Quick List

A list of things for which I gave thanks today:
Floating in lakes surrounded by trees and an azure sky.
Purple flowers!
A beautiful sunset.
Communion dinner with close friends.
Played with hair.
Casual talks that turn deep.
A kitchen of our own.
Big cameras.
When pen meets paper.
Friday nights in.

So much love.

Long walks with the puppy

I love my puppy (who is now a year old). I also love getting out of the house and walking with him for a while, my headphones plugged into my iPod, just Jack and I. I can tune out of everything going on, I get to hang out with my dog, and now that I'm not really up for many other types of exercise, it gets me on my feet and moving.
Then again, I also love just having the TV on, both of us curled up as we rest for a while.

Accountability

I was a camp counselor a few weeks back, so for two weeks I had a small group of junior and senior high girls. Some of the girls were the same between weeks and some changed. One thing that we did second week was to create accountability partners for 2 weeks and 2 memory verses. Everyone would text, call or talk to their partner after the 2 weeks were up and make sure they had memorized the verses. 

I was planning on sitting it out, but we had an odd number of girls, so one of the older girls and I teamed up. However, she asked if we could take it to the next level. It's been 2 weeks since camp, and I've memorized 2 verses. This week, I'm on to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. We're going to memorize 52 memory verses this year with the help of each other. One verse (or set of verses) every week for a year. Something I wouldn't do without someone pushing me on. There are many things I wouldn't do without someone else holding me accountable and pushing me on, and that is why tonight, I am grateful for accountability, who I am, and who I am becoming because of it. 

Medical Care

I greatly dislike doctors. The people themselves are wonderful, I'm sure. I'm just not a fan of meeting them in their offices. I also dislike hospitals, insurance troubles, and many other things that fall into that category. This last year, however, I seem to be running into that all more than I have in quite a few years. On top of that, I can't get into certain appointments that I need to get into until Christmas break.

However, I live in a place and a family where I can go to the doctor and be treated if I need to. If I am hurt, if half of my body goes numb, if my tonsils are the largest any doctor has seen on an adult, I can get help. I get treatment. There are good facilities no matter where I am, and I rarely have to drive an hour to get to it. So many people in the world don't have that luxury. So many people would be forced to suffer through what I am allowed to get treatment for. I am thankful that I have these things available, even if I don't always appreciate them.

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.