I love my Job!

I just want you all to know that I love my job. I love the people I work with and I love the things I do at it. Some times I get very overwhelmed because of the responsibilities that I have but overall...I am so blessed. I am not only blessed because of what I do but I am blessed by the people I work with. Yesterday I came home from work and there on my kitchen table was a card and a beautiful peace lily (with some other flower & plant combinations that I do not know) from the people I work with. They encourage my heart greatly. I also received amazingly sweet cards from family...let me tell you how great a support system I have.

For those of you who do not know, I work as an intern architect (I hate using the word "intern" but until I am licensed that is what I am legally called) for a wonderful company that just reached over 200 employees (within 7 offices). I work in the multi-family department designing and drawing multi-family projects. These range from townhouses to very large, high end condos to apartment complexes. We are good at what we do and have won numerous awards because of it. I am proud to work for them. The firm is very much invested in their employees and they provide great opportunities for all of us. We are mostly young people and have a great sense of camaraderie within the offices. Just last night we finished our last softball game for the summer. We had a great time getting out there once a week to play some ball.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I am so happy and content where God has me. I will try to upload some pictures soon but we are without a digital camera because ours got soaked on a canoe trip (that is a whole 'nother story).

Praise You in this Storm

Tonight was a great night (except for the fact it is 1:45 am and I am still working). Wednesday nights I have accountability group with a wonderful group of girls. I enjoy how we can be honest with one another and share what God is teaching us and how He is working in us. I am truly blessed by these friendships that God has provided since moving to Memphis. Each girl has something new and unique to contribute...so, thanks girls!

I want to share with you all what God is teaching me right now. Many of you do know (and I apologize to those who do not know, I just got tired of talking about it) that Jacob and I had a miscarriage one week ago. We were 9 weeks pregnant, due February 20. Needless to say, this is a very sad and challenging time for us, however! (exclamation mark intended) God deserves so much praise and glory for how He is teaching me and healing me (physically & emotionally) during this time...that is what I want to share, not the depressing news of our loss.

Friday night I was by myself while Jacob went backpacking with a buddy. I was able to spend some time reading God's word and listening to some amazing music on K-Love (the best Christian radio station). I felt like every scripture I read and every song I heard were directed EXACTLY for me and this moment in my life. I am going to share those with you so that should you have a difficult circumstance, you might rest on these words as well.

Quotes from Songs (not as good as the Bible but certainly inspired by God)

"I am not skilled to understand, What God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at his right hand stands one who is my savior...My savior loves, my savior lives, my savior's always there for me. My God he was, my God he is, My God he's always gonna be."
-Aaron Shust "My Savior, My God"

"I was sure by now, that you would have reached down and wiped our tears away. Stepped in and saved the day, but once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining...As the thunder rolls I barely hear your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you". And as your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives...and takes away. I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for you are who you are, no matter where I am. Every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand, you never left my side, and though my heart is torn I will praise you in this storm."
-Casting Crowns "Praise You in this Storm"

"I must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain of God"
-Third Day "Mountain of God"

"When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say-Blessed be YOUR name....You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, BLESSED BE YOUR NAME."
-Tree 63 "Blessed be Your Name"

"This is what it means to be held. How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life...And you survive. This is what it is to be loved. And to know that the promise was when everything fell we'd be held."
-Natalie Grant "Held" (this song is beautiful)

"Well, sometimes my life just don't make sense at all. When the mountains look so big and my faith just seems so small...So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my glory Won't You be my Prince of Peace."
-Rich Mullins "Hold Me Jesus"

"When the oceans rise and thunders roar. I will soar with you above the storm. Father, you are king over the flood. I will be still and know you are God."
-Hillsongs "Still" (we sang this at church Sunday)

Now for the good stuff...

Words from God

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." "For you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me."
Psalm 86:6-7 & 17

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called CHILDREN of God! And that is what we are!" (I LOVE this verse. I am his child. What a humbling thought.)
1 John 3:1

"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Psalm 50:15

"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (everybody knows this verse...but it is SO true)
Romans 8:28

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for [TRICIA] who love[s] him." (I like to personalize this one)
1 Corinthians 2:9

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

That is all for now. Sorry for such a long post but I hope you will see how God IS blessing me. His timing is perfect and complete.

Following the Crowd

Well, after reading many interesting posts on my buddies blogs, I have decided to give in and start my own. I figure we are always doing crazy things and people might find entertainment in our adventures...hey, I certainly do. I can't promise I will be able to post too often but I will do my best. This will serve as a way for family and friends to keep up with us. I hope you enjoy what you read in the days to come, remember..."It's always an adventure."