ramblings

I'm not sure what I had in mind to blog tonite...I just wanted to take the time and sit. Not be running off to parties or showers or lunches; just being. Don't get me wrong, I've thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with friends, whether we were catching up or celebrating up-coming marriages. But I haven't been home much these last couple of days. I never seem to understand how much I need my me-time until I don't get as much as usual. It feels, I don't know, stressful? That's not the word I was looking for but I think it describes how I feel. Spread thin; rushing from one event to another, penciling in time for everything and everybody. Right now is me-time. And I have to tell you, it's heavenly. Have a great night everybody! =)

provision

I was doing my quiet time the other day when I was struck by how God has provided for us these last few months and I hadn't taken the time to thank Him. While I was working at O'Charley's, Steve's paycheck was paying for practically everything. And while we stressed and fretted over how we were going to stay on top of bills, we never...and I stress this...NEVER went without. We always had more than enough. And not once did I stop and consciously say "Thank you Father." Unfortunately, my focus was on the negative and I missed the lesson entirely.

I was struck again today by God's provision: My car has been sitting lifeless since the last week of December. Some incredible friends of ours were gracious and let us borrow their car until we got mine fixed. A mechanic friend told us we were looking at $200 to $800 to fix my car (we thought we'd have to replace the flywheel). This week we finally took my car in to get it repaired and I found out today how much it cost: $121.10! It wasn't the flywheel, just a part of it. They replaced the starter drive, charged the battery, and voila! My car runs again! Praise God!!!

Too often I take for granted that I have all my needs - and most of my wants - met in full. What about you? Do you say thanks often enough?

inspired

I was reading xanga posts this evening to kill the time, and I came across one that inspired me. The girl wrote about appreciating the average and seemingly mundane days because there is beauty in everything if we only take the time to stop and take it in. She ended by asking what was beautiful to her readers today, and I was inspired to write down what stood out to me today:

The warm sunshine on a friend's face
Appreciating a cup of coffee at work with a new friend
The tired yet invigorated feeling in my muscles after a long run (with the first friend)
A simple, tired smile on my hubby's face...even after a long LONG day at work

What was beautiful to you today??