Rain, Rain....

As I was journalling tonight, I was wondering what I was doing in Africa this very day, a year ago. And this is what I had written in my journal that day...

I woke up this morning to the rain, then I grabbed my shampoo ran outside and showered in it! I'm sitting here by my windows, cup of coffee in hand, and laughing at how amazing it is that waking up to the rain can put me in such a good mood. My precious little on, Joshua, just came home from the hospital. He has HIV, and the doctors didn't think he was going to make it this time. But he is alive and he's home! I praise you, my Jesus, for being the Father to the fatherless and caring for these little ones. Give me your strength today. When I am tired, refresh me, Oh Lord. Without you, I last about an hour. I want to give them, and most of all You, my best today. Everything I do is unto you. I pray that your Kingdom would be furthered today and that people would know your love more deeply, this beautiful rainy day, including me! Would your rain wash away hopelessness, sin, and strongholds in this city. Bring people to Truth. Breakthrough in this country, Father! Breakthrough to hearts. I love you so much, and am so grateful to be here today.

Now I'm off to feed my babies!

My prayer is the same tonight, except for the people here in California. Jesus have your way with me. Have your way with us. I fall asleep with thanksgiving to you on my tongue, and I want to wake with Thanksgiving on my heart and tongue!

:: Love List

So, something I learned from my dear friend Jade while living in Uganda together (and absolutely adore) is how she would write Love Lists for the day. Little and big things she was grateful for. Sometimes it does your heart and spirit good to just look upon the goodness of our God in midst of chaos, heaviness, or the unknown. But, I think it also does the heart and spirit good to dwell on these things when things are going just peachy too! So, tonight, as I sit in this fabulous little haven of a coffee shop on state street I think upon the beautiful little and big things I'm grateful to my Father for.

Today's Love List...

:: Coffee and Bagels with two of my dearest friends this morning (and the hilarious sleepover we had last night!).

:: Baking Peanut Butter Brownies (apron and all) for my Soon-to-be-Mr., so that when he comes home tomorrow He'll have some yummy goodness!

:: A refreshing time with the Lord this morning at Butterfly Beach (two minutes away from our new home!)

:: Knowing that, as much as my heart aches for my little ones in Uganda, He sets the lonely in homes, and does bring redemption! He is capable. He is working. And I trust Him.

:: My friends in Uganda right now who have two new (just met their adopted little ones for the first time) members of their precious family, now finally all together! And that God's stirring this need and call up in people's hearts all over the world!

:: That my Honey gets to have some sweet and incredibly valuable time with his Mama this weekend.

:; And that as weak and sick as she is, she was able to come to our engagement party, and share that with us!

:: That I am God's daughter, and He loves when I set aside time to spend with Him.

:: Running into dear friends at coffee shops, and being SO grateful for the amazing community God's surrounded me in, RIGHT HERE.

:: Getting my creative outlet surging with some crafts to make our new home cozy.

:: That our wedding is for God's glory, and He knows the desires of my heart. No matter how things may fall through, or what could seem disappointing, I know that God doesn't disappoint and it's going to be an INCREDIBLE day, marrying the man of my dreams, with everyone we love surrounding us, and a HUGE celebration!

I have so many things to be grateful for tonight. I feel so content, and fulfilled.

Thank you, Jesus. I've loved my time with you today. You're quite wonderful, you know that?!