Business of the Month

Utah Power Credit Union was selected as the Business of the Month. Since my cousin works there, he asked me to be in the picture with him, along with a few other Moon Lake Electric employees since we are their main customers at this location. 

I was tempted to say no, because it was one of the very few days I didn't wear black. (Seriously, its about all I wear.) But since the weather had been starting to warm up, I was trying to wear all of my sweaters one more time for the season. The reason I agreed to be in the picture is because earlier that day, I had found an old picture, in the same sweater, and I couldn't believe the difference!

On the left is February 2017 and on the right is November 2016. I was shocked to see how much weight I have lost. I was also thrilled to see how long my hair is getting. 

My 34th Birthday

This is going to be my year. A year of self discovery, a year of growth, a year of awesome! As I drove to work on my birthday, I realized that 34 is the perfect age. I'm at the perfect age to start the next chapter of my life. I know the Lord has amazing things in store for me this year. 

I started the morning off with a few gifts. 

I decided to treat myself to a few new Alex & Ani bracelets and a new Pandora bracelet since mine doesn't fit well with my recent weight loss. 

I also decided to buy 2 new charms to go with it.They had a sale running that day and I was also able to buy a ring for almost half off. 

I love my birthday. I've never understood why people hate them. There is nothing wrong with turning a year older. I always try to spend the day in celebration. Those who know me, know I rarely eat these days. Most of my meals consist of protein shakes. But I decided to treat myself to some of my favorite foods. I started the day off with a frappe and muffin from my favorite coffee shop. For lunch, I went to Arby's, just so I could order cheese sticks. 

My growing collection of Alex & Ani bracelets. 

The best part of my day was having this lovely rose show up at work. I was kind of bummed that I would be missing out on flowers for my birthday. But "E" surprised me and sent me a beautiful rose. I've left it on my desk all week to enjoy. I find it so sweet that from another state, he would take the time to find a florist in my area and send me a rose. 

I had a few friends spoil me as well. Jessica got me a soft, purple blanket for my couch. 

For dinner, the Cairoli family took me to my favorite Mexican Restaurant. Being with friends was the perfect end to the day. Jana even paid for my meal. Jess got me a beautiful floral arrangement and Jennifer bought me chocolates and a gift card to my favorite coffee shop. 

My mom stopped by during the day to give me this cute sign she found. I love it!

Seriously, I just know that this year is going to be great. God has restored my joy and He is always faithful!

Restoration and Release

Two weeks ago, I saw this on a sign at a store, and I lost it. It spoke right to my heart. 

I've spent hours on my knees, begging God to remove him from my heart. I've prayed to have my memory wiped clean. But its true, you can't forget someone who was such a huge part of your life. That's how it should be. Someday, I will be able to look back at the happy times and smile. I can't just erase the last 15 years of my life and I don't want to. If I did, it would be as if I was saying I just wasted the last 15 years of my life. For now, those memories are safely tucked away.

This weekend, my ladies church group went to a cabin for a few nights. Our theme was 1 Peter 5:10

Restoration. 

My soul has longed for that. 

Peace.

My heart has yearned for that. 

Rejuvenation.

My spirit has desired that.

Joy.

My mind has wished for that.

Release

My soul has cried for that. 

This is one of those moments were words utterly fail me. I can not describe the peace my soul has found. I am a new person, healed by the blood of the Lamb. 

My God, my Savior, my Jesus has healed me. 

Friday night, during prayer and worship, I knew it was time to let go. To give it all to God. The pain of betrayal, the broken pieces of my heart; I laid it all at His feet. Every last bit of it. Then, I wrote a final goodbye letter, and I watched it burn. I completely emptied myself to make room for God to take full control. I am His.

Jesus has carried me safely in His arms. As I continue to rest under His loving care, I realize I am ready to start walking on my own. I still cling to Him daily. I always will. He will remain the very breath I breathe. But because of His strength, His love, His grace, I am ready to stand on my own again. I can't express the joy this gives me. To know that He has been my Protector, my Provider, my constant Companion and Champion. In my darkest nights, He remained my one true Light.

Sweet release filled my soul. Joy was restored to my heart. For the first time in months, I am honestly and sincerely happy, 

He has always been with me. Through every high and every low, He has never left my side. I would have been lost without Him. I can praise His name forever, but it will never be enough. I fall short of His glory and His mercy, and yet He still loves me endlessly. God is always faithful. 

Nights are by far the hardest part of the day. The first few nights, I couldn't even make myself climb under the covers. I just slept on top with a small blanket to keep me warm. So when one friend asked how they could help me, I told them I needed a large blanket I could cuddle into. She checked with her sister and asked her to make me a large minky blanket. (Seriously, this family is the best!) I am in love with this blanket. It has held me through many tears and will continue to do so as God heals my broken heart. 

I was going to order new bedding, but I have decided to get a new bed first. This bed is too large for just me and I'm ready to downsize. But until then, this blanket is perfect to keep me warm at night. One day, I hope to be strong again and be able to help others as they face something difficult the way my friends have helped me. 

UBIC Parade

Each year, my church, Roosevelt Christian Assembly, sponsors a free pancake breakfast before the UBIC parade. I was out of town last year, so I was excited to help this year. I've never been a big fan of pancakes, but I made enough that day to make up for all the years I've been cooking. (I heard we fed over 350 people!)

I loved watching the sunrise that morning. It was gorgeous!

As we started to clean up, I found out the boys were part of the parade with their mom Pamela, so I walked over to watch for them. I hadn't been to a parade in years, so it was fun. Seeing my nephews was the highlight, but I also enjoyed helping the group I was with collect candy.