[Ask][Believe][Receive]

It is way to late to be doing this, I agree. It is so hot right now in my room, it's almost like I live in TX or something...oh wait I do.

Josh has been gone to Ohio for a wedding since Wednesday and it is not Friday night. I've kept myself very busy since the boy has been gone, I must say. It is nice to know that I indeed have the capability of having my own life, (DUH). Tonight I got to spend some time with a GIRL! Yes, a female, Chelsea Melton. Her fiance Erik and my boyfriend Josh are friends, so we have gotten to know each other- it's great. One thing that I miss about college and life before now is my girlfriends. You know who you are. Having conversations with them, randomly and spontaneously.. just a spur of the moment girl convo. Tonight Chelsea made dinner for myself and Erik, and then he left. We honestly had a great time of just sharing and getting to know each other better, but really just talking. Wow- it really was so nice to have some quality girl time.

This makes me think about something my mom said to me last night. It's been a struggle the last 3 weeks being away from my mom and my sister. Knowing that we are all in a place of weariness and trial really makes me want to be there to continue to walk with both of them, and everyone else in the family, through this. Long story short- God puts me in Texas, I can't really be there like I used to be for them- obviously there is a reason for that, to be shared at a later date ;) While talking about some of the things mom has been struggling with last night, she said something really awesome.. which does not surprise me. She has a way of saying things sometimes that I can never forget. She said that something she often reminds herself to do, in the midst of some very tough tough times is to-- ASK-BELIEVE and - RECEIVE. Ever since she said this I wasn't able to stop thinking about how truly amazing it is that she said that. Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 21:22 says, If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Wait- how amazing is that. I think so often we ask ask ask ask ask God for so many things. We ask him, " please just let this happen, or please just let me make rent this month-- God PLEASE allow me to have a good week." Do we ever really believe those things are going to happen or do we just ask God to do something we don't even believe that he CAN or WILL do. Every night I ask God to heal my mom, pursue my sister, protect my brother, be a comfort to my father and to bless the relationship I have with Josh. Now that I am 22 years old, I think the next step is to actually believe that God is the Almighty. Be encouraged- God listens and responds... He delivers us.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things." Philippians 4:8.

How often do we focus on the opposite of each of those things? Believe in the Power of God, pray for miracles and be confident in God's love for you and think about excellent or praiseworthy things... probably will make for a beautiful day.

peace.