Waffles or Die

Radical Waffle House photography found on the Interwebs. 

I don't know what it is about Waffle House. It's not that their waffles are particularly good, or that their service is extra remarkable. In fact, Waffle Houses, as a general rule, are like the less cleanly and slightly sketchier cousin of Denny's. But for some reason, I get these random urges to grab chocolate chip waffles at one of their cheery canary yellow restaurants nearly every time I drive by one. Especially at night. 

Maybe it's my inner diner enthusiast? 

The world may never know.

"Waffles are just awesome bread."
~ John Green

Musical Men Mondays: Tyler Joseph

It has come to my attention that I have not written a Musical Men Mondays post in quite a long time, and frankly, my good people, that is a crime. So in keeping with the glorious tradition of Simultaneously Celebrating great tunes and the beautiful men that make them, I present to you Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots.





He's a twitchy sort of lad.

Reasons Why Tyler Joseph is a Stellar Being in this Universe:

-- Music: I shall begin with the abudnantly obvious reason, and that is his wonderful music. My sister introduced me to his intense (but groovin') screamy, schizophrenic songs maybe a year or so ago, and at first I was not about it. But now I am, and they are the perfect jams for both upbeat and moody moments.
-- Tattoos: Left arm, black bands. I DIG IT
-- Black Hoodie: I refer now to the most compelling case of my evidence for Tyler Joseph's wonderfulness, and that my friends, is his affinity for the perfectly worn and plush black hoodie. And just black clothing in general. Which is a divine color upon a man.
--Dat Moniker: As if all of this wasn't enough, the man has two first names. two~

Inspiration: Black & White Photography

Blame it on my affinity for neutrals, but for some reason I've been really captivated by black and white photography as of late. Especially shots of people. There is something gritty, genuine and honest about a portrait shot in black and white. Sometimes, colors can be too loud. Black and white photography makes a moment stand still. None of the shots below are mine, but they are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

I can't find the link now, but the above pictures were from a photo booth set up at the Sundance Film Festival, I believe. Old timey shots of current (and stellar) actors? Booyah! Seen here are three of my favorites: Dane DeHaan, Jason Schwartzman, and Jesse Eisenberg.

"Sometimes I feel like I only dream in black and white and colors so oh!" - Foster the People

Earthly Abode

In the morning, you give me golden God-rays and a happy heart. In the evening, you offer me a blanket of navy night and a host of stars. I was afraid of you, and I was delighted by you, but now you have become a part of me. I was away for a while, but I have returned.

You are my home.

Film Friday #7

Today began as a day of intentional jubilation. I woke up ready to make September 26th, 2014 the bomb. But I feel like when you set out to give God the day, and really desire to go about it with joy, Satan tries to take you out. I felt pretty mentally attacked today, and burdened by the devil's opposition. Really, I'm just in my head far too much. But! there were little victories sprinkled in my Friday that made the day a delight. They include, but are by no means limited to, Foster the People, The Spontaneous Act of Water Balloons, listening to my favorite classical piece under a soft fall of rain, and this verse:

He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. ~ Psalm 107:14

Oh, and then there's this kid. She's pretty cool, too.

Snail Mail

Over the summer I got in the wonderful habit of writing letters. In an age where communication is instantaneous and unfeelingly digital, it is so precious to have pieces of postage from dear friends near and far. Now that I'm away at college, I have even more of an excuse to keep sending snail mail. Not to mention that letters are actually an art form. (Side note: I have to stop spending my $$ on stationery.) I hope to get a bundle of letters in the mail this year, and send just as many!

The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity. ~ Walt Whitman 

I Am Always Yours

Here's my heart, Lord.
Speak what is true.

autumn.

a single red leaf falls onto the solid, unforgiving pavement.

Now autumn's fire burns slowly along the woods and day by day the dead leaves fall and melt. -- William Allingham 

songs in the key of autumn.
> lost in my mind by head and the heart
> soul meets body by death cab for cutie
> the cure for pain by jon foreman
> while my guitar gently weeps by the beatles

UNDAPANTS

Tumblin' image found on Tumblr. 

I had my first laundry adventure in Collegeland, and let me say, it was more than eventful.

My college only has so many laundry machines on campus, so in order to free up the machines for other folks to use, we students are encouraged to pick up our laundry as soon as our timed load finishes. I had tried to be as prompt as possible in picking up my delicates, but I guess the Lord had other plans.

I walk into the laundry room only to find the room filled with guys. Lo and behold, there in a basket is my assorted pile of panties, all exposed and vulnerable. Someone had (quite literally) manhandled my launderings. E. Gad.

Because apparently my pride hadn't been damaged enough, I then had to encounter a Mildly Attractive Sir as I hurriedly pulled my underpants into my laundry bag. Said Sir laughed and remarked that he and the other dudes had "wiped the floor with my laundry." I managed a laugh in what was clearly The Most Dire Circumstance of My Young Life.

But then, oh then, because even this was just not enough, as I am turning to go this dude calls me back and says, "You forgot a sock!" Only lingering in a corner of the laundry basket, along with my sock, is -- you guessed it -- yet another pair of britches.

God has a sense of humor sometimes.
Ha. Ha.

The Gospel Truth

Image found online.

Somehow yesterday, amidst the stress of yet another orientation session here at the Bible Institute, Jesus wrapped my heart up with His again. I walked around the circle outside the auditorium, the path that I have traversed many a time. It's weird and wonderful to see God's hand leading me to this place. I was a camper for four summers here, an employee for the fifth, and for my sixth summer, I will be a camp counselor! As I walked around that circle, passing the cabins where I unpacked my heart to Him in previous years, I felt full again. The only reason I am alive is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. He has come and made a way for all of us. And if we accept His true gift of eternal life, we are His, and we are free!!

Be glorified in me today.

Week One: A Retrospective

For this week's *ravishing* edition of Satisfied Sunday, I bring to you....a list. But not just any list! Oh, no! This list compiles all of the little gritty details about why I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for this first week of Bible college. #orientation

Bullet Points of Rhapsody:
-- Getting to share a room with my sassy sister
-- Meeting my other roomie, Elizabeth, and loving her immediately
-- Nature walks in the woods
-- Learning to love God's surprises
-- There might have been cheesecake
-- Trips to Books a Million
-- Night runs
-- God convicting and working on my heart through His amazing Word
-- The red velvet cake parfait I just engulfed with glory
-- The book of James
-- Learning to let go of earthly possessions
-- Just some really, really sweet people
-- Learning about the power of prayer!!
-- Writing letters all day errrrrr day

Not going to lie, this first week of classes have been rough. I have wanted to go home on numerous occasions. But this is what the Lord has for me, and I'm going to accept it with open hands.

Gnifty Thrifty

My first college thrifting trip was mighty successful, if I do say so myself.

Cost: $0.49
My parents were more than kind and purchased a mini fridge for my sister and I to share during the year, and we wanted to start assembling a collection of cheesy but cute fridge magnets! Imagine my giddy joy when I found this delightful little treasure on my way up to the register at the thrift shop. A good reminder when you're having a bad day!

Cost: $1.00
I have the wonderful habit of Never Buying Wallets, so I only own a total of two. The first is a "Girls Rock!" wallet someone bought for me in the third grade or something and has a little rock band of monkeys jamming out on the front. The second, my Mom got for me maybe three years ago and also is musical-themed. Well, it finally broke apart the other day so in my desperation I purchased this dinosaur from the thrift store. EGAD. At least it holds my moolah.

Cost: $6.00
Not a great photo, but now is ALWAYS the time to purchase an Old Navy (new to me, old to navy) anorak jacket. For those days you're feeling a little moody, a little Bella Swan. I DETESTED FORKS

Cost: $0.52
As I am obsessed with stationery and letters (hopefully, a snail mail post will be in the works soon!), I jumped all over the opportunity to buy this pack of blank post cards. I can draw little doodles on the front of them, or glue on vintage photos, and send them to my friends. Righteous!

Overall, a gnifty thrifting day. What is your favorite recent thrift find?

Film Friday #6

Found some more gems to share of my grandparents and their great love, this time in older age. Check out their younger years here.

Unfair Forest

Image found online.

Today I ventured out into the woods, because that is the place where I can still find you, and I walked for a while. My toes were unsecured in my sandals and soon grew sandy. The tender fabric of my dress kissed the ground, teasing. And I was alone, and the forest was full, and I started to dance.

Bind These Wounds Which I Have Cut

Image found online. 

What can I say other than God is on the move and the Ultimate source of comfort and joy in my life? You would think that being at a place like Bible college where the Word is constantly being opened and there are tons of constructive, encouraging friendships being made that there wouldn't be any opposition. But more than ever, I am feeling muddled of mind and insecure and so unfocused.

At opening campfire yesterday evening, God spoke to me and showed me that I need to get my eyes back on Him. I've become so unfocused, so distracted. Especially with entertainment standards. It's so easy for me to slip in the little things. But He is all that matters in this hollow, temporary life!! Even if that means throwing out some records or ditching magazine subscriptions.

Fix my eyes on You.
Bind my wounds.
Caress me with Your love and woo me again.

#collegelife

REPORTING LIVE FROM THE GLORIOUS SPLENDOR THAT IS COLLEGE

So this is my first official Bible college post. I created this blog with it in mind, hoping to detail all of my adventures while studying the Word! So to actually be sitting at the desk you see pictured above, writing my very first post in Dormland is incredible. So begins the first segment of what I hope to be a yearlong documented journey of my spiritual and personal growth!!

My first few days here at the Bible Institute have been hectic to say the least, and a lot of my experience so far has stressed me, but I am so excited to see what God has for me. I've met a lot of crazy awesome people already, the kind that are friends instantly simply because of the common bond of Christ!! And even though I've been having a lot of doubts, Jesus has washed me in peace and lavished me in love.

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. ~ Psalm 118:5

I can't wait to share the year with you! Here's to the wondrous path and plans He has for me. Also, I may or may not have brought a finger puppet with me. *don't judge*

Obsessions: Autumn

Just a hint that I'm kind of really into the idea of orange trees and autumn leaves right now.
All photos found by making a handy dandy search on the Interwebs, here.