{encouragement}

After praying and talking to some friends about how I have been feeling a little discouraged lately, God has been using Scripture and some people in my life to encourage me. I have received a few emails, texts, a note in the mail, and had some pretty great conversations with friends over the last week or so. I also have been studying Acts in my weekly Bible study, and this week was on Acts 18, which is about encouragement. I love how God can use His Word to help me get through what I struggle with. I have had other issues in the past, and when I feel at my lowest, God gives me just the Scripture and encouragement I need at just the right rime to get me through. In Acts 17, Paul is getting resistance from the Jews in each city he goes to, and keeps getting driven from the cities he is preaching the Gospel in. In Acts 18, when most people would be completely discouraged. After leaving several cities just prior, Paul finally arrives in Corinth. In Corinth, he meets a couple who are tent makers like him. They work alongside him, "risking their own necks" (Romans 16:3-4) to help him and have a church in their house (1 Corinthians 16:19). He encounters some further resistance from the Jews, and decides to go to the Gentiles, next door and each person in the household came to know the Lord. One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a dream, telling him not to be afraid because God is with him.

Now, my life in no way resembles Paul's. I have faced no persecution or resistance to my faith in my life. I have, however, had my fair share of discouragement. I have always gotten through it "by myself" and not always leaned on the Lord for my assurance and encouragement. This week has been a true testament to me of God's faithfulness. I have been spending more time in prayer and the word, praying that I would see myself as valuable, in His eyes, and not worry about what I or others think. He has sent me people at just the right time and I have read just the right verse at the right time to be truly encouraged by Him. I have had a great week, and have loved the encouragement He has sent me through my friends and His word. 

In Wesley news, he has been so much better at potty training, only having about 1 accident every couple days instead of daily. He has been more obedient in general, and super affectionate.
I am so proud of him,  even though he decided that painting our dog white would be a good idea one day while Mommy was in the shower.

poor girl was exiled for a bit, while the paint dried

Another day, he came up to me, after a couple minutes of silence, and said "I pretty like Mommy", looking like this:

"He feels pretty, oh so pretty"

Overall, it's been a great week, with him being obedient, and loving and snuggling with Mommy.

In other news, I am in my baby cousin's wedding on March 9. I ordered my bridesmaid dress in early November, and ordered it a size down from my normal size, with the expectation of losing enough weight to fit in it by the wedding. Well, it came in a couple of weeks ago, and it wouldn't zip up. I was pretty disappointed, but had 6 or 8 weeks until the wedding, so I figured diet and exercise would help me fit in it by March. I went to try it on last night, and not only did it fit, but it's a perfect fit. Well, mostly. I still need to tone up because the way it's cut in the stomach area is not exactly flattering. But, I dig it. Especially since it's a size smaller than my wedding dress! :)

I'll have a shawl around my shoulders

I am so excited for Skylar and Kristina's wedding, and can't wait to see how the Lord will work in their marriage.

Wesley and my nephew, Jackson, are both ring bearers, and will be too cute in their little tuxes with pink ties.