Alaska

About a week ago, I hopped on a boat from Seattle and set sail to Alaska. This trip was a complete dream, being surrounded by the towering snow-capped mountains, fresh green pines and the people I love most. It was just what my heart needed.

Planes, Trains, Ferries and Cars.

About a week ago, I hopped on a plane with my sweet mom to the great Pacific Northwest for my 21st birthday. 

We started our adventure in Seattle, one of my favorite cities. We stayed at Hotel Max, a very retro and "hipster" hotel, located right in the heart of the city. Once we arrived, we walked around Pike Place Market, stopped by the famous "Gum Wall" and had pizza at Zeek's Pizza. We finished the night, by watching the sunset on top of the Space Needle, with a 360 view of the city. It was absolutely breathtaking.

The next morning, we woke up before the sun and boarded a ferry to Victoria, Canada. The ferry was such a fun experience. We sipped on coffee and conversed with the couple sitting beside us, all while being surrounded by snowy mountain tops and the vast ocean. In Victoria, we had tea at the Empress Hotel and wandered around the cute, little port town.

On the third day of our trip, we took a train to Portland, Oregon to visit family! As we were waiting to board the train in Seattle, it started snowing! The further south we traveled, the more snow there was! By the time we arrived in Portland, it was a winter wonderland! We walked around the cutest neighborhood, warmed up with some tea at Tea Bar and ate the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever at a local market called, P's & Q's Market! When the ice started melting off the roads, we decided to take a risk and head to the mountains to Multnomah Falls! It was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

This trip was such a dream, and it really is true what they say, "Northwest is best!" I am so excited about all of my upcoming travels this year! Stay tuned!


xo,

Haley

Hello 2016!

2015. It's been a good year. Full of lots of highs and lows along the way. Looking back at this year, I can definitely say that God has been so faithful. He never fails. He meets me right where I'm at, in every joy and hardship. My heart is full of hope for the next year and season of life. I am so expectant that Jesus is going to move and stir and refresh and transform in 2016! Not only that, but there is also going to be some exciting adventures and travels as well! Stay tuned!

I'm ready for you, 2016!

I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favorites, C.S. Lewis - "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Eve.

Well, it's Christmas Eve! Where did the time go? This week has been such a sweet time with family. I've watched my fair share of Hallmark Christmas movies and eaten wayyy too many cookies that my grandmother has stashed away. All of eleven of us are finally together in the house and there's lots of laughter and cheesy jokes being shared. Really thankful to be surrounded by such an amazing family. People who lift each other up, and who, even when they've seen you at your worst,  can love you even more deeply. Most importantly, I'm thankful for my King, Jesus. So holy, yet so vulnerable, when He was born into this world. The perfect and complete image of love. 

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas.

Worth Your Weight

More and more lately, I have found myself thinking about my weight and asking myself the question, "Am I thin enough?" I've been drawn to my waistline, at times feeling proud, but then immediately respond with, "Well, I'm not quite there yet." I've made excuses when coworkers have asked me about my weight loss. I've even convinced myself to wait "just a little longer" in between meal times. I haven't been starving myself, by any means, but I've noticed the change. My focus has shifted. I've become more concerned about my physical weight and appearance rather than that of my inward appearance, the part that only God can see.

Today, God placed some questions on my heart. 

What do I weigh in Spiritual terms?

What impact am I making in the Kingdom of God?

Is it true that more mass equals a greater impact? Well, if that's the case, then I want to have a great weight in the Kingdom. The weight that is strong, firm, and boldly goes forth; the kind that pushes down obstacles and overcomes the most difficult mountains in life. I want to carry the weight that Jesus promises us, when He says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30). I want to be free of the weight that so easily entangles.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1

I pray that you aren't struggling with insecurities about your weight and body, but if you are, I encourage you to put on the belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:10-17). Truth fits like a glove. Truth breaks lies, but those who are scared of it never find it. 

So, what are you worth in the Kingdom? You have been bought with a price. You are adopted into the family of God. You are worth far more than your weight in gold and you are so worth loving. 

Written by: Hosanna Joy

Photos: Haley Campbell