Today I am thankful for...
162. The way smiling can make me feel cheerier.
163. Soup.
11.30.2012
11.28.2012
Thankful on November 28
Today I am thankful for...
155. Tree branches iced white, sparkling beneath the winter sun like a sequined ballet dancer in pirouette.
156. Bowling with the beau on a cold Wednesday night.
157. The fact that my boyfriend never makes me feel stupid.
158. The security that comes with knowing my beau is actually my suitor :). I am being courted, and I delight in knowing every moment we spend together is a moment that will, Lord willing, become part of a lifetime together.
159. Breakfast burritos.
160. Dry cereal for snacking.
161. Handwritten cards from dear friends.
155. Tree branches iced white, sparkling beneath the winter sun like a sequined ballet dancer in pirouette.
156. Bowling with the beau on a cold Wednesday night.
157. The fact that my boyfriend never makes me feel stupid.
158. The security that comes with knowing my beau is actually my suitor :). I am being courted, and I delight in knowing every moment we spend together is a moment that will, Lord willing, become part of a lifetime together.
159. Breakfast burritos.
160. Dry cereal for snacking.
161. Handwritten cards from dear friends.
11.27.2012
Thankful on November 27
Today I am thankful for...
153. Beautiful, heart-wrenching words in Alan Paton's novel, "Cry, the Beloved Country."
154. Beautiful, humbling words in an email from a well-respected leader in my church's denomination who was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. I include some of his words here because I can't say them as well as he can:
The prognosis is that medically speaking the cancer is not curable but treatable. Without treatment the average survival rate is a few months. With treatment survival is 12 to 14 months. Some folks with this kind of tumor are cured. The response to the treatment is highly individual and not predictable...
...This journey has been a great learning experience for me. I embrace Paul's statement of the two options. To continue to live is an opportunity to serve. To die is gain, to be with the Lord, is better far. I am ready to die and to live as he wills. He is smart, good and sovereign. I am justified by his atonement, saved by his mercy and grace, and ready to meet him. I can only imagine. He is my healer, now, later or in heaven. The outcome is going to be good because of God...
...We all have to face death one day or another. I have thought I would face it earlier, and I did, and I thought I would face it later. It may pass this time around, or not. Either way. He is good. With him as Lord, there is no bad outcome.
153. Beautiful, heart-wrenching words in Alan Paton's novel, "Cry, the Beloved Country."
154. Beautiful, humbling words in an email from a well-respected leader in my church's denomination who was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. I include some of his words here because I can't say them as well as he can:
The prognosis is that medically speaking the cancer is not curable but treatable. Without treatment the average survival rate is a few months. With treatment survival is 12 to 14 months. Some folks with this kind of tumor are cured. The response to the treatment is highly individual and not predictable...
...This journey has been a great learning experience for me. I embrace Paul's statement of the two options. To continue to live is an opportunity to serve. To die is gain, to be with the Lord, is better far. I am ready to die and to live as he wills. He is smart, good and sovereign. I am justified by his atonement, saved by his mercy and grace, and ready to meet him. I can only imagine. He is my healer, now, later or in heaven. The outcome is going to be good because of God...
...We all have to face death one day or another. I have thought I would face it earlier, and I did, and I thought I would face it later. It may pass this time around, or not. Either way. He is good. With him as Lord, there is no bad outcome.
Thankful on November 26
Today I am thankful for...
148. Caffeine.
149. The satisfaction of finishing a task well.
150. My job.
151. Freedom of speech.
152. NPR.
148. Caffeine.
149. The satisfaction of finishing a task well.
150. My job.
151. Freedom of speech.
152. NPR.
11.25.2012
Thankful on November 25
Today I am thankful for...
143. My friends' children. It is a joy to watch my friends be moms and dads and to watch their kiddos grow into creative, energetic little people who will hopefully love and serve God with all their hearts.
144. Spontaneous visits with friends.
145. Movies on cold, snowy days.
146. Cold, snowy days. I do love this time of year.
147. A relaxing holiday and a refreshed mind.
143. My friends' children. It is a joy to watch my friends be moms and dads and to watch their kiddos grow into creative, energetic little people who will hopefully love and serve God with all their hearts.
144. Spontaneous visits with friends.
145. Movies on cold, snowy days.
146. Cold, snowy days. I do love this time of year.
147. A relaxing holiday and a refreshed mind.
Thankful on November 24
Today I am thankful for...
139. Saturday breakfasts out with my parents. I am glad that tradition has held strong for more than 30 years.
140. A little Christmas tree to call my own.
141. Homemade Christmas ornaments made from paper and string.
142. Days spent crafting in my cozy apartment.
139. Saturday breakfasts out with my parents. I am glad that tradition has held strong for more than 30 years.
140. A little Christmas tree to call my own.
141. Homemade Christmas ornaments made from paper and string.
142. Days spent crafting in my cozy apartment.
11.23.2012
Thankful on November 23
Today I am thankful for...
131. The chance to shut off my alarm clock and snuggle under the covers.
132. Leftovers.
133. Blue mountains capped with shimmering white peaks.
134. God's patience and compassion.
135. Answered prayer.
136. Books. I think I would feel lost without them.
137. A warm hat and gloves.
138. My bike.
131. The chance to shut off my alarm clock and snuggle under the covers.
132. Leftovers.
133. Blue mountains capped with shimmering white peaks.
134. God's patience and compassion.
135. Answered prayer.
136. Books. I think I would feel lost without them.
137. A warm hat and gloves.
138. My bike.
11.22.2012
Thankful on Thanksgiving
Today I am thankful for...
125. Times spent cooking with my mom.
126. Conversation over the dinner table with my folks. I marvel at how much of who I am I owe to these sweet, meaningful, encouraging times with my parents.
127. Pictionary. It's been way too long since I played last.
128. Hearty laughter, blushing laughter, appreciative laughter, silly laughter, joyful laughter.
120. Opportunities to say, "I love you." May I take them often and without hesitation.
130. Hugs--tight, joyful, reluctant-to-let-go--under stars shimmering in a crisp night sky.
125. Times spent cooking with my mom.
126. Conversation over the dinner table with my folks. I marvel at how much of who I am I owe to these sweet, meaningful, encouraging times with my parents.
127. Pictionary. It's been way too long since I played last.
128. Hearty laughter, blushing laughter, appreciative laughter, silly laughter, joyful laughter.
120. Opportunities to say, "I love you." May I take them often and without hesitation.
130. Hugs--tight, joyful, reluctant-to-let-go--under stars shimmering in a crisp night sky.
Thankful on November 21
Today I am thankful for...
120. The ability to mix various ingredients together and end up with pie.
121. Fireside chats with my boyfriend on a giant bean bag chair in front of the woodstove.
122. The way my mom and I share life.
123. The way my dad shares his knowledge with me and makes me think and ponder.
124. Anticipation of the arrival of my nephew in one month!
120. The ability to mix various ingredients together and end up with pie.
121. Fireside chats with my boyfriend on a giant bean bag chair in front of the woodstove.
122. The way my mom and I share life.
123. The way my dad shares his knowledge with me and makes me think and ponder.
124. Anticipation of the arrival of my nephew in one month!
11.20.2012
Thankful on November 20
Today I am thankful for...
114. Breakfast.
115. Dinner.
116. Lunch.
117. Having enough energy to make it through the day.
118. Photos that make me laugh.
119. My friend, Ashley, who makes the world better with her sweetness.
114. Breakfast.
115. Dinner.
116. Lunch.
117. Having enough energy to make it through the day.
118. Photos that make me laugh.
119. My friend, Ashley, who makes the world better with her sweetness.
11.19.2012
Thankful on November 19
Today I am thankful for...
110. Reconciliation. Resolve.
111. Opportunities to say sorry.
112. A God who hears our prayers.
113. Pumpkin pancakes.
110. Reconciliation. Resolve.
111. Opportunities to say sorry.
112. A God who hears our prayers.
113. Pumpkin pancakes.
Thankful on November 18
Today I am thankful for...
105. The way honesty opens the doors of communication.
106. Grilled cheese.
107. Time to chill on the couch and read the comics.
108. Pizza with friends.
109. The way my parents and boyfriend interact. It makes my heart happy to watch them talking over the dinner table.
105. The way honesty opens the doors of communication.
106. Grilled cheese.
107. Time to chill on the couch and read the comics.
108. Pizza with friends.
109. The way my parents and boyfriend interact. It makes my heart happy to watch them talking over the dinner table.
11.18.2012
Thankful on November 17
Today I am thankful for...
101. Operation Christmas Child. It is an effective ministry, and I feel so blessed to be part of God's work around the world through shoe box gifts.
102. Floss.
103. Spontaneous singing.
104. The way my Dad pours his life into the lives of his students. He is an example of selflessness to me, and I think his students are lucky to learn from him--about English and about this adventure of living.
101. Operation Christmas Child. It is an effective ministry, and I feel so blessed to be part of God's work around the world through shoe box gifts.
102. Floss.
103. Spontaneous singing.
104. The way my Dad pours his life into the lives of his students. He is an example of selflessness to me, and I think his students are lucky to learn from him--about English and about this adventure of living.
11.16.2012
Thankful on November 16
Today I am thankful for...
93. Opportunities to hone my skills as a photographer.
94. Opportunities to learn what it means to be like Christ. I am lacking beyond description, but I trust God's promise that He will satisfy my hunger and my thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
95. Dear friends who fill me with their love when I am empty.
96. A good--though slightly unpredictable--landlord who deals with problems in my apartment in a timely manner.
97. New containers of hot chocolate.
98. Cinnamon toast.
99. Lamps.
100. The fact that it is easy to reach 100 things for which to be thankful.
93. Opportunities to hone my skills as a photographer.
94. Opportunities to learn what it means to be like Christ. I am lacking beyond description, but I trust God's promise that He will satisfy my hunger and my thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
95. Dear friends who fill me with their love when I am empty.
96. A good--though slightly unpredictable--landlord who deals with problems in my apartment in a timely manner.
97. New containers of hot chocolate.
98. Cinnamon toast.
99. Lamps.
100. The fact that it is easy to reach 100 things for which to be thankful.
11.15.2012
Thankful on November 15
Today I am thankful for...
88. Pain au chocolate.
89. My missionary friends. I feel blessed to hear their stories and to partner with them in prayer and finances.
90. Difficult people in my life because I know that somehow, some way God is using them to mold and teach me and make me more like Christ.
91. Happy people in my life because I don't know if I could handle the difficult people without the listening ears and encouraging hugs of my happy people.
92. Mint tea.
88. Pain au chocolate.
89. My missionary friends. I feel blessed to hear their stories and to partner with them in prayer and finances.
90. Difficult people in my life because I know that somehow, some way God is using them to mold and teach me and make me more like Christ.
91. Happy people in my life because I don't know if I could handle the difficult people without the listening ears and encouraging hugs of my happy people.
92. Mint tea.
11.14.2012
Thankful on November 14
Today I am thankful for...
83. The wrinkles that fan out from my eyes when I smile because they mean I've been able to smile a lot in my life.
84. Naps that leave blanket creases on my cheeks.
85. New notebooks and pens.
86. The way my boyfriend looks at me. I didn't know it was possible to feel so special inside of just one glance.
87. Photographs that show, in their horror, just how peaceful my life really is. May I not become jaded to just another image of a starving child. May my heart always be moved to compassion and prayer.
83. The wrinkles that fan out from my eyes when I smile because they mean I've been able to smile a lot in my life.
84. Naps that leave blanket creases on my cheeks.
85. New notebooks and pens.
86. The way my boyfriend looks at me. I didn't know it was possible to feel so special inside of just one glance.
87. Photographs that show, in their horror, just how peaceful my life really is. May I not become jaded to just another image of a starving child. May my heart always be moved to compassion and prayer.
11.13.2012
Thankful on November 13
Today I am thankful for...
78. The view of bison silhouetted against a crisp winter sunrise on my way to work this morning.
79. Fresh fruit.
80. Shampoo.
81. The ability to dream dreams.
82. God's imagination and creativity.
78. The view of bison silhouetted against a crisp winter sunrise on my way to work this morning.
79. Fresh fruit.
80. Shampoo.
81. The ability to dream dreams.
82. God's imagination and creativity.
Thankful on November 12
Today I am thankful for...
75. An improved attitude about a frustrating situation.
76. Operation Christmas Child and the way it shows God's love to millions of children around the world.
77. My houseplants. They are so cheery.
75. An improved attitude about a frustrating situation.
76. Operation Christmas Child and the way it shows God's love to millions of children around the world.
77. My houseplants. They are so cheery.
11.11.2012
Thankful on November 11
Today I am thankful for...
68. All those who have served and currently serve in America's military. I appreciate their sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy--and too often take for granted.
69. Dishes washed and put away before another week begins.
70. Warm sweaters and coats.
71. Hugs.
72. Kisses.
73. The goodness of an invisible God who became visible in the person of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15).
74. Sunday afternoon naps.
68. All those who have served and currently serve in America's military. I appreciate their sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy--and too often take for granted.
69. Dishes washed and put away before another week begins.
70. Warm sweaters and coats.
71. Hugs.
72. Kisses.
73. The goodness of an invisible God who became visible in the person of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15).
74. Sunday afternoon naps.
11.10.2012
Thankful on November 10
Today I am thankful for...
62. Soft blankets I can buy for my coming nephew.
63. An evening of snow forts, hot cocoa, uplifting conversation, and prayer with my girlfriends.
64. Crepes.
65. The sound of my boyfriend reading the Bible out loud.
66. God's desire to be near to us through prayer. Who am I that He would listen to my pleas?
67. Second chances.
62. Soft blankets I can buy for my coming nephew.
63. An evening of snow forts, hot cocoa, uplifting conversation, and prayer with my girlfriends.
64. Crepes.
65. The sound of my boyfriend reading the Bible out loud.
66. God's desire to be near to us through prayer. Who am I that He would listen to my pleas?
67. Second chances.
11.09.2012
Thankful on November 9
Today I am thankful for...
58. Tears. They make me feel better.
59. God's grace. I think I've listed that already this week, but since I've desperately needed it, I am very thankful that God is loving and patient and compassionate.
60. Snow. It makes the world more quiet.
61. A Mom who listens to me and fills me up when I feel deflated.
58. Tears. They make me feel better.
59. God's grace. I think I've listed that already this week, but since I've desperately needed it, I am very thankful that God is loving and patient and compassionate.
60. Snow. It makes the world more quiet.
61. A Mom who listens to me and fills me up when I feel deflated.
11.08.2012
Thankful on November 8
Today I am thankful for...
54. That feeling of accomplishment when tenacity pays off.
55. My hand-powered coffee grinder and the smell of fresh ground coffee all ready for tomorrow morning.
56. The ability to ask questions.
57. Whispy clouds.
54. That feeling of accomplishment when tenacity pays off.
55. My hand-powered coffee grinder and the smell of fresh ground coffee all ready for tomorrow morning.
56. The ability to ask questions.
57. Whispy clouds.
11.07.2012
Thankful on November 7
Today I am thankful for...
47. Bike rides that are fast and furious, that pump up my heart and free up my mind.
48. A guilty conscience that prods me to ask for God's forgiveness.
49. God's forgiveness.
50. Calculators.
51. New adventures.
52. The ability to remember my childhood.
53. Sleep.
47. Bike rides that are fast and furious, that pump up my heart and free up my mind.
48. A guilty conscience that prods me to ask for God's forgiveness.
49. God's forgiveness.
50. Calculators.
51. New adventures.
52. The ability to remember my childhood.
53. Sleep.
Thankful on November 6
Today I am thankful for...
42. The privilege of voting. Good friends have been helping me with my cynical attitude towards politics; it is nice to care again.
43. Coffee in the middle of stressful moments. It's like a deep, calming breath but better since it tastes good, warms me up, and gives me energy, too!
44. Music.
45. God's sovereignty. He is a just and praiseworthy authority.
46. French Toast.
42. The privilege of voting. Good friends have been helping me with my cynical attitude towards politics; it is nice to care again.
43. Coffee in the middle of stressful moments. It's like a deep, calming breath but better since it tastes good, warms me up, and gives me energy, too!
44. Music.
45. God's sovereignty. He is a just and praiseworthy authority.
46. French Toast.
11.05.2012
Thankful on November 5
Today I am thankful for...
34. Staying in touch (at least a little) with old high school friends.
35. Cereal...because it is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time...yes, sometimes all of those in one day.
36. Prayers in the parking lot spoken while holding my boyfriend tight.
37. The calming power of deep breaths.
38. An excellent sermon yesterday that I'm still pondering today.
39. God's wild imagination.
40. Finger nail clippers.
41. The Christmas lights placed on a giant tree outside my kitchen window.
34. Staying in touch (at least a little) with old high school friends.
35. Cereal...because it is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time...yes, sometimes all of those in one day.
36. Prayers in the parking lot spoken while holding my boyfriend tight.
37. The calming power of deep breaths.
38. An excellent sermon yesterday that I'm still pondering today.
39. God's wild imagination.
40. Finger nail clippers.
41. The Christmas lights placed on a giant tree outside my kitchen window.
11.04.2012
Thankful on November 4
Today I am thankful for...
28. Songs that make me cry because I live life more fully when I lay down my stoic guard and let myself feel sloppy, mushy happy, or mournful sad, or desirous to the point of voice-cracking in mid-plea, mid-prayer. I do not need emotionalism to feel like I've met God, but I do appreciate when God meets me in my emotions and speaks to me there beneath any shields or facades I turn to the world.
29. Eyes that can see rays of sun spotlighting the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains.
30. Candle flame.
31. Warm water.
32. Sleep for weary minds and weary bodies.
33. Thank-You notes.
28. Songs that make me cry because I live life more fully when I lay down my stoic guard and let myself feel sloppy, mushy happy, or mournful sad, or desirous to the point of voice-cracking in mid-plea, mid-prayer. I do not need emotionalism to feel like I've met God, but I do appreciate when God meets me in my emotions and speaks to me there beneath any shields or facades I turn to the world.
29. Eyes that can see rays of sun spotlighting the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains.
30. Candle flame.
31. Warm water.
32. Sleep for weary minds and weary bodies.
33. Thank-You notes.
11.03.2012
Thankful on November 3
Today I am thankful for...
18. Walks in the sunshine.
19. Pumpkin, and all the yummy stuff it can become...i.e. pie, cookies, bread, soup...
20. Small opportunities to make a friend's day a little better.
21. Washing machines and clothes driers.
22. Hair bands.
23. Parents who listen so well and so often.
24. Phone calls from best friends.
25. My hand-powered coffee grinder because it makes me slow down and enjoy my coffee even more.
26. Giant bean bag chairs.
27. Clean water.
18. Walks in the sunshine.
19. Pumpkin, and all the yummy stuff it can become...i.e. pie, cookies, bread, soup...
20. Small opportunities to make a friend's day a little better.
21. Washing machines and clothes driers.
22. Hair bands.
23. Parents who listen so well and so often.
24. Phone calls from best friends.
25. My hand-powered coffee grinder because it makes me slow down and enjoy my coffee even more.
26. Giant bean bag chairs.
27. Clean water.
11.02.2012
Thankful on November 2
Today I am thankful for...
8. Hot tea and the steam that tickles my nose when I sip the warmth.
9. Socks.
10. The view of the courthouse and main street from my kitchen table.
11. The laughter of friends.
12. The way I feel safe when I look into my boyfriend's eyes.
13. God's justice...because I cannot love and serve a God who is imperfect, who fits my human view of what good and right is. I need a God who is bigger than everything, greater than all.
14. Pens that write on the first stroke.
15. The cadence of foreign languages.
16. My brother, sister-in-law, niece, and coming nephew.
17. Words.
8. Hot tea and the steam that tickles my nose when I sip the warmth.
9. Socks.
10. The view of the courthouse and main street from my kitchen table.
11. The laughter of friends.
12. The way I feel safe when I look into my boyfriend's eyes.
13. God's justice...because I cannot love and serve a God who is imperfect, who fits my human view of what good and right is. I need a God who is bigger than everything, greater than all.
14. Pens that write on the first stroke.
15. The cadence of foreign languages.
16. My brother, sister-in-law, niece, and coming nephew.
17. Words.
11.01.2012
Thankful on November 1
Today I am thankful for...
1. God's grace. It is undeserved. I am unworthy. I don't want to take it for granted.
2. Cedar plank salmon.
3. The way my boyfriend compliments my outfits. I always walk a little taller when I know he thinks I'm beautiful.
4. Sunrises that are so strikingly beautiful they make me cry.
5. Chapstick.
6. Photographs of my niece.
7. The Bible. I am so glad God chooses to speak with us, to be near us, to love us through His words.
1. God's grace. It is undeserved. I am unworthy. I don't want to take it for granted.
2. Cedar plank salmon.
3. The way my boyfriend compliments my outfits. I always walk a little taller when I know he thinks I'm beautiful.
4. Sunrises that are so strikingly beautiful they make me cry.
5. Chapstick.
6. Photographs of my niece.
7. The Bible. I am so glad God chooses to speak with us, to be near us, to love us through His words.
Thankful for...
Since it is November, the month in which we celebrate and hone the practice of giving thanks, I am going to morph my "Small Things" posts into posts of thanksgiving. I will spend this month (and hopefully much, much longer (like my entire life)) writing out my gratitude for blessings (and trials) big and small. I always enjoy reading what others are thankful for, so I hope these lists and thoughts spur thanksgiving in your life, as well.
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