Ten on Ten (March)

It is that time again. I can hardly believe it's been a month already. Well - here is my list of ten things I'm thankful for:

1 - "Tiny Blessings" (see previous blog article): There is a danger when our lives get clouded by busyness and/or emotions. It's easy to miss the little ways in which God is working around us. And when we stop looking or stop seeing the tiny blessings we can tend to feel abandoned. I'm thankful that I am looking again and have the pleasure and joy of seeing God's hand in my life (in the simplest of things).

2 - Lessons from God: Learning lessons from God can often be very difficult - not because of stubbornness to learn but because of the pain of self-reflection. I'm thankful that God helps me become, not only, the person I want to become, but also, the daughter He knows I can be. He loves me enough not to leave me where I am. If I am willing He will help me grow.

3 - Music - Christian music in particular: It can heal, inspire, remind me of God's wonderful and amazing existence, or simply allow me to offer my praise. I only wish I could sing.

4 - Chocolate, Pepsi, popcorn, Chick-fil-a and the like: The little pleasures of life should not be overlooked or taken for granted. These are simple, simple things and yet they make me smile. And all those little smiles add up to a great big warm fuzzy. My joy in these little things has an added benefit: my husband is thankful that I'm not high-maintenance. (Enstrom's Almond Toffee, by the way --- um! um! ---little bit of heaven.)

5 - TV: I know what you're thinking (or are you?). In reality it's not the TV that I'm thankful for - it's the simple "dates" my husband and I have while watching some of our favorite shows together.

6 - Friends: Sadly - most of my long-time friends live in other states. I don't get to see them much or at all. But - I am thankful that time and space hasn't taken away the value we have in each other.

7 -How do I put this? I'm thankful that I don't live in the same crazy world as the people on some "reality" shows. When I see clips of some of these people on the news or other programs I try to reassure myself that these idiotic, immoral, self-aggrandizing people don't actually exist - that it's all an act. But then I think - maybe I live in a bubble and these people do exist. And if that's the case - I'm glad I don't live where they live.


8 - Things that make me laugh: It could be just about anything. Laughter is good for the soul. And it's contagious. When my daughter finds something fall-down funny - it makes us all laugh. Try watching America's Funniest Home Video's with a child. You will have more fun watching them than the show.


9 - Answered prayers: I continue in my journey to be faithful in prayer for others. I have found it a true pleasure to see God working in their lives.

10 - The gym: - although I don't get there as often as I'd like (or should) I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work out and take care of my body. When I do get to go - my body and my mind feel refreshed.

Ten on Ten

I was excited this morning when I realized it was the 10th. I've been waiting for this day for awhile now. I've taken inspiration from my friend Andrea who does a project every month called "10 on 10". She takes ten pictures throughout the day that give a snapshot view of her life. She has a great eye for seeing the special in the otherwise average day. If I had that kind of talent I would tackle that project too. However, I don't quite have the eye for it. Instead I've decided to take a spin on the "10 on 10". On a monthly basis I'd like to make note of 10 things I'm thankful for or blessed with in my life. Granted I should probably do this more than once a month but a girl's gotta start somewhere. So here's my list for today:

1 - I am thankful for my husband. I find it extremely ironic that we are completely opposite and yet in many ways very similar. We have been on a journey together - some of it pleasant and some not so much. When I'm down or worried about something, he helps pull be back up. I like to think I do the same for him. We are each other's defender. He's got my back and I've got his. Together we make a better team than we would apart.

2 - I am thankful for my daughter. She's my China angel. Life is more joyful with her in it. She is a true pleasure to be around. She is an incredibly special girl who is sweet and lovable. Admittedly she has her grumpy moments. But, for the most part, she's a princess. I know I sound biased but I speak the truth! She is without a doubt one of the best blessings I've ever received in my life.

3 - I am thankful for family. I am blessed with family that is supportive and has bent over backwards for us. Sometimes we are fortunate to agree on things. Sometimes we disagree and drive each other crazy. But through it all - we're still family.

4 - I am thankful for quiet time. Although I don't seem to get quite enough of this - I am very thankful when I do. Those moments help me retain (or maybe regain) some sanity in a crazy world. It's almost a necessity for me. Whether I'm able to spend time with God or just organize my thoughts I become a calmer, more patient person at the end of some quality alone time.

5 - I am thankful for hot water. Yes, you read correctly. It may sound simple but my belief is that we take so much for granted. I notice it most when I first step into the shower and the water hits my head. I love that feeling of being surrounded by the warmth. Sometimes I think how much I'd miss such a small pleasure if I didn't have it. I realize I'm blessed when I think how most of the world's population doesn't get to have that same luxury.

6 - I am thankful for good health. It may be a "standard" blessing but I truly am thankful that my family is healthy.

7 - I am thankful for God's provisions. I have a roof over my head. I have a heated house to live in. I have hot water (just had to throw that one in again.) I have plenty of food to eat. (Although I never seem to have enough chocolate.) I have clothes on my back and I have a car to drive. I admit I look at the things around me and wish they were better or different. I still long for my dream home or for a new car or to be able to go wild crazy shopping for new clothes. But the truth is - I am blessed with all I have. And I have more than most in the world.

8 - I am thankful for this blog. It helps me to be disciplined to look for God on a daily basis.

9 - I am thankful for hope (particularly hope for a new tomorrow). On some days it alludes me but maybe that's what makes it all the more special when I do feel it stirring within me.

10 -Most importantly - I am thankful for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Without them I am lost. I'm so grateful to be found!