This is my story.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13

As I've grown up, gotten married, and moved to the city, I look back and am overcome by the Lord's faithfulness to me. Through times of transition and need He's always shown up. Always. I saw Him first when I was about 15 years old. I remember so clearly walking into the living room and noticing a new card on the fireplace mantle. As I read through it, learning for the first time of my Dad's sobriety, I was confused. By this time in my life it seemed impossible that the alcoholism that defined every part of my reality could be defeated. I spent that whole night wrestling with the idea that everything had changed. This wasn't supposed to happen. How could it?

The only way I could make sense of it was through something very simple. My grandmother prayed for us. I knew that because she told me she did. When she watched us while my mom went to work she prayed some more. And when my dad came home from work she would say goodbye through the stairwell railings and tell him that she prayed for him. She prayed boldly and the Lord answered.

This day changed my life.

Just as He promises in Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord has plans for good in our lives. He took ugly circumstances and used them to give a hopeless and unworthy girl new life.

How has the Lord worked for good in your life?

This isn't the only time the Lord has interceded in my circumstances in a way that felt miraculous. Sometimes it doesn't feel miraculous as He guides my steps. Regardless, when you feel defeated, discouraged, hopeless, burdened or all of the above be encouraged because our prayers don't drift vainly up into nothingness. The Lord hears us! And He's relentlessly pursuing us, loving us and working for good in our lives.

I like simple.

You may or may not have noticed that I'm re-vamping the blog. Consider this a work in progress.

Listen.

I love Valentines Day!

It's just another reason to shower your nearest and dearest in the warm fuzzies! What's not to love? To all of my dear loves, I have little note and kitten temporary tattoo for you!

John woke me up on Saturday morning with a Valentines Day Surprise! He bought me a Kindle! I've been having fun loading it up with apps, and free books from the library! My husband spoils me :) I bought him a book on Bigfoot movies, and I think he's just as happy as I am.

Last night we got sushi at Kiraba on 140th with the Brady's. They were sans baby and we were hungry! The most memorable part of the evening? Definitely Sarah's description of 2-Headed Shark Attack! Sounds like a must see!

The Daily. 1.25.2012

Today I'm thinking...

how important it is to be part of a community that challenges you, that you trust, that you have fun with.

how much I miss my husband. I wish he'd come home already.

that it's really annoying how the longer you listen to Pandora, the more often they interrupt you with ads.

that I wish I'd gotten up this morning to work out, but I stayed up to late last night. You can't call me Grandma anymore!

that I don't really need to eat meat.

that I'm still learning a lot about my job, I'm challenged every day.

It's my birthday!

Me: Well, Dad, do you have any words of wisdom on being 27?
Dad: It doesn't get any easier.

At least he's not setting me up for disappointment :)