Self-absorbed

How many times do we say hi and make small talk with the same person but never taking the time to really get to know him or her, ask deeper questions, see if there's anything that they need?

How many times do we walk past people who look like they need help, thinking we are too busy and don't have the time to stop, or that someone else will help them?

I've been so exhausted these past few weeks trying to juggle work, church, meetings in preparation for gospel camp labor day weekend, helping people with requests, spending time with friends, family, boyfriend. On certain days, I'm so stressed and caught up in things I have to do that I can't even think about other people. I think God has recently been reminding me that we need to look around and make ourselves available to those in need, whether it's someone we know or a stranger. This past Sunday at church, I had 30 minutes to eat lunch, chat with moms, friends, acquaintances, finish helping a sister with a document, find all the girls that I was going to take out for ice cream after church. How am I supposed to have fellowship if I give each person 2 minutes then have to run and talk to someone else? I look around the church and realize that everyone always talks to the same people, about the same superficial topics. When are we going to realize that there are other people besides our small circle, that we should be willing to take the time to reach out to someone we don't already know? It amazes me that we can see the same people every week but know nothing about them, and not really caring because we're so busy with our own lives.

Last week, I saw two girls crying on separate occasions, strangers whom I didn't know. I thought about going over and just asking if they're okay, but thought that they probably didn't want to be bothered and I'd be intrusive. If I don't even do anything about the opportunities that I actually SEE, I seriously wonder how many opportunities I just let go by because I'm so absorbed in my little world.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. There is so much need in this world. We need to do our share of the work instead of just waiting for someone else to pick up the slack. How can we as Christians receive so much undeserved love from our Father and not want to share it with as many people as possible? Love someone - make yourself available to them, not just when it's convenient or with the bare minimum, give abundantly and freely without expectation - love someone with the love you have been shown through Christ.

My First Visit to the High Line

Who would have thought - an elevated park in the middle of the city built from abandoned railroad tracks? Only in Manhattan :)

It was surprisingly peaceful and scenic - even though there were a lot of people





















































Chairs for tanning??!! Pretty amazing .... oh and some of them have wheels on the bottom so you can move them to get optimum sun exposure, hahaha

























































Area where you can sit and watch the traffic down below - creative










































































Can't wait till the rest of the high line is finished! It's gorgeous - highly recommended :)

Lisa's Bridal Shower

I went to Lisa's surprise bridal shower a couple of weeks ago. It was seriously THE nicest, most sophisticated bridal shower I've ever been to. The venue is an art studio that rents out the space for private parties - it's a fancy afternoon tea party! The planning that went into it was unbelievable. They had videos of her fiance saying something nice to Lisa and answering questions for the newlywed game.



















Not only did we enjoy a beautiful bridal shower hosted by the bridesmaids, we also got gifts!

















Picture collage










































































My table








































Yum! I love tea parties!























Watching Lisa open presents



































The bride to be with a homemade veil / hat