The Little Things

Do you ever stop to reflect on the little blessings in your life? The tiny activities we just don't really think about.

Today I was blessed with spending time with the Shellnutt Family. I got to help them with their chores, get them ready and off to basketball tryouts, and enjoy a wonderful lunch made my "Betty Crocker". Then as the afternoon went on I was asked to paint Miss Isabel's finger nails, and she in turn got to paint mine. By the way she did a wonderful job, I feel like my fingers are full of magic... they are so brightly colored! I enjoyed some fun times helping "Betty Crocker" figure out facebook and bring her back to the 21st century. A very simple day but such a huge blessing. I didn't spend any money, had some great quality time with some of God's great people, at the end of the day I have no regrets. I love being able to invest into their lives and get the same in return. Isabel was so excited and felt so privilaged to do the simplest thing as painting my nails. Then she wanted me to do her hair. It was like having a little sister, it was such a blessing to bless her with that quality time.

And I enjoyed the company of the boys too! They are so full of life and don't have a worry... oh how I wish my life was free of worry at times. If that was true then I doubt those sweet moments of little blessings wouldn't be so exciting. It's great to take time out of my CRAZY schedule and focus on doing something for someone else for once.

Birthdays

With my birthday approaching on the 31st, it always brings back memories. Over the last few years of my birthday celebrations I've had some interesting ones. A few of them have come with some trials that made them huge milestones in my life. Here is a quick over view...
15th - Just got out of the hospital after recovering from an infection that kept me there for 22 days.
16th - My youth pastor resigned from his position without an explanation. Just left! Lots of hurt involved but I would say that was a huge step in my walk with the Lord. Discovered my life verse, Proverbs 3:5,6.
17th - Grounded for the first time because I skipped a couple classes in school :)
20th - Got a job interview here in Billings. The beginning of my adventures in Billings. The interview went great and I got the job as a nanny.
21st - I was facing some great heartships with a relationship. Trying my best to make the right choices before things got to difficult. Spent some time at a retreat with wonderful Godly Brothers and Sisteres.

And now it's the present time. On monday I will be turning 22 and once again facing some heartships with a relationship. Having to deal with the consequences of my choices. I guess you could say that I'm really growing in my relationshp with the Lord. I've learned so much this last year, the Lord has taught me things I never thought I would face. As much heartache I've experienced in the last year I know my heart will one day be healed. It may have scares but those are proof of my testimony. I must remain faithful and have bravery in the face of my fears. My life verse has been showing up. And God has been showing me some great pieces of scripture to help shape me and teach me (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Bravery & Obedience

At my church I have started helping out with our kids worship program on Sunday mornings. The Lord told me to change where I was serving and WOW have I been blessed! The last couple weeks God has taught me a lot and revealed things to me about decisions that needed to be made in my life. About a week ago we talked about Esther with the kids. She showed great bravery with the Jews and made choices that weren't so easy. Despite her fear of what the kind would think of her she was obedient and did as the Lord ask her to do. This next week we are studying about the 3 men who were thrown into the furnace. There remained obedient to the Lord.

For me lately I have been facing some decisions and trials that call for some great bravery. Facing the fears I have and being obedient about the directions the Lord is leading me in. Proverbs 3:5,6 has been a huge passage in my life. Trusting the Lord and letting Him lead. I am learning how to apply that more and more now. Pleasing God and not men. I am to be obedient to the Lord, study His word and follow His direction for me.

Restore My Joy

The Lord is working on my heart! Healing, restoration, strength, joy, power, trust, satisfaction. I want the Father to be the one that restores my Joy! My joy has been lost for the past year, I knew something was missing but couldn't seem to put my finger on it. Today I realized it is the JOY of the LORD! That is where my strength comes from. It seems like I would just go from day to day without real joy in my heart. I tried so hard to get everything done that I seemed to be only doing for other people. "What about me?" What am I doing for myself? What brings me joy? My Heavenly Father gives that joy, nothing else can bring it to me, not even a person.

Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain in me with a willing spirit.

I am God's child, why can't I have joy in knowing that He is my King. He died for me and my sins, so I may be free from the guilt and shame. There is joy in knowing that I am FREE! He offers peace and joy! I pray that He restores my joy and love for Him everyday! Also that many others will get a chance to taste of the sweet joy He has to give, and offers to everyone!

Fresh Start

This is something completely new to me. I've never really thought I could do a blog but here it goes!

Life has been crazy for me. Some people may think that my life is pretty simple and a smooth road, but we all face our own trials and bumps in the road. Lately I've been facing one of the most difficult things I've ever faced. The Lord has blessed me with some many AMAZING things in the past couple years... mentors, growth in my job, school opportunities, relationships, friends, adventures, and most of all God's grace! Where would I be with out God's AMAZING grace?! He is my strength when I'm weak, the one I seek when I'm completely lost and confused. I look back at the huge messes I've put myself in and He still rescues me from my sorrow and worry. I'm learning each day that my life is not my own, it's in His complete control... I can't control other peoples lives either. And worrying about them doesn't get me anywhere. I need to let God do his work and stop trying to do it for myself. IT'S NOT MY JOB!

Now begins the road of taking care of me and seeking out what the Lord has planned for me. I am His child, He has great things for me and has created me as me!
The Lord is my Strength! Psalm 28:7