Ladies, lessons and love.

Ladies.

I was just thinking this morning, while driving to work, how blessed I am for the people God has placed in my life. Last night at bible study I had to just pause for a moment to think... "Wow, these women are so amazingly beautiful. They're beautiful in their skin, but more so in spirit, in truth and in each of their own, unique ways of reflecting God's love". The sheer knowledge that I love these women and they love me... and someone is praying for me, and me for them, is so encouraging! I see the Lord moving in the lives of so many people I love, which is so exciting... supernatual things are already beginning to blossom and so much more is in the works. I love when something happens that is so God... and there is no question that it is Him who made it happen.

Lessons.

I feel like I've been learning so much recently through all the comings and goings of moving, my friends and their circumstances (loved ones moving away, getting married, finances, etc, etc)bible study, ministry leadership and my own relationship issues. I see that everyone has something, or faces a struggle of some sort and we all need one another for encouragement... how awesome is it that God places us in one anothers lives to do just that?? Finally, I'm learning to face my struggles head on rather than diverting away from them, thanks to the grace of God that covers me everyday... and yes, every day I remind myself to trust God and His direction. I see that in weakness we are made strong... and recognize how weak we truly are and that we need the strength of God to sustain us, to guide us and to uphold us. I've also been learning about how the Lord gives and takes away... to hold what is given to us loosely, but with care and love. We never know how long we'll have something or someone in our lives so, to love and honor what God has blessed us with, is key! I've also been learning more about what it really means to love God in terms of obedience, denying oneself and taking up our cross to follow Him. Oh life and it's lessons. These are small steps but I'm making progress and it feels sooooo dang dandy!

Love.

Vegas was awesome. Totally what I needed to get away and celebrate such a special occasion in Meghan and Ally's life. I was able to take the focus off my woes and for the first time in awhile be honestly carefree and so elated for my friends! Their wedding was beautiful, as was the dinner afterward (filet mignon... medium, yummm). I have truly never seen Meghan happier and I am so excited for their life together and watching their love grow! I gave a speech... without crying (although damn close) and somehow managed to make the whole room laugh which is always a good sign :) One of my favorite moments the whole Vegas trip was seeing Ally's face as Meghan came down the aisle. That sight was unexplainably precious. If there were an image of what love looks like... it was painted across Ally's his face as he watched his bride walk to become one with him. Ah, I love weddings. I love seeing love and those two definitely have it :)