things i’m thinking about

 

God.

I used to think that Goldendale, and my life in it, were changeless. But things are changing, and the more big and little things alter, the more I think about how God is totally in charge of my life. I look back on the events of the past year or so, and I see His guiding hand there so clearly that I can hardly believe I wasn’t able to reach out and touch it.

The future.

I’m a future-thinker. I think about the future all the time; I like to feel mentally prepared, as if I somehow have it mapped out. In August, I’m moving 3,000 miles away from home to go to Bible school for a year, and even though I’m thrilled to go, I’m struggling to surrender my “mapping out” tendencies to God. Mentally, I know that He orchestrates my life for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28), but I have a really hard time living like I truly believe that.

Love.

I’m not talking about the warm-and-fuzzy feelings we call love. I’m talking about love. Two weeks ago, I wrote an entire essay on this one word. That was pretty eye-opening for me. We like to think of “love” as something happy and pleasant, but do you think Jesus Christ was happy to be beaten with forty lashes and then made to carry His own cross to Calvary? Was it enjoyable to hang nailed to that cross, crushed under the weight of the world’s sin? I don’t think so. I don’t know about you, but when someone I care about is hurting me, I’m much quicker to wonder “Why are they doing this to me?” than to recognize it as an opportunity to prove how much I love them. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Summertime.

We had a good half-inch of snow this morning. It’s still pretty, still silent and beautiful and magical. But tomorrow is March, people. I think winter is overstaying its welcome, personally! I guess it’s true that I feel this way pretty much every year, but do you remember these beautiful, sunny, warm, mosquito-y, fresh evenings back in July?

What are you thinking about?

Sam

After doing senior pictures for certain male relatives a couple years ago, I was convinced of one thing: Guys are completely impossible to take pictures of--for the simple reasons that they are impatient, have no posing instincts, and don’t like to smile.

After my awesome friend Sam voluntarily became a portrait victim subject for me, however, I think my conviction is wavering.



Four hundred and seventy pictures and a few miles’ trek later, he still hadn’t uttered a single complaint. He’s practically a professional. ;)

roses

hints of spring (in other places)

 

NOTE: I apologize for the inconsistencies in the blog design… I’m experimenting with new ideas and things might not be completely organized for awhile. Thanks!

Anyway, I am utterly and completely ready for spring. I did a little bit of traveling down to western Oregon in the last couple weeks, and I’m so jealous that they have green grass and flowers peeking out of the soil!

It’s criminal that anyone should have blooming pink bushes in February! Meanwhile, in Goldendale, the only bits of floral color are the potted ones from the grocery store…

Dear Spring,

I have a suggestion to make. Maybe you should try setting out for Goldendale a little bit early this year so you don’t have to come in a huffing and puffing hurry on raging west winds? Just a thought.

Sincerely,

Hallie.

end-of-month miscellany

 

food.

I’ve been cooking and baking like crazy in the past few weeks. Not exactly sure why… I’ve just been trying new recipes left and right, as well as perfecting old ones. I’ve made two huge batches of blondies (blond brownies packed with chocolate chips—a food of the gods), two apple pies (even attempted a lattice crust!), garlic cheese swirl rolls, sweet-and-sour meatballs, and chicken potpie. The latter three recipes were new to me, but they turned out pretty delicious if I do say so myself. :)

fashion.

I’ve been shopping lately. I wouldn’t call myself fanatical about clothes normally, but when I have a gift card and there are some serious clearance sales happening, that can change! No self-fashion-portraits today, though.

I’m also taking a major leap of faith tomorrow… by getting my hair cut… at a salon. I know, it doesn’t sound that scary to normal people. But my hair is waist-long, and though I trim it every year or so, I haven’t had it trimmed or cut or styled at a salon since I was five! Maybe I’ll give you some self portraits after that, if I don’t hate it too badly. ;)

fun.

My new lens and I are still having a blast together. He never lets me down! I’ve only taken him off f/1.8 once since I met him…

January was a good one, and February is going to be even better. :)