Unicornicopia

Jesus lover. Master's student. Guitar/Uke player. Dog enthusiast. Artsy picture taker. INFJ. Enneagram 9. BUT WAIT, there's more.... probably.

[allissasaurus1]

[allissasaurus1]

You dance with plates juggled high above your head. With grace and determination, you will not let them fall: Protecting those underneath your outstretched wings, So they do not have to feel the winds gusting around them. * * * Aubrey, I am in awe of the way you bear the image of God. You create an atmosphere of peace and rest for those whom you love. You are a safe haven for all who come into your presence. You love deeply, generously and genuinely. There is no friend quite like you. Thank you for inviting me into that space, time and time again— whether it's over FaceTime or all the way in Colorado. The Lord is honored that you represent Him so well. (at Colorado Springs, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btbi41_lV81/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=130pueg5hfqqz

[allissasaurus1]

Homeless men, women and children are trying to make it through one more winter. This week in Chicago, there are wind chills of up to -45* and snowfall on top of that. There are people that have been found frozen, huddled together trying to keep warm. People that we avoid on the streets and withhold compassion from. People we call “panhandlers” and “addicts” and “hobos.” People we don’t make eye contact with, let alone talk to. We condescend to them as if they are the dregs of society, when in reality, that might be us. 

How do we give these labels to people we don’t talk to? How can we determine their worth by their address-- or lack thereof. You do not know what circumstances caused this misfortune... even if it is the consequences of their own actions. You don’t get to make up someone’s motives based on seeing them for 5 seconds on the street. What can you do? Smile. Say hello. Ask their name. Talk to them. Listen to them. THESE DO NOT COST A THING. And they don’t “enable” any addiction you may be wary of. A step further: Offer a ride (if safe to do so). Buy them a meal. Buy them warm clothes. Find them resources (shelter, food pantry, shower, maybe even medical care-- you can Google most of this stuff).

Perhaps the most important thing you can do: Don’t assume their story before you know their name.

[allissasaurus1]

I'm not sure I know how to write anymore— at least not the way I used to. It's hard to sit down and write my thoughts because I don't see their value. I don't see the point. It was a way to be vulnerable and to be known, but I stopped believing that I was worth knowing.

My words used to have value to me, years ago, but I let the enemy steal it. I let him convince me that my words didn't matter— that I didn't matter. These are lies that I chose to believe, but no longer choose to live in.

Goodbye, silence.

Hello, freedom.

[unhappydiaries]

the fact that people can see me makes me kinda uncomfortable not gonna lie

[allissasaurus1]

happy birthday, Aubs. 🎉🎈🎉😘 · · · you are a one-of-a-kind and rare treasure of a friend. you are kind and generous and loyal. I know I have already bombarded you with love today, but I needed everyone else to know it too— I am honored to call you my friend. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqA3P7VlAmr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ver8es2843mb

[allissasaurus1]

suspended in motion. · · sometimes we get so busy. we keep going and going and going, but are we really moving forward? we keep doing and doing and doing, but are we really making a meaningful difference? don't get caught up. do what you were meant to do. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpqL8HlllBn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13lpb4p6ldnr9

[allissasaurus1]

Happy birthday, my dear friend. • • • you are worth celebrating not only today, but every day. I am celebrating you from 500 miles away, and the Lord is rejoicing over you always. 📸: @caitlinclarkphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/BoUiaT8BH1V/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lha3iifuh1qx

[allissasaurus1]

grad school is not for the faint of heart. · · · day one of year three down. year three out of the (unexpected) four years. learning to dance upon disappointment. trusting even in the unknown. the Lord has only the best in mind for me. (at Central Connecticut State University) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFXXpXhDyP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qt7ow38ijicp

[allissasaurus1]

Big Five Reunion. ❤️ · · · being friends with each of these incredible women has changed my life. we have bonds deeper and stronger than distance, time or struggles. (at Norfolk, Virginia)

[allissasaurus1]

“He brought me out to a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.” ‭‭- Psalms‬ ‭18:19‬ ‭ Wherever you're at, know that the Lord wants to bring you out to a wide open place so you don't feel enclosed and trapped. He gives freedom in abundance. He rescues the enslaved and sets the captives free because He enjoys us. Pure and simple delight in who He made us to be. (at East Haddam, Connecticut)

[allissasaurus1]

Freedom. · · What would it look like to live in complete freedom? For me, it would look like posting this picture without the fear of what other people might think of it's content or quality. Because I like this picture and it's okay to like it. Slowly pulling at tiny threads in the woven fabric of shame will cause it to gradually become weaker. It may take a lifetime to live fully free, but today I am one small step closer to that reality. · · 📸: @madelinedunhamm 😘

[allissasaurus1]

Freedom. · · What would it look like to live in complete freedom? For me, it would look like posting this picture without the fear of what other people might think of it's content or quality. Because I like this picture and it's okay to like it. Slowly pulling at tiny threads in the woven fabric of shame will cause it to gradually become weaker. It may take a lifetime to live fully free, but today I am one small step closer to that reality. · · 📸: @madelinedunhamm 😘

[allissasaurus1]

Freedom. · · What would it look like to live in complete freedom? For me, it would look like posting this picture without the fear of what other people might think of it's content or quality. Because I like this picture and it's okay to like it. Slowly pulling at tiny threads in the woven fabric of shame will cause it to gradually become weaker. It may take a lifetime to live fully free, but today I am one small step closer to that reality. · · 📸: @madelinedunhamm 😘

[allissasaurus1]

we are squad goals for sure. · · blessed to serve with these guys weekend after weekend. we are running after Jesus together and calling others to run with us. it's all for His glory. Jesus is so worth it. · · #simplyworship18 #andressacantstandstill #shepunchedsomeone #cornerstonect #worshipteam

[allissasaurus1]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MADDEY!!! thanks for going on Dunkin Dates and for sitting in store furniture for extensive amounts of time with me. I have so much fun hanging out with you. I'm glad that you exist. Praying 15 treats you well.

[allissasaurus1]

Sometimes life gets tedious. · · Like laying each of these rocks in a particular place, layer by layer, until the jar is full. Some layers you can dump a bunch of small pebbles quickly, some layers require more care in placement, and some require the preparation of choosing each rock carefully first. I'm in the preparation process. Picking and choosing each rock carefully before I can lay it down in it's proper place. It can be tempting to rush through it just to get it done... but then it wouldn't be done right. Every rock has a purpose, building a foundation for the next. Each step is meaningful, even if it's tedious. One day the jar will be full, the pattern will be beautiful... and then I'll start a new one.