Seasons

I've started the beginning to this three times now and none of it sounds right. It isn't catching or intriguing enough or just...nonsense. So I'm just going to shoot it to ya straight, mkay?

2013 has been a year full of changes in my life. I left my very successful job over a month ago for one that pays much less but gives me so much more back in fulfillment. I really love it there. Another big change: I left the city and moved back to a much more rural area that is closer to family, church and friends, which I also love. The constant driving back and forth on the weekends to go see everyone and make my rounds is 1. much lighter on the wallet and 2. gives me my down-time back for the weekends which I desperately needed.

Now another change has arrived at my doorstep and as of right now, I'm not even remotely close to publicly discussing it.  However, I don't mind to share with you some thoughts God is laying on my heart.

Let's just say for now, I have found myself in a situation that is not...desirable or at least not one that I would hand pick for myself saying "This, I would like to go through this right now..." It came quickly and unexpectedly...but, not surprisingly, if that combination even makes sense. It does in my mind at least.

During the first few minutes of this situation, I went on auto-pilot. Shut off all emotions. Live in this moment right now. DO. NOT. THINK. JUST. DO.

Next, was that feeling of being on the brink of getting swallowed up by a monstrous ocean wave and the panicked breath that you would take to desperately keep from going under...

...and then something beautiful and incredible happened. As I finished my shaky breath, I simply asked God to please, please give me peace about this. Just give me peace.

He did.

I didn't know what would happen next. I just made a very big move on my chessboard of life and had no idea what the next would be. Within moments though, the feelings of anxiousness and worry gave way to simple peace.

There are ten definitions of peace in my handy dandy smart phone dictionary. Of them are the following:

                1. cessation of or freedom from any strife of dissension
                2. freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc
                3. silence, stillness

There was certainly strife. My mind was reeling with anxiety...and yet when I asked for this peace, a stillness washed over me. The streaming thoughts in my mind were hushed. Quiet. Sweet, simple quiet. In those moments, I told God that no matter what, I was going to completely trust him. Who am I to doubt his will, his plan? In that stillness, I knew I was in the very palm of my Creator and had nothing to fear.

                                                 Be still and know I am God...
                                                                           Psalm 46:10

I absolutely love that we have an amazing God that knows us so well, that understands any type of pain we go through because he's felt it all himself. He knew in those moments that I would rapidly sink into a watery grave of worry and anxiety that I would struggle to pull myself out of, that would prevent me from feeling his sweet spirit. He extended his hand the moment I cried out and pulled me close to him where all my cares were instantly cast away when met with the warmth of his presence. Oh, how he loves us, friends.

Hours later, I was able to face the situation at hand. I had time (and plenty of it) to reflect on all aspects of it.
I sought after Jesus. Talked to him constantly through the day. When a damaging thought was making its course through my mind, I'd look to Jesus to counter it, defeat it. When a worry arose that would start to panic my heart, I'd surrender it to God. Other times (and still), I just talk to him about whats on my heart in that moment. Peace after peace, Jesus has met me right where I am. Guiding me, consoling me, loving me.

I came across this Psalm the first night. I had been looking for something that spoke to me in the Bible that would be my final thought before attempting sleep, something I could really rest on. I came to this:

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your alter, Lord Almighty, my King, my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.
Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

I love that. I love everything about it...because I can relate to it so much. I know that more than ever, I need to seek God right now. I need to rest in his dwelling place and find my strength for this in him.

So, now I want to try something. I know many of you have done it before and I have as well in my prayer journal...I'm going to personalize that Psalm. Really apply it to where I am at right now. So here it goes...

How beautiful is your kingdom, Jesus. My soul desires to stand before your throne. My very being and existence cry out for you and are weak without you, the one true God. Even birds come to you for rest - to build their home and raise their family (and I remember how much more important I am to you than a sparrow - so how much more is my desire to build my entire foundation and all my life on you, how much more welcomed I am than they!) Jesus, you are my King and my God - you are my everything. I am blessed to come before you and live my life for you and will always give thanks and glory to you.

I am blessed and encouraged by the strength and endurance that I find in you for you have prepared my heart for this long journey ahead. I know it may not always be easy as I go through these dry and barren valleys of life, but I will choose to make them a place of hope and praise - a place that you will bless abundantly with your Spirit. You will always refresh me and keep me going. I know I will not grow complacent in this journey and give up - I will pass through it because you give me the strength I need to do so. I know when the end of this walk comes, I will arrive to the perfect destination that you had planned for me all along and I will have grown closer to you because of it all.

Hear the prayer that is in the depths of my heart, my Lord and Savior. Listen to what my hurting spirit is really saying, sweet Jesus. See the faith that I have covered and shielded myself with. Please give me favor in this trial that you have laid before me.

A single day with you is better than a thousand without you. I would rather go through this issue and grow closer to you through it...than to never experience pain and be completely without you. You, Lord, are my light and my covering. I know you will give me favor in this situation and that as long as I continue to seek you, the blessing you have at the end of this journey will be given as the gift that I already know it is.

Jesus, my rock and my shield, the weight of this trial is lifted from my heart because I know that I can trust you wholly and completely. Amen.

I wish I could tell you that this thing I'm going through has finally revealed a resolution but as of this moment, I'm still as completely unaware of what is to come as I was when this first started. I can tell you, however, that I know I am not alone. God's timing is perfect and I am surrounded by loved ones who are great encouragers to me. I'd be lying if I told you that I am not in the least scared and maybe a bit antsy to find out what is around the bend but I know - I KNOW - that no matter what, I'm going to trust God's plan and release my own will to him. Until then, I will wait with a praise in my heart that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)

Odd Compliments

Hello all! Happy Monday! A most Happy Monday indeed because this is the last Monday I will ever have in the insurance industry. THIS IS EXCITING NEWS, FRIENDS! If you're not in the industry, you may not completely understand my sheer excitement here. One day, I started to blog about it so you'd understand why but half way through, I changed my mind. This is my virtual happy place. No insurance babble of any kind is allowed. Mostly because it's not that entertaining and would probably consist of me whining a lot...and we all know nobody likes a whiner. We're getting off track here...

Anyway, I've come across a new favorite of mine: Daily Odd Compliments. These are ...a-maze-ing (please allow two seconds per syllable to say that in order to fully comprehend the amazingness I'm trying to write about. Go back and reread that part if you need to. I'll wait....)

...Not only do they encapsulate all the awkwardness that I completely relate too, but they make me smile - kind of like the same smile I make when I see a gas station after three hours of driving in the middle of Kansas (middle of nowhere) with nothing but that 64 oz of root beer on my mind. True story.

I'm in a splendid mood, the sun is shining, and I ate the most splendid oatmeal for breakfast this morning. That's right. I said splendid twice in one sentence. This is a perfect reason for me to shower you lovelies with the most awkward compliments ever...simply because I'm very thankful that you take time out of your busy day to read my thoughts. What a great way to make a girl feel good!

Please note that I came up with...none of these. I'm not that hilarious.

They are all from the beautiful mind of

 Logan Rhoades, creator of ---> http://dailyoddcompliment.tumblr.com/

Hey! I just wanted to tell you...

You make me happy in a way that puppies licking my face makes me happy.

 Hehe...cut it out puppies.

Okay, keep going.

You know?

-and-

You make my dreams come true.

Aside from the weird ones.

But it's best not to talk about those.

Hey, what's that?

Not my weird dreams. Let's move on.

-and-

You know how there is a card section

called "Blank Inside"?

Well, if you were a card, you'd be called

"Beautiful Inside and Out.

Also With a Nice Personality."

-and-

I'm so glad you're not clingy.

Unlike the finger residue from Cheetos.

I swear, it's like every time I'm done eating them,

I have a chore to do.

-and-

I believe in you,

like I believe deer hooves

are really just tiny little gloves

for their tiny little deer hands.

Which, for the record, is something
I believe in fully.

-and-

Honey Badgers care about you.

Which is ironic because, as we all know,

honey badgers are not well known

for their feelings of admiration.

And yet here we are,

talking about how much they care about you.

I swear, animals are so neat like that.

-and-

You're like the prettiest thing I've seen today.

And I was looking at, like, a bunch

 of sunset pictures this morning,

so.....

Call me old-fashioned,

but I would give you an apple.

I know that doesn't seem like a big deal now,

but like, a hundred years ago,

giving someone an apple was a sign of respect.

I should also mention that I don't know history.

-and-

I like you as much as

a cat likes to be left alone.

"Don't touch me."

(that was the cat)

-and-

I wish I could test your hugs,

I'm known for giving the best hugs ever,

but your posts make me so happy

that I figure you have

to be an amazing hugger.

Ahhh, there. Don't you feel so much happier now? Are those not some of the best compliments...EVER?? I see you sitting there in front of your screen. You look like this right now:

...and might I add that you look so cute right now, making that face, that I want to throw a rainbow at you. That's right: a rainbow. Except 'throw' sounds violent and not so fun. So let me correct that:
I want to...toss a rainbow at you.



Okay, that's enough gooberiness for now. Take care, friends :)



Be a part of the Amazing Adoption!

As some...or most, maybe many of you know, adoption is certainly something that is very close to my heart and a journey I hope my husband and I can embark on within the next few years. That's why I'm so excited to play a (small) part in someone elses!

When I attended Higher Ground (I need to blog about that too...), Erica Kennett was the director of the weekend. It was there that I first learned of her and her husbnads desire to adopt a child overseas. I believe that was the first time adoption had ever really struck a personal chord in my heart...and has continued to do so. It has been just recently that I stumbled across Erica's blog that gives a peek inside their world and hearts, especially concerning bringing their sweet baby girl home.

So, why am I telling you this? You can be a part of their amazing adoption too! How? Well, I'll let her tell you all about it here: http://krazykennetts.blogspot.com/2013/01/amazing-adoption-raffle-ipad-mini-bundle.html

Still need some incentive outside of doing something better with your money than going to MickyD's? How about winning an iPad mini bundle? It's a sweet deal that anyone would be happy to win! For every $5 donated, you get an entry in the giveaway.

Once you've donated, blog about the Kennett's adoption (that gets you another entry in the giveaway), share it on facebook (that, too, gets you another entry!). At the end of the day though, whether you win the bundle or not...by donating to their adoption, you are playing a role in bringing this precious child to a home that will love and cherish her beyond imagination! I can only hope and pray that someday, my husband and I will be just as blessed to do the same with our own little miracle baby.

Spread the word, do your good deed for the day and be happy knowing you helped make a difference!

Later gators!

Willow Tree Will...and some swirly thoughts that need emptying...

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

My Uncle Chris died this past Saturday in his sleep.  He had just turned 60, I believe. We weren't very close, I had only met him a few times in my life...but in the times I did, I concluded that he was a very sweet, reserved man.

Watching the news of his passing fade in and out of my grandparents thoughts has been heartbreaking to say the least. I wish I could take away their pain. He was their first child, first son...thinking about it leaves me with a long sigh and a sad shake to the head. I've drawn a blank as to how to console them...because what do I know of losing a child? There are no words to bring immediate relief - just prayer and more prayer...or simple silence. There was a lot of that on Saturday.

It's left me over the past few days mulling over my own life and eventual death. Yeah, it's a bit morbid to think about the end of my road... but it's inevitable. No matter what I do or think, my life will one day have its last page read and the book will close with a soft thump as the pages firmly press together.

What will my final words or thoughts be? Will they be positive, enlightening, happy? Who will be the last person I speak with, touch, laugh with, cry with...what will my last facebook status be? (I know...so silly to think about that last one.) Will I leave this world with a lasting impression of goodness and light? I hope so. I'd like to think that for the most part, I live my life in that way. I am human though and am prone to those moments where I feel like I'm coming unglued completely. I hope those moments (okay...days, to be more realistic) become more far and few between so my chances of leaving this world with a smile will be much greater.

They say that the mourning process is more for those that were left behind than the person who has passed. Or something to that effect. Can I just say here...I don't want anyone to be upset when my time comes...unless you refused to get to know me. Then you should be sad because I'm awesome and you missed out (kidding, kidding...or am I??)

I'm not afraid of dying...I'm ready to kick it with Jesus anytime! I know exactly where I'm going - no doubt in my mind. I have often tried to imagine the greatness of Heaven. I know anything I come up with is simply a small smidgen of what it really is. That's exciting. Eternal life after this temporary one here. Yes, I'm allll about that! 

I know losing a loved one is hard, heart-breaking and painful - I've been there. I know there will be some sadness for my loved ones when I depart, it's just how life goes. I just hope that whenever that times comes, I'll have lived out a life that was fulfilling, that I won't have any regrets. I'll hopefully have lived a life that touched many...I'm hoping to create a positive ripple effect in some way or another.

Another thought that has crossed my mind over the past few days is funerals/burials. So much money is spent for our mortal comfort on boxes and stones...for a place to visit a person that is no longer there. Now, I'm not knocking any of that at all. We all deal in our own ways and there is nothing wrong with that  if that's what you or your loved ones prefer. But you know what I want? Of course you don't...so let me tell you!

I want a simple cremation. Mix up my ashes in some fresh dirt afterwards and plant a willow tree on top of me in a field. It sounds weird now that I've typed it out but hear me out...to me, it signifies a new life, a new creation. I'll be better, stronger, prettier, healthier, HAPPIER in Heaven than I'll ever be here on this earth and the tree can signify that. It's not a cold piece of granite but a living, growing thing! I think it's appropriate. If my loved ones want a place to pay their respects, they can do so by tending to the Willow Tree (they're my favorite, by the way)...reading under it, letting kids play with the hanging branches, birds making they're homes in it...that's what I want. To me, that's far more beautiful (and much more economical and environmentally friendly!)

Side thought: I wonder if blogs can be legally binding...if so, I, Jennifer Leigh (Joiner) Evans, hereby declare, plant me under a Willow Tree in a field! Tend to it when you miss me and know that I'm enjoying a wonderful life with my Creator!

I know this has been an off-kilter kind of post today - my emotions are kind of all over the place with a few other things going on. I normally try to have a general message throughout each post, something that might benefit someone else and I'm not really getting that vibe from this post today. I hope I haven't depressed you...today I just needed an outlet to get these thoughts out of my mind so it wasn't just floating and swirling all around. You know how that goes, don't you?

I'm not sure how to end this post today. So, in an effort to avoid writing a bunch of choppy sentences that don't mesh well with everything else, I'm just going to end this...

 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
V
here.


Until next time!

Poetic Thoughts and Stuff...

Hands
          by: Jennifer Evans

Each line on my hands resembles a breath,
a waking moment, a fleeting step.
Some short and shallow, others long and deep;
A twisted road with infallible leaps.

Gazing intently at the palms of these hands
another quarter century will I understand
the mysteries I've pondered, the questions I've asked?
Will I be the same woman I was in the past?

What will these hands cherish, what will they hold -
the dreams of today or a future unknown?
How will they look and what will they tell
of the life that they lived on the body they dwell?

Each line on my hands resembles a breath,
a gaze at my lover, a promise 'til death.
Some short and shallow, others long and deep;
A full life of blessings these hands will keep.

The Oil Cleansing Method - you can thank me later :)

If you are anything like me, your complexion is crazy. One minute it's great and then as soon as you realize how nice it looks, it gets all hormonal on you and BAM! Zit City [boo]. So you freak out and medicate your face with all the expensive creams, gels, masks, etc...and then your face drys out like Death Valley at the peak of summer...which then prompts you to buy more expensive creams, gels, masks, etc. to moisturize...which leads to more breakouts.

*Sigh* When will this madness end?!?

How about right now?

What is this magical complexion concoction you speak of, you may ask.

Simply two ingredients - three if you want to get fancy with it.

Grapeseed oil and Tea Tree essential oil [there are many other combos of oils you can use but so far, this one is tested personally by yours truly and it works!]

Hold up - oil? On your face? Yup! Lemme break it down for you, sistah (or brotha...guys need purty skin too...)

Oil unfortunately has a bad rep for causing acne. Not true! Your hormones, age, dirt and dead skin cells are the real culprits for those pesky pimples. The oil [or sebum] your skin naturally creates is...get this...supposed to be there! It's meant to protect and heal your pretty face! Oil is GOOD for your skin!

I know I'm not the only person out there who has tried countless products to help balance my skin out. Unfortunately, what I've found, is that after using most skin care products, my skin either starts to feel PARCHED over time or excessively oily.  That's because these products are literally stripping your face of the natural oils it creates so obviously, it's going to act out (wouldn't you?). Since oil dissolves oil...doesn't it make more since to cleanse your face with oil as opposed to water (that as we all know doesn't mix with oil) and chemicals?

So what do you do?

I came across this dilemma about two weeks ago. I had run out of the face wash I had been using, I had gone through all the samples I had stored up and although I could have ran to Wal-Mart in my pj's and bare face [I knew I wouldn't stand out], I simply didn't want to. No, I told myself. I'm tired of the running down the aisles, looking for the next product to mess up my face. It's time to take a stand against huge corporations that don't know my skin type from Jack. It's time to go...NATURAL!

Okay, that monologue didn't quite go that way. Really, it was just late, I was tired and I didn't want to go to bed having not cleansed my face with anything. So...I browsed the handy-dandy internet for a natural face cleanser to get me through the night. I figured I didn't have much to lose. My face was already freaking out anyway.

Now, when I first came across the oil-cleansing method I defiantly shook my head...but the more I researched it, the more testimonials I read about it...the more I figured, why not?

The best part was I didn't have to go to the store....I already had grapeseed oil AND tea tree essential oil [among other varieties] from when I made homemade sugar scrubs for Christmas. SCORE! [note to self: need to write up my post making sugar scrubs - so fun.] Anyway, that was the moment when I started to get pretty excited about the process.

Now, before I give you this simple recipe, let me say this: there are several different combinations listed on the internet. Some give a list of three different oils to mix together [often, a mixture of Castor oil, Jojoba oil and EVOO]. My philosophy is...the simpler the better. What you choose to do is completely up to you though.

I took a little container that had a good lid and seal and poured 1/2 cup of grapeseed oil into it. Then I added five drops of tea tree essential oil and...for a little extra perk, I added five drops of lavender essential oil. (I couldn't resist - I loooovvvvee lavender!) This mixture should last you around two weeks...I'm coming up on the end of my first two weeks and as you can see, I still have about 1/8 of a cup left. Think about all that money saved!

Now, on to the super informative details on why this stuff is awesome:

Grapeseed oil is rich in nutrients and polyphenols. These polyphenols not only aid in slowing the process of aging but they contain anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties that lead to supple skin, an even skin tone AND helps clear acne (YESSS!). Instead of just sitting on top of your skin like many skin care products, this absorbs into your skin, thus locking in moisture and allowing your skin to reap all of the oils benefits! I could go on and on but just do your own research if you aren't convinced by now.

As for the Tea Tree Essential Oil...it also contains properties that fight acne. For moderate common acne, its effectiveness is comparable to benzoyl peroxide AND causes less side effects (no more dry, flaky skin on and around blemishes).

Last but not least, Lavender Essential Oil contains both antiseptic and antifungal properties that help treat acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It's notorious for it's calming properties as well which is one of the main reasons I added it.

SO...once you get this magical complexion concoction whipped up...then what?

I start by dipping my finger tips in the mixture and softly massaging it into my face. I go in circular motions, adding more oil as needed and make sure to spend extra time in my problem areas. I also use this to remove my eye makeup at the same time. I don't recommend opening your eyes while they are slathered in the oil...so either make sure you have your washcloth and oil container close by or remove your eye makeup beforehand. Again, I'm all about simplifying my routine - the oil gently and quickly removes all of my eye make up so I don't mind to feel around with my eyes closed (plus, I'm pretty beat by the time bedtime  rolls around so my eyes are grateful for the rest!).

After about two minutes of this, I take a washcloth and run it under hot water [I prefer Mordor hot - Lord of the Rings fans...you know what I'm talking about!] Take the washcloth and drape it over your face. Sit back, relax and breath in that pretty fragrance until the washcloth has cooled for an added perk (aromatherapy!). This allows the steam from the cloth to open your pores and let the oil mixture do its thang. I repeat the washcloth process one more time...both because it feels AMAZING and gives my pores just a little more time to be cleansed.

Once you've done with that, gently dab your face with your cloth to remove any excess oil that is left over. Splash your face with cold water (trust me, it's not cute to do it like the girls on TV do. It just gets water everywhere...) The cold water splash closes your pores. This helps lock in that moisture and the cleansing properties.

Pat your face dry and look back at that beautiful glowy face. Ahhhh...don't you feel happier and more relaxed now? :) After this process, all you need to do is splash your face with some water in the morning to wake it up. (If you have extra dry skin, you can dab a little bit of the oil mixture on as a moisturizer. However, two weeks or so of this process should cure you of that issue :D)

Now...what to expect over the next few days:

Just like with any product, you have to give it some time to start to see results. The immediate difference I noticed was my skin felt soft, relaxed and had a nice glow to it. Not a gross oily/shiny look but a healthy supple 'oh-my-goodness-you-look-mahvelous-dahling' glow. Biiiiiiiiigggg difference!

Over the next two nights, I did have a few little blemishes pop up that were ready to be "dealt with". However, these were ones that had been forming over the previous days that I really couldn't work with at all beforehand. My theory is that the Oil Cleansing Method opened and cleansed my pores enough to give that gunk room to get out of my fice [yes...'fice' {face} Jenny - I heard that in my head the way Deb says it with her sweet Oklahoma drawl..."Get outta mah fiiiice!" teeheehee]

After three or four days, no more blemishes appeared. The ones I had prior to starting the Oil Cleansing Method began to clear up...without any dry, flaky skin like you normally see when spot treating them. Redness on my face began to disappear and now...nearly two weeks later, I am seeing a radical change in my complexion. I haven't had any new blemishes, blackheads or whiteheads, my skin looks smooth and even...and surprisingly, I no longer have the oily T-zone that normally likes to show up mid-afternoon during a stressful day at work.

Proof of this is below...[keep in mind this is taken on a smart phone camera so the quality and lighting are not great.] This is yours truly having just completed the simple and refreshing Oil Cleansing Method. There's not a drop of make up on my face. Trust me, having been the self-conscious girl who can't leave the house ever without make up on, I'm pretty dang satisfied and convinced that I may finally be able skip or at least simplify my make up routine now that I don't have to worry about covering up those embarrassing blemishes:

Of anything I have tried, this has made the most dramatic difference in my skin. I sell Avon and love many of their beauty products...but I'd rather share with you all a skin care routine that not only works but is going to save YOU time and money. It is so much better for your skin so I really can't justify anymore my pushing a man-made product that may or may not work for your skin type.

I wanted to wait to post about this until I knew how well this method works...in just two weeks, I am 100% convinced. Just give yourself two weeks to try this method. I know it sounds crazy slathering oil on your face but IT WORKS! As they say, don't knock it till you've tried it. When you do, let me know how you like it!

Good luck! :)
P.S. I know this was practically a novel to read but please be sure to research this method and the essential oils you use according to your skin type!

Something Miraculous This Way Comes...

You know when you have this gut feeling...this glimmer in your mind of something good to come? I'm talking something realllllly good, beyond imagination good.

I've got that feeling.

In fact, I've had it for awhile. Especially now that I don't have to hear anymore doom and gloom over 12.21.12 (silly people...did you forget Mark 13:32??)

I have a feeling know that 2013 is going to be awesome. I don't know what it holds just yet but my mind is reeling with the endless possibilities.

We are moving back to the country at the end of February and with that change, I am leaving my job in the insurance industry (can I getta HALLELUJAH!!!). I have absolutely no idea what direction my path will go as far as income goes but I trust God is going to lead me to just the right thing. That in itself (not knowing where I'll be working yet) is a bit scary. I've been doing the same thing for seven years. Trust me, if there was ever someone with a routine, it'd be me. So for that to suddenly not be there...yeah, kinda scary. BUT...exhilerating at the same time!

What's more? We're hoping/praying to start building our log cabin home this year on some property C purchased before we married. It's possible, especially with us moving back home and having the opportunity to put some money back. We're praying for favor from the bank...or...(and remember, I said this year has endless possibilities) saving up all the money to build the cabin without a yucky mortage.

It doesn't stop there. I'm dreaming BIG this year!

I have this sense of renewal coming, of transformation. Will it come in the form of pregnancy? Adoption? Both?!?! (<-- that's my favorite option!). I don't know. I'm not going to put a cap or time frame on what God has planned for us. This could be the year we begin the process of parenthood...or the year where there is a shift in something that becomes one of the stepping stones to becoming a family of our own later on down the road. Whatever it is, I just know something miraculous is coming. I can feel it.

It's going to be a big year. A year of change. A year of miracles. A year of God's unending goodness...and I am STOKED!

It was Neale Donald Walsch that said, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Well, I guess if you don't have something to reach for that's outside of your comfort zone, you aren't giving God much room to work in your life.

I'm definitely stepping waaay outside my comfort zone. Gladly, even. I know He's got me covered :)