Gratitude Challenge: Day Ten

Yep. I know I'm behind. It's been a whirlwind of a couple days filled with so much activity and beauty. Blogging just takes a backseat to best friends, pedicures, and a panini... what can I say?? For the next few days of the gratitude challenge, I'd like to highlight some people in my life that I am grateful for. People whose lives are impacting my life, my heart, my world... simply by following Jesus and being attentive to the plans that He is so graciously setting before them. I'd like to highlight some heart friends. I could spend all thirty one days doing this, then keep going for months upon months. I am thankful for each and every one of you in my life. You've ALL played roles that only YOU can fill. These next three or four days are simply women that I would love to affirm and bless just as they have done with me.

This one is for a beautiful, breathtaking, strong woman, wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her name is Brandi. and I love her just a whole whole lot. My heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness for her sweet heart. I've been thinking lots lately about mountains. We all have them in our lives. Every single one of us. It could be the loss of a loved one, or school, or work, or divorce, or addiction, or heartache, or abuse, or the challenge of parenthood, or finances, or feelings of uncertainty and unworthiness, or forgiving those who have hurt you. We.all.have.mountains.

But some people climb them with incredible strength and grace, begging Jesus to mold and refine through hurt and pain.

Brandi is one of those people.

She climbs and fights and sweats to reach the top of mountains in her life.

So often, I find myself thinking that my mountains are too big. Too high. Too dangerous and impossible.

But our God is BIGGER. Bigger than any mountain I could ever face. Ever. In my whole life. Brandi's life shouts this. Brandi's life shouts that His love is bigger. His strength is bigger. His peace is bigger. His power is bigger. His hope is bigger. His joy is bigger. It doesn't matter mountains are placed before us. Our God is greater. He won't leave our side. Our God will see though our journey to the top of the mountain. He will carry us, strengthen us, embolden us.

Brandi, your voice in my life is a voice of perseverance and great anticipation that rests deeply in the heart of God. He makes beautiful things out of dust, out of us.

... and what a beautiful, beautiful woman He has made you to be.

So proud of your climb. But you know what the cool thing is?? You're not just climbing mountains.

You're moving them.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your life. I am so so thankful for you :)

Love you,
Lyssa

"Higher than the mountains that I face, stronger than the power of the grace, constant through the trial and the change... one thing remains. Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me."