I'm going to college!

Long time no blog, but I am SO excited to announce that I will be attending Auburn University this fall!! (yes this kind of news calls for multiple exclamation points). I am so excited and relieved that the college decision process is over. As I soon enter this next chapter, I plan on sharing more of my experiences and tips for senior year on my blog.

This past weekend I visited Auburn for the second time and fell even more in love (if that’s even possible). Most of our trip was spent hoping from apartment complex to apartment complex but I wanted to share a little about my trip today!

After an 7 hour drive, we arrived in Auburn on Saturday around noon. We enjoyed an adorable and tasty lunch at Crepe Mertyle Cafe. I ordered a roasted vegetable with basil pesto crepe which was delicious. Attached to the cafe is a fresh produce market that is also adorable. 

Like I said, Saturday was spent looking a (what felt like) hundreds of apartments. Saturday night my family and I had reservations to Amsterdam Cafe. I kid you not, I have been dreaming about this fried green tomato BLT ever since I visit Auburn for the first time back in April. After months of anticipation, it definitely lived up to my high expectations!

On Sunday morning, my family joined another family who lives in Auburn for coffee at Mama Mocha’s which is my new favorite coffee shop. If y’all don't know, I am a coffee fein and love finding new coffee shops. I was so excited to find Mama Mocha’s because it reminds me a lot of a coffee shop here in Florida that my friends and I often go to. 

After coffee, we all headed to the Church of the Highlands. All I have to say is wow. At this point in the trip, I knew Auburn was where I wanted to be but after this service I knew Auburn was where God wanted me to be. During the worship, God just made it so clear that this where I was supposed to be. It was truly amazing!

Then later on Sunday, we ventured out to Opelika which is like a sister city to Auburn. Here I found another one of my new favorite place. It’s called the Overall Company and it’s the cutest. We snacked on a salted caramel brownie, lemonade basil popsicle, and a cookies and creme popsicle for dessert. Between these sweet treats and the artsy feel, I can tell I am going to be a regular here come fall.

Monday was our last day in Auburn. I started the morning off, again at Mama Mocha’s, by having coffee with someone I met through the Auburn Class of 2019 Facebook page. I was so happy I got the chance to meet someone while I was in Auburn. Meeting new people is definitely one of the things I am most looking forward to while in college.

Most of the morning and early afternoon on Monday was spent on campus which I loved. We met with two different advisors and took a campus tour and took a TON (and I’m not being dramatic when I say a ton) of pictures. And you can’t visit Auburn with stopping at Toomer’s Corner for the ever so famous and delicious lemonade!

Well, I know this was a long post but thanks for sticking with me. I had an amazing visit this weekend and am looking forward for many more adventures in Auburn. It’s a good thing that Auburn has one of top ranked gym/rec centers in the country because will all these good places to eat, I’m going to need it! I am so excited to be heading to Auburn this fall and cannot wait to see how God uses me while I am there. If you are an Auburn alumni or starting this fall, I would love to talk and war eagle!

life is crazy

Hello y’all! I want to first start out by saying, I apologize for my absence. To say it’s been a crazy week would be an understatement. I finally had time to log into my Monogrammed Madison Instagram account last night, after a week hiatus, and was so surprised to see so many people left comments or direct messaged me with kind words and asking if everything was okay.

Today, I wanted to share about the crazy week I had. Last week was one of the most stressful yet rewarding weeks of my life. I really wrestled with some things but with the strength of God and encouragement of my friends, I made it through.

Last weekend while at a lock in type conference event at my church, I received heartbreaking news that Friday night a sophomore at my high school had committed suicide. Although I did not personally know him, I began to weep and thoughts filled my mind.

While talking with an adult leader and a close friend who also goes to my high school, I realized just how meaningful my faith is to me. This boy, Vance, at my school must have felt so hopeless that he saw ending his own life as the only option.

My hope comes from Jesus and Jesus alone. I realized that keeping my source of hope to myself and not sharing it with others is selfish. Often times I think sharing Jesus with others might offend someone or isn’t really necessary, but through this tragic event, it was made evident to me that sharing Jesus is not only okay but needed. We live in a broken world and everyone is searching for hope.

Throughout the week, my mind kept thinking about Vance and his family. I continually was praying for his friends and family. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

On Wednesday, my family welcomed my new baby cousin, Michael McKinley Isaac, into the world. It was so amazing to be one of the first people to see him and hold him. When looking at Michael, I couldn’t help but think about all that is to come for him. He could grow up to be a doctor, a football player, an artist, or anything he wants to be which I just think is really cool.

Like I said before, this week has been a stressful week for me. Between coping with a loss, spending lots of time with my precious cousin, and balancing school, I have been very busy. But over the past few days I have spent a lot of time talking with my friends, not about trivial things but deep, real life problems.

I’ve been reminder just how alike we all are. We are all trying really hard at this thing called life but at times just don’t feel good enough. We all want to be loved. We all face tough times. We all want to have something to believe in.

On this Monday morning, I just want to tell you that you are awesome! I know you’re trying really hard and your hard work will pay off one day. No matter how bad things seem, they probably aren’t as bad as they could be. Never forget how much your friends and family care about you and most importantly, how much God loves you- no matter what.

Life is fragile and you never know when it’s going to end. Life is also an opportunity to do great things. Today I encourage to try that thing you’ve always wanted to try, tell the people you care about that you love them, and focus on what’s really important. Happy Monday!

Please keep the Sanders family and the students at my high school in your prayers during this difficult time.

Making Time for God

For months I have been thinking about doing a post sharing my tips for making time for God. Then while watching the Passion live streaming online event a few weeks ago, it hit me that we shouldn't have to make time- rather want to spend time with God.

The message I watched online from Passion 2015 was centered on fighting for focus in our relationship with Christ. The speaker, Francis Chan, said that our multitasking is keeping us from whole-hearted worship. I related with this statement because often times my time spent with God is interfered with a notification on my phone or me thinking about all the other things I need to get done.

 Francis Chan then referenced 1 Peter 4:7 which says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Wow that verse is like a punch in the gut. I will be completely honest with you, I do not pray nearly as much as I should. As difficult as it is, we need to keep our minds decluttered and have a clear mind.

Lastly, he urged us of how important prayer is. The absence of prayer keeps us from fully knowing God. I know how difficult it is to continually pray. I notice that I pray the most when I’m struggling the most. I should be praying both during the trials and victories.

He finished the message by reminding us that there is a greater reality and that all we see is temporal- there is much more. I’ve heard this a million times (and do believe it), but sometimes let the shiny things of this world distract me.

In the upcoming days and weeks, I am going to fight for focus. Spending time with God is not just a chore or something I need to do, but a gift and something I want to do. The way I view prayer has changed. I hope that this change in perspective can help me grow closer to God.

 

I pray that we can all take the time to spend with God because it’s a privilege that we over look every day. Like how cool is it that we can have (and God wants us to) have a personal relationship with him?!

Again, this post was just my notes from the message I watched from Passion 2015 online. Here is a link to the message by Francis Chan I was watching (link). It’s about 45 minutes but really encouraging. If you watch it, let me know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check me out on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison.

new semester, new habits

Back to school and back to real life. Yesterday night I spent the night nostalgically looking through pictures and reminiscing the memories of winter break. My month long break consisted of lots of laughs, fun afternoons with friends, family time, and lots of delicious food.

As sad as it is to say good bye to sleeping in, I am excited for the semester to start. This is my final semester of high school which means graduation is just around the corner!

Today I wanted to share a few of my new semester resolutions.

{being present}

Of course attendance is one of the most important keys to success in school, but for this resolution I don’t just mean attend class. This semester I’m going to strive to be present while in class which means no phone, no non-school related activity on my laptop, and no distractions.

{ask questions}

I typically am that student who rushes out of class as soon as class is dismissed. This semester I want to be more involved in my class by asking questions and visiting my professors during their office hours.

{study earlier}

I don’t know if it’s just me but I always feel like tests creep up on me. I am understanding the material and then bam the teacher announces a test next class and I have six chapters worth of material to review. This semester I am going to tweak my study habits and begin studying earlier for tests.

{stay active}

Both physically and academically. Although it can be difficult, this semester I am making staying active and going to the gym regularly a priority. Working out is such a stress reliever and is obviously good for your health. I also want to stay academically active by attending tutoring and workshop to help me succeed in my classes.

 

{finish strong}

Like I said, graduation is just a few months away and I have a feeling senoritis will be tempting me lots this semester. I am going to stay focused and try to finish strong.

Well, those are my new semester resolutions. I would love for you to comment below your resolutions for this semester. Best of luck to everyone starting back classes this week!

Madison at the Market

 

With nice weather, a orning spent at the Saturday morning market downtown only seemed appropriate. My friends Maddy and Celene joined me as we strolled by over 200 vendors. The market is home to such diverse fresh produce, prepared foods, and miscellaneous crafty items.

 

Cold weather means wearing my favorite new sweater
with my go-to plaid scarf and riding boots.

 

I love buying locally. Not only is it much more fun than shopping at a boring grocery store, the produce is much fresher and often is cheaper. Yesterday I picked up a few of my favorites like a pineapple and a couple of mangos.

 

 

Like I said, there are lots of vendors at the market. My favorite thing about the market is all the food you can eat while you are there. From wood fire pizza to fresh empanadas to assorted Greek food to (my favorite) Cuban food, there is too much to choose from. We went early to the market so I wasn’t hungry for lunch yet but couldn’t resist the delicious black beans and rice. I also tried fresh squeezed orange juice and then snacked on some kettle corn. Just now realizing what a weird combination all that is, I wasn’t eating all of that at one time (haha!).

 

After leaving the market, we walked down by the water and chatted as we hung our feet off of the sea wall (and took lots of pictures). Yesterday was such a care-free and fun day. We ate lots and laughed lots, what's better than that.

Tea with the Happy Prepster

Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to meet the face behind the Happy Prepster, Ali. I was beyond excited to finally meet the brilliant and creative mind that created the monthly scripture cards I have been receiving for months.

 

We met at the much loved Oxford Exchange for afternoon tea. We replaced typical tea-time small talk for conversations about our daily lives, college decisions, our future plans, and even dove into our journeys with Christ.

 

 

It was so refreshing to spend time with someone who completely understands what it’s like to juggle a million things. Ali keeps busy with her demanding school schedule, her successful (and adorable) etsy shop, her encouraging monthly scripture cards (that you need to sign up for because they are amazing), her totally relatable blog, and even has time for a social life. Our crazy schedules made finding a time to meet up a tad difficult, but I am so glad it finally worked out.

I couldn’t help but smile from the moment we sat down because I realized, thanks to the little blog I launched over the summer, I was now enjoying tea with someone I probably never would have meet. Someone who shares so much in common with me (including coordinating Lilly phone cases and planners), has a heart focused on God, and is so sweet. This probably sounds a little sappy considering it was only the first time we had met “in real life,” but it was so nice to finally chat in person, not through a keyboard, with Ali. I am excited to see how our friendship transitions from solely blogger friends to being “real life” friends too.
 

If y’all don’t follow on Ali on Instagram, @thehappyprepster, you definitely need to do that. Also, check out her etsy shop and be sure to sign up for her monthly scripture cards.
 

An #ootd because I'm loving this "winter" weather in Florida
and this brick road was perfect for a picture.

 

Thank you for reading this post. I am so grateful for all of my readers/followers, without your support I wouldn’t have the opportunity to reach such a wide audience and meet (virtually and in real life) wonderful people like yourself.

 

 

why I blog?

Many of mornings, afternoons, or late nights are spent
with some hot tea and my laptop, but why?

 

Often times when people find out that I have a blog the first thing they ask is why? I have never really been able to give an answer of much more than “because it’s fun.”

 

I initially started my blog to be fashion centered, but quickly realized that having a fashion blog means needing someone to take pictures of you and requires a lot of planning. Since launching in July, my blog has morphed into, what I believe is called, a lifestyle blog. I use my blog to share about my adventures, my aspirations, and the lessons I have learned.

 

Personally, lifestyle blogs have always been my favorite to read. I love reading about how people spend their days, how they view certain topics, and especial love posts about things they have learned. Back before I launched my blog, I was kind of in awe of people who had lifestyle blogs. I thought it must be really cool to live a life that is so exciting that you can write about it day in and day out.

 

Like I said, my blog was started as a fashion blog. I love clothes and many people compliment me on my style, so I thought that fashion would be my blogging niche. As I continued to blog, I quickly was made aware of just how saturated the blogging world is with young girls and fashion blogs. I also realized that I don’t really have a heart for fashion. While I do love planning outfits and shopping, I don’t necessarily have a passion for fashion.  

 

Once realizing that fashion blogging wasn’t really for me, I just began to write about the things that make me happy. Some of my favorite (and most popular posts) have been the ones where I just grabbed my laptop, headed to a coffee shop, and wrote about what was on my mind.

 

I have come to recognize that even though my life at times seems a little mundane compared to some lifestyle bloggers who travel the world and what not, my life is a gift and is filled with amazing experiences and people. That is why I blog. I blog to share how great life is, not just my life but all of our lives. I blog to share the little things I have discovered in my short seventeen years of living. I blog to share my love of God, going to brunch, and spending time with people that make laugh. I hope my blog inspires people to find the pleasure in the ordinary.