Florida (not Georgia) Line Dancing

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What I’m listening to: I Feel the Earth Move by Carole King

If you follow me on Instagram (allow me this one shameless plug) then you already know that I have moved. Yes, moved. No longer am I a Mid-Atlantic gal, I am now in South Florida. Moving in January was probably the best time of year to do so because I left 20 degree weather and arrived to 78 degree weather instead.

Of course, now that I’m here, you know I’ve got to try out all the cool stuff that South Florida has. One of the first items on that list? Line dancing. There’s this famous bar/dance hall/concert venue here that brings in all these legendary country acts and they were doing an all-day line dancing workshop. Have I ever been line dancing? No. Was I going to let that stop me? Of course not.

It was actually amazing. I was very glad I’ve worn the boots I danced in to death, because I would not want to try to break boots in on the dance floor. Line dancing is serious work! But it’s even more fun.

It was such a good experience to kick off exploring this new area, 10/10.

Peace,

KJ

Alaska

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What I’m Listening to: Lucky Ones by Lana Del Rey

You’ll never guess where I just got back from. I know what you’re thinking – probably some major metropolitan area. Well usually you’d be right (look at you, all clever) but I’m afraid I’ve got the best of you this time. I was in Alaska. Not just Alaska though – I was north of Fairbanks, inside the Arctic Circle, in the wilderness. I’m not just talking no cell service, I’m talking I didn’t see another living soul other than my guide and my pilot for literally the whole time I was out there (four-ish days and three nights for those keeping score at home). It was actually really fun. I have never been anywhere that quiet – you could hear a dragonfly from like 50 feet away, it was pretty amazing. The weather was in our favor too, pretty blue skies and nice cool weather (all the Alaskans swore up and down it was hot, but it was like 75 the whole time).

All packed
After a four hour drive, we have to fly even further north
I wish I could remember exactly which river this was, but it’s escaping me. If you’re an Alaska river expert, let me know!
Setting up our canoe
The pike my guide, Sarah caught
Look at that view
Not apologizing for my fleece
Little bird feet
One pretty campsite
Wolf tracks
Headed back to civilization

Peace,

KJ

Miami

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What I’m listening to: Island in the Sun by Weezer

Miami! No place as brilliantly sparkling, as bright and vivacious as the so-called “Magic City”. The city has it all – if you are looking for a vacation. Delicious food, warm beaches, and serious shopping (yes, I swear I’m not on the tourist board’s payroll). It’s become such a destination you know I had to bring my brightest clothes. Below, flip through my pictures of my trip!

Peace,

KJ

Guinness Time

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What I’m listening to: Sunlight by Hozier

Top ‘o the mornin’ to ye! While Guinness might be the iconic drink of the Emerald Isle, there is one place that can claim it as well: The Guinness Open Gate Brewery, right here in Baltimore, MD.

I had never been before, even though I’ve lived in Maryland for two years now. (I know! I know! But before you get too harsh with me, need I remind you I’ve only been 21+ for a year now.)

They serve more kinds of Guinness than I’ve ever seen, including experimental flavors like mint chocolate. They also serve traditional Irish food, and Baltimore specials (I’ll let you decide which is which).

(Dreaming of more brown bread.) All in all, I really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend to any Guinness fan!

Cheers!

KJ

Tennis & Tory

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What I’m Listening to: Your Girl by Basia Bulat

You know those friends that you don’t talk to for ages but whenever you finally do, you are immediately reminded why you’re friends with them? Like they are just fun and you’re like why aren’t we closer? That’s my relationship with tennis. A couple times a year as the weather turns from cold to warm or vice versa I go play tennis and it should really be more especially considering I can literally walk to my closest tennis court.

So, this year I decided to get serious about it, though I have to say that decision was deeply encouraged by Tory Burch’s adorable Tory Sport tennis line. (Sports gear with 70’s inspiration and plenty of ruffles? You know I couldn’t resist!)

Peace,

KJ

Buon Compleanno! (Day One)

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What I’m listening to: All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

I’m 21!! What better way to celebrate being legal to drink in the United States than to visit a country where I’ve been legal to drink for years?? (No better way imo.) First stop was Milan, where we checked out the outside of the Duomo, then went off to get risotto at Princess Grace’s favorite spot.

It’s inside this amazing outdoor mall that looks more like a museum than a shopping spot.

After an incredible meal it was time to unwind and wander the streets of Milan. We stopped in a cafe along the way back to the hotel for a taste of Milan’s signature drink, the Aperol Spritz. It is delicious in a light, summery way that makes you feel like you are exploring Milan while relaxing with your feet up.

Day one: Complete!

peace,

KJ

Summer Devotional Series: The Anguish of Necessity

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What I’m Listening to: Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue by Crystal Gayle

Before we start discussing this week’s message, it’s important to get one thing out of the way immediately: we are not saved by our works. We’re not. We’re saved by God’s infinite grace:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–

~Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

However, knowing that because of our belief we are saved, in spite of anything we could possibly do, should not lull us into a state of complacency. It should not make us shrug our shoulders and think we are doing good enough. Because while we can’t save ourselves or anyone else, our actions can influence others, can help others.

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

~ Romans 12:8 (NIV)

I’m not saying this in order to make anyone feel like nothing short of quitting their job and becoming a full time missionary is good enough, but rather that it’s important to be open to opportunities to help those in need. To do make the difference we are being called to make.

Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to show you places where you can make an impact, not for your own glory, but for God’s.

Peace,

KJ

Summer Devotional Series: The Importance of Consistency

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What I’m listening to: Write This Down by George Strait

Somehow it seems easier to get to church in the winter. I think that as a culture we are more scheduled outside of the summer months. School is in session, people are saving up their vacation days, and there’s a sense of regulation that seems to dog us all.

In the summer it is easier to cast off our responsibilities and “have fun”, going out on the weekends, going on vacation, and just generally hanging out and relaxing. Now far from it for me to say that any of these activities are inherently “bad” or disloyal to the Lord. Many verses in the Bible discuss the importance of rest, with the beginning of Psalm 23 perhaps being one of the most iconic:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

~ Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

However, it is important to note that, as seen above, God wants us to find rest in Him. When He talks about rest, He doesn’t just mean for our physical bodies, He wants us to experience the spiritual rest one can only find through spending dedicated time with Him. Meaning we shouldn’t prioritize our summer fun over our relationship with God. That we don’t skip church to sleep off our Saturday night, or forget to read our Bible when we go on vacation, or make extra excuses to do things we know we shouldn’t do. We must remember that being a Christian is not a hobby, it’s our life. We’re running a race, and Jesus is waiting for us at the finish line.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)

God made the seasons, but it’s our responsibility to keep our eyes on the Kingdom without distraction, no matter the weather.

Prayer prompt: Ask that God would give you the conviction to stay consistent in your relationship with Him, and not to get caught up in the fleeting fun of summer to the extent that you lose sight of what is truly important.

Peace,

KJ

Cherry Blossom Festival!

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What I’m listening to: Stay by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

I have to make a confession: I literally lived outside DC for over two years and I never went to see the cherry blossoms.

I know, I know, for shame! Finally however, I saw the error of my ways and went to go see them this weekend. They are every bit as beautiful as advertised, the blossoms make the monuments look so magnificent and more than a little dreamlike.

(P.S. Yes, the skirt of my dress has cherry blossoms embroidered on it, you know I couldn’t resist)

Peace,

KJ