With Prayer and Petition....with Thanksgiving....

Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more

There's so much to be thankful for

--Josh Groban--

I will be honest, I fluctuate between being a "glass half full" and a "glass half empty" person. It depends on my mood, my circumstances, the atmosphere outside....it all depends.

I don't believe it is wrong to desire certain things in life. Things like marriage, family, culinary school, a move, more money to go on vacations, a healing touch upon friends and family, a revival in my nation. It is these things and more that I pray for every single day. But that doesn't mean I am not thankful for what I do have.

I am richly blessed with a family that loves me and supports me--in my cooking endeavors and in my job--and puts up with me when I am highly emotional. The Lord has brought some amazing friends into my life--each plays an amazing role that can't be filled by two people. I was blessed by getting employment and the respect of my coworkers. I have a roof over my head, a nation that is free, food to eat, and clothes on my back. Most of all, I have been given grace and mercy for each day...and the assurance of Heaven when God calls me home.

I want to do better at focusing on the "glass half full"....and when I struggle, I want to pray through those moments. I realize anew that with each new hour, each new new, each new Thanksgiving, that God has showered me with blessings that I do not deserve, both physical and spiritual. It is because of Him I am--it is because of Him I have reason to sing--it is because of the Cross that I may seek everything at His feet without fear. And I am thankful for it all.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May you be reminded of just how blessed you are!

New Challenges

Coming through the door with groceries isn't the greatest time to discover new things are about to happen. I tend to be more focused on putting my cheeses and vegetables in the refrigerator, my pastas and my tomato products in the pantry (I don't like leaving stuff on my counter for any period of time.) Today, however, proved to be a little different.

The furthest thing from my mind was thinking about my library opportunity. I had an interview two days earlier and I had been told that I wouldn't hear anything until the first of the week. Believe it or not, I was okay with not having an answer RIGHT NOW! Like I said in my last post, I felt such a sense of peace; I knew that if God wanted the door to open, it would.

Apparently, it is a door He wants me to go through. Because upon putting grocery bags down, I discovered on our seldomly used answering machine.....and I was asked to call the library back. I did.....and I was offered the job. Talk about getting thrown for a loop!

Not that it was bad thing. I just wasn't expecting it. I think God likes to work that way; He likes to bless our socks off when we least suspect it. After all, it gives Him the opportunity to receive all the glory and honor and praise.

My new job is going to pose some challenges--learning new things always does. It is going to take some getting used to the hours, dealing with people, etc. But I am looking forward to it. While culinary school is my dream, God has brought something else to me in the meantime. I couldn't be more excited.

A Peace That Passes

I don't do well with the unknown. While I do have a spontaneous streak in me, I like to have things planned; I like to know what I am doing. On certain days of the week, I have particular tasks that I want to do...and if I have something else on that particular day, I like knowing some time in advance. Get the idea, I like knowing what is going on.

However, that doesn't happen in life all that often. I think God likes me to life "by the seat of my pants." After all, it makes me more dependable on Him, as I have to rely on His directions. Most of the time, I remember that God is in control.....yet I am more inclined on "my way." Or a better way to phrase it would be that I worry about what I want never happening. It's not the right way to be, I know, and I am truly content with whatever does come my way....but today, God revealed an area in which I am totally reliant on Him.
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For the past several weeks, I have been volunteering at the library. It was something that I wanted to do for years; I just procrastinated about asking for an application. When I finally did, I found out that they could use me. Now, I think they view me as a vital helper (although that could be because I bring in sweets every time I come =D). While volunteering is good enough, a job opportunity has come my way--and after praying about it, and consulting with my parents, I decided to go for it.

Let me tell you, it was interesting putting myself in a vulnerable position. I am a person who doesn't take rejection all that well; I tend to take it personally. But I knew that couldn't hold me back. I could use the salary for one thing. Plus, a job would give me something to do.......so I completed my first resume, turned it in, and prayed as I did both. Whatever He wills, I will accept.

Sure, I would love the job. It's part-time in the children's department and I love kids! But if God doesn't allow me to get it, I am say with one hundred percent honesty, that that will be okay. I won't take it personally. And it will be a sign from Heaven that I am to remain where I am planted--besides, I know that I am needed in the book mending department!

It is saying something for me to have such peace. I know that it comes from my Father alone, as it is a peace that passes all understanding. I have had that overwhelming knowledge a few times in my life.....and there is nothing better to feel completely moldable and completely at rest in His hands.
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I hope you find peace in some unknown situation today!

Wait For Me

I've been thinking a lot about marriage lately. Perhaps it is because several of those closest to me are experiencing it in some form or other--one has been asked to be in a relationship, a cousin is getting married, a girl I know just got married, a dear friend has celebrated her one year anniversary and has a baby now...it is everywhere I seem to turn these days.

Some women are called to singleness; a girl I am beginning to e-mail back and forth definitely is in the category....but am I? In all honesty, I believe no. Over two years ago, I believe God told me that "he had somebody better for me." It's a long story (and one you don't need to know) of how I came to feel the Lord impress those words upon my heart--let's just say I know they are of Him because it couldn't have been from anything of my making.

Despite that knowledge, I have my despairing moments--the days in which I doubt that my loving Father has a guy for me. The days in which I cannot rise above my circumstances and see my dreams come true. For the briefest minute this past week, I had these such thoughts take over my mind. I repented of them, sure; I played the song "While I'm Waiting, by John Waller" over and over again as I shed a few tears....I was honest about what I was feeling with my Heavenly Father (and my dear mom =)

I can't say I know when my Mr. Right, Prince Charming, Republican voting, homeschool supporting, sports watching Christian guy is going to come into my life (and that's just a few things....it's too much to hope for a Matt Damon/Josh Duhamel/Rock Hudson lookalike with a William Holden smile and who will age like Geroge Clooney/Cary Grant =D) But I do know that God is preparing him for me....and me for him. In the meantime, I pray: pray for the ability to put my thoughts aside as I watch friends go before me, pray for them as they embark on a new stage in life, and pray for my future husband....wherever he may be.

Wait For Me--by Rebecca St. James


Darling did you know that I
I dream about you
Waiting for the look in your eyes
When we meet for the first time
Darling did you know that I
I pray about you
Praying that you will hold on
And keep your loving eyes only for me

Cause,I am waiting for
Praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Cause, I am waiting for
Praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Darling wait
Darling wait

Darling did you know I dream about life together
Knowing it will be forever
I'll be yours and you'll be mine
And darling when I say
Till death do us part
I'll mean it with all of my heart
Now and always faithful to you

Cause, I am waiting for
Praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Cause, I am waiting for
Praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Darling wait
Darling wait

Now I know you may have made mistakes
But there's forgiveness and a second chance
So wait for me
Darling wait for me
Wait for me
wait for me

Song Saturday

I haven't done this in months.....letting y'all aware of a song I like and why. I thought it was high time to do that (along with "Movie Mondays")

So, this week, I was between two.....but I determined that one was just fitting this week. You see, today is one of the biggest events for my city: a high profile football game that will are on national TV with some of the "creme de la creme" announcers (although they are a big "politically correct" when it comes to sports, which doesn't thrill me ;-)

What could be a more fitting song that Kenny Chesney's "Boys of Fall." I remember the first time I heard this song: I was practically shrieking "it's about football!! It's about football!!" I enjoy watching the video too, especially as I can see football players that I know of (and of course, there are those that Mom points out from her generation =)

Anyway, enjoy! Click on the link for the video!

Remembering my Childhood

I don't know why, but I have been thinking back to my childhood lately. I recognize that not everybody has beautiful memories of their growing up days, so I count it a huge blessing from the Lord that I do. Of course, there are some negative ones in there, but now that I am years removed, I can even laugh at those and realize that they had a purpose.

**From a very young age, church plays a huge role in what I remember. Certain pastors from my days in living in Florida hold a very dear place in my heart; one of them will always be considered my childhood pastor (whereas two others are family friends =D) I remember singing in the choir; doing hand motions for children's church. I bet you could drop me somewhere and I would know my way around.

**As the holidays approach, I remember what it was like to spend holidays with family. My mom's family is out West, so I never really spent Thanksgiving/Christmas/Birthdays with them....but with Dad's parents, my Nana and PopPop, that is a different story. Nana always cooked a big Thanksgiving dinner; it was my job to set the table every year. I think I will still do it for old times sake, although I might ask for my cooking jobs next time we are together. Nana made things like eclairs, Easter bread, waffle cookies...my mouth is watering with just thinking about the flavors I grew up eating.

**I remember past vacations. The time at Family Camp when I stuck a bead up my nose (I was six when I did it ;) 1996 will go down in my memory as the best family vacation we went on. When Dad would have to go on business trips, we would sometimes tag along...and I remember staying in pretty much the same hotel every time.

**I remember past friends. I don't have any of them anymore, but they certainly brought joy to me when they were around. Now, there are memories I equate with childhood friends that aren't the greatest (like the girl who teased me about certain boys or the girl who hated my guts at school because of my grades.....) but I don't mind that I knew them; it gives me something to talk about. And of course, I remember the guys I had crushes on =D

Perhaps y'all might think me weird, doing a post on the past. But I want y'all to do something for me. Just remember--the things that brought a smile to a face when you were a kid (like for me, getting my Samantha doll for 1998 Christmas), the vacations you went on, the people you met.....and my guess is that it will make for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Special Blessing: Friends

"My friends have made the story of my life. In a thousand ways, they have turned

my limitations into beautiful privileges and enabled me to walk serene and happy."

--Helen Keller

Real friends are very hard to come by. There is a difference between casual friendships and friendships that challenge you, encourage you, make you into a better person...I am so thankful to now have some of these latter ones.

It wasn't always that way. My early teenage years are fraught with memories of "friends" ditching me for someone better, ditching me when they didn't like me any more...so many journal entries are tear stained as I poured out my heart to the Lord. Never could I have imagined how the Lord would turn my "sorrow into dancing."

I can see how he used the damaged relationships to point me into better ones. I had to be broken by some to be uplifted by others. I feel like praising God today for his immense blessings. This post is, in many ways, a love letter to them....sadly, I don't have pictures of all of them ;-)

My "second sisters"--Meghan and Sara. These are the two I go to see in Pittsburgh every year (well, I have for the past two years =) They are my phone talker friends; we talk for an hour minimum once or twice a week. I share a very, very special bond with them--they truly are the younger sisters I never had!! We talk about many various topics, from Food Network and American Idol and Carrie Underwood to their friendship issues, family developments, devotions, etc. etc.
The girls with their Mom, my "Aunt Suzie." I am closer to her than I am my own aunt. My last visit to Pittsburgh grew me closer to her and while we don't always see eye to eye ;-), I always know that she has my best interests at heart. Now, I end up talking with her on the phone for long periods....and Meghan and Sara practically have to wrench the phone away from her.

My "Sisters of the Heart"--Anna, Miriam, and Jen. I have had an accountability with these three for over two years now. I have been individual friends with them for about four years, but the group has grown us together. We e-mail prayer requests and goals once a week and then recap how we did. Let me tell you, it truly makes you accomplish what you set out to do! I love each of them dearly!! This past May allowed us to meet face to face for the first time; God alone opened the doors for this visit.
Just with all friendships, her have had some hiccups, a few misunderstandings. But we grow closer through them; God does work them all for good. It has been amazing to see the paths that God has taken us since creating our group--and who knows where else He will take us.

And of course, there is my family. It took a lot of pain for God to teach me that no matter what friends come and go, your family is always there for you. (Well, at least my family, as I know not everyone is as blessed.) I have different relationships with each of them; I even have a special relationship with my brother. And believe me when I say that I never expected that =)

Each friendship, both pictured and not, means the absolute world to me. I even have a special place in my heart for the friends that wounded me; without them, I wouldn't have these!! I hope you have some special people in your life. And if not, do not despair--I know they will come. I have living proof of that.

Keep Moving Forward

In the Disney flick "Meet the Robinsons," Lewis spends much of his time living in the past. His whole goal is to invent a time machine/ memory scanner so he can find out why his mother abandoned him...and change that circumstance. Because he was so wrapped up in such pursuits, Lewis passes up the chance to get adopted by loving new families; he only has one friend. It takes a trip into the future for him to see "what will be"....only if he doesn't seek after the past anymore. He has to keep moving forward to achieve his fullest potential.

Now, back to the real world, so to speak ;-)

A few days ago, I found myself really pondering the past. You see, we do a lot of walking around here; my city is that type of city. Downtown along the river is some of the prettiest scenery we have here..and believe it or not, the college campus fits into that category. My steps found me walking along such a path earlier this week; I found my eyes, mind, and thoughts with the college students as they headed to their classes. And I wondered the inevitable "what if."

It has been a crazy two years. Years in which I took, as I like to call, "a journey through legalism, a journey towards grace." Years in which I believed college for girls was a great evil; times that I believed you could only wear skirts, listen to Christian music, and watch next to nothing of movies/TV...suffice it to say, I am not the same person anymore. (It is a story for another time ;-) I have set my God-given desires on culinary school, marriage and a family...these are the dreams that will not die; I seek His will and pray about them every single day.

Because of past mistakes, however, I can feel these aspirations will never be quite attained. I hacked into my college fund, making it near impossible (without going into massive debt) to attend culinary school reasonably. Because of church changes, personality changes, moves....I don't have a significant other in my life and I wonder some days if there ever will be. A family of my own can't happen until marriage does!

So, on this particular afternoon, the what ifs paraded through my mind. What if I had gone to college right away? Would I have some culinary certification under my belt? What if I had decided to do typical dating instead of a "courtship" or sorts? Would I have found my Prince Charming by now? What if we hadn't moved or changed churches numerous times? Would I have been in a position to be having a family?

Maria Von Trapp once said: "It will be very interesting one day to follow the pattern of our life as it is spread out like a beautiful tapestry. As long as we are here, we only see the reverse side of the weaving and very often the pattern, with its threads running wildly, doesn't seem to make sense. Someday, however, we will understand." I am honest enough to admit that I do not understand Christ's plan for my life; I know there is one. Jeremiah 29:11 reaffirms that to me....but that doesn't mean that I don't doubt....because I do.

As I finished my walk, I sighed a pensive sigh, took a deep breath, and didn't look back. I have to remember that focusing on the past is no way to live my life. I have to keep moving forward. Life is only going to get better, but the past plays a part. Pieces fall into place that might not otherwise do so. Remember in Meet the Robinsons? If Lewis had stopped his mother from abandoning him, he would have missed out on the incredible life and family he gets at the end of the movie?

So what will I end up getting? Only my Father knows. All I can do is trust, pray, and move forward through the doubt.....that's all He wants from me. He has the rest of my life under control; when I get to Heaven, everything that I have gone through will make sense. The same goes for you. I hope that encourages you as you face today!

Real Courage

"I want you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."--Atticus Finch

I don't consider myself a particularly courageous person--in fact, I would consider myself the exact opposite. I'm the perpetual worrywart (and I have been that way practically my whole life.); I get freaked out at the thought of airplanes, cancer, etc. etc. But upon reading "To Kill a Mockingbird," I really let the words of Atticus sink in...

There is more to courage than standing before a noticeable foe; it takes an even stronger form of courage to stand in the face of the unforeseen. For Atticus, it took courage to keep defending Tom Robinson (his colored client accused of raping a white girl) in the midst of angry lynch mobs and the town's spiteful hate. He knew that is was pretty much a hopeless cause; Tom Robinson would be convicted and condemned...but he followed through anyway.

I thought about how that might apply to me. And then it hit me. It takes a lot of courage to go against the status quo, whether it be in mainstream circles or, yes, even conservative ones. Over the past year, I have seen God change me, and continue to do so, into the woman He has for me to be...but it sure isn't easy sometimes. People don't understand why I am against dating in its most practiced form--or why I am okay with girls going to college if that is the way God leads them. It's foolhardy to try and explain myself....but I continue ahead.

Instead of going on and on about myself, I want you to think about yourselves: how have you defined "courage?" I'm not going to leave you with a profound statement--I don't have one. Rather, I just want to encourage you with this: you do possess courage in some manner! Go with that today.

Still Wear White

Songs speak to me. Perhaps that sounds weird to some of you, but it is the absolute truth. Christian songs have comforted me in my greatest times of need; Country songs, with their messages of faith, freedom, and family, appeal to some of my hardcore roots. As I was getting ready for bed, this song was playing on my radio...

Baby why you sitting here all alone,
in the bathroom crying.
Oh girl what's wrong?
You know you can tell me anything.
Are you getting nervous, bout wearin that new ring?
Well if that ain't it, is this about your dress?
I thought we've been over this...

Chorus:
Baby you can still wear white,
no matter where you've been.
No lookin back we're startin all over again.
I want you by my side, I gotta be your man.
Your perfect in my eyes.
You can still wear white.

You and your bright eyed baby girl,
mean more than anything.
Oh you're my whole world.
I can almost see her smiling,
that little basket in her hand droppin pettles down the aisle.
And if people talk, well we'll just let them talk.
Do what you want, this is only gonna happen once.

Chorus:
Baby you can still wear white,
no matter where you've been.
No lookin back we're startin all over again.
I want you by my side, I gotta be your man.
Your perfect in my eyes.
You can still wear white.

Now, I know the way the song was meant to be interpreted--it's about a girl who has lost her purity and her Prince Charming doesn't care; in his eyes, she is still as pure as the day she was born. I love that message.

And yet, I also interpret it as God singing it to me. I have screw up time and time again; maybe I haven't given away my purity, but in my daily actions I have made myself sullied with sin.....and yet, I can still wear white. He gives me a fresh start and He looks at me with neverending love through it all.

So today, I want you to remember something: no matter how you have screwed up, you can still wear white in Christ's sight!

Wisdom From Atticus

Being a graduate brings some freedom. No longer do I have to do math at a certain time or study subjects like Algebra and Science. I don't have to read books like "The Red Badge of Courage" or "The Jungle" anymore...I can now, at my leisure, pick up certain subjects that interest me and read book that appeal to me. Right now, that means I am going back through "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee.

I enjoyed the book when I read it several years ago; I recently watched the film starring Gregory Peck. But upon this reading, a quote from Atticus Finch (the hero in the story) struck me in a profound way:

"If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with
all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

Of late, the Lord has impressed something upon my heart. I need to stop focusing on myself so much. My life isn't one that I would wish on other people--sadly, many people don't seem to understand. Oh, they say the right things, but there is no understanding, no compassion, no feeling in the words....this simple fact can weigh me down sometimes.

But I have been wondering about my friends. I have so many going through their own difficulties: one going through major depression, another struggling with school stress, a friend who struggles with a medical condition, etc. Several friends of my mom's have their struggles as well and God has shown me that while my life has down moments, others could be struggling more than myself.

So I step into their skin and I, all of a sudden, don't condemn anymore. You remember that they, that you, are human--saved by God's grace and refined by His fire. Walking in their shoes causes you to pray more passionately about their struggles, think more often about their issues, and makes you strive to be a better friend. I hope people walk around in my skin more often so they can see where my down points come from.

Atticus had a major lesson to teach his daughter--and consequently, one for me as well.

Switchflops....the Coolest Shoes

I love finding additions to my wardrobe--things like nice dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. Well, I have developed a love for shoes as well, although those are a bit harder to find. (God decided to bless me with a size 5 foot, which makes it utterly impossible to find nice shoes without having to look in the girl's department =) Well, I recently discovered switchflops.

What are switchflops, you ask? Well, they are very much like the MICHE bag, in that you can but the base of your shoe and then, you can switch out your straps to fit your wardrobe. Here are a few examples.....

Do you see what I mean? It is the same bottom with three different straps.....and you have three different pairs of shoes equal in space to one! And who doesn't love extra closet space??!!

Mom was so very sweet to buy me a pair of these today, along with a pair for herself. Why don't I give you the website address so you can look for yourself, drool over them, and maybe find a store near you......it's www.switchflops.com

Pleasant Way To Spend A Morning

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under

the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of

water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no

means a waste of time."

--John Lubbock

I'm not the most outdoorsy girl in the world. Never have been...and never will. But I do like taking a bit of fresh air every now and then. When it is nice, that is. Today, after returning from church, I decided that the day was just the right one with which to be outside.

I armed myself with a glass of water, a blanket to lie on, and my latest Christian fiction book, Fair is the Rose (which is book 2 in a modern retelling of Leah, Rachel, and Jacob.) Let me tell you, it was a perfect way to spend three hours.

Sure, my water glass kept falling over (and thus got a little on the blanket); I had to content with a tiny spider or two. The ground was anything but comfortable (I like plush grass and my brother had just mowed a few days earlier, thus removing the soft feel =) But I took all of it in stride, finishing my book and enjoying God's creation.My favorite thing to do is lie on my back underneath the trees and look up between the leaves =)

We live in a fast paced world. Sometimes, we need to just step back and be still. It can be hard to do especially when we feel like we being a so lazy. But I don't consider it lazy to read a book that focuses on God all the while being reminded of the amazing world God made.

I would encourage you to be still today; it is so refreshing and soothing for the soul.

Friends

"Friends are an indispensible part of a meaningful life.

They are the ones who share our burdens and multiply our blessings

A true friends sticks by us in our joys and sorrows.

In good times and bad, we need friends who will pray for us, listen to us, and lend a comforting hand."

--Beverly LaHaye

My time in Pittsburgh was truly this quote in action. I got to meet new friends who I hope will grow into better ones. I got to know a few people from last year better.....and I grew even closer to the friends I went to see in the first place. The latter are now considered my second family =D

Daily life doesn't hold friends for me. Because of things in the past, people have written me off...and consequently, I have no one where I live to do things with, all of the normal things a twenty year old does. I do have my family, and if it wasn't for the amazing relationship I have with them, I don't know where I would be. But there is something for having friends.

I hope you have friends that live this quote. I know I do--and I thank God for them!

While I'm Waiting

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

--John Waller--

Songs are a big way in which the Lord speaks to me. Now, that might sound totally stupid, but it is the total truth. I am usually challenged, or my thinking is reinforced, or I feel encouraged. This song (which yes, is from the movie, "Fireproof") did all three things to me on this trip.

I was only slightly familiar with the song before I went away. It is definitely a favorite now. I listened to it, like, ten times while driving around with the Gorecki's. The final time, with only a couple of hours left of my vacation, found me crying my eyes out (which in turn got Mrs. Gorecki, Meghan, and Sara teary-eyed =)

It seems like my life is all about waiting at the moment. Waiting for marriage. Waiting for culinary school. Waiting for my family to move and our circumstances to change. Waiting for a better church to call home...you get the idea. Some days are ones in which waiting is no challenge; others it is the hardest thing I have to do.

IN the past year, God has revealed Himself to me in many ways--albeit they are small when sometimes I want them large =) Every time I feel like giving up, the Lord encourages me with the knowledge that He sees my waiting and that a harvest of blessing awaits on the other side. It isn't in my time table....but it is on His agenda. In the meantime, He wants my utter dependence on Him; He doesn't care how wounded and struggling I am....He wants me to just hold onto Him, trusting in who HE is.

These are old lessons to be sure. But let me tell you, my time in Pittsburgh reminded me of all of this afresh. It is never boring when I go there.

Digesting Food For Thought

I am back from Pittsburgh safe and sound.....what an amazing three weeks it was. Now begins the task of doing laundry (three out of four loads are done), fully unpacking the suitcase (which hasn't happened yet), and catching up on some sleep (before I begin my late nights again)

I finally have pictures to share with you, though I do need to look through and decide on what ones to use. I don't think you want to see all 160+ of them....I uploaded them once to Facebook; I don't want to do that again anyway.

But more importantly, I have many different thoughts to share with you. See, every time I go to Pittsburgh, I end up coming home with LOTS of food for thought. I am only beginning to process everything God showed me; it is going to be a while before things make sense. And honestly, I don't think I will know the half of it until Eternity. Isn't that often the way it goes.

Anyway, I wanted y'all to know that I am home....and snipets about my trip will be forthcoming.

Knew I'd forget

I should have know that my "perfect" packing was too good to be true......


It was


I went to post my pictures of the trip, beginning with the Ohio trip and going up until today. I pull out my camera bag and realize that I am missing my connecting cable. Sure enough, a quick call home and it is sitting right by the computer. Let's just say that I am NOT happy.

So, there won't be pictures after all. =( I am so sorry. I mean, there will be a lot to show you: history center, picnics, walks, maybe the Jimmy Stewart Museum......but all of it will have to wait until I get back home.

Promise you won't abandon me?!

Very Brief Update

Hello from Pittsburgh! Yes, I am alive and well; my plane did not crash on the way here......and I have already returned from a wonderful weekend in Ohio.

There is so much to say, but I don't have the time to say it. (I really, really need a shower =) I also have not uploaded my pictures onto the computer. I figured y'all would want pictures!

I can tell you already that the Lord is blessing my time here. I don't know exactly how it will change me, but I know it will. I came back from Pittsburgh last year with some changes; I don't expect this to be any different.

God is good! That is all I can say! And in the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for pictures.

Coveting Prayer

Well, my dear readers, this is it. In about sixteen hours, I shall be boarding a plane to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It seems like just yesterday that I booked the flight; in all actuality, it was five months ago. The time has flown by.

However, I will confess to being worried and anxious. I am not a flying person. Oh gosh, I hate being high up in the air, being taken from point A to point B by a pilot I don't know about.....it positively freaks me out. I am so afraid of getting in a plane crash.

On top of that, the weather seems to be nasty all the way from Home to Pittsburgh--which means bumpy and turbulent....and again, I am freaking out about an issue.

I ask for prayer y'all. Pray that I would feel the Lord's peace as I make that first step into the security line and all the way to my friend's house. Pray that the weather would somehow miraculously change to blue and sunny =) And that there would be no issues with my airplane....

I promise that I will not be out of commission these next three weeks. There shall be several updates on here! God bless!

Visit's Conclusion

Alas, my friends have been gone for approximately forty-eight hours. And I just now realized that you didn't see the final photos of my visit. I have resolved to do small snipets of each day.

This picture is from Friday. Anna and Jennifer share the exact same birthday--so, we decided to celebrate their birthdays a month early with a cake. Let me tell you, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is not my first choice--it was theirs--but it was so very good. Granted, it was super fattening--but you are able to splurge every once in a while.
Saturday we stayed close to home, scrapbooking pictures of the visit up to that point. I am much more inclined to scrapbook when I do it with people and now, I have five pages to show for my work. It isn't that much, but it is better than nothing.

Sunday we went to church and out to El Tenampa, our favorite Mexican restaurant here. When we got home, we decided to take a silly picture of all of us in our church dresses. I was petrified Miriam was going to drop me....but she didn't.

When Dad and Garrett got home from their weekend camping trip, we decided to brave the weather (which honestly wasn't that great) and take a hike. We wound up driving most of the week and then walking a little bit, but the view was oh so great. Table Rock overlooks my city and it definitely showed itself off proudly!

It might be hard to believe but there is actually a cross up on the hill. It lights up at night and when you drive into the city, you can see it shining proudly. It warms my heart!

Monday was our final day....and it was crazy busy. I live in a capitol city, so Jen asked if we could go inside the capitol. That wasn't even on my list--but I'm glad it was on hers. Mondays are pretty much deadwood, so we could tour around at our leisure. (I debated about going into the House and Senate chambers....only I was afraid that someone would show up.....)

I was very happy that the weather was blue and sunny for the girls final day here. I had been a bit concerned that they would never see my city at its best. But we were able to go out and enjoy the rose garden--which was only beginning to bud.

We took walks on the greenbelt

Monday night was really special. Before we all fell asleep, we spent time praying for each other. This emotional girl lost it--and I truly felt God's presence. It was a richly blessing of a visit.

Next on my radar is my becoming the guest. In ten days I will taking a return trip to Pittsburgh. You will probably hear from me before then--but if not, there will be plenty of pictures for you to see and enjoy!