Blessings

   I am thankful for the sunshine today. This long winter is getting...well, too long. The hope of spring is here. What a beautiful day to begin the weekend. I am looking forward to time to refuel and catch up on some sleep. I am excited to spend time with friends and get ahead in a few of my classes. It really is the little things in life that can bring so much joy to life. I honestly get so excited when I think about making a cup of tea or taking a hot bubble bath, having a good conversation with a close friend or cuddling up in a blanket. These are such little things but they really do bring happiness to my life. I am blessed.
   I have really been seeking God during my time here at Northwestern. Through my classes, through the lessons taught in chapel and through the different conversations I have had with the people here, God has revealed Himself to me. I have been challenged in my faith. I have been encouraged in my faith. I have made some of the best, genuine friendships I have ever had. I have learned to encourage others and to support others in ways that I have never had to before. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone at times, but it has helped me grow into the person I know God is calling me to be. I am much more secure in my identity in Christ and trusting in the plan He has for me.
   I have learned to count my blessings rather than my frustrations. I have learned to focus on how to utilize the strengths God has gifted me with rather than getting discouraged by my weaknesses. I have learned to be thankful for the gifts God has given me rather than having a heart of discontentment. I have found my identity in Jesus Christ rather than the world. I have found that true joy comes from spending time with my Heavenly Father. I have learned that having a beautiful heart is much more valuable than having a beautiful appearance. I have learned that serving others brings more fulfillment than serving myself. I have learned that prayer is powerful. I can see God's hand in the beauty of His creation around me. I have learned to find God's blessing in every day circumstances.

   Daisies are my favorite flower. They are beautiful on the outside, but to me they are also a symbol of hope. This past summer I was struggling through some difficult circumstances. I was on a walk one evening on the sidewalk in my neighborhood. As I was walking up the hill back to my house, I came across a white daisy. It had grown through the crack in the sidewalk. I was amazed. God knew daisies are my favorite flower and I believe He put that daisy in my path to remind me of His faithfulness to me; how He will restore my spirit, bringing beauty to it once again. Looking back to that summer night to where I am now, that is exactly what God has done. 
   Whether it is daisies or sunshine on a winter day, God is active and alive in everything. I have learned to find hope and joy in the ordinary things in life because with God nothing is ordinary. He can use anything to get our attention and He is faithful to us through every situation. It is amazing how when you begin to focus on God, everything becomes clearer. Purpose is given to ordinary things. Joy is found in simple circumstances. Blessings are discovered every day because God is present and alive.