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My one month journey of blogging on contentment ends today. And yet, I feel as though I've just barely scratched the surface here. Writing on any topic for 3130 days is a challenge. I commend all of you who took part in this journey! And definitely have a new respect for daily bloggers. It is a huge commitment.

But from the beginning of this challenge on September 30th, to right now, sitting here on October 31st, I truly believe I have been the one blessed.

The Lord gave me new eyes this month, to see each day as a new day and the circumstances in my life in a new way. Sometimes it was easy for me to spot the discontentment in my heart and sometimes it was hidden, either because it had found a comfortable home in the deep crevices or I was too afraid to humble myself and admit it was there in the first place.

But everyday I showed up asking the Lord what it was He wanted me to share that day. A lot of prayers and listening for God's voice went on while I rocked my little Micah to sleep. I can't explain the healing that occurred just by taking this time to listen. Not all of the things that He taught me were able to make it to a post, so I'd like to end this series with just a few things I've learned and ways I've grown in my faith as a wife, mom and blogger.

1. Eternal purpose for every situation.

I've always believed there was a purpose for everything. And that God causes all things to work together for His good (Romans 8:28). But now, I am actually looking for it. I am aware of it. And every problem is ultimately a way for me to give Him glory, because I would never be able to face it on my own.

2. Authenticity with everyone.

I just started a Beth Moore bible study called "Sacred Secrets," and in it she talks about the three laws of sharing that she believes have a biblical basis. Authenticity with everyone, Transparency with most and Intimacy with some. I believe this blog has made it to the Transparency level. I've shared some things I probably never would have had I not taken part in this challenge, and I've seen the Lord glorified and others encouraged through it. From now on, this blog will always be a place of authenticity and transparency. If someone was to read this blog and then meet me in person, I would want them to say I am exactly who they thought I would be.

3. This is my voice!

This leads me to the final, unexpected thing I learned by blogging everyday. I've finally found my "voice" on this blog! For years I have been blogging, but never have I been able to sit down and feel like the words flowed as freely and genuinely as they have this month. Maybe having one topic to focus on kept me from drifting all over the place, or maybe it's a combination of the things listed above, but whatever the cause for this new freedom of writing/expression, I want it to stay.

My journey of writing about "being content" may be ending, but that doesn't mean the battle has. I will forever be fighting the urge to give in to a discontented spirit. I'm just thankful that this month gave me a launching pad for how to daily put my trust in Jesus in every circumstance. And maybe you found yourself in some of my stories, and if so I would love to hear about it. We are never alone, and never meant to fight these battles alone. So thank you for being on this journey with me! It doesn't end here. :)

This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!

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Yesterday I went costume shopping. Micah's adorable "Monster" costume was given to us by a friend and I found Josh an awesome Where's Waldo outfit, so the only one costume-less was me. It's kind of a fun thing for me to do, costume shopping, even though I feel like a bit of an imposter while doing it. I mean, I'm dressing up for our student ministry's costume night at church. It's not like we're technically "celebrating" Halloween, we're basically just taking advantage of the chance to have some crazy, stupid fun. Because, really, who doesn't like to dress up? Anyway, so after picking through the last of the remains of costumes at Target, and finding nothing that fell into the "funny, but not crude" category I was going for, I got in my car and searched "Halloween costume store" on my gps. The closest one was half a mile away and right next door to Hobby Lobby (which was my final destination if I couldn't find anything). Perfect, I thought.

Upon entering, I was overwhelmed by the massive amounts of costumes and just knew I'd for sure find what I was looking for.

A young girl who was working there quickly offered to help me pick out a costume, especially after I told her I was expecting. "I've actually really been wanting to help a pregnant lady find a costume!" She said excitedly.

I had no clue what I was in for.

The first stop she made was the fairy/goddess section. She showed me how the waistlines were higher which would fall perfectly above my belly, and the dresses were long and flowy and beautiful (and strapless and see-through). I think the exact one she suggested was the "Greek Goddess Athena." I quickly realized I was going to need to be a little more specific.

"I'm actually going for something a little more lighthearted and funny, but thanks for that suggestion..." And as soon as the words came out she said, "Ooh! How about a pregnant nun?!"

I have to admit. I gave that one a little more thought.

"Haha! Wow, that would be hilarious! But, well... do you have any type of food costumes?" She led me to a "Sexy M&M costume" and that's when I knew I needed to go ahead and break the news to her.

"Thanks for all your help, but I'm going for something a little more modest, and non-vulgar because, actually I'm dressing up for a costume party at our church."

She gave me an, "Oh." And looked at me like I had been wearing a costume the whole time.

And then I realized how true that probably was. Because to be honest, I was trying to avoid telling her I was going to a church costume party at all. I knew, from the moment she approached me that modest and friendly wasn't on her mind. And I didn't want to burst her bubble and I especially didn't want to make the situation awkward. But the more I tried to cover up the truth, the more awkward it was when it eventually came out.

The whole time I was mindlessly following her around and entertaining her mostly inappropriate suggestions for me, I felt discontent in my spirit. Because I knew I was avoiding the truth for fear of pride. What would she think of me?Would she still want to help me find something?Or would she think I was a prude?

These are the same fears that come to mind whenever I have the opportunity to expose Christ to the world. Because I know it's like shining a bright light in someone's eyes - it's not always welcome or pleasant, especially when you've spent a long time in the dark.

But the discontentment I feel when I choose to ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit to speak up and say something is not worth it. It's not worth the hindrance it causes in my prayer life, or the dip it causes in my faith.

Being true to who I am in Christ and what He has called me to do, should never take a back seat.

And sometimes, when I'm put into a situation where I know I will stick out like a sore thumb, or in this case, like a modest costume on Halloween, I am not content enough in this truth as I'd like to be.

I ended up leaving that store and heading next door to Hobby Lobby, where I bought some felt for $5.99 and made myself the absolute perfect outfit to go along with my little monster. A giant cookie. :)

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This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27

I shouldn't be surprised when God provides. And yet, I can't help but sit in awe when I see how He continues to come through time and time again.

I guess, because a lot of the time I feel undeserving. I know there are people who have greater needs than us. But still God chooses to bless us. He chooses to care for us. And in the most unexpected ways!

This week we were approached by a lady in our church, whom Josh and I had never met, and told that she felt God wanted her to give us some baby girl clothes that she had acquired. I can't explain to you how much of a blessing it was to hear this. I really wasn't sure if we would have any baby showers this pregnancy, and now at 5 months pregnant we had not a single thing for our little Hannah. But if this month has taught me anything, it is not to worry. To be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. With a little, or with a lot. God cares for us and provides for our needs.

And here was God. Showing up right on time. Well, actually four months early.

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This woman, or angel as my husband refers to her, lavished us with enough clothes to last a WHOLE YEAR! Really, newborn to 12 months. And about four bins/bags full. I couldn't believe my eyes when Josh unloaded the car with all that she had dropped off at the church!

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Honestly, I don't know where we would be without the body of Christ. They have come through for us time and time again.

And one of the biggest blessings of all was hearing the reason this woman decided to choose us to give these clothes to. I didn't need a reason. She could have given it anonymously and God would have received all the glory for it. But she left us a little card inside one of the bags, with a note inside thanking me for leading her in worship every Sunday.

This woman gave because of my service. Wow. 

I share this to encourage you friends. Continue serving and investing in the lives around you. Wherever God has placed you. It's not always easy, I know. Even if it's something you love as much as I love singing - there are still those days when it is hard. And you wonder if what you're doing even matters at all. God will reward you for your righteousness and faithfulness (1 Sam. 26:23). And someone you may not even know could be the angel God decides to use to remind you of that.

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This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!