New Look

I changed the look and name of my blog today.

I felt it was fitting.


It was time for a change.


The fact that we are finally experiencing fall here has gotten me excited for this next phase in my life...whatever it may look like. It's going to be fantastic...even if there are hard times. Why? Because my goal is to focus on the good stuff and not the bad. And, I am going to trust that God has good things in store for me, because:

"...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I am choosing to hold onto that.

Wow

Wow is seriously my only response.
I just read this blog.
Seriously, stop right now and read it...if you have about 10 minutes.
Take the time to ponder it afterward.
If you are male, for sure read it. Ladies, read it, too. It could possibly change the way you live your life.

Loves

It is so easy for me to focus on the negative things in life.
I don't know why, but I have always been this way. I can tell you everything that is going wrong...and totally forgot about all the good stuff. So, I decided to write a blog about all the things I'm lovin' right now, in no particular order.
1. The fact that it is FINALLY cold and rainy outside! It makes me so happy to be able to curl up on the couch in a blanket, and either read a good book, or watch a good movie. It is truly the best time of the year.
2. Harry Potter. The new movie comes out in just a few weeks and this weather totally puts me in the mood to watch the movies and read the books again. Too bad I don't own any of the movies, and only own three of the books. I was VERY excited, though, to find out that the Disney channel had the first movie on last night! I was able to watch most of it, and it made me very happy.
3. Baked goods. I made brownies last night and it was so enjoyable! I am ready to make lots of yummy treats for the holidays this year. The guys that Josh works with told me I am the only wife that hasn't brought baked goods into work, so I am ready to get on that soon!
4. My husband's hair cut. I LOVE Josh with short hair. I think he looks so handsome when his hair is short and neat. He surprised me yesterday morning by coming home with short hair. It made my day.
5. Mumford and Sons. This love has been there for quite a few months now...and it's not going away. I seriously do not get sick of listening to them. Their music seriously makes my heart happy...and lifts up my soul. If they don't bring you closer to Jesus, I don't know what will.
6. The book of Mark. We read through it recently for my Tuesday night Bible study and I really enjoyed it. It's definitely not the first time I've read through the whole book, but I got so much more out of it this time around. It even brought things up that I wanted to know more info on. It was a really great read, and I am enjoying the book of Acts now as well.
7. Mint chocolate chip ice cream. It's my favorite...but I like two things on it that some people find weird: salted peanuts and hot caramel. Top that with some whipped cream and a cherry and I am in heaven. It sounds gross, but it is seriously the best combo. If you haven't tried it, you shouldn't knock it...you should try it! It could change your life.
8. Colorado. I think about it often. I wish we could go back...or move there. I definitely left a piece of my heart there. I hope we will be able to go back someday...and soon at that!
9. Lady Gaga. Yes, I know. Some of you probably think that is ridiculous, but I totally love her music. If for no other reason but that it makes me dance. And I love dancing. Any excuse to dance and I'm there. If you've been to a wedding with me, you definitely know this.
10. Halloween candy. Every holiday, there seems to be a candy that I love that is only available for that short amount of time. For Halloween, it's candy corn. I can't seem to get enough of it. And, as odd as it sounds, I really love the yellow part. I bite that part off and eat it by itself, because it has a slightly different taste...or maybe it's just me :)

Those are my top 10 right now. If only I could keep remembering them and not the stuff that stresses or bums me out, life would be good.

Rest

My week was pretty stressful.
Things at work have been a little crazy. Some days, I am not sure how much longer I will have a job...or at least a job with the same little girl I'm working with. Other days, I just feel overwhelmed and spied on and just want a break...a nice, long one. I hate feeling this way, because I truly love working with this little girl. If only there weren't so many other factors and people involved...
I've also been going through a more personal struggle this week. I wanted something so bad...and it doesn't look like it's going to happen. It hurts. It makes it harder for me to believe God, to trust Him in what He says, and to keep moving forward in life. I'm doing my best...but sometimes it's just too hard...
One thing that made this week a little easier was the fact that I didn't have to work yesterday or today. My little girl was sick...not that I am happy that she was sick...but it gave me a much needed break. I was able to take a nice, long nap yesterday. I got to spend some good quality time reading my Bible. I got to watch some old TV shows that I like to watch...but am not home to watch anymore. I got to listen to some music that lifted my spirits. I watched Twilight this morning...because it was just a Twilight kind of morning. I dreamed a little more about how I'm going to decorate my house for Christmas. I cleaned my house for college group yesterday...and I didn't feel stressed to get it done in a certain amount of time...because I had more time to do it.
I needed this break. And I know God knew that. I know He was taking care of me this week. He knows how my heart is hurting right now and how stressed and crazy I feel. He knew this is just what would pick me back up and help me to continue on. I am so very grateful for that. He also provided me with just the right people to encourage and lift me up in prayer this week. I got a wonderful massage from Sondra on Monday. I got to spend some time with my dear friend Amy on Tuesday. My mom came and brought me late lunch on Wednesday. I got to spend some time with my hubby on Wednesday night after our Bible study. I have received some of the sweetest text messages this week from people I love oh so much. So while this week was one of the hardest I've had in awhile...it was also one of the most blessed weeks I've had. Funny how God works that way sometimes...

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

No Matter What

Ok...I have a few more words...

I was driving home from work today and this song came on the radio. It seriously made me start crying. Oh Lord, I really want to believe this right now...

I’m running back to Your promises one more time
Lord that’s all I can hold on to
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises You
Before a heartache can ever touch my life
It has to go through Your hands
And even though I keep asking why, I keep asking why

No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what I’m gonna need You
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You no matter what, no matter what

When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself
I’m just sitting in silence
There’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it
I know You have Your reasons for everything so I will keep believing
Whatever I might be feeling, God You are my hope
And You will be my strength

Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t
I’m not here for those things
The touch of Your love is enough on its own
No matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You

No matter what I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You

No matter what

(No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts)

No Change

It was Not a "Tomorrow, I Love You" Day...

I wouldn't say I hated today, either...but I definitely did NOT love it...

I have no more words today.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I .... You, Tomorrow...

Tomorrow could change everything...or change nothing.

Hmm...

That's all I've got...for now.

Magical

It's cold and rainy today.
I was really bummed out this morning when I woke up...until I realized how amazing the weather is today. It instantly lifted my spirits. I pulled out my fake Uggs (had to shake them out to make sure there weren't any spiders making a comfy home in them. Hey, if I was a spider, I totally would), my skinny jeans, and a warm sweater. Today finally feels like fall. It's cold and dreary...and magical.
I went to a Scentsy party today and picked up the order I made at the last one. All my Christmas stuff is here! Now I am really in the mood to turn on my Christmas music, pull out my decorations, and make some yummy cookies. I don't care if it's the middle of October...I am ready!!
I suppose I can wait a little bit longer...but not much :)

Good for the Soul

Josh and I went to Colorado for a couple of days to visit with some dear friends of ours. I was so excited to go, for a number of reasons.
1. I had never been to Colorado before.
2. I desperately needed time away from California and the busyness of our life here.
3. I missed Emily, John, and Harper oh so much.
4. I wanted to explore a new place and discover how life is lived there.
Thankfully, I got my four wishes :)
We got to go and do so many things, eat at many different restaurants (most of which we do not have in California), and had some much needed conversations. It was the perfect trip and we were all so very sad to see it end. I think perfect trip is an understatement. It was seriously the first time, in a long time, that I have been on a trip where I could actually sleep really well...every single night. I instantly felt at home there. Not just in the home where we were staying, but in Colorado as well. It was comfortable, peaceful, and felt like the norm. Like we had lived there forever and had known John and Emily all our lives.
I was so thankful for the fact that we were able to share our honest feelings with them about many different things. They asked us some tough questions, but it was so freeing to be able to let it all out and realize there are some things we need to work on. It just made me remember again how important the body of Christ truly is. We desperately need each other to point us in the right direction and to spur us on toward the things of God.
I left Colorado a little sad, a bit wiser, and a lot more encouraged. I felt refreshed and renewed when I got home and noticed how quickly this week flew by. If only we could take the time once a month to go to Colorado and spend time with John and Emily! I am so grateful to have them in our lives and I'm so thankful they were willing to open up their home to us...and show us around beautiful Colorado :) I am very much looking forward to the next opportunity we have to go there!
It was very fitting to me, that we ended the trip listening to Mumford and Sons. It made my heart very happy. This trip was oh so good for my soul.

Awake my soul. For you were made to meet your Maker.
(Awake My Soul by Mumford and Sons)

Can you see Josh and I in the crack? :)

There were many more pictures, but these are a few of my favorites :)