thanks to D

This post's purpose is not to fool you into thinking I have the perfect husband or that we have the perfect marriage. We are two incredibly imperfect people.

This post's purpose is not foster any form of comparison. Every relationship is different, and all of them have mountains as well as valleys. And we so stink at being anything good sometimes.

This post's purpose is to thank D and to thank him publicly. After celebrating so many weddings and other exciting milestones, I've learned the importance of saying something. And, even more so, saying it in front of others as a blessing. Not to say that private blessings are insignificant, but we'll save whispering those sweet nothings for another time, ok? Ok. 

Last week was a bad week, and I don't normally have bad weeks. But last week was one if I've ever lived it. The Lord using D in my life was my saving grace - of that I am sure.

Thank you to D for...

• Not letting the fact that I cried more days last week than not freak you out. 
• Your calming spirit.
• Not saying, "well, are you not going to ask me about my day?!" when I was too wrapped up in my own dramas.
• Tirelessly encouraging me to spend time in the Word even when I had sleepy, heavy eyes. 
• Being totally fine with the fact that I blew your perfectly balanced budget on comfort food in the form of frozen yogurt. 
• Staying with me and the rest of two-years-olds after your Pastor Search Team meeting which you totally didn't sign up for.
• Not being discouraged by my totally downer of a self. Or at least not showing it. 
• Being awesome at doing the dishes. 
• Saving me a part of your St. Patty's Day cupcake even though I had devoured my own a couple days earlier.
• Your example of diligence and perseverance in the face of senior design projects, family responsibilities, and church duties.
• Praying for me. 

 Praise God for using your encouragement and answering your prayers.

This week, I pray...

• That the Lord will bless you and keep you, that He will make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:24-25). 
• That you will be strengthened by grace that is Christ (2 Timothy 2:1). 
• That you would be strong, courageous, unafraid, and encouraged (Joshua 1:9). 
• That you would continue to pursue graciousness, compassion, and righteousness (Psalm 112:4). 
• That you would be filled with the knowledge of His will (Colossians 1:9).
• That blessings would come from hearing the Word of God and obeying it (Luke 11:28).
•  That the Lord would keep you from harm (Psalm 121:7).
• That the Lord would fill me with His grace in order to be able to love you better, to put you before myself, and to bless each of your days.

for good

Let me paint this picture for you.

Howling wind, blowing rain, very close lightening and thunder.

A dress made out of knit jersey (let's just say it blows in the wind), new heels that are cutting into my feet, a pitiful umbrella, an arm full of very necessary papers.

Now combine those two things, and you'll find me trying to get back to my office yesterday after a meeting. Oh, and be sure to add an inside-out umbrella, wet hair, and a solid limp thanks to my terrible shoes.

Session will certainly be more than I thought. More time, more to learn, more energy. Early morning and late nights and meetings that I never thought I'd be sitting in. And when I'm sitting in those meetings, I think, "I just want to be a florist!" I have no answer for you why God has this for me during this soon-to-end season of my life. But, with sore feet and puffy eyes, I'll try to remember that He has a plan and that His plan is for my good. Might not be comfy and convenient - but good. And as simple as that concept seems, it was really all there was to be said at the end of last night, a bad night. And I'm glad D reminded me of that in my stubbornness.

So here's to new hours and meetings and finding comfy high heels. And forgiveness if I'm a terrible blogger. 

nervous and exhausted

Today, out come the black clothes, blazers and heels as the Louisiana Legislature convenes the 2012 Legislative Session. They will stand in stark contrast to my weekend filled with dust rags, hardback books, coral pants, long talks with a [very pregnant] best friend, lemonade, and sippy cups.

I'll be honest - I'm nervous. As a committee watcher, I'll be meeting with other Governor's Office staff on the days that the specific committees I'll be watching meet. And several other details that I need not bore you with. As a student worker, I laid low with only having to welcome guests and answer phones. Busy - yes. Pressure - not much. Chip, the BEST BOSS EVER, said he'd show this youngin the ropes.

Session does bring with it a little excitement. The excitement wears off, of course. But the romantic inside of me can't help but appreciate the seersucker suits of deep south politicians, the sound of the hustle on the Capitol's marble floors, and the idea that I could be experiencing the leaders make historical impacts on our state. But I am nervous.

Why exhausted? Stinking daylight savings time completely rocks my world. And because of this:

My yesterday: extended session in the nursery, babysitting three adorable siblings, and keeping the nursery again during equipping classes. Back to back to back. Moms - you are my hero.

Happy Monday to you!

manila

Some days just feel manila.

Especially when you are surrounded by it.

But, since there will never be another March 1, 2012, I will find joy in the Lord, look forward to the evening [D has planned a surprise date (!!!)], and drink Diet Coke from a pretty cup. I think that's a good formula.