Good morning, lovelies! It's a chilly morning here in Oregon...the frost on the grass is slowly melting away as the sun begins to shine. I rarely take enough time to look around me and just gaze at the beauty that greets me every morning. After a period of much wind, rain and thunder storms, we're slowly beginning to see the first signs of spring. Thought I'd share a picture of the little piece of heaven I'm blessed to enjoy...

The past few weeks have brought a time of much change and growing in my life. Normally, I tend to like things to stay the same. I'm used to them. I'm familiar and comfortable. Everything seems cozy, happy, and perfect. But it seems as though the painful change is followed by beautiful results. If I look back and compare my life one year ago to the present, it seems as though very few things have remained as they were. However, I recognize that this realization is probably only visible "from the inside" so to speak. If one were to look from the outside, they may see few noticeable differences, yes, but not the full wave of change that has crashed over me. 

However, despite the drastic twists and turns, painful moldings, and emotions overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty involved in this process of growing, I couldn't be more grateful. 

Along with growing even closer with my family, my faith has been strengthened and deepened throughout recent experiences. Daily, I noticed God's hand at work on my heart- at times tweaking. other times completely remolding. And as I began to lose trust in myself and the 'pillars' that used to support me, my heart became fully entrusted in God's perfect and never-ending care. I lost the desire to fulfill my empty dreams, and as I watched them all shatter, I looked above and received God's plan for my life. 

Not only have my eyes been opened to experience God's beauty and faithfulness, but I began to notice the endless blessings that surround me. The little joys- that for so long went unnoticed or unappreciated- became a source of encouragement and happiness. 

My attention was so rarely brought to the tiny little details in life that actually bring so much joy-

A cup of hot tea every morning with my daily Scripture reading. 

A candle burning in the background as I practice. 

My Bethel radio on Pandora being played for hours as I hustle away on work. 

Rain tapping on my windows as I cuddle up and read a book.

A warm room to relax in as lightening flashes outside.

Little notes of encouragement from my sister left on my table mat in the morning...

I have so much to be grateful for. So much to hope for. Even in the darkest of moments, light always makes its presence known in the gentlest of ways. I pray that I will learn to cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's abundance and grace. 

...Thank you for letting me share my heart with you all....I pray that God will continue to bless each and every one of you...Have a blessed day! 

// how abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you // ~Psalm 31:19