All smiles.

It's been a good few days. Things are starting to look up. It's crazy how prayers are always answered.

I've realized how much I absolutely love the people I surround myself is - and how odd it is that I love to be around them, yet I don't care if my favorite people in the world are much older than I. "What'd you do this weekend?" I hung out with my youth leaders.

I've gotten the chance the past two Sundays to reconnected with Lori, just sitting on the barstools in her kitchen, chatting about everything and nothing while making brownies. And to get to know Christie, who I could never get on the same page with. Recently, I've been able to build a relationship with somebody who I've known for a long time, but could never fully trust. I've been called "like a daughter" and heard "I love you" more times from a handful of people than from the entire world combined. I've been disciplined and guided and hugged. I've made friends with people I never thought I would talk to, and broken down barriers I never thought would crumble. Do you remember me a year or two ago? Probably not. I was extremely introverted, distrusting, and self-conscious.

I thank God every day for bringing me so far in such a small amount of time. He could have easily let me find my own way. Recently, I've received quite a bit of praise about my character - and people, even non-Christians, are associating it with my "Godliness" (can we put a definition on that, please?). I don't think I ever thought somebody would call me a "Godly woman". (Okay, so hearing my name associated with "woman" is still slightly odd.) It's a bit of a scary thought, to be compared with something so ineffable and powerful - yet it's humbling. I've gotten 2 phone calls today of younger students asking me for advice, and I've had the opportunity to witness 3 times in the past 2 days. It's like I'm paying it forward. God's using me in ways I can't yet see.

So here's to answered prayers and feeling loved.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4