Friday, August 2, 2013

Dear Today,

Dear Today,
I will be adding things to the  "to do" list that have already been done...just so I can mark something off. Hope that's ok, because it makes me feel better about you.

Good tunes, God tunes, are absolutely necessary to keep my heart from being mad at you...after all, you are Friday...and well, you're not living up to your good reputation. I'm a little hurt. But no worries, I'll be over it in a few short hours...

(There should probably be a thank you added in here somewhere to Spotify for providing the hours of de-stress, refocus, don't hang up on people, it's ok because God is good even if today day isn't music... HUGE help! ...so, thanks!)

Oh and remember that post about trust...the one about deeper waters...turns out, waters can get deep reeeaaaal fast. Know what I mean? It's a good thing I had that reminder and I can see all of this as a trust exercise. :)

It helps me to know that when many things are going wrong, I can count on there being many more that are right. So that makes it all OK. I know God is bigger, God is better, and  I know tomorrow is brighter. (Unless it's rainy, in which case it would be AWESOME!)




Monday, July 15, 2013

Without Borders


"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"
Oceans (Where My Feet Fail) by Hillsong United

Such beautiful words. 
Such a beautiful heart behind them. 
How often is this our prayer? That God would lead us into a place where there are no borders for our trust...nothing standing in between my faith, and His will. No fears, no walls, no preconceptions, nothing standing in the way of me trusting the one whom my soul loves so desperately.  A place as this would mean a place where we have no choice but to trust...for there is nothing else to grab hold of. That is a scary place...yet that is where My God resides. And there...in that place...the one called surrender...I will be made stronger. For He is all that is left to draw from. And after all...He is enough.

Where I am is not enough. I desire more faith. I desire to go deeper...always deeper. 




Love,
C

Thursday, July 4, 2013

A time to plant...


"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens..."




It's been a while since I've written. To be honest, the reason for that is I haven't really had much to say. I'm in a bit of a funk.

 I've been living here in Dallas now for almost 8 months. 8 months of a new job, a new church, new city, new friends. New everything. For someone who lived her entire life in the same city and never experienced anything like this before, that is a lot of new!

Some of that "new" has been so exciting! I love meeting new people and being the new girl can be a lot of fun. I have loved exploring a new city! Dallas has so much culture and tons of areas to explore. I love all the trees and the green ( so different than phoenix). I love my new church. There are great people there who love the Lord and really seek His will for their life and that of the church. I love my family here who have taken me in and supported me during this transition.

Lately though, its been hard to focus on all that I love about this new life. It's a lot easier to only see the areas I feel I am lacking in. I am still working hard to make good friendships; I am lonely and would really like to have the right guy in my life;  work is a lot of work sometimes; I miss everyone in AZ.

Blah Blah Blah.. you get the picture! Pity parties have been a little more frequent with this girl lately. I hope I'm not being too depressing about any of this. Just being real. I came across this staple of a verse in Ecclesiastes and felt a little peace about where I'm at right now. I have a lot of people out there who have encouraged me in this season of newness that I am in. The thing I keep hearing over and over is that this is my time to plant. To do the hard work. To do. To work the extra hours at church, go out on a limb and make the effort to develop more friendships. Put myself out there a little. Man oh man! That kind of stuff is hard for me! But if I really am in a season of harvest, than there must be something coming forth soon :)

So, this has just been me being a little more raw than I usually am. For anyone else out there in a season of something not so fun, I encourage you to devote your all to wherever you are right now. Because it too is only a season and who knows what you will reap from it down the road :)

Shan






Monday, July 1, 2013

Home

Nothing like the gentle warmth of a citrus scented candle to warm your hands on a cool afternoon blazing 118 degree summer day. Who's with me? Nobody?
If you're from Phoenix, maybe you understand my dilemma. Blistering temps outside.
We're talking bake cookies on your hood, fry an egg on the sidewalk, blow torch wind in your face, I might possibly melt today hot outside Oh, but don't worry it's a "dry heat." (I'm rolling my eyes in case you are unaware of the sarcasm attached to that last statement). Personally, I think heat is heat...boil a chicken, bake a chicken...either way, that baby's gettin' cooked, and so am I...until I walk inside that is.
Everyone in Phoenix has to make up for the oven like air qualities outside by making it Antarctica inside...I mean, really? is that necessary? I'm freezing in this heat!
Alas, here I sit, warming my hands with a candle and dreading the painful walk to my car that awaits me at the end of this work day.

In other news, I have had the lovliest of weekends. (Two in a row to be exact!)

Despite the ridiculously hot temperatures this weekend, I ventured out into the city with some sweet friends. Friday night we had a wonderful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Postino, and shared the most delicious array of Bruschetta. I mean, who has 12 different types of bruschetta?! Ah, so yummy! And then, I spent Saturday with my sister shopping and being girly.
 


Last weekend I had the opportunity to throw a baby shower for my the lovely Bex of Bex, a Diary blog. This woman is inspirational. You should check out her blog if you haven't and read through her journey of infertility and adoption. A long time in the waiting, they were finally licensed to foster and hopefully adopt a sweet little one. We had a beautiful party to celebrate this and spoil her with all kinds of necessities for mommyhood. I hope to have some pictures for you soon.

For now I just wanted to say how amazed I am at the heart of foster care. What an incredible noble, and selfless task. To love children...to welcome them into your home and make them your own. To provide for them and nurture them to growth. What a beautiful, beautiful example of Christ's love.

Much like a child that requires love in order to grow, we too need to be adopted into a new kind of home; One full of love and grace like we have never known. I always had a difficult time with the idea of God adopting me as an orphan, because I have wonderful parents. Yet, even the best of parents cannot compare to the love God has for me, His daughter. And if I am to grow, I need to be with Him where I am always learning.

John 15 talks a lot about this being 'in Him." If we don't, we perish. We must make our home with Him as The Message version puts it:


"4Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me...
9-10I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.11-15“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you."
 I love that not only do we get to be loved and adopted, and not only do we get to grow and bear fruit, and not only do gain the Joy of Christ, but we also get to learn how to love and extend those same things to others. A wonderful and worthy task.

Hope your Monday is going well! Much Love,
C
Here's a completely random pic of my mom and I...just cause I think she's cool. :)

Thursday, June 13, 2013

One of Those Day

Ever had "one of those days?"
You know, the kind where you are constantly reminded of how ungraceful you are. Cups go flying across the desk,  its contents pouring over your lovely keyboard as you are patiently annoyingly answering a phone call. You reach out your hand to "catch the liquid," cupping it in your hand to save the keyboard (who may, or may not already be past saving as you look over the nice streams of tea trickling down between the keys) all the while trying very hard to be kind and calm to the helpless student on the phone. You think to yourself, that could have been worse...I ended up pretty clean after that mess (and by the way...the keyboard was rescued thanks to lots of paper towels,  shaking, a little pounding, and a can of pressurized air..those things are magical).On second thought...it's getting difficult to type here....anyways, couldn've been worse right? Then...oh, then... you look down to see remnants of your very jelly PB&J sandwich all down your front...hours after lunch. Who saw that? No one did..right? How can you miss that?! Forget the tea on the keyboard...my dress! My pretty cream dress! Sigh... These are the days that I would love to have on tape. (Wow do I sound old...I mean recorded...on my iphone...that I don't have...never-mind.)
   For me, today would be that day...or one of many I suppose...I wish they weren't as often as they seem to be lately. Oh well. Some days, I am just a mess. And that's ok. :)

Last week I decided that instead of reading a different Psalm everyday, I would just read the same one everyday. It's amazing how the words play in your mind through out your week, changing your heart in the simplest of ways.
Last week's Psalm: 139...oh that wonderful, lovely 139th Psalm. You should go read it...no really, it will bless you. :)
Here's a snippet to get you started:

"You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways."
 
We all so deeply long to be known, yet fear it at the same time. With God, we don't have a choice; we just get to be known. I see so much beauty in that. 
There is just so much goodness in these scriptures. So much truth about who I am. I need that reminder daily. the reminder that I am the creation of the God of the universe...and His works are wonderful. 

You who are His created, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.


C
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Happy Day O' Birth!!!

Today is Shan's Birthday!!!! Whoo hoooo!!

SO this post is for her :)

SHANNON! You are so so wonderful! I hope that this next year will be even more amazing than the last.
I pray that in this next year God would do something new. (As if moving to Texas and starting a new job wasn't new enough ;)  ) That He will renew dreams and desires that have been in hibrination and would breath life into them once again. That He would open doors for you to walk through with all the grace and confidence and humility you have a a Daughter of the King. I am so thankful for your friendship and for your heart. You are a lovely person inside and out! I can't wait to see what God does for you in this next year!!!



"'Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.'" Isaiah 43:18-19  
You pretty thing, you!!


LOVE you dear friend!!!

C





Thursday, April 25, 2013

It's all in your Perspective


Well hello there :)
It's been a while since I posted...sad day :(

Because of that, I have several random pictures I wanted to post that may not necessarily all go together completely. They are all things have either been a part of my world lately or something God has been teaching me. Take a look!



New Discoveries:

Ok, so one of the best things about being in a new city for me is that I don't know every street or beautiful place to visit. I love taking different roads home each day from work and just getting lost in a different part of the city that I've never seen before. I stumbled upon this lake that way. Just driving around one day. It was absolutely the most peaceful place to just stumble upon. I love being around a different kind of landscape and just seeing a different kind of beauty that God created with just as much detail as what I grew up around but SO different. These other pictures are of a nature preserve that I am now in love with. So much green!


New Memories:

I am thankful for new friendships and memories. I miss all of my close friendships in AZ so much. And I can get quite sad about it if I think about it too much. The other day though, I was thinking about how much I missed everyone and then God gently reminded me how He has blessed me with some pretty awesome friendships here too. So I'm blessed twice as much! Amazing, life-long friendships at home in Phoenix and now new friendships here in Dallas. What an amazing perspective! 





Oh, I shouldn't have!
Ok, this may not be super exciting to all of you, but i was so excited about this find. I actually bought this bow necklace for a friend but then decided I needed one too :) 
Completely smile worthy!!






And lastly,


I couldn't say this better myself. God has been working on me lately with my attitude. It's funny because many times, I know I have an icky attitude about something going on but no one else really can tell because I just seem quiet. But God still knows my attitude regardless of whether others notice. This little graphic is on my iPad to remind me that its ALWAYS a good day to have a good day :) We are all blessed and highly favored so let's act like it. The amazingly wise Courtney Rose always says she doesn't have the luxury of having a bad day. She's just too blessed. Such an essential perspective.



Well, that what has been going on in my world lately. Hope you all have a fabulously blessed weekend!

Shan

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

My Wednesday

Why Wednesday you ask?

Because it's Tuesday...and I thought it was Wednesday and decided to just role with it.

Because...it's that kind of a day.

So let's get to it.


 **  cool mug here    //   similar nail polish here     //   app for android can be found here. **


This week, God has me thinking about Exodus 33. There is just so much in these verses.

" Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’     13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

Let's start with verse 12...Moses knows what God says about him.

Up next verse 13...He doesn't just know what God says, but He is acting in that. Saying, "God, if what you have said of me is true, then let me walk in that...further that blessing and promise." He wasn't afraid to ask something of God...wasn't afraid to ask for more of God, more of His favor.

Third...He asked for the right thing..to learn. To be taught the ways of God...and beyond that, with motive of knowing God.

Fourth: verse 14...God's answer is His presence. When Moses asked for God to teach him, and give him favor...God's answer was simple...His presence. After all, how do we expect to learn from God, of God if we are not with God?

This week, I want to be more aware of God's presence...I want to recognize Him in every moment so that I may learn...so that I may walk in favor. There is so much more in these verses...too much to write in one post. But I hope you keep reading, and I hope you keep thinking deeply, allowing God to move you, to teach you.


Happy Wednesday Tuesday everyone!



    

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Worthy


"Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 
 for He is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care"
Psalm 95:6-7 

 
In our Bible study we have been studying the book of John. This week we discussed Jesus, our shepherd.
We couldn't help but go to Psalm 23 where David so beautifully describes the loving care of a shepherd. Such care and protection.  I love how the verse above compliments Psalm 23...we are His people, the people of His pasture, under His care. Doesn't that make you want to worship Him?

This past week some friends and I got together to have a night of worship and prayer.
Beautiful, beautiful worship.

I can give no more glory to God than I cangive more light to the sun...but I can recognize, honor, and praise. I can use my gifts, my hands, my lips to show His glory.
To declare Him worthy of all glory.
Wednesday, we did just that. We gave Him "room to move" as we invited Him into our night.
We held our hands high, bowed our heads low and declared Him worthy.
It was such a beautiful night in God's presence, moving as the body of Christ in and out of song.

 

Here are a few shots I snagged during the night.











Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Growth

Sometimes Growth comes from the hardest of places.

Doesn't that make those hard places all the more beautiful?

Many people in my life are in hard places right now...not necessarily tragic, although some are...just hard...lonely...for whatever reason.

A season of drought.
A season of pain.
A season of waiting.
A season of wanting.

But one day, all of a sudden you'll realize that something has grown in you...in the middle of this rock you thought was desolate...out comes something bright, beautiful...something with life, something that bears fruit.

So, I guess all of this to say, hang in there.
Let God keep you there for as long as He needs...He's moving, even if you can't tell right now.

This reminded me of some photos I took last year in Wisconsin. My mom and I took a walk in the rain at the lake one morning. It was so beautiful and serene. The shore line was covered in scattered rocks of all sizes. A few of them had these beautiful plants growing from them. I can't image how such a delicate plant can grow from such a hard, and seemingly unmoving rock...yet it did.

The dark overcast sky, and muted greys of the stone could never match the vibrant beauty of life that these little leaves held. And somehow, they made the rocks all the more beautiful.





Jeremiah 29:10-11 
The Message (MSG)
"This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."


Their hardspot lasted much longer than mine...yet God promised growth...promised a future.
What hope we have.



Friday, March 15, 2013

5 Things About Shannon

OK!
Last week, Court tagged me in her post,  5 things about Courtney, so I'm here to share 5 things about Shannon! Here we go!

1. When I was 10, my dad made me join the church's kid's basketball league. I lasted all of 20 minutes before asking if I could not play on the league. Sad day :(

2. I love Starbucks!! My drink is a tall, extra hot, 1.5 pump vanilla latte. For anyone out there wondering. The 1.5 pump part is the most important of all! Too much syrup if its the whole 3 pumps; and that ruins it!

3. I can't STAND it when people pop their gum over and over, yet don't mind when I do it myself. I know thats not really fair, but its the truth!

4. One time, I got a traffic ticket for cutting off a motorcycle cop. When he pulled me over, I still had no idea why he pulled me over. Epic Fail.

5. I love all things Disney. You name a disney movie from my childhood and most likely, I will know the words to all the songs. Is this a useful talent? Not really. But it sure is fun!

Well, thats all for now! Hope everyone is having an awesome start to their weekend!


Shan








Thursday, March 7, 2013

5 Things about Courtney

I have been tagged in the "five things" fad that's going around by the lovely Kerri! So fun!

So, here we go, here are are 5 random things about Courtney:


1. When I was in seventh grade, I really wanted to be an interior designer. I decided I would go to the Art Institute in San Fransisco to study in their Interior Architect and Design program. I even called them and spoke with admissions advisers...when they found out I was in the 7th grade they kindle told me to call back when I was a Jr. in high school and removed me from their mailing list. I still love interior design, although I didn't go to school for it. :)

2. I love the color pink...and that was difficult for me to accept for a long time. I, for many years, said purple was my favorite color, more out of habit and the fact that it was as close to pink as I could get without being the typical girly favorite. About 2 years ago I gave in and decided pink was my favorite....now I surround my self with all shades and I love it. :) embrace the pink! It's fabulous! (although I do not typically wear pink clothing...not great for the skin tones..

3.  I hate flyers...not sure why but I get really annoyed when people try to hand me a piece of paper...even if it has valuable information on it...I usually turn it down.

4. I once got me knee stuck in a fence. I was trying to show off (because it's cool to stick your leg through a fence?? don't worry I was 7). After butter, oil, water, and lotion...they finally....took the fence down, that baby wasn't budging. Good one Court. That fence and I weren't on good terms anyways ,after it broke open my head...another time perhaps.

5. Finally and most importantly, I  LOVE CHEESE. It's true...favorite food, cheese wins every time. I eat it everyday. I love cheese so much my friends have actually bought me cheese as a birthday gift...it was awesome! It feels nice to be known ;)

OK, that's it....Now I am going to tag  Shan, Bex, Libby, and Sarah

Have fun ladies!!



Sunday, March 3, 2013

Brie Fig and Apple Bruschetta

This weekend my mother and I threw a baby shower for a dear friend of mine. I will post about that another time, but for now I thought I would share the favorite dish from the party.

I got the idea from a beautiful little restaurant called Postinos. They have the most amazing variety of Bruschetta, my favorite being the Fig Brie and Apple.

I decided to replicate this delicious little apetizer for the shower. It was so easy and a huge hit!

Here's what you need:
-French Baguette 
-Brie
-Fig Jam (Can be hard to find, I buy mine at Fresh and Easy)
-Green Apples

Slice the bread to your desired thickness. Since we were going for bite-sized, we went with about 1/4 inch thick. Then toast under the broiler.

Slice of a sliver of brie and smear onto each slice of toasted bread. (back of a spoon works splendidly!)
Next, spread a small amount of fig jam on top of the brie. (This is a bit sweet, so don't overdo it.)



Finally, slice the green apple fairly thin and place on top.

Viola!! Delicious little appetizers! The tart green apple and sweet fig are the perfect complement to the creamy, buttery Brie. Ah so good! I may need to make some more after looking at these photos!
We cut ours into smaller pieces and served with tooth picks for ease, but they work great as a large appetizer as well.

Hope you enjoy!




Saturday, March 2, 2013

Scandalous Grace

I know, quite the title.
The first time I heard it, I had to really step back and think about it for a second. My reason for this post is that this phrase has been brought up to me twice in the last week by two different sources. Usually when things like that happen, there's a reason :) So it really got me thinking. I know what grace is. But what exactly is scandalous grace?

 Well, to start, here are the definitions of each:
 Scandalous : offensive to propriety or morality : shocking
 Grace : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

So, an offensive or shocking display of unmerited, divine assistance for our sanctification? Interesting. But what does that actually mean?

 The first time I heard this phrase was while reading this amazing book called, "Jesus Is". It's by a pastor named Judah Smith. You can check out more about it here, if you want. He tells the story about the prodigal son. You know the story. The son decides he wants to do life his way and asks for his inheritance. A major slap in the face to his father. Pretty much a complete disgrace on the family in that time in history. The father gives it all to him and lets him go. Well, after he spends all of his money, loses everything, and hits the lowest point he can, he finally decides to go home; thinking perhaps he could just ask his dad if he could be a servant in his home. After all, his dad couldn't possibly take him back as son? I mean right? He has completely disgraced his family. 

This is where the scandalous grace shows up. Crazy!

So the son starts walking home. When he sees the house on the horizon,  he sees his dad too. A long way off. And he is running towards his son. RUNNING?! In that culture, men did not run. It was seen as disgraceful. But it didn't matter. The father ran to his son, embraced him, kissed him and completely restored him. He had his servants bring him his finest robe, a ring and sandals and then threw him a massive party in his honor. This did not make any sense for this culture. A son disgraces his father, runs off doing who knows what, then tries to come home and is not only allowed home, but fully restored to what he was before? What was this father thinking?!

But isn't that what God does for us? We mess up and run away, trying to do things on our own. And when that low point is hit, He is still just waiting for us to come back. Waiting to restore us. I don't know about you, but that's pretty amazing.  It doesn't make sense in my mind. Yet, what He does, what He did by sending his son to die for my sins; that doesn't really make sense either. And yet, I am so grateful.

For me, this fresh perspective on grace was needed this week. I hope it helps someone else out there too :)

Much love,























Thursday, February 28, 2013

God I Look to You

God I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You, You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
I will love You Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock forever
All my days I will love You God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns forever
All my days Hallelujah

(By Bethel)

Such simple words...yet such a profound message. So often we find ourselves in a world of hurt, confusion, stress. We forget that the solution is simple. It may not be easy, but it is most certainly simple.
Look to God.
When we learn of His love for us...that He would send Christ into our world as a little baby, then as a man die for perfectly and blamelessly for the sins of the world...when we learn of that kind of love..we can learn to trust Him.
That's it.
That simple.
If I trust God, then I know I am safe. I know I am loved. And when I know that, I am free to love Him back.
He is so beautiful.


Here is a beauitful music video from Bethel. Stunning...that's all I have to say.

Enjoy :)






Tuesday, February 26, 2013

New

Happy New Year...
A little late? I know, I know....I sort of lost these pics for a bit. BUT they stumbled their way back into my hand this week and I can't not post...they are too fun not to.
This New Year some friends and I gathered at an apartment clubhouse for some good times. It was low-key and perfectly lovely. Here's a few shots from the night:

Beautiful Sister/Friend Dannie

Insta-friend Sheriesse...because our friendship took all of 5 seconds to develop!


How precious is he??? This is Bryce, he turned 5 Sunday! Happy Birthday Bryce!


My DIY feathers! I got the idea from this lovely lady here.



That's Kerri...isn't she GORGEOUS??!! Check her out here.





I think that reflecting on the New Year 2 months in is more helpful than on day one. I should save some of these photos for April and then do this again...na.

January seemed to fly by. February not so much. I am ok with it being short this year...most often that annoys me, but I am ready to say good bye.

The other day my dear sister/friend Dannie and I had a scary incident...then a few days later we had the most traumatic incident of our lives.  Just a few days apart!! Not right!
Anyways, I am just so amazed and thankful for the wonderful protection of our Daddy in Heaven.

A situation that could have been life altering, was not.
A fear that could have been paralyzing was not.
A memory that could haunt me will not.

A few nights after our experience I found myself having a little trouble sleeping. I didn't really want to go to bed to be honest. And I didn't like that. So I decided to read my Bible. I opened my bible up to Psalm 136 and the first verse I read was:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 
His love endures forever." 

In that moment God gave rest to my mind. He is good...and His love is enduring...through all things.
I went on to read the entire chapter as if it were my prayer. 

"Thank you Lord, you are so good. 
Thank you for your enduring love." 

Each thankful verse became my heart's prayer, my heart's delight. By the end of all that thankfulness, all of that praising the Almighty God for all of His Wonder and Power and Love... 
there was little room left for fear.   
What a blessing.