Bring on the fall weather!

Oooooh how desperately I want fall to be here! Well, according to the calendar, fall IS here, but the weather is up and down. I love the changing of the seasons because it always feels like a fresh beginning. Of course, fall is by far my favorite season, as I love jeans and hoodies, so I'm especially anxious for the weather to turn more fall-like. Tonight I went on a walk with Spike and thought to myself "it's an absolutely perfect last afternoon". I wish every day was just like this day! If someone knows of a place where it is perpetually fall, please let me know. I'm thinking 60 degrees, beautiful leaves, blue skies, puffy white clouds. Let me know if you have a place in mind!

Last week Andy and I and headed down to Kentucky for Andy's friend's wedding. I headed over to Frankfort on Thursday and stayed until Saturday morning. I had a chance to spend time with Aubrei, Mom, and Trent and it was so fantastic! I miss everyone so much :-(.

Next week, Andy and I are going to St. Louis to see our friends Lacy and Jason, and their daughter Madelyn. We haven't seen them since last Christmas, so it will be so good to see them again! And, we get to go to a baseball game, so of course Andy is very excited (and I am too!)!

I'm currently reading a few really good books. At this actual moment, I'm listening to the audiobook Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. I'm also reading his new book Outliers as a part of professional development for work. Both books are really interesting and are refreshing in the ways they're making me think! I'm also really enjoying our women's ministry Bible study book Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone, as it's seriously challenging me to reveal the idols I have in my own life. After making a list in my journal this evening, I realize that I have MANY! Luckily, God is working on my heart to give me strength to remove these idols from my life. The work is going to be slow, but it's going to be oh so good!

God also continues to work on my heart in terms of allowing me to place my burdens on him and know that he will provide for all of our needs. While I have a tendency to worry about everything imaginable, I've been blessed lately in such ways that I'm truly amazed. While Andy and I may be dealing with a heavier burden than we'd like, in the last few days I've been feeling more at peace than I have in months. I was even able to praise God tonight for EVERYTHING that has happened, as I know that it's all part of his divine plan. It was a huge moment for me, as I realized more than I ever have before that God is so powerful. Praise Him!

I also praise God for simply being able to write this blog, as I know that some of my friends and family who read it don't understand how much I've changed over the last few years, with the last year being the most significant. Sometimes it's difficult for me to actually write so openly about praising God and including Scripture on my posts, because I'm terrified of what some of my closest friends will think. But, I keep going, because I feel compelled by God to do so. I desperately want everything I say and everything I do go to the glory of God. It's not always an easy road, but it feels good to be traveling down this path.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

5K Madness

Andy and I did a 5K along with many of our friends this Saturday! It's the second year I've completed the race and the first year for Andy! We both walked it and had a fabulous time. I had planned to run the race but came down with two ear infections on Thursday evening. For fear of tumbling over or just passing out, I opted out of the running option. That left me with a great chance to complete the race with another rookie 5Ker, my great friend Amanda. It was a lovely way to start the weekend.

Andy's doing well at the Cedar Falls Arby's, although that store presents some issues that doesn't always make for a great work environment. Luckily for Andy, he's doing really great and is enjoying the work (for the most part...).

We're heading home later this week for Andy's best friend's wedding. We're both excited to see family, especially since I haven't been to Andy's hometown since last Christmas! I also get to spend time with my mom, stepdad, and sister, so I'm REALLY looking forward to the trip.

I'm beginning a women's Bible study this week over the book Idols of the Heart. I'm really looking forward to that twelve week study and the chance to connect with women of Cedar Heights Baptist Church! Andy and I continue to get involved with our church and we're delighted to see God growing us in such great ways! We also recently joined the Hospitality Ministry and are still teaching 7th and 8th grade Sunday School. We're also getting ready to start another year of Acts 2:42 home groups, where we meet twice a month with other members in homes to pray for and encourage one another. When I look back at all we're doing, it's truly amazing to me; I wouldn't have guessed in a million years that we would ever be so involved in a church. But, it's really helping us to not only grow in our faith but form friendships outside of work, which is nice and refreshing, given the tendency residence life has to isolate folks.

Overall, life is good.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11