Day 157: Thankful Today for A Calm Day

 I haven't posted much lately because my life has been like a constant storm lately. And oddly the passage in my devotional today talked about the time Jesus asked Peter to walk out of the boat, in the midst of a storm, and walk on the water towards him.

Today I recognized what I had been holding onto during my storm. And I was reminded that the safest place to be is where Jesus calls me to, even if it looks unsafe. And that I can trust him to calm the storm.

Day 156: Thankful Today for the Perfect Score

I am relieved and happy. We received a perfect score on our first group project. All the hard work, compromise, late nights studying and writing, etc. were worth it. Our collaboration turned into a great project as well as a learning experience in so many ways.

Day 155: Thankful Today for the Rain On Me Devotional

A couple years ago a friend gave me a devotional that had been written by a mutual friend. The gift was to help me through a certain ordeal. It was a gift that was actually for a later time. I skimmed the pages, encouraged by the bit I read, but it ended up joining the other unread books that occupied my bookshelves. Until now…

And now, the beginning of each morning I am guided into encouragement and faith through the words of the devotional. I am given hope that the rains in my life will pass. But until then I do not walk them alone.

Day 154: Thankful Today for A Co-Worker I will Miss

I haven't posted in awhile because it's been a challenging week. My company's layoffs continued and I lost two people I cared about. There is one I want to mention today. I am thankful for the friendship we built. Her sense of humor relieved the tension that often filled the office. We inspired each other with conversations full of depth of thought. And at times she was a surprise. The cross pictured was one of those.

I found it on my desk upon my return from a Christmas vacation. What was special about it was that she made it herself. She was expert in making jewelry in silver and other precious metals. But what really touched my heart was that though we did not share the same faith, she recognized how important my faith was to me. And she chose to make a symbol of that which I hold dear. I am thankful for my co-worker, my friend, and I will miss her.

Day 153: Thankful Today for Time with Him

I sat parked, looking down at the magnificent view in the distance and in awe of the wonder of God's creation. Amazed, that someone so great would want to spend time with me. It was a quiet time. No earth shattering revelations or momentous answers to prayer. But instead a quiet obedience that would set the stage for a new pattern. I sought him yesterday and will continue to meet him. Looking not for a big event, but instead being thankful that He, my Savior, desires time with Me.

Day 152: Thankful Today for My Jeremiah 3 Bible Study

Bible Study today was Jeremiah 3:6 - 4:4. As usual the timing of this section and subject matter of the study was perfect. The study showed God's patience and love as he called the nation of Israel back to him. As we studied the passage we realized how much God loves us, and desires to spend more time with us. I recognized how much my time with Him had lessened lately. My focus was off.

I have blocked out time for so many other activities. But the one activity that is most important had fallen off my schedule. It was time to make a date with God, an uninterrupted time totally devoted to him. I am thankful that he is so patient and so loving to wait until our eyes and hearts open. And during the wait continually call us in so many ways. The most special way being through his Word.

Day 151: Thankful Today for the Completion of My First Group Project

We have two major projects in this class and both are group projects. This comes with a unique set of benefits and challenges. We do learn quite a bit from each other. We each bring varied backgrounds and skills to the process. But along with that comes varied personalities we will have to learn to collaborate with. It has been a journey to get to this point, sometimes frustrating, sometimes fun. It can take longer to create something when you have more opinions involved. But I have to say it has been a process worth going through. I have increased my knowledge base, grown my collaboration skills and practiced patience.

We just completed our first group project and a week early. Now, on to the next one.

Day 150: Thankful Today for the Spring Ahead in Time

Tonight we set our clocks ahead because of Daylight Savings Time. Even though I am not crazy about losing an hour of sleep, I am thankful for the additional hour of sunlight at the end of the day. I look forward to the springtime evening walks in the park. The sunshine and fresh air is a natural stress relief. It helps me to collect my thoughts, calm any anxieties and plan my evening or even future. It's also a time when great ideas can enter a quiet mind.

Day 149: Thankful Today the Raindrop Sketch is Started

This first art project in a couple years is going a lot slower than expected. School takes priority, so finding the time for additional projects is difficult at best. I am thankful that I have squeezed in the time needed to start the sketch for one of the trading cards. The project is on its way.

Day 148: Thankful Today for The Opportunities That Lie Ahead

I was thinking of them this morning. So many potential doors, but none have opened. However, they all have benefited me in other ways. They have pushed me to begin to prepare, provided direction and encouragement for the journey ahead and given me hope.

Day 147: Thankful Today for my Great Great Aunts

The message at church today reminded me of two of my Great Great Aunts. They both died some time ago. The most recent was about 4 1/2 years ago. They were two sisters who did exactly what the pastor at church talked about today. They had a multi-generational impact.

They passed on their faith to generations after them, who would then pass it on to generations after them. One had children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The other never physically had children but was a mother to many. I see the children they both influenced carrying their children to church and teaching them the truths of the scripture.

Together these women touched over four generations with their faith and love of God. They practiced Psalm 78:1-7.

Day 146: Thankful Today for H&R Block

Tax time can be stressful. But I am thankful for H&R Block because they make the process so much easier. Every year I am sent that big green envelope with a checklist on the back. It is my guide throughout the year. As each piece of needed information arrives it is filed away in it.

On tax preparation day I grab my envelope, and can go to my appointment with the assurance that I am prepared.

Day 145: Thankful Today for a Cleared Desk

I left work yesterday with a huge stack of work that I would need to tackle first thing this the morning. Cup of coffee in hand and all my emails answered I then dove in. It took several hours through the morning and into over half of the afternoon. But by day's end my desk was cleared. Tomorrow I handle the next pressing task on my list.

Day 144: Thankful Today the Project is On Track

I have been worried about the progress of our group project. It is always a challenge when you have to depend on others to accomplish a task. But after our update meeting tonight it looks like we are all on the same page, and so far on track. If we can keep up the pace we will finish on time.

Day 143: Thankful Today the Weatherman Wasn't Wayyyyyy Off

I went to bed expecting to awake to only the dusting to an inch of snow the weatherman predicted. I awoke early at about 3am and the scene outside the window was a surprise. The snow was coming down heavily and I feared the prediction was definitely off. I went back to bed with visions of an earlier storm playing in my head. It was about 2 years ago at this time of year. It was my first major snowstorm in this area and we received almost 2 ft. of snow. I so hoped I wouldn't awake the second time to that scene.

When the alarm went off at 6am a second peek filled me with a mix of relief and irritation. I had hoped for just a dusting to an inch. Instead I would be delayed cleaning about 4 inches of snow off my car. But thankfully even though the weatherman was off. He wasn't wayyyyy off. It was under a foot of snow and the delay was short. By the time I was ready for work the rising temperatures had melted much of it off the roads and cars.

Day 142: Thankful Today for My Favorite Vegan Restaurant

When it first appeared we went out of curiosity. The food was only okay but it was something different. So we continued to visit on occasion. In time, we noticed the menu evolve from just meatless choices of the lunchtime sandwich to a more creative cuisine. It quickly became a favorite as we began to enjoy the cook’s experimentation with new, original menu items. The restaurant staff was friendly. They also remembered their customers' names and sometimes, habitual food choices. I liked being greeted with a smile and satisfied with a tasty meal.

Day 141: Thankful Today for a Warm Winter Walk Downtown

We are still enjoying a warmer than normal winter and today was beautiful. This time of the year the appearance of the sun is usually rare. But today it shone bright and was accompanied by a cool wind. It was the perfect weather for a mid afternoon walk. I hadn’t been downtown since we moved are offices, so a trip to my old stomping ground was over due. I had errands to run and used the opportunity to soak in a little vitamin D, feel the wind blow my hair in disorder and be amused by the sights and sounds of lunchtime downtown crowds. I so miss those walks. They are a break from the chaos of the workday.

Day 140: Thankful Today for The Start of My First Art Project of the Year

Since starting school art projects have been on the back burner. I have been so totally focused on school and the new things I am learning. But the artist in me still calls out for the need for expression. And that call was answered yesterday. I used to create little mini pieces of art called Artist Trading Cards. Yesterday, I took a couple hours to begin to plan out a few and I prepared the bases for painting them. It felt good to pull out the brushes and paint and mix the colors for each surface. As I stroked and sponged on the colors I began to envision what each card would look like.

I put the bases aside to dry. Hopefully I'll get back to them later in the week to start bringing each vision to life. I am glad I finally had a chance to jump in and start.

Day 139: Thankful Today for Those Who Serve As President

On this President's Day holiday I reflect on the office of the President. I can't imagine the amount of sacrifice a President and his family endures. It takes a unique individual to accept such an amount of responsibility. Yes there are perks with the office but there is a also an extremely high cost to it. And it is seen as each President that leaves looks many more years older than they did on the day of their arrival. The weight of the world literally rests on his shoulders. And a private life is no longer his, even long after the term ends.

Imagine being in a job that every decision you make affects thousands maybe even millions. And you will never be able to make everyone happy. Some will love you, some will not. But you have the unique opportunity to make a great impact on history. Your only hope is that you will serve well and the impact will be remembered favorably, and you will do little harm and much good. I am thankful that there are those willing to take on such a task.

Day 138: Thankful Today for That Perfect Pair of Jeans

I went shopping the other day for a pair of jeans. I found some that fit okay. But nothing feels like that perfect pair of jeans. There is one pair I have that no matter how my weight fluctuates they still seem to fit. Even if they are a little tight that first wear after a wash, by the middle of the day they are broken in and comfortable. I wish I had bought multiple pairs of that style and cut because I haven't been able to find them since. I am thankful for that perfect pair of jeans and hope to one day stumble upon another one just like them.

Day 137: Thankful Today for A Clean House

There is nothing like the feeling of a freshly cleaned house. The vibrant smell of lemon scented cleaners fill the air. The calm of order from chaos fills my view. I sink into my easy chair and relax with the feeling of accomplishment. All is well in the world today.

Day 136: Thankful Today for Loved Ones

 On this Valentine's Day I am thankful for the love of family and friends.

Day 135: Thankful Today for Classmates I Met Online

I was a little nervous at first when I started school online. But over time my fears diminished as it became habit to check into the discussion boards, download assignments, upload projects, etc. And then when the group projects started my fears arose again. How will I work successfully with other students across the country on different time zones, different schedules and varying priorities. I discovered some group situations worked better than others. But overall I have found my experience positive. I became acquainted with people I wouldn't have normally crossed paths with. They have sharpened my collaboration skills and introduced me to alternative ways of thinking.

And also I've just met some really great people. I am thankful for the new relationships I have made and the ones I'll make in the future as I work through my degree program.

Day 134: Thankful Today for Her Voice

Yesterday we heard of the passing of an awesome talent in the music industry. A talent whose life ended too soon. But she is not the first to experience an early passing and unfortunately will probably not be the last. Her life was troubled like so many gifted artists. So her early passing was probably not a surprise to some. But it was something we hoped would not happen.

Today I listen to her music and am thankful for the mark she and others like her have left on the industry and her fans. I am thankful that I got to be moved by her music. It brings me joy, tears, memories, inspiration, so many emotions. She will be remembered.

Day 133: Thankful Today for the Starbuck's Gesture from a Friend

I spent the day limping through the pain from a recent treatment to my injured ankles. While sitting at my desk at work during lunch I had the desire for a Starbucks to soothe it. I revealed it to a friend and we made plans to make the trip. Or should I say she offered to make the trip for us both. Despite my initial insistence to instead go along for the ride, I eventually accepted her offer. One step on both feet reminded me of the pain I would experience during the walk to the car.

So I gave her the cash and my coffee order. She walked away with the quickly written note asking for a White Chocolate Mocha with Soy, but left the cash. I insisted she take it but she kept walking. She later returned with my coffee and told me they had given it to her for FREE.

No, she had given it to me for FREE. It briefly made a day of pain feel better and she knew that would be the result.

Day 132: Thankful Today for Time to Cook a Meal

Since I started grad school I have had very little time for not much else but work and homework. So I treasure those moments when I can fit in other activities. One of my favorites is taking time to make a home-cooked meal. Today I savored the flavor of baked lemon chicken breast over spinach with sun-dried tomatoes. Mmmmmm tasty!

Day 131: Thankful Today That I'm Not In the Boat Alone

I once heard a pastor say that being a Christian does not mean you won't sail through storms. But it does mean that you won't go through the storms alone. The disciples had nothing to fear from the storm they faced. Jesus was in the boat with them. He is also with us.

Day 130: Thankful Today for Game Stop Gift Cards

I used to struggle with what to get my nephew for birthdays or Christmas. One day, with not a clue of what to give him I took the easy way out and purchased a gift card from Game Stop. I later discovered that what I had perceived was the easy way out, was just the gift he wanted. He loves games and with the card can choose his favorites. So this gift card is definitely not one of those that gets lost or forgotten in a drawer somewhere. He joyfully uses it and has come to expect it each year. I wonder how long that will continue until he outgrows it. Or do boys ever outgrow their digital toys.

Day 129: Thankful Today for the End of the Work Day

It was one of those workdays where the only thing I could find to be thankful for was… that it was over. I was home, could put my feet up and totally let go of everything. I could fill my brain with mindless entertainment or an interesting book that would bring me delight and take my mind of work. I am thankful I have some time away to recharge and face tomorrow with a new outlook.

Day 128: Thankful Today for a Dry Shovel

Last winter was so miserable I just can't say I am thankful enough for how things have been this winter. Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. I left the wool coat at home and wore a lined jacket with a scarf. But most importantly my shovel was dry. The scene above was what it looked like January of 2011. Every morning I had the same routine. I bundled up, trudged out to the car, and dug it out while it warmed for the ride to work. But, in January of 2012 I have only pulled out the shovel once. Tomorrow will be in the 50's and an umbrella will be needed instead of a shovel.

Day 127: Thankful Today for a Warm January

It is almost the end of January. Tomorrow is the last day and it promises to be as nice a day as those that have preceded it. It has been an unusually mild January. It was oddly full of days of sunshine instead of cloaked in gray. We had several above normal temps instead of the biting cold that usually takes up residence for months on end. As I drove home today, I noticed a ground absent of endless piles of dirty leftover snow and ice. It was odd and felt more like the end of the winter, instead of the middle. I hope next month is just as mild. But even if it isn't, I am thankful for the January we had this year.