seasons.

Let me start off with an apology. I looked at my last post, dated May 4. Today is May 17. How's that "blog-everyday-in-May" thing going for ya, Ry?! Obviously not very well. I promise I don't have commitment issues... Andrew can vouch for me.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind and I'm trying really hard to not get caught up in to many things and just enjoy the present. It's so easy for me to get caught up in everything revolving around the end of school, graduation, the wedding, the new house, and job searching. It's so easy to forget to revel in the blessings and joy I'm experiencing at the present moment. I'm trying hard to rest and be content, just like the verse in my only May challenge blogpost. So, I'm sorry friends. I promise after this weekend I will be better to y'all! The reason for this is that today marks the beginning of....

 GRADUATION WEEKEND. dun.dun.dun.

I literally can't believe it. I could have sworn yesterday I was graduating from high school and moving into my freshman dorm. Everyone always asks, "Are you excited to graduate?! Are you ready?!" However, it wasn't until last night when I was sitting on my porch with my roommate and best friend Jennings that I realized... I'm ready. 

Not that I haven't completely loved and fully embraced my time as a college student. I will be sad to leave Wofford, a place where I have been blessed with much knowledge, many opportunities and numerous individuals who have loved me, supported me and built me up to become the person I am today. This familiar verse has been on my heart as of late:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens:

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

Oh yeah, and this song:

Wait. I might be tearing up now. 

Leaving high school, I was sad. Not that I thought it would be the peak of my life, but it's never easy leaving the familiar. But coming to college was one of the best things I've done. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And now, as I leave this place that I've made my home, I understand that it's time to move on.  This campus and community will always have a special place in my heart, but God has bigger and better things in store for me. And I think I'm ready and open to the challenge.

This next season of life I'm going to have to learn to become a Godly wife, to make a home in a new place, to take care of myself and my husband, to find contentment in a new job (whenever that comes and whatever it will be), and so much more.

I like to be pretty "real" here, so I just wanted to lay it all out there for y'all. This is what has been running through my head these past two weeks of blog silence. As promised, I will be back soon after graduation for a full recap. Now that I'm done with exams I'm looking forward to catching up on all your blogs that I've missed reading. You guys bring me so much joy-- and I'm thankful for that!

Happy Friday, my friends. 

-rk

quotation inspiration.

So I finally gave in and decided to do the blog everyday in "May" challenge from Jenni at Story of My Life. I've been in a blog funk, if you will. I think I'm excused considering the massive amounts of "life" things I have going on... a.k.a graduation in two weeks... AHHH.... but still. I decided this challenge may be a good way to stir up some blog inspiration. I'm not going to promise I really can post everyday, but I'm going to try. So, here goes...
Day 4: Favorite Quote
There's no way I could not quote a favorite Bible verse of mine for today's post. Yes, I have favorite quotations from prominent historical figures and I love a good lyric, but this verse is so pivotal in my everyday functioning that I had to share. 

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I have verses on Post-Its and index cards all over my desk and room at school, and it seems like they all have the same sort of message: Don't worry. You are not alone. God is there. He will provide. 
Hasn't he always?! He's blessed me with incredible family, church community, educational opportunities, and a wonderful fiancee. Even when there are rough seas, His will will preside and I will not be alone. As I transition to a completely new time in my life in a brand new city, this verse gives me comfort. What a great reminder to rest in the Lord's peace. 
Happy weekend, all!
-rk 

engagement pictures!

I shared them with the Facebook world this week, but I wanted to give my sweet blog friends a glimpse at some of our favorite pictures from our shoot with Olivia Griffin Photography. Seriously, she's the bomb. Not only is she amazing with a film camera (yes, these are all film... no Photoshop here!) but she loves the song "Thrift Shop" and has the coolest kitchen I've seen. Check out the rest of her work, and if you're in the area of upstate South Carolina, give her a call! 

I was thrilled with how they turned out! Thanks, Olivia! Sooooo.... what do y'all think?

Happy Monday, my friends! 

-rk 

my heart skipped a beat when they said "Boston".

I know I said in this post just Sunday that this was going to be a week for me to step back from blogging, but it was made evident that I just had to share as a release for my heavy heart after the tragedy in Boston yesterday.

I got the push notification on my phone from my Associate Press app that said there were two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I immediately stopped, my heart a million miles a minute and my eyes tearing up as I scrambled for my TV remote while simultaneously sending up prayers. Never so much had such an attack hit home for me. 

If you're friends with me on Facebook or Twitter, you may have seen my posts about one of my long-time best friends who was going to be running Boston in order to raise money with her dad, who would be taking on Boston for the 12th time. I was so thrilled for her and proud of her (I still am of course), because I knew she had worked so hard and was excited to share this day with her dad. 

Thus, why my heart stopped when I heard the news. I was able to get in touch with her sister and her mom who were watching, and was so thankful to hear they were nowhere near the finish line and C and her dad were still on the course. Prayers of thanksgiving for their safety overtook me, but as I watched the footage unfold my heart sank for those not as fortunate. 

safe and sound back in the hotel... praise the Lord!

Boston is one of my favorite cities, and I am unexplicably sad for this terrible tragedy to have unfolded, especially on a day that is a celebration for so many of extreme sacrifice and accomplishment. My heart goes out the the spectators and runners who suffered, their families, and the families that may still not know where loved ones are.  I am in awe of this effort by Google to help reunite those with their loved ones using the person finder:

I am also astounded by the bravery of the Boston Marathon volunteers, police, military, first responders,  EMS, doctors, and other medical staff that I know worked tirelessly on their feet as tragedy unfolded. I pray constantly for God's guiding hand over their work and I thank him for their knowledge and caring. 

So many are asking why. I don't know. But this sad event is evidence of a broken world that needs Jesus more than ever. I hope we can all run towards him in our hurt, confusion, and suffering for solace in His arms even when it seems easier to run away during this difficult time. 

Today, more than ever, I pray for peace that surpasses understanding 

and hope in a victorious light amidst overwhelming tragedy. 

-rk

what I love about sunday...

....is that it's a time to re-charge, re-boot, and mentally and spiritually prepare for all the upcoming week holds.

I apologize for my absence this week... it's been a whirlwind (a fun one, but a whirlwind nonetheless) as I continue to juggle wedding planning, searching for a job, and, oh yeah, schoolwork.

via

This is one of my most favorite verses these days. In this time of my life where I feel God is constantly testing my inner peace and trust in Him for His big plan, I am striving to find peace and rest in prayer.

This may be another week where I need to step back and just reflect upon these things, so keep with me! I've got so many things I want to share with y'all-- a (belated) spring break recap, our engagement pictures, and my first giveaway!

Happy Sunday my friends! 

Keep up with my on Instagram and Twitter this week (find me at @ryannkroske on both social media handles) and I will be back on the blog grind before I know it.

-rk

spring breakin'!

As you're reading this, I'm jet-setting to St. Martin for my last spring break with all my best girlfriends! I'm so ready to soak up some sun, swim in the water, and enjoy a fruity drink or two! I'll be back this weekend with lots of pictures and a recap! Have a great week, y'all!

-rk

He is risen! {Easter reflections}

Remember when I posted about the Christmas story here? Well Jesus Storybook Bible is at it again with a beautiful rendition of the Easter story. Everyone should watch this account of the wonderful day when Christ rose from the dead. I all too often overlook the magnitude of this day and take for granted the extreme sacrifice and love shown through the cross-- a love and sacrifice made for each and every one of us so that we may be made new! Easter is the heart of the Gospel, which is the very basis of our beliefs as Christ followers. Who would we be and where would we be without the blood of Christ that has paid for our freedom, our salvation? We are sinners, but we are so loved.

I don't think I've truly come to understand the beauty of the Gospel until this year, and my heart is so full this Easter afternoon as I reflect upon the many blessings and hardships I have faced and that come before me. Yes, I said hardships. I am thankful for struggle, because I know God is using them to draw me closer to Him. I must remind myself of His love each and every day. If my God is for me, who can stand against me?! Truly, God was with us and for us when he sent his son (think of the magnitude of the sacrifice!!!) to die for His people. He is still with us and for us to this day, as I sit here drinking coffee from my favorite mug, typing on my Macbook as my pup sits next to me and you sit here reading your computer screen. He knew I would be here today, and I am eternally thankful for a gift I do not deserve but have been so graciously given.

Truly, let us celebrate the day when God has made "everything sad come untrue"!

Happy Easter, my sweet friends. I pray that you, too understand how much you are loved by God amidst your struggle, your sin, your doubt, whatever it is. Today is a truly joyful day! Continue to seek and know your Lord. It will rock your world. It might be the coolest thing you'll ever do. :)

-rk