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In answer to Old Hat's Quesitons....

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:00:36 GMT

Questions

How do you know if someone loves you?
probably the hardest to answer. Love's defined in 1 Corinthians 13, easily described as sacrificial, so I'd say if someone is sacrificial, then that would be an easy demonstrator. But otherwise, if they love me enough to call me out on my bad habits, hold me when i cry and just over all know me well enough to utilize my love languages....it's pretty evident.

How can you tell?
I think there's a lot to be said for Love Languages, and if you speak someone's love language to them, they know.

Who loves you?
My family. My fellow serving Jesus Family. And some other people.

How do you decide who you will love?
Biblically, everyone. Personally, whomever God places in my path.

How do you show those people that you love them?
I learn their love languages and use it and beyond that, I leave myself behind to serve them in ways that create a safe, loving environment.

Who do you love?
Because it is in Love that we are most like Christ. Not infatuation, romantic love, but Agape, God-love to others.

What is love to you?
The things that point me to God's heart.

How do you know if someone is mad at you?
Intuition usually

What if someone who loves you is mad at you?
I would hope they'd talk to me about it.

How do you act if you are mad at someone?
I generally close up around them.

What if you are mad at someone you love?
Same thing, but usually talk about it at some point.

How do you handle that?
Talk it out. Communication.

Do you know how to forgive others?
Not nearly like I should, but I ask for help.

Do you know how to accept the forgiveness of others?
Yes.

What is the hardest part of being you?
Being me. ha! Being passionate is wearying. Being damaged is impossible. Being humble is unattainable, but the core of what I most desire.

How do you deal with that hard part?
Stay on my knees

What could someone do to help you handle this?
Pray.

Who would you like to have helping you?
people who love me.

Who do you think is supposed to be helping you?
My Jesus family and real family.

Will you let anyone help you?
Really, only the people I trust.

What is your favorite thing about being you?
Being passionate about the things which I am passionate about.

What would like to change about you?
Sin.

How do you think you should go about that change?
Abiding in the Vine.

How would you like others to treat you, act towards you?
In a perfect world, with respect.

How can you change the ways other people treat you?
I've discovered that my reactions to people's behavior is allowing them control over you. No one deserves that, except Jesus.

What would you like to see happen now?
To not have to worry about the next bill payments.

Do you think that is possible?
Yes God is teaching me trust. Full out, reckless trust..

What if what you want is impossible?
It's not. Trusting God is never impossible.

Now what? What is the next step?
Ask for help from where my Help comes.

Thankful Thursday (Vol. 99)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:25:27 GMT

It's getting close to the 100th edition of Thankful Thursday....Next week should be fun to write! But for now, here's this week's Thankfuls:

Today I'm Thankful for....

Beth Moore's Esther Study - Our church decided to do this study with the women for the fall and I've been blessed, convicted, moved, and pushed farther than I've ever been pushed in my spiritual walk before. She has a way of speaking, a way of teaching that ministers to women but also a method of wielding God's word that renders Hebrews 4:12 truer than ever.
Cooler Weather - My friends in Houston are experiencing 90 degree weather right now, still running their A/Cs and we in VA are experiencing a nice week of hoodies, hot chocolate, soups and fall things because of the 50 degree weather. I love it.
Family Laughter - I love it when our family gets together and laughs together. Whether we're cracking jokes or teasing each other....just sharing laughter is healing, precious and great. No one can share laughter like family. A lot because some of the humor comes from the same places, experiences and pleasurable experiences. In my case, growing up, our home was fully of laughter, lots of laughter. Friends & Family alike were always around and there was always raucous laughter in good fun. It is something that makes me feel at home everytime.
Adoption - If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I have a heart for orphans. Recently, I read that there are 143 million orphans in the world. That makes my heart ache. I know God is the father to the fatherless - so I daily pray for Him to father those 143 million and I know He can. But More than that, I pray for those children to find loving homes. Personally, I'm asking God to be Father to the babies I will adopt one day, because I feel like God has put this in my heart for that purpose. Today, I'm grateful that God will be father to those future babies of mine, and for the families who are doing their part to assist the 143 million. Maybe I'll blog a bit more on this piece of my heart soon.
Micah moments, quotes & smiles - Two years ago, I moved to Virginia and have been able to be a part of this little nephew of mine's life nearly daily. This year, he turns 4 and I am completely in love with this little man. But the moments of precious memories make my heart nearly burst from the love I feel for him. Just today, he called out to me, "Aunt Mandi," I responded, "Yeah, Buddy, what's up?" from the doorway to the den. "Will you come sit with me and watch my show?" He asked as he patted the seat next to me. "Sure, munchkin." and I sat with him as he ate his little snack and watched something on TV. Or how about the times he scampers up (yes he scampers) to the couch where I"m sitting with my book and says "Can you read this book to me?" -- Well I'll never say no to that. Or perhaps the moments when I hear him clomping from the living room and he comes around the corner in my Ugg boots. And, these moments, were all just today. I'm thankful for them. I am putting these moments in a memory bank that I will cherish forever.
October 11, 2007 - Two years ago, on October 11, I drove from Texas to Virginia to move here. It has not been easy, and it has felt like decades, not just two years. But God has grown me, changed me, shaken me, & continues to chip away at unhealthy things and develop and grown new things in me. I love that. My journey is not over....and wherever God leads me, I'm sure His plan is for my Good.
THIS SONG - for it has been the lifeline for me in recent months. His Love will NOT Fail me and He does indeed work ALL things for my good...even if I don't see it right now.

Vanilla Trees - Just Say No.

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:51:40 GMT

You've seen them. It's a common epidemic in modern American Christianity. You know the ones...

....Vanilla Trees.

He's the guy who's just Nice. Nothing wrong with him. But nothing interesting either. He's just there, existing. Stephen Sondheim captured it brilliantly in his Tony award winning musical, "Into the Woods" - a character sings "You're so nice. You're not good, you're not bad, you're just nice." That's what I think of when I encounter the Vanilla Tree. Just nice. I've heard so many men described to me as "nice." It's not a word I want used to describe the man God sets aside for me. (more on that later)

Why do I use the combination of the words vanilla and tree to describe these guys? Let me explain:

Women are affectionate beings for the most part. I am anyway. Physical touch is a massive portion of my love language. I love hugs. And Girlfriend, sister, and mama hugs are awesome. But sometimes, a girl needs a man to hug her, to remind her of the protection, strength and support of God in her life.

A few years ago, a friend and I were discussing the difference in hugs from men in our lives. There's the Brother - Bear Hug. This is the kind of hug I was just talking about - supportive and loving - not sexual, just loving - like a brother. Other than my own brothers and dad, I have two guys in my life who hug me like that. My friends, Kim & Betsy, both have husbands that hug me so thoroughly it's sometimes a little hard to breathe. HA! There's also the sparked hug - the one hug with the chemistry.... it's a guy you like, are attracted or just can't explain the chemistry... you know the hug. It's full of energy, tension....mystery...it's sparked.

And then....
There's the guy who hugs you but really, it's more you hugging him than him you. It's like hugging a tree. He's stiff, unwilling to give anything of himself in the exchange, and awkwardly puts his arms on your shoulders because he doesn't know what the heck he's doing. Or maybe He feels like if there's any heart in what he's doing, it'll require some attention from a woman or he'll have her thinking he's interested or whatever. I don't know. But it's like hugging a tree. In fact, I'd even posit that hugging a tree might be more beneficial. Trees have less issues.

The conversation with my buddy turned to these "Tree" guys who are just "nice"...and nothing more. We talked about how they walk around church and gain a reputation for being "nice guys"...but nothing more. Their sense of humor is bland and boring. They are listless, and have nothing in the way of conversation to offer. They barely talk of the exciting nature of their relationship with God. They stand around the crowd of friends with hands in their pockets with not much to say, or have the thrill of a kid's train ride at the fair.

In essence, these guys are spice-less. Plain Vanilla. There's nothing saucy about them, nothing daring or even exciting. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying I'm looking for the "bad boy"....but where's the Warrior, the Man of God - the Mighty Man of Valor that described David, Joshua, Jeroboam, Namaan? These weren't dudes who sat around were described as "nice." Do you catch my drift? These "Nice" guys don't talk about the exciting things that God's doing in their life, they don't don't demonstrate anything but flaccid and wan lives that aren't dangerous at all. There's no risk for them. They won't even risk their heart to ask out a girl. They stand by and watch as their friends get engaged, married, or even just date. There's nothing of spice to them. Vanilla.

Heck, I'm not even asking for Jalapeno type saucy....Cinnamon or Clove is good enough for me. But seriously, these guys are as emotionally giving as a tree, and have about as much flavor as a piece of cardboard. Now don't get me wrong. These "nice" guys are nice. They'll lend a helping hand if you ask, they'll even offer sweet platitudes for your bad days. Generally, however, that's all they do. And let me say, some women are content with vanilla and sweet platitudes. I, however, want more than Vanilla.

By more than Vanilla, the kind of guy that piques my interest isn't the one who regurgitates everything I say. He isn't the kind of guy that's described as "nice" by the ladies at church. He's the one that people describe as extraordinary, amazing, a man of character. Someone you hear the phrase "He's the kind of guy that I want my daughter to be with"... to describe. He's the kind of guy who has a sense of humor that doesn't amount to lame-o puns or laughing at potty humor.

He's not Vanilla - He's not boring and spice-less. He's more than just "Nice."
He's not a Tree - He's not willing to just stand by like a tree. He's more than just "Nice."

No Vanilla Trees. Just say No.

Wisdom, by way of M. Batterson.

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:44:52 GMT

Reblogging Mark Batterson's post from today. He's the pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC, and author of books like "In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day", and "Wild Goose Chase"....good stuff, I promise. Pick up Lion, it's a killer read. He was at Catalyst '09, tweeted all good stuff and posted today, this list from Chuck Swindoll's talk at Catalyst. I thought it was beautifully encouraging and convicting. The blog can be found HERE

I absolutely loved Chuck Swindoll. Pure wisdom! He shared ten life and leadership lessons.

1. It's lonely to lead
2. It's dangerous to succeed
3. It's hardest at home
4. It's essential to be real
5. It's painful to obey
6. Brokenness and failure are necessary
7. My attitude is more important than my actions
8. Integrity eclipse image
9. God's way is always better than my way
10. Christlikeness begins and ends with humility

All I gotta say is, I'm glad to read that today.

Thankful Thursday (vol. 98)

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:43:07 GMT

I know this comes slightly late, as it's after midnight so it's technically Friday, but I am still awake from a Thursday morning, so it's still Thursday to me. :D

Today I'm Thankful for....

...Hoodies... They are my favorite fall attire. Since I've moved to Lynchburg, I've existed in a far more casual attire than what I wore in Texas. Maybe it was the environments I worked in down there, or just trying to not be do dressed down, but I live in a town filled to the brim with college students who tramp around the world in their pajama pants, so jeans and a hoodie and tee isn't so bad. Besides that, if a dude is going to love me, he'd darn well better get used to tshirts and hoodies. It's just me. But I love them. I have about six.
...journals... This week, my parents arrived and brought with them all my Texas stuff. In one box came my journals. The annals of my prayer conversations with God over the last 16 years of my life. I went back and read from 2003 until now throughout the day in snippets. I read through my blossoming relationship in 04, the sudden tearing down of all my hopes and dreams later the same year, the mourning, misguided prayers, the healing, and moving on. I read the creation of wounds created over being passed over for my girl-friends. I read about rejection. I read about love. I read about provision, joy, pain and all my baggage. Some of it is like reading a broken record, but it's also a testament to God's faithfulness. I'm thankful for those reminders.
...My Brother... This month He has shown me such strength, care and concern for my heart, my walk and just who I am. Having him in my life is a blessing that I cannot express enough gratitude for. I'm grateful for the man he is, because he is a Man. He is many of the things I hope God instills in the man He has for me. My brother is honest with me about who I am, never false about that. So I trust his assessment of my heart implicitly. He sees me at my worse and loves me, protects & encourages me still. He's a man who can correct you and you want to love him all the more for it. He's a man who will simply ask, "How was your day" and if it's a bad day, the tears will fall and you'll regurgitate the horrors of your day on him, and he is gracious to love on me. He's also the kind of guy who has a heart of generosity and hospitality. All things I love about it. Also, He's dad to the coolest 3-almost 4-year old I know. ;)
...Candles... I love to burn beautifully smelling candles round my house!! Nothing warms my heart like the smell of a pumpkin/spicy/fallish candle...or an incense-y or lavender-y one for my room! Such beautiful things. There's something about the smell, the presence of candles that soothes me. And having the Wood Wick Candle outlet store here, the sound of those....is like a nice fireplace glowing in the background. Love me some candles. Thankful for the opportunity to have a couple around me all the time.
...my iPhone... Earlier this year, I splurged and bought an iPhone when I changed cell companies and bought a new phone. I'm not even going to lie. It's the best piece of technology ever. I love all the things that i can do with it. I love smart phones in general, with email and all kinds of other applications. But this thing, I could darn near push a button and it'd produce a 6 course meal. Whatever the case, it will give me a recipe for one. :D I do love the phone though. Simple enough to use and easy synching with my computer. The ease of use for this thing is ridiculously amazing. I'm grateful I got one when I did.
...dishwashers.... another thing my parents brought with them from Texas amongst my things were my dishes, that had been in storage. It was awesome to pull out all my stuff. Since all the dishes had been wrapped in newspaper and packing things, they needed to be washed. But thankfulness for my modern dishwasher overhwelmed me when I could put almost all the dishes in it and press "wash." -- now if there were just a button that magically put those dishes away. I kid! In all seriousness, dishwashers are amazing and I'm thankful for mine.
....the cool side of the pillow....Not gonna lie, I'm a pillow flipper. When I have trouble sleeping (frequent), I flip the pillow, move it, punch it, and just generally abuse my poor little pillow. Luckily for it, at least once a week, I fall into a deep sleep where i dont budge an inch and remember nothing about sleep. But I am thankful that when i'm restless, I can flip the pillow and get a cooler side for my weary face. :D
...football sundays & mondays...I love football. I do. It's fall and my favorite sport is here. Love it. I so enjoy the bashing, crashing violencce of the NFL. Often I'm disappointed in my teams of late, but there's still something deep in this Texas girls' heart that resonates strongly with the pigskin sport. I love watching with my brother and dad, and this month, I'll get a chance to do that a few times. That's exciting.
....many more, but for now, I go....just overall, thankful for another week. :D Now it's your turn. Be thankful this week.

-- Convicting --

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:24:47 GMT

Spoken at my table tonight at our Women's Bible Study table discussion:

"Worry is short-term atheism"

Ouch.

Thankful Thursday (Vol. 97)

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:46:32 GMT

It's Thankful Thursday again, and woooo....lots to be thankful for!!! I hope you're taking time today to be thankful!

Today, I'm Thankful for:

...the fact that it's October! In 12 days, I'm celebrating being in Virginia for TWO YEARS! Can you believe it? I can't. Time flies. But I'm thankful for October. For a lot of reasons, and it's a beautiful month here. So much to be thankful in that.
...bills. I was reminded two weeks ago by my friend, Wade, to be thankful for bills to pay because it means we are fortunate to have so much. So today, instead of being a little desperate about the fact that I don't know where the next tank of gas is coming from, I'm going to be thankful for the provision to pay for the bills I can pay.
...surprise Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte from a friend! My dear friend, Meredith stopped by to have coffee with me, and she brought the coffee with her! It was a lovely treat. especially since Starbucks is categorically out of the question until further notice.
..."Everything" by Tim Hughes. That song wipes me out...and last night it wiped me clean. Completely and utterly devastated me - in a good way.
...the fact that it's only 3 days away from hugs and kisses from my Mama & Daddy!!!! They'll be 'round here for the month of October, and I'm so glad for their trip up!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!
....my apartment complex. The manager is a sweet southern lady who remembers the residents and cares about little things like the outside appearance of the property. It's nice to live in a place that looks so nice all the time.
...time to read. I love reading - desperately so. And I am decidedly anti-social when I get going into a book. This read, Wuthering Heights is desperately depressing, in the vein of a good Gothic Romance novel....but so good for my heart to escape to a new place.
...the sound of my nephew shouting "Aunt Mandi" when I walk in the door, or he walks in the door. Nothing melts me faster.
...the Truth of God's heart. Even when my feelings lie and I feel opposite of what's true, I can chuck my feelings out the window and lean hard on the Truth of God's promises. I'm grateful for that. Beyond words.
...Barefoot Wines. Easily the cheapest yummy wine I've ever tasted. Seriously, 6 dollars a bottle? And it doesn't taste cheap. I like that!
...sisterly camaraderie. Whether it's in the small group I lead, or the small group I'm a part of or just with my sister (in-law)....the connection of being a woman, understanding each other's hurts, carrying the burden of hormonal pressure, and fearing perfection in others and battling insecurities on our own....the camaraderie is a blessed fellowship. Ladies, draw close the women in your life, be thankful for them and love them.
...humor. It saves a day like nothing else. a friend posted a stinkin' hilarious video this day on Facebook and it about killed me, I laughed so hard. I might need to post it myself.
...Thursdays. I love Thursdays. I really do. Thankfulness. Family day. Easy, relaxing day to get up and enjoy the day by itself is awesome. Love it.
...you, what readers I have left, I am thankful for you and your comments. Thank you for suffering through an absence and sporadic posting of one of the harder years of these 30. :D Now it's your turn to be thankful....GO!

Thankful Thursday (Vol. 96)

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:42:16 GMT

Oh What another Glorious Thursday!!!!! Another moment to pause, breathe and focus on things to be thankful for. If you don't take time to focus on the things to be thankful for, you WILL get caught up complaining and being negative all the time. And THAT does not Glorify God.

Today, I'm Thankful For

Fall. Tuesday, September 22 was the Autumnal Equinox and in pranced fall. While it was slightly muggy here, it is still fall. The leaves are changing, the mountains are about to shimmer in all their colorful glory. Pumpkins adorn doorsteps, hoodies and sweaters are being pulled out of storage and mulling spices are beginning to be mixed. Fall. Is. Here.
New Episodes of all my favorite shows! So many fun shows are back, and Hulu is showcasing them all!!! Great way to spend a quiet night at home sometimes.
Facebook connection - My best friend in college whom I lost touch with after she moved to Florida found me on Facebook and we've been exchanging emails again and catching up on each others' lives. That's so good. I am so glad to be back in touch with her. She doesn't have a relationship with Jesus and that was the one thing I most regretted about our friendship that I never did a better job of sharing my relationship with Christ with her. I'm thankful to get to love on her in the way I've learned to do so these days
The Old Virginia Candle Outlet store - Did you know the WoodWick (Old Virginia Candle Company) is located in Lynchburg, VA of all places? Consequently, they sell off all the candles that aren't perfect for super cheap at the outlet. It's the bestest place ever. 30 dollar candles for 6 bucks. Glory!
My Small Group - when we get together, we laugh, we cry, we pray, we worship and well, we pretty much get all up in each other's business. ha ha! Good times. I love our group.
a Family that shares a love of musical worship - This week, I sent my brother in PA three cds of worship music that really blows my heart away and we've been busy sending emails back and forth of Youtube videos of worship. It's awesome. Not to mention that Micah, here in VA loves to sing about God. And little J-man in PA loves the "Hosanna" song and sings it loudly and insists that it is what they play in the car wherever they go. Beautiful.
Folding Clothes - It's my favorite chore, and often I leave the laundry on the chair until my first day off to take a little time, throw on some good tunes, and fold clothes and regain my sanity...it's that time.
My books - they bring me contentment when I glance over at my bookshelves and see the stacks of books. I also love that the kids at work see me reading all the time and call me a Bookworm. But they also have to ask me what words I'm using in daily conversation. It's kinda cool to bring a small piece of culture and intellect to a place bogged down in personal disaster and trauma like my job.
The Worship Team @ BRCC - It's been awhile since I expounded on this, but in the last 12 months, I've gotten to glimpse the heart of musical worship at BRCC and become a part of it. I see people changing, running hard after God in a way I'm not sure I've ever seen except in rare people. I see people cultivating a safe place for people to share, to hope, to grow, and to be loved. It's full of perfect people, but it's full of people who want to give God space to work in their hearts. I can only pray that this is the environment I produce in those around me too.
Girls' Nights - This last weekend, I invited some girlfriends over for a night with Mr. Darcy - we watched Pride & Prejduice. It was such a sweet time of hanging out, sighing like little girls over Mr. Darcy & Lizzy and just all around...a girl's night. Loved it.
Coffee - sweet fountain of life for this night workin' gal! :D I love me some coffee!!!!!!!!!!!
Reading through the Bible - I've read through scripture cover to cover about five times now. I'm embarking on a new journey with a friend in Texas. We are reading a different translation than either of us have ever tried (The Message, a paraphrase) and gonna stay in touch about what God shows us in our journey. We're actually starting in Matthew so that we can spend some time with Jesus himself. So far, even five chapters in, God's showing me about obedience, and proper responses. Awesome!
Football!!!!!!!!!!!! - It's fall, I already mentioned...and that means, Football's back. And I'm thankful for the pigskin tossin, defensive blitzing, nail biting final seconds, & commentator trashin' football season! YEAH!

Your turn. Today, find something to be thankful for! God's heart will be pleased!

Thankful Thursday (vol. 95)

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:47:03 GMT

Apparently, last week, I mis-numbered the T.T's...consequently, I had two Volume 93's! So this week, we're getting back on track with numbers. Here's some things I'm thankful for this week!

I'm thankful for...

Four days off, which now gives me a full day to recover from staying up at nights. Also, working only three nights gives me tons of good perspective to get me through the week.
Beth Moore. The woman is a gem. She loves Jesus with the kind of passion I can only hope to have. And she LOVES God's word...a very much shared love...
Rainy Days. I know I say it a lot, but really, I can't express how much I love rainy days. Something just soothing and cozy about them.
Laughter. It is truly great medicine. Our small group got together last night and we laughed til our faces hurt. I love times when I can sit with people I love and laugh. I also had two near-tear inducing laughter moments this week, thanks to friends and I love those too! Laughter is sooo good for the heart. Just like Thankfulness.
Surrender, Submission & Yielding. I know, sounds like something you want to run away from screaming because our Human spirit wants to cling to our own will and way...but I'd rather walk with God through the difficult things with a surrendered spirit. It seems also to be a recurring theme around me lately.
Endorphins. They are yummy good. LOL!
Answering my phone and hearing my two year old nephew screaming "BROCCOOOLIIIII, CELERYYYYYY, GOOOOTTTA BEEEEEE, VEGGIE TALES!" -- Seriously, the cutest thing and it makes my heart happy to hear his heart sing aloud.
Classic Literature. I started Wuthering Heights this week, and I just am enraptured so far - only a few chapters, but it's a beautifully brooding story.
Late night phone chats - no matter who it's with. Something about nighttime makes people increasingly transparent and open. So I love those phone calls.
How God provides. I can't even express the cool ways God's shown up in tremendously faithful ways. Not even in just simple provision but also in things that are little extra "oomphs" of goodness. It's so cool how much He loves us. Seriously. Unreal.
Quick updates on Brooke (spokenfor)'s mission trip to Ecuador! I think God is blessing her socks off and it's soooo good to hear. But I think she's headed back today.
Running Hot Water. I do love taking a really hot shower. It's such a special gift. I know we could live in a country or world where the idea of a hot shower is a pipe dream. But it's not. We can luxuriate in a shower with soap that smells nice and walk away feeling at ease.
Words. I love words. Big ones, new ones, quirky ones and fascinating ones. I used the word Petulant at work the other day and my boss said she'd never heard anyone use it ever. What? I guess I just use random words in conversation. Favorite words : Loquacious, Lugubrious, Garrulous, and many many more.
Girls' nights! I got one coming up on Saturday night! Gonna sit down with some close friends and watch Pride & Prejudice. Gotta be a good time. :D I don't care if it's one gal or five or fifteen...it'll be good times. LOVE P&P and Girl-time.
The Third Friday of the month. I never want to miss it, ever. It's where my journey with BRCC started, and I cannot express gratitude to God enough for the people that walked into my life then and what he worked in my heart because of that night and many others like it.
Thursdays....get even better every week. :D LOVE it!

Thankful Thursday (Vol. 93)

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:15:11 GMT

Favorite day of the week returns!!!!!!

Today I'm Thankful For.....

I John 1:9 - 'nuff said.
Girl talk with friends. Love.
Rainy days - I LOVE rainy days. Weird, I know. But give me a cold, rainy day anytime.
Finding things that were lost! - I lost a DVD awhile back and had been looking for it for awhile, but I FOUND IT!
Beth Moore. The woman is such an amazing teacher of God's word....she has such passion. And, she's a bit of Texas to my heart. I'm super excited about starting the study next week with the ladies at BRCC!
a full night of sleep. I don't get those real often, so when I do, I'm so excited. Last night, I certainly did! wooo!
Unexpected chances to visit with new friends. Today, I got to sit down with someone I don't know very well (she knows who she is) and visit a little bit...that was fun. Hope for more.
Praise & Worship time at home on my face with God. Today I just turned up the Praise in my house and spent some time on my living room floor with God.Those are Good days! Love LOVE LOVE it.
Phone calls with my mom & dad! - even though my minutes are low, I love that I can talk to them even just for a few minutes and be filled up. I miss them and ready for them to come and stay with us for the next several months.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks. It's fall in a cup. mmmm....Fall.
Barefoot days. I don't mind wearing shoes, but days when I can kick off my shoes and walk around...or even just wear fuzzy socks....happy.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Orange Juice. A favorite breakfast! And....in the cooler times of the year, switch it to Hot Chocolate instead of OJ and it's a favorite anytime meal.
Perspective. It is so nice to have a dose of perspective or reality when you start getting off track in trusting God or your circumstances. It really helps bring home realreasons to be thankful!
Thankful Thursdays. I Love Thursdays. They bring me such joy and perspective!
.....and more!

What are you Thankful for?