Hello, December

Hello, December! So far you've been pretty enjoyable, even if it's only day two. But to be honest, the days months leading up to you weren't all that I expected. I experienced a handful of lows that have weighed heavy on me such as a neck issue that has been a constant battle and may possibly lead to surgery along with my job coming to an end as soon as I got back from a wonderful getaway to NYC with my husband. But you know what? I don't want to waste anymore time trying to figure out why certain things happen.

I recently came across something that said "trials and obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success." and even though I know this to be true, it's not always easy to believe. Yes...I'm human and I question God and find myself constantly ask him "why me?". Am I the only one who does this? I hope I'm not alone!

This past Sunday at church, the sermon was about being thankful. Coincidence? I don't think so! As we were leaving and getting ready to grab lunch, I realized that I have so much to be thankful for but don't take the time to "count my blessings". Constantly I find myself thinking about how I deserve better. I feel I deserve my dream job, friends who are perfect, a marriage that is in a constant honeymoon stage and much more. But while we live here on earth, nothing will ever be perfect and we can't keep trying to understand everything God has up his sleeves.

So where do I stand and how am I feeling? Blessed. And hopeful. Like I said, it' not always easy to see the blessings God has put in front of us and all the things we have to be thankful for. Yesterday, I literally got out pen and paper and wrote all the positive things that have come out of my recent trials and obstacles (a lot of its revolving around being unemployed because I've never had to go through this before)...

• Even though I've been battling a neck issues for years, I don't have to live with as much pain as I would if it weren't for physical therapy and medicine to help lessen the pain.
• I have a husband who works extremely hard and because of that, I don't have to be scared about our finances while I'm seeking employment.
• Because I don't have a job at the moment, I'll be able to help Will out by getting Christmas gifts for everyone on our lists during the week so that we can spend quality time relaxing together on the weekends.
• My mom is also having knee surgery at the end of the month and I'll be able to go stay a few days to help her out while in recovery. Sorry I couldn't do this for you dad when you had yours!
• I've been able to get back into a normal workout routine and try out new classes like Zumba.
• I've had time to deep-clean and organize all the miscellaneous things around our house!
• Will and I spent Thanksgiving and my 27th birthday with my family in Greensboro
• We went and picked out our first tree together and got to decorate it and fill it with ornaments we've been collecting.

Whew! What a lengthy blog post y'all but this topic is near and dear to my heart so thank you to those who made it this far! Let me end today's post by asking you to join me at attempting to be more content with who you are, where you am in life, and what you have TODAY.

Oh, and before I forget, come back tomorrow for a fun post of my getaway to New York City! I can't wait to share all of my favorite places we went, restaurants I recommend and the itinerary I created and will be sharing.

Divine Applause Book Review

Recently I finished reading a book called Divine Applause by Jeff Anderson. It was a good book and helped me understand my relationship with God better. I know a lot of bloggers don't like to get personal on their blogs, or open up about their faith with others, which I totally understand. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it either! But for me, talking and sharing my own experiences has deepened my relationship with God and has helped me see myself in a different light so to speak. And taking a break from my "fun reading" to read something that requires reflection is one of my personal goals.

When I first read what the book was about, I was instantly captivated by what would be inside. It seemed to answer a lot of the personal struggles I've been facing and I enjoy hearing personal stories of other Christians who have been facing what I'm also going through. I also liked how the book was broken down into three parts; seeing differently, bold steps, and walking upward. Reading through the book in parts, and then taking time to reflect on each part was extremely helpful for me! It caused me to slow down and really take in all the information that I had read. One thing I do wish Jeff had done more of though was reference scripture a little bit more in this book. But overall, no other complaints!

The main thing I got from this book that I feel is so important to remember is that going to God in prayer doesn't always means you'll get a message in return or hear his voice. And reading the Bible doesn't always mean you'll understand what the point of the passage is. However, over time, you will be able to start pinpointing when God is talking to you and will know His ways more clearly.

If you are looking for a Christian book, that contains personal stories and is a light read, then this book is one I would recommend checking out.

I received this book to review from Blogging for Books. However, all opinions are my own.

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