Memories, Dreams and Reflections

I'm linking up to Ashley Sisk's "Memories, Dreams and Reflections" linkup.

1. Me!

There's so many things that went on in my life last year... but one of the biggies that I'm proud of accomplishing is recording my CD. It's still not out yet (hopefully will be soon!), but even just the coordinating and composing and recording of everything was a tremendous achievement.

2. I Love You

 I love you sweet friend - don't you ever forget it! :)

3. Still Laughing...

One night, when it was especially loud outside my dorm room, I went out and encountered this! Hall study party. Whatever works to get that homework done! ;)

4. Winter Wonderland

 The view at my grandparent's house at sunset. This is all their property - gorgeous, isn't it?

5. Birthday& 6. Friends

 When I saw this picture I knew I had to combine these two (Birthday & Friends). For my birthday this year, I had three close friends over and we did a little photoshoot. I can't remember whose idea this picture was, but it turned out really cool!

7. I Was Inspired... 

 Words, writing, the feel of a pencil beneath my fingers, scratching down my thoughts, emotions, ideas... all of these things inspire me.

8. Spring Fever

 This sweet flower seems to capture the very essence of springtime: delicate, rain-dappled, and perfectly exquisite in its frailty.

9. Travel/Vacation 

 I snapped this picture in the reflection of my brother's sunglasses as we were driving to visit my grandparents last January. And what's funny is that the camera in the reflection has since then been replaced - twice.

10. Summer Days 

 I actually can't take credit for this picture - my friend Jess over at Image-ine took this picture of me on a photoshoot we did. Whenever I look at it I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my face...

11. A Day In My Life

 A typical day in my life at college starts like this: walking to breakfast in the cold, watching the eastern sky begin to glow.

 After classes and whatnot, I usually end up here - in a practice room. Yep, these little (tiny!) rooms are were I spend most of my time. ;)

12. All Smiles

Me and some of the girls from my hall. ;) Some of us are smiling... some laughing... and some making exasperated looks at the camera (*coughBrecough*)

13. Autumn Harvest 

 This picture just speaks autumn to me. That rich, vibrant color that God streaks in reds and oranges across the world.

14. Family 

 I try to refrain from posting pictures of my family on the internet, but I found this picture and I think it's perfect. I love my family so very much. They are my inspiration, my support group, and my best pals.

Since this is such a long linkup (there's 25 categories in all!) I thought I would stop here for this post. I'll be posting the rest of the linkup soon!

This is What Inspires Me

Olive Tree is having a photography contest with the theme of inspiration. Here are my two entries:

This picture inspires me because it reminds me of God's care for us. The care with which my brother is holding the little bird, the trust in the bird's eye... this is a perfect example of God's care for me. I know I need not fear, since my life is held secure in God's hands. He's always got me, even when I want to struggle and try to fly on my own. I just have to trust Him.

I love this picture. It reminds me of the verse from Hebrews "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

This is my inspiration. As long as I fix my eyes on Jesus, I am inspired beyond belief. Even if all the rest of my life is painted in shades of gray, fixing my eyes on Jesus gives everything new life and color.