"Last year at this time..."

It's that time of year again, we're all making resolutions, discussing the past year, committing to make the next year different, to finally break that habit, to finally take that trip, its an exciting time of year for sure! One phrase I seem to hear a lot in December is, "Last year at this time..." we all love to reflect on what we were doing 365 days ago, so much changes in those 365 days! I personally have been thinking A LOT about last year at this time, and I decided today was a good day to finally stop and write down what's been churning in my heart as I remember, last year at this time.

Well..... last year, December 29th, 2013 I was supposed to get married meaning today would have been my 1 year wedding anniversary - I would be living somewhere in Florida, a military wife. It's pretty difficult to put into words all that I've learned over the last year, and all of the ways that God has blessed me. When I was left un-engaged, unemployed and living with my parents, I was pretty sure there was no pleasant way out, but God had a different plan. I've often compared my recent story to that of the Israelites, God rescued me and then provided for me in ways I could never have imagined! I was only unemployed for two months, and while this left me with some uncertainty it gave me some focused time to grieve, wrestle with and grow close to my Savior. Then God blessed me with the perfect nanny job, I got to snuggle with, tickle and play with a 3 month old baby, I could wear sweats, cry, read, sleep, it was the perfect way to slowly heal! While I was caring for baby Kate God blessed me with the perfect home, he laid it right in my lap! I love my cozy condo! Then, my favorite, completely out of the blue God blessed me with my dream job! I absolutely LOVE working for College Park and am daily blown away by God's provision for me in this job. Not to mention, it's across the street from my condo.

In addition to all of these tangible blessings, God has placed some absolutely incredible people in my life! I do not know where I would be without the support of my family and friends! Thank you Mom, Dad, Erin, Tyler, Jacob and Jack for sticking with me through those long months, for crying with me, giving me a roof over my head and continuing to preach truth to me, even when I didn't want to hear it! Thank you Jeri, Janna and Amanda for being there at a moments notice whenever I needed some distraction! Sara for the weekend get-away, Sally for hanging with me on that yucky day, and so so many others! I am blessed, so blessed!

A friend told me the other day that she often forgets what I went through just a year ago because my life is so full - what a miracle! I have to tell this story because it's is such a powerful story of God's love and mercy. He didn't have to do any of this! I am overwhelmed at His love for me and how He chose to rescue me and bless me beyond my dreams! There are still lonely days, and painful memories, but He is healing me, walking right beside me every step.

Thank you Lord for the last 365 days, I am ready for whatever you have for me in the next!

Grace Abounds

Ever find yourself asking the question, "What now?" I feel like I've asked myself that a lot lately. The past 12 months have been marked by so much change I keep asking God, "what's next?" sometimes out of excitement and sometimes out of exhaustion. There have been times when He's answered quickly and other times.... well I'm still waiting for some answers. But one thing stays the same, He's always with me through the change. Sometimes I beg Him to answer me right now, and other times I'm thankful that I can rest knowing I'm not in charge. 

I've been repeating this phrase to myself: "Let me soul look up with a STEADY hope and my will be LOST in Thine!" 

I want to be steady in my hope in Christ and I want to be so strongly seeking after His will for me that mine is lost! 

Working on this... thankful for grace... it's a daily fight...

(Just some jumbled thoughts for you- He's working on me!)

Some blessings:

Tuesday: 

1. Small group

2. Hot tea

3. Slippers

Wednesday:

1. Meetings - can you believe this is my first job with meetings? I love them!

2. My cozy, cozy home 

3. A hot dinner 

Thursday:

1. It's a small world 

2. A successful night of rehearsals

3. Brain storming session

Friday:

1. Pumpkins

2. Laughter

3. Good friends

Saturday: 

1. A slow morning- coffee and cinnamon rolls!

2. A cozy night in with Steph 

3. The quiet

Sunday: 

1. His love endures, forever!!

2. I am nowhere near perfect, but grace abounds!

3. The Winklemans are on their way into town! 

Happy Sunday, dear friends! 

And ps- there's a comment box for a reason, I love to hear what God is teaching you and what you're thankful for! :)

God is Good

Tuesday:
1. Soft sweaters
2. Warm Boots
3. A kitchen full of fall smells

Wednesday:
1. A day off
2. An email away message :)
3. A day full of laughs with Amanda

Thursday:
1. Laughter at work
2. The ability to stop at home for dinner
3. Anticipation

Friday:
1. A short to do list
2. The most amazing weather
3. A fun bonfire with dear friends

Saturday:
1. My mom for stopping by
2. God's grace to make it through the hard days (just one day at a time)
3. Closure.

Sunday:
1. My dear friend Jeri - Always there!
2. A quiet afternoon
3. A time to pray for the nations

Today:
1. A slow morning
2. Encouraging words
3. Hot peach tea

God certainly knows what I can and cannot handle. I am so thankful for how He walked with me this weekend, for the people He has placed in my life, and for the grace He continues to give. It was one of those weekends that just didn't go according to my plan, but definitely His. God is good, my friends, God is good ALL the time!

Oh So Near!

Tuesday:
1. Fall snacks: freshly picked apples and warm carmel dip.... mmmmm
2. Pastors that take the long view and look at the big picture
3. A quiet night to re-charge

Wednesday:
1. Lunch with a dear friend - outside in the sunshine and cool breeze
2. Spontaneous movie night
3. Grocery stores

Thursday:
1. Pumpkin waffles
2. A long dinner break with Jeri
3. Fun, new worship music - Build Your Kingdom Here!


Friday:
1. Encouragement for the future
2. A busy afternoon
3. A well made movie, a well told story

Saturday:
1. A party-planning lunch
2. Laundry all done!
3. My quiet, cozy home

Sunday:
1. A smooth, encouraging and convicting start to a month long conference
2. The technology to create and clearly communicate powerful messages.
3. He is here, so very near

Today:
1. PERFECT weather
2. A kitchen full of fall smells
3. A relaxing Monday

This week I am particularly thankful that my Savior is so near. I am thankful that He is in every detail of my life, every detail! I have been meditating on Psalm 61:2 "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." I have the tendency to stay in my overwhelmed state, so I've been working on turning my fear, sadness, or loneliness into rest in, reliance on, and fellowship with my Savior. It's a learning process, and a slow one at that, but I am so thankful that in this learning process, He is oh so near!!

It's Fall :)

A bit of catch-up 

Wednesday:

1. Chipotle shared with life-long friends 

2. Snuggles with baby Kate Staley

3. That Wednesdays at work are always relaxed

Thursday: 

1. Birthday dinner with dear friends

2. The hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" 

3. Thursday night worship 

Friday:

1. Countless birthday wishes 

2. A scrumptious birthday dinner

3. Jack's joy and the joy he brings to others 

Saturday: 

1. A Lazy Saturday morning with mom and Erin

2. Rain, rain, rain

3. An afternoon of playtime with Jack!

Sunday:

1. Tear-filled worship

2. Powerful testimonies - one after the other!

3. Baptism - "You came down to lift me up!" 

Today: 

1. Free water softener repair

2. Fall, fall, fall - I love fall!!

3. Consignment stores 

What's your favorite thing about fall??

Shoes

Tuesday:

1. Options, almost too many, I so often take this for granted!

2. Dale Shaw - more specifically God's gifting in him to memorize scripture. He recited the book of John to us this morning, it was beautiful, inspiring and powerful. So thankful for this man and for his faithful pursuit of God's word!

3. Apple Cider, oh how I love it! :)

Side note: have you heard of the organization "Sole Hope"? If not, look it up! I went to my second Sole Hope shoe cutting party last night and I left so encouraged and so challenged! I love how God used one women's heart for children's feet to bring countless others to faith in Him and to inspire so many to action! It's caused me to stop and think about what I'm doing with my time, how am I advancing His kingdom? 

Do you have a minute? Go read about Asher's journey to put shoes on children's feet and God's love in their hearts. 

God is alive and working! Praise the Lord!

Rainy days and Mondays

Sunday:

1. A morning FULL of worship
2. A scrumptious nap, windows open, rain falling, candle burning.... aaahhhh
3. Dinner with mom and dad :)

Monday:

1. Working from home
2. A hot, yummy breakfast
3. French press coffee

Rainy days have always been my favorite, yesterday was wonderful! What was your favorite thing about yesterday? Today?

A Simple Saturday

Today I am thankful for:

1. Beautiful weather

2. A great morning spent with wonderful friends 

3. A quiet evening and the conviction and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 

I hope you all enjoyed your Saturday! What are you thankful for today?

Grace, grace, grace

Well here I am again, WAY behind on my list of blessings! This time, the farther behind I got the less I wanted to write. I was feeling guilty and embarrassed about being so behind, no more! I decided I will just pick back up writing three blessings a day and not stay bogged down by the long list, there's grace here, right? I can't let my guilt and embarrassment about being behind keep me from publicly counting my blessings, it's too important!
Thank you all for reading and for walking through this with me!

Today:
1. A flexible job that allows me to recuperate after a long day. It was a huge blessing to rest a little before coming in this morning!
2. Working among friends
3. New mercies every morning, and weekends at the end of every long week!

I've been working through and struggling through the idea of identity. I think God has been trying to teach me this lesson my whole life, but I've defined it as other things. He's taken and is taking me through various trials to lead me to find my identity in Him. It's amazing how hard I can make life when I seek to find my identity in other things, such as my work, other people's opinions of me, where I live, who I spend time with, if I'm alone and the list goes on! There is so much freedom in finding my identity in Christ, I am His daughter! But for some reason I still daily fight this battle and am daily left crushed when I seek validation in everything and everyone other than my Savior.
I'm so thankful for His patience with me, and thankful that He's brought to light this struggle of mine.

Seeking, failing, and clinging to His promises.....

God is good!

Never Once

Last week was quite a week, not so much in my life but it seemed that everywhere I turned there was pain and suffering. The week of suffering ended with some dear friends of mine welcoming their first child into the world. Quite the opposite of pain and suffering! I wasn't and am still not quite sure how to process all of this but I'm thankful that my pastors offered some direction and words of comfort on Sunday. None of them tried to answer anybody's "why" questions, they pointed us to the "Who" that holds us in the midst trial, the "Who" that never leaves us alone. So thankful for the pastors in my life!
"I have counted blessings in the heat of battle, this keeps my eyes on the Lord." -Ann Voskamp

So here we go!

Saturday:
1. A quiet morning, blueberry pancakes and a French press
2. An afternoon and evening of laughing with dear friends
3. A night of good sleep

Sunday:
3 Reminders-
1. Death is not the end
2. NEVER ONCE has He left me alone!

3. His presence brings rest. 

Today:

1. Busy day!

2. Green smoothie for breakfast

3. A cool night, time for a baseball game!

Another long list

After a convicting sermon on idols, been doing some soul searching, what are my idols? What could I not live without? What do I hold in higher esteem than my Savior? Well... a lot of things! I'm thankful for a Pastor that addresses these topics that make me cringe, but ouch! Gotta keep working through these idols in my heart!

In the mean time, gotta get caught up on my list!!

1. Dinner with a dear friend
2. A sweet new baby boy in the world
3. ... and his healthy momma!
4. Great small group filled with unifying conversation
5. So much prayer at work
6. Surprise visit
7. Concert in the park
8. Dinner with fun friends
9. Summer heat
10. Talented artists
11. Mid-week worship
12. Laughs with co-workers
13. Dinner with the fam
14. Concert with siblings
15. Perfect weather
16. New Memories replacing painful ones
17. Lazy Saturday with my nephew and crew
18. Food on the grill
19. Baby boy curls
20. Hospitality
21. God confirming a calling (in the littlest of ways)
22. A church that prays together
23. A friend that knows EXACTLY how I feel
24. The ability to work from home
25. Vitamins
26. Time to rest and get well
27. Creative minds
28. A fantastic hamburger
29. A beautiful evening for dinner outside
30. Laughter, so much laughter
31. Spontaneous dinner with mom and dad
32. ATM machines
33. Girl talk :)
34. Plan B
35. Picnics
36. Old Movies


Thoroughly enjoying my quiet, cool, lazy Saturday morning! I hope your day is off to a great start!

Patience and Reliance

You know what's a hard lesson to learn? Patience! Sometimes I regret asking God to teach me how to be patient. He doesn't just wave a magic wand and make me patient, He gives me opportunities to practice patience. Another hard one, how to rely on Him for EVERYTHING. If I would just learn that one I'd save myself a lot of heartache! As all sufficient as my Savior is, I find myself looking to other people to satisfy my longings again and again, no matter how many times they let me down. Well, I wish I had a solution for this one, I wish I could tell you that I've found the answer to learning patience and dependence on God, but I haven't, we've got to keep struggling through this one together!
One thing I do know, however, is that the simple concept of gratitude is a profoundly helpful one. When I remember to count my blessings at the end of the day, even for just a bit, I'm able to take my focus off of myself and onto my Savior.

So here's to some focus on our Savior for a bit...

Tuesday:

1. Sacrificial love from my pastors
2. A night to rest
3. An encouraging meeting

Wednesday:

1. My front porch
2. A good book
3. Furry creatures

Thursday:

1. Dinner with mom and dad
2. A tomato growing
3. Fingers that work to type

Friday:

1. Spontaneous girls night
2. Chinese food
3. Reminders

Saturday:

1. A clean house
2. Vacuums (I really do love them)
3. Mexican with Meredith

Sunday:

1. Finally some time to catch up with Jeri
2. Hot summer sun
3. A beautifully-relevant sermon

Thanks for reading! :)

Perfect Summer Weekend

Saturday:

1. Breakfast Burritos with the fam
2. New CD in the car
3. Legs that work

Sunday:

1. Frozen Yogurt
2. Surprises
3. Cool, summer nights

Today:

1. Mumford and Sons Tickets!
2. Busy work day
3. My plants are growing! :)

Friday

1. Love from my pal, Dale

2. Answered prayers 

3. Snuggles with my sweaty-headed nephew

Happy Weekend!

Comfort and Guidance

Wow! Getting this far behind in simply unacceptable! Thank you, Kimberly for reminding me that I need to get back to blogging! This time I'm due to write 78 things I'm thankful for, I'm bound and determined to record 1000 gifts this year, so here goes!

1. A behind-the-scenes look at worship
2. Great friends over for pizza
3. Stormy nights
4. Windows open - Cool breeze
5. Missionaries serving
6. Easy access to recipes over the internet
7. Veggies on sale
8. Living close by
9. My small group, my small group, my small group
10. An old friend over for dinner
11. Laughs while making a bucket list
12. Real conversation
13. Adoption
14. A time to celebrate new life
15. Sweet baby tears
16. Downtown date with Amanda
17. Good food
18. Perfect weather
19. Flowers
20. My new herb garden
21. My loving father helping me plant
22. Laughs over dinner with Meredith and Andrew
23. A day to celebrate dad
24. A kind repair man
25. Girl talk over red wine
26. Relaxation
27. Plenty of time to learn my new job
28. Understanding friends
29. Flexibility
30. Warm welcomes
31. "The One who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine" I love that this is true!
32. Brainstorming sessions
33. A new elliptical machine
34. Tears from laughter
35. New friends
36. Stories of redemption
37. Fresh perspectives
39. "The blood of Jesus is my victory"
40. Joy in working
41. House full of friends
42. Pancakes and girl-talk
43. Deep prayer and worship
44. Stories from Haiti
45. Day of meetings (love having meetings :)
46. New water softener
47. Putt Putt with fun friends
48. Weekend get-away on the calendar
49. Making New Years plans in June
50. Old friends over for dinner
51. Lazy, cool Saturday mornings
52. Snuggle time with baby Kate
53. Nursery time with mom
54. Convicting Old Testament sermon
55. Beautiful Memorial Service
56. An eternal perspective
57. "He knows my name"
58. "He hears me when I call"
59. Beautiful stories of a father's love
60. Continual welcomes from my new, work team
61. Pineapple frozen yogurt
62. My small group to "do life with"
63. My Savior's comfort in the midst of loneliness
64. The promise the He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me
65. Mid day prayer with my pastors - priceless
66. Morning coffee
67. Flexibility at work
68. Mid-week vacation day
69. An extra bed to share
70. This cool summer
71. Family in town
72. The joy of watching Jack grown and learn
73. Music
74. Staff meetings focused on prayer
75. Old Hymns
76. Humble leadership
77. Independence
78. A weekend with family

It's difficult for me to put into words how gracious my Savior has been to me and all that He is doing in my life. He is so near to me, so near. The past 6-8 months of my life have been one big transition and I couldn't have survived even one day of it were it not for my Savior's sweet comfort and guidance. I'm so full of gratitude to Him and to all of the people He has placed in my life for this season. Thank you all for reading and for keeping me accountable to count my gifts. I hope you're counting too! Don't ever hesitate to tell me some of your daily blessings, I love to hear them! :)

Happy Independence Day!!!

Stellar weekend

Yesterday:

1. Park time with Jack

2. Shopping time with mom

3. Lunch time with Jenny

Today:

1. Sunny brunch with scrumptious food and nouroushing conversation!

2. An afternoon to get the house in order! 

3. Still to come, dinner with some fabulous girls in B-ripple!

So far it's been a pretty stellar weekend! God is so gracious to continually fill my life with incredible people! I don't deserve one ounce of the grace He's given me. 

Hope you're out enjoying this beautiful, summer weekend! 

Back at the Keyboard

Needless to say, I'm behind on counting His gifts! My lame excuses are that I've been without internet, started a new job, and moved into my first home.... So here's my attempt to summarize what the Lord's been working on in my heart and to recount the 51 gifts I've not yet written here! :)

The past couple weeks have been both fantastic and emotional, I'm so thankful for the good friends and faithful mentors that have walked with and guided me through this BIG transition in my life. I had been anticipating the move to my first home, and the first day at my new job for quite some time! So when the time came for both to happen simultaneously, I was frustrated that I was experiencing any emotion other than complete enthusiasm! The first few nights in my beautiful new home were filled with fear, loneliness, stress, and anxiety. As excited as I was (and am) for this new adventure and stage of life, it was as if the reality that I'm not married hit me all over again. I was overwhelmed with taking care of the home all by myself, and a bit overwhelmed by the quiet of living alone. Fortunately, I have a sweet Savior and He didn't let me stay there long. While I know adjusting to this new stage of life will be a process, I am so thankful for the sweet comfort my Savior brings, and for His reminders that He's got me right where He wants me! When I was feeling most overwhelmed, He reminded me that He's given me a wonderful man, my father! He reminded me that in the quiet and solitude of this season, He is there, the quiet and solitude is a gift! So, like I said, this will be a process but I've turned a corner on the initial shock. The Lord has brought joy and happiness and I am so excited about what He has in store for me. Thankful that He's helping me live life one day at a time, I don't have to do any of this alone!


Now, for the counting of gifts! :) While I haven't been typing them here, I've been using that handy "Notes" app to keep track!

Here.... we... go!

1. 2 minute commute!
2. A beautiful place to live, full of everything I need and SO much more
3. Loving, sacrificial parents
4. Technology to keep in touch
5. A loving small group
6. Warm bed
7. Hot shower
8. A pretty stellar boss and co-workers
9. A whole month of job training with the sweetest gal around! :)
10. My french press
11. Time alone to re-charge
12. The reminder to be joyful (at ALL times!)
13. Sweet, sweet friends
14. A closet full of clothes
15. A pay check
16. Reliable car
17. Time for a haircut! :)
18. Cool breeze (no AC on for a week!)
19. Candles
20. Dinner Dates
21. Baby Jack
22. Getting settled in quickly
23. God's patience (He teaches me the same lessons again and again!)
24. His faithful reminders
25. The ability to work
26. Encouragement
27. The command to rest
28. The ability to worship
29. Bucket list
30. Pictures
31. Grocery Shopping
32. Soy Ice Cream
33. Grace upon Grace
34. Fingers that can type
35. Tears from laughter
36. Small group bonding
37. Big welcomes
38. Cool, fresh water in abundance
39. Adoption
40. New relationships
42. Summer nights
43. Nose-crunching smiles
44. House warming gifts
45. Flowers
46. Friends that help with moving :)
47. Spotify
48. College Park's Compassion Ministry
49. Marshmallows on the grill
50. My sweet dad trimming my bushes
51. Time to catch-up!

Thanks for reading, and for sharing in my life, would always love to hear when you're learning, and what you're thankful for! (comments, emails, texts, calls :)

Goodnight!

Not Finished

Time for another list, the blessings keep coming, I need to slow down to record them more often!

1. Rest in the sun

2. An iced drink with a good and true friend 

3. The ability to learn

4. Consignment shops

5. Community

6. Mid-week worship

7. Lunch with my new team

8. Boxes

9. Extra income earned babysitting 

10. Garage sales

11. Naps

12. Options

13. Joyful, joyful

14. Generous obedience

15. Prayer warriors

16. Warm sunshine early in the morning 

17. Conviction and grace

18. Teachers 

It's been a busy and fruitful week, God is bringing big and exciting changes my way and stirring my heart in ways that are hard to describe! I'm thankful that He put it on my heart to start writing. I don't want to forget how He brought me through the last 6 months and I want to be ready to record all that He continues to do in my life! Thank you for sharing in the joy and pain that this life brings, thank you for reading and for doing life with me! Stay tuned, God's not finished with me yet!

Change

Just when I'm getting old enough to appreciate the joys in each day, they are slipping away faster than I can blink. I cannot believe we are almost half-way through 2013! If anyone has figured out how to make time slow down, please clue me in! Maybe these past 5 months have flown by because there were days and weeks I wished away, days and weeks I didn't want to savor or enjoy, days and weeks I'd rather forget. I'm not really sure the reason, but one thing I am sure of is that I want to enjoy today and not waste a minute of it.

If I had to choose one word to describe the last 5 months it would be, "Change". My job has changed twice, my living situation has changed twice, I've joined a new small group, developed a number of sweet friendships, and changed significantly as a person. Some of this change has been welcome and joyful, while some of it has felt like ripping off a bandaid. There's a vulnerability when a bandaid is ripped off. You have to expose a wound that's been protected by a soft, secure bandage. With every step I take further into establishing my life here, life after a broken engagement, it's like I'm exposing my freshly healed scars. God has graciously allowed me to take these steps gradually but He's been pushing me to take them. He always knows when I'm ready and He's always walking right beside me, sometimes even carrying me. I'm not sure if this analogy makes sense, but I wanted to try and share with you what this recent progress has felt like. It's exciting, scary, beautiful and painful progress. ...walking through it with my Savior...

Some blessings in the midst of and because of change:

Saturday: "3 Gifts about your parents"

In watching my parents walk through a tough season with me and then immediately after watch my brother leave and return and leave again, I have been wowed by their unconditional love for us. So blessed my their steadfastness and loyalty.

1. Unconditional love
2. Firm and loving instruction
3. Unfathomable generosity

Sunday: "3 Gifts Held in Hand Today"

1. His Holy Word
2. High Fives and Hand-Shakes
3. Baby Jack

Monday: "3 Gifts found in you Mother"

1. Never-ending support
2. Sacrificial giving of her time
3. Encouragement

Tuesday: "A Gift picked up, put away, put back"

1. A letter from my sponsored child in Ethiopia
2. Home Exemption successfully filed! :)
3. Time to organize

Basking in His love and mercy today! Happy Tuesday!

Continual blessings

My goodness, it's time to catch up! Life is moving at the speed of light, but that's no excuse for slacking on my list!

Here we go!

1. Bargains at goodwill

2. A kind hello

3. God's protection (even protection from my own emotions)

4. "Never once did we ever walk alone"

5. Family gatherings

6. Sunday nights 

7. Baby monitors 

8. Baby cheeks

9. Family dinners

10. Comfort from the Holy Spirit

11. Family closeness through trial

12. Small group laughs

13. Off work early!

14. So many friends

15. A night in the park

16. Dinner with a friend

17. Worship in the middle of the week

18. Froyo with with friends 

19. Baby kisses and giggles

20. Family in town

21. Fun plans 

In awe of God's continual blessings, I deserve none of them. 

Humbled

Wednesday: "3 Gifts Tasted"

1. Sweet baby Jack's cheeks
2. Summer
3. Tender BBQ Pork

Thursday: "3 Gifts Flat"

1. A new shirt for $3
2. The sidewalk ( long walk with the babies :)
3. A moist lemon cookie

Today: "3 gifts found in difficult people"

This is one of those days when I'm in awe of how God has planted just the right "topic of thankfulness" on just the right day to convict me and challenge me! I've been ignoring and complaining about the difficult people in my life and today He's calling me to gratitude for them! When He calls me to be thankful for difficult people, things, circumstances it's a challenging but beautiful thing. Challenging because it goes against my sinful nature, but beautiful because it requires me to rely on Him, I simply cannot do it on my own.
So by His mercy and grace alone, here are three gifts I've found in difficult people:

1. Conviction
2. Closeness with my Savior
3. A reminder that I may be a difficult person in someone else's life, (hopefully) resulting in humility and a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit! Lord, have mercy on us all!

Sweet, sweet sunshine!!

Hello readers! It been a full few days, this weekend was a whirl-wind but I loved it, time to catch up on listing all of the blessings!

Saturday:
-great bonding time with my small group
-the opportunity to get a glimpse into a powerful ministry of College Park
-hangout time with three precious little girls

Sunday:
-a fantastic and warm welcome from my new work team
-a perfectly relevant and encouraging sermon "It's game time!"
-a relaxing afternoon

Monday:
-afternoon sunshine
-a good book
-good friends

Today:
-rare snuggles with Kate
-a walk in the sun
-this weather, this weather, THIS WEATHER!! :)

Movin on up!

"3 Gifts Moving"

1. Me, I'm moving! And so so excited about it! :)

2. Also I'm moving to a new job, one I've prayed for, but never thought would come!

3. Warm weather is moving in! Hallelujah!!!

Happy Friday! I've got a CRAZY weekend coming up, using tonight to rest up! I hope you all are having a fantastic night and that God is showing up for you in big and small ways!

Details

Yesterday:
1. A difficult conversation that went WAY better than expected! Major answer to prayer!
2. Giggles and more giggles! :)
3. God's amazing planning and provision!

Today:
1. A surprise Friday off before a busier than busy weekend! God will not give me more than I can handle!! He's in the details!
2. A good nights sleep
3. A start to an exciting change!

What a week! I'm so thankful that God tells us in His word to only worry about today! Sometimes that's difficult, but this week it's been a blessing! Thankful that my God is patient enough to teach me how to do so.

Hurdles

These past few weeks have been busy, leaving me short bits of time here and there to jot down quick but important lists of gratitude. While those lists are good, the fact that I've been too busy to devote more time to them is not. When I'm rushing around from event to event I'm not taking the time to slow down and really appreciate the gifts and more importantly, to process what God is doing in my heart and soul. Well today God stopped my in my tracks and left me with no escape, He allowed the pain in my soul to catch up with me, and there were no to-do lists or calendar items to get in the way.
The pain I've been ignoring is pain caused by a person close to me, I've been ignoring it cause it's felt like too much to handle, to big of a hurdle to ever jump over, especially combined with the small, daily ones.
Wait a second! Who's doing the jumping here? When has God ever given me any indication that I have to jump over life's hurdles on my own?! I've certainly tried, many times, and failed equally as many, but He is always right there to pick me up, dust me off, take me back to the beginning and carry me right over that very hurdle! He doesn't just help me, He carries me! In fact, as you've all seen, He very recently carried me over my biggest hurdle yet! So why am I doubting again? This time instead of trying to jump over the hurdle myself, I'm running away from the hurdle, as far away as possible, I don't wanna jump anymore!! Let me tell you, running from the hurdle is just as painful as falling when trying to jump on your own, and that's a bad kind of pain. I wish I could tell you that letting God carry you over the hurdle, or through the trial is pain-free, it's not. But it's certainly rewarding, and it's certainly beautiful, and it's certainly comforting. I wish I could tell you that today's realization and breaking point was the end of this trial, but it's not, in fact it's probably a lot closer to the beginning. But the despair I was feeling, and ignoring, is far worse than the productive and beautiful pain that comes with walking through it hand in hand with my Savior. Here we go, breathe in, breathe out...

3 of today's gifts:

- Beautiful brokenness
- Tender tears
- His warm embrace
- Good news

Busy and Blessed

I'm enjoying a relaxing Monday after a wonderfully busy weekend full of friends, errands and worship! It's such a blessing to be surrounded by wonderful people and be a part of a loving church body! Excited to think over and recount all of this weekend's gifts!

Friday: "3 Gifts Square"

1. A square living room full of College-Parker's new and old
2. 3 square meals! :)
3. My comfy bed greeting me at the end of a long week!

Saturday: "A Gift stacked, stashed, stilled"

1. A day "stacked" with back-to-back conversations and productivity!
2. A Christmas tree stashed for 50 cents!!
3. Time stilled - people watching and relaxing!

Sunday: "3 Gifts found in Christ"

1. Conviction
2. Overwhelming encouragement in the reminder of His presence in my life!
3. Fellowship with Him found in prayer

Today: "3 Gifts close"

1. A decision close
2. Warm weather close
3. Work being close


What are you thankful for today??

The list goes on!

- the sound of rain
- tears from laughter
- first mortgage payment: check! :)
- headbands, cute socks and ruffles
- options
- buttery croissants

Been enjoying a full week with my sister here along with my chubby nephew, who's crawling!!

Enjoying the rain soothing us to sleep! :)

A Full Heart

Well, I'm behind yet again! Oh well... :)

This weekend was full and wonderful! I was sick most of last week so it was very good to be back on my feet and have some much-needed quality time with friends I've been missing! I love that I have the privilege of doing life with so many incredible people!

Since I'm behind, and since this weekend was so full of blessings, I'm just gonna list some of them instead of fitting them into the categories:

1. Health and the ability to work
2. Cheerful, giggly Kate
3. Dinner surrounded by fun friends
4. Birthdays
5. New members to College Park
6. Joyful servants early on Saturday
7. So much laughter
8. Afternoon rest
9. Delicious dinner
10. Quality girl-time
11. Heart-stirring worship
12. Beautifully relevant and convicting sermon
13. Lunch with a dear dear friend
14. New life long waited and prayed for!
15. A relaxing, simple Monday
16. A stormy Tuesday
17. Creamy coffee
18. A nation unified in times of pain and confusion

I'm thankful for all of you! I hope you're having a joy and gratitude-filled Tuesday! I

Blooming

Love Springtime! The grass is bright green and there are beautiful flowers budding everywhere! Thankful for the picture they give us of new life, I love God's beautiful metaphors in the seasons!
Happy Spring!
"3 Gifts Budding/Blooming"

A little list

Home sick yesterday and today, looks like again tomorrow, not a fan of sickness changing my plans, but it's a good time to be looking for blessings! Even on sick days God showers blessings and I've gotta keep my attitude in check!
Just gonna list some:

1. An abundant supply of cool, fresh water and juice
2. A mom who graciously cooks for me when I'm sick
3. A clean, warm, safe house to heal in
4. Gracious employers
5. Cough drops, vicks, tissues, medicine...
6. Technology to stay connected and social even when I can't leave the house

Spring is HERE

Yesterday: "3 Gifts Waited for"

Yesterday was a perfect Sunday, a beautiful worship service and very convicting sermon, a yummy lunch complete with avocados, an afternoon by the pool resulting in a little sunburn, laughter turned to tears with a good friend, and a good night's sleep! Sundays are by far my favorite day of the week, it takes a lot to bring me down on a Sunday, but yesterday, nothing came close! Thank you Lord for simple, sweet days!

1. Warm sunshine
2. A sincere, heartfelt conversation with a lost friend, one I never thought would come.
3. So much laughter, always a gift!

Today: "3 Gifts Rising Up"

1. A new exciting opportunity (more later:)
2. The glorious sun, I don't think I've ever been so in need of and so thankful for Spring!
3. New friends all over the place! :)

Learning and Leaning

Thursday: "3 Gifts in His Word"

1. Been reading Genesis, thankful for His creation and power!
2. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses..." so thankful for this!
2. Promises, promises, promises!!

Friday: "a gift at 11am, 2pm and 6pm"

11am: The sun was shining and it was already 50 degrees!!

2pm: At exactly 2pm I was making my boss's king size bed, a task I do every Friday and one I usually grumble about. But yesterday something was different, remember that song from Sunday school? "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart today!" Well, I can't explain it, but yesterday He filled me with His joy, I was even having fun making the bed, only by His grace! :)

6pm: I was driving home from work, with the windows down, singing along to one of my new favorites on the radio! What a fun end to the week! :)

Today: just some random blessings from today-

French press coffee
Lots of time to conquer my to do list
Laughs with a friend

Sometimes in the midst of a joyful day or week, loneliness bites, I've decided "bites" is the most accurate action word for it. That's what it feels like, it comes out of nowhere and the pain is particularly awful in the beginning. Lately my prayer has been, "God teach me how to go to you for ALL of my needs, teach me how to full the void of loneliness with Your love alone!" I don't want to be lonely, but more importantly, I don't want to hurt my Savior by choosing to focus on loneliness when He is offering me eternal comfort! He wont let me hurt alone.
Learning, learning, learning, and while I'm learning, I get to lean on His everlasting arms! So thankful for a patient Teacher!

Sweet Surprises

Yesterday: "3 Gifts white"

1. Kate's bathtub, bath time is easily our favorite time of the day! Her smiles are always the biggest when she's splashing in the tub!

2. Lotion. I regularly find myself annoyed by the ever increasing amount of lotion bottles in my bathroom cabinet, where do they all come from? Then I was all of a sudden struck with the reality that lotion is an abundant necessity here, but to so many it's a luxury they will never enjoy! Wow am I ungrateful !It's the little things!

3. Yummy, hazelnut creamer!

Today: "3 Gifts surprisingly found"

1. Joel and Jeri found a house! A huge blessing for them and one for me too!! Getting closer to move-in dates for both of us! God's hand has so clearly been all over this! Been a blessing to watch Him work!

2. Peace, about a lot of things, at least the beginning of peace. Peace in the form of a convicting and comforting whisper from my Savior, "I've got it all under control."

3. Love from a friend, there's nothing quite like a surprise, "Hey, I've been thinking about you", text! :)

Loving me some April sunshine! :)

Round :)

Monday, April 1st: "3 Gifts Round"

1. My coffee cup filled with hot hazelnut coffee! Mmmmm
2. A bowl full of gooey Mac n cheese! Great surprise from my boss! :)
3. Kate's big smile! She has a new sort of monkey smile that is wide and round! So cute, and such a gift early in the morning!


How was your Monday? Did you search for His gifts today? Don't let the Monday blues get you down, He's got hand-crafted blessings for you!!

Amazing Grace

Well I'm behind... again... but this time I have a better excuse, God has been doing SO much in my mind and heart and I had to wait until I had adequate time to record His gracious work in my life!

First of all, I love Easter, my favorite day of the year, but with the anticipation of Easter come the memories of Easters past, and my past two Easters bring some painful memories. I think those painful memories are at the core of Christ's working in me. This past week has left me lonely and searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, and it wasn't until this morning that I realized the painful memories of my last two Easters were the reason for this searching. This leads me to the first list of three blessings, "3 gifts entwined": Brokenness, confession, forgiveness. These attitudes didn't come right away, but when I started to realize what I was doing in trying to fulfill my loneliness with ANYTHING but Christ, oh the tears came. First because there is zero fulfillment outside of His love, and second because of the heart break I caused my Savior, yet again!

Usually after a period of deep brokenness, confession and forgiveness, I struggle with guilt. I'm happy to accept the initial wave of freedom and forgiveness, but then the devil tries to get me back down with shame and guilt! This brings me to the second list of three blessings: "3 gifts of His promises". In the midst of my shame and guilt my Savior gently whispered, "I love you" "I have a plan for you" "I am WITH you". When He's showering me with those promises I wonder how I ever got lonely in the first place!

Now, despite the love and promises from my Savior, I still seem to think that I deserve less from people, that because of sins I've struggled with, mistakes I've made, that I'm damaged goods. That's a lie! Not because I in myself have any worth, but because I have the Holy Spirit living in me and when my God looks at me He sees His perfect Son! I am a new creation! Which now brings me to the third list of three blessings: "3 gifts uncovered". What He uncovered for me where things I've known my whole life, but things I had forgotten, or maybe just lost track of: I am a daughter of the King, I am a new creation in Christ, I am loved.

It was an emotional, confusing, beautiful few days! But guess what was the culmination of all of it! CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Easter couldn't have come at a better time! I was so ready to celebrate His resurrection! The fourth list of three blessings: "A gift heard, held, hoped for", Hallelujah, it is DONE! I get to live in the light of the empty grave! My gentle Shepherd is leading me home.

Happy Easter! Sunday is here, and the tomb is empty!

Blessings

Wednesday, March 27th: Gonna break the rules today, just wanna list some blessings! :)

1. The perfect cup of coffee
2. A delivery just on time
3. Fellowship and dinner with my parents.
4. Sunshine! Can I get an amen?!

Thankful for life and breath.

Enjoy today, hunt for those blessings, He's handing them out!

Sunshine

Tuesday, March 26th: "3 Gifts almost gone"

1. Cold weather! Bring on the sunshine, flowers and spring rain!

2. Kate's formula. As her powdered formula is running out (waiting for a late shipment) I'm thankful that people worked hard to come up with an alternative method of nutrition for mothers with adopted babies, or mothers who simply cannot breast feed.

3. This last one doesn't fit the category for today but I'm very thankful for it:
The privilege to be a part of the CPC choir! Last night after a long quiet day at work I got to worship with over 100 energetic souls eager to praise our Risen Savior! What a blessing!!

Also thankful for an encouraging-reminder text from Kimberly! Thanks friend!

Winning the Battle

As I was falling asleep last night, or at least trying to, I was thinking through all of the difficult things that have kept me from writing. The hard things I've had to do, the injustices done to me, the hard days and events ahead, and I was thinking through how to write about them to start off this post! I wanted you all to read about my hard life and feel my pain with me. Not the spirit of this "Joy Dare" at all! It's because I've been focusing on the hard and not-fun things in my life that I haven't been able to see, much-less write down, the good things. I've been giving up on, and therefore loosing, the battle for joy! No more, no more, no more!

On that note, who wants to text me everyday and say, "Make sure you wrote down those 3 gifts today!" "Have you counted your blessings today?" "What are you dwelling on today?" I certainly can't win this fight alone!

Here's hoping this is my last catch-up post, at least for a long time!

Friday, March 22nd: "3 Gifts found in His Word"

I read an article on Friday that ministered to my heart, met me right where I was at, so thankful that God plants those blessings for me. The Article was by Jon Bloom on the "Desiring God" blog. It was entitled, "When Jesus Makes You Wait in Pain" referencing when Jesus made Mary and Martha wait for His miracle in Lazarus's life. My three gifts found in the Word that day came from this beautifully written article:

1. "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where He was." John 11:5-6

2. "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. and he said, "Where have you laid Him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. John 11:33-35

3. "Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"
 John 11:40
How deep the Father's love for us!!

Saturday, March 23rd: "3 Gifts found in women today"

Friday night and Saturday I had the pleasure of spending time with Lauren Branks! So thankful that the Lord has brought her, and the rest of my new small group, into my life! It was a relaxing and refreshing time away!

1. Sweet Fellowship
2. Laughter
3. Understanding and friendship

Sunday, March 24th: "3 Gifts spoken"

1. Encouragement from, and laughter with, missed-friends!
2. Truth and conviction from the pulpit
3. "I will pray for you"

Monday, March 25th: "A gift sung, written, painted"

1. A song by MercyMe on the radio, "... then You spoke my name..." I am His!

2. Text from my boss, "We're just going to stay home - it is crazy out there. See you tomorrow!" Snow Day!

3. God's glory painted all over in the beautiful snow! I have been begging for spring, but God, in His grace, has given me a fresh perspective on the snow! He is our majestic creator, and all of it is beautiful!

Joy is sometimes a battle, a battle that I loose when I choose to focus on all that is or could be going wrong. But look at all that is going right in the midst of it! I have NO excuse to be unhappy, none at all!

Happy snow-day, friends! :)

Catching up!

Tuesday, March 19th: "3 Gifts Eaten"
1. Warm cookies
2. Creamy pasta
3. Hot tea (drinking counts right?:)

Wednesday, March 20th: "3 times you laughed today"
1. Laughed with a cheerful cashier at goodwill.
2. Laughed with baby Kate full of smiles
3. Laughed with a friend

Thursday, March 21st: "a gift salty, sweet, just right"
1. Yummy grilled cheese
2. Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast
3. 30 minutes to relax with the perfect cup of coffee :)

Glimpses

Saturday, March 16th: "3 Hard Eucharisteos"
I don't like these, I don't wanna write about them, it's painful. (Hence the fact that I'm finally doing so two days late.) I've been battling a hard fight against loneliness, it's an oppressive thing, an unwelcome thing, dare I say a selfish thing, a sinful thing? Ouch! Sometimes it's easier to be lonely than content with where I'm at, easier to wallow in self-pity than rejoice with those who rejoice, easier to focus on the pain than the beauty brought out of it, easier. Don't get me wrong, loneliness is a real, painful feeling, and when we're there, God meets us where we're at, but I think it's the staying there, the dwelling on it, that's selfish. I say all that because the three hard things I have to be thankful for are hurts when I choose loneliness, and blessings when I choose joy.
Breathe in, breathe out...

1. Wedding season. A year ago when wedding season was approaching, I was full of excitement and counting down the days! I love weddings! But lately, each new engagement announcement and sparkling wedding invitation in the mail brings a sting of pain. A glaring reminder kind of pain. But with those memories, I need to also remember my joy when I was in that season and how I wanted EVERYONE to share in it! Weddings are still beautiful, joyful occasions and absolutely an event to be thankful for! So while I'll be walking through this season one day at a time, clinging to my Savior, I know He can give me the strength to give thanks for each new marriage!
"His strength is made perfect in my weakness"

2. Glimpses. Lately God has been showing me that through my heart break I'm given tiny glimpses into the pain I cause Him when I reject Him, when I choose to listen to my flesh, when I choose to ignore the Spirit. Tiny glimpses. I may think I've been rejected after giving my all, but Christ really did give His ALL, and I still reject Him daily! I'm thankful for this new perspective hopefully resulting in a fuller surrender, but more than that, I'm thankful for Christ's sacrificial, unconditional love for me!!

3. Time alone. I don't have much to say about this, other than: when I am alone, and wishing I wasn't, that's when I have the sweetest time with my Savior! He never let's me really be alone, He's always right there. Who am I to deserve such a blessing?!



Sunday, March 17th: "A Gift turned, folded, hung"

After all of that painfully raw honestly, I'm gonna give thanks for some more shallow blessings, but blessings none the less! :)

1. Pumpkin pancakes turned (flipped:) on the hot griddle.
2. A soft, warm fleece blanket folded on my bed.
3. Way too many clothes hung in my closet.

Monday, March 18th: "3 Gifts Red"

1. Sundried tomatoes in my scrambled eggs.
2. Fuzzy red pajamas on a cuddly baby.
3. Words of encouragement and challenge from the "Desiring God" blog. (Their logo is red! :)

Gifts Given

Wednesday, March 13th: "3 gifts round"
1. My round, chubby, bundle-of-love nephew! (He's the reason I'm so behind in my blogging! Time with him takes priority over everything!)
2. The sun! Wednesday was a pretty cold and cloudy day, but the sun made a welcome appearance! We're getting glimpses of spring! :)
2. Dinner around the table with mom, dad, Erin and jack! Love it!

Thursday, march 14th: "3 Gifts found in silence"
1. Time to think, maybe even space to think, noise takes up lots of room in my brain!
2. Rest, true rest.
3. Peace.

Friday, March 15th: "3 gifts given-away"
1. Time
2. Love
3. Encouragement
Whenever someone gives any of these to me I am always blessed beyond measure! Especially time, in today's world of busy schedules the gift of time is priceless.

Honk!

Monday, march 11th: "3 Gifts Read"

Well to be honest, I didn't have a particularly "thankful" Monday. Mondays are the hardest days for me to be thankful, and then I was supposed to be thankful for three things I read, I work at it, but I just don't love reading. On those days when I'm not feeling thankful, on those nights when I just wanna go to sleep and wake up to tomorrow, those are the nights when I need to fight for my joy and write down those three things, it's a fight my friends!
In her blog yesterday, Ann Voskamp wrote about a man who continually drove by a sign that read, "Honk if you're happy!" Long story short, he learned that it was the honking that made him happy. She drew the conclusion to gratitude and how it's not happiness that makes us grateful, but in fact gratitude that makes us happy. This is a concept I'm definitely learning to be true. In order to be grateful, I need to think grateful thoughts, and in order to think grateful thoughts I need to fill my mind and heart with true and good things. That being said, here are three of the things I read yesterday that helped fill my mind with grateful thoughts:

1.) Ann Voskamp's blog
2.) Hebrews 12:2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
3.) GREAT news in a text from a friend about her adoption journey! He keeps His promises!

Tuesday, March 12th: "A gift in wind, in water, in white"

In wind: Oh I really am not a fan of wind! It messes up my hair, makes it hard to wear a skirt, blows things over... Not a fan! But today, a really windy day actually, I found an aspect of the wind I can enjoy. I'm all tucked in and warm at work, don't have to brave the cold, and I can enjoy the sound of the wind through the fire place, a beautiful sound reminding me of my Creator's powerful existence!

In water: I love water! So thankful that I have access to clean fresh water in abundance! So many go without it!

In white: fresh, crisp onions for some guacamole! Yum!

Happy Sunday

Saturday, March 9th: "3 Gifts Carved"

1. Time carved out for a worry-free, joyful day with mom
2. Excess, in a sense, "carved" out of my closet! Love purging! :)
3. Time carved out for a girls night!

Sunday, March 10th: "3 Gifts in Christ"

1. "My chains are gone, I've been set free," Forgiveness of and freedom from sin!
2. "For I am His and He is Mine" Being bought with His blood!
3. "Jesus commands my destiny!" For purpose in life - His purpose for me!

Overall I'm thankful for a full, community-filled weekend! Ready for a purpose-filled week working to do everything for His glory, Happy Sunday!

Noises in the Kitchen

Yesterday was a full day! Ran a couple errands with baby Kate, helped her mom get ready for a baby shower, rushed home to hug my nephew, had dinner with friends, and then choir rehearsal! Wonderful, full day! All the while I was supposed to look for "3 Gifts in the kitchen", I love the kitchen! I'm probably about as anti-feminist as you can get, tell me the woman's place is in the kitchen and I'll start making dinner. Not only do I love all of that tasks for women in the kitchen, but as I've written about before, the kitchen brings people together, cause it's the place with all the food! So, sign me up, I'm ready to assume the role of a stepford house wife! :)
1. Moist cupcakes
2. Music playing
3. Sauce simmering

Today was a perfect Friday, and on this perfect Friday I was looking for "3 Gifts loud", that's a fun one:
1. Joyful noises from baby Jack
2. Loud music with the windows rolled down on my ride home
3. The sunshine, not audibly loud, but loud in its welcome boldness!

Needy Soul

Despite the snow craziness of March 2013 it's been a great week so far, and I'm sure it will only get better because snuggle time with Jack and shopping with mom are still to come! In these pas couple of days Christ has brought me joy in giving me purpose, in bringing me needy people. It's pretty amazing what being needed will do for the soul. We are a needy people, but also a people that loves to be needed. I think with being needed, comes a sense of purpose, it's a sweet reminder from our Savior that we are here for a reason! Ultimately our pupose here on earth is to glorify and enjoy Him forever, and to be Christ to the world. And what better way to be Christ to the world than to help a fellow wanderer in need.

Tuesday, March 5th: "3 Gifts Found"

1. A great book to read
2. Joy in being needed
3. Warmth in the midst of a cold, snowy night

Wednesday, March 6th: " A gift bent, broken, beautiful"

My bent, broken and beautiful gifts came in the from of conviction, heart ache/confession and then forgiveness. I can't go into detail here, but God is faithful to convict and break my sinful heart, and oh so faithful to forgive! Time and time again! Even right after I've confessed and accepted forgiveness, I sin again so quickly! So thankful for grace! So thankful for my sweet Savior!

Also thankful for the wonderful blessing of getting out of the house with little Kate to wander around Target with a great friend! It's the little things, even though this felt like a big one! :)

Happy Wednesday friends! :)

Perspective

Well I'm a little more than behind! I have yet to write in March!
For various reasons I couldn't get myself to the keyboard this weekend. I was bogged down, and letting myself be bogged down, by heavy emotions. While learning to stop and focus on my blessings everyday really has changed my life and my perspective on life, there are days when I really have to work at, and days when I fail at it. Then yesterday morning at church, Dr. Hamilton said something that woke me back up! He was talking about gratitude and said that when we are focusing on our blessings, even the blessing of life and breath in our lungs, the temptation to sin is lessened! If that's true, then taking the time to record the many blessings He has bestowed, and working hard to fight the battle for joy, are more than worth the effort.

So here we go!

Thursday, February 28th: "3 Gifts from the past - that help you trust the future"

1. Countless answered prayers
2. Faithful guidance
3. Purpose in pain

Friday, March 1st: "3 Gifts at 3pm"

1. Being at a good job, not at home looking for one
2. Medicine to calm a hurting baby
3. Only 3 more hours of work, before a restful weekend

Saturday, March 2nd: "3 Gifts green" (really? This was a hard one, do you remember Saturdays' weather?!)

1. Yummy avocado on my BLT! :)
2. A warm sweater
3. The promise of spring in everyone's joy about March, even though I can't see it yet!

Sunday, March 3rd: "3 Gifts Wore"

1. Smiles, and looks of love and concern, worn during sweet talks with friends. (Love catching up over coffee, LOVE it!)
2. Sunday's best worn all over church, love the hustle and bustle and sweet community felt all over College Park Church!
3. Attitudes of adoration and all out worship, worn by the congregation of College Park, I've said it before, but I love the perspective I get singing in the choir! I so enjoy seeing so many worship with lifted hearts and hands, it's beautiful!

Monday, March 4th: "3 Gifts hard to give thanks for"

1. Quiet lonely times at work. God has me here, and He has lots for me here in the quiet.
2. Having to start my car to warm it up early in the morning! I have a car, that starts! And I live in a safe place where I can let it warm up! And my heat works! So many more blessings than curses!
3. Mondays, I just don't like them. But I'm alive and well, I have a great job, had coffee with my parents before work, and I get to have dinner with a friend after, why am I complaining!? Even Mondays are a blessing!

Beauty out of Ashes

I have great intentions of writing every night before I go to bed, but I'm usually sound asleep before I remember those good intentions. So here's yet another post a few hours late!

February 27: "3 Ugly-beautiful gifts"

I started thinking through things that are ugly and how if I look at them as gifts, then they could be beautiful. I was coming up with things like, this nasty weather, sickness, pain, loneliness, unemployment, cleaning, laundry, and many more. But then I realized that, while yes a grateful heart can make ugly things beautiful, it's what God does with the uglies in life that makes them beautiful. So here are some of the "ugly-beautifuls" that I'm thankful for today:

Sin- forgiveness
Loneliness- fellowship with Christ
Bad weather- greater enjoyment of spring
Pain- joy in experiencing the healing power of Christ

How is He turning YOUR ashes into beauty?

He's Making Lemonade

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." How many times have you heard that little phrase? I've heard it quite a few times, and it's also written, in part, above my boss's pantry, so I think about it everyday! What are my lemons? Am I making them into lemonade? While this phrase is thrown around cheaply and a little cliche, I really think there's some wisdom there. I don't think "life" is the one handing out the lemons, we personify life as if it's the determiner of our luck, and I don't think we are really capable of making something good out of our trials. I do, however, think God allows trials in our lives and I do think we have a choice of whether to focus on the sourness of the lemons, or to focus on how sweet they could be if we let their creator make them into something sweet.

Today I'm supposed to find "3 gifts found in reflection", at first I was looking for gifts literally "found in reflection", like a mirror or body of water, then I realized there's another definition of that word. So after God brought the lemonade cliche into my head, I spent some time "reflecting" on the recent lemons He's given me and how He's been making them into lemonade.

1.) Broken engagement. This was certainly a sour one, one I'd just assume throw away and forget about, didn't think I'd ever be ready to see good come of it! But God patiently waited until I was ready, until I had had time to mourn, and He started sweetening this trial. He showed me the power of forgiveness, the power of His love, the tenderness of His relationship with me, the lessons that He needed to teach me in that relationship, and what I'm really loving: He's teaching me how to be thankful. When I think about my life before all of this happened, I cringe. I'm so glad I'm not still there! I don't think I would've chosen this way to learn these lessons, and to grow and change, but I'm so thankful for how God has used this in my life. So thankful that He's brought me to this place. So thankful for Him.

2.) No job, no apartment. I thought this was a lemon at one point, but really it was lemonade in disguise! God used my hard circumstances to bring me an incredible job and an incredible living opportunity. When I stop and think about how thankful I am for my new job, and soon-to-be new condo, I am in awe of how God works. None of it is my doing!

3.) My brother's wandering. This is a fresh one, I'm really not liking it. I want to fix it, him. I want him to come home. But although this is new and fresh, God is already teaching me so much through it, and growing and stretching my faith. I can preach Gods sovereignty all day, but if I can't trust His sovereignty over my brother, it means nothing! I can say I'm trusting Him one day at a time, but if I'm constantly fretting about what tomorrow holds for Jacob and my family, it means nothing! Through His word and through the body of believers, God is gently reminding me that He's got this, and it's all going to be ok. Better than ok. I'm waiting on the edge of my seat to see Him turn these lemons into lemonade, He's doing it before our eyes. Stay tuned, the story's not over!

Promises Kept

If you had told me any facts about what my life would look like right now four months ago, I wouldn't have believed any of it. That I would be single, that I would be buying a condo, that I would be doing this job, still living in Indy, that the new people who have walked into my life would be in it, or that the people who've walked out wouldn't, I would not have believed a word of it! So much is different, just about everything is different. There are big changes that I weep over because I'm so thankful and in awe of God's provision in my life, but there are also some big changes that, just when I think I've come to terms with them, I weep at the heart ache they've caused. Lots of weeping going on! But tears release bad toxins, it's all good! :) I bring all of this up today because it has been a full Monday! I have, in one way or another, had to deal with all of the changes that have happened over the past 4 months, and let me tell you, my head is gonna hit the pillow ready for sleep tonight! On days like today I'm thankful for God's consistency and faithfulness. I'm thankful that no matter what is changing in my life, He always remains the same, and He ALWAYS keeps His promises! In a world of broken promises, that's a beautiful, tear-jerking truth! I was about to start today's post with, today it feels like too much, today it feels like He's given me more than I can handle. But then I was reminded of numerous promises He's given me to the contrary, and He brought me peace. God is good.


Those of you who faithfully follow my blog probably know that I'm a little behind, I'm gonna go a little outside the box and just list 12 things I'm thankful for over these past three days, I think it still counts! :)

1. A relaxing Saturday morning with my family
2. The comfort only a snuggly nephew can bring
3. A close bond with my sister that grows stronger every day
4. The wisdom of a brother-in-law always freely and generously given
5. A warm, comfortable bed to sleep in when my eyes can stay open no longer!
6. A welcoming body of believers to worship with every week
7. A godly pastor who speaks convicting and comforting truth
8. Wise loving parents who have walked with me faithfully every day of my life!
9. Coffee with a old/new friend, maybe my twin! :)
10. God's watch and protection over wandering souls
11. God's quick provision and guidance in my condo purchase
12. So many friends at the ready whenever I'm in need!


"There is always, always, always something to be thankful for."

Change

February 22nd: "3 Gifts that Changed Today"

There are so many things that have changed in my life in the past couple months, weeks, and days, that have led me to where I am in this moment. Really in the past couple years, nothing has happened according to my plan, but all of those changes are definitely things to be thankful for! Today, however, I'm going to keep things simple, in my effort to take things one day at a time, I'm just going to focus on what changed today (well technically yesterday:)

1.) My work schedule changed allowing me to spend the afternoon with my sister and baby Jack! What a wonderful Friday blessing! 

2.) My evening plans changed, allowing me to stay home and enjoy some good ol comfort food with my family!

3.) My attitude, it's not completely changed, but God certainly did a lot of work on it today and, although it may hurt in the moment, His work towards change in me is always a blessing.

"... Name them one by one."

Today I'm supposed to list three things "white" that I'm thankful for, and I'll do that, but I also just need to take some time and make a little list. So tonight's post comes in bullet point form:

Scrambled egg whites for breakfast, surprisingly wonderful!
My favorite creamer in my coffee
Sweet baby Jack in his fluffy white jammies
The power of prayers, and friends that will pray
The sweet baby I care for sleeping through the night
Technology that allows quick communication
Family, family, family
True friends

And most importantly the never ending mercy and grace of my Savior Jesus!


Goodnight.

Food and Fun

"A Gift at breakfast, lunch and dinner"

Breakfast: peace and quiet, and a filling meal!

Lunch: One of my favorites: spaghetti!

Dinner: All the family back together, and snuggle time with baby Jack!

Also need to record thanks for the fact that I enjoyed 3 full meals today and with plenty left over and options to say no to, my goodness I have plenty!
Also, I laughed tonight, I mean really laughed, I mean the tears of joy streaming down my face kind of laughing. I can't remember the last time I laughed like that! Such a blessing!

26 Letters

"3 Gifts that are Plan B's"

Lately I feel like I'm on plan C or D, maybe even E, but certainly not back at B! I keep thinking, "this time I've got it right, this time I'm following God's will for my life." But then He throws me another curveball. I've really been wrestling a lot lately with God and His plans for me, but one thing I have to remember, is that this is not His plan D or E, He knows what He's doing even though I may not. Although its been difficult, God is still faithful to show me glimpses into His big picture, to remind me that He's got me right where He wants me.
That was a hard paragraph to write, hard truths to swallow right in this moment. Sometimes, I'd really like to take the steering wheel, but we all know how that would turn out!

"3 Plan B's:
1.) My job caring for tiny baby Kate. While there are downsides to every job, I really do love mine! I get to spend my days meeting the needs a round, warm, cuddly, soft baby girl, and she rewards me with smiles, giggles, and hugs. I have a very strong desire to be a mom, and while I don't yet have the privilege of caring for my own children, it's a blessing to care for Kate.

2.) My new home venture. I am currently in the process of buying my friends condo. While right now, being in the midst of a loan application is not so fun, the opportunity to own my own place is very exciting! God so clearly brought this opportunity to me, He brought it to my attention the day I was about to sign a lease on another apartment! Exciting!

3.) I was prepared to offer thanks for my singleness right now, but lately that's been the joy I've been fighting hardest for and I'm not quite there yet, working on it, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
But what I will offer thanks for is the fact that I'm still living in Indiana. With every opportunity for fellowship with family and friends, I thank God that I am here to be a part of it. I'm not sure how I would've handled being so far away, given recent occurrences, and every time I see a picture of my sweet nephew, I'm so thankful he's only 2 hours away.
God has me right where he wants me.

Catching up!

Ok I'm a little behind, sleep has won the competition these past two nights! But I haven't forgotten to look for blessings, just to write them down.

Sunday: "3 gifts found in giving/serving"

1. The opportunity to see the entire congregation worship from the choir perspective.

2. A meal shared with someone unsure of her faith, the opportunity to show Christ's love.

3. The blessing it is to walk alongside a struggling friend.

Monday: "3 gifts on paper"

1. Scripture
2. Dinner menu, I was hungry! :)
3.small group notes, such a blessing to have people to do life with!

Saturday

I'm breaking the rules, there are lots of things I'm thankful for today, but none are fitting nicely into the topic of the day, so I'm just gonna pick three and that'll be that! :)

1. Good workout with my brother.

2. Lots of good relaxing chats with my family.

3. So much progress and grace in our lives over this past week. Things looked rough just 7 days ago, but God has been stepping in, in big ways.

Excited that tomorrow is Sunday! My favorite day of the week!

Beautifully Overwhelmed

What a day yesterday was. I woke up expecting it to be just like any other day, but God had something different in mind, as He most often does. During the day I went about my normal work routine, and in the quiet of caring for a three month old, I started to dwell on thoughts of loneliness and self-pity, and worse, I gave those thoughts credit and validity. I don't need to say much more about that, was just allowing myself to be in a sad mood. Well my Friday evening plans involved events that God used to first, take my perspective off of myself and my "problems", and second, offer me hope, encouragement, and evidence of His very real presence in my life. With that, let's dive into yesterday's thankfulness topic:

"A gift in loosing, finding, making something"

I love these poetic topics, they always leave me searching and thinking all day!

1.) A gift in loosing. In the midst of my self-pity and loneliness, I kept checking my phone to again read today's topic, for some reason I could not remember the words, "loosing, finding, making something."
"Loosing, finding, making something"? what am I ever going to write about today? Well, like I said, it wasn't until the end of the day when the Lord rescued me from my selfish thoughts that my eyes could be opened to His blessings. Yesterday, the thing I'm thankful for loosing, was my blindfold. I wish I could go into full detail as to what I was blindfolded to, but in vague terms it was, my sin, God's hand in my life and in the lives of my family, my continued need for His Grace and forgiveness, and I could go on and on. It wasn't that I've never seen these things before, but lately I've been choosing to live in a world of denial and God brought me out of it in a beautiful way.

2.) A gift in finding. That's the thing with loosing, it seems that one usually finds something new in return. In this instance, God certainly wasn't leaving me hanging by just helping me loose my blindfold and wrong perspective, that was blessing enough. But what I found, what He showed me, in revealing all of those things I listed was, hope. Hope in Him, in His plan, for my life, my family's life, hope in His purpose for me. Not self-pity, loneliness and despair, hope.

3.) A gift in making something. I really had to think about this third one for a while. I kept trying to think of something I had made today, something God had made.... but then I realized that "making something" is not necessarily referring to something that has been and is done being made. God whispered to me, "The something being made, is you!" Im not really sure if I have accurately described what God did in my heart last night, but friends, He is turning my world upside down, in the best way possible. He is making Himself real and known to me in a way I never thought possible. I am so thankful that He is in control, and that He is not only leading me, but walking right beside me, as He completes His work in me.

beautifully overwhelmed.

So much love

Honesty moment: all day I've been preparing my Valentines Day rant, with every bouquet pictured on facebook, every tweet proclaiming someone's undying love, and every Instagram picture of the perfect couple, my rant gained more fuel. All in all, however, a rant is a cover for loneliness, I'd rather be angry than sad, and loneliness is a cop out from true contentment, easier to be sad than happy, sometimes. So while I still am not a fan of Valentines Day, I've decided that neither my rant, nor my self-pity have any valid place written in my blog or spoken from my lips. I've been learning two hard lessons in this thankfulness journey, and if I'm really going to practice what I'm learning, I have to work on being joyful and content, even today. Those lessons being to search for blessings in everything, and to give God credit for those blessings. So instead of my rant here are....

"3 Ways you feel the Love of God" (no accident that this is the love Ann wanted us to focus on today)

1.) I feel His love through the love of my friends. You all are incredible! In the past couple months my eyes have been opened to how truly blessed I am in the friends God has brought me. I think I was taking you all for granted before. So excuse my "gushing" of late, but I love you all more than words can express, and I never want you do be in doubt of that fact!

2.) I feel His love through my family. I would be typing all night if I attempted to accurately describe how wonderful my family is. I am so thankful that they are who God has given me to struggle and learn through this life with. I think the only way to sum it up is to say, I love you all too much to cheapen it with my words!

3.) I feel His love in perfectly timed evidence of His power over me and presence with me. I wish I could tell you all how He keeps showing up in small and big ways exactly when I need a little reassurance! Maybe ill start journaling those for a later date! But let me just tell you, God is SO good.

So, all rants aside, I had a great Valentines Day, there were a few bumps a long the way, but I spent it with people I love, trust, and do life with, I'd say that's a pretty great day! :)

Always

Not feeling so thankful this evening, until I came across a photo I saved that reads, "There is always, always, always, something to be thankful for." I must focus on the things in my life there are to be thankful for, I simply must!

"3 Gifts behind a door"

1.) snuggly baby Kate when nap time is over.

2.) my cheerful, leaping puppy when I get home from a long day at work.

3.) my warm welcoming bed, when its time to sink back into sleep.

Bed of Roses

"3 Hard Eucharisteos"
I've been anticipating today's topic for a while, and not in a good way. I don't want to search for and write about things that are hard to be thankful for! I don't want to be thankful for them! But days like today are the reason for this "Joy Dare" aren't they? When there are things, or circumstances in my life in which I can only see the negative, or days when I can't find joy, I'm supposed to search for it, there is always something to be thankful for, always. Well with that in mind, here goes...


1.) My sister and her family (along with sweet baby Jack) living in Ft. Wayne. I know it's only two hours away, but when I'd like to stop by on my way home from work, it feels like twenty! But there is so much joy that I can find in this situation, Tyler has a good job, they have found an incredible church family, they are surrounded by great neighbors and play-mates for Jack, the cost of living is lower, and I could go on. I also need to focus on the fact that they are ONLY two hours away instead of twenty, I can visit on the weekends, or even make a day trip. And with technology these days, I can see Erin and baby Jack anytime I want! So much to be thankful for here!

2.) Living at home (sorry mom and dad :). There have been times when I've all but gone out and signed a lease, when frustrated with my current living situation, it's not always a bed of roses. But when I'm choosing to focus on my blessings, and on Gods plan and purpose for my life, the joy overflows! I have next to no bills, I have access to a full fridge, I get to see my parents before I leave for work and when I get home, I'm here to hang with and encourage my brother, when Erin comes to visit we are all under one roof, and not to mention, I get to cuddle with Maggie whenever I want! :) There have been so many occasions in which God has shown me why I'm here right now, He's got me right where He wants me!

3.) The fact that I'm not married right now. This is a tough one, something at times I never thought I'd thank God for. But that light at the end of the tunnel, it's glowing! When I was in the throws of sadness and confusion, so many people told me, "God has a plan" "there's another man out there for you" "better now than later" but I couldn't, and didn't want to believe any of it! But in His perfect timing, God has brought me to a place of complete peace and rest in His plan, He has given me a glimpse at the tapestry He's weaving, and it's beautiful! He has taught, and is continuing to teach me, so many valuable lessons, and Has drawn me so close to Him, that I wonder if I would've gotten here had He not taken me through this trial. I wouldn't have asked for it, and I certainly don't wanna do it again, but I also don't want to go back to the person I was before it happened. God has grown me up in Him and for that I am so thankful! No thanks to me or anything I've done, I can have joy in the midst of and in spite of whatever circumstances He brings, He has truly turned my mourning into dancing.

2 in one

February 10th: "3 Times you heard laughter today"

At church..... At lunch with dear friends..... At a friends house for relaxed fellowship!

February 11th:
There's nothing particularly wonderful about Monday mornings, I'm usually extra sleepy from having too much fun over the weekend, and struck with the reality that it's 5 more days until I get to go to sleep without setting an alarm. My alarm always comes too soon, and the drive to work is a bit of a bummer. .... Well if these are the kind of thoughts I'm dwelling on, no wonder I don't like Monday mornings! To be honest I've been coming off of the high of God doing a miraculous work in my heart and mind. I don't know exactly when or how this happened, but He freed me from the bondage of sadness and self-pity and opened my eyes to relief and joy! The initial burst of excitement followed by such a transformation simply does not last forever, it wasn't long before I was again looking for something "exciting" to bring me my daily joy. With this vicious cycle I'm doomed to a roller coaster of emotions, I've got to work on consistent, Christ-inspired joy. Working on this one, one. day. at. a. time.

"3 Gifts Found in Working" (important gifts to look for when caught with the "Monday Blues"!)

1.) The feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

2.) The ability to earn income.

3.) Today I was hit with a wave of sadness out of the blue, I was listening to a playlist I made on spotify and the song that would've played during the first dance at my wedding came on. I wasn't expecting this, nor was I expecting the affect it had on me, but during this tough moment God brought to my attention my third gift found in working today:  the precious baby I get to care for. When I was struggling to take my thoughts captive during this tough moment, I looked down at Kate and was greeted with a precious, beautiful smile! So thankful God brought this unique job to me, and for the blessing this little soul is to me!

Count them, 1... 2... 3...

February 9th: "3 Surprise Gifts - Unexpected Grace!"

1.) Everyone in their right place.

2.) Sweet time with a friend.

3.) Laughter-filled rejoicing over the healing of a broken heart.

Taking it one day at a time right now? You made it through another one.

Adopted

Day (February) 8: " A Gift broken, fixed, thrifted."

Broken: Evidence of a broken and contrite heart before the Lord, in a friend. The beautiful kind of brokenness.

Fixed: My despairing attitude has been transformed and "fixed" by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am feeling joy and relief, feelings that are most definitely not from any of my doing. God is good and He is faithful to keep His promises.

Thrifted: I love thrift stores, I love the concept that one person's trash is another's treasure. Today I am thankful for our thrifted souls, that my soul, that should be trash because of my sin, is a treasure to Christ. He loves me in spite of my short comings and welcomes me as His adopted child. Ican't remind myself of that enough!

Perfect Timing

Oh it has been a day! One of those days I woke up expecting a chill day, and had my routine planned out, but God had something completely different in mind! One blessing of recently experiencing a big trial is that new ones don't phase me as much, God has been and is continuing to walk this journey with me, and I trust Him to continue to do so! Life is hard, and there are very difficult seasons, but He's got me! Letting go of control is so freeing! Now don't get me wrong, I don't have this all figured out, and tomorrow something could go wrong and I could flip a switch, but He's still got me.

Day (February) 7: "A Gift at 11:30, 2:30 and 6:30"

This was a fun one!
11:30: Baby Kate was sleeping so soundly, Ive been working on teaching her to sleep in her crib and today I made progress!

2:30: This was beautiful, in the midst of a rough conversation about a situation that seemed a little hopeless, I was interrupted by an alarm on my phone that said, "look for a blessing!" Perfect timing! So we stopped and looked for the good in the bad, the silver lining on the dark cloud, and we found it!

6:30: I was on my way home from a long day at work, and my favorite song came on the radio, a song with the reminder not to worry, cause God has it all figured out!

goodnight friends!

The Great Outdoors

Another long, wonderful day, ending with a fantastic discussion on "faith" at small group.
I am exhausted, in the best way!

Day (February) 6:

"3 Gifts found outside"

1. ) The sun, beautiful sun rises and sun sets, and for its much needed appearance today!

2.) Clouds, I've always loved them, hope to sky-dive through one someday!

3.) Sounds, I love the constant soundtrack God has playing.

Knit together

Day (February) 5: "A gift stitched, hammered, woven"

These three gifts to search for had me looking and thinking all day, I came up with three things, but they require a little, thinking outside the box. :)

Stitched: I'm a sucker for a good blanket! I love to keep my room cold so I can cover up with a fluffy comforter at night, and I love to snuggle up under a warm fleece afghan to watch a good movie, or take a nap on a quiet Sunday afternoon. These are certainly a gift I appreciate and all too often take for granted.

Hammered: A couple weeks ago I was browsing Pinterest and came across a quote by Abraham Lincoln, "we can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." This short quote hit me hard, and I decided to make it my phone background. Every time I unlock my phone, I am forced to read his words, and the conviction to see God's blessings, where I'm tempted to see a curse, is new once again. Therefore, I'm going to call this my "gift hammered" because this truth has been, in a sense, hammered into my thinking. Thank you, Abraham Lincoln!

Woven: As you all know I've just started a new job caring for a 3 month old baby girl. While I have a lot of experience carry for children of all ages, other than my nephew, Kate is my first newborn. I have been challenged from the get go because Kate could not be more different than Jack, she eats differently, sleeps differently, plays differently, is growing differently, she's just completely different! It's been a frustrating, yet rewarding challenge. The reason I say all that, is because in looking for a gift that's woven today, I kept thinking of a song by Nicole Nordman entitled, "Woven and Spun". Her song is about how we have all been woven together by our Creator. Seeing the differences in these two precious babies is such a fun, beautiful reminder that we are, indeed, carefully knit together by an incredible God! Not spontaneously formed, not by accident, not coincidence, not without purpose! I love the metaphor in the word, "woven" and I love this reminder to be thankful for my Creator, in these sweet babies, Jack and Kate.

"Just another manic Monday..."

Today was a very typical working Monday, not a day for the history books, just a Monday. But, to be sentimental, life isn't made up of big events and history-making days, it's made up of the day by day nitty gritty "stuff". I am always looking forward to the next event, when there isn't something to look forward to tonight, or this weekend, I'm bummed. Not a fulfilling way to live life, no matter how big the event is, it will always come to an end. That's one of the hard lessons I've been learning these past couple months. I was looking forward to the event every little girl looks forward to her whole life, my wedding, to the man of my dreams. God keeps reminding me that this disappointement is not the end of my story, or a disappointment worth despairing over, it's just part of His story for me, a part of His plan for me, to bring Him glory.

Today's topic of thankfulness is an example of why I'm loving this "Joy Dare", never would have searched for the type of blessing I only find when I'm "bent down". But let me tell you, when Ann says that being thankful every day will increase your happiness by 25%, she is right! Maybe even to a greater degree! All day I was conscience of when I bent down and what blessings I could find in those moments, what a fun way to be challenged!

"3 Gifts found when bent down"

1.) Bending down to pick-up sweet baby Kate! Loving this snuggly warm baby!

2.) This is a stretch, but we're on a scavenger hunt for blessings right?? Bending down to pick-up and fold laundry, thankful for a working washing machine, and for clothes to wash.

3.) Bending down to pet my joyful puppy when I got home! Nothing like a cheerful greeting when walking in the door! :)

Here we go!

It's been a great Sunday, choir, coffee, catching up, great sermon, great fellowship, cozy nap, entertaining commercials ;), great Sunday.

Day (February) 3: "3 Gifts Found in Writing"

1.) Hymn lyrics: "Through the blood of Christ Thy Son, this soul can be redeemed."

2.) Encouraging text from a friend, "Praying for you."

3.) Cheerful text from my new boss, smiley faces are always good from a new employer!

First week of full-time work in over two months, starts tomorrow! Here... we... go!

3 C's

It's Saturday again. I think I've been brain washed into thinking that it's my right as a human being to be "lazy" on Saturdays. Where did that come from? Certainly not scripture! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing the matter with some good old fashioned "rest & relaxation" but I think maybe looking at it as a right is taking things a little too far. I think even R&R can be an idol, for me anyways. Just some food for thought, at least what I'm munching on, on this snowy second day of February.

Day (February) 2:  "3 Gifts on Paper"

I mentioned my propensity to, idolize my R&R, because God woke me up today with some tough reminders, and in this awakening gave me a couple, hard-to-swallow, "gifts on paper".

1.) "Challenge." I didn't print it so it was an on-screen piece of paper, but paper none-the-less, my first gift came in email form. An email from a member of my newly found, small group family. We are currently studying Hebrews using the inductive method and this week brings us to Hebrews 11. A chapter of the Bible mainly focused on faith. Well the sender of the email challenged us to dig deep in our preparations this week and really study the meaning of the word, "faith" and come up with our own definition. I'll have to admit, I wasn't so thrilled with the assignment. "You mean in addition to Observing, Interpreting, and Applying this chapter I need to do a word study on faith? It's Saturday, I have a right to be lazy today." Yep, that was my initial reaction. Well after the second episode of my new favorite show, "Ally McBeal", I couldn't ignore his challenge any longer. This led me to my second, "gift on paper".

2.) "Conviction". One of my favorites of Pastor Kauffman's sermon series' was his on Hebrews. I remember filling my Bible with his explanations of it's text, knowing one day I would need them to better understand the words. Well today was one of those days. I got out my heavy Bible and searched the pages for Pastor Kauffman's explanations of "faith". After reading a few of my less-than-legible notes, I began to get an un-settled feeling in the pit of my stomach, "Do I have faith? Real, authentic faith?" For whatever reason this led me to open a devotional my mom gave me years ago, a devotional I had previously ignored, a devotional with a randomly placed book mark. Like any logical reader, I opened the book to the book mark, only to find that it was no coincidence that I picked this book, and no coincidence that I chose the book-marked page. The title read, "Remove the Rocks" referring to the planks in our eyes we must remove before picking at the specs in others'. Without completely bearing my soul, I'll tell you that confession hasn't been high on my priority list, in light of recent events, and my lack of confession and brokenness over my sin has been affecting more areas of my life than I would like to admit! Which brings me to my third and final, "gift on paper".

3.) "Confidence". I decided it was time for confession, and I decided I should write it down, again not sure why. I pulled out my journal, opened it up and began writing. Let me tell you, ask God to open your eyes to your sin, and break you over it, He will be faithful to do so. I had plenty to write. When I finally stopped for air I was feeling pretty discouraged, but God is good and He has a plan. My journal has verses printed on every page and the verse on this particular page was Philippians 1:6 " Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." God is good, and He has a plan. Need I say more?