wind chill

chicago is not too far away.  its getting closer and closer, actually. 

the temperature in chicago was three degrees yesterday.  three.  degrees.  what can i say, rediculously cheap plane tickets to a city thats been on my list for a long time will make me do silly things.  i could hardly stand the amount of wind we had in Portland tonight.  i realize that i may very well freeze to death, but oh what a way to go.  i've been praying for adventure lately, and i suspect thats just what i'm getting myself into here.

i got our tickets in the mail today for the broadway show we're going to.  is it still a broadway show when its not actually on broadway?  dont know, dont care.  five days of adventure and exploration.  architecture and art museums.


15 days and i'll be in the windy city.  a great way to start a new decade. 

epiphany

today was one of the best days i've ever had. and not for any other reason than God made clear to me how he is working in my life. A little epiphany, and so timely with the church calendar. i've been praying and talking with friends about how we should find our identity in God. I feel like God has been stirring that desire in me. But how do we really do that so it’s more than just words. Above all else, i want to know that i am a daughter of Christ. really KNOW in my heart of hearts. i want that to be the place i operate out of. but what does that look like? how does that play out in my day-to-day life? i dont really have an exact answer for that, but today proved to me that God is teaching me that lesson.

First, i got one of the most amazing compliments from a co-worker. She was having a rough morning and told me that she just wanted to come to work and grab some time with me because she knew that i "wanted to hear her heart." oh wow, what a high compliment. it means a lot to me that she knows that i'm in it with her. that i love her and i really do want to know her. to know her heart. but more than that, i want her to know why i care so much about her. that i'm only able to care about her this way because God cares about me at a much higher level. Because God cares about her in a big way. it just felt like God's whisper saying "good job little stef."

Then, when i got home from work there was a note waiting for me in my mailbox. it was from a godly woman that i really admire. the note was a beautiful affirmation of who i am as a daughter in Christ. That she sees God at work in my life and is proud of who i have become. This was such a blessing because i know she would not say this lightly and feel humbled and greatful that she thinks so highly of me. Again, another affirmation from the Lord that he’s already up to something.

in between all that, i had my performance review at work today and it was a great conversation with my boss. it made me excited that i get to do what i do. i'm looking forward to this next year.

all of this is an answer to prayer. God is not still when you ask him to come closer. i've been praying that i would find my identity in him, and he has used today to show me that i'm already living in that space more than i think i am. I am so blessed by the people in my life, and so thankful that God used today to encourage and strengthen my faith. it felt like a moment of celebration. a moment to get caught up in the dance.