Blake's Birthday, Valentine's Day Party, and Thank Goodness I Don't Have It All Together

Most of the material for this post comes from my camera... and then if you stick with me to the end, a little of what the Lord is teaching me these days.

I went home last weekend for the baby boy's birthday! Precious Blakester turned 18!!!!!! I still can't believe it. My parents threw him a fabulous little party, complete with themed tables. Blake is practically an only child these days and is able to reap all benefits pertaining there too. It is so ridiculous! Anyways... back to the subject at hand... My mom collected items that represented his past 17 birthdays. For example, fire engine stickers from his 2nd birthday at the fire station, Thomas the Tank Engines, blue bubble gum cigars they brought Trey and I when he was born, etc. You get the picture! So thoughtful, and something an 18 year-old boy really could have cared less about, but the girls enjoyed it and Blake was thankful for Mom's thoughtfulness. We hosted a slew of seniors, for the most delicious ribs, birthday cake and present opening. I am so glad I was able to go home!

On Saturday, I hosted a little Valentine's Party for the beau-less (single and geographically single.) Fondue, wine and You've Got Mail made for a wonderful evening. It was a great time of fellowship and spending time with some of my favorite people.



Recently, my walk with the Lord has been very one sided. It has been all about me. I have struggled in prayer, struggled in my time in the word, and struggled to grasp the gospel. After a very fitful night of sleep, it was made very clear to me "Alley you don't have it all together!" Finally... peace. I don't have to have it all together, I don't have to make sense of it all. He makes sense of it all. He will light my path, He already knows! My time in the word doesn't have to be all about me, He thought about me and cared about me long ago. He asks that I seek and serve. Seek His will and serve His people. Freedom from life through His grace. Daily submit, and He will guide. I have loved getting up in the morning knowing I am not in control, He is!

"Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." - Habakkuk 1:5