Tid-bits of thankfulness

This week I earnestly sought after things I'm thankful for. I wanted the very things I take for granted to be revealed to me as precious gifts.

That's my favorite part about Thanksgiving. It provokes thought and a reflective posture. It enables me to step back and give praise for all things given by our good Father above. And it makes me want to step back more often throughout the year and remember the beauty and goodness of the life He's given us.

Tid-bits of Thankfulness:

- Alright, I have to gush. My husband tickles my heart! He cares for me so well and is learning and growing in love each and every day. We entered marriage not fully knowing how to care for each other in a way that speaks love and pulls on one another's heart strings (we're still learning and I'm convinced we'll never stop). The past couple months I've experienced Austin tuning into my needs and blasting me with heart darts! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this man. 

My hair is gradually getting darker as the winter months continue to lock me indoors due to unruly cold weather. The other day I asked Austin if my hair looked "mousy." He laughed, shook his head and said "No, your hair doesn't look mousy. You look beautiful." And that was that. A few days later we were driving in the car and Austin, out of the blue, said "Katie, I want to treat you to a trip to the hair salon to color your hair." I looked at him with disbelief and thankfulness. You see, he heard me when I asked if my hair looked mousy.  He wants me to feel beautiful and see myself as he sees me. But, the funny thing is, now that he's offered I don't even want my hair colored anymore. He made me feel all the more beautiful by caring and loving me so well. I am thankful for my husband. 

- Austin and I traveled to my parent's house for Thanksgiving this year. My mom assures me every time we visit that we don't need to bring much (or anything!). So, I take that literally and pack the basic toothbrush and foundation and rely on their bath supplies, hair brush, blankets, pillows, food...you name it and rest assure I don't bring it. Last night I went upstairs to gather shampoo and bath essentials to make it through the weekend. I was standing in my parent's bathroom watching them as they opened their cabinets simultaneously and looked for the perfect combination of supplies for me to carry back downstairs. I giggled at the given situation. Yes, it may seem like small act, but to watch them pilfer through their cabinets on hands and knees exemplifies how they are in various areas of life. I am thankful for my parents. 

 - I devoured gluten AND dairy-free pizza. I literally jump up and down at the grocery store when encountering such a treat. I am thankful for non-glutenous and darious foods. 

- Working at Starbucks has enabled me to help pay for my school loans AND I get an endless supply of coffee. Blissful. I am thankful for a job.

- Some friends stopped by Starbucks and surprised me while I was working on Thanksgiving (on other days too). I was so excited! I am thankful for new and growing friendships in Reston.

-  "He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him..." Colossians 1:22 This verse spoke to my heart when I first understood God's undying love for me. I am thankful for a God who died for me so that I may be holy and blameless before him.


And I am thankful for a heart of thankfulness.

Just a couple of sheep

Austin and I began our adventurous weekend on Thursday night! We drove down to the notorious Blacksburg and enjoyed Mrs. McGill's hospitality. Their home is extremely peaceful and cozy. Needless to say we slept well after staying up well past our bed time.

Early Friday morning Austin and I buckled up and continued our drive to North Carolina. The further south we drove the more beautiful the trees were. Brilliant shades of yellow and orange assaulted my eyes and the sun shone as we carved our way through the mountainous terrain. It was stunning! We arrived in Mooresville, NC around 10am. Juuust enough time to order a coffee before Austin's interview (YES! Interview).

There is a potential possibility that the tree house living Murrays will nestle up in Fayetteville NC this upcoming January. We aren't positive yet, but we are seriously considering this as we seek the Lord for His guidance.

Fayetteville, North Carolina is a town about this big. It's quaint. Slow pace. And different. Austin would have the opportunity to manage projects and people (two things he's stellar in) in an atmosphere more conducive to his personality and our desires. We aren't sure what the Lord is providing but we are open to change! At this time we are taking great comfort in the fact that we, His sheep, hear His voice.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 

So all day Saturday (after leaving Chris and Christine's lovely home in Charlotte--SO good to see their smiling faces) we explored the town of Fayetteville and near-by colleges (potential Graduate programs for me), walked down old main street, soaked up the warm sunshine on our skin, sat in the window of a coffee shop and ate lunch, and talked to locals about the lifestyle of the town in which they live. It was great. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to explore and visit.

So, that's where we are in this journey called life.

We continue to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the move, but even more so we continue to trust in our Shepherd who calls us by name and leads us into all that is good.

Wiggles of discontentment

I am terribly wiggly and discontent. My mind is in constant forward motion, thinking the next season will be  better and more exciting than this one. My next job. Our next little nest. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. A part of my heart tells me that God has something else in store for us. Something different. But not now.

That's the trick. To desire what He has for us...in His timing.

My new and improved innate time clock.

The Lord is gently teaching me what it looks like to be content where He's placed me. No matter how long (or short) it may be, He has strategically placed us where He wants us. That's a big pill to swallow, some days more than others, but I'm holding fast to the unbreakable truth that


He has a plan.