Thankful Thursday: At the Year's End

Well, 2012 is almost over, and it's been quite a year. I've had plenty to be thankful for.

God's grace and love.
Family.
My boyfriend.
Friends.
Good health and an able body.
Technology.
Music.
Being able to do what I love.
A place to live and food to eat.
Community.
Love.

How about you? What have you had to be thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Slowing Down

This week, I am thankful that the semester is over, and that I am at home. I've already been able to spend time with my family, spend time with my boyfriend, and visit with my Grandma. Relaxing is wonderful!

I haven't spent much time online this week because there have been so many other things to do- finishing up my Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, working, sleeping, working out... the only problem is that when I finally get around to checking my email, my inbox is overflowing!

While I'm home, I'm going to try and take advantage of the slower pace of things. Sleep a little more, not be studying all the time, watch a few movies... it'll be a good time! Enjoy this time- it's all we have.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Free at Last

Today, I am thankful that my semester is finished! My finals are done, my grades are starting to be posted, and I am free in general. It's a really good feeling- I just wish it meant I actually got to sleep in! I'm too chicken to change up my routine or try new things, so I'm still going to my 6 a.m. Crossfit WOD. Ehh, sleeping is for the birds, right?

I can hardly believe that this semester is over. I keep going back and forth between being super excited and being overwhelmed by the fact that I'm "free."

I'm thankful that I survived another semester and came out with [most of] my hair still intact! What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Almost There

Man, oh man. This week, I am thankful that the semester is almost over. Today is the last day of actual classes, and then it's time for finals!

This semester has both flown by and dragged on endlessly. I'm excited that it's ending, because that means that I get to be home with loved ones for almost a month. I'm already looking forward to all of the things that I'll (hopefully) be doing.

But for now, I'm just thankful that the end is in sight! And also that after this semester, I only have two more on campus, followed by one semester of student teaching. Huzzah!


What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday: Recharging

This weekend, I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with my boyfriend, my family, and his family over Thanksgiving break. It really helped me to recharge so that I can make it through the rest of this crazy semester- only 1 1/2 weeks of classes, and then finals, and then I'm home free!

I'm thankful for my family, who loves me and provides for me.

I'm thankful for my boyfriend's family, who loves me and makes me feel like I am part of the family.

I'm thankful for my wonderful boyfriend, and that after almost 3 years, we can still go and sit in a restaurant for half the night and just talk about anything and everything.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful this year!

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, but He chose do take my punishment and die for me, and every time I think about it, my eyes just well up with tears of gratitude.

I am thankful for my God, who is who He says He is, who will never leave me, forget me, or forsake me. I am thankful that He created me for His purpose, and that He has a wonderful and most perfect plan for my life. I am thankful for His unfailing love, and that He never tires of hearing from me or tires of me in general.

I am thankful for my family. We don't get along all the time, but we still love each other. My parents love to see me succeed and do whatever they can to help me get there. My sisters and I are way different, but we can still have good times together.

I am thankful for Mitch. I really don't even have the words right now. He is so loving and patient. He puts up with me when I'm uptight, and he has helped me to loosen up over the past few years. HE is always surprising me by doing something totally wonderful and unexpected. That man deserves an award, but for now he'll have to make do with my heart.

I am thankful for my boyfriend's family. They have loved me since the beginning, and I have always felt welcome. I love them all- his mom and dad, his little sister, his grandparents, aunt & uncle, and his cousin and his wife and kids. I love doing life with them, and I'm looking forward to being with everybody and celebrating today.

I am thankful for my adopted family. They took me into their lives and their hearts when I needed them most, but was pushing most people away. They saw past the hurt and anger to help me heal. They have opened their home to me, shared their wonderful little boy with me, and made me feel like I'm truly part of the family.

I am thankful for CrossFit, and the community of my box. I can't even begin to describe how overwhelmed I was this past Monday, when I just wanted to quit and the other ladies, and the coaches, and even some of the guys gathered around me to cheer me on, support me, and help me push through the last reps. That moved me so much that in addition to my tears or frustration with my body (why wouldn't it do what I wanted it to?) I was crying tears of overwhelming gratitude. I couldn't have done that without them, and I wouldn't have been able to return after my first day 3 months back if the community hadn't been so open and welcoming.

I am thankful for music, and the way I feel it deep within me. I don't doubt for a minute that the Lord has embedded music deep within my heart for a reason, and I love use it to serve and love His people.

I am thankful for my friends. We don't live in the same cities, or even the same states or countries right now. But even though distance may separate us, we're together in our hearts. And even though when school and life get busy, we may go months without really talking, or talking much at all, when we finally are reunited, it's like we didn't miss a beat.

I am thankful for the experiences I've had this year. Even though 2012 has been a roller coaster, and I frequently say that I can't wait for 2013, for a fresh start, there have been some great things in the midst of all the muck. I made friends. I went to the lake for the first time. I fell in love with a little boy, and I love being his Miss Emily. I've played with babies and toddlers, and mentored 4th and 5th graders. I've spent time finding comfort in my kitchen, in tweaking recipes and gifting others with the treats. I've made my first pie crust, and tried my hand at meals that got the boyfriend approval stamp. I've held Little Man in my arms while he slept. I've come to know the Lord on a deeper level. I've pushed myself, and I've been pushed to grow by others.

There is so much to be thankful for this year, and it isn't even done yet. What do you have to be thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Skyping with Friends

This week, I am thankful that I can Skype with my sweet friend, Ashley. Right now, she's studying away in China, and I miss her. A lot. It really helps that I can see her and that we can talk regularly, since social media isn't really an option for her right now.

Can I just say that technology is awesome? I loved seeing her sweet face last night, and I went to bed with a smile on my face.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Music

So far this week, I have been thankful for music. For me, music is not just something to keep me company in the car or while I'm walking to class. No- it's much more than that. Music is a gift that I have been entrusted with, to pursue, to grow, and to seek the Lord in.

For me, music is the way that I best know how to worship and fellowship. When I worship through singing, I feel that I am closer to God than at most other times. When I sing in a choir, or on the worship team at my church, I feel more connected to those I am singing with than I do with others.

Music is something that has been placed deep within my heart, and that I have been given the gift of sharing. And for that, I am thankful.

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday: Finally Fall!

Lately, I have been thankful for the beautiful fall weather that Missouri has. The days are cool enough that I can wear jeans and a T-shirt, or I can throw on a light jacket over that and go about my day. Even better though are the chilly mornings and cool nights. I know, I know. I'm weird.

There has also been some beautiful scenery on my drives lately! Colorful trees are one of my favorite things about fall. That, and the weather, and the fall foods. Who's with me?

This week, I am thankful that we are finally getting some fall-like weather. And, I fully intend to enjoy it! What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: I love my church

I am really thankful for my church, and especially for my church community. The warm atmosphere helps me to be eager to serve every week, and I continually look forward to being able to serve with such lovely people.

Week after week, at both rehearsals and Sunday mornings, I am blessed to serve on the worship team for our Classic service. People have told me that I've blessed them by serving in this capacity, but I believe that I'm the one being blessed. After all, when I serve, I am working with wonderful people who make me feel welcome and a part of the group. When I serve, I am continuing to build my relationship with God. When I serve, it fills my heart.

I am thankful that I can serve at my church within the community. What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: An Able Body

This week, I have been especially thankful for all of the things that my body can do. Because not only can it manage my everyday tasks well, it can also be pushed to its limits, and those limits keep increasing.

For example, in the past month, I've been steadily increasing the weight that I'm able to lift. I'm now up to a 135# dead lift, which absolutely thrills me. And this morning, after repeatedly failing to get more than one assisted pull-up consecutively, I did three in a row. Although it confused me, it thrilled me even more.

My body can lift, run, and do so much, and I am so thankful for that.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday, in list form

Alrighty! Here are some things I've been thankful for this week:

-God's grace and mercies that are new every day.

-caring and supportive people in my life.

-that wonderful boyfriend of mine.

-an able body.

-the way that everything just seems to come together, even if it is at the last minute.

-coffee.

-being able to know how it feels to give your all and see results.

-my family.

-the gift and experience of music.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Encouragement, and a Challenge

Sorry, I thought I'd had this set to post on the correct day. I guess I'm more technologically challenged than I thought!


This week, I have been oh so thankful for the encouragement that's been coming from different people and places. Whether it be at Crossfit as I'm trying to not die as I'm one of the last to finish the day's WOD, or someone complimenting my hair when I'm really not feeling beautiful. When someone takes the time to care or offer kind words, it really lifts my spirits. It has reminded me of something that I promised myself that I wouldn't forget: Even the littlest encouragement can completely turn someone's day around for the better.

Now that I've been reminded, I want to get back on track with being an encourager. My goal is to encourage at least 3 people in some way each day. Will you join me?

I can't wait to see how this blesses you, as I know it will. So, go forth and encourage!

Thankful Thursday: Learning to be Social

I really have so much to be thankful for. I've been returning to write this post all day, but I have been trouble choosing my topic, because I feel like I have so many options.

I am thankful that I have been learning how to better get along in social situations. I've always been the awkward kid who kind of hung out on the edge of the crowd. You know, the one who wants to fit in but doesn't? Yep, that's me.

I have a few really good friends, and I have no idea what I would do without them. They accept me, love me, and even put up with me. Unfortunately, we all live in different places. I'm here in SW MO, one of my best friends is in UT, a few are back in STL (including my man), and one decided it would be a brilliant idea to go halfway across the world to China. I love them so much, and I cherish our times together and conversations.

But it sucks to be that awkward person when you're around the same people all the time at school. But this semester, I've been growing; coming out of my shell. I'm making friends at the gym, talking to other people in my major, even having a good time with them!

I'm thankful that I'm learning how to better interact with others in social situations (it only took me 20 years, right?). What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Answered Prayers

This week, I have been watching in awe as God has been answering prayers all around me, whether they be prayers regarding my life or regarding my friends' lives.

For example, we've been praying about a job that one of my friends interviewed for recently. If she was offered the job, she would be able to live in town and be closer to her friends, church, and everything in general.

Another (possibly groundbreaking) example: Instead of praying and begging for God to send me friends, or "fix" me so that I have an easier time relating to people, I have been praying for awhile now that He would help me to be content in loving Him and in having a relationship with Him; that I wouldn't be chasing after people of the world so that I would have someone to talk to (locally) and just shoot the breeze with. Funnily enough, when God became my focus, He sent me someone that I can see a friendship growing with.

But really, God answers all prayers, whether it be yes, no, not yet, I've got something better, or even any other answer that He chooses to give. While dwelling upon the "yeses" in my life recently, I've seen the "not yets" and the "something betters" that are coming, and that have come, into fruition.

I am thankful for God who reigns with Truth and Grace. I am thankful that He hears and answers prayers. I am thankful that no matter how difficult I find it to fathom, He loves me, and He wants to have an active relationship with me.

I am thankful. What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: a best friend

One of the highlights of this week was getting to talk to my friend, who I usually call "Chief" for the first time in awhile. We usually don't talk all the time- shoot, weeks and months usually pass between our conversations, but somehow, we never drift apart. Every time Chief and I talk, it feels like the last conversation was just yesterday.

I don't know if he knows it (even though I tell him all the time), but Chief, and my friendship with him, mean a lot to me. We've been friends since elementary school. We went through middle school and high school together. And now that we're attending universities in different parts of the state, we're still going through college together.

I tell Chief all the time, but I am forever grateful for our unconditional friendship. I love the support that we can give each other. I love how even though time may pass, it feels like we never miss a beat. If I could have a guy as my Maid of Honor someday, it would be Chief. (But that might be a little too weird for both of us.)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm thankful for Chief, for my friendship with him, and for the years we've shared together.

What, or who, are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Doing Life Together

I'm sorry that this is being posted so late in the day! I definitely did not do my best planning or time management today, that's for sure.

Today and this week, I have been focusing on my thankfulness for the times I've had recently where I just get to sit down with a friend and chat about life. It's something that I don't always get, but when I do, I love it. Just doing life with people- whether or not we've both got it all together, or if we meet up and catch up all the time- is so great, and I love that I have relationships with these people that we can "do life together" without it feeling awkward or forced.

Thankful Thursday: Can't Help Lovin' that Man

As always, I am very thankful for Mitch. I don't deserve that wonderful man, but while I have him, you'd better believe I intend to keep 'im!

This week, I am thankful for him because he decided to come all the way (3 1/2ish hours) to take care of me and drive my gimpy self around. I am thankful that he had the next few days off from work so that he could do this. Last night, after listening to me stressing about the fact that I couldn't walk (long story short- 1 mile walk across campus barefoot to save myself from blistering shoes = massive blisters on the bottoms of my feet), he got off the phone in a hurry. Then, about 30 minutes later, he called me and said that he was on his way to come help me out.

I was overwhelmed. I love that man. I love him all the time, but the times that he does something extra-caring take the cake.

Once again, I am thankful for the loving and caring man that I call my boyfriend. What are you thankful for?

p.s.- sorry about the mush!

Thankful Thursday: Back to School Edition

I am thankful for the professors that I am studying with, that they are willingly and eagerly sharing knowledge with us. I am thankful for the friends that I have here at MSU, and in town, and how warmly they welcomed be back for the school year. I am thankful that I have been sleeping solidly for the first time in a long time, so that my body is recharged for each day. I am thankful for the communities that I am a part of- both the community of my college ministry and the community of the Voice Department and my voice studio. I am thankful for Mitch's patience and support. I am thankful for my adoptive family. I am thankful for my voice teacher, and the way that she is always honest but encouraging. I am thankful for the wonderful and acclaimed faculty that I study under, that they chose to be at MSU. I am thankful for the opportunity to get this education. And I am thankful for the hours that I will be spending in the library today, because it means that I was able to create or find that time in my hectic schedule.

Have a wonderful day!

Thankful Thursday: Being Loved On

This week, I have been seeing and feeling just how much I am loved by all of my families. I say all of my families, because I have more than one. I may only have one "blood" family, but I have other "heart" families in addition to that one. And I am thankful for that.

Before I left to come back to school, my boyfriend and his dad were making sure that my car would make it on the journey. They arranged things so that it would work better, and they went out of their way to care for me and provide for me.

I got back to school, and I was welcomed home by my adoptive family here in town. And boy, did they spoil me! I was fed, loved on, and welcomed with such enthusiasm that it almost made me cry.

And my biological family is always taking care of me. We tend to get along better when I'm away at school, but I know that they still love me and care about me, even though it can be frustrating.

So, today I'm thankful for the ways that I've been loved on recently. What are you thankful for?