Thankful

Lately, especially in the past week, there have been several little blessings that I'm thankful for. Of course, I'm always thankful for my Lord, my family, my friends, my church, and my ministry, but I consider those big things. Here's the little things that have been sweet little blessings.

a candle that is about as used up as a candle can be, but still burning brightly until I got the chance to get another candle.

The absolutely amazing scent from my favorite candle ever, Autumn Wreath. Cracker Barrel only sells it at this time of year, so it's a yearly treat that I enjoy. 

The new mug I found last night, also from Cracker Barrel. I was browsing through the different mugs when I found this one. This verse, Ecclesiastes 3:1, meant a lot to me during a difficult time of my life about a month ago. Really, it seems to have become my theme verse for this year, a promise to hang on to through my struggles. There's 4 trees on it, representing the 4 seasons. I thought it was perfect for this month, for this time in my life. 

 And really, would life be livable without coffee? My dad says it would, but I'm not so certain. 

Friday I was looking around the clothes section at Walmart, and something told me to look up. This was the very last maxi dress, hanging by itself, in my size, in the style I've been wanting. I've been eyeing this dress all summer, but something told me to wait. It was normal price $20, and the clearance tag said $9. I could live with that. When I got to the register, it was actually $3! I was so pleasantly surprised, and thankful for the Lord's little blessings. 

Then, I was passing through the movie section, and saw a huge box full of $5 Christmas cds. At first I ignored it, because usually I can't find any decent music at Walmart. But as I was passing, I saw the Burl Ives cd. I love his singing, so I picked it up and started looking at the rest of the cds. I found the two Thomas Kinkade cds that have Christmas music played by an orchestra. Then I found the Bing Crosby cd, who I've heard of a little, then I found the Celtic Woman cd. The Bing Crosby and celtic cds have become my favorite. I love Bing Crosby's voice, even though I'm the only one in my family that appreciates his style. And  of course, I love Celtic Woman. My favorite song of their's, "the Voice" is on here, and I would've payed the money if only for that song. I like it that much. :) 

Besides all these little blessings, the Lord has blessed me in an even bigger way. Lately, I've been lonely. I have an empty spot that neither my family nor friends can fill. Most single young ladies know what I mean. So I've been cramming every free moment with reading as many books as I possibly can. As long as I'm in a world of fictional characters, I can forget about my own troubles, at least for a little while. But recently, the Lord's been showing me some things, and I'm becoming, slowly, more content with my single status, and trusting Him more with that area. It couldn't have happened at a better time. Within the past week, I've been given an opportunity to begin a relationship with a young man. As far as I know, this is a respectful, Christian young man. 2 weeks ago, I might have jumped at it, given the opportunity. But it would've been for the wrong reason. Loneliness. I sought the Lord for guidance, but didn't get the go-ahead. As a matter of fact, I only received silence. I made a decision, and after talking to my dad who backed me on it, I refused. I pray that I have made the right decision. One of the reasons why I refused, was due to the fact that I would've had to go meet him. I consider that too forward, and highly improper. By my way of looking at it, if he's interested enough, he'll come to meet me. Although I doubt it will happen, I've told the Lord that I will consider it a sign to consider him again, if he does show up. I know that I've disappointed the people who tried to get us together, but the truth is this. I'm NOT hunting for a husband. As a matter of fact, I'm not even looking for him. I'm praying that he's looking for me. I believe the Lord will allow our paths to cross at the right moment, and not before. I trust that the Lord is very capable of doing that. Also, I have certain things that I want in a husband. I believe that they are biblical, and I refuse to settle. Considering I've waited my whole life for him, as I pray he's done for me. Yes, I do believe there is ONE that God intended just for you.  He did make Eve for Adam after all. The woman is the completer, the help meet. 

Ok, sorry for the ranting. That turned out a lot longer than I intended. But let me say, that I've really revealed a lot of personal information in that last paragraph. I wouldn't have done it, but I felt the Lord leading me to do so. I pray that it might help a reader in a similar situation. 

P.S.

Please pray for me as I continue on this journey. It's so easy to make a wrong decision when it comes to matters of the heart. I'm so thankful for parents and a pastor that care enough about me to tell me the truth, protect me, and back me on my decisions. If you're going through a similar struggle, I'd love to be prayer partners through email. My email is: pawpawsgirl92@hotmail.com if you're interested.