Things Ahead.

So i have officially asked off for my vacation for the middle of August in hopes that the Ascani's will let me accompany them to their new home and help them settle in. I also agreed to go white water rafting with Katie and the gang at the end of July. So a couple of exciting things added to my summer!

Friends With a Sense of Humor.

Of course i might be writing this one too early since i haven't seen Katie's reaction yet, but tonight Kayla and i planted a street cone on her front doorstep. I need to play a joke or two every now and then. It keeps me in good humor. I am thankful for friends who are willing to be accomplices and also friends who are willing to have jokes played on them. Both are necessary.

Reunions.

Got to see the Globals today! It was awesome! We had dinner together and then destroyed walmart afterwards. haha i loved seeing Jacob and Brandon especially. All in all today was pretty great :)

Doing With Less and Being More Blessed.

I lost power sometimes Saturday night. Since it was after i went to sleep it didn't affect me much..at first. I wake up Sunday morning to a steaming hot apartment, spoiled food and no lights. I did have hot water so i filled the tub a few inches and wondered how a bath in the dark would be. The God had the great idea of candles. How cute is a candlelit bath? Very much and so God and i had a long talk in a candle lit bathtub with lukewarm water. Losing power brought me into contact with some amazing people who were a great encouragement to me and reminded me that losing power doesn't mean losing much. I survived and feel a bit stronger for it!

Answers.

I was praying about something pretty specific the last day or so and something happened out of nowehere that oculd be a possible answer. I was quite caught by surprse because this is something that would push me even more out of my comfort zone, which seems to be the theme of my life this year. It at the very least gave me something to think about...

Room to Grow.

I am continuing to grow. I have noticed the importance of relationships recently. I have become so much more intentional about making time for others and my friendships with others has grow as a result. Before i was either all about me or all about Jordan and neither of those things was healthy. My friendships were stunted because of it. Now i may sacrifce some "me time" or sleep, but i get the opportunity and privilege to get into some other people's lives and "do life" with them as Mark has talked about. I began to deepen old friendships and make new ones with people i never dreamed i would be friends with. I have had the chance to encourage others, serve other people, and even mentor others. And as a result i have been growing so much spiritually because i have more people keeping me in check, holding me accountable, and more younger people watching me which makes me take a closer look at my life to see what they are watching and whether it is good or not. It is scary the first time you realize your life is being watched by someone younger than you and you realize everything you do is something they may learn to follow whether good or bad. I especially remember the first time i saw my younger sister doing something i knew she had gotten from me. I think the color really drained from my face as i realized for the first time the influence i had. Everything i ever claimed to believe in had to become a lifestyle for me after that and not just a talk. Talk about responsibility. Talk about privilege.

Thunderstorms.

The storm tonight is so scary. And so beautiful. I think storms are one of the simplist ways to display God's power to us. Lightening, strong winds, and pouring rain are so majestic, powerful and yet beautiful that they scream God's design. They set my heart racing and give me the feeling that i should be falling on my face in worship.

Parents.

I had such a great time at my parents house this weekend. And they blessed me in so many ways. They were so encouraging and loving. I have always felt showered with love and affection by them. They sent me off with food and clean clothes and they even paid for new tires for my car! I love weekends with my family. They have become more and more precious to me the older i get and time with them is always amazing.

Little Woman

I have definitely matured in many ways this year. In being grateful and appreciative is one way. I went in to work today and i was so sick. I have forgotten lately to take my iron pills and it has finally caught up with me. I was dizzy, sick, exhausted, pale, shaky. I couldn't hardly keep upright. I tried my best and didn't complain or ask to leave early and it turns out i didn't have to. I have been making a conscious effort to be more kind and compassionate towards other employees there especially the managers who have authority and employees that are hard to work with. And in return against all previous beliefs that have begun(an?) to return that kindness. My manager was watching me closely this morning and i came back from the bathroom to find they have decided tosend me home. I was in a lot of pain and really weak, but i almost cried i was so grateful. I thanked them and i plan on finding a way to show them how grateful i am. It sounds weird but i am so glad i feel like this today. It reminds me to be grateful for tiny things i take for granted and gives me an opportunity to express gratitude to others. God is Good. All the time.

Keri Ensley

I have already written in 2 blogs tonight so i will keep this one short and sweet. I am so unbelievable thankful for Keri Ensley and also a loving daddy who not only hears my cries, but answers them.