PURE JOY

This child.

PURE. JOY.

She is amazing.


created by God, Laura, & Denny Holland.

Alive and 25

Well its my birthday today. I wish I had something profound to say since I a quarter of a centurion. But I do not think that I do. I know that the last year of my life has been a whirlwind....

On my 24th birthday, I ran 4 miles which was a new personal best in both distance and speed. I was trying to prepare for  a 10k that I wasnt sure I could finish, but that weekend...I did. It was awesome.

That running therapy turned into training as I signed up for a half marathon and pledged to raise $2100 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; which I also did, by the Grace of God. He is using the funds to help find cures for sweet people who are suffering from diseases that they didnt ask for... And I ran 13+ miles for them since they cant and the Lord has blessed me with health so far in my short life.

I got to spend some good time with my dear friends, the Walker family, as I nannied for them at new years conference. That was definitely ordained. The Lord began the next phase of healing my heart that He began last fall. It was tough, but it was so good. I came home from Nashville feeling more free than ever before.

I spent the next few months caring only about Lord's many thoughts of me rather than being consumed by others' thoughts of me. Such freedom that I didn't know I wasn't so free before, from this bondage of 'the approval of man'. I was even enjoying singing in front of people...well the kids. I was free!
(To under stand what a big deal this is for me, you have to know the back story: I used sing ALL the time as a kid...until my friends started singing in front of the church. This TERRIFIED me- I just knew that brother David was going to ask me to sing and how could I tell him no?? I literally would hide in the bathroom to avoid being asked to read the scripture in front of folks (this is amusing because I am a Public Communications graduate haha!). Then my darling, musically inclined, daddy bought me a karaoke machine for my 10th birthday. That pretty much muted me. My only place of solitude to sing was mowing the acres of grass at our home- that became my favorite chore. Plus, you get to jumpstart your tan...thank you Native American heritage!! So there you go, singing in front of anyone is way scary and HUGE for me.) But there I was, enjoying leading worship...

And then Brady and I led worship together at Covenant Youth Discipleship.

Now, I thought he was special, but he was younger than me...so no go Sav. Then we started hanging out more, and he is incredible. Then he asked me out and told me he wanted to pursue me. I mean, I would be lying if I didn't think I was so going to marry him on that first date to St. Paul and the Broken Bones at Workplay on March 29 during this conversation:

Brady: So you seem to be open to a relationship.

Me: Yes. I think so. 

B: So what are you looking for out of a relationship?

Me: Well...um... Direction? Leadership from the Lord...

pause

Me: (thinking) Gosh he has been asking a lot of good questions tonight. I probably need to to that...

Me: What about you? 

Me: Seriously...thats your good quest-

B: Im looking for a wife. 

Me: Oh!

This guy. This is the guy.

Oh we went to a few concerts, had a first kiss, went to some weddings, and by May we were talking about marriage. I spent my first summer in Flotown with this guy and we fell in love.
I'm talking...cant eat, cant sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff!!

I took summer classes and interned at Bradford...worked way too many hours and got sick with mono and then kidney stones. He really showed me how much he loves me.

And then I won this photo shoot/date night...

School started again and I took fewer classes- much more manageable. My new supervisor is fabulous and we have become great friends. I wish I was full time in the office because I love our team. But Im not so I have been applying for jobs here and there.

When the day of our photo shoot came around...gosh I still cant believe that he proposed to me that crisp October day. It was perfect.

Last week was his birthday, so we have been celebrating for days :)

Today I even had to convince myself that it is in fact my birthday. So here we sit, sharing a bowl of ice cream, watching When Harry Met Sally, planning to watch The Office, and enjoying each other. What a great birthday.

My last birthday as Savannah Smith :)

He is mine and I am his...officially :)

I never ever ever thought that the photo shoot that I was planning was actually my own surprise proposal shoot!

Back in July, I won this cool photo shoot and I was over the moon with the idea of a free shoot with my love complete with a make up team and catered dinner with dessert. Wow.

So during the month of August, Jessica and I began planning. Emails, emails, emails of ideas and details. She says, "Oh I have scoured your fabo, and since I can see that you love tea cups, how about we have an outside tea party shoot?" Oh, Im thinking that is perfect! I suggest that we also incorporate his love of premium cigars by having a fancy, classy cigar box or two on the tea table. Of course she LOVES it! SO then she is like, "Lets re-create your first date by going to the antique store." Brilliant. Oh and hang teacups form ribbons from a trees! I could not be more happier about the way our brains work together.

Little did I know that Brady had already met Jessica for lunch and the real first planning session...BEFORE SHE ANNOUNCED ME AS THE WINNER. Not only that, but nearly every idea that she shot my way, was actually his idea. What a gem.

So, here we are planning away- Jess and I that is. She sends me the cater's menu: Filet Mignon, Creamed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Garlic Bread, and a unique sweet/salty salad with basil vinaigrette. DELISH. From this moment on, Brady only voiced an excitement for the food. In fact, he frequently 'forgot' the date of the shoot, minor details, and fussed with me about what to wear. Such a trickster since he suggested the ideas for shoot locations AND wardrobes to Jess, who sent them to me.

I had asked a dear, darling friend from church to use her beautiful, riverside home to get ready, the first shoot in her garden/dock, and to cook dinner later. She was so delightful to plan with and be around because she is so loving and thoughtful. I am so glad that we included her and her sweet husband on this (more special than I knew yet) special day.

So much running around, I do not know how he kept this huge secret. Wait, yes I do...he told little pockets of people...people who were super important to me and he decided could keep it too.

I had collected tea cups from yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops; ordered a vintage looking dress from china via ebay; and packed up all of our accessories, including: scarf, shoes, tights, black vest, red red lipstick, black crochet gloves, even handmade crochet earrings- Im real proud of those.

Brady and I had been having conversations about marriage and the next step for us...he mentioned his timeline and his budget for the ring- not all information that I wanted to know as I did not want to know when the proposal would come. "The best prize is a surprise"...well the best prize is actually Brady.

The 28th....finally arrived!

We spent the morning in M & M textiles looking for more fabric for the shoot- last minute details of course. Everything else was packed in tubs and ready to go. We come back, he cooks breakfast while I tear the fabric into ribbons. And then...oh no we have 30 minutes to shower, load the car, and get to the Yelvertons! So...Im nagging and whining- Im not perfect ok! He asks me if he can drop me of and run to Florence real quick...um no? I need you! He had some bogus excuse that he really wanted to clean my ring one more time. Such a gem. And then my directions were crap and everyone got lost, so they were calling me as I am running late and nagging. A great way to start the day :/

As soon as we arrive, I hug Dianne and they send me with the make up team to get ready- this includes my sister and Christine from The Transformation. They give Brady the heavy stuff to move around aka get him alone and let him shake out his nerves, that I had no idea he had!

We are all dressed for the first part of the shoot- the casual teaparty on the dock. (Later, the plan is to dress fancy vintage and go to the antique shop.) Here we are, just being together :)

Then she tells us that it is time for some individual shots. She give him his absolutely favorite cigar to pose with and tells me to "stand over there."

Now, its Savannah's turn. She gives me a spoon to hold and tells me to pose with...tells me not to move, "The shot is perfect!" I am eating everything up like a baby. I can see etching on the spoon in my hand, and since I had asked a friend to make a necklace with the words 'Love is Brewing' engraved, I thought, 'oh how precious, they made me a spoon or something!' I NEVER expected what it really said. 

"Now turn the spoon over, Savannah!"

I am now thinking: "What? Do they know what this says? This cant be a joke." Then, I see that the handle says, 'Savannah,' and I realize that this is intentional...

"Now turn around, Savannah!!

Can you believe that there he was right on his knee!!??

With this in his hand!!?

Here we are. I am astonished. And honestly..slightly afraid to cry because Christine told me not too. But of course she was in on it and prepared my perfect make up to be emotion proof as she asked me all kinds of questions about Brady and when I thought we would be engaged...to which I said 'sometime before Christimas...maybe' but I NEVER thought, oh in a couple of hours...

So we laughed, we cried... I squealed and screamed! My best friend Chelsea came (surprise since she was working, but I had invited her on the off chance she could come. Well she did, she new today was bigger than I realized. And she brought a sweet gift: a frame of her, her husband, Brady and I from their wedding when we caught the bouquet AND the garter! She also brought us an 'L'.)

Here are some more shots of us with that RING on my hand, and of course in our vintage attire. We made it to the Antique shop in the nick of time for some photos-that havent been released yet. Lol.

A little lipstick on his mouth...oops ;)

You can check out Jessica's blog where she posts the story in her beautifully written words and her dazzling photos. Her business is charming and Im delighted to have worked with her so much so far...and hopefully in the future :)

If you know what's good for you, book her now!!

Ok Savannah, now turn the spoon over...!

Holy SchmeeShmaa yall. I am engaged. 

Love is Brewing

So we have been in pre engagement counseling for a month now and things have been going so well!

I am thankful for the wisdom of our pastor and elders at our church to help us discern the meanings of relationships as defined in Genesis.

We have told our stories, gone through temperaments, discussed communication and conflict, researched, and dug into family patterns of the past. The ability and willingness to be open about where we are has been a gift for sure.

God created all things and said that they were good. When He created Adam, He said it was very good. And yet, the first thing in the garden that was not good, was for Adam to be alone. So after Adam named all the animals and realized that none were capable of being his helpmate, God used Adam's own flesh (the only thing that God created not using dirt) to create Eve. When Adam saw her, he said 'Wow. Where have you been!? You are the greatest thing I have ever seen. You will be my perfect helper.' (paraphrased...haha). He responded in sheer awe at her arrival and appearance. God created Adam in His own image of masculinity and He created Eve in His own image of femininity. It takes both male and female working together to serve the Lord for His image to be most accurately reflected. Wow. This just gives new meaning and appreciation for me about His relationship and marriage design. I'm so humbled.

God placed Adam as the head of the work and household on the Garden. He had the responsibility to name the animals, work the land, and name Eve. But he didn't own up to that. Adam's sin curse has marked men with the plague of passivity, as he stood right beside Eve when she first disobeyed. He didn't protect her. So she stopped trusting him. Eve's sin curse has plagued women with the need for control over their own lives, works, and relationships. Eve desired control over her own life as she when she didn't want what God had promised, but what the serpent had suggested. It is now hard for her to submit to the leadership of man that God has placed for him as the leader in the Garden because he failed to protect her and lead her when she sinned.

Relationships are marked with brokenness...but also with the promise of redemption. Since the marriage relationship is designed to be the closest relationship on earth, it will inevitably be confrontational and honest with each person. Marriage is designed to be a vehicle for sanctification.
I am not convinced that marriage is easy, but I am definitely convinced that it is worth it. When two people come together and their worlds collide, bumps will happen. I want to experience everything that marriage has to offer with Brady. 

Pray for us as we pray about moving forward...whenever that will be.

<-----She's Got Issues

This week can go back. I would like a refund.

I have been swimming- no...drowning in a pool of estrogen for days on days dealing with sassy 18 year olds who think that they are somehow magically too good for already established sororities despite their national history and local success. Oh Im sorry, I guess I missed the memo of where you were the hottest thing since the microwave in your hometown, honey, but here you are in a crowded room full of the best of the best and if multiple chapters dropped you from recruitment then dry it up, homegirl, it means that they didnt want you. There I said it. I know you "didnt think that it would happen to someone like" you, but it did. They didnt want you, but other chapters saw something in you, I dont know how, but they have given you an invite- it would behove of you to accept it. gees. No sympathy pains for you ma'am. Tough titty said the kitty when the milk went dry.
Rant Over.

Those hormones were unpleasant....yes I mean my own. It was an emotional cluster cuss.

Then I found out that my favorite family, The Walkers, that moved 5 hours away to a new campus and moving to freaking St. Louis to go to God's chosen seminary school...Covenant Theological Seminary School. As sad as it is that they are moving farther away and leaving staff, I am overjoyed because they are fulfilling a dream and I am SO PROUD. Hopefully, we will be there too in a decade or so. Woohoo!

Meanwhile, my body is still of kilter and I am exhausted and mean inside. Labor Day 2013 should be entitled "Everything Makes Me Cry"...sweet time with the Walkers, gifts from Brady's mom, seeing all my sororities do amazing in recruitment-even if one left effin boa feathers all over the ground for me to pick up...Ill kill them next week.

I eventually have an emotional breakdown, of course, in the parking lot at some point and Brady consoles me by telling me to 'dry it up' WHAT YOU DRY IT UP WHO ARE YOU THE DEAD SEA???

A good nights rest should do the trick right? No. Long first day of fraternity recruitment = me driving a 14 passenger van for the first time in my life and then going to day one of Pre-engagement Counseling.

Counseling was AWESOME. We answered questions, we asked questions, we told of Gods faithfulness to bring us into Himself through salvation, and to each other and how much we love each other. TEARS. MORE TEARS.

I sneak into the house Im living in around 11:22pm and sound like a burglar (its my first night in with the whole family) and startle the master of the house...fortunately he didnt tackle me. Unfortunately, this did send me over the edge...the edge of my anxious awkwardness. I didnt sleep and worried and worried about what I had done and what they could be thinking so I did what rational, emotional, looney tunes person would do- I wrote a letter. A dramatic telling of I love yous, and your were rights, and I feel awkward, and I'll find another place to live. It really is too bad that all the girls my age are off moving to China or Australia or Ohio or Marriedland. I have been praying for months to find a delightful home in which a family wanted to let me live in their basement in exchange for some child care or something, since my job pays me in tuition and office supplies I cant afford rent on my own. Oh cruel world! This was going to work out great. Only it wasnt. Because I am weird. But thats ok. I will calm down and hopefully my hormones will level back out and oh...hey I am having kidney stone surgery in the morning. Craaaaaaap.

Maybe I will at least say some funny stuff under the anesthesia....

I am thankful that we are starting a book study at the church on this book about women's issues
She's Got Issues: really good news for stressed out secretly scared control freaks like us.

Yes, lets please address this clustercuss of issues: control, insecurity, comparison, anxiety, fear, and anger- and its ugly cousin, unforgiveness.

Here we go. I am so glad that there is redemption in this broken and messed up life I'm rollin in.

Goodnight. so long kidney stone.

I have the best boyfriend ever. Glory be to God.

"just pee in this cup for me"

What the heck is going on with my body lately!?

I have been going and going and going all summer like its got nowhere to go and then BAM!

I thought I was more tired than usual with the late nights, long hours, SOAR sessions and presentations, internship hours, classes, research and papers, oh and my personal life with Brady...like too tired to run ( I so miss running)

I have been planning to go to Disney World with my favorite family, The Walkers, in July...I was so thankful that work obligations avoided the dates. Then I busted my butt to get my hours in and my papers done so that I could skip a week of class and internship. Feeling like a boss, right?

Some weird swelling on my neck sends me to the doc and....MONO!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

What!? Brady doesn't have mono! Where did I get mono?? That explains the tiredness...

So no Disney trip for me...but I did get to go home for a week and lay around. Unfortunately my closest uncle died so that was a  huge bummer. But our family came from afar and stayed with us which turned into some good fellowship. But I couldnt hold the new baby. But Brady come down and met some of my favorite family. What a week.

But wait, there's more....
This hot, dehydrated summer had another gift waiting for me.... KIDNEY STONES.

I didn't know what was happening to my abdomen, but Brady did. I threw up everywhere. His mom has been "on all the rides" so he took me to the ER, all moaning and groaning. A few CT's and specialists later, they have found 3 kidney stones. What a shit show. I was throwing up everywhere and the nurse got wried with my IV and got blood all over the floor and sweet Brady almost passed out, quite the show.
Since his taking such good care of me for the last week, I think mom is really warming up to the idea of him taking care of her Savannah Girl :) I love his guy. I do not love kidney stones. I am going to have to have them dissolved at some point.

But before, that I have to move out, send the roommate to Ohio, find a new place to live, start school, get through recruitments, and just pee in that cup a few times.

I love my broken and messed up life. Glory be to God.

but at least I just won that photo shoot...

I WON!!! I WON!!!

So there I sat at home, with mono, at my uncles funeral...whining that I wasn't at Disney World on a free trip to babysit for my favorite family...

When I decided to enter a random contest that happened to pass me by on my Facebook page...

I had known Jessica Magee our freshman year in college.

She is so fun! We have always had similar personalities and interests in laughing loudly. But had lost touch for about 3 or so years... Until we meet again on some trail way as she walks her darling pup and I breathlessly train with my Team in Training team- I still dont know how I was actually race day ready when it was time to run my half marathon (3:00:00!)

SO... This contest was this:

How cool! I emailed Jess and told her all about Brady...how we met, what I have learned from him, what I have learned about myself from him, and what I have learned about the Gospel from his pursuit of me. He has so swept me off me feet in just 4 months and I told her all about how since our first date , he took me antiquing and has had me intrigued ever since.

So finally, last night,  it was time to announce the winner....

And I found out that I won!!

summer lovin'

This is my first summer here in my beloved Shoals Area...

By this time each year, I have always been nestled deep in my bed full of sand at summer beach project, hoping to find pearls in my bed from all the sand and pearls in my heart from all the biblical teaching of the 9 weeks with Campus Outreach...totally exhausted of course by trying to keep up with students or toddlers and the sunshine.

But alas, I am here..living my summer on the Tennessee River, taking my first ever summer class (hey at least its in grad school) and interning alongside my part time job at the university. What a summer!

The Lord has drastically changed my life in the last year, for His good and for my benefit.

He has so helped me to understand His love for me by ripping my idols away (one at a time...until I am sanctified) and showing me what pursuit looks like.

I sure do know how to post my life in an 'I've got it all together' kind of way....yeah right. I feel like I am trying to breathe each day as the summer flies on by...

Summer 2013 has introduced me to several things...like the griping world of chemical addiction through my internship at Bradford as I attempt to put my fresh counseling skills to the test and listent o the struggles of others, as motivated or court mandated as they may be...
I have also many incoming freshmen as I try to con them into becoming involved at UNA... hey it really is the best way to get the best out of your experience here.... What have I got to show for it?  A job at UNA, for one-haha, but more importantly a deep rooted connection to the church that I now serve which introduced me to Brady and here we are starting Pre-Engagement Counseling next month!

Reality is that, I am (willingly) investing my time and my heart into building a relationship that promises to sanctify me before the Lord and His glory - ok - and we all know what a painless joy that will be...

More to come on the real life front. I am thankful for today.

What's that...in the air?

This man... Is changing my life. He just delicately, fervently waltzed right in and with his charming boldness, he has swept me off my feet. He is incredible...really the gentleman I have always dreamed of calling mine. With his quick wit, love for antiques, passion for the Gospel Truth, conviction to teach, desire to provide, compassion for others, dedication to his plan, diligence to loving confrontation, dependence on the Lord's sovereignty, concern for me, and his delight in jazz music (well...most music- good music, that is), he has my head following my heels... We mesh really well and confront conflict with immediacy. We seem to compliment each other in personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and tastes. I'm growing I'm thankfulness for him everyday. Glory be To God. 😍

I freaking loooove this photo. 

Blessed

The Lord has really been working around here. I guess He always is though. He has some pretty good ideas.

I have really enjoyed getting to know people this week.  The boldness that He gives some is remarkable...when one chooses manliness.

Ambition, intention, responsibility, transparency, honesty, direction, theology, while praying for clarity is super attractive. Those are just a few of the things Im drawn to about you.

I am so thankful today.

All of Life is Missional

Our God is a God who cares about His people and also what is important to the hearts of His people. Healing.

He cares as much about the theater as He does theology, as much about coffee shops as He does the church, as much about food as He does faith.

He created all these things too!

And He cares as much about healing as He does Heaven.

He loves seeing His children healed. This world is broken and He knows. He has put into place from the beginning (Gen. 3:15) His plan to redeem the world through His Son. He plans to redeem the world through the work of His Son, Jesus.

He is glorified from Healing. To find cures, we research and we pray. To fund research, we invest our time and our money. To pray, we hit our knees.

Join me as we pray and invest our time and money to find a cure for all types of cancer.

Donate now. Pray now.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/al/flypig13/savvismith

exhausted...

I feel weary today. 

I feel overwhelmed by the presence of my sin.

I feel the hope of healing and freedom that my Savior had bought.

I feel the warmth of grace about me. 

I feel the need to say to myself often.

i should be studying...

I have a lot of things on my mind today...especially surrounding identity.

Why am I so prone to identify myself with my accomplishments, how others view me, or how much someone wants me around?

Im sure this has to do with my innate need to be independent of Him, who has created me in His image.

Sometimes I get so caught up in what I think I am supposed to be doing or in my perception of others expectations of me that I lose the freedom that He has bought for me to be... me.

I believe lies that I have no value if I cannot serve others or be for them what they ask or if I feel any unpleasant emotion.

I am frustrated. I dont know how to talk about it because I dont know to whom to talk or what I am even upset about exactly...myself, my actions, my thoughts, or someone else.

In the end, the Truth is that He has given me all of His righteousness as no cost to me. How is that possible? Because in the beginning as soon as sin entered the world, God planned its solution through His magnificent Son who would, at great sacrifice, deliver the death blow to evil and rescue me. Rescue us.

My frustrations are a deal to me, but He has already fought for the solution and is working things out for my good. This is the truth that I must preach to myself each day to believe that I have value, no matter the circumstance or opinion of humans around me.

Its ok if I want to feel frustrated?

Breathe.

Your Roaring Twenties

Its your Roaring Twenties!! Live it up!

1. Don’t feel the need to respond to every text message, phone call, and email the second it reaches you. Once upon a time, it took longer than a minute to reach someone. People used stamps and envelopes; they had answering machines they didn’t check for hours, sometimes days. No one will die if you don’t immediately respond to every message you receive.

2.If you’re unhappy and someone offers you a way out, take it. Go after that awesome job, if you can see yourself thriving in the town. 

3. Never turn down an open bar. Seek them out and make them a priority. Indulging in open bars when you’re older isn’t appropriate because a) people will think you have an alcohol problem and b) you’re supposed to have enough money to afford your own alcohol.

4. Say what you mean. And mean what you Say. But dont say it mean. Be bold, but be intelligent enough to be kind.

5. Take advantage of all the energy you have in your 20s. In your 30s and 40s, your body starts getting upset with you. 

6. Invest your time in a new hobby...always wanted to sew, build, plant...do it! Master a new skill!

7. Play a sport you played in elementary school. Kickball, dodgeball. There are leagues for these games now. Get on it.

8. Learn how to cook. Here’s an idea — instead of spending all your money on ridiculously marked-up restaurant food, save your money by buying non-processed WHOLE FOODS and LEARNING HOW TO MAKE A MEAL OF REAL FOOD. A meal of real food is not a box of Annie’s Organic Mac and Cheese — that’s PROCESSED FOOD. A meal is something like sauteed bell peppers with onions and sweet potatoes garnished with salt and cinnamon. You’ll thank yourself for learning how to cook when your metabolism catches up to you.

9. Build a good community! These friends will last your whole life for sure. You know yourself better than you ever have before and your friends can finally reflect that. 

10. Run in a race. 5k, 10k 15k, half marathon? Go for gold and run all 26.2 miles of a full marathon! Get out there and train with some friends, it will change your life. Especially if you do it for a good cause, like a charity!

11. Stay up late. In your 20s, you’re all, “Let’s go to another bar!” “Who wants to eat at a diner?” “Have you guys seen the sun rise from the High Line?” “In this moment I swear we were infinite!” When you get older, this becomes, “What are you doing? Go home. Watch Parks and Rec and go to sleep. What is wrong with you, staying up all night? Who has time for that?” If you’re in your 20s, you do. You have all the time. Do it now and take advantage of how not tired you are. You think you’re crabby now when you stay up too late? You’ll never believe how terrible you feel when you do it in your 30s.

12. Give up something you think you cant live with out for a month.. like sugar, carbs, or meat. See how good you feel!

13. Investigate spirituality. What if heaven is real? Wouldnt want to be wrong about that one...

14. STOP PROCRASTINATING YOUR TRIP ABROAD. YOUR CHANCES OF TAKING A LONG VACATION ABROAD DIMINISH AS YOU BECOME MORE SET IN YOUR WAYS AND AS YOU GAIN MORE RESPONSIBILITY.

15. Do ‘unacceptable’ things to your hair. Dye it. Dread it. Shave only the left side of your head and give a crap if it grows back in a flattering manner (hint: it won’t). There’s no time but now.

16. Learn enough of another language to make it in the country for a week!

17. Sit down, unplug, and read non-fiction. Do this daily. None of your peers are doing it. They’re playing video games and refreshing Facebook and Gmail chatting about nothing in particular. After a month you’ll be smarter than all of them.

18. Walk into Forever 21 and grab every single crappily-made floral dress available. Is every other girl on the street wearing it? Is it literally falling apart at the seams? Is it also actually five dollars? BUY IT IMMEDIATELY. When you get older, your clothing becomes all expensive blazers and tailored khakis and other pieces that won’t break while on your body. That will be a great day — the day when your closet starts to look respectable. You will be a classy human ready to take on the future. But as long as you’re still in your 20s? You know — the demographic of Forever 21? Game on, stretchy black dress with pockets that lasts about a week. Game on.

19. Take road trips. Sitting in a car for days on end isn’t something your body was designed to do forever.

20. Go thrifting! Find treasures and repurpose them. This is a lost art. Find value in antiques and master creativity.

21. Go to/host theme parties. Once people age out of their 20s, no one’s trying to wear pajamas or Saran Wrap out of the house. The only theme parties that exist after your 20s are ‘Wedding,’ ‘Baby Shower,’ and ‘Funeral.’ 

Training...

Last night I got to speak to our youths at church in our Covenent Youth Discipleship, CYD, about the importance of being a part of the local church. It was awesome getting to share what the Lord has taught me about being in a community. He has blessed me so much to know about His design for us and given me a rockstar community in my college, in this town, and in my church. I love it so much.

Thank you all who are committing to help me reach my goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a I train to run this half marathon. My running schedule is intense, but it has been so good for my body and my soul.

If this widget isn't working, just checout my fundraising page:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/al/flypig13/savvismith

A Frankie Kind of Day...

Happy Valentine's Dayyyyy! I love today actually....so much joy in the air! Especially since today is BEAUTIFULL and sunny :)

I have been so inspired by my sweetest friend, whom I proudly know as my Big <>, JESSICA CLAYTON lately. I dedicate all the love in this post to her ;)

Enjoy!

 

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY