you want to drink coffee is a pretty darn good reason to sit down with someone and converse.

In middle Tennessee, there are coffee shops everywhere, especially in Franklin, but The Well and Mama's Java are my two favorites. The Well is a missional coffee shop with a rustic feel and a friendly atmosphere. There are 2, one on Granny White Pike and one on OHB. When I went into the one on Old Hickory Boulevard, all I could think (and say) was "this is so cute!!" Mason jar lights, artsy chalk boards, and warehouse ceilings. If you're ever in Brentwood, I definitely recommend the Well for some intentional conversation. Their iced hazelnut latte is my recommendation

If you're ever to Brentwood's southern neighbor, Nolensville, your options for coffee shops becomes a bit more limited considering the small town you're in. Though it is Nolensville's only coffee shop, Mama's Java is one of my favorite environments. I've had many breakfasts with Poppa there and several cups of coffee with Em there, and I find myself going back every time. Their Americano is excellent year round, but their iced vanilla coffee is my go to summer time drink. Check their facebook page for the most up to date specials!

The book of Colossians has been one of my lifelines lately. With the world changing around us so rapidly, I can't help, but cling to this letter to the church in Colossae. A more in depth post coming about it soon, but if you're questioning what is true as our laws and world evolves, Colossians is a good place to start.

This past week, the University of Tennessee has revealed their #OneTennessee line, which is their new Nike uniforms and apparel. I love Nike, and I love UT, so I really have no problem with the brand change. Nike brought so many cute things to Tennessee, but my most favorites are these pullovers. 

This gray one definitely put on my "to buy" list, but it is almost sold out, and this orange one is totally cute, too. I know Nike probably wasn't going for "cute," but it is what it is. In all honesty, I would take one of everything they revealed.

                               

I don't really think it is a "Tuesday Treasures" without a new recipe, and this week's is one of my new favorites. It is a french onion chicken casserole. I know I say everything is my favorite, but I could eat my weight in this stuff. So. Good. And it even has those crispy french onions on top. Yum!

                                                                        

I really hope you have real conversations this week! It is so good to let down your guard for a few hours and drink some delicious coffee while you're at it. 

xoxo.

lauren

Hannah Prayed

This week's bible story was about Hannah.

For those who don't know, Hannah was Samuel's mother. Her story is a story of faithfulness and trust in God. 

In short, Hannah was one of two wives to Elkanah, and Peninnah was the other wife. Hannah did not have any children, while Peninnah did, and back then, how many children you had was a big deal. For many years, Hannah prayed to God about becoming pregnant. She actually prayed so hard that she could not eat, and another time, she prayed so hard the priest thought she was drunk...Hannah even made a promise to God that if He gave her a son, she would have her child serve God for all of his days. After all this time of praying, Hannah became pregnant, and later, she gave birth to Samuel. Once Samuel was old enough, Hannah indeed turned him over to serve God. 

Even though she was giving up her baby, something she prayed for years about to the point that she was sick over, she still praised God. She still praised him for being holy. You can read her whole prayer in 1 Samuel 2, and more about her conceiving Samuel in chapter 1.

Originally, I had this craft in mind, but I could not find the printable for Hannah. My artistic abilities are not that extensive, so I settled with this.

We made prayer books with things we can pray about. Super easy if you can't tell, and it sparked great conversation with the kids.

On the inside, we had 4 pages with 3 of them being things that they can pray for.

'

We put things like my family, my friends, and my church, and had them illustrate who/what they were praying for.

To make the hands, I just traced a rough, slightly larger mitten shape of my hand and cut it out on 5 different colors to make it a little more appealing to the eye. For the words to the book, I uploaded the file here and you are more than welcome to use it in your book. 

Super easy, and a great discussion starter that can also serve as a reminder to both us and them to pray about everything.

xox,

lauren

Tuesday Treasures

June 30, 2015

Pageant Material has been on repeat all week long. With witty song writing and a new perspective on the world, I'm surprised she didn't do as well on any charts besides iTunes. It makes sense with her awesome "I am who I am" attitude and how some may be turned off by that. Purely on her talent alone, Kacey has the upper hand in the industry considering that she co-wrote every song on the album, too.

Much like "Follow Your Arrow" on her first album, "Cup of Tea" has such an accepting tone and was definitely a strong reminder to be who you are and to accept that not everybody is going to like you. To me, "This Town" was much like a follow up story on "Merry Go Round" in the way that they're both wittily written about a small town that has word travel fast.  On the deeper side, "Fine" and "Somebody to Love" show her serious songwriting about heartbreak and the longing of love that most experience. Just give the album a listen and decide for yourself.

 I am utterly obsessed with this cute do. When I first found it on Pinterest, I didn't realized it had a link attached to it for directions, so I spent about 10 minutes to test out some potential options of how she did it. All credit to the girl in the picture, and here's the tutorial she made for full instructions!
This past week, I watched a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and I did this when we went to the pool. It took about 3 minutes and stayed in throughout the dunks and jumps in the pool. While it didn't look near as cool because I don't have ombre, it's cuteness and practicality are totally there.



I came across this quote on tumblr this week, and I fell in love.  A.W. Tozer  said
"How completely satisfying is it to turn from our own limitations to a God who has none?"
I just sat there for a few minutes after reading that and was in total awe. One of the limitations of being human is not knowing the future. For me, it can be so frustrating to not know what is in store, but to turn it over and trust God, who knows everything is so completely satisfying. Tozer is so right.


Baseball isn't near as big as a thing as football here in Tennessee, but it is a great social gathering. Sunday night we went to a Sounds game, Nashville's minor league baseball team.
This season is their first season in the new First Tennessee Park, which is  so nice. They have a guitar scoreboard and a nice hang out area by the right outfield, which made it much more bearable for someone who doesn't particularly enjoy baseball. (me)
Though I'm not a baseball person, it was a very nice night. We went with my parents' Sunday school class, and the weather was so good. The atmosphere was very kid friendly and would be fun family trip if you're ever looking for something fun to do in Nashville.

Make the most of the little things and find the joys in everything!
xoxo,
Lauren    

Tuesday Treasures

June 23, 2015

Life has been so so fun lately, and I just want to share what treasures have made it so fun this week.

I spent this past week in Philly, and it was amazing. It included lots of delicious foods, books, and shopping.

Karen Kingsbury has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. Angels Walking and Chasing Sunsets are no exception to the excellent stories she's told in the past. Angels Walking and Chasing Sunsets are the story of Tyler, Sami, Marcus, and Mary Catherine, all who are watched over by angels. These angels are sent from heaven to walk among us and to protect the future of the 4 friends. Great reads if you like sappy, happy ending books. I read them on the car ride up to Pennsylvania, and I'm counting down until the third book is released.

Lifeway has Angels Walking for $14.99, and it's sequel, Chasing Sunsets, for $22.99

We were in Pennsylvania after all, and that is home of Reading Terminal Market. For those of you who many not be familiar with the Market, it is like a food court on steroids. There was greek food, ice cream, salad bar, ribs, coffee shops. You name it, it was there. There was a fresh pretzel stand that I had my first soft pretzel at, and it should be pretty self explanatory as to why it made the list.

If you do stop at Reading Terminal Market, I recommend checking out the Rib Stand for lunch and Bassett's Ice Cream (for mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone) or Miller's Twist (for a cinnamon soft pretzel) for dessert. The Rib Stand has the best potato wedges I have EVER had. They are absolutely to die for.

Visit http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/ for more info!

I'm so mad at myself for putting off listening to this album for so long honestly. I first heard about them when Steven Curtis Chapman mentioned them at Sam's Place back in March, and 3 months later, I learn that I love Colony House. Classified as "alternative rock", I shyed away on the first few songs, but "Learning to Love" won my heart and captured all of my attention. Filled with uplifting lyrics and great tunes, Colony House definitely is one of my new favorites. 

After we ate lunch in Shady Maple, we went through the giant gift shop down stairs, and of course, I went straight to the candle section. While trying out all the different scents, I came upon my favorite. Not just my favorite candle and scent there, but of all time.

Olde Glory by Milkhouse Candle Company. I don't even know how to describe it, but I love it more than any other candle I've burned, and I'm very excited to fill my room with it's scent.
Coconut wood, pink grapefruit, and pineapple sunset by Kringle Daylight also smelled very good.

It's the little things that make life so good, right?

The Man With My Heart

As the celebrations for Father's Day come to an end, I got to thinking about I don't think I tell my dad how thankful I am for him.

I honestly can not think of the last time I told him how truly glad I am that he is my dad, and that fills my heart with guilt.

So for something that is long overdue, I'd like to introduce you to my dad.

Ever since I was little, I've call myself a daddy's girl. I'd run after his hand in parking lots and wait for him to sprinkle "pixie dust" on me before going to sleep. Everything he did, I wanted to do, and everything he liked, I wanted to like. From music to food to teams, if he did it, I wanted to do it, and he always willing let me tag along.

Though he is not always right, Daddy always gives me a new perspective and advice on anything I could need. A big decision about school or drama with friends, he always reminds me to take a step back, breathe deep, and remember the big picture. 

His words alone do no justice about the impact he has had on me. He's also been an example of what kind of man I need to look for, and he has also let me know that I'm not to settle for just anyone. Protecting, lighthearted, understanding, thoughtful, and encouraging come to mind of the first traits he has taught me. 

He's taught me how to love first and foremost though. I can't count the number of times I've become frustrated, left in a huff, and come back to his open arms, completely forgiven and accepted.

To give you a little insight on his life and where his white hairs come from, he grew up in Brentwood and roamed the same roads I do. In college, he got an internship at a sound company (that's a funny story actually) and later got signed with a sound company that did fairs and tours all across the country. For over 10 years, he toured with various artists and made them sound good to your ears. After marrying my mom, he toured a little more, but decided to leave the life of tour buses and monitors and come home for good about the time I was born.

After touring, he worked at Dell for a little bit, and eventually, he opened his own computer repair company. He also became a sheriff's deputy a few years ago, and absolutely loves it. He definitely has a heart for helping people, and I think he is where I get my love of helping from.

I also think I get my love of sports, country music, preparation and UT from him, and I know for a fact that I get my stubbornness from him.

 

If I were to describe him, I would call him cheesy, and intelligent. He's pretty good at "dad jokes" and always trying to find a new solution to a problem. He uses lots of common sense and every skill available to him. Many people have called him a "modern day MacGuyver" and that's very  rightfully so. He can make something out of nothing, and never ceases to amaze me.

He's awfully good at making things up on the spot, and I think one of my favorite memories was because of this. When I was little and wouldn't sleep, he would spray "pixie dust" on me and without any more resistance, I would be out, as shown below. I think the "pixie dust" also works on him because I swear he can fall asleep anywhere, any time.

We may but heads, but at the end of the day, he is one person I always can go to that I know will accept me with open arms. If I didn't have him as my dad, there is no way I would be who I am today. 

Thank you for all the time spent waiting in the car, afternoons on the golf course, hours listening (and critiquing) concerts. You are the best dad out there,

xoxo,

Lauren

Kelsea Ballerini with CMT Next Women of Country

Friends and family always make comments to the parents of a baby about how they've grown since the last time they saw each other, and that is exactly how I felt on Tuesday night.

Tuesday night, Kelsea Ballerini, headlined her first show! Never the less, it was in Nashville, too!

After following Kelsea's career and getting to know her more and more over the past two years, I have seen the many ways that Kelsea has grown as both an artist and a person, and seeing her go from Soundcloud demos to artist parties to headlining her own show was so incredibly cool.

Right now, Kelsea is out with Jana Kramer on CMT's Next Women of Country Tour, an all women tour promoting the up and coming female talent in country music. 

At the Nashville show, Jana was not able to preform, but she did make an appearance when CMT's SVP of Muisc Strategy came out and announced the 2016 tour, which is including (L-R) Brook Eden, Cam, Clare Dunn, and Ruthie Collins. 

The show opened up with Carly Pearce and Hailey Steele, who both have loads of talent. Carly Pearce can belt like nobody's business and her rendition of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" was cute as can be. Check her out for yourself and see what you think. Here is her on Tuesday singing "Just Another Girl."

But finally, my girl took the stage.

With teal guitar in hand, she began to rock. She did crowd pleasers from her EP like "Dibs" and "Yeah Boy" to kick off the night but also sang from her new album, "The First Time," as well as two that aren't on the album, "High School" and "Graffiti." 

One of the other girls in the audience videoed them, so if you're curious, you can check out "High School" here and "Graffiti" here. 

High School always has been a personal favorite of mine, so seeing it live was more wonderful than words.

Turns out Kelsea had more than just the surprise of "High School" and "Graffiti" planned...Maddie and Tae came out and sang "There's Your Trouble" by the legendary Dixie Chicks. Purely acoustic and raw, Kelsea, Maddie, and Tae all proved their talent. 

In honor of her first album coming out this Monday, Kelsea had to do some from there like "XO," "Stilettos," and "Peter Pan." 

I can not tell you how excited I am for this album to come out. It is so Kelsea and so true to who she is. I can't wait to watch the world fall in love with her like I have.

"The First Time" is available starting May 18th on iTunes, and you're really missing out if you don't get it. It does have upbeat songs for jamming like "XO" and "Peter Pan," but it also has very vulnerable and relatable songs like "Secondhand Smoke" and "The First Time." 

To end the show, she sang "Love Me Like You Mean It" (which is currently #9 on the country charts!!) and the entire venue sang along. I had tears in my eyes as she stood on stage with tears in her eyes and listened to everyone sing it back.

Coolest moments ever.

Kelsea most definitely lived up to all expectations I had on stage, but she far surpassed all expectations off stage.

As soon as she came off, I was greeted with "Lauren, I'm so glad you're here! I love you a lot for coming!!" and a hug before I could even open my mouth. 

Kelsea is on her way to do great things, mark my words, friends. She's going big places and I'm so thankful to be along for the ride.

Be sure to follow her on Twitter, Insta, like her on Facebook, and download "The First Time!"