30 Days of Gratitude 1.16 & 1.17
I'm a little late writing for this and yesterday! It's been a busy but good two days. I'm thankful for so much, I wish I could remember all of it. But here's the things that this girl is grateful for over the last two days...
....the bible in 90 days & my reading partners...
I'm going to be talking about this bible in 90 days ad nasuem for the next 86 days because it's huge chunk of my day. 12 chapters a day is a lot of reading and I want to soak it in the best I can. But I'm thankful because it's been a game changer for me. God is digging up and scraping into places in my heart I was covering up, putting up walls around, and that's good. The walls are staying down, the tears are coming in good ways but beautiful things are happening in my heart. Yesterday I identified with Leah - the unloved wife of Jacob more than I ever have in my life. The day before that, Sarah. Today, I see Joseph's story as ever thrilling as I always have with more tenacity to believe in the Sovereignty of God and His timing. I'm thankful that God moved on my heart to make good use of my non-academic summer to put HIM and His word back into the center of my life.
...convergence...
I've been reading about a friend's journey, partly because I pulled her into teaching at Faith Girls this month and in the process got to hear some exciting news for her growing family and watch God converge on my friend's heart in a big way. He's doing the same thing in my life. Through the scripture reading, through my friend's open and honest heart, and my willingness to be transparent and honest with myself about the hurts and damages that I'm needing healing in. Laying it all out before God, going "I want you IN this with me, not just holding my hand, but covering this wound, mending that scar, covering up the past and breathing something NEW for me." I've been reading and prepping for Sunday's service and walking in two big things, Grace and the power of words. Words or the lack thereof have done more damage in my life than I can even begin to articulate. But there's grace to cover it, mend it, and bring better words. God's been pointing me back to the idea of Faith in a God of Grace, not just a Savior, but one who wants to pour grace over us in ways that we don't even know. There've been some big and good moments where God wouldn't let me resist that grace and just let it wash things out that needed it. So thankful.
...that little man and his sweet face...
my nephew who lives here in town is just about the greatest joy for my aunt's heart. I love all my nephews equally and remembering Noah in my face or Jonathan playing Batman with me, or cuddling with 6 month old Aaron - all those things make my heart full from love. Micah is the oldest and he lives in our town, so when I go over to Vic's early for meetings, or service things, I get to see Little Man. Yesterday, I was there early, sitting in the back yard enjoying the weather, reading a book and Micah came out, kissed me on the check, wrapped his 6 year old arms around my neck, and said "I love you." then asked me to push him on the swing. You betcha, kid. May I never miss the moments to say "yes" to him for memories that we can make together. Looking for mushrooms to squish in the backyard, or for four leaf clovers which he doesn't believe exist....or just talking about things from when he was "really little." Those are moments that I am so thankful for. With all of those boys. I am thankful for them. all.
...The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay....
Highlight of my day yesterday? I got hit back on Twitter by a favorite author, semi-famous person and he followed me back. Thanks, Chris Seay. :) But I'm more thankful for this book. I was a Lostie after season 4. Caught up and got wholly engrossed in the mythology of the show. The pathos, the struggle, the mystery of it all...I loved. I loved how it made me think, not about just the show, but about life, faith, mystery, people, relationships, trust, etc. It was a good show, no matter what you thought about the end. This book, I'd wanted to read for quite some time, and finally found a used copy nearby & decided it was going to be my first non-school book this summer. I'm glad I chose it. The chapter about Hurley, words, blessing and curses rocked my world. I'm thankful for the things God used in that book to open my eyes to things.
...Grace...
There's not enough words on the planet to talk about how thankful I am for grace. For the desperate need I have of grace in my own broken heart. For how God shows me to proffer grace to those who have wounded me...deeply. For how God pours out grace no matter what. Grace. Always grace. May I be a conduit of grace to every. single. person. who I ever encounter. Nothing would show the Gospel more than being a hand of grace in someone's life. Grace. I'm thankful for that.
...time with my mom...
Tuesday, I got a special day with my mom. Got to have a fun lunch with her, talk about art, men, God and struggle in this life. I'm so blessed to have a mom who loves Jesus and who pours her relationship with God out on people in her life...like me. I'm thankful for special times like that.
...time with my dad...
Monday and Tuesday, dad and I went to see the Avengers - yeah, two days in a row. Booyah! :) I love that movie and he loved it so much he wanted to see it again. I was NOT going to argue getting to see the Chrises and RDJ again. (I'm thankful for their biceps by the way. ;) ....but really, getting to spend that time with dad in all of our geeky comic book love glory...So fun. I'm thankful that the men in my life foster and encourage my nerdy dorkiness. The inner dork in me is happiest when let be the geeky squealer she really is. :) And my dad getting into the Avengers, or the Hunger Games or whatever with me is a really awesome treat. I'm thankful for that.
...My three closest friends....
I had an incident this week where I shared my heart and spiritual struggle with some people in an environment I felt was likely safe and proper to share. I was met with stunned silence and "aw, that must be hard" instead of encouragement, concern for my heart or even a prayer. Hard to sit on a floor and weep in front of two sisters and be met with that response. Not condemning them, just stating that for me, I realized suddenly that three of my closest friends never ever respond in silence or "I don't know what to say to that." (except when someone has treated me like garbage - but even then, it's a "I'm gonna KILL them") ...they without fail, lead me back to truth, grab my arms and say "we're with you IN this."...and I'm thankful for each one of their hearts. They know who they are. Love my sisters.
...a million other random things...
my book embosser for my library,....the remote control basket...a new case for my phone...harry potter...black gel pens...laughter...Hans Zimmer...funny quotes on Pinterst....throw pillows...text messages...unexpected God conversations...smiles....local coffee shops...fellow nerdy friends...soft blankets...Lavender scented candles....the fact that my kitchen smells like a flower shop because of the fresh flowers up there....salad....the boys I babysit for on Thursday...Burt's bees...hot showers....pigtails....batman tee shirts...flip flop weather...friends' birthday dinners....hope...anticipation of fun things ahead...and SUMMER. :)
This week, I had something unpleasant happen, but it made me thankful for my friends who are the opposite of my experience. What are is something you are thankful for this week that came out of a bad situation?
....the bible in 90 days & my reading partners...
I'm going to be talking about this bible in 90 days ad nasuem for the next 86 days because it's huge chunk of my day. 12 chapters a day is a lot of reading and I want to soak it in the best I can. But I'm thankful because it's been a game changer for me. God is digging up and scraping into places in my heart I was covering up, putting up walls around, and that's good. The walls are staying down, the tears are coming in good ways but beautiful things are happening in my heart. Yesterday I identified with Leah - the unloved wife of Jacob more than I ever have in my life. The day before that, Sarah. Today, I see Joseph's story as ever thrilling as I always have with more tenacity to believe in the Sovereignty of God and His timing. I'm thankful that God moved on my heart to make good use of my non-academic summer to put HIM and His word back into the center of my life.
...convergence...
I've been reading about a friend's journey, partly because I pulled her into teaching at Faith Girls this month and in the process got to hear some exciting news for her growing family and watch God converge on my friend's heart in a big way. He's doing the same thing in my life. Through the scripture reading, through my friend's open and honest heart, and my willingness to be transparent and honest with myself about the hurts and damages that I'm needing healing in. Laying it all out before God, going "I want you IN this with me, not just holding my hand, but covering this wound, mending that scar, covering up the past and breathing something NEW for me." I've been reading and prepping for Sunday's service and walking in two big things, Grace and the power of words. Words or the lack thereof have done more damage in my life than I can even begin to articulate. But there's grace to cover it, mend it, and bring better words. God's been pointing me back to the idea of Faith in a God of Grace, not just a Savior, but one who wants to pour grace over us in ways that we don't even know. There've been some big and good moments where God wouldn't let me resist that grace and just let it wash things out that needed it. So thankful.
...that little man and his sweet face...
my nephew who lives here in town is just about the greatest joy for my aunt's heart. I love all my nephews equally and remembering Noah in my face or Jonathan playing Batman with me, or cuddling with 6 month old Aaron - all those things make my heart full from love. Micah is the oldest and he lives in our town, so when I go over to Vic's early for meetings, or service things, I get to see Little Man. Yesterday, I was there early, sitting in the back yard enjoying the weather, reading a book and Micah came out, kissed me on the check, wrapped his 6 year old arms around my neck, and said "I love you." then asked me to push him on the swing. You betcha, kid. May I never miss the moments to say "yes" to him for memories that we can make together. Looking for mushrooms to squish in the backyard, or for four leaf clovers which he doesn't believe exist....or just talking about things from when he was "really little." Those are moments that I am so thankful for. With all of those boys. I am thankful for them. all.
...The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay....
Highlight of my day yesterday? I got hit back on Twitter by a favorite author, semi-famous person and he followed me back. Thanks, Chris Seay. :) But I'm more thankful for this book. I was a Lostie after season 4. Caught up and got wholly engrossed in the mythology of the show. The pathos, the struggle, the mystery of it all...I loved. I loved how it made me think, not about just the show, but about life, faith, mystery, people, relationships, trust, etc. It was a good show, no matter what you thought about the end. This book, I'd wanted to read for quite some time, and finally found a used copy nearby & decided it was going to be my first non-school book this summer. I'm glad I chose it. The chapter about Hurley, words, blessing and curses rocked my world. I'm thankful for the things God used in that book to open my eyes to things.
...Grace...
There's not enough words on the planet to talk about how thankful I am for grace. For the desperate need I have of grace in my own broken heart. For how God shows me to proffer grace to those who have wounded me...deeply. For how God pours out grace no matter what. Grace. Always grace. May I be a conduit of grace to every. single. person. who I ever encounter. Nothing would show the Gospel more than being a hand of grace in someone's life. Grace. I'm thankful for that.
...time with my mom...
Tuesday, I got a special day with my mom. Got to have a fun lunch with her, talk about art, men, God and struggle in this life. I'm so blessed to have a mom who loves Jesus and who pours her relationship with God out on people in her life...like me. I'm thankful for special times like that.
...time with my dad...
Monday and Tuesday, dad and I went to see the Avengers - yeah, two days in a row. Booyah! :) I love that movie and he loved it so much he wanted to see it again. I was NOT going to argue getting to see the Chrises and RDJ again. (I'm thankful for their biceps by the way. ;) ....but really, getting to spend that time with dad in all of our geeky comic book love glory...So fun. I'm thankful that the men in my life foster and encourage my nerdy dorkiness. The inner dork in me is happiest when let be the geeky squealer she really is. :) And my dad getting into the Avengers, or the Hunger Games or whatever with me is a really awesome treat. I'm thankful for that.
...My three closest friends....
I had an incident this week where I shared my heart and spiritual struggle with some people in an environment I felt was likely safe and proper to share. I was met with stunned silence and "aw, that must be hard" instead of encouragement, concern for my heart or even a prayer. Hard to sit on a floor and weep in front of two sisters and be met with that response. Not condemning them, just stating that for me, I realized suddenly that three of my closest friends never ever respond in silence or "I don't know what to say to that." (except when someone has treated me like garbage - but even then, it's a "I'm gonna KILL them") ...they without fail, lead me back to truth, grab my arms and say "we're with you IN this."...and I'm thankful for each one of their hearts. They know who they are. Love my sisters.
...a million other random things...
my book embosser for my library,....the remote control basket...a new case for my phone...harry potter...black gel pens...laughter...Hans Zimmer...funny quotes on Pinterst....throw pillows...text messages...unexpected God conversations...smiles....local coffee shops...fellow nerdy friends...soft blankets...Lavender scented candles....the fact that my kitchen smells like a flower shop because of the fresh flowers up there....salad....the boys I babysit for on Thursday...Burt's bees...hot showers....pigtails....batman tee shirts...flip flop weather...friends' birthday dinners....hope...anticipation of fun things ahead...and SUMMER. :)
This week, I had something unpleasant happen, but it made me thankful for my friends who are the opposite of my experience. What are is something you are thankful for this week that came out of a bad situation?
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