Hello Friends!

I have not posted on this blog in FOREVER and I am so sorry about that! I have been having a wonderful, yet challenging summer with an internship at a Brazilian Steak House, traveling for work and with family and I feel like I am JUST now able to relax and enjoy summer ( only 3 weeks left)! This is the time of the summer that I get nostalgic BUT this year it’s different I am so excited for Senior year because then the real world awaits! I learned so much from my internship and even learned quite a few things I don’t want to do for my “grown up” job. For instance I MUST be outside, or at least on the move. It pains me to sit at a desk all day. corporate America might not be for me.

I was able to take a trip with my second family…the Berlins a few weeks ago to Newport Rhode Island. WOW all I can say is it is SO beautiful up there! And those northerners aren’t too bad;) We had the most amazing time and I loved every second spent with little T. She is getting SO big and old…I can’t believe it. Annie is growing into the most beautiful young woman and can kick any ones you-know-what in tennis! We went on a run together one morning & she did GREAT!

Straight from RI to CO to meet up with my family for a week in heaven on earth, Estes Park. I love my family and this trip reminded me how amazing they are and how FUN we are too:). At the beginning of the week I asked them to pray over me and that God would really use this time to spark a fire in my heart again. I believe he did just that. I’ve been fighting a lot of different things this summer and God has been my rock, even in the mess ups. I am thankful. And I’m thankful for how he is guiding me even now, even today to be more like him. My hope is that I would be so in tune with his thoughts that they become mine.

This morning Mom and I went for an hr run/walk at my favorite place. The Katy Trail. It was a perfect morning and I am really savoring them as soon I will head back to Waco (not my favorite place to run). Hopefully I’ll find a place I can really enjoy this year as I gear up to train for my half in February! WAHOO!

Lots and lots of exciting things headed my way and I hope only to grow closer to Christ through it all. A verse I have loved this summer is 1 Peter 5:7-9

“Cast your anxieties upon Him for he cares for you. Be self disciplined and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him and stand firm in the faith.”

SUMMER

Hey, everyone! I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA recently! It’s been so crazy here with finals, friends, functions…haha and family…see a pattern? 😉 Anyway I am officially finished with my Junior year of college…how WEIRD is that? I wish time would slow down but at the same time I am so excited for all that is ahead! Especially this summer. Summer is my all time favorite season. Personally I believe I grow the most during the summers. Probably because I can make my own schedule, be with my family and really focus on the things I want to focus on.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want this blog to look like, be about this summer and I have a few exciting ideas so I’ll keep you posted (literally through posts) hehe! I’ve been learning so much about myself these past few weeks by really focusing on what I want my day to be like each morning and it is AMAZING what thoughts can do change your outlook or mood on a day. I know you’ve probably heard that but have you ever TRIED it? Seriously try it! In vision your day, your goals and the things you want become more realistic. All about discipline:)

Here are a few summer goals I have in mind: (I’m sure I’ll post a more in depth version later today or tomorrow!)

-Get my miles back up, specifically 6 miles every morning. Many of you know that I ran my first Half Marathon in Feb. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life! Since then I have continued running but have not kept my miles up so I am looking forward to laying out a schedule to do so! My house is only about 2 miles from Katy Trail and a goal of mine this summer is to run to the Katy Trail, run a little at the Katy Trail and come home!

-Blog more…:) Most summers this is easy!

-Read 5 (or MORE) books!

-Take Summer Online classes seriously………this will be difficult haha!

-Cook more! I want to learn more recipes this summer. As many of you might have seen I am a ToneItUp team member and loving every second! I plan on following their nutrition plan all summer to continue my healthy lifestyle!

-Enjoy time with my family (this isn’t really a goal but more of a “Yay, I’m excited for this type thing 🙂

I’m sure I’ll think of more but this is it so far! I believe goals are the key to setting standards for yourself, bettering yourself and PUSHING yourself to be the best YOU possible!

Dad on a BIG ride last week! So proud of him…:)

Daily Disciplines

It’s taken me a while to really grasp that it’s ALREADY April? Where has the time gone? April is my favorite month. So much coming up and the promise of summer is finally here. Time to buckle down and get ready for a great summer. I have lots of goals to reach Summer 2012:) From the number of books I want to read to the number of miles I plan on running. It’s going to be a great summer.

I can look back on different times of my life and think, “Wow, I was really disciplined then! What happened?” And then I’ll try to answer the latter. Well, I got injured from running so much, I let my portion size get to big, it was easier to get up early then, I liked my old devotional book more, I had more time, less classes, or I just stopped caring! I see a trend. Excuses.

I recently had a quiet time that really hit home, it said that we often look back on times when God was “really moving”, or he was really present “back then.” Back then??? Where is he now? I know that answer but sometimes it’s so hard to get out from behind this wall we place up between Him and us.My hope for this week is to renew old disciplines and continue to live the life I am called to live. Happiness, goals, joy, passion, friendship, hope, peace and freedom are all available to you! You just need to reach out and grab them.

“If you feel far from God…who moved?”

If you know me or follow my posts often you’ll know how much I LOVE a beautiful spring day, (or better yet a SUMMER day!) How adorable is this guy?? I LOVE spring!!!

Let’s GO Mavs

Last night Whitney and I went to the mavs game with one of our best friends, Georgia! We have been friends with Georgia since 3rd grade and I can’t imagine my life without her. We had a blast at the game (it was a close one)! We also loved creeping on Khloe Kardashian as she was sitting on our row. Hehe! Here are some pictures from the evening:) Thanks Georgia for such a fun night! You too, Hunter!!

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Home for Easter

I am finally home. Nothing better than this feeling. Yesterday Whitney, Dad and I hit up the Katy Trail. I think I might have over done it by running home instead of driving back with them…woke up with my left hip hurting:( regardless I’ll probably fit some yoga in today or exercise of some sort! It’s going to be too pretty of a day not to:)

Today is Good Friday. The day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. For me. For every single wrong I have ever committed, every single ugly thought I have had, every poor decision I’ve ever made. All for me. Even if I had been the only person in the world He still would have bridged the gap from heaven to earth. Wow. I am overwhelmed this morning with the love of Jesus. As we are surrounded by the ones we love this Easter weekend, think of Christ smiling on us. He has already won the battle, it is our job to be faithful and live as though the battle is won. I hope that you will take some time to be still and think of all he has done for you. The cross is enough though, isn’t it? I hope to have that at the forefront of my mind today. Thank you Jesus.

This video is my favorite every year. Hope is here and Hope has WON! Thank you, Jesus!

It’s Friday but Sunday’s comin’

Hawaii=TOMORROW

Currently Listening to: “Everything You Do” by: Cory Asbury

Currently with: My poodle, Ellie

Current Mood: Excited,Calm

Current To Dos: Get nails done, Wake up Whitney 😉

The day we’ve been waiting for is ALMOST here! I can’t believe it! I am so excited to be on the beach, see the sunshine, and be with my family. I am so looking forward to this relaxing week ahead and I hope I recharge and can really center myself around Christ’s motivation. Please be praying for beautiful weather, while in the tropics it’s not rare for afternoon showers, the forecast in Honolulu is showing a little more rain than I would like! 🙂 But I’m sure it’ll stay away when the Warrens arrive! Hehe!

“Ocean Pulls me close and whispers in my ear.”-Maria Icr

Packing for this 10 day adventure has proved to be extremely hard, I mean my suitcase is BURSTING. I am going to go through it again later and “sacrifice” but as most of us know you can’t just ask a girl to bring one pair of shoes, a few shorts and one swimsuit….Just can’t happen!

I hope you are excited for your Spring Break plans and are preparing accordingly! It’s going to be an amazing week. Try to take sometime off for yourself and really relax. I know that’s what I’ll be doing. I can’t wait to update you all and get some amazing pictures of paradise. So many beautiful adventures to come.

Trusting Tuesday

Trusting Tuesday…I like the sound of that! Today has been a tough day:( After my half marathon on Saturday my right foot has really been hurting as of Sunday. I even had to skip a class earlier to ice it. I’ve felt frustrated all day because of how GORGEOUS it is outside and ALL I want to do is go run or at least walk but I can’t! Interestingly enough God prepared me for this in my quiet time this morning.

 

Jesus Calling: “Trust and Thankfulness Will Get You Safely Through  This Day.”

When I read that this morning the title didn’t resonate very much but as the day has gone on I see clearly how this relates to me and that it is time for me to:

A. Trust God with his timing in the healing of my foot

B. Slow down and let Him speak

C. Be thankful for the race and that I am able to do all of these things I love!

So with these little lessons through out today it has lifted my spirits some but it is hard to give over all trust, especially when it has to deal with pain. But I am reminding myself every moment that I trust in God’s timing and he will heal me when sees fit, until then I will seek to find the lesson He is teaching me even now!

I hope you’ve had a GREAT Tuesday and that you too can find the strength to trust in Gods plan and timing in ALL things! 🙂

*SPECIAL* Guest Post by Lindsay Cash

SO thankful for these sweet words by Lindsay Cash, a dear friend of mine and one of my many rolemodels I have been blessed to watch and attempt to mimic at Baylor:) I am thankful for her taking the time to share with us ALL that is going on with her in New York…Can’t lie, reading this I became so envious of this time in her life! I’m so happy for you Lindsay!

Be sure to check out her blog [HERE] or TWEET HER [HERE] and you can also see [HERE] my guest blog!

HELLOOOOO to the friends and fellow appreciate-rs of Emily! I am so thankful for her giving me space to write on such a sweet site! I’m Lindsay Cash, and a second-semester senior – WHAAAAT – at Baylor with Emily! I’m not actually there though – for my final semester, I’m working and studying in NYC! It’s truly a different world up here – and it’s so easy to become wrapped up in it all!

Here are a few things I’ve learned about NYC and the people in the past two-ish months:

–       The people are NICE! I’m happily shattering the reputation for NYC-ers. I work at Madison Square Garden (http://www.msg.com/) , the craziest sports arena in the world, and my supervisors and fellow interns would stop and do anything for me if I needed it. LOVE the people.

–       So close, but so far. I can stare out my window from Queens into Manhattan and see my destination. A 15-minute walk to the subway/25-minute subway ride/8-minute subway transfer/12-minute walk to destination later… FINALLY there. Loving the exercise!

–       Flats or die. If I see ANYONE in the streets with heels on, I raise my fist in the air. Get it girl, cause I sure can’t. Thankful my friends talked me into getting a solid pair of flats – Shout out to Tory – couldn’t survive without ‘em!

–       Didn’t even flinch… Yeah, it’s pretty much impossible to shock people here. NYC is THE biggest melting pot ON EARTH – everywhere you look, you see the most outrageous person, outfit, store or museum. Then as you’re walking away in amazement, you see something else surpassing that. Truly, there’s never a dull moment!

–       What is personal space? There’s just NOT any! People. Everywhere. Every subway cart is stuffed to the brim; every restaurant packed (at every hour), every street corner, every coffee shop… So many people, with so many stories. Once you choose to embrace it, it’s a beautiful reality.

 (View from my apt!)

These are the hilarious encounters of NYC so far. But beyond walking these streets, working at MSG, spending time with my roommates, and time spent studying, the most important concept I’ve learned is a little three word command: “Abide in Me”.

New York City is: cutting-edge, cosmopolitan, imposing, strong, cold, bustling, daunting, thriving, overwhelming, diverse, crowded, sleepless and indescribable all at the same time. I knew I would be living here almost 9 months in advance to my move.  And up until the day I got on the NYC-bound airplane, I told myself I will remain true to myself. I won’t let the city change me; I won’t let society turn me into stone.

I, I, I, me, me, me! Such a common thread in this city! There are 9 million of us squished into a tiny island!… All of us competing, branding ourselves and putting our best foot forward every second of every day. Sounds like a cakewalk, right? Imagine the most stressful day of your life – then cram it into one hour. That is reality here. So who am I to stand up to NYC – or anywhere for that matter – and fight? What strength do I have on my own? It doesn’t matter that I’m in the college-to-real-life transition: whoever you are, wherever you are, you can’t take on this life alone.

John 15:4 – Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Apart from Jesus, we are fruitless. My time in New York has shown me this truth in the clearest form I’ve ever seen. As a Christian, my (our) job is to abide, despite the world saying our job is to strive. When we realize that abiding in Him is our ultimate and utmost important calling on earth – the blessings and peace of His mercy is painted all over our lives.

P.S. – Currently reading: Radical by David Platt (for the 2^nd time)… Definitely encourage you to get your hands on a copy! One of my favorite quotes:

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy… It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”

The Journey to: My First Half Marathon

Currently Listening to: ‘Hard To Believe,’ by: Andy Davis

Currently Watching: Baylor Mens Basketball

Current Mood: Extremely content, moved by support, accomplished, proud, FINISHED the race!

Friday of RACE WEEKEND: I am SO excited for this weekend! I’m headed home to Dallas to see my cousin sworn in as a LAWYER! Yay Stephanie! I can’t wait to be with the family and celebrate. Tomorrow is the day I’ve been training for since, well I guess around Christmas! My first half marathon! Dad and I are going to go for it even though my hip isn’t 100% good. I think it will be just fine though for the race. I am so excited! I feel like this is such a milestone for me. This past summer I had an amazing spiritual and physical revolution and this half marathon just shows God’s faithfulness in all things. I can’t wait to sing His praises all 13.1 MILES!

Saturday of RACE WEEKEND: Yesterday was such a wonderful day! Fam was able to be present as my cousin Stephanie was sworn in as a LAWYER! All of her hard work has paid off. My Papa had arranged the sweetest time together at Y.O. Ranch Steak House downtown. It was a fun dinner with the family along with one of Stephanie’s friends and the judge who swore her in! Papa planned a little welcome and Dad even gave a benediction prayer over Stephanie at the end of dinner…truly AMAZING!

The RACE: This morning my alarm went off at 5:45 (finally! I tossed and turned all night!) Dad and I were in McKinney by 7, we were able to stretch, check out the finish and starting line, and even catch up with some McKinney friends who were running as well! It was VERY cold and even a little rainy the first few miles, but it was perfect running weather by the end! I wore long sleeves and kept my (lulu;) ) jacket on the whole race. I can’t explain to you how much this journey has altered my life and lifestyle. And the best part is it was never a journey I really planned on, it’s not like last year I thought, “I want to be a runner!” or even “I’m going to run a half marathon!” My healthy lifestyle came after Christ gave me a wake up call from a lifestyle that was not honoring him or my body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I began walking every morning of last summer as a time to pray and be awake before the rest of the world. Little did I know that God was guiding this and growing my discipline as he would later reveal his plan for me to do this half marathon! I can not be more thankful and I am so so excited for all that is to come through my new found love: RUNNING! 🙂

NEW design and appreciation for art

What do y’all think of the new design? Colors and rose picture? I LOVE that painting! I think it is so pretty with the most beautiful colors! I feel like this is a softer look and I was happy to switch up my blog a little! That’s always fun! 🙂 Thanks so much for everyone who has given such amazing feedback via email or comments! I love hearing from you!

Yesterday I shared a picture of an elderly man my little brother sent me! So sweet, and so adorable. I texted the picture to my Dad and he mentioned it looked like a Norman Rockwell painting, curious I looked up his artwork and was so in love! This morning I am inspired by such beautiful artwork! Perhaps my appreciation comes from an artist as a Dad, nonetheless here are some of my absolute favorite pieces of art.

First and formost my all time favorite artist is my Dad, Jeff Warren! He majored in graphic design in college and then went on to seminary to pursue all God had in store for him. Art has followed him in his profession ever since, whether it was back in the youth group days making calendars with silly cartoons or more recently using sand art during Christmas Eve services. I LOVE when he paints. It just is another little piece of him I love. I hope to show much more of his work someday when I’m home! Perhaps we can get an exclusive interview with him;)

This next piece is HUGE and hanging in our Dallas home. I will be stealing it when I get a place of my own, because yes, it is THAT amazing! My Dad usually tells a story as he paints, not verbally but visually. He will begin with perhaps, baby Jesus in a manger and transform it into Jesus on the cross. That is one thing that is so powerful about his artwork.

Having an artist as a Dad has been so fun and I think it has bred in me appreciation for beauty in the small things. And no I’m not going to give all the credit to my Dad in this, having a beautiful and positive mother has also upped my chances for an optimistic outlook:) But truly art is so wonderful to me and I’m thankful I have been taught to appreciate it! Here are a few more recent/forever favorites.My all time favorite by famed Vincent Van Gogh, or maybe my all time favorite piece of art… EVER.

‘Starry Night’

If you haven’t heard Don McLean’s song, ‘Starry Starry Night’ then look it up NOW!

My favorite museum day, The Louvre in Paris a few summers ago.

 

“A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to hear and see it.”

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

-Michelangelo

Click on this link below to see an amazing story on hope,art, forgiveness and Colorado!

portrait