Apple Juice and walking shoes.

I want to start by saying that I really wish North Carolina made it easier for people to walk around. Even if there are sidewalks in the downtown areas, people don't usually yield to pedestrians/bikes which is dangerous..and it gets worse as you get further away from downtown. I enjoy being able to walk to a coffee shop/grocery store/bookstore, whatever. That's probably my favorite thing about Boulder..that and the stunning mountains here at the Flatirons. If only they made sweet tea... We did have Beau Jo's pizza last night, and I must admit that Colorado style pizza might be my favorite. I mean, the pizza is great (and served by slice or pounds..haha!) but then you get a honey-bear to put honey on the crust as a built in dessert. I was hooked.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love North Carolina. I just wish I could mesh them together and have some of both. If we ever settled here I would miss grits and collards, eastern NC barbecue, and being at the beach any weekend we want. Plus, we have family o close, and a church that continues to push me to treasure Christ more, and my sin less.

Its days like today that I want to make a "fresh start" and do things differently. But then I get overwhelmed and end up like before. So I think the best thing to do is see what need change and work on what I can..dedicate myself to one or two things at a time. Number one being prayer and quiet time. After that, my heart will be better able to take hold of other changes. The grace of God is powerful and I don't ever want to take it for granted. He gave me new mercies this morning to face this day and be obedient. I want to follow His Words and love more. I want to put aside the selfish tendencies in my heart and allow His fullness to guide me. My heart is still sick and hurting. I will never be out of need for Grace nor exhaust it.

Hos 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

Home!

It feels good to say that we are home. Right now i'm hearing the sounds of Matt cleaning up and arranging his office, mixed with the sounds of Mira attacking the squeaker in her toy. It feels great. Having a puppy makes things more difficult, yet entertaining. She loves to cuddle and snuggle close to you, and she also goes a little crazy and does laps around the apartment which is a lot of fun to observe.

My husband has been a huge help during the move and all the transitioning. He's been really encouraging and willing to rummage through boxes for me.. its really great to hear him say, "How can you have another box of kitchen stuff?". Oh, I need 2 kitchens for all the wonderful things I was blessed with at our wedding, and the "small" things I collected along the way.

He only complains when packing and unpacking, not when I cook with it all.

My prayer for the coming weeks is that Matt and I grow in both obedience and patience. I would love to see both of us working towards progress in these areas and fully seeking more surrender. It will take some time and a lot of grace with one another, but Christ is far more valuable than my comfort or my own time. Even in knowing Christ I use my time in such selfish ways when I'm not broken and seeking to fight sin more.

Fight well, and love like Christ.

Shannon