Day 21 of 30:
One word: VACATION!!!! For the first time ever, I get a week, paid, for vacation! It's a nice perk that comes along with the job I have. I've already taken a long weekend this summer, and I have another weekend coming up in September. It's nice. I didn't have to negotiate any deals to get time off, or trade shifts with anyone, I just asked, and next thing I know I've got the signed approval from all the people at work who make my vacation dreams a reality. I'm just so thankful for this much needed break from work.
But here's the best part. Howie's got vacation too!! We'll have 5 whole days off together. We haven't had that much time off all at once since we got married and went on our honeymoon. Speaking of, Monday is our 2 year anniversary. You can bet that will be at the top of my "what I'm thankful for list" in just a few days!
Friday, July 30, 2010
work training
Day 20 of 30:
(This is for yesterday, as I was not able to post last night)
Yesterday I went to a training for work on the fair housing act. I didn't really understand it all that much before I went, especially how it impacts my clients. By the end, I was still somewhat confused. There's quite simply, a lot that is involved in the fair housing act, and all that goes with it, makes it harder for me to grasp. However, I am thankful that I had this opportunity to attend. There were a lot of good questions, and now I know more than I did before. Now, I have a better idea how to assist my clients as they exit the program, and I have once again, been able to broaden my network, which is also something to be thankful for.
(This is for yesterday, as I was not able to post last night)
Yesterday I went to a training for work on the fair housing act. I didn't really understand it all that much before I went, especially how it impacts my clients. By the end, I was still somewhat confused. There's quite simply, a lot that is involved in the fair housing act, and all that goes with it, makes it harder for me to grasp. However, I am thankful that I had this opportunity to attend. There were a lot of good questions, and now I know more than I did before. Now, I have a better idea how to assist my clients as they exit the program, and I have once again, been able to broaden my network, which is also something to be thankful for.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Psalm 8
Day 19 of 30:
I was reading Psalm 8 this past week and all in my Bible around this passage I have lots of notes and other scripture references. I first really studied this passage back in college in a women's Sunday school class at the church I attended. Mostly, the class was made up of women who were older than me, I was one of just a couple college age women in the class. But the wisdom these ladies had to offer was invaluable- so was the teaching I got from the Bible. What stands out to me most in Psalm 8 is how much God values each and every person. God is so mindful of His children...it just amazes me, so I'm thankful for that class, those ladies, and for this passage.
Psalm 8 (New International Version)
For the director of music. According to gittith [a].
A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise [b]
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
I was reading Psalm 8 this past week and all in my Bible around this passage I have lots of notes and other scripture references. I first really studied this passage back in college in a women's Sunday school class at the church I attended. Mostly, the class was made up of women who were older than me, I was one of just a couple college age women in the class. But the wisdom these ladies had to offer was invaluable- so was the teaching I got from the Bible. What stands out to me most in Psalm 8 is how much God values each and every person. God is so mindful of His children...it just amazes me, so I'm thankful for that class, those ladies, and for this passage.
Psalm 8 (New International Version)
For the director of music. According to gittith [a].
A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise [b]
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Parental Influence
Day 18 of 30:
I may have talked about this before, but it definitely warrants being mentioned again: I'm thankful for my parents and the way they raised me. I'm thankful for the positive examples they set for me over the years, as both individuals and as a married couple. I'm thankful that my husband also had positive role models in his parents. It's so easy to take for granted the life I've been given, especially one that did not entail tremendous amounts of hardship. I never had to worry about where I would sleep, if I would be able to eat, or anything like that. My parents took care of me and love me, and taught me things I needed to know. I really appreciate that. In the work that I do, I'm reminded daily how blessed I am and I know that no matter what happens, I do have God, and He will provide for my needs...and my husband, family, etc.
I may have talked about this before, but it definitely warrants being mentioned again: I'm thankful for my parents and the way they raised me. I'm thankful for the positive examples they set for me over the years, as both individuals and as a married couple. I'm thankful that my husband also had positive role models in his parents. It's so easy to take for granted the life I've been given, especially one that did not entail tremendous amounts of hardship. I never had to worry about where I would sleep, if I would be able to eat, or anything like that. My parents took care of me and love me, and taught me things I needed to know. I really appreciate that. In the work that I do, I'm reminded daily how blessed I am and I know that no matter what happens, I do have God, and He will provide for my needs...and my husband, family, etc.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Safety
Day 17 of 30:
While at work today a co-worker and I were taking several cases of water to a church in downtown Norfolk for a homeless event on Wednesday. On the way, while approaching a stoplight an HRT bus (local public transportation system)was attempting to turn left. A truck several car lengths ahead of us tried to cut the bus off, and as a result hit the bus, but then cut back over to the lane going straight. I'm thankful that my co-worker and I were safe, and that we were not further up in traffic. I'm thankful too that we were able to see the plate number for the truck so that the incident can be reported.
While at work today a co-worker and I were taking several cases of water to a church in downtown Norfolk for a homeless event on Wednesday. On the way, while approaching a stoplight an HRT bus (local public transportation system)was attempting to turn left. A truck several car lengths ahead of us tried to cut the bus off, and as a result hit the bus, but then cut back over to the lane going straight. I'm thankful that my co-worker and I were safe, and that we were not further up in traffic. I'm thankful too that we were able to see the plate number for the truck so that the incident can be reported.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Randomness
Day 16 of 30:
Today's going to be a little different in my sharing of things I'm thankful for. There are several random, small things that I'm thankful for (often things that happen daily or that I use often) so today I'm just going to make a short list.
*a washer and dryer in our apt...no longer do I have to drag my laundry somewhere with a pocket full of quarters.
*the technology that allows me to chat online with friends who don't live anywhere close to me (today I talked with my friend who lives in Africa)
*getting to go to church with Howie
*K-love radio
Today's going to be a little different in my sharing of things I'm thankful for. There are several random, small things that I'm thankful for (often things that happen daily or that I use often) so today I'm just going to make a short list.
*a washer and dryer in our apt...no longer do I have to drag my laundry somewhere with a pocket full of quarters.
*the technology that allows me to chat online with friends who don't live anywhere close to me (today I talked with my friend who lives in Africa)
*getting to go to church with Howie
*K-love radio
Saturday, July 24, 2010
A day at the beach
Day 15 of 30:
Howie had today off from work, so we went down to the Outer Banks. It's not too far of a drive from where we live, and it's full of great memories, which is why I'm thankful for the Outer Banks today. It was where Howie and I had one of our first dates and it's where we go a couple times a year, just for a different beach scene. I also have a lot of great college memories of the beaches in NC. My good friend Angie and I'd go sometimes, and we had a couple sneak days there while at RBC. I'm from NC so I'm partial anyway to their beaches compared to VA's beaches, but these beaches really are beautiful. So I'm thankful for the memories of the Outer Banks and for this beautiful stretch of land that God's given to the great state of NC.
Howie had today off from work, so we went down to the Outer Banks. It's not too far of a drive from where we live, and it's full of great memories, which is why I'm thankful for the Outer Banks today. It was where Howie and I had one of our first dates and it's where we go a couple times a year, just for a different beach scene. I also have a lot of great college memories of the beaches in NC. My good friend Angie and I'd go sometimes, and we had a couple sneak days there while at RBC. I'm from NC so I'm partial anyway to their beaches compared to VA's beaches, but these beaches really are beautiful. So I'm thankful for the memories of the Outer Banks and for this beautiful stretch of land that God's given to the great state of NC.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Air Conditioning
Day 14 of 30:
Today the thing I'm thankful for is very simple- air conditioning. It's in the high 90's, but the heat index is 112. Therefore, I'm extremely thankful to have a home with air conditioning. Enough said.
Today the thing I'm thankful for is very simple- air conditioning. It's in the high 90's, but the heat index is 112. Therefore, I'm extremely thankful to have a home with air conditioning. Enough said.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Where everybody knows your name
Day 13 of 30:
Each week there's usually one evening I have to work late. On those days I typically go to the Y to workout in morning instead of going after work. The woman who works the front desk in the mornings took the time to learn my name. I know that's really not a huge deal, but considering the number of people who come in and out of the Y daily, I appreciate that she's taken time to learn who I am. And not only that, she greets me, with a smile, by name each and every time I walk through the doors. And when I leave, I'm told goodbye, by name each and every time. I really appreciate that. I'm thankful for the customer service, but mostly just for the kindness and consideration this woman shares with me. I've let her know that I appreciate it and she says it's no big deal, but I think it is.
Each week there's usually one evening I have to work late. On those days I typically go to the Y to workout in morning instead of going after work. The woman who works the front desk in the mornings took the time to learn my name. I know that's really not a huge deal, but considering the number of people who come in and out of the Y daily, I appreciate that she's taken time to learn who I am. And not only that, she greets me, with a smile, by name each and every time I walk through the doors. And when I leave, I'm told goodbye, by name each and every time. I really appreciate that. I'm thankful for the customer service, but mostly just for the kindness and consideration this woman shares with me. I've let her know that I appreciate it and she says it's no big deal, but I think it is.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Philippians 1:9-11
Day 12 of 30:
Though I haven't not read Philippians 1:9-11 recently (recent being within the last week or so), it keeps coming to mind today. I absolutely love this passage. In the verses, you can read a prayer Paul wrote for the church in Philippi. He starts with thanksgiving by thanking God for the people. But then Paul goes deeper, reaching the soul of the matter. He prays for their walk with God, and for their hearts. I'm thankful for this prayer, simply because this is one I have for my life. I want my love to abound and to have discernment. I want to live a life that lets God know just how I feel about Him.
Here it is. Enjoy.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Also, because I love the wording and phrasing of this passage in the Message version:
9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
Though I haven't not read Philippians 1:9-11 recently (recent being within the last week or so), it keeps coming to mind today. I absolutely love this passage. In the verses, you can read a prayer Paul wrote for the church in Philippi. He starts with thanksgiving by thanking God for the people. But then Paul goes deeper, reaching the soul of the matter. He prays for their walk with God, and for their hearts. I'm thankful for this prayer, simply because this is one I have for my life. I want my love to abound and to have discernment. I want to live a life that lets God know just how I feel about Him.
Here it is. Enjoy.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Also, because I love the wording and phrasing of this passage in the Message version:
9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Cooking
Day 11 of 30:
I'm so thankful for the ability to cook/bake. I really enjoy it- more so in recent years. Otherwise Howie and I would have really boring meals all the time. Instead, I like experimenting with recipes (I thank my dad for that because he would do that when I was little sometimes) and trying new things. I'll try things just for the sake of trying a new recipe, especially foods that normally come already prepared (bagels, granola bars, tortillas). But I'm thankful for the people over the years who have taught me how to cook/bake, and who have shown me how much fun it can be. I love that I can use the ability I have to cook/bake to show my husband that I care for him. I enjoy using those skills to make fun, random things to take into work (we cook for lunches during staff meetings sometimes).
Following a recipe is much like following God. He gives us direction and guidance through His Word, but we do have the ability to stray away- free will. In a book I was reading this morning* the author was talking with his brother about prayer and God, and says (about his brother), "A life without prayer is something I couldn't imagine. In no small way, I'd been depending on prayer for as long as he'd been avoiding it." When cooking/baking, there are certain things we cannot avoid- like not using yeast to make bread raise. Prayer should be like that- ABSOLUTELY necessary. Not using certain elements of a recipe will completely change the outcome, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. But with God, we need to completely rely on Him through prayers, reading His Word and not straying from the life He's given us.
*Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas and Micah Sparks (a memoir of a three week around the world adventure the two brothers took together)
I'm so thankful for the ability to cook/bake. I really enjoy it- more so in recent years. Otherwise Howie and I would have really boring meals all the time. Instead, I like experimenting with recipes (I thank my dad for that because he would do that when I was little sometimes) and trying new things. I'll try things just for the sake of trying a new recipe, especially foods that normally come already prepared (bagels, granola bars, tortillas). But I'm thankful for the people over the years who have taught me how to cook/bake, and who have shown me how much fun it can be. I love that I can use the ability I have to cook/bake to show my husband that I care for him. I enjoy using those skills to make fun, random things to take into work (we cook for lunches during staff meetings sometimes).
Following a recipe is much like following God. He gives us direction and guidance through His Word, but we do have the ability to stray away- free will. In a book I was reading this morning* the author was talking with his brother about prayer and God, and says (about his brother), "A life without prayer is something I couldn't imagine. In no small way, I'd been depending on prayer for as long as he'd been avoiding it." When cooking/baking, there are certain things we cannot avoid- like not using yeast to make bread raise. Prayer should be like that- ABSOLUTELY necessary. Not using certain elements of a recipe will completely change the outcome, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. But with God, we need to completely rely on Him through prayers, reading His Word and not straying from the life He's given us.
*Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas and Micah Sparks (a memoir of a three week around the world adventure the two brothers took together)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Pandora.com
Day 10 of 30:
I really enjoy music. Christian worship music is my absolute favorite. Especially Chris Tomlin. Therefore, the Chris Tomlin station on pandora.com simply makes my work days better. I love the constant flow of music for hours on end of just worship. Just people loving the Lord in song. Being able to listen to music that's glorifying God lightens my heart. It reminds me that things could always be worse, but that things are always always always better with the Lord.
I really enjoy music. Christian worship music is my absolute favorite. Especially Chris Tomlin. Therefore, the Chris Tomlin station on pandora.com simply makes my work days better. I love the constant flow of music for hours on end of just worship. Just people loving the Lord in song. Being able to listen to music that's glorifying God lightens my heart. It reminds me that things could always be worse, but that things are always always always better with the Lord.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday School Part 2
Day 9 of 30:
Once again this week I'm thankful for our Sunday school class. This time however, it's not the people I'm more thankful for, it's the lesson we had. Today we talked about righteous anger, what makes God angry, and how we can respond to anger we feel. It was truly fitting. I was feeling sad before church, still just tired and frustrated from events that have happened over the last several weeks at work. I've felt angry at work, over a lot of different things. I don't like those feelings and I don't like how I've let it impact the joy I felt towards my job. So I'm thankful for today's lesson. God used it to help me have better perspective and understand. It opened my eyes a bit more. I'm thankful. I admit, I'm really not looking forward to work tomorrow. Or the coming days/weeks. But I know things will work out and improve. Starting with my attitude.
Once again this week I'm thankful for our Sunday school class. This time however, it's not the people I'm more thankful for, it's the lesson we had. Today we talked about righteous anger, what makes God angry, and how we can respond to anger we feel. It was truly fitting. I was feeling sad before church, still just tired and frustrated from events that have happened over the last several weeks at work. I've felt angry at work, over a lot of different things. I don't like those feelings and I don't like how I've let it impact the joy I felt towards my job. So I'm thankful for today's lesson. God used it to help me have better perspective and understand. It opened my eyes a bit more. I'm thankful. I admit, I'm really not looking forward to work tomorrow. Or the coming days/weeks. But I know things will work out and improve. Starting with my attitude.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saturday Mornings
Day 8 of 30:
I'm so thankful for Saturday mornings when I wake up early (practically an everyday occurence, I'm not one to sleep in- ever) and curl up with a good book. I love diving into other worlds, societies, and learning. I don't care if it's fiction, non-fiction, it doesn't matter. I just love to read. And to make things even better, the newest book by my favorite author has recently been released and it's available for pick up today at the library! I'll likely read the whole thing, in one sitting, in just a few hours. And I'll love every minute of it. I'm thankful for the ability to read. But more importantly, I'm thankful for God's word, a book that never ever gets old, is never out of date or irrelevant. Thank goodness because my life is much better with this special book in it.
I'm so thankful for Saturday mornings when I wake up early (practically an everyday occurence, I'm not one to sleep in- ever) and curl up with a good book. I love diving into other worlds, societies, and learning. I don't care if it's fiction, non-fiction, it doesn't matter. I just love to read. And to make things even better, the newest book by my favorite author has recently been released and it's available for pick up today at the library! I'll likely read the whole thing, in one sitting, in just a few hours. And I'll love every minute of it. I'm thankful for the ability to read. But more importantly, I'm thankful for God's word, a book that never ever gets old, is never out of date or irrelevant. Thank goodness because my life is much better with this special book in it.
Finally, a good day at work
Day 7 of 30:
Today I got to work. I mean, sit at my desk and get things done that were job specific. I didn't spend time mowing, weeding, or cleaning. I got to do case management, catch up on paperwork/filing. I got to do some planning ahead for upcoming client stuff. I found an article about following up with clients once they exit transitional housing. That made it a productive day. A helpful day. A much needed work day that just hasn't happened all week long. I really needed it. So I'm thankful that I had the day. I came in early, left early, and got to spend my extra afternoon time with my husband, so that made it even better.
Today I got to work. I mean, sit at my desk and get things done that were job specific. I didn't spend time mowing, weeding, or cleaning. I got to do case management, catch up on paperwork/filing. I got to do some planning ahead for upcoming client stuff. I found an article about following up with clients once they exit transitional housing. That made it a productive day. A helpful day. A much needed work day that just hasn't happened all week long. I really needed it. So I'm thankful that I had the day. I came in early, left early, and got to spend my extra afternoon time with my husband, so that made it even better.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
An evening with the kids
Day 6 of 30:
Today was a much better day at work. I got to talk with a really good friend online. I worked late tonight which meant I got to spend the morning with my husband. I'm thankful for all of that. But tonight work, during one of our weekly workshops for the clients, it was my turn to be with the kids. Sometimes they get a little crazy and loud, but what kids don't? Tonight's group held 5 kids, ranging from a 1 1/2 year old to 6 years. They were a fun bunch and story time turned out pretty great. We read one of my favorite children's book (Jamaica Louise James) and had some activities with it. They loved the story and the activities that followed. It's unusual that things went over as well as they did- hence the thankfulness. But what made me smile the most, laugh the most, and just be filled with joy, was that as the kids came into the office, they came running, arms wide open, right over to me and gave me hugs- all 5 of them. I love it! This happens quite often, and it's only been in the last few weeks that the youngest kid has started joining the older ones in the run/hug activity. These kids brighten my days and bring me joy. I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to play a role in their life, however long that time ends up being.
Today was a much better day at work. I got to talk with a really good friend online. I worked late tonight which meant I got to spend the morning with my husband. I'm thankful for all of that. But tonight work, during one of our weekly workshops for the clients, it was my turn to be with the kids. Sometimes they get a little crazy and loud, but what kids don't? Tonight's group held 5 kids, ranging from a 1 1/2 year old to 6 years. They were a fun bunch and story time turned out pretty great. We read one of my favorite children's book (Jamaica Louise James) and had some activities with it. They loved the story and the activities that followed. It's unusual that things went over as well as they did- hence the thankfulness. But what made me smile the most, laugh the most, and just be filled with joy, was that as the kids came into the office, they came running, arms wide open, right over to me and gave me hugs- all 5 of them. I love it! This happens quite often, and it's only been in the last few weeks that the youngest kid has started joining the older ones in the run/hug activity. These kids brighten my days and bring me joy. I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to play a role in their life, however long that time ends up being.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lawn Care and the Y (and my Wonderful Husband!)
Day 5 of 30:
Today, I am sooooooooooo thankful for my husband. He used his day off from work to come with me to work at 6:30 am b/c it was my day to mow the grass (we have to upkeep our grass/weeds at work). A co-worker and I were on the schedule to mow today, and Howie came to help us. We got done MUCH quicker than expected because of Howie's help. But I'm also thankful for this particular co-worker too. Let's just say she lives up to her name (Joy) and is an answer to the prayers Howie and I prayed while I was job searching. She's definitely a blessing in a job that at times can be incredibly challenging. Another thing to be thankful for? When you do lawn care you get to leave early...so I got to spend the whole day with my husband. I loved it!
While this isn't something I'm thankful for (yet...I'm really working on finding the good) it's been a very hard week at work. Today was a nice break from being in the office doing my normal stuff. But because of the recent stuff at work, I've been feeling more stressed and often exercising at the Y helps me feel better. It's a great time to watch tv (we don't have cable so I at times, will strategically plan my trips to watch my favorite shows) and/or listen to a mix of some of my favorite songs. God definitely has given me the discipline I asked for to stick with the Y. Exercising helps me sleep better, feel better, and it's a great way to get my energy/stress out.
Today even had a "cherry on top" to make it even better- I can log my push-mowing time in my Y stuff which means I got points for mowing at work. Not too bad.
Today, I am sooooooooooo thankful for my husband. He used his day off from work to come with me to work at 6:30 am b/c it was my day to mow the grass (we have to upkeep our grass/weeds at work). A co-worker and I were on the schedule to mow today, and Howie came to help us. We got done MUCH quicker than expected because of Howie's help. But I'm also thankful for this particular co-worker too. Let's just say she lives up to her name (Joy) and is an answer to the prayers Howie and I prayed while I was job searching. She's definitely a blessing in a job that at times can be incredibly challenging. Another thing to be thankful for? When you do lawn care you get to leave early...so I got to spend the whole day with my husband. I loved it!
While this isn't something I'm thankful for (yet...I'm really working on finding the good) it's been a very hard week at work. Today was a nice break from being in the office doing my normal stuff. But because of the recent stuff at work, I've been feeling more stressed and often exercising at the Y helps me feel better. It's a great time to watch tv (we don't have cable so I at times, will strategically plan my trips to watch my favorite shows) and/or listen to a mix of some of my favorite songs. God definitely has given me the discipline I asked for to stick with the Y. Exercising helps me sleep better, feel better, and it's a great way to get my energy/stress out.
Today even had a "cherry on top" to make it even better- I can log my push-mowing time in my Y stuff which means I got points for mowing at work. Not too bad.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My Husband
Day 4 of 30:
I'm just so thankful, everyday for the husband God gave me. Today (and the last several days) have been hard at work. More emotionally draining than anything else. Being in the social work field does not equate to easy, non-challenging jobs. So it's nice to be able to call Howie during the day or to know he'll be with me at home after work to listen and hold me if I'm upset or sad. I'm thankful that Howie loves the Lord and that He loves me. Even when I don't deserve it. I'm also just thankful that today is over. Tomorrow will hopefully be better at work.
I'm just so thankful, everyday for the husband God gave me. Today (and the last several days) have been hard at work. More emotionally draining than anything else. Being in the social work field does not equate to easy, non-challenging jobs. So it's nice to be able to call Howie during the day or to know he'll be with me at home after work to listen and hold me if I'm upset or sad. I'm thankful that Howie loves the Lord and that He loves me. Even when I don't deserve it. I'm also just thankful that today is over. Tomorrow will hopefully be better at work.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Responsibility
Day 3 of 30:
I don't think I've ever said that I'm thankful for responsibility. But I am. I'm thankful for acts of responsibility, people that teach others to be responsible, and for people who choose to act responsibly. I'm thankful that I had parents who taught me how to act responsibly, and for God's word which explains many ways in which we are to act responsibly.
I don't think I've ever said that I'm thankful for responsibility. But I am. I'm thankful for acts of responsibility, people that teach others to be responsible, and for people who choose to act responsibly. I'm thankful that I had parents who taught me how to act responsibly, and for God's word which explains many ways in which we are to act responsibly.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday School
Day 2 of 30:
I'm very thankful for the Sunday School class Howie and I have been going to for over a year now. It took us a long time to find a class at church with people that we fit in with. It took us a long time to find a group of people who get excited about studying God's word, were sincere in praying for each other, were sincere in their encouragement, and who welcomed us. Not that other classes we went to did not have these things, but this was the group in which we felt most comfortable- this is the group that welcomes us in such a way that we don't mind sharing what's on our hearts/minds. This is a group that I think God for leading us to.
I'm very thankful for the Sunday School class Howie and I have been going to for over a year now. It took us a long time to find a class at church with people that we fit in with. It took us a long time to find a group of people who get excited about studying God's word, were sincere in praying for each other, were sincere in their encouragement, and who welcomed us. Not that other classes we went to did not have these things, but this was the group in which we felt most comfortable- this is the group that welcomes us in such a way that we don't mind sharing what's on our hearts/minds. This is a group that I think God for leading us to.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Start of Something New
Someone I know from college is using her blog to daily account for what she's grateful for. I read it quite often and feel challenged to do the same thing. I'd like to use the next 30 days to be more purposeful in my thankfulness and gratefulness for all the things that God does in my life and for those in my life every day. It's so easy to get caught up in what's bad or hard instead of being thankful for what is good.
So here we go!
Day 1 of 30:
Today I'm thankful for "fun mail" and the people who send the mail. Yesterday for example, we got Netflix in the mail. That's always good. I'm thankful for the entertainment we get through Netflix. We got the reimbursement check for my eye exam (my insurance, at least for vision care, does reimbursements only). I'm thankful that this process didn't take as long as I thought it would. But mostly I'm thankful for the two cards I got in the mail.
One is from my good friend who's living in Africa. Not only did it have a cool-looking triangular stamp, but it was just a sweet note from a friend I rarely see. She even wrote "I miss you" for me in Arabic. I'm just so thankful for my friend and her love of God. She inspires me in my own walk with God and I'm thankful for the way God has used her in my life in the 8 years we've known each other.
The other card I got was from another good friend who came to visit Howie and I last weekend. It was a simple, but very sweet thank you note. We had a wonderful time having her visit and it meant a lot to me that she'd take time out of her day to express her appreciation. What makes last week's visit so special is that despite having known this friend for 10 years, we've never spent more than an hour or so at a time hanging out. Three days was such a treat with this God-loving friend of mine.
I'm just thankful to have friends like these in my life. I'm thankful that my husband has now had opportunities to get to know both of them, and they get to know him.
So here we go!
Day 1 of 30:
Today I'm thankful for "fun mail" and the people who send the mail. Yesterday for example, we got Netflix in the mail. That's always good. I'm thankful for the entertainment we get through Netflix. We got the reimbursement check for my eye exam (my insurance, at least for vision care, does reimbursements only). I'm thankful that this process didn't take as long as I thought it would. But mostly I'm thankful for the two cards I got in the mail.
One is from my good friend who's living in Africa. Not only did it have a cool-looking triangular stamp, but it was just a sweet note from a friend I rarely see. She even wrote "I miss you" for me in Arabic. I'm just so thankful for my friend and her love of God. She inspires me in my own walk with God and I'm thankful for the way God has used her in my life in the 8 years we've known each other.
The other card I got was from another good friend who came to visit Howie and I last weekend. It was a simple, but very sweet thank you note. We had a wonderful time having her visit and it meant a lot to me that she'd take time out of her day to express her appreciation. What makes last week's visit so special is that despite having known this friend for 10 years, we've never spent more than an hour or so at a time hanging out. Three days was such a treat with this God-loving friend of mine.
I'm just thankful to have friends like these in my life. I'm thankful that my husband has now had opportunities to get to know both of them, and they get to know him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
