A Month of Thanks: Week Three

This is week three of my "Month of Thanks" series. If you missed the first two weeks, you can get caught up here and here.

Now, week three has come as kind of a challenge for me because, let's be honest, after the first few major things on the list, it's a bit difficult to think of more. But, I persisted and came up with a few more things I'm grateful for.

{1} The interwebs. Yep. Even with all of the negative stuff that you can find online, I still love that it exists. Today, we have access to so much more information than was previously possible. We can connect with people on the other side of the world with the click of a button! It just amazes me that the world is literally at my finger tips. Plus, without it, I would not be writing this right now and you would not be reading it and we would not be growing in community. It's just a fact. Also a fact? No human could survive the low pressure of Mars. If you went to Mars without an appropriate space suit, the oxygen in your blood would literally turn into bubbles, causing immediate death. [[I actually don't know if that's true. It just came up when I searched for "random facts." Whatever. You have internet. You do the research! =] ]]

{2} Hot herbal tea. More specifically, Celestial Seasonings. There aren't a whole lot of ailments that a good strong cup of herbal tea won't fix. I use it for falling asleep, headaches, sinus congestion...pretty much everything. But don't ask me what my favorite blend is, because I don't have one and I don't want to try to have one because they're all too delicious. Also, I hate favorite things. [[No I don't.]]

This is my current tea collection. Yep...count 'em. 15 teas. It's a little outrageous, I know...but I'm telling you...I love the stuff!

{3} Seasons. I love the changing of seasons here in Central Illinois. The melting of the snow and blooming of flowers and leaves in spring, the melting of my face and the uncontrollable frizz of my hair in the summer [[okay so I really, really don't like summer...]] but then comes the cool crisp air of autumn and the crunch of fallen leaves under your boots, and finally, winter brings the freshness of snow and the icy bite of the wind [[also it brings warm, cozy sweaters and things like, I don't know, hot herbal tea!]] Winter is by far my favorite season, but I really appreciate that I even get to have seasons. I don't know what I would do if I moved to a place with only one or two seasons. For serious.

So, tell me, what things are you thankful for this week? I would love to hear from you!

A Month of Thanks: Week Two

Last week I started a month long series I've decided to call A Month of Thanks.

In continuing this series, here is this week's list of things I'm thankful for.

{1} The gift of music. I love music. I love listening to it, playing it, dancing to it [[not in public...usually while doing chores!]] It makes everyday tasks suddenly not so every day. It is the way my heart worships. Usually, if I can't find the words to say to God to express what I'm feeling, there is a song. And if not, then there are melodies that arise that speak to/through me. I am just so thankful for music and how it has influenced my life. A few bands/artists that I'm really into lately are:

               - Jenny & Tyler
               - Brian Crain
               - Sufjan Stevens
               - Elenowen
               - Flatt & Scruggs
               - Josh Garrels
               - Punch Brothers
               - Simon & Garfunkel
               - The Walla Recovery

If you haven't heard of any of these, I highly recommend going right this instant and checking them out. [[here's a tip, a lot of them are available on Noisetrade. Plus...you may find some other fun, new artists that you like while you're there.]] What are some of your favorite artists these days?

{2} I'm thankful for books. All books! [[Well...not all books. I'm not thankful for the kinds of books that are filled with negative imagery and that fill your mind with filth. You know the kind.]] However, I am always looking for a good story. Fiction, non-fiction, action/adventure, sci-fi, almost any genre. If it is a good story, count me in. Though I've always been a reader, I've only come to appreciate the beauty of the written word as of late. To be transported to a completely new world through the magic of words. I love it. There are so many things that we can learn from books. Not only can you learn life lessons or learn about the life of someone great [[or not so great, as the case may be.]], you will probably gain a larger vocabulary! [[I guess it depends on what you're reading. If you're my age and reading Captain Underpants, I would maybe stop and reevaluate it...]] What are your favorite books? I mean, all time, could read them a million times and they'd never get old, favorites. I honestly have to think on that question myself a bit. =]

{3} Creativity. Today, I've written about music and books, and they both fall under one category. They reside in the realm of the creative. But creativity can be so much more! I think often people put it into a box and say "if you can draw a decent picture, you're creative," or "if you can play an instrument, you're creative." But creativity can go so far beyond that! My husband, at work, came up with a new software that can be used by actuaries. THAT'S CREATIVE! Some people can look at someone's face and know exactly what colors and styles of makeup to use. THAT'S CREATIVE! You guys...there are so many different types of creativity, sometimes, you just need to think outside the box to recognize it. Today, I challenge you to change the way you see creativity. Think of ways that you can appreciate it that don't simply revolve around "the arts."


So there is this week's list, what are the things you're thankful for this week?

A Month of Thanks

So here it is.
The month of November.
A lot of big things are happening this month.

My husband is celebrating his 24th birthday.

Some dear friends of ours just so happen to be getting married this month.

Thanksgiving is this month, which means a couple of things:

      {1} Lots and lots of family//friend time!
      {2} Piles of delicious food [[most of it containing some form of pumpkin. YUM!]]
      {3} A new series of blog posts from yours truly. Each week will contain a smattering of things I've been thankful for recently. I would encourage you to also spend some time each week in thought. Think about what you're thankful for, how God has blessed you over the last week, month, or even year. Also, it would be great if you would come back here to share with me and others what you've been thanking God for.

It will just be one giant thankfulness fest! We'll join together and thank God for what he has been doing in our lives. It'll be great.

So! Let's get this wagon rolling, shall we? This week, I'll start with the big picture stuff.

For Example:

{1} My husband. Joshua. This man. I tell ya what. We are most of the way through our third year of marriage [[can you believe it??]] and we are still just as in love as the day we met. [[Actually...bad example because we despised each other when we met...but that's a story for another day!]] Anyway, we're still very much in love and he is continually surprising me with his love. Some days I feel so unlovable, but he loves me anyway. Unconditional love, people. There is no greater blessing.

{2} I have a great family. A great big, giant, supportive ball of family. They bless my socks off. Seriously. They are there for me [[and the husband]] when we're going through rough patches. They push me to use my skills for God's glory and not my own. They are hilarious, people. You should meet them some time. For reals.

{3} I have a place to call home. I don't mean our actual house [[although I am quite thankful for it...]] but instead the town that we now call home, Bloomington-Normal [[a.k.a. BloNo for those of you that are "hip..."]] This town has so many things to offer! [[I will be doing a post soon about an awesome new food experience I was recently introduced to. Be on the lookout...it'll blow your mind!]] Aside from the great restaurants and culture and thrift stores and gift shops and everything, this town has one thing that we won't find anywhere else. Our family at Jacob's Well. Sure, in the future, when we move on, we'll find other churches with other families, but I doubt that any of them will feel quite as much like home as the Jake. God has blessed us with friends upon friends [[most of whom have actually become more like brothers and sisters than friends!]] and I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing they have been. For a small taste of how they have helped us, check out my posts here and here.

So there you have it. The first three things in a long list of things that I am quite thankful for. Don't forget to think about your own list and also  to come on back here to share it with the rest of us!

Happy November!

Restoration.

You guys.

It's been a hard month. I've experienced a range of new emotions that have been hard to stomach. I've been on an emotional roller coaster, and it has been quite the ride.

God has been stretching me in ways that I've never before experienced. He's growing me for a greater purpose, and it's hard because I have no idea what that purpose is. It's driving me absolutely mad.

But God has a plan. I can look back on my life and see that God has had His hand in every little detail, so I have faith that He will bring me through this time.

I have had a song stuck in my head repeatedly for the past few weeks, and I love it because it stands so true. It is pretty long, but it is beautiful, so I encourage you to listen to it. The lyrics are below if you'd like to follow along.

You bring restoration
You bring restoration
You bring restoration
to my soul

You've taken my pain
called me by a new name
You've taken my shame
and in it's place, You give me joy

You take mourning and turn it into dancing
You take weeping and turn it into laughing
You take mourning and turn it into dancing
You take my sadness and turn it into joy

hallelujah, hallelujah
You make all things new, all things new

Operation Foundation Fix

Before we purchased our house  back in January, we were warned by everyone "Make sure you take into account all of the perks of being a homeowner." We figured that there would be things to fix or update [[I mean, our house was built in the 60's after all.]] but I thought they would be small things. Put in a new sink. Trade out the old outlets for something more updated. You know...the easy stuff.

When we moved in, we noticed that the carpet was pretty ratty and instantly thought "This must be replaced."

If your carpet is still this grimy after 3 SHAMPOOS...that's disgusting and it needs to be replaced.

This is what the under side of the carpet looked like as we were tearing it up. How does this even happen? [[I'll tell you...not vacuuming...ever. That's how.]]

 So in May, we undertook the project of replacing it with laminate flooring because it is much easier to keep looking nice than carpet. [[Especially in the front room where all the traffic from the front door comes through.]] A few weeks after the guy put in the floor, we found out in a roundabout manner that he noticed that our foundation was leaning.

{1} Not sure why it took him 3 weeks to get this information to us.
{2} Not sure why the home inspector didn't notice this lean before we bought the house. [[I mean really...this wall was leaning a good 5-6 inches...isn't that something inspectors are trained to see?]]

So, last weekend was finally the weekend that we were able to get it fixed. This is where I am really thankful to have such wonderful family and friends! Just so happens that my uncle owns an excavating business and does this stuff all the time. [[Most recently on his son's new home, which needed all 4 walls redone...ouch!]] To help with costs, my uncle suggested that we get some of our friends to come over and help. We are seriously so blessed to have such willing and helpful friends!

Best in the biz.

Here is where things get serious.

Josh doing a little mortar grinding.

Tate taking a crack at it.

Luke and Will pouring concrete.

It stinks that we even had to fix this problem at all, but it rocks my face off that we have such great friends and family to help us out! Thanks guys!!

P.s. I'm linking up with the beautiful Kacia. So make sure you head on over to her blog and show her some love!

The Joys of Summer

 

 What I like about this summer [[so far...]] :

{1} Peaches! I've always liked peaches, but this year, I'm really enjoying buying them locally and eating them often...perhaps too often...

{2} I have really enjoyed making different kinds of iced drinks this summer. I've been experimenting with different ways to do iced coffee and I have even tried making Sun Tea!

{3} Trips to the zoo. You're never too old to enjoy the zoo! [[even if we do look a little odd going without any kids, we still have a ton of fun!]]

{4} My garden is actually producing crops! We've gotten to enjoy some lettuce and spinach thus far, but the tomatoes are looking good and ripening quickly! They should be available to eat soon!

{5} Every day that passes we are closer to becoming licensed foster parents. This prospect really excites us and I am LOVING that we have a nursery in our home!

{6} Since the weather is nice and people don't mind driving, we've gotten to spend a lot of extra time with friends and family

{7} I opened my Etsy Shop so I've been doing a lot of knitting and crocheting [[which I have a lot of fun doing]].

{8} Again, because of the nice weather, Josh and I have been able to go on a TON of bike rides. I really enjoy the time we get during those to chat and connect.

{9} Summer = ice cream. It's just a fact.

{10} Summer is Blockbuster Time so all of the great high action films are coming out in theaters! [[If you haven't seen The Avengers yet, get off of your computer, or whatever you're reading this on, and get that booty over to the theater to see it! You heard me...GO!]]

HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL!

So it's almost Thanksgiving...

This year has flown by. I can hardly believe that next Thursday is already Thanksgiving! One of the girls that I nanny for had an assignment for school to make a list of things that she is thankful for. Whoever had the most things got a prize. [[This was a little silly, I thought, but it really made me stop and think...what am I thankful for?]]

I started making a list in my head of all the things that I make my life easier, more fun, things like that. I ended up with a pretty huge list of things [[I probably would have won the prize...]] but I think it's probably not appropriate to share a "Top 10,000 Things I'm Thankful For" list...I mean...who wants to read that? [[And why would I want to type that?]]

So...here it is...My Top 5 Things I'm Thankful For in 2011:

1. A wonderful, supportive family.  Who else would pretend that I'm a good cook? =]
2. An amazing church family. The Jake is an awesome example of what a church community should look like and I am humbled that they have accepted my husband and I into their lives.
3. A place to call home. By that, I don't just mean that we have shelter. Yes, we do live in an apartment, and I am thankful to have a roof over my head and electricity so I can have heat during the cold days ahead, but I'm talking about having a town that we fit into. Looking back at the few places my husband and I have lived together, we are now in a town that is more "our style," [[Whatever that means...]] and I am thankful for it.
4. I am thankful for my husband. He works hard every day to make my life easier and to make me happy. He treats me well and he respects me. I truly couldn't ask for a better partner in life. I am so blessed.
5. And finally, my friends. This year has brought about new friends and has brought me closer with old ones too. It is awesome to just have someone to share life with.

If you haven't already thought about it, I challenge you to think about what you're thankful for. Think about it throughout the day, whenever you have a spare minute to think. Write it down so you're reminded of these things whenever you see it. And if there are people on your list, tell them how thankful you are that they're in your life.