the hands of grace.

grace comes in spurts. well, more like, i realize the evidence of grace in spurts.

grace are the tears after a difficult decision. the constant reminder that He is faithful, even when you don't see the end. when you think "thats it! i'm done!" its the nudging that tells you there is always something more and better.

grace is the uncontrollable laughter when you haven't belly laughed in a long time.  its being in company that will laugh with you, not at you. its being the bearer of such a laugh, that spurs on more laughter. most importantly, its realizing your love for those people (ahem, SR's) and the unique way God designed them to be.

grace helps you when you least expect it. its what holds us together. grace helps us when we want to control things, and can't see the end.

it comes in so many forms, too numerable to count. its the sweet hug of a 3 year old. or the rising sun. or the blue jay that continues to perch itself on my back porch.

there is joy in the everyday. all because of grace.

favorites.

because favorite things are happy, and i love happy things, here it goes!

don't hate. you know you love him too. who wouldn't, really?

i don't miss an episode. i really hope Ralph Macchio (because i love the Karate Kid) or Chelsea Kane (because i want to be her friend) win!

afternoons with these kids! walks home from school, swimming, wii, listening to the Biebs....the list goes on and on really. so much fun!

days where this is the start. 

snapshots of grace.

words aren't needed for this post (except to tell you words aren't needed!:))

2 Corinthians 12:9

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

sweet rolls.

i have been extremely blessed to be a part of the best small group ever.

i had always worked wednesday nights at the church. with working everyday but friday and sunday, i began to feel the need for community in my life. corporate worship just wasn't enough community anymore.

i have never been a part of a group of ladies who uplift each other like these do. they have been there for me and laughed with me and cried with me. there have been few moments since entering this group where i didn't think about these girls. Proverbs 27:17 is so true.

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

its so neat how God works. throughout our time together, there has been situation after situation of "i've totally been there before, here is how God worked it out." its as if God were sitting right there, holding a coffee mug, enjoying the encouragement and conversation as much as we do. 

every week, i count the days until we meet again. i am so glad God put these women in my life. i wholeheartedly believe they lead me more to the cross every day and challenge me to die to self. i am so incredibly thankful to learn about the sweet heart of Jesus with these ladies.

so, sweet rolls, this is for you! love you all so so much! 

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.