What strikes me funny today about this poster is the picture behind it. The picture with these large caving footprints in the sand that anyone within eyesight can see. While this poster is cute and inspirational, I look into my life, then and now, and think, that's just not how it goes!

I visit Galveston often and enjoy walking on the beach in the mornings. A few weeks ago, while on a walk, this poster from my childhood came to mind. I usually walk close to the water, sometimes close enough that my feet get caught up in the water, other times just where the tide stops. And as I walk, I can barely make out my own footprints. I tried!

**This was my best attempt**
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At 24 and as a first time homebuyer I can guarantee you there were things that happened that I didn't understand or even know to ask about in the process of buying. I am very lucky to have all of my family in Houston and my dad was definitely the most frequent contact I had through that process. My mom is my resident interior decorator and showed up at my condo on multiple occasions, without me there, to do what needed to be done. It was a team effort and I'm so thankful I have this team beside me. While on the subject of my team I want to share one of my favorite pictures of us. This was on New Year's Day in 2015. My parents had just recently sold the house I grew up in, in Katy, and were still not finished remodeling their new home in Houston, so I was able to host and am so glad I did. We watched football, ate some good food, and as you can see, had the best time. 

Now back to the original story: I remember being so excited about it all, while also very overwhelmed. It wasn’t long after living there that I was dealing with homeowner problems. Like serious problems. Problems that involved my insurance company representing me in a lawsuit. But God was faithful through it all.

I laughed, cried, and found rest in that place for 6 1/2 years. I lived alone at times but also shared that place with 4 different people, and countless other guests. It was the people that lived with me or came to visit who made it feel like home. I was unsure if such a small place in such a confined area could feel like a home. But it did, and God knew it would. 


As I mentioned earlier, none of this went as I would have planned myself. Though I’ve never really had a timeline on when I thought I would be married, I surely didn’t think it would take this long. And as I made a home in my condo, I kept hoping for a day to come when I would find someone and we would be able to get a house together. Days turned to months, and months turned to years that I was still at the condo dreaming of more. But God wanted me there. So I remained. As I remained, I continually made minor improvements or small upgrades as if I would be there forever, knowing that wasn't my dream. This is what would help me be grateful and content where I was. I will never forget the day I went to Bed Bath and Beyond to buy new towels. I realized I may have been waiting for an opportunity to put some on a registry instead of going to get some myself. 

There may be someone reading this that just needs to hear that: You are worth buying some new towels! 

As I remained, I was blessed. Blessed by different roommates as I mentioned. Blessed by family who would always show up when I needed help. Blessed by the people that would say yes to an invitation for dinner. Blessed by not having to move in 6 1/2 years. And even blessed for the reasons I still don't even know.

A year ago I really wanted to get out of the condo and into a bigger space. That was it, I just wanted more room and space to breathe. After praying and finally presenting the idea to God, I clearly heard Him say NO. I hated that answer, but I love God. So through the grace of God (and only by His grace), I obeyed. I pursued the idea again this spring with slightly different reasons and motives, and felt God saying yes along the way. My condo sold in 2 days. Did I mention God is good? The last month has been a whirlwind as I have closed on my condo and put a contract on a new house. Every day I thank God for His faithfulness and am encouraged even more to continue to obey. My dreams are good, but His plan is best.

So here I am, having sold my first home and getting ready to buy my second home at only 31, and still single. And God is good. The house with the yard that I’ve been dreaming about is about to become a reality. God has been so faithful, but only through fellowship with Him am I able to see His goodness. Because, if I rely on my own flesh and desires, I am constantly disappointed. Nothing seems as it should. Is it possible that you are looking at your circumstances through the wrong lens?

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Just because we don’t understand, doesn’t mean He isn't good. Consider today how you might be able to say thanks, even while you don't understand.

As I left that place this week for the last time, I felt so thankful. God’s goodness is so far beyond what we can understand. I am moving to the "burbs" (Jersey Village) and am so excited about what’s coming next. My prayer through all of this has been Proverbs 16:9

“The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.” 

Lord, continue to establish my steps even as I make my own plans. May I never step to the right or the left before you have directed me to do so. Your ways are better Lord and I ask you to give me the grace to choose that always, over my own desire. Amen.

Thanks for reading and remember, never stop growing.