Love the One You're With

So, I haven't exactly been fair. To Texas, I mean. I need to clarify many things before I can continue on with this blog.

Fact: I do not hate Texas or Dallas. In fact, I have a fondness for my home state.

Fact: I do miss California. In fact, I have a fondness for it that may outweigh that of Texas.

Now, is this a bad thing? I don't think so. But, have I been fair to Texas since I moved back here? I would say not.

Here is the deal. I changed in Los Angeles. A lot. More than I ever imagined I could change, and all in good ways. God grew me in LA. He grew me spiritually, emotionally, and in ways I can't articulate.

So, today when I was on the phone with my friend Aimee and she asked where I "was" on my journey a year and a half after moving here, I finally realized what this is all about. I still love Texas, I just don't know if I feel like I fit in here anymore. I think I didn't realize how much I changed until I got back here.

Fact: It isn't always about me.

Fact: God has brought me back to Texas for the time being, maybe for forever.

So, what do I do with this? I need to TRUST GOD. He has me here for a reason. And I will work on trusting Him.

Fact: When I was in Los Angeles, I witnessed a miracle that changed my life forever.

Fact: I have learned a lot and will learn a lot from this miracle.

I saw God save my friend Katherine Wolf with my own two eyes, and after that, I will be forever changed.

For those of you who don't know my friend Katherine's story, she experienced a massive brain bleed, survived a 16 hour surgery, beat all odds, and is here today to tell about God's grace and mercy. Check out her story at www.katherinewolf.info.

A few weeks ago, Katherine had a surgery in an attempt to fix her double vision that has been haunting her since her stroke. She had a very painful recovery, and on one of her posts, she decided to list all of her favorite things to lift her spirits. So, in the same vein, I am going to list all of my favorite things about being in Texas. Maybe my next post will be about all the things I miss in Los Angeles, but today, I am going to "love the one I'm with" so to speak. I will brag on Texas. Because, God put me here. And I need to focus on that.

SO, here is my list....and if you are feeling like you are unhappy about something in your life, I encourage you to leave a comment and share your list of the positive things that have come out of that experience or thing you may not be so happy about all the time. Because every cloud has a silver lining. NOT to say Texas is my cloud. It's not. I just changed, and I am still readjusting.

So, here is my list. Enjoy:

Things I Love About Texas (and Dallas too):

1. I can say "Ya'll" and people don't think I am crazy.

2. I live 15 miles from my mom and dad. My mom is awesome and helps me with the kids a ton. I do believe God wanted to wait to give me a successful second pregnancy until I returned to Texas. He knew how badly I would need my mom.

3. I met my husband in Texas, and his family loves this state so much that soon all three of his sisters will be living here!

4. We can own a home in Texas. (honestly, we could not do that in LA).

5. Cost of living is relatively reasonable here! :)

6. We do have a variety in the weather, and it can be extreme at times. It keeps it exciting. I have to watch the weather every day!

7. I love being able to drive to Austin. The hill country is so pretty.

8. There are more restaurants per capita in Dallas than any other city. I love to eat! And we have a Sprinkles Cupcake store, which is a favorite!

9. I love going to Texas Rangers games.

10. I love the southern accent, especially my mom's!

That seems like a good place to stop for now, but there may be more to come! Love the one you're with, whatever that may be. I am trying. And it's not so bad.