A rocky start with a change of heart.

I woke up grumpy this morning. Norah thought it would be fun to wake up twice last night, so I didn't get much sleep. But, it's hard to be mad when she is so adorable and she is giggling at how delighted she is to see you, there in the dark at 2am.

I am so pleased with how well our adjustment to Orange City is going. Overall, it's going quite smoothly. We have met so many friendly and welcoming people. The only thing I can complain about is that I feel like we don't have any real friendships yet.

I have recently been feeling Satan's push to try to discourage me. The past two Sundays, Norah has been really fussy during church, and Kley has been playing guitar on the worship team, so I haven't heard any of the sermon. We joined a life group (like a small group) through church, but we were the only ones who showed up on Sunday. I have joined MOPS, and was looking forward to going this morning and trying to get to know the women better, but it was cancelled because schools had a late start for icy roads.

I feel like we are doing everything "right," but it's not panning out like I hoped it would. I know that we will develop friendships and that it takes time, but it's discouraging to have events cancelled or not be able to join in/participate when I want to, but Norah needs me instead.

Babies are needy, and I am happy and blessed to be needed, but sometimes that feels lonely, here in a new city where we don't have friends yet.

So, all of those things combined made me really grumpy this morning. I am thankful for an understanding, compassionate husband, who let me sleep for awhile longer and watched Norah. He is a great listener and always knows how to encourage me and make me feel better.

While getting ready, I listened to Jim Brickman on Pandora. If you don't know who he is, he is the best piano player in the world (at least according to my dad and I). I listened to him partly because I wanted peaceful music, and partly to put on something soothing to help Norah fall asleep (those late night parties wore her out!). A few hymns came on, and it was just what my soul needed today. I am thankful that God is with me wherever and that we can come to Him whenever.

                                "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

[Refrain]
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

[Refrain]

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!