Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 94: Thankful Today for a Fun Day With Family in FL


It is always nice to see family. And this trip was spent with family I don't get to see often. It was so much fun to share time together. We toured the museum, walked the beach, and had lunch at a cool restaurant that looked like the cross between a 1950's diner and trailer. The food was good but the company was even better. We laughed and laughed. It was just what I needed before heading back to the chaos that is my life tomorrow.

I am thankful for those rays of sunshine during the gray periods of life.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 93: Thankful Today That I Finally Arrived



 My day started with a delay and it continued to snowball. Each new delay caused the possibility of another missed connection. So after a few delays and re-bookings I finally made it to my destination almost 6 hours after the originally scheduled time. Tired and hungry, but relieved to see my family and my baggage at the airport.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 92: Thankful Today for Trip to Visit Family in FL


 I am looking forward to visiting family I haven't seen in over 4 years. It will be good to catch up and it will be nice to be down South again.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 91: Thankful Today for Daniel Chapter 2


It is interesting to me how God used dreams in the Old Testament to raise someone to a high level. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and he was appointed to oversee the kingdom. Daniel interpreted the king's dream and he was also appointed to oversee part of the kingdom. Both men stepped out in faith when giving the interpretations of the dreams.

Daniel faced death but believed God would give him the interpretation and delivered it to the king. Even if Daniel believed he had heard the message from God. He had no assurance except his faith that the king would favorably receive it. God came through, but also Daniel had to take that step out in faith to receive God's blessing. His life was not only spared but he and his friends promoted to high places.

Chapter 2 reveals so much about our God: his creativity, his love for his people, his provision for his people, his power over even the unbelieving. And so much more... God is an awesome God who desires us to walk in faith and he will walk with us along that journey.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 90: Thankful Today for Daniel Chapter 1


We recently began our study in the book of Daniel. I am thankful that his story was included in God's word. I have often heard of the story of Daniel in the lion's den or fiery furnace, but not as much on the 1st book. In our study it is encouraging to see how Daniel kept his principles in something as simple as the food he would eat. It is an area that would be so easy to compromise on, but he didn't.

And as a result, God honored that commitment. Daniel was stronger than those who went along with that present culture. He also had favor even from those who did not serve his God and were in high places. Daniel shows how God rewards obedience. And God is pleased when we honor him.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Day 89: Thankful Today that My Flight Made it Out


My first flight out departed without a problem. However, my connecting one was delayed. As I sat there waiting for an update to the departing time I thought back to those times I had watched delayed flights become cancelled flights. And then there is the luggage. You never know if you get rebooked if it will follow.

But thankfully, the delay was not too long. The flight made it out. And my luggage was on the carousel when I arrived home.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 88: Thankful Today for the Atlanta Airport


I have a handful of favorite airports to go through, for various reasons. Charlotte airport has courteous and friendly staff. Detroit's airport has restaurant row, which offers a lot of great choices. And there are other airports on that list as well. But this trip we went through Atlanta. It is a busy airport and not one to go through during the rainy season. But in the winter it is one of my favorites. If I have to get stuck somewhere during the winter, Atlanta is one of the best places. You can easily catch the train from the airport and find your way to shopping, restaurants, an art museum and many other activities without dealing with extremely cold weather.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 87: Thankful Today for A Private Room for Study


Jobs I have had in the past required their employees to share hotel rooms when traveling. That can cause so many challenges, which may be future posts. But I can thankfully say this job gives each person a private room. I am thankful for so many reasons. But on this trip I had homework like usual. At the end of the day when work was done it was so nice to be able to go back to my room alone and focus. Though I was away from home I was still able to meet some of my personal obligations.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Day 86: Thankful Today for On Time Flights


I travel sometimes more than I'd like to. My air travel has exposed me to a variety of experiences: from the perfect flight, to the delayed, and the all time favorite is the cancelled flight that occurs with your connection. But I am happy to say my most recent trip away from home went well. I experienced some on time flights.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 85: Thankful Today To Be Home


I haven't posted for awhile. I have been out of town on business. So for the next few days or so I will post what I have been thankful for during my time away. But first, my trip went well and I am thankful for that. But I am more thankful now to be home. And my nice comfy chair is calling me.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 84: Thankful Today for a Walk Through the Neighborhood


It was nice to see a sunny weekend after a snowy one the week before. There were a few remnants of the icy stuff here and there, but it hadn't lasted long enough to send the grass into its dormant state. So it was a strange sight to see the random patches of white stuff amongst the green grass. It was that strange reminder that winter is well on its way. But in the meantime we had a beautiful day to enjoy before the cold sends us into hibernation. The wind had a slight chill but the shine of the sun and my constant motion warmed me as I walked through the neighborhood.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 83: Thankful Today for Completion


Despite obstacles, lack of resources, changes in direction, etc. it all worked out in the end. The project at work was completed and shipped on time. The school project was completed and uploaded early. I am thankful for how God works things out. It was a bumpy ride that ended smoothly.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 82: Thankful Today that Things are On Schedule


 It's been crazy at work with short deadlines and changing demands. But thankfully, we are near the end of the first stage in the process and on schedule.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 81: Thankful Today for An Upcoming Visit with Friends


I am so looking forward to spending time with two friends I haven't seen in over 5 years. I'll be in town on business, but will be able to squeeze in a quick visit over a late dinner or cup of coffee. Our time together won't be long, but it will be meaningful. It will be nice to see their smiling faces and catch up on each other's lives.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day 80: Thankful Today for Letting Go


Though the death of dreams and hopes brings sadness, there is a joy in knowing that after each end God can bring a new beginning. I am learning to let go of those things that have died long ago and have become corpses I have carried, and allowed to hinder me. I am learning to quit looking back. I'm not headed in that direction. Instead, I need to grieve the losses and move on. And only then can I partake in the birth of new dreams and new hopes and new beginnings.