blessings

Last week's girls' night was refreshing. Instead of venting about the stresses and realities of how things are (because we all need to vent at some level to release that situation that happened at work, that unbelievable thing he/she said, or how stressed we are in general), we instead focused around things that would encourage and inspire each other and shared what we had done throughout the week that we could be proud of. It is always a nice reminder that we are where we are in life for a reason, and to have an impact on someone else, however small, gives our life meaning.


Two things that I like to remember: God positions people in our lives who can uniquely speak blessings over us (Numbers 6:24-26) and God Himself has spoken a blessing over us (Ephesians 1:3). 

 ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

The true blessing, though, is in being able to bless and encourage others. I guess the joy in blessing others is because in those moments we can feel more Christlike. I love that reminder. So that said, a blessing for you...

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)  

²⁴ ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.

²⁵ May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 

²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

prayer

What do you do when you are faced with a conflict in life?


These last few weeks, my heart has been heavy with prayer.The heartaches around me range from prenatal complications, adoption journeys, and health complications to needs for financial and emotional well-being. My initial response is usually overwrought with fear and anxiety, worry and concern, and a loss for words, but what I've come to rely on is a simple, "I can pray about it." When faced with something outside our control, it makes personal experiences feel very real and the need for God even more real. I think that faith, at least, makes our struggles a little less scary. To pray and trust that our needs are met or will be met takes an overwhelming amount of faith. 


It's not particularly enjoyable to wake up at 2 am or 4am, but it's not as bad when there's so much on my mind to pray about. It's also key for me to remember that if I don't take advantage of these moments when it's typically quiet (at night and when I'm getting ready for work), I'll tend to forget. Being able to release these worrisome thoughts of difficult situations that others' are experiencing right now and instead place confidence in Christ is a relief in so many ways. It brings security and comfort, and is for me, the exact opposite of my initial response. 


I don't kneel or talk outloud usually; it's more of a conversation in my head, just not with myself. As humans, I believe we crave connections. We weren't created to be alone. Having the chance to even approach God with our thoughts and concerns, however minute, is unfathomable when you consider all that is going on in the world at a given moment. That said, I don't doubt that my prayers are heard. When I pray, I feel uniquely connected with His heart, character, and purpose.  

The other day, as I was responding to a group text message requesting prayer (unknowingly responding to the entire group), I received a response back from someone saying, "Thank you! Who is this?" It turned out that that same exact morning they were in the same situation needing prayer and comfort. When I feel like there's no way to help, God always shows Himself in one miraculous way or another, bringing people together in unique ways, giving us hope when we're hopeless, and providing answers.  

Oh, October

Go he said,

Until rock gives way to sea, gives ways to

Salt and air and the elements all–

Until feet touch land that creaks, melts and sighs.

Rippling, crashing, splitting beneath you,

Its tired arms open to the cold of night–

Everything frozen, everything hushed.

And then, with eyes at rest, look closely.

Closer.

Closer still,

And in that moment, you will find me–

Indeed you will see.

(Anthropologie)

There are many reasons why October is my favorite month. I love that it's no longer uncomfortably hot outside. I love that my hair will stay curled for more than a minute without humidity. I love the smells. I love pumpkin pies and apple pies, caramel apples, hot soups, and smores around the bonfire. I love the change of colors as the leaves start to fall. I love sweaters and boots. I love the energy that surges as the year starts to wrap up. The holidays are coming, and that means remembering how thankful I am for family and friendships. October, specifically, is just before it starts to get hectic, but yet still, is usually packed with fun activities. On the list for this month is a hike to somewhere undecided, a pumpkin patch a little more outside of Nashville this year, a birthday party, a wedding, a family birthday, a likely addition to the family this month as I gain another neice, and a fall festival. I'd love to fit in a movie at a drive-in theater, a bonfire, a few extra walks and visits to the dog park with Easton, and maybe a few last cookouts. I'm thrilled that Sean is as much a fan of October as I am, and even more thrilled that it's his favorite! We got to start our month off with a spooky thriller as is his tradition. He also doesn't oppose to me filling the schedule with all sorts of outdoor events. Instead we share an enthusiasm for just getting out and going, experiencing as much as possible, and sharing it with someone we care about.