Our false self demands a formula before we'll engage; we want a guarantee of success. But there comes a time in life when you've got to break away from all that and head off into the unknown with God. This is a vital part of our journey and if we balk here, the journey ends. ~John Eldredge

*a place to go home to, even if it is Canyon, Texas; there are just certain things you can count on to never change

*family: "craziness is our consistency"; never a dull moment, especially with the little tyke and the germans!

*27 years of marriage for my parents; though you would have to ask them, it seems to me that their love for each other only grows stronger each day despite the storms that are thrown their way

*after countless tests and visits to multiple doctors, and having undergone 7 surgerys this year, Mom has conquered every step with more grace and strength than I could ever imagine having; her faith has never waivered and she is my hero in every way

*new experiences: those that scare us to death and cause great uncertainty, but those that teach, shape, and challenge us

*a good place in Dallas to return to: warmer climate, cooking with the roomies, a real job, church activities, holiday festivities, and on and on we go...

Psalm 105:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done."

I'm a little late in getting this up, but Mr. Wyatt Cody celebrated his 1 year birthday on Tuesday. We are so blessed to get to watch this little man as he grows! Happy Birthday W from your Aunt Gretch.

So as of Monday I am officially a full-time Graphic Designer at Vertis Communications in Irving. Yes! A tough decision for sure, but one that I continue to feel good about. There is a great team of people there, about 8 Creatives, and though I'm by far the youngest (at least by 10 years or so!), I have high hopes of this being a great start towards some consistency in life. And we all know I needed that! So despite sitting through a few ridiculous meetings/orientation, the week is off to a good start. Have been working on casino mailers and sock packaging as of late. That's right, they give me the good stuff... The drive is a bit rough, but that's part of it. I did get a new chair though and am currently seeking fun things to decorate my cube with. Everyone else has toys. I think I have those Gummi Bears laying around here somewhere...

My desire for God fades and grows, but His desire for me is constant. -John Ortberg

Great retreat this weekend out in Lone Star, Texas. Out in the boonies, 2ish hours east of here. Past that, I have no idea where we were! But you gotta love 78 people crowding around a campfire down by the lake, Bible Scattegories, and stars instead of high-rise buildings. Perhaps more on that later. Hope your weekend was blessed as mine was.