Oak Trees and Tumbleweeds

To the boy I once loved, So I found myself thinking about you today. There are a million things I want to say to you, a thousand questions I still have that you left unanswered.  There's a part of me that yearns to know how you're doing without me considering you used to tell me you could never stand to lose me. Part of me wants to know how your sisters and parents are, if your brother is doing alright and if things with your buddy that moved in with you are working out as planned. Part of me wants to ask about your dogs and if that little mare of yours ever turned out like you had hoped. Part of me wants to know if you're still working your ass off at that job you despise because although I have come to question a lot of things about you, your work ethic will never be one of them. But then there's this other part of me; this other part that can't stand you, that doesn't want to know all the answers to the questions I just listed above, because that wou...

"In the flood or the fire, You're with me & You won't let go. " -Tenth Avenue North This past week disaster and devastation was witnessed throughout the Midwest. Fires swept across Southwest Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and the panhandle of Texas. Millions of acres, countless miles of fence, numerous homes, thousands of head of livestock, and precious lives were lost to the flames and billows of smoke. Rivers of tears have been shed, ashes have been blown across the now barren plains, calves have been orphaned, precious loved ones have been sent home to the Lord and hearts have been broken. But despite the sorrow and despair, hope is alive and well right alongside nothing less than the grace of God.  Ashland, KS -- Fall 2015  People near and far have without a second thought poured out their hearts and jumped at the opportunity to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Donations of hay, fencing supplies, water, food, shelter, medication, among va...

In case anyone was wondering, it is in fact possible to be both sassy and sweet.  So I'm just going to come right out and say it: I'm horrible at taking my own advice. I've had friends, family, and even somewhat strangers tell me I'm "wise beyond my years", I have "so much maturity" about me, I "give the best advice". Now I don't, have never, and will never (just for the record) claim to know it all. But I do think I am usually pretty good at being able to look at a situation from the outside in and if asked, give my opinion and/or solid advice on the situation just based on what I observe. Sometimes it takes a different perspective on a situation to make the best decision. Watching my best friends fall in love with the person God has set aside for them has always made my heart so happy. But I also know what they went through to get where they are now. I  have wiped tears, composed texts, rehearsed phone calls and encouraged ...