Thankful.

I am thankful that even when I think I've got things together in my life, God stretches me a little more, teaches me a little more, reminds me a little more... I am thankful that my life in this world will always be a work in progress. I'm never going to be "at" the perfect place in life, but this is my life, right now... and God's plan for me is perfect.

 Today there is a lesson to learn, a person to love, problem to solve, a time to be tested, a moment to embrace, a picture to take, a friend to make, a song to sing....  I am thankful that even when I am looking forward to so many of the wonderful things God has for me in the future, that he reminds me of the beauty of today... and to cherish it. 

Today I am thankful for every blessing, every burden, every challenge, every person, every moment... I am thankful to be alive today. I am thankful that God has given me a joy that does not have to be circumstantial, but through him, I have joy everyday. This is beautiful. 

And all I can say is...  Hallelujah.

"Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles". Psalm 105:2

It's okay to ask why.

Feeling the burden of the world today.

Wondering... why?

Why are there so many hungry children?

Why are there so many broken homes?

Why do people kill?

Why so much hatred?

Why do people have to die?

Why do people move away? 

Why do we grow up?

Why do people change?

Why do things change at all?

I know the answers to most of these questions...  I'm not naive. I know why.. There is sin in this world... and others are just part of God's perfect plan. I wonder why still.. Sometimes I just want to stop. I just want to think... and wonder. For the sin of this world has corrupted each one of us somehow. But there is something more than this world. There is only one source of true life. And I am reminded again.

"I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 34: 4-5

He is our hope. Our life. Our joy.

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever" - Psalm 16:11

How blessed I am to be in the presence of the LORD every second of the day. The joy and the promise he offers is more than anything the world can offer me. 

"Tomorrow morning, when you put your rings on your fingers, also put on a spirit of peace. When you put your earrings on your ears, put them on with a cheerful attitude. When you clasp your necklace around your neck, clasp a sweet spirit to your heart also. The Jewelry you wear won't make much difference in your day, but the spirit you wear will" 

-Spangler & Syswerda

When nothing is certain-- Everything is possible. ♥

Frugal can be fun.

.... And still look contemporary. I'm not all about collecting junk... our house is pretty clutter free. But I do love finding antique pieces for a pocket full of change. I love going to yard sales to find that one piece that compliments my home. Here are a few things I've found recently.

I found this in someone's yard. (50 cents)
I found this just this morning in my neighbor's yard... it was very dusty. ( 20 cents)
And I found this is my father-in-law's garage when they were moving. (free =) ...Ok, Marcos says he bought it years ago, but I still found it and it was free for me.
And sometimes I like to be artistic. I love to write, but deep down I also really love art and interior design. I want to do it all one day. I really have no one thing... maybe I will just be a wife, a mother, a writer, a painter, an interior designer, and an antique collector =) I also want to have my own coffee shop and write books. Who says I have to limit myself?  So, we will see =) Yes, I am very indecisive. 

Something I painted with the help of my friend Anna. It's hanging in my living room, where I had a bare wall and not much money.

And this is the headboard Marcos and I made together after I saw how much furniture stores were charging. Mine was cheap and I like it better. Plus it was fun making it. Well, there's another peek into my life. Until the next blog...

Oh yeah, Happy New Year everyone!