Thursday, September 29, 2011

Day 56: Thankful Today for Our Walking Wellness Challenge


 Our Wellness Challenge at work has me tracking steps. I haven't reached my goal but I am stepping more. And each step is a step toward greater health as I walk towards a stronger heart and a healthier body. I just have to remember to wear my pedometer, daily.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Day 55: Thankful Today for the Kindness of a Stranger


I had a difficult time getting home last night. The rains flooded the main road that I needed. I tried two different highways and found the exits home blocked on both of them. The last attempt to exit, instead led me out of my way into an unfamiliar area. I followed the traffic and was finally able to leave the highway but had no clue how to get home. The GPS was no help because it kept directing me back towards the routes that were closed.

I pulled into a gas station and asked a lady for directions. She directed back to the highway I had left and was blocked. But a lady pumping gas overheard our conversation and volunteered to show me the way.

The floodwaters had left me frustrated and lost. The kindness of a stranger gave me hope and led me home.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Day 54: Thankful Today for God the Savior


 John 3:16-17 is the foundation of my belief and the truth that makes me thankful, daily.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Day 53: Thankful Today That I Am Still Employed


We went through another round of staff reductions. This seems to be a pattern that has been repeating at the end of each of each quarter. Just when we think our staff is as lean as it can get, it shrinks further. But I am still there and still thankful that I will be collecting a paycheck for the work I do. The people who were let go weren't bad performers, nor were there jobs not needed. It was a matter of reducing cost and redistributing the work.

So, it is by the grace of God that I am still there. And hope to be there, until He reveals the right opportunity.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Day 52: Thankful Today for Tethering


 It took two phone calls to AT&T tech support and still no resolution. But then I was transferred to RIMM. An hour later, I could tether. I love technology. There is so much more we can do today and it's exciting to think of what's ahead in the future. Now my phone not only makes calls, but also enables my laptop to surf the net. Tethering allows me to be connected on my laptop anywhere without any extra devices, just a cable and my phone.

The beauty in this is that it prepares me for a future transition.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Day 51: Thankful Today for A Former Co-Worker


I have been struggling with a current project, unable to acquire needed information or insight from those who are experts in the area I am venturing. So a former co-worker came to mind. In one short phone call I was guided in a better direction, led to resources and just left with a feeling of reassurance that I could accomplish my goal.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Day 50: Thankful Today for Those Who Inspire


 I have a handful of podcasts I listen to. A couple are my favorite ministers, some are educational, there is one that is health-related, others are related to the industry I am studying and then there are the ones that just inspire. They feature interviews with people who are making discoveries, taking risks, expressing unique thoughts and ideas, reaching out to others, and making a difference in this world. They are scientists, educators, bloggers, programmers, writers, artists, entertainers, people from a variety of industries.

They are those who step out, and encourage others to do the same. They are people who inspire.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Day 49: Thankful Today for Finishing Just in Time


Yesterday I struggled with my latest assignment. Finally, I decided to sleep on it. Unfortunately, that left me with only today to finish. And thankfully I did, just in time. Assignment done and uploaded!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Day 48: Thankful Today for My Evening Cup of Tea


 It's the end of the day and time to wind down. I slide into the sofa and watch the evening news, warmed by my evening cup of green tea. It's flavored with a shock of lemon and a fizz of vitamin C, my one last attempt to give myself a health boost during a soothing ritual. I finish the cup as the news ends and my entry into sleep begins. Well…sometimes?

Monday, September 19, 2011

Day 47: Thankful Today for Another Sunny Day


 It was an unexpected sunny day, one that beckoned me outdoors. I quickly left work today, no hanging around to answer a few more emails or check one more thing off my to do list. The sun is setting earlier as winter nears, so there was an urgency. I arrive at the park with an hour of sunlight left. Just in time to bask in its glow while I walk off the stress and calories picked up throughout the day.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Day 46: Thankful Today for No Snow Yet


I took my morning walk today and for the first time in a long time, I had to grab a jacket. And despite the extra layer the chill crept in. Fortunately, as I walked the motion built up a heat that warmed me. As I looked at the turning leaves and felt the chill in the air, I was so grateful the ground is still green. There is none of that frozen or powdery white stuff that causes the grass to go dormant for several months. For now there is just a chill. And in some places I still see the beauty of a flower or two. Oh if it could last all year round.

But I guess the cold, gray winter makes the warm, green spring that much more beautiful. And us, that much more grateful when it finally appears.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Day 45: Thankful Today for the First Week of The Firm


 One week completed and three more to go. I don't feel lighter or slimmer. It was a week of a lot of stress eating. But I did get all three days of The Firm in as well as a few days of walking. So I do feel healthy and more disciplined in at least one area. Now on to week four, starting tomorrow. And hopefully a week of better eating, so the results can begin.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Day 44: Thankful Today for my Portable Heater


 The cold snuck up on us. It was in the low 80's and high 70's one week and then all of a sudden the high was the mid 50's. So evenings and mornings have turned cold in just a few days. I turned on my heat for the first time since the end of winter and nothing. No click of the baseboard heaters. No sound of the heated water moving through the pipes. Nothing.

Thankfully, I have a portable heater bought some time ago. I dragged it out, wiped off the dust, plugged it up and hoped. A slight click and a few pops of oil heating up and within the hour, I was warm again.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Day 43: Thankful Today for a Reliable Car


 When I turn the key in the ignition I am greeted with the welcome sound of a smoothly running engine. The ride is comfortable as I turn each corner and stop at each red light. It climbs the hills to work and I can depend on it to bring me home. Whether snow or rain, its safety features bring me a sense of peace as I brave the elements. And today I received the news; it is finally mine.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Day 42: Thankful Today for the Beginning of Understanding


 I have been struggling with understanding new concepts introduced this semester. I have had to read the material a couple times and compose notes summarizing key points. And finally, today I think I am starting to understand. It's unfamiliar to me, and just wrapping this time worn brain around new ways of thinking has been a challenge this semester.

But today I broke through the clouds of stress I bring home from work everyday, and saw the light of comprehension.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Day 41: Thankful Today for T. D. Jakes

 

I listen to his podcasts sometimes during my evening walks. And one day what he said just hit me. His message answered so many questions. His sermons are always powerful, but that day I felt like he was speaking directly to me.

Thank you T. D.  Jakes for being a servant of God and allowing him to speak the truth through you. Thank you for your obedience to Him and your love for the body of Christ.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Day 40: Thankful Today for School


It is not easy going back to school later in life. So many days I come home from work and just want to deal with its stress by forming into a couch potato in front of the TV. But instead, I study the books, write the papers, and create projects. I do sometimes tire from the late nights that I feel too old to put myself through. But somehow I make it. And for the first time in a long time, I regularly experience an excitement about what I am learning. At the end of each semester I am filled with new knowledge, new skills and a new hope for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Day 39: Thankful Today for Our Troops and Their Families


I am thankful today for our troops and their families. They make the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve our freedom and our safety.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Day 38: Thankful Today for Another Day


I have been having this brooding feeling. Lately I am unusually aware of the shortness of our days. I think back to the many people in my family who have passed all within a few years time span. I miss them and life has changed so much since their departure.

Their passing also reminds me of how little time we actually do have on this earth. I wonder how different my life would be if I really knew when its end was. How differently would I live? How much more would I value the time I have with those I love? How much less time would I spend on those things that don't matter? But since I don't know my end date, today I need to treasure and be thankful that I woke up this morning and was given another day. And I need to live this day with its value in mind.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Day 37: Thankful Today for the Higher Elevations



As I drive home to the higher elevations in the near distance, for the first time I am thankful. In the winter so much of the time I dread what awaits me. The temperature is usually up to 10 degrees colder and the snow twice as deep than the valley. During storms the power and water outages are at best an inconvenience. But this time high ground is a blessing. The rains have caused the waterways to rise too high to be held. And there is flooding. But not in the higher elevations.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Day 36: Thankful Today for My Computer


I am thankful today for my computer. It opens up a world of possibilities. The one at work enables me to do my job in a much more efficient way than pre-desktop computer days. The one at home connects me to people and places hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles away. I can be social online through Facebook or Google +. I can look for a job online through company websites or sites like Career Builder and Monster. I can read the hot news topic for the US, UK or Dubai. I can research information or just be entertained. The computer has become a portal that extends our reach and makes the world a much smaller place.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Day 35: Thankful Today for My Health


I look back two years ago and the health problems were continual. In addition, the weight of the losses was a drag on my sense of self. But now two years later I can say I am on the other side and am thankful today for my health.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Day 34: Thankful Today for a Home-Cooked Meal


My schedule has been so crazy with school that frozen dinners had become the norm. Though some are tasty, they just don't have the texture and flavor of fresh ingredients. Finally, today I had the time to whip up something quick: fresh sauteed spinach with sun-dried tomatoes over whole grain pasta. The salty tomatoes mixed with the nutty flavor of fresh spinach, was oh so good over the noodles. And even healthy.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Day 33: Thankful Today for the Times We Can Slow Down


 I had no errands today. No obligations, no appointments, no rushes and no strict deadlines. For once I was off the clock. I had a day that allowed me to slow down. With the knowledge that my weekend had an extra day added to it, there was no pressure to finish my list. Oh the list still called to me. But I chose to just enjoy the moments, knowing I wouldn't get the whole list done. But I would accomplish what was necessary.

I enjoyed my morning cup of coffee. I got to take a walk during what will be one of the remaining sunny days, as the chill and gray of Fall begins to set in. I watched butterflies land on beautiful flowers. I saw people rushing past me running stop signs, hurried and possibly stressed as they sped to get to their destinations. But I had no schedule and actually took the liberty to change my destination at the last minute. Days like this are few, but so treasured. And so needed, since the rush of the work week will begin soon enough.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Day 32: Thankful Today for The Firm's Arrival

I opened my door this morning only to find this box sitting outside of it. It came early. I am so excited. Yes I have tried so many types of exercise programs and gadgets and DVD's. But still each time I am hopeful, that this time will do the trick. This time will be the jumpstart my workout routine needs. So I'll read through the materials, plan my first week of workouts,...and start: with a new energy, new plan, new routine and hopefully in 30 days and new "me."

Friday, September 2, 2011

Day 31: Thankful Today for God's Traffic Cones

I have been praying for something for a long time. Instead of seeing my prayer answered with a "Yes" or "take this route," it's like God has dropped down a huge traffic cone. I have been stopped, put on hold, waiting. Why?

When I look up the use of traffic cones I find they are placed on roads or footpaths to temporarily redirect traffic in a safe manner and to give advance warning of hazards or dangers. Sometimes too, they redirect traffic while an area is under construction.

So, has my journey been stalled to prevent me from going into a dangerous area? Is the place that God has for me still under construction? Or maybe I am not ready yet and there is still something he needs to build in me. Maybe my footpath has been blocked and I have been redirected to stay put for now, while he prepares a place for me and prepares the places in me.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Day 30: Thankful Today for My Family

I am thankful today for my family. I have lived in numerous places and changed jobs several times but one of the few constants has been my family. I can count on them to always be there in some capacity. They love me no matter what my station in life. They love me even when I am unlovable.

And for me, family includes not just my biological family but those who have accepted me as a part of their families as well. It includes those long-term friends that are like a brother or like a sister. I love you family.
—Grace