Thankful

During the month of November, I can't help but think of all that I am thankful for. Especially this November as life has taken an unexpected turn for my family and we have had to deal with less than desirable circumstances. There have been many tears, heartache and prayers on my sweet sister's behalf and I know all of us want to help her, erase that pain and yet feel so helpless. I wish I lived in Wenatchee so I could help Heather and love on her as much as possible. I almost feel guilty on the days that I share a laugh with someone else or forget, just for a moment, what is going on. As the days have gone by and life has turned back to semi-normal after our time in Auburn, I have grown thankful for the moments of laughter, thankful for friends who have been there for me and have allowed me to be so emotionally messy and still love me and thankful for the friends that are taking such great care of my sis.

Over this last month, I have been so aware of how blessed I am with my family. I love my family so much and love how we have all come together on my sweet sister's behalf. I have seen all of us rise up and use our gifts to uniquely love on Heather and her sweet boys.

I am thankful that I get to be Auntie to four of the cutest kids around who constantly make me laugh and feel so loved.

I am thankful for my best friend, Kirsti. We have been dear friends for over 10 years and she has always been so supportive, encouraging and providing humor when most needed. Even though we live states apart, I know I can count on her for anything. Thankfully, I was able to meet up with her this summer and meet her sweet baby.

Most of all, I am thankful that God has surrounded me with so many amazing people - friends and family. And I am thankful that I am a part of an amazing church that is all about transforming lives and living in the grace of God.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Sovereign Over Us

A friend who was leading worship this weekend texted me to let me know that she was thinking of me as she was practicing this song. I listened to the song and I don't love the sound but I love the lyrics, couldn't be more perfect for my job situation.

Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keyes

There is strength within the sorrow, There is beauty in our tears

You meet us in our mourning, With a love that casts out fear

You are working in our waiting, Sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding, You’re teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever, Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

You are wisdom unimagined, Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens, Reaching down in endless grace
Youʼre the Lifter of the lowly, Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me, Your promises are my delight

Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley You are faithful
Youʼre working for our good, Youʼre working for our good and for your glory

I love the line, "Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us". I am clinging to this as I wait for a job. The waiting is always the hardest and the more I wait, the more I doubt God and His provision but I have to trust that He has my best in mind and will provide in His time. Most importantly, I have to trust that He has not forgotten me and that His love for me is constant.

Even though I got yet another job rejection this past Friday, I have felt encouraged and more at peace than ever before. I know this is God working in my heart (and perhaps preparing me for that perfect job ;).

I continue to be so thankful for friends and family that have remained so supportive and encouraging, that is what helps me get through the bad days and what makes me smile more on the great days.

A New Perspetive

This has been a rough season in my life as I once again am forced to go on unemployment. Talk about the lowest of lows. I literally have applied for 50+ jobs over the last two weeks. I somehow think that non-teaching job prospects overlook my application thinking that I have no experience other than teaching. Little do they know that teaching requires a lot of secretarial work as well. Sigh. I am not someone that enjoys a lot of down time or just being home all day. I much rather be doing something of significance with my time.

So, with the goal of keeping a happy heart and trusting in God's perfect plan, I reflect on what I am thankful for and some of my favorite memories from this summer:

Thankful for:

-Parents who have been so supportive and encouraging through this whole unemployment thing.

-A wonderful church that constantly reminds me that God is in control and not done with me yet.

-Great friends who make me laugh constantly.

Memories:

-Movies in the park (E.T. and True Grit)

- Precious auntie and sister time this past weekend

-Seahawks game with Melynda, laughing until our sides hurt on the way home.

-Meeting up with Kirsti and her family in San Francisco.

-Spending the day with Jen and sweet Liam.

-Time at home - relaxing with Mom and Dad and helping Grampy around the house.

Looking back, there has never been a time when God hasn't take care of me or when I was so desperate. I know He has something planned and I am trying to trust in His timing. Of course I want a job NOW and I have made that very clear on several occasions but I also don't want to miss whatever it is that God is doing through this process. So, for now, I continue to hold on for the ride and trust that God will pull through, even if it is at the last minute. Until then, I pray for a new and better perspective.

Life

Life has been full and crazy these past few months: being in a serious relationship, working at a new job, trying to get over the last job I lost, maintaining friendships, becoming more involved at my church and trying to navigate this thing called life. Now don't get me wrong, life has also been great. I have an amazing roommate who just makes life fun and I have an incredible network of friends who remind me to laugh often.

God has also been teaching me a ton lately and showing me that He needs to be my #1, no matter what comes my way. When this happens, everything just seems to fall into place and He truly takes care of everything. It is so easy to get distracted and wrapped up in the stress of everyday life and rely on other people more than God. This can become so dangerous and I have learned the hard way that this is not the way to go. People and things will let you down but God will always be there and be your biggest cheerleader. When my mind if focused more on God and what He has for me, life seems so much better.

A couple weeks ago as someone was sharing their testimony he said that, "God never wastes a hurt". I have thought about this a lot over the past few weeks as I have been reflecting on my life and what God has done. It is so great to know that nothing is wasted and that God can and will turn anything into something valuable. I am so thankful for this truth.

Here are a few pictures from the past few months:

Bowling with some of my favorite people, especially these two.

View of the sunset driving home from Tahoe at Christmastime.

Loving some auntie time in the snow.

I am looking forward to seeing how God uses this last year for His glory and also looking forward to life (hopefully) slowing down a bit.

Loving Fall

Has it really been over 4 months since I have updated this blog?!? Yikes! Life has been....well, interesting. I have been unemployed, not loving the idea that I do not have a full time job (I do teach 5 hours a week right now). I have started dating a wonderful guy who I can see a future with. I have seen my sweet sis move across the mountains. I graduated from my master's program at SPU. I was a part of a dear friend's wedding. I was involved in a small group full of amazing people who are now some of my closest friends. I have spent some time on the Oregon coast which has now become one of my favorite places. I have been able to enjoy some great books. I have had some good times with friends. Most importantly, I have had some time to reflect on life and deepen my relationship with God. Although these last few months have not been my favorite, I have learned so much about God and what He has for me.

Here are a few pictures from some of my favorite times over these last few months:

Enjoying a morning walk on Cannon Beach

Enjoying one of the many auntie/sister days of the summer.

Loving some Tillamook ice cream in Manzanita.

Spending the day with some of my favorite coworkers.


Micah and I baking some yummy goodness.

My best friend, Julie, who I spent a lot of treasured time with this summer! Love her!

Having fun bowling with some dear friends

Katriina, the beautiful bride!

Judy, I and the boys enjoying some fun during my graduation party.

Despite the whole job situation, life has been full and good. I am blessed!

More Sister and Auntie Time

I love having the best sisters and the cutest niece and nephews in the world! I love being a sister and an auntie!

Earlier this week, Heather and the boys came my way for a day of fun! We went to the Kirkland waterfront (one of my favorite areas around here) for some playground fun, a picnic and a walk on the pier. We then came back to my place and played and baked some cookies. It was such a fun day that went by way too fast!

Levi takes some of the best naps at my house! I love his little face!

Micah is such a great helper in the kitchen!

Cannon Beach

Last week, my coworker friend Suzie and I took a trip to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. I LOVED every minute of this vacation! It was so relaxing, refreshing and full of laughter! It was great to spend some time with Suzie and just enjoy the ocean. I love being near the ocean, there is something so peaceful about that place. I am looking forward to heading back down there in a few days for my family vacation.

Each morning and evening I was able to take a walk along the beach. It was breathtakingly beautiful and a great way to spend some time praying and reflecting about all that has been going on lately. Here are a few shots from my walks.






Our week consisted of a lot of relaxing, reading, a trip to Tillamook, shopping, sight seeing and taking a few trips to Manzanita as the sun appeared to show up there more than at Cannon Beach!