Thoughts

YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE 3 INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

March 06, 2017

I love the Instagram community. I love seeing what other people are making, creating, and sharing with others. I could spend embarrassingly too long looking at these beautiful feeds. Here are 3 of my favourite accounts!
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Cara Loren  is a fashion entrepreneur and beauty blogger. She posts photos of her outfits, where she travels to, workout videos and her adorable family. Cara Loren can easily take the title of "mom goals". 



Toronto based photographer, Jeff Isy posts beautifully crafted and creative photos that often have a focus on the models eyes. He started off shooting in high school and has since become a professional. 


If you've seen a photo on Instagram with lots of bokeh and fairy lights, chances are the photo was taken by none other than Brandon Woelfel. I still can't figure out how he creates this magic. 

These are just 3 of my favourite accounts that I follow. If you like this post, comment below or on my Instagram and I'd be glad to do another! There are thousands of fabulous accounts that need to be seen! 


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DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

February 27, 2017

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I heard a great message this week that went something like this...

Discontentment is like a mirage in the desert that leads us on an endless search to quench our thirst. A thirst that will never be satisfied by earthly things.

           "Content makes poor men rich;
                    discontent makes rich men poor."
                          - Benjamin Franklin

Be content whatever your circumstances. You are where you are right now for a reason (aka God wants you to be here.) So rejoice!

We are in the top 5% of the wealthiest people in the world yet we complain the most about what we don't have. What is with Western society?!

We need much less than we think we need.

Focus on your connection with Jesus and you will have peace not anxiousness. Simple belief in the Gospel will establish a connection but discipline and obedience will grow the connection stronger and in return take away the aching in your heart. A connection with Jesus is truly the only thing that satisfies. It is truly the only thing that will quench your thirst and end the search.

Don't let self sufficiency and pride take over. Develop a meaningful prayer life. Our strength comes from the Lord. The aim of life is to be more connected with Christ and to therefore become more like him.

         "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; 
               I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
                    - John 10:10

This is my life verse and it applies to so many things; like the topic of discontentment. The thief puts these sinful desires in our hearts to always be jealous and want more. To never be happy with what we have. Don't let him rob you from living an abundant life. 

Cling to Jesus.





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SUMMER DAYZ

June 18, 2016
What is going on?! Two more days left of high school?!! I can't believe it's already over! They weren't kidding when they said it would go by fast!

In fact....dang....four years are over just like that! I'm turning 18 very soon so my childhood is over! And in just over 10 years I'll be 30! I mean 30 isn't old but if I live to be 90 that's a third of my life over! 

Ok hold up. I know, I know *breathe*

Hi I'm back! I haven't blogged in a while because sometimes I get really down about my work. I'm a perfectionist and I'm always comparing my blog to other peoples blogs and...well...I need to stop that. But I'm blogging again and this is the first summer in a while that I'll be home. So I plan to rock the blog thing. 

The sisters and I have been up to some photo shoots and what not so here is a look at some of those photos. 

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So whether or not you like my blog I'm going to keep doing it. I love what I do and I'm passionate about it too. There will be plenty more shoots this summer so stay tuned if you want :)

Life goes by fast. Live abundantly. 

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S E C O N D BLOG-AVERSARY!

February 14, 2016

It was a super spontaneous idea to start this blog two years ago today but I've kept with it. I love being able to have a project that I am constantly working on and improving. It has been so much fun to share the things that inspire me, with you. Looking forward to many more years of blogging ahead of me. Thanks for all your support. 

I spent this past weekend at a youth retreat with my church youth group. It was a blast! Here are just a few things I wrote in my notebook this weekend from the sessions:
  • The fight is not to change the circumstance but the fight is to see Jesus because in the midst of the circumstance He brings peace. 
  • The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord because He is infinitely greater than any earthly thing. 
  • Brokenness, anxiety, fear and shame keep us from experiencing God''s purpose for our lives. But Jesus shuts up those voices in our head when we truly put Him first in our lives. 
  • If you don't first come to Jesus as your king, you can't come to Him as your healer. 
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

{Philippians 4:4-7}

On Saturday my friend Kate and I went on a very chilly photo shoot. It was -40°c but we're photographers....so we'll practically do anything for a good shot. 

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@kateebartley

Quick look at the worship room from one of the sessions. 


I thank God that I am able to share about Him with you through this blog. 

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! <3 

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8 FAVOURITE PINS RIGHT NOW

February 07, 2016

Here is a look at eight of my favourite pins right now from Pinterest. Definitely get the summer vibes from looking at these. They are sure keeping me sane this Winter. Even though it's actually been a pretty green one for the most part. 133 days until Summer!

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If only... by The Surf Culture


Live Abundantly by Odyssey

Breakfast by Sjana Earp

Self publish your own zine! by Free People

Happy Feet by Sundance Beach

Skater Girl by Nordstrom

Breakfast of Champions by Sjana Earp

Lokai Bracelets by Shoptiques


By the way, check out this awesome look book by my amazing friend Princess Zoe. 
This girl is on fire.



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NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

January 04, 2016
Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it's 2016! Where has the time gone? The fam jam and I just got back from a vacation to North Myrtle Beach. It was gorgeous and we sure lucked out on the weather! Here are just a few photos from our time there. 

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Ryder...he's a strange dog....

Flaming Amy's Burrito Bar! Great Mexican food. 



Loved having the beach as our backyard for the week. 


Downtown Wilmington, NC

Sparklers on the beach!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2016. Don't be afraid to set goals. We have a fresh start. A new chance. I pray that you don't waste this opportunity and that this year (if you haven't already) start living your life to the full. You are capable of so much more than you believe and give yourself credit for. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10 


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FARMERS MARKET

November 22, 2015
Going to the farmers market on the weekend is one of our favourite things to do. Especially this time of year. The abundance of fresh food and the bright colours are so inspiring. 

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The best part of our trip to the market this time was meeting Maria. I had seen her last year selling her grapes and admired the character in her hands and the cheerfulness she had about her job.

Last years photo.
This year we stopped to talk to her and find out a little about her. We told her she was beautiful and her hands are too. She asked us to touch them and feel how rough and calloused they are from years of hard work. 





She found it funny that we thought she was so beautiful but she posed for a picture anyways. 
Try to talk to as many people as you can. It can be scary to step out of your comfort zone but there are so many interesting stories to hear. You can learn something from everyone. 

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LAKE PLACID

September 19, 2015

Hey! Hope you all have had a great summer! I know I sure did. 
Sorry for not posting anything for almost 3 months. I was away working at a camp all summer (except for this one week) and had no access to a computer the whole time. I'm back now and here are some photos of my trip to Lake Placid, New York! 

We had this great idea to roll into town and conquer hiking the highest peak in all of New York state the very next day. 

Look out Mt. Marcy!

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Our trek started out with a 5:30am wake up call and then a drive to the Adirondack Hiking Lodge to start hiking at 6:30am. There were 9 of us on this expedition and we were moving at a fast steady pace.  




Indian Falls



We had great weather for the first 3.5 hours however the last half an hour push to the top was a struggle. As soon as we came above the tree lines the rain came down on us. The cold wind picked up and we were certainly disappointed when we made it to the summit around 10:30am and we had no view.  



I'm at the top of a mountain! Can you tell?



Just when we'd almost given up hope the clouds started to blow over and....

...the most gorgeous view appeared before our eyes. 





Stopped at Indian Falls on the way down. 


C O N Q U E R E D
28km - 5344ft - 9 hours and 39 minutes - through wind, rain and sun

With one day of rest in between we set out to hike Avalanche Pass. 



Apparently I'm the only one that packs a dress in my hiking bag for a photo shoot. 

Climbing up cliffs for good shots.










Lake Placid is such a diamond in the rough kind of place. A great spot for all of you outdoors and nature minded folks; and for those looking for a great adventure. 

Live life to the fullest. 
{John 10:10}
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SPRING FLOWERS LOOKBOOK

May 17, 2015

It's Spring Again
By Ilo Orleans

It's good to be back
At the soil again;
Out in the garden
To toil again.

It's good to plant
And to sow again;
To dig and to rake
And to hoe again.

A song of joy
I sing again,
Because today,
It's spring again.

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 All photos are taken by me.
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"BLOG-AVERSARY"

February 14, 2015

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you have had a great day with your special someone or any other loved ones!

Today also happens to be the day I launched my blog one year ago! Its Abundant Life's "blog-aversary"!
I have loved learning how to blog and try out new things. 
I have loved having a way to share my ideas and other neat projects and finds. 
I have loved practicing photography too. 

I have been so inspired by reading other blogs and by learning to be a better blogger myself. 

I am so excited to continue this journey and I look forward to the blogging days ahead!

I hope that you have enjoyed reading and seeing my inspiration.

If you have any requests for future posts please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

Happy Valentines Day! 
Enjoy these pictures from a spontaneous celebratory photo shoot today.

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P.S. My boots are called Yarissa from Call It Spring

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8 FAVOURITE PINS RIGHT NOW

January 08, 2015


I'm feeling very inspired by these colourful pins! I hope they inspire you too. Enjoy!

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Let's be adventurers by Jenna Kutcher
Curated by Michael Paul Young

Work space by D E S I G N L O V E F E S T
Outfit by Stylish Petite
The future is bright by Cat Coquillette
by Charlotte Love
by Old Brand New
Colour Morphology

You can follow Abundant Life on pinterest here!

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CHEERS 2K15

January 01, 2015
Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's already 2015. This past year has just flown by and has been jam packed full of crazy adventures, new friends and lots of fun! 

Some highlights from this year:
  • I started this blog! 
  • Went to Montreal. 
  • My sister graduated grade 8 as valedictorian.
  • Was a camp counselor at an overnight summer camp.
  • Got my G1. 
  • Moved to a new city, two hours away.
  • Made the field hockey team at my new highschool (which is one of the oldest in Canada).
  • Won a photo contest.
  • Currently an assistant coach for a peewee girls hockey team.
  • Kept my 2014 new years resolution!  
Look back on this year:


Montreal.

Flying high on the giant swing.


Hockey tournament with my girls.



Let's see how close we can get to the train!


Montreal is beautiful!


New found love.



It's pretty cool to play on the same team as your sister.





Winning photo in a photo contest for conservation areas near me.

Got up at 5:30am to jump off the dock as the sun came up.


Local farmers market.


Youngest sister looking like a boss.

New school!
Sunrise after sleeping out in the hills at camp.
Scoping out photo shoot spots in our new city.

Niagara Falls trip on the weekend with camp staff.


This past year I have officially kept a New Years resolution! I can't believe I actually did it! 

My resolution was to write out on a little piece of paper with the date on the top, what I did every day. I have 365 little pieces of paper now that tell the story of 2014! I am so thrilled and I loved reading them all and seeing how God has been present in my year. Seeing the prayer requests he's answered and how you may be really upset that what you wanted didn't work out but really he has something much bigger in store. 


This year has been amazing! I've certainly learned to trust God with every aspect of my life because His plans for me are better than I can dream of. I've also learned more names this past year than I ever have in my entire life! 

Goals for this year:
  • Get better at blogging and photography. 
  • Have a set schedule for blog posts. 
  • Be in the word every day; praying and memorizing as much scripture as I can. 
  • Eat healthy (who doesn't have this goal?)
What goals or resolutions do you have for this year? I hope you had a great 2014! What were some highlights? I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers 2k15! I hope you're a good one. 

CANADIAN THANKSGIVING

October 13, 2014
Celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with the family. Not much for today, I just have a thought for you to chew on. 
What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for yesterday? 
Enjoy the pictures!
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Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

P.S. The Abundant Life Blog now has instagram! Follow for daily inspiration @abundantlifeblog


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SEASONS CHANGE

September 11, 2014
64 seasons, 16 years, 10 houses, 6 schools

1 God

Just like the seasons change outside so do the seasons change in our lives. 

Recently, my family and I made a big move. It meant a change of everything. It definitely was not easy and it still isn't. But through it I'm learning to put my full trust in God. I'm learning that God has a plan for each and every one of us; so big it's hard to imagine. However, that plan can only be carried out if we let him use us. If we put everything on the line for him. 

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11

We are the hands and feet of Christ and we need to go wherever he calls us to go. He will not give us more than we can handle and he will never, ever leave us. Even though nothing is constant in this life he will always remain constant.

He is my rock. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all yours submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
~ Proverbs 3:5-6

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P.S. To all my friends I left behind. Just because the summer fades into autumn, it doesn't mean the summer is gone forever.

               


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MAY 15

May 15, 2014
May 15th is my favourite day! Its really hard to explain why... it simply just is. No one really seems to understand why so, I wrote a short story to try and explain to you all :) Hope you find or have a fave day too!




Anticipating the ‘Importance of Colour’ and the ‘Power of Words' 
She fell asleep listening to the sound of the rain. Her classic novel was slowly falling from her grip. The warm glow of the sunshine gently danced across her face. Daintily, her eyes fluttered open and her lips broke into a blissful smile, today was the day. It was May 15th. She had loved it ever since she was a child however she could never explain why. Today, for everyone else was just another normal day but for her it felt as though she had sprouted wings and could fly away. Although one question lay in the back of her mind, a feeling she could not shake; was it possible to slow down and breathe in the wonderfulness of a day when the rest of society rushes though life without stopping to think just how lucky they are?
*** Information for the reader ***
It could be perhaps that she sees the world in colours and today is the most beautiful of them all. Light purple and pastel green to be exact. Or it could be that it reminds her of her childhood. Growing up exploring castles does give one a rather romantic youth. The Scottish countryside during May is the best time of the year however it does not explain the origins of the number “15”. Imaginably it must be a rather purple colour.
Regardless, she hopped out of bed and with a spring in her step floated across her room to gaze out of the window. The remains of a thunderstorm grumbled in the distance but the sun lit up the other half of the sky creating a contrast you don’t typically find in a sky. The grass was sprinkled in rain drops and held a brilliant green colour. The whole world seemed brighter today however it could just be that today was her favourite day. She got ready for highschool and left her house at her same time she does every morning. The breeze smelled like lilacs and whispered sweet nothings in her ear as she walked along. Her first three classes of the day were as usual: vocals, english, andfrench, very much to her taste. The world seemed grey though the students’ eyes as they trudged through the halls with their heads down.  She stuck out like a candle in the night. Her presence lit up a room and her smile lifted spirits. Her laughter sounds as though someone had cut up the stars into thousands of little pieces and showered them upon the earth. She was different than the rest. She intended to make everyone feel what she felt because she lived in the light and knew that it brought life. Today was not her birthday or the anniversary of a special event. Today was just simply, her favourite day. She spent lunch with her bestfriend. They had been friends for forever and together were explorers, daring and brave.  He loved her amicable demeanor and spontaneous spirit. He had something very special for her to make her day even that much better. Friends are like that. Though, before they continued he had to ask her an important question.
*** A conversation between two bosom friends***
“Today is your favourite day” he suggested but already knew the answer.
She cocked her head and her eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement.
“Yes it is” she teased back.
“Well then, I have something I must ask you.”
She leaned forward as though she might take flight. Hanging on his every word, urging him to continue.
“Shall we have an adventure?”



DEAR LITTLE SISTER...

March 26, 2014
Dear little sister, today you turn eleven.

You have faced your fair share of adversities for your young age, but you handle them with ease. You are strong and confident and beautiful. 
I remember what it was like at your age and I can tell you that it does not get easier from here. The next years of your life are going to be tough but I know that you'll be just fine. My prayer for you is that you don't give in to the ways of this world. Don't get lost in the sea of grey, swept away by the current. You are strong and confident and beautiful.
Trust in God and rely on him. Despite what you may think he knows what is best for you, always! Don't try to fill the God sized hole in your heart with anything else but Him. 
Continue to have faith like a child. You are strong and confident and beautiful. You inspire me everyday. You have a great sense of humour and you're always up to something. You make me laugh so hard I cry! You have so much going for you Hun'! Whenever you need anything I'll be right there for you! I will be right beside you through every stage of your life. Don't grow up too fast! You are strong and confident and beautiful. 

Dear little sister, today you turn eleven.
Enjoy it!
Love, your big sister <3 

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TEA PARTY

March 25, 2014
       

 
         

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In an attempt to encourage spring along and spend some girl time together the ladies and I decided to throw a tea party.
Tea parties are basically the most classic activity for you and your girlfriends; wear your fancy dresses and BYOTC (bring your own tea cup). Lots of fun for the spring or summer. Set up a photobooth and take some crazy pics! 
While you're at it, try out these great types of loose leaf tea, courtesy of Simply Tea and Chocolates. 
Loose leaf tea is better for you than the big name brand teas and the quality is higher! 

Hope you enjoy your tea party!

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WINTER BLUES

February 27, 2014

February is that time of year when people seem to catch the winter blues. Its hard to see the beauty of the snow and cold when its been around far longer then we would like. 

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Spring will come soon enough so try to live in the moment and enjoy the little things.



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BLOG LAUNCH

February 14, 2014
                                                                                 



                                                     
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Today is the launch of my blog and I am so excited to share with you all of the crazy ideas I have swirling around in my head. On this blog you can expect to find scattered pieces of my life, health food recipes, fitness inspiration, music covers, some handy DIY’s, and all the lessons God is teaching me.


I have been praying about the launch of this blog and the ministry I might have through it for a while now and I hope that what God is teaching me will inspire you to live a more abundant life.







P.S Happy Valentine`s Day! 

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