26

^^6th birthday party.  Don't know what in the world I was 

wearing, but at least I had my party at Discovery Zone!

Today is my 26th birthday.  I'm sitting on my couch, by myself, next to the Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate.  I haven't spoken in person to anyone since I left the grocery store Thursday evening, just before #Icemaggedon2013 hit Dallas.

With the roads being so icy, my plans for celebrating with family last night were cancelled, and plans with girlfriends for tonight look like they probably need to be cancelled as well.  I'm really hopeful (for everyone else's sanity and safety, in addition to my own) that the temperatures rise enough tomorrow for this all to start melting so we can be out and about again.

Did I intend to be alone on my birthday?  No.  I don't need any kind of grand celebration, but do I wish I was with the people that mean the most to me today?  Of course.

But last night, as I started to feel myself getting bummed about spending the weekend solo, I realized that this is okay.  I may be by myself, but I am safe, I am warm, and I know that I am loved.  And I have so much for which to be thankful.  How easy it is for our hearts to fixate on what we wish we had, and what little things may be "wrong" with our present situation, rather than praising the Lord for all the goodness He provides!

My 25th year was a game-changer.  God absolutely humbled my heart, and halfway through the year, I was struck by something I heard in a sermon.  "Faith is trusting God."  So simple, but until that moment, I thought that my tendency to worry about things or feel anxious was just part of who I am.  Who I always would be.  I realized then that by worrying, I was doubting God's ability to provide for me and protect me. Recognizing that, and learning what it really looks like to trust God, has completely shifted my perspective.

I have to laugh, because at the end of a year that's broken down my need for control and tendency to be a planning, must-know-what-is-ahead worrier, it only makes sense that all plans are thrown out the window for this weekend.  Being iced in is giving me so much time to be still and relax, to catch up on things that have been pushed aside, and to just reflect and be grateful.

And, what better way is there to ring in 26 than with champagne and The Santa Clause? : )

  

Simple Joys

Last Sunday night, our community group leaders asked each of us what earthly things bring us the most joy or make us love God more. 

I listened as the other girls talked about family and friends, buying cute dresses, doing other girls' makeup, bubble baths, naps, spending time in nature, singing, running (i wish i could make myself love that!), and so many other wonderful things. 

My quick, created-in-the-moment list consisted of spending time with family and friends, being at the beach, and watching sunsets- my favorite reminder of God's majesty.  I might have said a couple of other things, but I know there are a lot of others I left out- the sound of rain falling, coffee in the morning, and holding little babies, just to name a few.  But after we all went home, I remembered one huge thing I'd forgotten to say that certainly brings me a whole lot of joy- writing.

One of the girls in the group had even given me a sweet compliment on the way I'd articulated something that evening, and I thanked her and said, "I really like words."    

It's been several months (three, to be exact) since I've posted anything on this blog, which probably explains why writing escaped my list of simple joys. Sometimes, after a day spent responding to emails and text messages, writing thank-you notes, and drafting communication pieces, I feel like I'm all out of the "right" words and forget how much I enjoy the simplicity of pouring out my thoughts about anything and everything on this blank screen.  

Being able to show creativity through my words is such a gift.  

Since I last posted back in August, a lot has happened.  I moved into a new apartment and am living solo for the first time in my life.  I've taken on new responsibilities at work. I dove headfirst into community at Watermark Church and couldn't love it more.  I've cherished time spent with family and friends old and brand new. I went on some fun weekend getaways and enjoyed traditions in my own city. I've celebrated milestones with others. And I'm learning more and more what it means to trust God in everything. 

More on all of that soon. (Much sooner than three months from now!)  

I'm off to experience the greatness in that picture up there- cinnamon rolls, coffee, a good book, and some quiet time on this Saturday. 

Friendship is a lifelong process

Realization: A large majority of my weekend was spent with friends that I have known for a year-and-a-half or less.  Mostly less.

Woah.

I wish I could go back and tell my 18-year-old self that I had no idea what friendships God had in store for me in the years ahead.  

In high school, I couldn't imagine meeting better friends than the ones I already knew. 

In college, I thought I had formed all of the close friendships I would ever make.

Only now have I come to realize that new, lasting friendships can be formed no matter how old we are. 

Moral of the story- I'm incredibly blessed with friends that I've known for years and years, and with some that I have just met. 

I somehow don't have any photos from Friday night, but I enjoyed a girls night at a winery and then ate Tex-Mex with three lovely ladies from the church I've attended for the past year, where my roomie works.  I hadn't really spent time with two of them before, so it was nice to meet new friends (see?!), and enjoy time with Alyssa, who I've only known since January.  The more we get to know each other, the more we find in common.  I'm glad we've discovered a shared love of blogging and reading others' blogs : )   

After a full Saturday of shopping for apartment items with mom, we went out to celebrate sweet Heather's birthday!  My friendship with Heather was completely unexpected, but she has already enriched my life in so many ways, and I can truly say that she's now one of my closest friends.  

Failed attempt at a group photo...  
a bonus of being Heather's friend= Elyse & Melody!

Sunday brought church and chores like laundry, grocery shopping, packing... and then, the best part- our first community group get-together!  We went bowling, which I'm always happy to do.  

We'll start meeting weekly for fellowship, encouragement, and studying God's word together.  I am so excited to "do life" with these ladies!