hawaii | one month down

And many more to come.  I've been here a month and it's been a challenge, but a good one.  It has also been a fun adventure of hiking, swimming and exploring.  I've met cool new people, but I miss the old and constant.  I have explored remarkable mountains, but crave the hills of home.  

But remembering, thanks to a lovely note from Jen friend:

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.  I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."  Psalm 16: 5-9

nashville

fun areas to live:

- 12 south 

     steven foster apt: unique and cute
- belmont
- hillsboro
- sylvan park

- green hills
- west end 

     chowning square apt: huge | best for 3 room/ppl | right next to bus stop (which is free for vandy staff)  i live here and LOVE it!

- east nashville

     a little further away, but it has a ton of character if that is something you are looking for

coffee shops:

we have a lot of independent coffee venues in town.  most notable are fido, bongo java, and crema.  if you prefer starbucks, you won't have to look far.  they are everywhere.  also, if you prefer to make your own, a great local roaster is drew's brews (found in many stores here, and DELICIOUS).

eat your way through town:

- 12 south: tap room, burger up, edley's bbq, las paletas

- hillsboro village: fido, jackson's, boscos, pancake pantry, dog of nashville, zuma (sushi)

- sylvan park: local taco, star bagel, sylvan park restaurant (meat + 3)

- east nashville: marche, silly goose

- other: samurai sushi, baja burrito, woodlands indian, calypso cafe, kalamatas, loveless cafe, etc.

beer:

12 south tap room | yazoo brewery | jackalope brewery (started by two vandy students) | blackstone brewery, boscos

parks + hiking:

- radnor lake, percy warner park, edwin warner park, centennial park, richland creek greenway, to name a few.

music is everywhere:

mercy lounge, the basement, and the ryman are all great places to see a show.

this is by no means a comprehensive list, but it's a starting point!  hope you all enjoy this town!  i know i do!

you're beautiful

nature has always been a source of awe and inspiration in my life.  it's the place i see and experience God most clearly.  if that experience were able to move from my heart to a song, this would be it.

take heart

John 16:33 (NIV)


“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


I was reminded of this verse Thursday night when I went to see Hillsong at Lipscomb with the Medders and Jules.  It is so powerful and so encouraging!  It doesn't promise ease in this life, but it does promise peace through Jesus.  Triumph!  Victory!  More simply put...Love.

love created me: to relate

I am so thankful for these ladies. Each different. Each strong. Each vulnerable. Each loving. Each willing to share these pieces of themselves with the other.  Each part to form a whole. 

ooooh, i like you....

bind my wandering heart to thee

oldie but goodie. the perfect prayer for today. thank you, sufjan, for the reminder.



lyrics:

Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.