Making a Difference?!

I have been struggling lately to find motivation to go to youth group at church each Wednesday night; I am a youth leader for a group of girls in 11th grade. I had such a life-changing experience with my youth group when I was in high school. I have grown in my faith so much since then that I figured I might be a helpful resource for young girls. My co-leader (a fellow small group member) and I have enjoyed getting to know the girls these first four months but have found that we are not getting as much out of the 'small group' time as we'd like to. We want our girls to grow and want it to be a more profound experience than what we feel like it's been. It was this week, when I finally left church about 40 minutes past the scheduled time, that I felt the most purposeful in my investments with these girls and their faith. After a tough discussion about what we want to get out of small group time I had a few girls wait to chat with me afterwards. In our personal discussions, I had a few girls share some intimate things (life-changing events) that are occurring in their lives. Although I struggle with knowing the right thing to say and do, I was able to sit with them and pray with them about their struggles. As I walked out of the parking lot that night feeling very 'useless' I began to pray a new prayer and that prayer was one of thanksgiving that God helped me feel a sense of usefulness in this weekly time commitment. I felt as though maybe I really am making a difference in these girls' lives. If nothing else, I can provide a listening ear and a reassuring prayer for them in a time of need.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

"I've loved you a lot today."

This is a quote that my husband told me at the end of our Saturday evening; we were sitting on the living room chair together recapping our day. It was such a sweet comment. I know that he loves me, and likewise, he knows that I love him; but it is still so nice to hear it in a new way. The best part about the comment was that we hadn't really done anything out of the ordinary during our day. Jordan had worked in the morning and I ran around doing errands and cleaning up. When he got home, we hung out with his brother and his brother's girlfriend. We spent a short amount of time ice-skating and then went to a movie. We got home, ate chili, went to the grocery store for ice cream and toppings and ate dessert. We spent more time together than we typically get to in a regular day, but still did not do anything extremely unique or meaningful. It was nice to hear that it was a sufficient day for him, too. I'm thankful for days like these; but even  more than that, I'm thankful for small, thoughtful comments that make my heart swell.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."--Matthew 5:9

Winter wonder

It has been a good winter. Jordan and I were out on a beautiful winter run this afternoon and it made me appreciate how many simple blessings I've been given. I can run. I am healthy. I am married to my best friend. I have a job. I love my family and friends. I get to work. I get to rest.

It was refreshing to run in the fresh air... sometimes I need the brisk air to help me realize how good I have it. Lately I've noticed my body has been working through some of the issues I tend to develop when I get a bit stressed. Although it's a busy time of year with report cards, conferences, long/cold winter hours, etc. I want to continue reminding myself of how blessed I am so that I can better combat my stress and avoid stomach pains and aches.

One of my favorite blessings from the past 18 days is that I've been very devoted to finding time each and every day to spend with God. I'm finding that this time reminds me daily to be patient and wait upon the Lord. He is so good to us. I'm thankful for my days. I'm thankful for my nights.

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. --Psalm 28:7

Back to life, back to reality

This is one of my favorite Sunday afternoon/Monday morning mantras. It is true though, isn't it? After a break, no matter how long or short, it is always hard to get back into the routine. Although we had a wonderful Christmas with our family and fun New Year's with some friends... I was ready (?) to get back to normal come January 4th. The tough part was that I had to go back to normal on January 2nd! Ha! Now that I've got a week of 'normal' under my belt again, I find myself refreshed and rejuvenated from the holiday break and excited to be entering a seemingly long and slightly boring part of the school year. It's the start of testing for report card grades and mid-year assessments. It's always fun to see the progress the students are making and it's a good reminder for me of why I do what I do.

I guess today I'm just thankful for a 'normal' life. I have a job that I enjoy. I have some free time for fun. I have special people in my life. I've been getting better at enjoying all of my days even if they seem the same from day to day. I'm thankful that my life because it matters...

Here is one of my most favorite Psalms to remind me that God sees it all... (Psalm 139:1-3)

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 

"For I know the plans I have for you..."

'...Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'  -Jeremiah 29:11

Well, here it is... 2013! This is an exciting time in our lives as it is set to be a big year for us. I can fondly remember spending some summer days back in 2006 writing out and counting the amount of years that were left until x,y and z would happen. Among these, was the year that Jordan would become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Hard to imagine that six or seven years have passed since I first began counting the days, weeks, months and years until we would both be 'done' with school. (I say 'done' because as we all know, we are never done learning... there is a great chance that one or both of us may continue our education again sometime in the future.)

Tomorrow I head back to work after a nice, long Christmas break. My husband heads out into the working world as well. He begins his internship off campus this January and will get a taste of what his future will be like as a DC. I hope, and pray, that this experience (as well as those that follow this one) is rewarding and educational. I know that he will be a fantastic practitioner and am excited to see him grow as a professional.

This will be a big year for us. Regardless of whatever else changes in this coming year, we will both be working (can't wait) and will be looking for a place to make our home as we discover what God has in store for us. It is exciting and nerve-racking to think about how much may change. It will be a time to trust in God and his provision with the strong belief that HIS plans far exceed those that we could make.

I pray that everyone had a blessed Christmas season with family and friends. I know that we were reminded of how thankful we are for our family after a great week at home with both sides. We were blessed to spend quality time with those that we love most dearly.

God Bless 2013!

-Today I'm thankful for a year of wonderful blessings... 

and hopeful for a year with even more to blessings to be thankful for.