10 Active Things To Do This Summer

So summer time is now in full swing! The sun is shining, waters are shimmering, the grass is growing, the wind is fluttering through vividly green trees. While the days can be hot, humid (especially for this desert girl now in the south!), and sticky, there are still so many fun, active things to do this summer!

Take advantage of the good weather, you know you might be complaining about the cold come wintertime. Soak in those warm rays as much as you can! Here is a list of ten things that you can do for free or cheap to get out and get active this summer!

1. Go for a swim! If you don't have a pool, find a friend who does, use a community pool, a gym pool, buy a kiddie pool, go to a river or lake. Grab a loved one or a friend and jump into those cool, refreshing waters, and catch some vitamin D!

2. Go for a sunset or sunrise walk. Sometimes the heat of the day is intimidating, and lets be real, who really likes being in a pool of your own sweat from walking? Try walking early in the morning to get energy for the day, or take a stroll in the evening and soak up the last of the day. And who doesn't love a gorgeous sunset or sunrise?

3. Take a hike! State parks are some seriously sweet spots and are usually minimal in charge. Here in Georgia you can get an annual pass, or pay like $5 for the day. State parks are a great way to see different areas of your town or state, and enjoy the scenery and beautiful weather! You might find a new favorite spot. Check out this website to find great state parks near you! 

4. Wash your car! It may sound silly, but, you get outside, you get an arm work out when you put some elbow grease into washing off all that dirt, and you get a sparkly, clean car! Bonus! And you're out playing in water, so it helps keep you cool at the same time!

5. Have a picnic in your local park. Pack up a cute picnic lunch, grab a blanket and walk around the park to find the perfect picnic spot! If you're worried about the heat of the day, have a picnic brunch! Go before 10am and avoid the heat of the afternoon, but still have an ideal and whimsical picnic with your favorite people!

6. Be a tourist in your own city. Get on your good walking shoes, find a fun, historical, or interesting touristy spot in your town and go walk around and play the part of tourist! There are a lot of historical markers, town events, and museums around. Be sure to take some fun pictures while you're at it, too!

7. Have a water balloon toss (or fight). Seriously, who doesn't love a good water balloon toss that turns into a water balloon fight? Balloons are cheap, grab some from the dollar store, fill them up, and have some summer fun out in your drive way or backyard!

8. Create a scavenger or treasure hunt with family and friends!  You're never too old for a scavenger hunt in my book. Make people go outside, inside, all over! Have it lead to a yummy summer treat for everyone to share, or a fun prize! There are tons of ideas on Pinterest. AND bonus, if you want a REAL scavenger hunt, check out geocaching! The real life "treasure" hunt that happens all over the country and the world. Check this site out for more information. 

9. Take a bike ride. Brush the dust off your bike seat, hop on that beaut and go for a ride. Might I suggest a soundtrack by Queen, including "Bicycle"? Feel the breeze in your hair and the summer sun on your face. If you're really adventurous, ride it to the park for your picnic!

10. Play some yard games! Corn hole, badminton, volley ball, bocce ball, frisbee...there are so many fun games you can play! Have a dinner part, borrow games from others if you don't have some, and get the whole group involved in some fun summer time activities!

These are just a few ideas, there are so many ways you can get out and enjoy the sweet summer air this year. Don't let the season pass you by without soaking up some of this gorgeous weather! Be sure to put on some sunscreen as you have your fun, take pictures, and make memories with the ones you love!

What are some of your favorite summer activities? Comment below with your favorite!

Hand Lettering Lately

With the new year upon us, wedding plans finished and culminated two months ago, I have found that my mind and hands have been able to turn once again to the passion I have for hand lettering. I am also in the process of creating an online shop, which I hope to open in the near future. 

I absolutely love getting to use the artistic talent God has blessed me with to bring joy and inspiration to my life and to others. Words are a powerful thing, and to be able to craft them in an esthetically pleasing way brings me life. 

I wanted to post an update on the work I have been doing lately, so it's all in one place! Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Well again, it has been a while since my last update on life, and there have been quite a few changes! I went from a Miss to a Mrs! One of the best decisions ever. But that story is for another blog.

Today I just wanted to post a quick recipe that Zach and I tried this week that turned out stellar! One of my newest favorites is spaghetti squash, and this is my favorite way I've had it so far.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

2 spaghetti squashes, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
1 Tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1 head garlic
1 lb. spicy sausage
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. sage
1 Tbsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
1 1/4 cup milk
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup shredded provolone cheese

- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Remove the outer layer of the whole garlic head, leaving each clove in place. Cut a small piece from the top of each garlic clove. Place the garlic head onto a small piece of foil. Drizzle the top of the garlic head with a 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil, sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper. Wrap loosely with foil, bake 45 minutes. After cooked, remove garlic cloves into a bowl (squeeze out of layer), and mash. Set aside.
- Drizzle the cut and seeded squash with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet, bake 30 to 45 minutes, until just tender. Remove, let cool for a few minutes and scrape out the squash strands into a bowl. Leave a small layer of the squash (aka don't scrape all the way to the bottom because you will be layering your lasagna back in the shells)
-Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
-White spaghetti squash cooks, Heat 1 Tbspn EVOO over medium heat in a deep skillet or a medium pot, add onion, bay leaf, thyme, and sage. Cook about 5 minutes, until soft. Push to the side of the pan, increase the heat to medium high, add one more Tbspn EVOO. Place sausage in center, brown.
- Add tomatoes, basil, and water. Simmer, stirring occasionally until thick (15- 20 minutes). Discard the bay leaf, remove from heat, stir in mashed garlic.
-In medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisk constantly for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and simmer for 2 minutes, while whisking. Remove from heat, stir in provolone, season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Let cool, stirring occasionally. (side note...this sauce is DELISH!)
-Take the squash shells, put a layer of meat sauce in the bottom, then a layer of spaghetti strands. Layer with the cheese sauce, then a layer of spaghetti strands. Add another layer of meat sauce, and cheese sauce. Top with shredded provolone cheese.
-Bake 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese browns. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes.

ENJOY!

Engaged

So, it's been a pretty long while since I last updated this blog. And I think it's about time I put down in writing what's been going on in my life lately, because there have been some big changes.

Here's the breakdown.

In the past five months since my last post, I have: finished my internship with Adventures in Missions, and launched into my own mission, moved to Decatur (in Atlanta), gained a new roommate, started a new job, got promoted and transferred to a new Starbucks in Decatur, and....got engaged!

Life has been full of transitions lately, and I have finally come to a place where life is settling. (Yet it still is busy and full of change and growth)

God has stretched me, blessed me and grown me so much the past five months.

Things came together in ways I never even imagined.

And He has blessed me far beyond words, even in the times of difficulty (because they certainly are there).

So let's take a gander back a few months ago.

May held the majority of these transitions. First, I finished my internship with Adventures in Missions. God revealed so much to me through those classes, and I got to meet and work with amazing people. I am so thankful for my time and involvement with that program!

Next came Tuesday, May 21st. A day that my then boyfriend, Zach and I were going to hang out up in Helen, Georgia. He was supposed to pick me up for our adventure, but called and said he had a surprise. I had to come and find him, to which he promptly told me that he was at Starbucks.

I got in my car, wondering but not wanting to let my mind wander to those "what ifs." Zach and I had talked about getting engaged in October, so I thought, "Na, this isn't it." But I still couldn't help my heart from pounding in my ears as I walked up to meet him where we had our first date.

I stepped through the doors and there he was, my handsome man sitting at the table we had our first date at. Lovely memories flooded my mind as he and I sat at the table. He handed me a card for our anniversary, which I read with adoring eyes and heart.

Zach then proceeded to tell me how much he loved me, and began to stand up and fumbled with his pocket. My heart began to pound faster, and I gasped with delight and amazement. He pulled out a huge ring box and pulled me up to my feet.

I don't honestly remember everything he said, and neither does he. But I do remember him asking me that one incredible question...

"Sarah, will you marry me?"

To which I couldn't stop smiling and said "YES!" He slipped the ring on my finger, and we began a day of celebration and calling our families and friends to tell them the joyous news.

Enter in our season of engagement that we are now in the midst of.

Add in God blessing me with the opportunity to be promoted to a shift supervisor at Starbucks in Decatur, Georgia. A place God had drawn my heart to months ago on a random day excursion I took down there one day.

During this time I worried and wondered how it was all going to work. I was basically broke, had no idea where I would live, or who I would live with. But I was still hopeful and thrilled that I had a job closer in Atlanta, and one that allowed me to invest more into my work and ministry.

As God would have it, He provided for everything at the exact right time, and I now have an amazing roommate, who also did the World Race, and provided us an apartment that was reduced in price and fit our budget.

Our God is such a big God!

That does not mean that trying times don't come, they have. Worry still attempts to penetrate the resolve I have set to remember that God is faithful. But he is teaching me daily to lean on Him in new ways.

This season of engagement and newness in almost everything is stretching, but beautiful. Our God makes beautiful things. Beautiful seasons and times. Beautiful celebrations of life. Beautiful, difficult growth.

I am so looking forward to all that this season of engagement holds as Zach and I prepare to enter marriage together. It is a beautiful season indeed.

I Love What I Do

God gave me a revelation the other day. One that I already truly knew in my heart, but it still surprised me. It took my breath away for a second, and made my heart quicken, and a smile come across my lips.

I absolutely love what I do.

I'm already in a place of living out my dream.

That's pretty darn cool. Of course there are other things that I have dreams and desires for. But I am in a position right now where I am able to accomplish the goals and dreams that are currently on my heart.

The other day in one of our CGA classes, we were given the assignment to put together our own life "mission statement." We were given a tool online to do so, one that asked us detailed questions about what we love to do, what drains us, what people would say about you on your 80th birthday.

From there this tool "generated" our missions statement. Gave us a visual word picture of what we had already written out. Mine turned out to be pretty lengthy, but I noticed many themes coming out. I remembered the strong undercurrents and passions that God has placed in my life.

One of the biggest things that stood out to me from that missions statement exercise was what the survey said about work from my answers.

I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can draw, and be creative. Whether that is making a sign, or making a drink, I love to be able to make things for other people and make it beautiful. I love being able to interact with people, find out who they are, and tell them why they are special. I love personal one on one interaction more than group setting, so that I can personally and individually speak into their lives. I love being able to find little ways to serve people around me to brighten their day.

That's when it occurred. I already get to do that now. I already have the opportunities in front of me now. I work at Starbucks on the side of the program that I'm involved with at Adventures in Missions, and it has been such a blessing to have that job.

It's a place where I get to create. I get to create signs for Starbucks, I get to create drinks. It is a place where I can use my creativity in quite a few unique ways. I am able to interact with people that I would normally not have contact with, and I get to speak into their lives.

I get to pray for them, get to know them, make their day special. I am able to serve and help create an atmosphere of community. These things are huge for me.

While what I physically do for a job may change over the years and over the seasons, these core things are true to who I am and who God has made me to be and how He intends for me to operate within this world.

To create and bring beauty into the world, to interact with others and serve, and just show the heart of God to those around me.

I love what I do, truly I do.

And that is an incredible blessing to my heart, even if God had to hit me upside the head with the revelation before it finally clicked. 

So here's to walking forward each day, doing what I love to do, being obedient to God's heart every day and to where He leads.


Here are some pictures of signs that I have been able to create while working at Starbucks!

The Ugly, Beautiful Truth

Right now I'm reading (re-reading) through "A Thousand Gifts." It's a shorter, simple book. But one packed with deep, profound truth that resonates so much with where I am at right now. It's a book on finding thanks in the little things.

Taking a moment to breath in, and breathe out "thank you" to God for even the smallest gifts. For actually recognizing those small moments as gifts, when it is so easy to pass by and not even notice.

The picture above is a passage in the book, recounting a story of a woman reading a book that was displaying "1,000 Places to See Before You Die." Which sounds like an amazing book, and I'm sure it's packed full of magnificent pictures, splashed with color and lights, inviting you in to smell and step into a new reality.

But the author poses this deep question. "Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?"

I ask myself the same question. Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?

For some reason, coming back home from the race, I have found myself going through periods of time where it has been difficult to be thankful. Times where I'm just tired, and life seems to lack the luster it once had.

My eyesight seems foggy with sleep and confusion, and it is harder to find the beauty in those small moments like I have before. My schedule feels full to overflowing, and I feel anxiousness closing in and I don't have time to stop and smell the roses.

But the more I hurry on, the more I pass over those little moments, the more my heart hurts and I long for relief.

The solution?

Gratitude.

Thanksgiving.

Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you for spring showers that bring May flowers. (Because sometimes the rain and clouds just feel like a weight on my shoulders)

Thank you for gorgeous budding trees. (The once barren trees are now a symbol of new life)

Thank you for the days that the sun does shine in Georgia. (This desert girl just loves the sunshine)

Thank you for coffee. (Because it is so sweet and smooth)

Thank you for warm breezes, laughter with friends, bouncing on trampolines, staring at the stars, taking walks in the park, for good conversation, for time around a kitchen table, for the stillness of the morning, for a glassy lake that reflects the sun in all its glory.

No, sometimes life is hard. Sometimes I am tired, overwhelmed, and I feel the pressure, speed and anxiousness of this world. And in those moments, it's hard to make myself stop and say thank you.

Sometimes I wish I could hold those sweet babies in China, laugh with kids in Cambodia, paint another mural on a dusty foreign wall, mime out what I want to say with someone who speaks a different language.

But there is so much to be thankful for here, right now. And when I stop to say thank you, I am overwhelmed with joy and realize how extremely blessed I am.

I want to capture those moments, and those things I am thankful for. Not to say I have a perfect life. I don't, and never will. But I love capturing those moments that God gives me here. Those little things I'm thankful for.

So here are some of those moments of beauty I've found recently here in Georgia.

What are you thankful for today?