This season is incredibly busy and hectic for me. Nearly every ounce of my day is intentional. There are very few gaps of time that I can say is 'Free Time' anymore... and let me tell you, it's really not my style.

My third semester in college is nearing it's end, with working 30 hours a week, counting in homework and school projects, I spend a lot of time thinking about what I would do if I did find some free time. In the calmer months I would read a book on break at work, but I have found my self resting my head on the table where my whimsical reading material used to lie. I used to blog or take photo's on the weekend, but with finals coming up, these things are likely to be classified as irresponsible. 

The other day, I was on my way to class. I got about half way to school when I turned back. I found myself at Fellows Lake, near my house. I pulled up to the dock and then realized what I was doing. I started thinking that I should be in class, and  it's so close to finals that I'm probably going to miss something imperative... but instead, I slammed my door and ran to the end of the dock. I breathed in the splintering, ice cold air for 1... 2... 3...held and 'haaa' out. I thought. I felt like I was being held down by this routine. No room for creativity or freedom makes me feel that way, but I had to chose to over come it. I needed to accept that my "challenges" are all very minute in a world of pain and suffering. I need to chose to be filled with light and shed it. 

I ran through the trees by the lake, I prayed for refreshment and encouragement. I screamed and galloped around and then started laughing at myself...I'm sure I looked crazy, but I felt the Lord smiling down on me, because He loves me. I'm thankful for the moments of peace and happiness He can bring to you when you need them. 

It is important for you to set aside a time, at least once a week, to free yourself. I have recently began attending Hot Yoga. It's very physically challenging and difficult, but when you finish, you feel accomplished and like you've gained a little something each time. It's eighty minutes of gathering with a very diverse group of people to go through the same motions, but these same motions mean something different for each person. During these eighty minutes I find myself seeking peace of mind. I like to block out the day and focus on myself, focus on strengthening my mind, body, and spirit. 

I encourage you to find an activity, a quiet place, or a meadow to gallop in.

Free yourself from your worries and know that you are loved. 

Truly // Sarah

Adoring Autumn + Apple Cider Oatmeal Recipe

Hat/ Target, Sweater/Target, Shirt/Poler Stuff, Jeans/Levis, Socks/Target, Shoes/Target

Autumn has had me completely swept off of my feet this past month. This years' leaves have been the most vibrant I can remember. We were fortunate to get a lot of rain recently in Missouri and that must have been what contributed to the intensity and variation of the colors that painted the trees and streets. I found my self taking videos of walking down the streets on Halloween; as I walked under the different trees, the groups of leaves that had fallen would alternate color schemes, each so vibrant and enthralling. I couldn't quit thinking about how beautiful it was... I couldn't help to be extremely thankful for the beauty the Lord has surrounded me with.

Halloween was enchanting this season. It was the first one where I actually ventured through the streets solely observing. I started at the beginning of  Pickwick street, which is a street in town that has a certain unavoidable charm to it.  I grabbed a cup of home made cider from the natural and locally grown foods store on the corner and began my walk to my friends' house at the end of the street. I loved watching the kids going door to door to collect their candy that would last them for the entire year. The costumes ranged vastly, from terrifying mummy's to adorable cupcakes, they scurried through the streets with an irreplaceable and unique excitement. I reminisced my past, and walked carrying a very nostalgic, but content emotion. I remember what it was like for me as a kid on Halloween, but I am now enjoying the feeling Halloween brings as an adult. Still fun and exciting, but different. 

I hope you all had a lovely holiday, whether you were seeking thrill, trick-or-treating yourself, dressing your littles up, or enjoying being cooped up. Now we gear up for another, more significant holiday. I'm very happy to spend more time with my family this season and constantly remind myself that thankfulness isn't something that comes around once a year, but we set aside this day to enjoy our blessings in unity and love.

I made some delicious Apple Cider Oatmeal this morning, I hope that you will be able to set aside a quiet morning this week and enjoy being thankful with a bowl of warm and spicy oats in your hand and a cup of coffee in the other. 

Bring 1 cup of cider and 1 cup of water to a boil.

Throw in 2 cups of rolled oats & cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/2-1 cup of home made apple sauce.

Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon, and pecans. 

Serves two.

Vegan, Dairy free, and delicious.

Truly // Sarah