day one

This post is a bit different from our usual, but it's something we feel compelled to try. I'm praying that through this we will truly gain perspective and gracious hearts for the plan God has created for mine and Jake's lives. Jake can agree that I've been complaining about the smallest things lately, but why? I'm often wishing for life to be more detailed, more interesting during this stage of school and interning, but isn't it already? Sure, school might leave Jacob exhausted and frustrated every week, and I find myself discouraged from job searching. Yes, we literally have to plan when we can manage to have quality time together, but I cannot thank God enough that we are together at all. We each have a desire to serve one another, our love has been challenged and grown, we have been encouraged by our new community in Roswell, and we are trusting God with what's next. Why wouldn't I wake every morning thankful for the Lord, his grace, mercy, and the life he has provided for my husband and I.

1 Chronicles 16:34, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

To get to the point of this post - I (and Jake here and there) will be writing a few things we are thankful for and find joy in for a total of thirty days. This will be my first post with day one (combination of joys from the week), but I will most likely combine each week into one post to make reading a little easier. I'm praying that this will contribute to us finding peace with our current circumstances and remind us of how full our lives are because Christ sustains both Jacob and I individually and our marriage. I'm also very much memory-driven, so this is fun for me to look back on:)

day one - joys and thankfuls

• Jake writing a note and giving it to me when I woke up Tuesday morning.
• Late night conversations
• Making burnt waffles and using left over waffles to make "waffle sticks"...clever.
• Going on a walk together tonight (freezing) and enjoying conversation without school/work mentioned
• Talking with my younger sister on the phone. She is super intellectual and kind, and will be taking her Driver's test on Tuesday. I don't know how the time has gone by so quickly, but I'm thankful for the love of sisters and the bond that we've had despite my being somewhat far away the past five years.
• Jacob receiving a phone call from his good friend, Chris Pope (who recently purchased a Moped, which in return left Jake wanting one..) He also, more importantly, recently proposed to a really great girl - Alli.  We are incredibly happy for them and thankful for their friendship!
• Small group Monday night - feeling like we're becoming closer friends with our church community and beginning to feel less like the only married couple without children in Roswell.
• My coworker buying me the pear ornament I told her I loved! We now have 4 ornaments. Thankful that I'm in such an encouraging environment and that these girls have become some of my closest friends.
• One of my great friends and practically family has his new single "Snow" on iTunes. Really excited for him! You can download it here: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/jason-gridley/id480195110?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1
• Spending time with family and friends this weekend, so for that I am thankful. and joyful.

We'll be back soon! Love, The Stagnaros