Time keeps on slipping into the future...

Time flies when you're having fun. Or spending 9 hours a day in a big box home improvement store. Not my first choice of job, but Micah and I sure are thankful for the extra income! And, I have met some nice people! However, standing on concrete floors all day just about kills me sometimes. That's why I haven't blogged as often as I would have liked. That and the fact that my Lenten fast is going so well. I'm not so worried about the fast. I just simply want to deepen my relationship with God. Anyone have any suggestions of a good book that might help? I feel myself craving a good book.

In other news, we are still looking for and applying for ministry jobs. I am in the process of sending my resume out to a bunch of places and Micah got his out the other day. Please pray! We are ready to be in our element doing what we are called to do. And ready to be out of Kentucky and in a more permanent home. I want to decorate and truly set up my home. I want to get everything out of boxes. I want a church home (we are in the process of finding a new church). I need some roots and community! I have good friends here, but Micah hasn't made any deep friendships. And we don't have any close couple friends. I am very grateful we are still here, though, because we have gotten lots of support from older, mentor type people in the seminary community. We have a professor that regularly checks in with us to see how we are and meets with us to make sure we are staying on track in our marriage, and it is one of the biggest blessings we could have asked for right now (or ever). I can't even describe the relief and encouragement I feel knowing that someone is in our corner and willing to help us navigate the stresses of being newly married, newly graduated, job searching, and probably moving soon. God certainly has a plan for us and he knows what he is doing, even as we are feeling restless. I try my best to keep my eyes on him and my heart tuned to gratitude so that I don't become frustrated or discouraged. We have so much to be grateful for that my heart leaps as I mentally make a list of all the things God has done and is doing right now in our lives.

Honestly, sometimes it is hard to see all the wonderful things right now when I am so ready to be in the next phase of life. This is the story of my life. I really struggle with living in the present and enjoying where I am right now. Last year while being engaged and getting married, I made a huge effort to forget everything else and just enjoy what was happening around me. I'm not saying it always worked, or that even the whole wedding thing was my thing, but a lot of people were really happy for us and I got to enjoy that. I don't mind that it takes effort, though, for me to remain in the present. It causes me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus and the path he is laying out before me. And it reminds me to form special memories that I can someday share with my children. One bonus of learning to live in the moment and truly enjoy life is that I can get excited about things again. For the longest time nothing would excite me- not trips, concerts, whatever. I would have fun but never get the joy of anxiously awaiting the day. But now I have that again and I love it!

So see, I have no reason to feel discouraged. God is working, God is present, and God knows what he is doing. He has not forgotten us! I am thankful for the ever growing relationship I have with Jesus and that it brings me into greater understanding of who God is and how he works. I appreciate those of you who pray for us and love us! We love you, too!

Just checking in...

I started a new job so I haven't had as much time to sit, think, or write. In fact, I'm on my lunch break right now. I am a couple days behind on my Lenten devotional. Getting used to working varying days at varying times has worn me out. Add on the stress of some other things/people and i have had a short fuse. Tears and/or getting annoyed come really easily right now. Since I am so introverted, being around people all day at work makes me want not want to talk or be around anyone but Micah. But, I am sure I will figure out a good balance soon and go back to being my normal self.

In other news, there is a situation I am dealing with that is really starting to wear on me. It's not my story to tell so that's all I can say for now, but I would appreciate your prayers for the quick resolution of this situation. I think it's time that I removed myself from being involved at all, but I am not sure how to do that. The whole thing just makes me say grrrrrrr.

Anyhoodle, have a great day!