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!