Day 31

I love this crazy wonderful collage that I call my life.

Over the last 30 days I've taken time to stop and remember a lot of the great pieces of my life. The things that make up this life that I live. The things I get to do. The things I get to enjoy.

I'm not perfect. Even in remembering all this, there have still been some moments of sadness. Sad over the past that I can't change. Sad over what I wish was mine. Sad over my own devided heart.

Yet even in the middle of all of this God is so good. He keeps walking with me. Whether happy or sad He holds my heart. Whether I'm walking or stumbling, He's still with me. Whether crying in pain or laughing joyfully, He stays.

One of the things I love about my life is the fact that no matter where I go His presence (His merciful loving presence) is always with me. Sometimes convicting, sometimes comforting or a mix of both, but always there.

He is so good and gracious. He is so kind and generous.

Yes it's not perfect, but I love this life. In the days and years ahead I hope and pray that I can continually look to Him and enjoy His presence.

May He be the light in my eyes, the spring in my step, the hand that holds me when I cry, the One who carries me, the joy in my song, and my Eternal King.

Day 30

I love celebrating Passover with my family.

Every year on Good Friday we invite some friends over and celebrate a Christian Sader. It's a special time. We get to celebrate what God has done through His blood and resurrection and reflect on His faithfulness. It's also amazing how many pictures of Christ are woven into this Jewish holiday. We love it. 

After the Sader and dinner is over we go outside and enjoy a bonfire and dancing. It's the best. 

I have so many wonderful memories of this yearly tradition. It's so rich in meaning and history. 

I thankful God for a chance to celebrate His love and mercy in setting us free from sin and for delivering us into a new life. 

Day 29

I love how many stars I can see at night.

On a good clear night I can go out on our porch and see so many beautiful stars. That whole this about the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas thing isn't just a song. So many nights I have taken beautiful long walks under the stars and sang to their Creator. 

So often I have looked up at those stars and marveled that the God who made all of those big beautiful stars loves me and cares for me. That God takes care of me with the same care that He used t place those stars. I love that. 

Day 28

I love journals.

Since I was 13 or maybe 14 I have off and on kept a journal. 

It's nice not only to write down my thoughts, but to look back later and see what God has done. It helps me process life. It helps me to slow down enough to hear Gods voice. It helps me to have perspective. 

I've also recently started keeping a prayer journal. Just so I can see how God answers my prayers. 

Plus I enjoy all the beautiful journals that I have gotten over the years. The leather ones have been my favorites or ones with verses.

Day 27

I love the way that God created time.

I heard it said in a sermon that God gave us time so that everything wouldn't happen at once. I love that. We have times of joy and times of pain. Times of peace and times to fight battles. Times to work and times to rest.

I love that God has made it so that we don't have to tackle all the joy or all of the pain at once.

He is so good.

Day 26

I love live plays and movies.

Moving stories are so powerful. I love watching a good story unfold before my eyes. I love encouraging or romantic stories. They cause me to dream a little more. Reach a little higher. Sing a little louder. 

Fairy tales, Bible stories, and adventures are awesome.

Day 25

I love the promises of God.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/397513104595184662/

Today is Palm Sunday. The day that we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem. He fulfilled the prophecies spoken of long before. He fulfilled all the promises He had made. Not one of them failed. 

The same is true today. I love that God is even now working to fulfill all the good promises He has made to me. 

Things like 

- He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion.

- I will never leave you and never forsake you.

- Commit your way to the Lord and whatever you do with prosper.

- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight. 

- I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. 

- In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world. 
- When you pass through the waters I will be with you. 

I could go on and on. There are so many promises that God has made to me. Promises that He doesn't have to make. He doesn't owe me anything and yet He chooses to promise me so much. He is good. He is faithful. May He be honored and praised forever.    

Day 24

I love pink and gold.

I'm a big color person. I like having lots of fun color in my life. I enjoy being able to add beautiful variety with colors.

It's fun.

Day 23

I love that God has a plan. It's bigger than I can imagine. It's grander than anything I could dream up. It's not thwarted by my mistakes or the mistakes of others.

Even on the hardest days when I have come to Him crying holding shattered remnets of my dreams, He takes my trembling hands in His and reminds that He is still in control. His plan is still advancing. He will be with me. His plan will win.

Oh how often I have fought Him. Yet He still takes care of me and works to heal and restore me. His plan is always best. Always.

Oh my soul, trust in God. His plans are always best. His plans are always for your good and His glory.

The hardest time in your life may just be the beginning of His greatest work in you.

Day 22

I love sticky notes.

I'm a bit of a sticky notes addict. I enjoy making lists, writing notes, and using  different colored pins on my paper calendar.

I have a whole mini filing system for my sticky notes based on priority and when I need to do them.

I love little notes with flowers or Bible verses on them.

I know I can probably save money by doing it all on my phone, but I like paper and ink. It's fun.

Day 21

I love that I live in a country with police officers.

Over the last few weeks as the bombings have occurred around Austin, I've watched brave men and women step up, protect us, and follow leads. They deserve our respect and support.

All too often the cops are painted as the bad guys. We don't like it when they give us a ticket or fail to stop any harm from happening.

But these are the people that God has placed in our lives to protect us and enforce laws.

I am thankful to live in a country where we have people who's full time job is to keep us safe.

I pray blessings and safety over all of our law enforcement today.

Day 20

I love my wardrobe.

I love spring dresses, flower prints, lots of color, and dressing up.

It's fun to be able to play, match, and have more clothes than I even really need.

Day 19

I love how God sends me encouragement when I need it the most.

When I'm down and can't see to the other side, sends me encouragement. A friend, a blog post, a text from a loved one, someone's post on Facebook, a verse, or a letter. God knows just how to send me the encouragement I need.

It lifts me up. It spurs me on. It keeps me heading toward the goal. It makes all the difference in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and lifted me up. Thank you for encouraging me to press on and not give up.

Day 18

I love the church that God has us in right now.

It's not perfect (after all they let me in the door) but the people and the way we are fed and challenged spiritually keeps us coming back.

The music draws me closer to God and the messages challenge me in my faith. The people encourage me to be who God made me to be.

After being out of the church for a while, I am thankful for God providing us with a place we can grow and be challenged.

Day 17

I love how God works even in the middle of our tears.

Today I kinda had a rough start to the morning, but God still was lovingly calling to me. I was struggling with feeling down, but God kept sending me reminders of His love and that I don't have to live there. I open up Facebook and see something that brought up tough memories, but God cares for me.

In the middle of the tears God comes to me. He holds my shaking shoulders. He whispers kind words to me. He reminds me of His love. He tells me that He will work all this for good. He reminds me I'm not alone in the fight. He reminds me that He is still in control.

No matter how I'm feeling, no matter the tears that are stinging my eyes, no matter the pain that I'm carrying, it doesn't change the fact that He is still working. He is still making me all that I was created to be. He is still good.

Oh my soul. Trust in the God who works in the middle of your tears.

Day 16

I love my Bible collection.

So I have always enjoyed Bibles, but recently I became fancinated with Bibles and the stories they could tell. So I have started a little collection. My hope is to one day write a whole series of novellas about people and their Bibles. 

For now though, I just enjoy them. 

Day 15

I love the music I have in my life.

At work I get to hear Christian music all day.

On walks I can take my favorite tunes.

While working out I can have music to pump me up.

When I need reminders of His love and grace I can stick in my headphones.

While relaxing I can play something soothing.

It's great that I have so many choices for music. I love it.

Day 14

I love all the technology I have access to. 

Everything from my phone, to my kindle, to the Internet, to my IPad, to social media. 

It's amazing that I can instantly connect with anyone I want to around the world. I can get in touch with friends to know how I can be praying for them. I can see how friends are doing. I can listen to any kind of music I want. I can call friends. I can do video chats. I can blog. 

All of this is a great gift. It can be abused and taken too far, but I choose to believe that it's like a hammer. A powerful tool to be wheedled wisely. I'm far from perfect, but God is helping me to rightly use technology for His glory. Wheeled aright, technology is one of my greatest allies. 

Day 13

I love the friends that God has placed in my life.

There are so many of you. As I start to think the list just keeps growing. 

Sarah - My bestie since I was little. My confidant. My sister. You are so special and mean so much to me. I can't even sum up here how much we have gone through and how much God has grown us over the years. 

Mom - You have always made yourself a safe place to share. I thank God that I have you. 

Lea - You have been there to pray for and support me and our family. 

Debra - I'm so thankful for how we have stayed friends for over 9 years. How the time does fly. But it has been so great to see how God has grown you. Thanks for letting me come along. And you have encouraged me in some of the hardest times in my life. I'm so grateful for that. 

Hannah - You are so special. We have been through so much guy stuff together and shared our hearts. You encourage me when I'm down and brighten my day. You have a flare for life and a tell it like it is attitude that makes me smile. 

Christina - You have been a great mentor to me this past year. When I was at my darkest place you were encouraging me and praying for me. That is a great gift. 

Michelle and Josh - Thank you for opening up your home and encouraging me when I needed it most.

Kim & Vangie - When I first started volunteering in the Neuonatel Intesive Care Unit in Austin, I had no idea that I would meet two believers who would encourage and help me as much as you two. You have encouraged and blessed me so much with your perspective and caring. 

My Ultimate Frisbee group - we have been coming and playing with you all since last summer. It's been so fun to play with all of you and hang out with such a cool group of Christian young adults. 

Pastor Perry & Mrs. Perry - Who walked with me through last summer and proved to be good counselors. Thank you.  

Mama Liz- you have been  there to support and care for me at work. I love you so much.

My ADRN Friends- you have celebrated and prayed for me through so much and I appreciate all that you have done. Your support and your care have made a huge difference in my life. 

My Filmmaking friends - You have challenged me and encouraged me. I miss seeing you, but I'm so grateful I got to know you.

My Albuquerque Friends - Thanks for welcoming me and for helping me take the next step toward healing. You have a special place in my heart. Thank you for challenging me to come before God in all things and live the adventure that He has laid out.

There are so many more I could name. There are so many people who have taken time to have lunch, text me that they were praying, start a conversation when I was scared, called me when I was having a rough day, and encouraged me when I needed it the most. You have touched and blessed me more than you will ever know.

As I'm writing this my heart is so full. You have all meant so much to me. As your faces came to mind or the memories came up I am remembering how blessed I am to have as many friends as I do. You are such a treasure and joy to me. Thank you for being there and all that you have done. 

Day 12

I love the place I get to live in. 

It's so calming and wonderful to come home to an orderly house decorated with pictures of my favorite people. 

It's quiet (unless the neighbors decided to have a mega base party :P) a peaceful place to rest at the end of a workday. 

I've spent so many hours walking in the woods behind our house. Whether it's crying, dreaming, worshiping God, or searching my heart they have provided a place of refuge for me to get away from the distractions. It's beautiful. 

And this is my favorite time of year. Soon the leaves will return and our land will be covered in green grass and flowers.  

 

Day 11

I love that I get to serve on our church's media team.

Today at church you will find me back in the media booth pushing bottons so that lyrics will appear on the screen. I enjoy helping making the service come together. It's fun to be a part of the team and to help out the church.

It's a small thing, but I enjoy helping and getting to sing all those songs to God so many times. I'm getting in extra worship time. It's good.

Day 10

I love that I have a car. 

It's old, but it works. It gets me from point A to point B. 

I can go to work without having to get up at 4:30 in the morning. 

I can go to meet friends and serve on the media team without having to tie up a family car. 

I can do all kinds of things. 

It's been a great blessing. Thanks to the Larkin family that helped me fix it. 

Day 9

I love how much good food I have access to.

Like no other time in history have we had this much food available year round.

If I get an alvacado or a m&m craving all I have to do is take a trip to the store.

Not to mention that I get to eat 3 meals a day plus snacks. That is a great blessing. One that not all of us enjoy. There are those all over the world at are hungry everyday. (Pray for them)

Plus I get great lunches packed for me.

This is a blessing that I love about my life.

Day 8

I love all the flowers that God has put into my life. Of course roses are my favorite, but I enjoy so many.
This morning as I was driving into work there were so many bluebonnets along the side of the road.
Spring is here!

Day 7

I love the family that God has given me. Wow, I could go on about then for a long time. They have been there through the best and worst in my life. They have supported and helped me through it all. They have cheered me on when I needed it most. They have encouraged me when I was down. They have blessed me and been the hands and feet of Christ when I needed it most and deserved it the least.

Dad- you have guarded me and encouraged me. I know it's been hard the last few years with the MCI, but you still challenge and encourage me. You still love and support me.
Mom- you have been such a support and help. Not many can say that thy have a live in counselor and 24hour on call emotional  support.
Sarah- Bestie, friend, confidant, sister, roommate, and so much more. I'm so thankful for how far God has brought us and that we are still best friends after all these years.
Michael- I'm so proud of the strong man of God you've become. Your heart and strength amaze me. Your work for the hospital and at home are such an inspiration.
Grace- your heart for the lost and your kindness toward others challenge and amaze me. Work buddy and friend. I'm so amazed at how you care for others and you can fix any broken jewelry.
Rebekkah- you have been such a blessing to everyone. I love your heart for God and your beautiful spirit. You work so hard around the land and for anyone who needs a hand. Keep going! You're doing great.
Mikayla- you are so cool. I love your zest for life and your love of adventure, documenting the whole journey with an amazing eye for photography. I love you so much. You encourage me to live life to the full.

Day 6

I love that I get to spend so much time in Bible study, prayer, and worshipping God. I enjoy my mornings in the word, the time I get to spend in Bible study, and the time praying for others.
And that I get to enjoy so many good sermons, books on spiritual growth, and biographies of those who have gone before.

Day 5

I love that I get to work on so many craft projects. 

 I have the free time to make and create. I'm terrible at sketching, but I enjoy doing this kind of artwork. I enjoy taking up a needle and making something lovely. Making something beautiful for others to use or enjoy.  

 And this year, I made myself a promise. I was either going to use the craft supplies I had or get rid of them. Just to clean out to what I am really going to use. Yep the pressure is on, but I can't wait to create some more. Let's go! 

Day 4

I love the fact that today I get to help host a bridal shower for a good friend. 

This is a team effort, but I'm so grateful I have the time, ability, and skills to help make this day special for my friend. I can make cookies and handle my part easily and with joy. I get to enjoy time baking and shopping for things mostly distraction free (I'm a huge distraction to myself these days :P)

Just having the time and ably to help make this happen is something I am so grateful for.

I love that I can help host parties, agree to help friends out, and make beautiful things. It makes me happy.  

Day 3

I love my job!

I don't think there is another place on earth quite like Hope Family Thrift Store.

Not only do I get to work for a Christian organization, but I also get to say that 100% of our profits go to helping disaster survivors. The people that I work with are great and it's nice to have a part time job to supply some wants in my life.

It's not perfect, after all the let me in the door, but I'm thankful I get to work there.

And today we are having our monthly 50% off almost everything in the store. So if you get a chance come by and see us. We will be running around like crazy, but happy that we get to work for such a great place. Always a new adventure and challenge.

I love the job that God has given me.

Day 2

Today I love that I can do 30 minutes of any workout I choose on a daily basis. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to make my body stronger and better able to serve by consistent workouts. Some of them are hard and I really have to push myself, but I feel so much better when it's finished. 

Two years ago I was only doing five minutes here and there or going on walks. Last year I worked myself up to 15 minutes on a semi regular basis. This year I stepped it up to 30 minutes.

I love that I can challenge myself and grow more in this and become better able to serve where God has me. 

Day 1

I get incredibly more than I derserve. I can't tell you how many people have told me what I deserve. You deserve a guy, a nicer house, a better life, and on and on. 

Honestly now, I see that the life that I have is so beyond what I deserve. Everything that I have right now is a gift from God.

For the sin that I have done I deserve to be separated from God forever. But that's not the way that God wrote my story. He saved me, called me, redeemed me. He gave me what I didn't deserve. He gave me a new life, a new identity, a home forever, a place in His heart. This is the life I live by faith through the blood of Christ. It's not anything I do, it is all given to me by an incredibly loving God. 

I'm thankful for what I don't deserve, but what has been graciously and lavishly given to me. 

Love Life Challenge

Recently I’ve come to a conclusion: There's more to life than just getting married and having kids. There's a mission greater than me to drive me forward Right Now. Jesus is better than life.

I know this sounds so elementary. But for most of my life I have lived like getting married was the end all goal. My thinking went something like this, I want to be a woman after Gods own heart and get married and raise a Godly family. Even though I would say my main goal was to serve God, my actions and most of my thought life betrayed what my main goal really was. 

What as it? Romance, a handsome guy, a fairy tale, a cozy home, a dream wedding, a beautiful ring, intinmacy, a place where rough times rarely invaded. 

Is it bad to desire marriage and a family? No. What was bad for me was that it became my idol. It was what I really wanted. The older I got, the more my desire grew and with desire my idol got a little bigger. Soon all I could see was what I didn’t have. I became bitter over what I hadn’t been given and felt like I deserved. 

Last year God loving demolished my idol. That is a long story to be told another time. Suffice it to say that God revealed where my heart was and He lovingly broke me. I praise God for all the work that He has done in my heart and life to restore me.

But in part of this healing and restoration I have come to the above mentioned conclusion. God created me for a bigger mission than marriage. 

In the past I have wisely nodded and said something in the affirmitive. Now it causes me to think. If that is really true, than how can I LIVE like it's true? How can my actions and my thoughts convey the message that I am coming to believe with all my heart? That Christ is better. That the life that He has for me is so much better than the one I planned for myself. 

Enter the Love Life Challenge. I've spent so much of my life up to this point wishing things were different or wishing that this guy or that guy would work out. Sadly I've missed so much of what was right in front of me. The more I look to Him, The more I see how amazing He really is. The more I look around me at the gifts that I have been given, the more I see Gods loving hand. The more I see His good blessings, the less I wish away the time He has given me. 

So for the next 31 days I’m going to take a challenge. Every day I’m going to post about something that I love about the life God has given me Right Now. I want to open my eyes to the blessings and joys that He has placed all around me Right Now. 

It's so easy for me to get caught up in what I don't have, what I wish I had, what others have that I want, and so on. But for the month of March I want to be intentional about seeing and appreciating the life that I have been given. The blessings God has poured out on me. The things I get to do. The life I get to live. 

My goal in this is to more fully enjoy the life that God has given me. 

Are you up for the adventure? I am. Let's go!

See you tomorrow!