Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

I'm currently sitting on our couch in the apartment, with candles lit, Christmas lights and tree already up and plugged in, laughing at my roommates who are trying to figure out how to use my keurig. Just sitting here, I can already name several things I'm thankful for: awesome roommates, a really nice place to live, the fact that we can celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas as much as we want, even my cup of coffee that I was able to make this morning...

A lot has happened over the past year, all of which I'm thankful for. (I won't go into detail about everything, because you can read about most of it in my previous blog post.) To add to it, though, I have family on both sides that not only love me, but they love each other. We're going to be joined together in just a few hours to share a meal and reflect on blessings. I have made lifelong friends through my church this year, and I've become more involved in serving my church. I've continued in being discipled by our youth pastor's wife, and I grow so much in my faith and walk with the Lord the longer I meet with her. These things have given me the greatest joy I've ever had, because we were made for community, to live alongside of other believers in Christ and serve one another/the Lord as Jesus did while He was on earth (Philippians 2).

I can honestly say that I've never felt so much at peace as I do now in this stage of life. Looking back on how I felt last year about graduating, how I was nervous, not sure where life would take me, not sure if I would be happy or at peace. I had been so comfortable in my life at JBU, and I didn't want to leave it. Looking back at this past year, though, I can truly say that God completely took control of my life, literally handed me two jobs that I love, brought Andrew and I together, caused Jenn to have a wreck on the way home from school so she could come live with us, gave me time to meet with women who I love and respect, and so much more.

Friends, if you ever have any doubt about God being good or sovereign, think again. I have so many awesome stories of His faithfulness under my belt that I LOVE sharing with everyone. He has grown my faith so much this year, and He will carry the good work that He began in me into completion until His return to earth one day. And what a day that will be!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Amen.