This month has been a reflective one for me–do you ever have those months?  Times when you stop and listen to the world around you–your own world specifically.  When you consider what you have done in your life up to this point and what the Lord may have brought you through.  That is where my thoughts lie this month.

Throughout my young life, there have been numerous occasions where I have needed help.  Help from those around me, but mostly help from the only person who could faithfully assist me in those moments–Someone who could help me when no one else could.  I’m sure you have already guessed that I am talking about the Lord.  This month marks a momentous occasion for me–a celebration that I thought I would never reach.  And all the glory goes to the Lord and to the love of another family.  Without their selfless decision, I would not be writing this post.

Thanksgiving and gratefulness fills my heart this month because despite what I may think at times–my life has purpose and meaning.  I must carry on because there are others who cannot.  I must live my life with passion because of the gift I was given.  I must live out loud even in a world that sometimes brings you down or questions why you are so vivacious all the time.  In those moments, remember your perkiness may bother them because they are forever in the depths of despair.  Don’t ever feel like you have to match their character.  The world needs you to make it a better place!  There are already too many grumps on the planet.

As you know by now, the Lord always uses music to speak to me and to help me through some of the most challenging events in my life.  And I have attended numerous contemporary Christian concerts throughout the years that always left me feeling inspired and encouraged to keep running the race set before me (Hebrews 12:1).  On a nostalgic note, the song by Third Day entitled “Love Song” popped into my head this past week.  This is such a beautiful song and an incredible reminder of what Christ did for us and gave to us.  As a young girl, I remember a group performing a skit to this song at my church–the audience was in tears along with a young Heather who was bawling her eyes out.  Oh, how imperative it is that we remember all that has been given to us!  Please take a moment to listen to this song today.

These last few years have been filled with so many special moments and memories for me–going to college, studying abroad in Oxford, England, traveling to Virginia for graduate school, going bowling with friends, celebrating birthdays, being in my best friend’s wedding, sharing my story with others, encouraging others while being encouraged, visiting and taking part in the lives of my friends and family–so many moments that are too easily taken for granted.  Never take these precious snapshots in life for granted my friend.

Life is a gift.  Everyday is a gift.  Embrace it!  Love it!  Hold on to each and every moment while remembering where you came from and what you have been through.  Live the life that God has called you to live–use the talents you have been given.  Don’t waste moments by worrying about the past and wishing you had done things differently–be different now!

As I stated earlier, this month is super special to me, and as the days go by I recall so many various events that took place long ago.  And I am left in awe and wonder at the greatness of our God.  Relying on Him is the only way I got through any of it.  He is my strength–daily and forever.  When I think back to where I was ten years ago, and what my life could have been–I am so happy to know that the Lord was and is in control.  He knew the steps before I even walked them.  Things do happen in His perfect timing, which are usually the moments that do not make sense to us.  Trust is key in these times.

My life has changed so much in recent years that there is not enough space here for me to elaborate upon it.  Just know that we serve an awesome God, and that He is bigger than anything we may ever face.  I never thought I would get through many of the trials I have endured, but God knew.  And that is all the comfort I will ever need.  God bless each and everyone of you this month!