1. God always provides for His children.
Whether it's a job, a church home, friends, food in the fridge, license plates for the car, etc., He is looking out for us. As a planner, it is hard to accept that sometimes I can't crunch the numbers so they make sense or that I'm called to give when I'd rather save (read: hoard). But He is faithful to supply all of our needs and more!
2. Everything will not be perfect.
Duh, right? Dallas was a dream-world for so long that I've had to be careful not to idealize it in my mind. I'm learning that everything is much more wonderful when I have an attitude of humility instead of entitlement. I want to hold onto this when I begin classes next month.
3. New community will not replace old community, but it is necessary for us to put down deep roots.
As we navigate the waters of knowing and being known in a new place, specifically in a church community, we have a choice. The easy option would be to just dip in our pinky toes and not fully commit to the deep waters. After all, we have great roots in Orlando. Praying for wisdom to continue tried-and-true friendships while cultivating community here.
4. The Lord is after our hearts, and our seemingly pressing tasks and looming deadlines - while legitimate - are way down on the priority list.
In other words, my daily "achievements" of practice, exercise, studying, or cooking mean nothing unless done from a heart of love and servanthood.
5. I can prepare food, and I can enjoy the process!
We want to be hospitable with our time, resources, and especially our home. I have so enjoyed the opportunities we have had to feed friends after church and host a couple of game nights. I even cooked at Matt's this last Sunday. And I enjoyed feeding our little group. Crazy, right?
6. The Lord loves to bless us in little, surprising, unexpected ways.
These blessings have come in the form of mailed letters, ice cream cartons, wifi passwords, gluten-free communion bread, wedding planning coffee dates, unexpected phone calls, board games, ice skates, and other wonderfully bizarre shapes, all meant to remind our forgetful hearts how much He loves to bless His own.
7. I love my little family all the more!
From cycling dates and CFA ice cream runs with my hubby to running with Brooklyn at the lake and watching Star Wars on the loveseat three-in-a-row, I can't get enough of them! Ty and I often talk about "Team Welsh," and I am so grateful he picked me. :)
His peace He gives us, for He does not give as the world gives. I'm glad Ty picked you, too, and even more thankful that He has picked you and calls you His own! I love you, Jess!
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