Today I am thankful for the end of a royal weekend.
I wasn't into the royal wedding at all, but I feel as though the media has forced me to absorb every minute of it. I woke up Friday morning right as the wedding was ending, so I watched the last few minutes of that up until the balcony kisses because big expensive ceremonies like that do fascinate me. That was more than enough for me, though, and I am quite ready to turn on the television or open up Yahoo news without seeing anything about William & Kate. Congrats & Best Wishes to them, but it's time to go back to real life. As real as royal can get. :-)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Best Burger in Town
Today I am thankful for the best burger in town.
Red Robin.
A1 Peppercorn Burger.
No Tomato.
French Fries.
Campfire Sauce.
The End.
Red Robin.
A1 Peppercorn Burger.
No Tomato.
French Fries.
Campfire Sauce.
The End.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Today I am thankful for chocolate-covered strawberries.
They're one of my favorite things in the world, and a rare treat. We had dinner at my parents' house, and my mom had prepared some strawberries earlier in the afternoon. So yummy! Ryan said I ate them unpolitely (aka without taking tiny bites), but it's hard to do with something that good!
They're one of my favorite things in the world, and a rare treat. We had dinner at my parents' house, and my mom had prepared some strawberries earlier in the afternoon. So yummy! Ryan said I ate them unpolitely (aka without taking tiny bites), but it's hard to do with something that good!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Processes
Today I am thankful for processes.
We spent a lot of time today working through some issues that have been created over the past year at work because we didn't have a process. It made it very clear why having a defined process is essential, as well as made me quite grateful to know that next year we won't have this problem!
On tap for tomorrow? Creating another new process.
We spent a lot of time today working through some issues that have been created over the past year at work because we didn't have a process. It made it very clear why having a defined process is essential, as well as made me quite grateful to know that next year we won't have this problem!
On tap for tomorrow? Creating another new process.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunshine
Today I am thankful for sunshine.
It was brief. Very brief. But at this point, even a break of green/red/yellow/orange mix on the radar is like seeing the sun come out. More rain to come still, but for a moment, it stopped.
It was brief. Very brief. But at this point, even a break of green/red/yellow/orange mix on the radar is like seeing the sun come out. More rain to come still, but for a moment, it stopped.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Lot of Things
Today I am thankful for a lot of things!
While driving home on flooded roads with rain pouring down over me, I decided to use the time to thank God for everything that came to mind rather than working my nerves up over the circumstances. Here's the list as I remember it:
Thank you that this road isn't flooded.
Thank you that I have a job that will let me leave early.
Thank you that Ryan found his way home.
Thank you that the car behind me is okay that I am driving 40mph in a 70mph zone.
Thank you that my windshield wipers are working.
Thank you that is isn't raining as hard as it was earlier.
Thank you that this off-ramp isn't flooded yet.
Thank you that I live in an elevated area.
Thank you that our apartment is on the second floor.
Thank you that my family is safe.
Thank you that I'm almost home.
So about this time, I've reached a place where it looks like I'll make it home without any problems. So, I turned on the radio and heard this:
...it had suddenly become a really awesome worship experience!
While driving home on flooded roads with rain pouring down over me, I decided to use the time to thank God for everything that came to mind rather than working my nerves up over the circumstances. Here's the list as I remember it:
Thank you that this road isn't flooded.
Thank you that I have a job that will let me leave early.
Thank you that Ryan found his way home.
Thank you that the car behind me is okay that I am driving 40mph in a 70mph zone.
Thank you that my windshield wipers are working.
Thank you that is isn't raining as hard as it was earlier.
Thank you that this off-ramp isn't flooded yet.
Thank you that I live in an elevated area.
Thank you that our apartment is on the second floor.
Thank you that my family is safe.
Thank you that I'm almost home.
So about this time, I've reached a place where it looks like I'll make it home without any problems. So, I turned on the radio and heard this:
...it had suddenly become a really awesome worship experience!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A Risen Savior!
Today I am thankful for a risen Savior!
Death could not hold Him. The grave could not keep Him from rising again.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
How do I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!
Death could not hold Him. The grave could not keep Him from rising again.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
How do I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Productivity
Today I am thankful for productivity.
This might not seem productive to some, but to me, it was a big accomplishment. I've been working on a cross-stitch project for several years (no exaggeration there), and am so determined to get it finished in the very near future. I was able to sit at my parents' house and work on it for a few hours today while hanging out with the family, and I reached a "goal point" on the project that I had been working towards for a week or two. Other things would probably be more important to some people, but on a slow rainy day with nothing else to do, it was good to feel productive in my own simple way.
This might not seem productive to some, but to me, it was a big accomplishment. I've been working on a cross-stitch project for several years (no exaggeration there), and am so determined to get it finished in the very near future. I was able to sit at my parents' house and work on it for a few hours today while hanging out with the family, and I reached a "goal point" on the project that I had been working towards for a week or two. Other things would probably be more important to some people, but on a slow rainy day with nothing else to do, it was good to feel productive in my own simple way.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Blood
Today I am thankful for blood.
Not just any blood, though. The blood of Jesus. It's Good Friday, and I couldn't help but think throughout the day about what Jesus was going through so many years ago. He was pierced; His hands and feet had nails in them; He had thorns on His head. He was bleeding. For me.
Thank you, Jesus.
Not just any blood, though. The blood of Jesus. It's Good Friday, and I couldn't help but think throughout the day about what Jesus was going through so many years ago. He was pierced; His hands and feet had nails in them; He had thorns on His head. He was bleeding. For me.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Bagel
Today I am thankful for a bagel.
Last night ended with a bit of difficulty in the life of the Martins, and even though all was forgiven when we went to bed, we both woke up feeling a bit sad this morning at the way we had acted. That said, we both wanted to let each other know how real our love still is, and my husband showed that to me in the form of a surprise bagel being delivered (by him!) at work. Such a simple thing does so much.
Last night ended with a bit of difficulty in the life of the Martins, and even though all was forgiven when we went to bed, we both woke up feeling a bit sad this morning at the way we had acted. That said, we both wanted to let each other know how real our love still is, and my husband showed that to me in the form of a surprise bagel being delivered (by him!) at work. Such a simple thing does so much.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Raise
Today I am thankful for a raise.
It was relatively unexpected, but such a huge blessing. It's nice to be valued, and when money comes with it, it's extra special!
It was relatively unexpected, but such a huge blessing. It's nice to be valued, and when money comes with it, it's extra special!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Quarter-Sized Hail
Today I am thankful for quarter-sized hail.
I don't think I've ever seen hail as big as I did today at our apartment, but at least it wasn't as big as a lot of people saw. There were some areas of Fayetteville that had hail the size of baseballs, but ours was limited to quarters. Did I mention I'm thankful for a strong roof as well?!
I don't think I've ever seen hail as big as I did today at our apartment, but at least it wasn't as big as a lot of people saw. There were some areas of Fayetteville that had hail the size of baseballs, but ours was limited to quarters. Did I mention I'm thankful for a strong roof as well?!
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Corsage
Today I am thankful for a corsage.
I accompanied some vocalists at a Pastor/Deacon Appreciation dinner in Springdale tonight, and one of the hostesses brought me a corsage. I haven't had one of those in years, and for some reason loved having fresh flowers that matched my dress perfectly pinned to my shoulder. I put it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for as long as possible, and I'm not really sure why. Once it dries up, I'm sure I'll just throw it away, but I guess it's just one of those girl things. ;-)
I accompanied some vocalists at a Pastor/Deacon Appreciation dinner in Springdale tonight, and one of the hostesses brought me a corsage. I haven't had one of those in years, and for some reason loved having fresh flowers that matched my dress perfectly pinned to my shoulder. I put it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for as long as possible, and I'm not really sure why. Once it dries up, I'm sure I'll just throw it away, but I guess it's just one of those girl things. ;-)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Gospel-Centered Worship
Today I am thankful for Gospel-Centered Worship.
Some Sundays, the music is just really good at church. Today was one of those Sundays. We sang so many songs about the cross and the Lamb and our Redeemer. At one point, the lights dimmed so that only that cross was illuminated. It was powerful and completely Gospel-centered. And I loved it.
Some Sundays, the music is just really good at church. Today was one of those Sundays. We sang so many songs about the cross and the Lamb and our Redeemer. At one point, the lights dimmed so that only that cross was illuminated. It was powerful and completely Gospel-centered. And I loved it.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A Good Laugh
Today I am thankful for a good laugh.
I used to laugh all of the time with Ryan, but lately, our lives have been so busy and stressful, we've had a hard time finding things to laugh at (other than ourselves). Today was one of those days where one of us would say something the other didn't expect, and we'd just laugh together. It happened several times, and it was so refreshing. I'm learning how to make him laugh...and he's known how to make me laugh for a long time. I love my husband. :-)
I used to laugh all of the time with Ryan, but lately, our lives have been so busy and stressful, we've had a hard time finding things to laugh at (other than ourselves). Today was one of those days where one of us would say something the other didn't expect, and we'd just laugh together. It happened several times, and it was so refreshing. I'm learning how to make him laugh...and he's known how to make me laugh for a long time. I love my husband. :-)
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Baking Lesson
Today I am thankful for a baking lesson.
I made chocolate chip cookies with Aaron tonight, and I really did let him help me. I talked him through the whole thing, and while I doubt he'll remember any part of the lesson, it made the process much more fun, albeit much slower as well. It was especially fun to give him a warm cookie at the end and tell him he made it!
I made chocolate chip cookies with Aaron tonight, and I really did let him help me. I talked him through the whole thing, and while I doubt he'll remember any part of the lesson, it made the process much more fun, albeit much slower as well. It was especially fun to give him a warm cookie at the end and tell him he made it!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Friends to Weather the Storm With
Today I am thankful for friends to weather the storm with.
Around here, we hate storms. With a husband who has endured two tornadoes flying over his head, it's not something we take lightly. They were predicting very strong weather tonight, and normally that means we stay on the couch watching weather reports closely, but tonight we already had other plans. We spent the evening with Trey & Kristen, and they made it so much easier to watch storm watches pop up on the screen. We laughed until the worst seemed to be past, and for that, I am so grateful.
Around here, we hate storms. With a husband who has endured two tornadoes flying over his head, it's not something we take lightly. They were predicting very strong weather tonight, and normally that means we stay on the couch watching weather reports closely, but tonight we already had other plans. We spent the evening with Trey & Kristen, and they made it so much easier to watch storm watches pop up on the screen. We laughed until the worst seemed to be past, and for that, I am so grateful.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
New Blogs
Today I am thankful for new blogs.
I figured out how to work Dashboard today, and thus went on a hunt for new blogs to follow. It was fun to connect the dots from blog to blog as I found friends who were following friends who were following friends. In the mix were some family stories, photography, news articles and even a bit of Biblical theology for women. Now I'm sure to have some reading material every now and then, and that's a fun thing to appreciate.
I figured out how to work Dashboard today, and thus went on a hunt for new blogs to follow. It was fun to connect the dots from blog to blog as I found friends who were following friends who were following friends. In the mix were some family stories, photography, news articles and even a bit of Biblical theology for women. Now I'm sure to have some reading material every now and then, and that's a fun thing to appreciate.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A Walk
Today I am thankful for a walk.
We were babysitting Aaron tonight, and since it was so nice outside, we decided to take a walk after dinner. All three of us, with Aaron in the stroller, walked down to the pond and marveled at the fountain and the ducks, then we looked at the swimming pool in amazement, then we walked around the neighborhood and back to the apartment, where we stood in awe of every car that drove by and said hello to every runner/walker that entered our view. Okay, so maybe those things were more Aaron than Ryan and me, but it was still fun. I'm so looking forward to the day when we can do that with our own children!
We were babysitting Aaron tonight, and since it was so nice outside, we decided to take a walk after dinner. All three of us, with Aaron in the stroller, walked down to the pond and marveled at the fountain and the ducks, then we looked at the swimming pool in amazement, then we walked around the neighborhood and back to the apartment, where we stood in awe of every car that drove by and said hello to every runner/walker that entered our view. Okay, so maybe those things were more Aaron than Ryan and me, but it was still fun. I'm so looking forward to the day when we can do that with our own children!
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Frozen Yogurt Twist
Today I am thankful for a frozen yogurt twist.
I told Ryan last night (via Twitter & Facebook) that growing up, whenever the Hogs swept a weekend series, we would all get ice cream. Following the first sweep of the season, and a big one at that, I felt like I needed to enjoy that tradition. For a few reasons, it didn't happen yesterday, but after his meeting at the church tonight, Ryan showed up with a small cup of frozen yogurt twist for me. I'm already looking forward to the next weekend sweep.
I told Ryan last night (via Twitter & Facebook) that growing up, whenever the Hogs swept a weekend series, we would all get ice cream. Following the first sweep of the season, and a big one at that, I felt like I needed to enjoy that tradition. For a few reasons, it didn't happen yesterday, but after his meeting at the church tonight, Ryan showed up with a small cup of frozen yogurt twist for me. I'm already looking forward to the next weekend sweep.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Product Warning Labels
Today I am thankful for product warning labels.
I refuse to go into the details of what I used incorrectly and how I used it incorrectly, but let's just say from now on I will be happy to read the warning labels on products that I use. Neglecting to appreciate those can be...well, uncomfortable.
I refuse to go into the details of what I used incorrectly and how I used it incorrectly, but let's just say from now on I will be happy to read the warning labels on products that I use. Neglecting to appreciate those can be...well, uncomfortable.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Stitches
Today I am thankful for stitches.
Cross-stitches. The other kind is much hard to appreciate. I've been working on the same cross-stitch project for a few years, and have decided recently to make sure I finish it soon. I had quite a bit of time today to work on it, so I made some good progress. Hopefully, there will soon be a "thankful for..." post about a completed project!
Cross-stitches. The other kind is much hard to appreciate. I've been working on the same cross-stitch project for a few years, and have decided recently to make sure I finish it soon. I had quite a bit of time today to work on it, so I made some good progress. Hopefully, there will soon be a "thankful for..." post about a completed project!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Rick's and Razorbacks
Today I am thankful for Rick's and Razorbacks.
We started the day with a couple of brothers and seven different Rick's Bakery donuts. Yum! I'm not so thankful for the calories that were included, but since we skipped lunch, it was worth it. :-)
We ended the day with a Razorback win against LSU on a beautiful night at Baum Stadium. Good beginning and ending to a wonderful spring day.
We started the day with a couple of brothers and seven different Rick's Bakery donuts. Yum! I'm not so thankful for the calories that were included, but since we skipped lunch, it was worth it. :-)
We ended the day with a Razorback win against LSU on a beautiful night at Baum Stadium. Good beginning and ending to a wonderful spring day.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Mostaccioli
Today I am thankful for mostaccioli.
I felt like trying out a new recipe tonight after a few weeks of eating out or having boxed/bagged dinners for several busy weeks. We had a couple of my brothers over, so I tried out a new recipe from another blog. Mostaccioli is most delicious, and so easy to make. I'm looking forward to leftovers!
I felt like trying out a new recipe tonight after a few weeks of eating out or having boxed/bagged dinners for several busy weeks. We had a couple of my brothers over, so I tried out a new recipe from another blog. Mostaccioli is most delicious, and so easy to make. I'm looking forward to leftovers!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Five Months
Today I am thankful for five months.
Ryan and I celebrated our five-month anniversary today. Well, celebrated in the sense that we mentioned it to each other. Wednesdays are the busiest days in our lives, most of the time. It's been a good five months, filled with everything marriage should be filled with: love, laughter, heartache, tears, sanctification, growth, joy, provision, protection, etc... For each and every one, I am thankful.
Ryan and I celebrated our five-month anniversary today. Well, celebrated in the sense that we mentioned it to each other. Wednesdays are the busiest days in our lives, most of the time. It's been a good five months, filled with everything marriage should be filled with: love, laughter, heartache, tears, sanctification, growth, joy, provision, protection, etc... For each and every one, I am thankful.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Another Brother
Today I am thankful for another brother.
I had a Facebook notification on my phone today that ended up being a scary status from my mom. Aaron had fallen 5-6 feet off some playground equipment and face-planted on the ground. They took him to the Emergency Room, but ended up leaving without seeing a doctor because he perked up so much. Although it would've been nice to hear something like that in a form other than a Facebook text message, I was grateful for the phone call to tell me my little brother was fine.
I had a Facebook notification on my phone today that ended up being a scary status from my mom. Aaron had fallen 5-6 feet off some playground equipment and face-planted on the ground. They took him to the Emergency Room, but ended up leaving without seeing a doctor because he perked up so much. Although it would've been nice to hear something like that in a form other than a Facebook text message, I was grateful for the phone call to tell me my little brother was fine.
Monday, April 4, 2011
My Brother
Today I am thankful for my brother.
Benjamin turns 18 today and is the fifth of ten Burns children to reach the age of adulthood. A congratulations to my parents - "You're halfway there! Go for it!" Since this is his post, though, I'll finish with a congratulations to my brother - "Happy Birthday, Ben! I love you!"
Benjamin turns 18 today and is the fifth of ten Burns children to reach the age of adulthood. A congratulations to my parents - "You're halfway there! Go for it!" Since this is his post, though, I'll finish with a congratulations to my brother - "Happy Birthday, Ben! I love you!"
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Radical People
Today I am thankful for radical people.
We kicked off the big Radical Experiment at UBC this morning, and as I was standing in the lobby to direct people to the Experiment resources, I noticed two different groups. One group obviously scooted out the door as quickly as possible and avoided eye contact with anyone who was representing the Experiment. The other group walked out of the sanctuary with their commitment cards signed, and headed straight for the resource tables to find out what exactly they had signed up for. I'm grateful for every person in my church family, but today, I found myself especially grateful for those who are willing to live radically for Christ.
We kicked off the big Radical Experiment at UBC this morning, and as I was standing in the lobby to direct people to the Experiment resources, I noticed two different groups. One group obviously scooted out the door as quickly as possible and avoided eye contact with anyone who was representing the Experiment. The other group walked out of the sanctuary with their commitment cards signed, and headed straight for the resource tables to find out what exactly they had signed up for. I'm grateful for every person in my church family, but today, I found myself especially grateful for those who are willing to live radically for Christ.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
My Chacos
Today I am thankful for my chacos.
Ryan got them for me for Christmas, and I wasn't sure I would like them, but I do. Today was the perfect weather to wear them, which is another great thing for which I am thankful! Come on, spring!
Ryan got them for me for Christmas, and I wasn't sure I would like them, but I do. Today was the perfect weather to wear them, which is another great thing for which I am thankful! Come on, spring!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sanctification
Today I am thankful for sanctification.
It's been one of those days when I feel like I'm having to seek forgiveness of my husband every hour or two. For some reason, we've both been on edge and that, sadly, leads to disagreement a lot of the time. I'm grateful, though, that we made vows to each other almost five months ago that we are committed to keeping. Whenever anyone asks how married life is going, our answer has now become "sanctifying." I'm grateful for that.
It's been one of those days when I feel like I'm having to seek forgiveness of my husband every hour or two. For some reason, we've both been on edge and that, sadly, leads to disagreement a lot of the time. I'm grateful, though, that we made vows to each other almost five months ago that we are committed to keeping. Whenever anyone asks how married life is going, our answer has now become "sanctifying." I'm grateful for that.
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