On Tuesday, I was thankful for a win either way. There's one day a year when Kentucky plays Arkansas in basketball. Since I graduated from the University of Arkansas twice and grew up a Hog fan, I have to cheer for my team. My husband, though, has been a die-hard Wildcat fan since birth, and he has no choice in who he roots for either. That means we are on opposite sides of the couch for this one. Somehow, for me though, because I have converted to a UK fan the other 364 days of the year, I wasn't disappointed when my Hogs lost. For me, it felt like a win either way. That's love, my friends. True love.
On Wednesday, I was thankful for an early bedtime. We didn't have any choir or band practice, so we got an unusual early night at home. We had plans to watch a few episodes of one of our favorite TV shows on DVD, but somehow that turned into falling asleep before we could even get it started. We woke up only to get dressed for bed and go back to sleep. I couldn't do that every night, but every now and then is wonderful.
On Thursday, I was thankful for easy cooking. I've mentioned before how much Ryan likes poppyseed chicken. We hadn't had it for a while, so I threw it together on Thursday night after work. I love knowing that something so simple is going to be loved and eaten and enjoyed. He even had seconds, which is hard to get my health-conscious man to do. I never imagined how much I would love something simple like that as a wife.
On Friday, I was thankful for productivity. Neither of us woke up with big plans to accomplish a lot, but somehow we ended up doing just that. Nothing extremely important, but we finished a few things that we've been 'thinking' about doing for a while. We still felt like we rested on our day off, but I think the rest felt even sweeter knowing that some of those tasks were now behind us.
Today, I am thankful for a new job. Just to clarify, I still have my old job and I love it, but this is just another 2-3 hours each week. I have been praying off and on for some small ways to supplement our income as we continue to pray about adding to our family. I was given an opportunity that was confirmed this morning that is a wonderful one of those small supplements. It's something that I love doing, and it's for a growing ministry that has been praying for someone who would do this work in a Christ-exalting way. I'm so blessed to be a part.
It's been a good week!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
A Game of Spades, A Pure Husband, An Organized Grocery Run & Mexican Food
On Friday, I was thankful for a game of spades. It might as well have been Saturday's thankful, too, because the game lasted until almost midnight. It has been so nice to develop a 'couple friendship.' We absolutely loved our evening with friends full of belly laughs and good Baptist card-playin'.
On Saturday, I was thankful for a pure husband. I'll admit, we watched a bit of the Miss America pageant and happened to turn it on right as the swimsuits were on full display. My husband's attention was not automatically directed towards it, and he didn't find it thrilling to watch, even though I look nothing like those beautiful women did in their swimsuits.
On Sunday, I was thankful for an organized grocery run. I hate going to the store, especially on a busy day by myself. Ryan had a meeting after church, though, which provided an opportune time for me to run the errand. I have a system now, though, thanks to a handful of iPhone apps, that let me plan my menu and my shopping trip in just a few minutes. Then, to top it all off, gave me my list in order of my walk around the store, which makes it so much easier. Might I have actually enjoyed grocery shopping? Oh dear...
And today, I am thankful for Mexican food. Oh, how I have missed thee, wonderful cheese sauce! I was feeling brave and hungry last night, so we ordered take-out from one of our favorites down the street. They gave me beef instead of chicken, but it still tasted wonderful. I'm having leftovers as we speak, and it's even more wonderful. If I'm not careful, that whole 'new size' post from last week is going to be deleted! :-)
On Saturday, I was thankful for a pure husband. I'll admit, we watched a bit of the Miss America pageant and happened to turn it on right as the swimsuits were on full display. My husband's attention was not automatically directed towards it, and he didn't find it thrilling to watch, even though I look nothing like those beautiful women did in their swimsuits.
On Sunday, I was thankful for an organized grocery run. I hate going to the store, especially on a busy day by myself. Ryan had a meeting after church, though, which provided an opportune time for me to run the errand. I have a system now, though, thanks to a handful of iPhone apps, that let me plan my menu and my shopping trip in just a few minutes. Then, to top it all off, gave me my list in order of my walk around the store, which makes it so much easier. Might I have actually enjoyed grocery shopping? Oh dear...
And today, I am thankful for Mexican food. Oh, how I have missed thee, wonderful cheese sauce! I was feeling brave and hungry last night, so we ordered take-out from one of our favorites down the street. They gave me beef instead of chicken, but it still tasted wonderful. I'm having leftovers as we speak, and it's even more wonderful. If I'm not careful, that whole 'new size' post from last week is going to be deleted! :-)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A New Size
Today I am thankful for a new size.
I feel bad even writing this because it sounds like I suddenly gained incredible self control, but that is so very far from the truth. Regular readers will know that I've crazy health issues since July, and that's led to the most weight loss I've had since my senior year of high school (which I promptly gained back during college). I didn't do anything myself to make it happen. That just happens when you can't eat more than baked potatoes for 6 months. My dad kindly informed me this week that I've now lost more than my two-year-old brother weighs. Crazy! Anyway, I wasn't very excited at first (because I do enjoy eating), but I've now embraced it. Today I put on a pair of pants a size smaller from normal. And they fit. That'll make a girl smile. :-)
I feel bad even writing this because it sounds like I suddenly gained incredible self control, but that is so very far from the truth. Regular readers will know that I've crazy health issues since July, and that's led to the most weight loss I've had since my senior year of high school (which I promptly gained back during college). I didn't do anything myself to make it happen. That just happens when you can't eat more than baked potatoes for 6 months. My dad kindly informed me this week that I've now lost more than my two-year-old brother weighs. Crazy! Anyway, I wasn't very excited at first (because I do enjoy eating), but I've now embraced it. Today I put on a pair of pants a size smaller from normal. And they fit. That'll make a girl smile. :-)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Choir Practice & the Whispers of a Child
Today I am thankful for choir practice.
I'm beginning to think I need to update this blog during the day, rather than waiting until right before I go to bed. My success rate with the latter isn't going so well. :-)
With that said, I haven't been to choir practice yet, but we're starting back tonight after a break for Christmas. I've enjoyed having my Wednesday nights at home, but I do really enjoy a good mid-week sing.
As far as yesterday goes, I'm thankful for the whispers of a child. Aaron came over last night while we were watching a movie, and I guess he thinks that means he can't speak. He whispered every single word while he was there...until a very energetic "Bye!" as soon as he stepped out of the door. I love that kid so much. He is just too cute for words...even whispered words.
I'm beginning to think I need to update this blog during the day, rather than waiting until right before I go to bed. My success rate with the latter isn't going so well. :-)
With that said, I haven't been to choir practice yet, but we're starting back tonight after a break for Christmas. I've enjoyed having my Wednesday nights at home, but I do really enjoy a good mid-week sing.
As far as yesterday goes, I'm thankful for the whispers of a child. Aaron came over last night while we were watching a movie, and I guess he thinks that means he can't speak. He whispered every single word while he was there...until a very energetic "Bye!" as soon as he stepped out of the door. I love that kid so much. He is just too cute for words...even whispered words.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Giving Gifts, A Hog Win, Sweet Beth & New Faces at LifeGroup
Today I am thankful for giving gifts.
Ryan's birthday is in 20 days and I have been agonizing over what to get him. I've been planning for months to buy him a grill, but this week I started wondering if that would seem too selfish of me (since I would ask him to grill for me often!). I got to the point where the decision was really weighing on me today, and I wanted to throw in the towel and forget birthday gifts all together.
But then I had a better idea (and told him about the grill idea, which he said he would have loved...bummer), and decided to change my attitude. It is a blessing to be able to give gifts at all. Not everyone has that privilege and would love to be able to do it, rather financially or just to have someone to give a gift to. It's a gift in itself to be able to give; therefore, I am grateful.
Oh, and to make up for my three missed days of thankfulness... (my need for sleep gets the better of me)
On January 6, I was thankful for a Hog Win! And...for 20 of my friends and family to celebrate the victory with me.
On January 7, I was thankful for sweet Beth. We enjoyed a meal that a dear friend made for me the week of my surgery. I had frozen it at the time because the holidays (and the family involved) provided food for Ryan. It was a wonderful treat to have almost three weeks later.
On January 8, I was thankful for new faces at LifeGroup. We had gotten down to, at times, only 3 guests in our home for LifeGroup. While that was still special and a great time of fellowship, it was fun to have a "fuller" house last night with new friends and faces.
Ryan's birthday is in 20 days and I have been agonizing over what to get him. I've been planning for months to buy him a grill, but this week I started wondering if that would seem too selfish of me (since I would ask him to grill for me often!). I got to the point where the decision was really weighing on me today, and I wanted to throw in the towel and forget birthday gifts all together.
But then I had a better idea (and told him about the grill idea, which he said he would have loved...bummer), and decided to change my attitude. It is a blessing to be able to give gifts at all. Not everyone has that privilege and would love to be able to do it, rather financially or just to have someone to give a gift to. It's a gift in itself to be able to give; therefore, I am grateful.
Oh, and to make up for my three missed days of thankfulness... (my need for sleep gets the better of me)
On January 6, I was thankful for a Hog Win! And...for 20 of my friends and family to celebrate the victory with me.
On January 7, I was thankful for sweet Beth. We enjoyed a meal that a dear friend made for me the week of my surgery. I had frozen it at the time because the holidays (and the family involved) provided food for Ryan. It was a wonderful treat to have almost three weeks later.
On January 8, I was thankful for new faces at LifeGroup. We had gotten down to, at times, only 3 guests in our home for LifeGroup. While that was still special and a great time of fellowship, it was fun to have a "fuller" house last night with new friends and faces.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Donors
Today I am thankful for donors.
Lightbearers donors. I've been working on the 2011 giving statements today, and I can't help but be grateful. Since we are a non-profit, my salary comes straight from general fund donations. I love how there are some people who faithfully gave even $10 a month, and others who wrote a single check for a few thousand. God uses people from all different walks of life (and income stages) to further His kingdom and His eternal glory. It's a fun time of the year to reflect on that.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Skype
Today I am thankful for Skype.
Every now and then, we get a chance to talk to some dear friends of ours on Skype. Tonight was one of those nights. Even with the weird and almost creepy sounds coming through during the whole conservation, Skype is still a pretty amazing thing that connects those who would otherwise probably be miles apart. Thanks, smart people, for your inventions. They are appreciated.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Met Deductible
Today I am thankful for a met deductible.
We got the insurance bill today for my surgery. Let me just say, thank you, Lord, for letting the surgery happen in 2011 after my deductible was met. It would have been difficult otherwise. Hopefully 2012 won't even have to worry about any of that!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Puzzles
Today I am thankful for puzzles.
It seems silly. A lot of my "thankfuls" seem silly to me, but I'm learning that we're meant to be thankful for the silly things, too. They bring us joy, and I'm thankful for joy.
I bought Ryan a puzzle of San Diego for Christmas. It was perhaps a selfish purchase because I love spending time on projects with my husband, but he really did enjoy it. Plus, it came in this really cute carrying case that looks like a travel trunk. He likes to travel. :-) We had a hard time not wishing we were in San Diego on our honeymoon again, but we loved the time spent together with the sounds of football in the background and a smile or laugh every now and then when we grabbed for the same piece. It was the perfect way to spend the last few hours of our Christmas/New Years break.
It seems silly. A lot of my "thankfuls" seem silly to me, but I'm learning that we're meant to be thankful for the silly things, too. They bring us joy, and I'm thankful for joy.
I bought Ryan a puzzle of San Diego for Christmas. It was perhaps a selfish purchase because I love spending time on projects with my husband, but he really did enjoy it. Plus, it came in this really cute carrying case that looks like a travel trunk. He likes to travel. :-) We had a hard time not wishing we were in San Diego on our honeymoon again, but we loved the time spent together with the sounds of football in the background and a smile or laugh every now and then when we grabbed for the same piece. It was the perfect way to spend the last few hours of our Christmas/New Years break.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
People Who Sing
Today I am that thankful for people who sing.
I know I'm a music person, but one thing that really bugs me is when people don't sing in church. It's so disheartening to stand in the choir and look out at so many people with their arms folded or hands in their pockets, mouths closed, and a sour scowl on their face. The Lord doesn't care what you sound like. He gave each of us a particular voice after all. He cares about our hearts and commands us many times in Scripture to sing a joyful noise in praise to Him. That joyful noise comes from our hearts, not from our perfect pitch. Anyway, enough of my soapbox. Today was a special day that surprised me at church. We sang 'Blesses Be Your Name,' which happens to be a pretty significant song in my life. All across the sanctuary as the song went on, there were people of all ages spontaneously standing and singing with full hearts and full voices. Seeing their joy only spurred me on to worship with more exuberance.
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