lovely little things

Lately I have been struggling with discontent (and I am working on a post exploring more about that and what God has been teaching me about that), but I have found that one of the most effective ways to combat discontent is to develop gratefulness- in the big and small things. So here are some things that I am grateful for this week!

A snuggly friend when nights get cold

pumpkin pancakes that still taste awesome even when they're not pretty.

(baking mix+ pumpkin+brown sugar+ pumpkin pie spice

topped with cream cheese frosting)

fall fashion- hand me down sweater, skinnies from JCP with gift card and gorgeous NS Pottery necklace

#cheapgirlfashion

an awesome job where I'm surrounded by the smell of cupcakes, good music and enough free time to answer emails

oh, and a boss who will leave to buy me a latte when it's cold out! 

this pretty headband from All Glorious Within

a big beautiful dog park with breathtaking views

and an awesome friend to walk through it with

What are you grateful for this week?

Blessed

This past week has definitely been a heavy one here on the blog. I'm so glad that I have a place where I can be open about the struggles and lessons I go through daily. Alongside a tragic loss in my hometown and some serious financial worries, there have been some good and beautiful things going on. I am daily blessed by my friends, family, classes and by y'all! 

Here are some happy things I am very grateful for this week. 

• New She Reads Truth study on Galatians 

• Cheap, homemade iced coffee every morning (and sometimes afternoon too!)

• starbucks gift cards from my parents because they know that's the first thing cut from the budget
• Ho Hey by The Lumineers, Poison and Wine by The Civil Wars, Lost in my Mind by The Head and the Heart, It's Time by Imagine Dragons, I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons 
• this cute guy keeping me company during study sessions

• episodes of Parenthood on Netflix during study breaks
• new friends from class to sit in chapel and visit churches with
• late night chats with Annie
• extended birthday celebration this month:
• restyling old clothes, free birthday drink, Oreo Dream Cheesecake (omg yes)

• pedicures and peanut butter pie from Brittany 

• Brand new, gorgeous, Urban Outfitter bedding from David and Lindsey 

• Having three job offers in one day- hopefully everything will be settled by the end of this week. I would GREATLY appreciate your prayers over these job situations!

• Getting a huge surprise in the form of a donation from a blog friend who wanted to support me while money is so tight. I don't know if there is anything as humbling and encouraging. 

Things aren't perfect and there are definitely a lot of things to figure out with money, jobs, balancing school, finding the right church and forming friendships. But God is faithful. He uses little things to remind how incredibly blessed I am. Thank y'all so much for your encouragement, prayer and kind words.  I am so grateful!

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!  Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

Thankful

Every year at my grandparents' home, 

my family gathers before we delve into the feast. 

We sit in a circle and one at a time, 

list the things for which we're grateful. 

It never fails- someone always cries... 

which begins a domino effect of tears. 

They're not sad tears... not at all! 

They're humble

Overwhelmed by God's grace

surrounded by family and love

appreciating those things that are so easily taken for granted.

Every year I say that I'm going to write something out in advance 

and this year I finally am.

(photo by Southern Charm Photography)

I am thankful for no student loans,

that God blessed me with an unbelievable scholarship

and as I see other graduates 

working to clear their debt,

I am so grateful that God had mercy on me 

and blessed me financially.

(photo by Southern Charm Photography)

I am thankful for a loving family. 

We're not perfect.
We disagree on a lot of things. 

But my parents would go hungry for me.

My sister can forgive even my worst offenses.

At the end of the day, my family is solid

supportive

giving.

I'm thankful for TWO jobs.

I'm grateful that in a ridiculous economy

I have been so blessed.

I have a job where my responsibilities are challenging and convicting

and I must love and demonstrate grace, and teach 

but the rewards and innumerable. 

And I have a job where I come home

smelling like cupcakes.

Not too shabby :)

I'm thankful for a church family 

people who want to take care of me

and give me opportunities

and pray for me fervently

I'm thankful for roommates who approach conflict biblically

who love and serve each other 

and create community within our home

(photo by Southern Charm Photography)

I'm thankful for a car that runs, most of the time

more clothes than I need, 

food in the pantry and fridge, 

generally good health, that I never appreciate til it's gone

a city that has stolen my heart with its weirdness

(photo by Southern Charm Photography)

and a boyfriend who loves me,

who pushes me to depend on Christ instead of him

who serves alongside me

leads worship with my students

gives up time and resources to assist me 

on mission trips and other such events

and has stuck by me for three years

despite all my crazy.

I have so much cause for thankfulness.

And in light of those things, I worship my God

from whom all good things come!

I turn my heart from discontent and bitterness

to recognize each of these wonders. 

Thank you, Lord. 


But the absolute best part is
that even without any of those things,
Jesus is enough.
and THAT is why I have hope and purpose
and joy despite circumstances.