Birthday

When I first got to New Jersey back in August, I really struggled with the whole transition. I had absolutely wonderful friends from college... friends who I could never ever replace. They are the reason I am who I am today. I miss them all so incredibly much. This time last year I was getting ready to graduate from college and leave that great fellowship that God had blessed me with... never in a million years did I think I would ever find another piece of the body of Christ as encouraging and uplifting as they had been.

And yet, God in His incredible love has continued to give me so much more than I could have ever asked for. It's been less than a year since I've come into this new chapter of my life and in only a few short months, God gave me that fellowship I never expected to have again so soon. As my birthday weekend rolled around, I was continually touched by the thoughtfulness of these marvelous people who have known me for so few of my 23 years. Yet they went through so much trouble to make my birthday full of love. We went to Central Park, we partied at the Vazquez's, we had funfetti cupcakes, we spent time outside, we spent time with our Lord. It was a refreshing weekend.

So I'm writing this post as a request from Becks who has shared my past 4 birthdays with me. It was definitely weird not having my two closest friends in the whole world by my side, but don't worry... I was well taken care of ;)

I could spend time giving details, like how we spent tons of time trying to get to Central Park and get food for a picnic or how we stayed up late laughing at ridiculous youtube videos... but I think I just want to leave you with a thought. On Sunday in church we were reminded of the importance of the Sabbath and of taking a day to not just be lazy and do nothing, but to really rest in God. So as the second day in my birthday weekend passed by, myself and Rachel, Liz, and Jon headed to some random park just because it was beautiful outside. We found a field. We frollicked and ended up sprawling out in the grass where it was peaceful and quiet. Jon read Scripture, and as I reflected on how I had let myself get stressed and so focused on my own selfish desires the past few weeks I was reminded of the peace and joy that comes from God's rest. I have really missed being able to be out in nature and it was the recharging that I needed.

So as I lay there listening to Jon read and watching the clouds and the trees in the distance, I was reminded of how good God really is. How great is His love for us. He died for me. He has been guiding my life and blessing me in ways that bring Him glory. My heart was filled with Him and I just rested. "Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back and praise." I pray that my heart can be filled with praise and joy in my rest and in my work. It's so silly when I get so worried and stop trusting in Him. He has continued to be faithful and good and He really does make it easy to completely rely on Him when we let all the other worldly worries that fill our minds go.

It was a good birthday weekend.