Something's been ruminating in my mind for the last few days. I thought about bringing the topic to paper (or keyboard) but I hesitated so as not to deliver a cheesy Christmas post. The theme here is being thankful, and it my thoughts have wandered to this theme several times over the last weeks, well before the Christmas season was in full swing. It probably began when Sean (my pastor at Living Hope) preached a sermon on thankfulness. It's interesting how sermons have an affect on you; it generally goes one of two ways (if it's effective). Either you are incredibly moved at the point of hearing or the sermon seems to linger, coming up at random times and the affect seems to sink in deeply yet take a it longer. The second mode is what happened when Sean's sermon collided with my head, and perhaps my heart.
I've heard probably a billion "be thankful" sermons, and honestly sometimes I can be a cynical about the whole thing. Not that I don't want to be thankful. It's just that sometimes I forget to live in the present and therefore notice everything that's not quite in place. In the last few weeks however I have really tried to be thankful for what's in front of me. To be thankful for where God has me right now, and to enjoy really how he has blessed me. It's been mostly in the small things, but I've noticed that God has been whispering thankfulness to me. I feel like I am learning to be more thankful, but it is also producing another side effect - I'm learning to be more content. And being content makes life way more enjoyable!
Emphasis on LEARNING to be content. It's still tough sometimes thinking about the future, when I graduate, what I'm going to do, etc. But, when God reminds me to have this attitude of thankfulness, I can look back on my life so far and be reminded of how God has provided, how He has met me where I am, how He has taken care of me, and how He has loved me. Then, I can rest in knowing that He will continue to do the same. Thankfulness, like everything else, seems to be a process and one that I want to continue to grow in. God, let it be...
it's so hard to believe that i've been in Tennessee for 5 days already! that may be due in part to the fact that my body has yet to adjust to this time zone and it's got me all kinds of jacked up on the sleeping schedule. (for instance, last night i was wide awake between the hours 4 am and about 5:45 am....who knows!?) it also could be flying by because i'm just having so much fun! it seems like this trip has been less stressful than usual. i've just been able to take it easy and spend a lot of time hanging out with my family, and some friends, which has been really good!
it's so nice to have a break from school and just spend time with people - no having to rush to get homework done, or study, or write a paper. just hang out with people i rarely get to see! (Now, if only Jenn Lockerman would get her booty into town!!! - it just doesn't seem the same without you pal!)
I'm in Tennessee right now and having a blast so far!
I'm quite glad that I made it seeing as how Spokane is experiencing a blizzard right now! I think the last I heard was 27 in. and it's still coming down hard. Things are actually closed down which is a rarity in our town. My pals are snuggled up inside and definitely snowed in. Let's pray that folks keep their power and stay warm!
This trip has proven to be the worst as far as jet lag is concerned. Usually, I don't have any problems adjusting after the first day, but I cannot seem to get my body used to Tennessee time. The goal is to wake up early tomorrow - no matter what time I actually get to bed tonight - and just tough it out. I keep going to bed late and then waking up late - which is actually the normal Spokane time. My body is a tad confused. So hopefully my tomorrow plan will work. *I may have to employ some full bodied caffeinated coffee, and forego the usual decaf to get the intended results, but hey that should work right?
Onto a great moment from the mind of a child....
I got to spend the afternoon with my mom and my adorable little niece, Mariah, who is 8 years old. This kid has such a tender heart and is one of the most dramatic little chicks I know. (I usually get a bit of flack for this because neither her mother or my other sister are dramatic so usually they attribute that little fabulous characteristic to Yours Truly!) Anyways, I'll let you in on the conversation that took place today while we were in the Walmart parking lot after having previously left the mall.
Mariah: "Look at those little birds trying to find some food to eat."
Pause. (for dramatic effect of course.)
"If only I collected worms!........I saw a worm in the parking lot at the mall."
So cute! I loved this conversation. Probably among my favorite moments with this little one.
More tender Tennessee moments to come in the next couple weeks! :)
baby, it's COLD outside!
that may just be the understatement of the year! it is fuh-reezing in Spokane right now. I believe it was around 6 degrees today with a 5 mph wind. as i was walking to my car after work tonight - only 2 blocks away, my fingers were hurting because it was so cold, and I had gloves on! tomorrow the low is supposed to be -10 degrees! snow, ice, and cold temps - i think it's safe to say that winter is here.
well, school is finished up for the semester - only one more to go until graduation! Tuesday, I will be heading to Tennessee for a Christmas trip and definitely looking forward to the warmer weather while I'm there!
Downtown Spokane is spectacular around the holidays! I absolutely love the way they (whoever the proverbial "they" are) decorate in such grandiose holiday attire! The streets are lined with lights on the lamp posts along with decorations. There is a humongous tree in the middle of the downtown mall. People are all over the place doing Christmas shopping, simultaneously sipping some form of a hot liquid out of those (RED) cups from the coffee place that can be found on every corner here. Restaurants are packed with holiday parties benefiting (if they tip well) all who are involved. Not to mention Christmas music is playing in background every where you go. Face it - it just doesn't leave your noggin through the month of December. I really enjoy the festivity!
I love that God blesses us in letting us enjoy the small things as well as the big things in life. It's just another way that I know He loves me. It was such a great reminder as I was downtown tonight even. To know that God just loves me so much. It's sweet when He reminds me even in the smallest ways to reflect back on the biggest demonstration of His love - that He would give His life to be with me.
