trying to build a house on the rock

C and I happened to be on the phone together when we realized it was our two year anniversary. "Happy anniversary!" We exclaimed. A sudden awe came over me ... two years! I don't even subscribe to magazines for that long! But here we were two years later. After we hung up, I stayed wide awake, marvelling at much has changed. God has done an incredible work in me - changing me from a cynical person to a soft one. A distrusting person to an embracing one. He has brought me a person who provides exactly the right kind of chemistry to bump up against all my buttons and weaknesses. God has used C to challenge me, encourage me, love me, laugh with me, teach me and to be my friend. What an amazing work He has done! This calls for a celebration!

We spent a beautiful day in Santa Barbara. It was perfect! Here we are in the historic courthouse.



We did so many things in one day and had so many great conversations. We ended up at the Botanic [sic] Gardens where this beautiful sculpture stands made out of willows.



And then of course, who can complain about an 80 degree day in November? Only in California ...



The Psalmists rejoice over God constantly. The words praise, rejoice, abundance, unfailing, eternal, love appear consistently throughout their poetry as they espouse on the benefits of knowing Him. During these moments, I, too, feel like one of the psalmists. A person who, by His grace, broke through patterns of self destruction and low esteem, only to be blessed by such a great love and relationship. You, my friend, who reads this - never say you did not see a miracle of God. I stand before you, changed and renewed because He loves all of us!

And, oh! I cannot forget Christopher. I am continually impressed by you! You have incredible values, a strong faith, a God given intellect and you cut up vegetables and fruit really well. Thanks for allowing me to be imperfect but still lovable to you. Thanks for making me laugh really, really hard. (Ow! My stomache hurts!)

Have a brilliant Thanksgiving, everyone!