Peace

I have a lot going on right now as I work through the details of an accident I was in last week. I have been trying to hold on to the truths that I know..."that all things work together for good for those who love Christ" but fear and uncertainity have been trying to take their grip on me. I started out this day after a few discouraging days asking the Lord to give me peace and joy today. He has brought me JOY through my co-workers and friends today. We have a fun time together and I thought "wow, I am so lucky to have a job I love where I can see my friends every day!". JOY! On my break I read a blog I keep up with. She is a friend of a friend who lost her husband a year ago. Her story inspires me and her post today was so fitting with where I'm at this week. Read it here: http://taranewby.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-i-am-about-to-tell-you-is-huge.html
As I read her post an overwhelming peace filled me. Not only because it reminded me that my life and struggles are so little in comparison to hers. I think that often and I know the Lord cares about all our needs- big or small. What spoke to me were her words...the truth she spoke and the verses she shared. I am thankful for the Lord and how He hears our cries and really knows just what we need and when we need it. I don't know how rest of my day will play out as I hassle with insurance companies, but I do know the Holy Spirit is my comforter and can fill me with peace.

Thankful...

It's that time of year again to reflect on what we DO have and what we are thankful for. Here is my list of things I am counting as blessings this year:

- my family- it's been a big year in our family and I think we are closer for it!

- my job- I am still challenged by it and love it most days :)

- my church- I have purposely gotten more involved this year and I am thankful for all I am learning from others in the body

- my health

- all my grandparents are still alive!

- my friends- I think I have the best friends ever :)

- my home- 4 years of being in it- such a blessing and a way my faith has increased in the Lord's provision and protection

- my dog- she brings a smile to my face every day- good days and bad days!

- little things like the sun shining, a candle burning, getting Real Simple in the mail, listening to Christmas music, sleeping in, crafting with my sister, holding a baby, etc.

My life is blessed...what are some of your blessing this year?

A few of my favorite things...

Here are few of my favorite things (that you can buy)...

Bath and Body Works Wallflowers are amazing! I get many comments about my house smelling good- and I attribute it to these- I usually have 1 or 2 at all times.

Chi Straightener! It truly does the best job at straightening my wavy, annoying hair!

I love Partylite candles. They are the only candles I can find that use up all the wax and they smell delcious! Afew of my favs this season are Homeade Cookies and Peppermint Bark. YUM! See a trend here? I love a yummy smelling house!

I also love this mascara. It gives me volume without clumps.

I of course love this pup- yes I bought her- only you can't ;o)

I love these 2 products by Arbonne. The chapstick leaves my lips feeling silky and is made from natural ingredients (therefore not addicting like most chapsticks). The body butter is awesome! It is not a strong fragrance (again, natural) so it doesn't make me sneeze and it makes my skin soft!

I could add many more but my break is over! What are a few of your favorite things?

How great is the Father's love for us...

I am taking a class right now on the book of John. It is a great class and I am grasping all over again the love of the Father for me. I can't explain it exactly...I wish I could record the exact words of our teacher who explained it so well...

What I'm learning is His love for us is the same love He has for His Son- Jesus. I guess I have a hard time accepting this because I am a sinner and Jesus is not. I don't think I am worthy of the same love. Knowing He loves me this deeply, purely, completely is so humbling and makes me want to share that love with everyone around me. In John 17 we are invited into the love and unity the Trinity share. This is supposed to be the example unbelievers see and want a part of. But how many times have I (and other believers) not shown the world our love or unity? I am looking inwardly at my own heart that doesn't love or stand united with other believers and am trying to change it- asking the Lord to change it. I am praying other believers would do the same. Can you imagine what the world would say about Christians if we all did this? Most people see us as hypocritcal, judgmental and anything but loving. "Oh, Lord, may we grasp your LOVE so we can love those around us! May they see our unity and want to be apart of it. In spite of ourselves would your draw the lost to you?"

Cousins

That's right I'm an auntie! Nope, not of the human kind. Maggie now has a kitten cousin. Harlow came up to visit this weekend. We wanted to make sure she met Maggie before she was too big so they can be friends. They loved each other! Maggie like to follow Harlow around and wished she could fit in the tight corners like Harlow could. Harlow loved playing with Maggie's tail. By the end of the weekend they were cuddling with me on the couch. It was heaven! Maggie knows the name "kitty" now. It's fun being an auntie!

Giveaways...

I'm determined at some point to win something...anything! I have never had good "luck" with contests/drawings but I figure at some point I might be the recipient of a giveaway. Maybe it will be this one.

Fall

A fun blog I read asked us to share what we love about Fall.

What I love about Fall...

The leaves changing color...there a few spots in Portland I drive through that are gorgeous- tree lined streets with every tree a different color.

I love, love, love Pumpkin and Apple Cider candles- I burn them constantly in my house!

Decorating my house for Fall- it's the only time of year I like having orange decorations.

Adding mums to my pots on the front porch.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Baking- Fall reminds me of baking Zucchini or Pumpkin bread, coffeecake on Saturdays and pie!

Pulling out my sweaters and jeans (I'm not a big fan of summer clothes- though I like summer shoes better).

Starting fresh with a new school year, new programs at church, etc.

Last year was my first year to go to the Apple Tasting Festival at Portland Nursery and it was so fun!

I like Fall fruit- apples, peaches, pears.

I really enjoy the Holidays!

What do you love about Fall?