Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so incredibly bad at this blogging thing....if there are any of you still reading...

I am consistently amazed at how my God blesses me and amazes me! As Thanksgiving comes upon me, I am enjoying reflecting on the Savior's goodness...everything that I have is because of HIM!

First and foremost, I have a Father who loves me beyond explanation or understanding no matter what! Even when I am not the most loving or faithful daughter, He is right there. PRAISE JESUS! He has blessed me with SO many things that I do not deserve...a husband who loves me for exactly who I am, yet still encourages me to be better...a mom and dad that would walk over water for me and who continuously love and support me...a sister who has the most tender heart towards me, and towards the world (plus she married a pretty freaking awesome guy!)...a beautiful niece that reminds me how precious life is...aunts and uncles who have been in my life since day 1 and love me like their own kids...my husband's family who has taken me in as a daughter and a sister, not just the "in-law"...my wonderful, amazing friends - friends who have known me my whole life and STILL love me and friends that I have met over the years and treasure in my heart...the amazing adults in my life that have counseled and mentored me...the a church body that is indescribable - I never knew that church could be like this...a home that we've had the chance to dig in and remodel...a job...

The list could go on forever and ever...

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families tomorrow - and remember...everything you have is because of CHRIST!

Desert Song

We sang this song at church today...it was the first time I've heard it and WOW. Spoke to my heart! Here are the lyrics! If you want to see the video and an amazing story behind this song click on this link: Desert Song by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

Spiritual Gifts

Yikes! Time flies by SO quickly...I can't believe it's almost the end of October...Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! Not a whole lot of goings on in the Preiss household. I am enjoying loving on my niece :) Life is such a precious gift! Also, Chris and I are helping lead the Middle School youth ministry at our church. It's been a lot of fun! And God is doing some great things! We are also delving in to our High School girls and guys groups...reading Every Young Woman's/Man's Battle and having some AMAZING conversation! It has only re-iterated the fact that our personal stories have value and can speak into other's lives! Very cool.

BUT...what's really been on my mind lately (thanks to a dear friend of mine) is spiritual gifts. What exactly are my spiritual gifts and am I using them completely to glorify God? Just because I'm decent at something and I am doing a lot of it, does that mean that it is my spiritual gift? Or do I just like to do it? For example...teaching. Is it a spiritual gift or is it something that I just happen to do because I like to do it? Or playing music. Is there anything I'm missing? Is there a God given something in me that I'm not using for Him?

Those are some of the thoughts running through my random brain...Any thoughts from you readers (if any of you exist) would be welcomed!

Thanks for reading and putting up with my blabber :)

Patience....

These last few weeks have been a huge test in my patience. One aspect of my work has been SUPER frustrating...And the worst part has been that it is all stuff that is out of my control. I just have to be PATIENT. For those of you who know me well, patience isn't exactly my strongest suit. :) Needless to say, I've had to find some QUICKLY before I go strangle someone. Why is working with adults so freaking difficult??????? Why can't people just communicate?????????? Ugh. BUT, I am hoping that today is a turning point! Let's hope.

Well, I don't really have anything amazing and profound to say today. But, God is good. He is always good. Even when I'm not. When all else fails, HE is constant. THANK YOU LORD!

Let the Craziness Commence!

I'm sitting here, about to fall asleep, munching on Olive Oil/Cracked Pepper Triscuits trying to stay awake...If it's possible, life is about to get just a little crazier! BAH! Don't get me wrong, it's all stuff I'm excited about. I just hope I have a chance to breathe :)

Chris' brother was here this weekend and it was really great to see him. He and his wife moved to Italy this summer...we have missed having them around. This coming weekend, Chris' aunt and uncle are coming all the way from Montana! I am super excited to see them and catch up on life. They are an amazing couple who truly love people and love the Lord! Such an encouragement!

Also, this week marks the beginning of a new start for our church's youth group. Up until now, we have had middle/high schoolers together every week. Starting on Tuesday, they are split up! I still have mixed feelings about the split, but God knows what He's doing and He has given us an amazing youth pastor that I completely trust. Chris and I, along with 2 other couples, are leading the middle schoolers. So, if you get a chance, pray for patience :)

A good friend and I are also starting up our high school girls small group this week. This is probably one of the highlights of my week. And I am SO stoked for what we are going to be studying. I love being with the girls, building relationships, loving them, and pushing each other closer to Christ.

It is so easy when we are busy to miss out on life. It's happening all around us and when we are busy we don't take the chance to notice. It's my hope and goal that in this busy season, I continue to take time first for Christ, for my husband, for my family, for my friends, and for me. That I take the chance to notice all the life that is happening and ENJOY it. That I don't get caught up in just the DOING. But that in all of these things, it is about more than just doing them...I desire to glorify my Savior in all of these activities! SO. Here is to a busy season. Lord, may you be glorified in everything!

Ladedadeda.....

Compared to the last time I posted, this week has been relatively SLOW....I have to wait for these specific test results....and the waiting is definitely testing my patience! Those of you who know me well are aware - I'm not the patient, wait around type. I'm a "get it done" girl. So, even at work, the Lord is teaching me how to be more like Him.

I've been looking around, and already trees are changing and leaves are falling, and I'm resisting with everything in me! Don't get me wrong, I like fall. The cool, crisp air...sweaters and scarves...the beautiful trees....extra hot coffee....the start of a new season of The Office...But the start of fall also brings the end of summer.

This summer is the first time I've really had a summer "off." Either I've been in school, or working at Trout Creek. I still did a few camps this summer, but neither of them were "work." Both were such a blessing. I've had a chance this summer to learn new things, meet new people, get to know some people better, try new recipes and just basically chill out. It has been an incredible summer full of so many blessings and I'm not quite ready for it to end!! Oh well...new season, new opportunities, right? Lord, help me to notice and take advantage of those opportunities!!

On a different note, something has been weighing heavy on my heart, and I know on the hearts of so many people this week. Last weekend, Ron Ringbom drowned on the Columbia River. His oldest son was with him at the time. He left behind a wife and 3 children. He was a believer (praise God!), but it is still heavy on my heart. I can't even imagine being in those shoes...no warning, no chance to say goodbye. He's just gone. Wow. So I implore you...if you read my blog, PLEASE take just a minute and pray for the Ringbom family. For some peace in the midst of all of this. That they would turn TO God, not away from Him. I know God is a good God...and that everything has a purpose and is in His plan, but I just don't understand His ways sometimes.

Anyway. Please take some time and devote it to praying for this family, whether you know them or not. Hug your loved ones and tell them how important they are to you. Show them you love them, because you'll never know what tomorrow will hold.

YIKES!!

It's been a while since I've posted...sorry :( Life has been incredibly, incredibly busy! My new job is in full swing and it is good...but INSANE! There is SO much random information floating about in my brain, and I don't know what to do with all of it yet. Hopefully in a week or two, the air will clear, by head will feel like there is room in it again, and I will be able to breathe.

If there is one thing I've been reflecting on recently, it's the incredible goodness of my Savior. Sometimes, I can get so easily caught up in the American culture of MORE and BETTER...when really, my God has given me SO much NOW. I have an amazing husband who loves me. I have a home. I have a wonderful, loving, supportive family. I have a church body that is such an incredible gift to me. I have a job. I am healthy. It is so easy to just keep pressing forward and looking for the "next thing." When really, all I have to do is stop, take a deep breath, and praise my Lord and Savior for the HERE and NOW. Delight myself in my Redeemer, in His incredible love and faithfulness. Be content. Love. These are the thoughts floating through my busy brain.

SO, if you have a second, take a breath with me. Ponder all of the AMAZING blessings in your life. I guarantee that, even if life looks tough and intimidating right now, you can find something that is an amazing gift! God is SO good...and that doesn't even begin to cover it :)