New meanings to old words

‎...when all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions, eclipsed by Glory. And I realize just how beautiful You are and how great you affections are for me. 
Oh, how He loves us so.

These words overtook me today as I drove home, playing a song I have heard a hundred times before. These words spoke something new into me as I dwelt on this last year, on my recent afflictions. On the doctors appointments I'm trying to schedule before going back to school. On my family's recent move and impending move. I was a bit overwhelmed by my afflictions, as I often have been recently. When suddenly, I was unaware of them. God's Glory, in these words, demanded my attention and drew me in. Completely overshadowing my problems was God's glory and His love for me. There is no way I can ever repay that. 

Babies

This picture is from about a month ago when I visited my cousin in the hospital. As you can see, she had just had a baby. Norah is the fourth child in their wonderful family, and I was taking care of Norah's rambunctious three older siblings while their parents were in the hospital. Tonight, my mom, aunt and I went and visited my cousin, her husband and their kids again. Norah is now a month old, and the other three are just as boisterous as ever. 

The warmth of a child in your arms, of cuddling him or her close and giving comfort to someone so small, is a wonderful feeling. I am thankful for the joys that brings, (and the fact that other people trust me with their children!!) 

Time for an Introvert in an Extroverted World

I am an introverted person. Granted, I am a more extroverted introvert, but the point stands. Today some of my family and myself went to the Iowa State Fair and I had an extraordinary time. I loved being there, I loved seeing everything, I loved spending time with my family, and I loved coming home, curling up with the dog and watching Downtown Abbey. By the time we left the fair, my feet ached, my head was pounding with Katy Perry songs and I reeked of sweat and cattle. But I made it home and retreated into my little introverted bubble, and was able to enjoy the fair more for the ability to escape home after it, into the comfort and quiet of my bubble.

August 13: Inspirations

I have been reading a book lately that my mom recommended, a book called One Thousand Gifts. It's been a slow read, since I don't want to breeze through it. Instead, I am savoring it, taking my time, really allowing myself to learn from this book. This book has inspired me to restart this blog in whatever capacity I can, to continue in my quest for Thankfulness, to make it a habit. If I miss a day, I miss a day. Not a big deal. But it's something I need to start doing again. So let's get back on track.

Day 55: Girls Night In

We had a girls night in tonight and watched Where the Wild Things Are, which is a superb film. Like community, it is wonderful to just have people around me that I can cuddle with, be goofy with and act like a child with. We didn't have to go out or spend any money; we just put in a movie and had a blast. Girls nights are such an important part to any girl's life, and I am thankful for my girl friends!

Day 54: Community

I haven't always had the people around me like I do here at Gordon. I have been so blessed by these people who aren't afraid to call me out or to talk to me through uncertain times. God has put some incredible people in my life who have challenged me to grow and face hard realities, and I am thankful beyond belief for every single one of them.

Day 53: Being embraced when I am dirty

I just got back from a run. I didn't run very far, but I also haven't run in a long time, so I was still fairly gross when I got back. On top of that, it has been raining off and on all morning, so the ground was mud. I walked into the cafeteria to grab lunch to bring back to my room and ran into a friend, who immediately walked up to me and hugged me. I recoiled as most people do when they are sweaty and being hugged, explained my (rather obvious) situation of being covered in mud and sweat. My friend didn't care, but hugged me anyways, at which point I accepted and returned the hug. 

God does this all the time. I am constantly covered in the sin I have been rolling around in, but He doesn't care. He keeps me embraced in His arms regardless. Sometimes I draw back and explain to God that I am dirty and He should probably let me shower before He decides to hug me. God doesn't want to do that though. He takes me as I am, covered in sin and slime, and He embraces me.