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• "God wants us to be really strong, which is different from the way we might typically desire to be strong. We often want to be strong in a way that reflects well on us. God wants us to be strong in a way that reflects well on him."  This article keeps hitting home.
• The Dialect of Questions is a tool I have loved being taught with without realizing it. . .I'd love to get better at using it.
• Because I'm an aspiring linguist, I find this fascinating:

9 Types of Spanish Accents - Joanna Rants
9 Types of Spanish Accents with Joanna Hausmann Comedy
Posted by Flama on Friday, October 2, 2015

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• This article, "Why my support for abortion was based on love...and lies" is and excellent look at the reality.  Jennifer tells her story with love and logic, not judgement or hate.  It is a good read for anyone, but especially for those who are still on the fence about abortion, even after the videos exposing Planned Parenthood's lies.
• This video is an excellent on why gun control is so wrong:

The best 7 minutes of gun control speech.
This is the BEST and smartest gun argument I have heard yet...THIS MUST GO VIRAL!!!
Posted by Rik Sexton on Thursday, March 28, 2013

• This video of some Orthodox Jews singing Psalms 121 is amazing beautiful.

Как ортодоксальные евреи поют 120-й Псалом (Psalms 121).
Posted by Vladimir Volchanskiy on Tuesday, September 29, 2015

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• Are you a hipster?  This article on the subject articulates some of the thoughts I have been having about the trend as a whole.  In a nutshell: What's the point?
• I haven't read this magazine in years, but I stumbled upon it again recently and read the whole thing this morning.  I highly recommend it for all my girl friends: Set Apart Girl Feb/Mar
• It is Finished by Jimmy Needham:

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Emm wanted to make a doll, and when she saw Lupita Nyong'o on this magazine, she knew exactly what she wanted it to look like.  She named it Latisha.

• An interesting article on public wifi and the hazards
• "They may not have wealth, but they have dignity."  My favorite quote front this article on what to not give the poor. 
• For better or worse, this is TRUE: 

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A picture from my trip to Chicago

• Amidst all the news on crisis around the globe, I found this article SO refreshing and motivating.  Let's pray together! #WeAreN
• I'm getting back into my workout routine for the fall semester and this article explains the best reason to exercise.  It isn't about being "fat" or "thin" it's about being healthy.
• I don't watch Game of Thrones, but I think this article can apply to any movie with "sketchy" parts in it.  It is hard to find one these days that doesn't have at least one scene.  It may be something you can skip, but if not, ask these questions before you watch!

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• I've always loved reading.  This article talks all about why you should fall in love with a reader, but that isn't really the reason I like it. ;-)  It's just SO true.  Their descriptions of a reader are so spot on.  That first paragraph?  Yeah, it makes me want to shirk all of my responsibilities and go pick up a good classic.
• I have some friends who left a church for the correct reasons, and my heart aches for them.  This article is about the wrong reasons to leave a church.  I found it a good read and a good reminder that I'm where I am to serve and to give, not to take and be served.
• Oh, and just an awesome video from my new favorite YouTube channel.  Anglophiles, you're welcome.

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• An interesting call to have fun. . .

• This article was written to single guys, but I found it refreshing as well.  Having 3 brothers and many psuedobros I feel personally responsible at times to train them how to be men by expecting great things from them.

• This article is perfect to summer!  Your neighbors are out fixing their lawns and walking their dogs, but do you actually know who they are?  This is something I'm going to work on this summer.

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• Need some career advice? Just ask Mike Rowe! 
• Did you ever say "Sooorrrryyyy!" as a kid? I sure did.  Apologizing is so much more than just saying the word "sorry" though.  This article on saying sorry is quite good. 
• Can I get a resounding amen to this?!  Jeff Bethke makes some very good points. Modesty is good, but when it breeds legalism it can destroy. 

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• We've recently rediscovered the Sons of Korah band as a family and constantly have them playing over the big BOSE system.  Check them and the Psalm project out!

• I shot my brother and his friends before they went to the homeschool prom and had such a good time.  You can see more photos here. These are two of my favorite people.  Oh, and I made the dress and bow tie. :-) More details on that to come. Pinky promise.

• I don't want to spoil the video by telling you what it's about, but this is so great.  Talk about under appreciated! 

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• The first part of this post by Kenzie Kate made me gasp and hold my breath till I was done reading.  This is my heart-beat.  people over places.  Take me to see the world, but it's the world's people I want to be with, to share with, to laugh and cry with.  Show me the beauty of a building, sea, or mountain, but I'd sooner see its beauty reflected in the eye of a friend.  These things are fleeting, but these people are eternal.  Give me your eyes, Lord!
• This photo story brought tears to my eyes.  The photos are good, but the stories are remarkable.    When I studied Rwanda two years ago I found a special place in my heart for it's people because the genocide of Rwanda was happening when I was born.  For my entire life, these same people have been hurting and angry, and finally there is peace and forgiveness.  I've seen people forgive one another. I've read stories of forgiveness. I've seen pictures of forgiveness. And you know what? I cry every time.  I am so reminded of my crimes and my sins and the forgiveness that God has so willingly granted me that I break down and cry through my smiles.  I've felt that peace they talk about and am forever grateful.
• I've got an engineers brain like my Dad.  It's usually very useful, but sometimes I feel like this "expert." I can do anything.  :-)  If you have 7 minutes and know an engineer you'll find it super funny.

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• YNAB: You Need A Budget. I know, I know, BORING! But you're so wrong. I love this program.  Especially for those paying off debt it is a fantastic resource. On top of the software, there are tons of awesome webinars and videos online about finances. Seriously.  Invest the money.  And, for college students, it is now FREE!  I wish I'd known before I bought it, but it's still worth it. :-) If you're a college student, check this out.  If you're not, use my referral link: http://ynab.refr.cc/GQ6C957 and we both get $6 off. :-) That's 10% folks! Do it.  Make your life more orderly.
• These videos of adults acting out their kids'  scripts are so funny. The first one I saw (Salesman) is still my favorite, but there are so many more. Kids are geniuses. Check it out.
• This passage of scripture. NO, DON'T SKIP IT. Read it.  I've saved the best for last. Read it slowly and let it sink in. Psalm 127:1-2

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.

 The last couple days have left me emotionally and physically exhausted.  Sometimes God needs to give you way more than you can handle to teach you to give it all back to him.  You don't need to worry, you need to give it to your Savior.  Only then can he put you back together in way that is more like Jesus Christ.  I feel like the Grinch when his heart grew to three times it's size.  Blessed freedom. Thank you Jesus!  Can I get an amen?  You know it.

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• A new look at fashion.  My favorite line?  The last one: don't get jealous - get dressed!
• This speech by Lupita N'yongo brings tears of joy to my eyes.  

• All of Me - John Legend and Lindsey Sterling

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• Never have I read a post quite like this one on this topic.  Dressing well.  Modestly, yes, but this article moves beyond that.  Dress like a lady, act like a lady! Go ahead and read Rachel's post and get inspired yourself. . . 
• A beautiful read about life and abortion.  This mother is so loving and encouraging, even while she disagrees with something.
• The audiobook Sylvester by Georgette Heyer read by Richard Armitage.  Yep.  Mr. Thornton folks.  Check it out if you need a good diversion.
• A beautiful set of Thai commercials.  Such beautiful stories.

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• Do we need more worship songs?  I submit to you that Christian pump up songs may not be worship. Check this article.
• Are you spiritually strong? There are some good reminders and probably some wake-up calls here.
• Truth. This has been on my heart in many arenas of life, but I have never been able to articulate it in the area of photography.  Thankfully We Are the Parsons has already done it.  And how beautiful it is. :-)
• I've been listening to Passenger, Andy Mineo, Linkin Park, Jeff Erb & Paul Renes, Secret Garden, Bach, Beethoven and Hans Zimmer recently. Talk about diversity!  Enjoy this mash-up of the wildly popular songs Let it Go, and Let Her Go.

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• I'm home!!! and "baby it's cold outside..." Oh, and I love it.  It's hard to express how much I've been changed my my 9 weeks away this autumn, but I'll figure it out eventually and let you know as all my pictures slowly trickle onto the blog.  Slowly, because I'm starting school and 2 brand new jobs!
• Maybe it is just me, but I feel like girls have become more interested with making a lists of qualities they would like in a husband instead of striving to love God and becoming the kind a woman a decent guy is actually going to want to marry.  Ergo, I found this article refreshing: http://goodguyswag.com/the-wife-list-10-qualities/
• Also a good read for those looking to grow up and put off childish things: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/10-ways-do-adulthood-well
• This sort of up beat folk worship song...Check it out!

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^Park in Colorado Springs, CO^

>I love this.  I won't be leaving facebook for a number of reasons, but I definitely support real living over obsessive/meaningless onlineness. :-) The REAL Reason to Quit Facebook.


>Well thought out and spot on wether you are in a relationship or a "bachelor to the rapture." 5 NOTES ON DATING FOR THE GUYS (girls).


>Listen to Sunshine, by Matisyahu. Your Saturday=MADE


>Went through my journal from around 8 years ago and found this short annotation:

Psalm 73:25
Contentment is a choice.

A timely reminder for myself.

"Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:25-26