Blessings, etc...

Greetings,

I have wanted to sit down and write again for a while now, but haven’t known where to start. I still don’t know exactly where to start, but this is a better beginning than letting the thoughts continue to roll around in my head.

I want to talk about blessings, a book that I just finished listening to, my sweet love, my daddy, my mom, coming closer to the Lord and seeing what he has done for me, my friends and my family… Now how do I work all that into an entry that’s going to flow and make some sense?

Let’s start by introducing or possibly re-introducing my sweet love, Eric… I think I have probably introduced him before around the time I met him or shortly thereafter at my 30th Birthday Party.

Eric is one of the blessings I mentioned earlier. Years ago, I wrote a list and placed it in my Bible of the characteristics that my “Mr. Right” would possess. Over the years I have modified that list as I have grown up and realized more of what matters and what doesn’t and have continued to pray about finding the man who would fit that bill. A couple of weeks after meeting Eric, I pulled the most recent version of that list out of my Bible and reviewed it. Much to my delight, but not surprise Eric met EVERY SINGLE characteristic on that list. He is truly wonderful and heaven sent.  Thank You Lord for this Wonderful Man You Have Brought Into My Life!

With Eric came the blessings of his family, friends and Church Family. I have met so many wonderful people through Eric. It’s funny he introduces me and later says “he/she is a really good person…” They are all really good people! His family, friends and Church Family are all wonderful people and blessings to know!

Of course my Church Family is also a blessing. Bless their hearts some of them have known me since I was a child. My Pastor baptized me when I was only nine years old.

My mom and daddy have always been and will continue to be the most amazing blessings every bestowed upon me. My parents are amazing. I miss my Daddy more than words can express. It is a physical pain some of the time. My mom is amazing – she is strong and beautiful, so smart and has a wonderful, generous, giving heart and nature. As much as I miss my daddy, I am grateful to still have my wonderful mother. I love her and my daddy bunches!

Much like Eric’s friends, my friends are all also really good people and blessings to know! I love them all dearly and am very grateful to have each of them in my life!

I have been attending church regularly again for a little over a year now, but not until recently have I begun to see the Lord’s work in my life. I have always known he is there, but it just seems like lately I can see his work more than ever before. Talk about a blessing!? That’s definitely a blessing to me! I feel that I have been becoming closer to the Lord.
Eric has a very strong relationship with the Lord which encourages me to work on my relationship with the Lord. As my relationship with the Lord grows I can see more of his work in my life and I love that way that feels. As Eric and I grow closer together, we also want our relationships with the Lord to grow as well.  We have begun working on a Bible Study for Dating Couples and are enjoying the time spent together in quiet reflection on the Lord, the Lord's Word and His amazing Love.

The book I just finished listening to is “The Shack” by William Young. This was an amazing novel, one that touched my heart and mind. It made me laugh, cry and it made me think. I plan to listen to this book again and most likely read the hard copy of the book as well. It is such an amazing and engaging story. I loved listening to it. I have asked Eric to listen to it with me as well. My mom gave me the audio book after she read the hard copy. I think the book was an inspiration for my mom and will be to my sweet love also.

I started this entry nearly a month ago now.  I had to stop writing because other things came up and I didn't post it because I didn't have a conclusion.
 
In that time I have experienced another amazing blessing.  For the first time I was able to truly share with a good friend my relationship with the Lord.  My friend believes in God, but hasn't accepted him into her heart and it is my prayer that she will.  She has been going through alot lately and not knowing what else I can do I have given her hugs and prayers and told her that I would be there for her.  After speaking to Eric's pastor about the situation he provided me with a "beginner's" Bible and material for my friend which she gratefully accepted.  I am so excited to see the Lord moving in my life and hers in this way.  It is phenomenal to know that I may have helped a beautiful young woman take her first steps to dedicating her life to the Lord.  I am grateful to God for this amazing blessing.
 
I have been in prayer for many of my other family and friends who have been struggling with health and other issues and I lift them all up to God for his healing grace and love to touch them. 
 
My sister is getting married in April and I am super excited for her!  I get to help plan her wedding and be a Bridesmaid! Yay!  It makes me cry... I am so happy for her!  And sad that my daddy won't be here to see it, but I know he will be watching from above!
 
One of my dear friends is getting married in March and I am looking forward to that wedding as well!
 
Three of my favorite ladies (and great friends) are pregnant and I can't wait to be a part of their baby showers!
 
Life is GOOD!  GOD IS GREAT!  REAL LOVE IS AMAZING!  My heart is full and happy, except for missing my daddy and so many others - I love you all and wish you were still here to share in all these joys with me.