Bus Trip

I'm sitting on a Baron charter bus next to my snoozing husband on our way to Cincy.

Yes it's nearly 1 am, but my heart is so full of God's goodness.

I need to count gifts, to recount the blessings, especially those I've been given this past week during Christmas break.

I am abundantly blessed to be married to Lucas! God is so good to me in providing Lucas to guide and guard my heart. We have been married exactly six months today! It's been a glorious, adventure-filled six months and I anticipate continuing this journey with him.

Not only did I marry this fantastic guy, but I've got the best in-laws I can dream of! They love Jesus and serve Him authentically and are just so fun to be around. It was wonderful getting to see nearly all of Lucas' extended family for Christmas. God's plan for family is so beautiful! I'm grateful that my life will forever be connected to these dear people.

I'm thankful for the reminder this Christmas that Jesus came for us humans - disheveled, sickly, rowdy, needy as we are. The tears were flowing as I took communion with my husband's arm around me. The immeasurable blessings of living for Jesus were tumbling around in my head. He does bring peace into our nights!

Ah the joy of not taking offense, of living with palms open! I'm learning this hard lesson! God is faithful. I'm learning to trust!

The security of knowing I am fully loved and accepted. Life-changing!

I saw so many faces today. Did any of them feel the peace I feel? Knowing they are fully loved and fully known by our kind Father? And that He is always giving good gifts if you slow enough to find them?

As we continue heading east, I'm full of gratefulness.
Thank you, Father!

Changes

I have a new last name that somehow I've picked up rather quickly, probably due to the little second grade voices that call it so frequently. :)

I live in a new house that is becoming "home" more and more each day.

I teach in a new school with new students who I've grown to love.

I see my best friend every day after years of distance. He's so good to me, for me. We continue to grow. His love is transforming me.

I worship at a new church, but so much is so familiar. God's family transcends the miles.

I continue to sing and play my flute. 

I now live by this amazing expanse of wonder and beauty - the ocean. I can never be there long enough (unless noseums are biting). ;)

I've taken up running and find it invigorating. My first 5k is Saturday.

I've been cooking. Sometimes it's frustrating, but I'm finding it to be fun and satisfying as well.

My tennis game is improving. My partner is the best.

I walk to work. I still love the newness of mornings.

I'm thankful to live near my sister in law and brother in law. They are such a blessing.

I'm looking forward to flying home for Christmas. I can't wait to see my family. In some ways it seems like yesterday that we were enjoying our breakfast at Bob Evans on my wedding day, but it's been a few days since then. But they've been good days.

God is so good to me. For within my changing life, He remains the same. Yet, I've found Him to be more real to me each day. My relationship with Him really is the most important thing to me. I'm so thankful for how He walks with us each day.

"And my God will fulfill your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19