Obviously, I've missed blogging a few thankful days, but that's ok. I've been so much more aware of being thankful lately, just because it's been on my mind. You know, that's what being thankful is--not just a statement you make, but a state of mind.
Today (and everyday), I'm thankful for friends. Two (or actually three) come to mind right off the bat, so I'll tell you a little about them.
Tracy and I have been friends for over 4 years. We went to church together all of our lives, but she's a little bit older than me, so we had never really talked to each other. I'll never forget the Sunday she came up to me when I was pregnant with Kade. I had just realized that I would be making the mistake of my life to go back to work after she was born, but I didn't know what to do. Tracy's daughter is 18 months older than Kade and she had stopped teaching after Rachel was born. My mom knew this and mentioned my dilemma to Tracy. Anyway, Tracy came up to me and just said that she knew what I was going through and she would be happy to answer any questions or encourage me in any way. And she did! She was the first person I called after Michael told me he had just gotten a new job that would let me stay home. I'm pretty sure she was almost as happy for me as I was for myself! We've prayed for each other, vented to each other, encouraged each other, and rejoiced with each other. I am so thankful for her and for her friendship.
Second on my list today are Jimmy and Marcia. Jimmy was my youth pastor from 11th grade to sometime around my college graduation. They have both always given me wise counsel, encouraged me and prayed for me, through some pretty tough times and some awesome times. In 2005 (I think), they felt God's call to start a new church and they have been at The Cave church for 8 years. I was blessed last night to lead praise and worship in music there. Even though it's not my home church, I always feel so welcome.
God friends are an awesome thing and I am so thankful for all of mine--those who were only in my lives for a season and those whose friendship has lasted for years and years. God has used you in my life in many different ways. It reminds me of that old song--I can't remember who sang it--"Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am so glad you gave."
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Thankful--Day 17
Today (and everyday), I am thankful for my home! Now, I'm pretty sure most people are thankful for their homes, but my home and I have a special bond. I have lived here since I was around 9 months old (with a year and a half break right after I got married). My boys sleep in the bedrooms where my sister and I slept for 20 years. Michael and I sleep.....in my parents' old bedroom, which is not quite as cool, but we have our own bedroom set and painted the walls, so at least it looks different. We cook meals and eat in the same kitchen (slightly updated) I grew up in and play in the same backyard. Michael and I had our first kiss in the same living room when I was 15 (Guess I can tell you now, mom!). I celebrated so many Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, Easters, and Fourth of Julys here with my first family (What else do you call your parents/siblings?). There were fights here (hey, we're not perfect!), but there was even more Jesus! I am so glad that when my parents found the house of their dreams, Michael and I were in the position to buy our house. I have so many great memories here and now we get to make even more together!
Thankful--Day 16
Today (and everyday), I'm thankful for my husband's career. For 7 years, he worked over an hour from home at a job he didn't particularly like. It stunk before we had children and it stunk even worse after we had children (even though we were thankful he had a job). Then, he decided to be an insurance agent and ended up working with a guy he went to school with. I think it's probably been one of the best moves of his life. He works literally 1 minute from our house with people who are believers. They also book and sponsor Christian concerts and events right here in our area! Tonight, we went to a marriage conference they sponsored with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield. Anyway, I am thankful my husband has found something that makes him happy and that he feels like he has a future doing, with good people. God always has the best plan for our life.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thankful, Day 14
I'm thankful that my life is so full that I haven't had time to blog about days 12 and 13! I'm also thankful that God doesn't love us based on whether we think of one thing we're thankful for everyday in November. Ha!
However, since I'm up before everyone else this morning and have a few minutes---today (and everyday), I'm thankful for my sister.
She is gorgeous, hilarious, talented, outgoing, easygoing (most of the time), a totally awesome aunt, fun to be around, and a million other things. I can't imagine my life without her. Actually, I can't remember my life without her.
Let me brag on her for a second. She graduated from college, even though at times, it was far from easy for her. She is a TV news director, y'all. I always say this proudly when people in our small town ask what she's doing now. She bosses people around for a living.
Also, she just got married (obviously) and she picked a pretty great guy to be part of our family. Actually, he's kind of the reason I decided to pick my sister to blog about today, so I'm thankful for him, too. They have a Facebook war going on right now where they hack into each other's Facebook (while the other is asleep or at work) and post hilarious pictures and posts. It gave me a good early morning laugh this morning. They are perfect for each other!
I'm glad she only lives an hour away, because I don't know what I'd do without her in my life on a regular basis. She is one of my best friends and I always know I can tell her anything without her judging me--actually, she usually laughs.
She makes the rest of us laugh, too. Because of her we are having tacky Christmas sweater pictures done in a couple of weeks. We would not be that silly without her direction. But we love her for it.
I'm thankful for you, sis! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
P.S. She also has a pretty great blog if you want to check it out HERE.
However, since I'm up before everyone else this morning and have a few minutes---today (and everyday), I'm thankful for my sister.
(She's the one in the wedding dress)
She is gorgeous, hilarious, talented, outgoing, easygoing (most of the time), a totally awesome aunt, fun to be around, and a million other things. I can't imagine my life without her. Actually, I can't remember my life without her.
Let me brag on her for a second. She graduated from college, even though at times, it was far from easy for her. She is a TV news director, y'all. I always say this proudly when people in our small town ask what she's doing now. She bosses people around for a living.
Also, she just got married (obviously) and she picked a pretty great guy to be part of our family. Actually, he's kind of the reason I decided to pick my sister to blog about today, so I'm thankful for him, too. They have a Facebook war going on right now where they hack into each other's Facebook (while the other is asleep or at work) and post hilarious pictures and posts. It gave me a good early morning laugh this morning. They are perfect for each other!
I'm glad she only lives an hour away, because I don't know what I'd do without her in my life on a regular basis. She is one of my best friends and I always know I can tell her anything without her judging me--actually, she usually laughs.
She makes the rest of us laugh, too. Because of her we are having tacky Christmas sweater pictures done in a couple of weeks. We would not be that silly without her direction. But we love her for it.
I'm thankful for you, sis! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
P.S. She also has a pretty great blog if you want to check it out HERE.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Thankful, Day 11
Today (and everyday), I'm thankful for the opportunity to do things I enjoy on a regular basis. As I sit here editing a book manuscript (not mine), I'm grateful for the education and knowledge that allow me to write, whether it's on this blog, in my personal journal, or the occasional freelance job. Monday through Fridays, I teach piano and guitar lessons--something I also love and am able to earn a little extra money doing. I have the best students in the world and get to talk about and play one of my favorite things, music! Most days, I cook and/or bake something yummy--my family definitely appreciates that! I love making them happy. I wouldn't say I live a life of leisure, but God certainly gives me the time and skills to do things that are a reprieve from laundry and dish washing. Actually, having other things I enjoy makes the everyday housework easier because I know it's not the only thing I have to look forward to. Nevertheless, I have to remind myself to do everything--even laundry, dish washing, diaper changing, and bill paying--as unto the Lord. It's all important.
Still, I'm thankful for quiet moments on my couch with a cup of coffee and an empty Word document.
Still, I'm thankful for quiet moments on my couch with a cup of coffee and an empty Word document.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Thankful--Day 10
Well, I missed day 9--but I have a good reason!
Yesterday, we traveled a couple of hours away to go to the zoo. We needed a fun, family day and we had a blast! So, for day 9, I'm thankful to be able to spend time with my family. We saw some really cool animals, had some fun conversations, ate some yummy Olive Garden, and got some new toys at the Disney store (well, the boys did, anyway). Then, to top it off, we saw our first huge Christmas light display of the season (even though we decided not to pay $20 to drive through it). I couldn't have dreamed up a better husband and children. Good thing God is much more creative than I am!
Also, today (and every day), I'm thankful for all of the men and women who have risked their lives in service to our country. I'm proud to say that my granddad, several of my uncles on both sides of my family, and many other people I know are veterans. I can't imagine all of the things our service men and women go through and see, even in their training. I love my country, but I couldn't leave my family and everything else I know and go off to war. I'm grateful for people who answer the call to protect the rest of us. I know that it's not easy for them to do what they do, but they're willing to do it. Thank all of from the bottom of mine and my family's heart!
Yesterday, we traveled a couple of hours away to go to the zoo. We needed a fun, family day and we had a blast! So, for day 9, I'm thankful to be able to spend time with my family. We saw some really cool animals, had some fun conversations, ate some yummy Olive Garden, and got some new toys at the Disney store (well, the boys did, anyway). Then, to top it off, we saw our first huge Christmas light display of the season (even though we decided not to pay $20 to drive through it). I couldn't have dreamed up a better husband and children. Good thing God is much more creative than I am!
Also, today (and every day), I'm thankful for all of the men and women who have risked their lives in service to our country. I'm proud to say that my granddad, several of my uncles on both sides of my family, and many other people I know are veterans. I can't imagine all of the things our service men and women go through and see, even in their training. I love my country, but I couldn't leave my family and everything else I know and go off to war. I'm grateful for people who answer the call to protect the rest of us. I know that it's not easy for them to do what they do, but they're willing to do it. Thank all of from the bottom of mine and my family's heart!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Thankful, Day 8
Today (and everyday), I'm thankful for God's providence. First, He sent His Son to die in our place and to carry the cross we should have had to bear. We are no longer in bondage to sin; we are slaves to righteousness! Thank You, Jesus, for taking our place!
Secondly, I'm thankful that He always provides for my family. If I could tell you all of the miracles He's done for us, you would be dumbfounded. Even when things seem terrible, He turns them into something beautiful.
Example number one--last month, Michael accidentally caught our kitchen on fire. It was a relatively small fire, but then the firemen came and blew thick, black smoke through our whole house and out the back windows. It was an absolute mess. Only our stove, a set of cabinets, and the wall behind the stove were destroyed, but every piece of clothing, toy, bedding, rug, furniture, curtain, etc. had soot on it. Fun times. At least we were all safe. Well, out of that mess, I got to replace my stove and hood, with a new stove and an over-the-stove microwave, which we've always wanted! I got a freshly painted kitchen and living room. Every stitch of laundry was washed by a cleaning company and looks like new, and my whole house was cleaned top to bottom for 3.5 weeks. It ended up being more of a gift from God than a bad thing!
Example number two--Most of you probably already know this, but I didn't really want to be a stay at home mom until Kade was born. By then it was too late. We hadn't done any saving to prepare for me to stay at home and Michael's job alone wouldn't cover our bills. I, very reluctantly, went back to work after my maternity leave. For 2 months, Michael and I cried and prayed, and a month before Christmas, Michael suddenly got a new job (completely unexpected) and the salary was more than what we needed. I was able to quit my job teaching at Christmas and start my new career. :)
Then, there are all the little ways He shows me everyday that He cares about our needs--finding an unexpected sale at the grocery store on something I needed, running into the perfect fall placemats at a thrift store for really cheap, calling to pay a medical bill and being told I have a credit. Some people might call it luck, but it happens too often and always at just the right time for it to be anything but God.
He never, ever leaves us begging for bread. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think--and he does it! And for that, I'm so thankful.
Secondly, I'm thankful that He always provides for my family. If I could tell you all of the miracles He's done for us, you would be dumbfounded. Even when things seem terrible, He turns them into something beautiful.
Example number one--last month, Michael accidentally caught our kitchen on fire. It was a relatively small fire, but then the firemen came and blew thick, black smoke through our whole house and out the back windows. It was an absolute mess. Only our stove, a set of cabinets, and the wall behind the stove were destroyed, but every piece of clothing, toy, bedding, rug, furniture, curtain, etc. had soot on it. Fun times. At least we were all safe. Well, out of that mess, I got to replace my stove and hood, with a new stove and an over-the-stove microwave, which we've always wanted! I got a freshly painted kitchen and living room. Every stitch of laundry was washed by a cleaning company and looks like new, and my whole house was cleaned top to bottom for 3.5 weeks. It ended up being more of a gift from God than a bad thing!
Example number two--Most of you probably already know this, but I didn't really want to be a stay at home mom until Kade was born. By then it was too late. We hadn't done any saving to prepare for me to stay at home and Michael's job alone wouldn't cover our bills. I, very reluctantly, went back to work after my maternity leave. For 2 months, Michael and I cried and prayed, and a month before Christmas, Michael suddenly got a new job (completely unexpected) and the salary was more than what we needed. I was able to quit my job teaching at Christmas and start my new career. :)
Then, there are all the little ways He shows me everyday that He cares about our needs--finding an unexpected sale at the grocery store on something I needed, running into the perfect fall placemats at a thrift store for really cheap, calling to pay a medical bill and being told I have a credit. Some people might call it luck, but it happens too often and always at just the right time for it to be anything but God.
He never, ever leaves us begging for bread. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think--and he does it! And for that, I'm so thankful.
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