the 30th day

It has been a good blogging exercise to do my thankful posts here. It has also been hard to do everyday, I'm often doing two at one time - time flies! However, in the time it takes to write the posts, I appreciate having to reflect and find things to be thankful for each day. Sometimes it has been quick and easy to be thankful for something random or wonderful that happened. Other days it has been challenging, but in a good way. In the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young she shares this insight about thankfulness: "Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings) and I give you Joy (regardless of you circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times, blind obedience....Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts."

I'm thankful for the ways I've learned to find thankfulness this month and the challenges that have shown me the room I have for improvement in this area. May we continue to show gratitude daily. Time flies!

Day 29 - impromptu party!

Tonight we had small group. Sometimes in our email about small group we will encourage people to bring a treat...sometimes they do, sometimes they don't! Well tonight we had quite a yummy spread! It turned out to be an impromptu Christmas party. We enjoyed grazing the table for homemade pretzels, sweets, popcorn and a veggie tray. Food and fellowship often go hand in hand (even in the Bible!) and I am thankful for both of these things!

Day 28 - Christmas Decorations!!

Today I am thankful for Christmas decorations! It is so fun to warm up a room with Christmas lights, candles, figures, etc. I've been decorating for our Christmas party coming up on Saturday and have enjoyed getting out my decorations - unpacking it is even fun! Sometimes it's the little things. :)

Day 27

I am thankful for good conversations with good friends. Sometimes it seems so hard to catch up with everyone because life is busy and we all live in different places. But when it works to talk on the phone or have a face to face conversation with a dear friend it is such a gift! Thankful for many friends from many stages of life!

Day 26, LEAD class

Tonight, I'm thankful for the opportunity to take a class on leadership at our church. There have been five different modules of this class, and Matt and I have been in on each one. We have a notebook that is helpful with homework, but the best instruction is from the teachers. They each have different backgrounds with leadership focuses and they share really valuable insights. It has been fun to spend time with other people who want to learn about leadership and to hear from such gifted communicators different approaches to leading others in the workplace, home and church. I am thankful for this class and for the opportunity to learn!

Day 25

I am thankful for the forgiveness we have through Christ. It seems crazy at times to believe that once we ask for God's forgiveness it is given so immediately, and so fully. But the Bible is full of his promises that we are washed as white as snow...(Psalm 51, Isaiah 1). When I look back at my life sometimes it's so easy for me to regret actions, relationships, words, "sins." I found this passage at church today - Romans 7:24 - "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." It seems we will have a constant struggle while we are in this world. However, when I can remind myself, through prayer and scripture that while we struggle, we are redeemed, I can rest a little easier. I am thankful for these promises in the Bible because even as hard as we try to do good things, we mess up. Christianity isn't solely based on works. There is forgiveness, grace and encouragement. Praise Him for that!!

Day 24!

Today I'm thankful to be able to spend time with my family. We aren't together very often so when it happens it is always a treat! Caroline and Hewitt (the newlyweds from NYC) were able to come to my parent's house today and it's been a really fun day. Lots of good food and laughs and relaxation. SO thankful for family!

Day 23 of thankfulness

I'm thankful for games. I haven't been known to be a big "game" playing person. But some games I really like (catchphrase...etc.). We also played a fun game tonight, "fishbowl" similar to "celebrity." It was really fun to act things out, pull together and guess random stuff to get the answers right! I see how they can break down barriers and get a group bonding through laughter. Games are fun and I'm thankful for them!

Thanksgiving Day

I'm especially thankful for a time to visit with family, share a wonderful meal and relax today. I'm thankful for hot chocolate and chats in the "conversation room" at my parents house. I'm thankful for the tradition of watching "A Muppet Christmas Carol" every Thanksgiving night. I'm thankful for my sister who I'll get to see this weekend and my sister-in-law who we missed at lunch today in Clayton with Matt's family. I'm thankful that God has friends everywhere and that we get to play a small part of sharing hope and love in this great big world.

Day 21 of thankfulness

Our shop was busy today and it was fun to wish people a Happy Thanksgiving! It reminds me to be thankful thankful for community. Though I didn't know all of our customers, I enjoy the hospitality industry and am glad to live in a place where people are generally friendly and neighborly even. Though our world has gotten more closed off in ways (cell phones connect us but also seem to disconnect us), face to face interaction with people in my own town is good. I encourage you to take part in Small Business Saturday coming up on the 24th, get to know the locals who run restaurants and shops where you live. They invest into the community and I'm sure would love to have a new friend as well. Let's continue to make our community what the word truly stands for - a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goal.

Day 20 - today

Again, finding it hard to be thankful right now in this very moment. Maybe it's because by the end of the day, I find myself somewhat weary. In the morning, I can be thankful for the sunshine, for rest, for a new day. But now that the day is done - I must praise Him. He gave me today. I toiled, and ran errands and enjoyed conversation with friends, and tough conversation with another. But I have lived today - I can be thankful for that. Yet in the heat of "what am I thankful for" sometimes sarcasm just creeps in more easily than thankfulness. I will fight that off and be thankful for today. I was alive. I was able to drive to work and see my friends and kiss my husband. Tonight, I'm choosing to be thankful for today.

Day 19

Today I'm thankful for the simple act of being able to get my nails painted. I got a manicure today and it is such a nice treat. I love picking out the perfect color and admiring the look for the coming weeks! Yay girly things!

November 18th - thankful

It's my sister's birthday, so naturally I'm thankful for her today! She is witty, smart, a fashionista in her own right and all around beautiful. I'm grateful for her friendship and for the blessing it is to have her as my sister!

Quality Time - a gift. Day 17

Time is always running away from us. It seems we live our lives in the wishing for more time, another hour in the day, "time for bed, time to get up." The elusive pursuit of trying to cram SO much into a day, a week, a season. Sometimes seeking out quality time is just what we need. Putting away the to do list, leaving emails alone for a while, and enjoying face-to-face quality time with someone is necessary. Our souls need fellowship and friendship. Conversations come easily over coffee, window shopping is more fun with another, sometimes tears fall and sometimes laughter erupts. All of these things happen by spending quality time with those we love. I got to do that exact thing today with my mom and my dad and it was a true blessing. It's been a hard week and we just needed each other. I'm so thankful for today and the gift of quality time.

sweet

It has also been such a comfort to have friends leave comments on facebook, give hugs, texts, calls, etc. since we lost ashby. So thankful for my friends and fellow animal lovers. I certainly didn't want to leave out the fact that I am feeling the love. #thankful

Day 16 - simple beauty

As I pulled in my driveway this morning something caught my eye at our front door. I walked up to it and saw this:

It was a simple reminder, than even in loss, heartache, and cold dreary days, God gives us what we need. Today I needed to see simple beauty, a touch of warmth, to know I was loved. I hope you know you are loved too friends. Two roses blooming by my front door in November? Thank you Lord.

Day 15 - tough day

Yesterday was really tough. Our sweet Ashby, who has certainly been on this blog headed to doggie heaven. She was 15. She was the best. People say you know when it's time...but it's awfully hard to say goodbye. She fit in with us - we always joked about her short legs matching the rest of us girls with short legs in the family. She loved chocolate and was protective when boys would try to hug me. She had a thing for kleenex and would always give the love you needed. We have all cried - the weather was cold and gray and felt really appropriate. Some days the weather just matches your mood. Yesterday it did. I haven't had much loss in my life, and I know that losing a pet is not the same as a person, but it is hard. Really hard - heck I could cry right now. But in the spirit of loss, is the spirit of thankfulness. So even though it hurts, I am incredibly thankful for sweet Ashby.

thankful on day 14

for girl's night at bonefish grill and $5.00 bang bang shrimp!

Day 13 - jobs

Sadly sometimes it's hard to find things to be thankful for...it seems that there is always something "wrong," or a worry to be had. Today was one of those days. But even in my frustration with work, I can be thankful I have a job. I have an income. I have people to care about and serve, and a way to impact others. I am going to try and prayerfully do my jobs the best I can, even when it's frustrating. And even in the midst of feeling like it should be Friday, I will choose to be thankful today.

Day 12 - time away!

Really thankful for time away with my hubby from the "normal" routine. I've always heard it's important for couples to get away, and spend time together. I can definitely see the benefits. It's in these breaks that we get to just relax and be free with each other. That could be sitting quietly and just reading, or taking a walk and dreaming. I am thankful we had the opportunity to get away this weekend for our friend's wedding and add an extra night to celebrate our anniversary!

Day 11

I am so thankful for the beach. It truly is one of the happiest places for me to be! I feel connected to God there, I am reflective there and I am so easily content there. Thank you Lord for the beach!!!

Day 10

I am thankful for weddings! The public declaration of love and commitment, the beautiful glowing bride and her handsome groom, and just the general excitement and well wishes to be had. I love celebrating this wonderful gift and I'm thankful for my marriage!

Here are a few photos of the wedding we went to this weekend!

day 8 and 9!

Just saw that this never went through - sad day!



For my day 8: I'm choosing to be grateful for a vehicle. I took my car to get the oil changed and there's a small issue we will have to fix. I am still driving the jeep I started driving when I was 16. There are times where this has caused me frustration, possibly even some embarrassment, but I also realize it is a blessing to have a way to get around! I am thankful that God has provided this for me and that it is still running with over 260,000 miles on it!




Day 9: I am thankful for road trips. I like the open road, sun shining and music playing. Another simple joy. Car rides give time for reflection and quiet or conversations with friends or phone calls. Didn't realize until right now that these two posts are both related to cars in some way. However, that's a part of practicing thankfulness in everyday things.

Day 7!

Pretty much stealing my facebook status from yesterday for day 7:

Well, in the midst of all these lovely political posts...I will give you this: Happy 3rd anniversary Matt Jones! You make me laugh everyday and I love you!

Day 6 - but written on Day 7

Oops! In all the craziness of yesterday with a staff meeting, voting, etc. I didn't blog!

Thankful for freedoms and opportunity to vote and all that we have in this country. Regardless of trials in this country, in local communities, etc. We do have so much to be thankful for in the USA. I also don't want to become so complacent in the lifestyle we have here. I want to give and serve and do more than just live in America. Opening my eyes to the needs here in our country and all around the world with thanksgiving.

Thankful Day 5

Today I am thankful for autumn. It was a lovely fall day with leaves of color, blue sky and a cool breeze. Beauty all around - sometimes the simple things are all we need to have a moment of thanksgiving.

Thankful for: rest.

Day 4 of thankfulness:
Today I am thankful for rest. Matt and I had about 24 hours to relax, spend time with loved ones and rest - watch TV, nap, etc... We enjoyed worship and church festivities but last night and this afternoon we were able to just chill. It seems like these afternoons are rare. There is always something to be done, somewhere to go. When we can keep the Sabbath and take a day of rest, we are reminded of how important it is, and how restoring it is as well. Thankful.

Gratefulness, Day 3

november 3, 2012:

tonight i'm thankful for my sweet dog. she's fifteen, and everyday she's around we are grateful. it's true, there's nothing like a having dog, a friend.

Ashby and me a few years back at the beach. Love.
My mom's super tan leg behind us.

Day 2 of Gratitude

Today I'm grateful for dance. I have loved taking zumba classes for the last few months and just attended my second "adult ballet class" tonight. I grew up dancing and I find so much joy in dance. Matt and I have taken some ballroom dancing lessons as well. Dancing can bring people together and provide entertainment. There is beauty, exercise and fun all combined. A simple thing, but today I'm grateful for dance.

November. A month of gratitude.

I figured I would try to do the thankful each day post on here instead of facebook. That way I can write as much or as little as I want, and it will keep me blogging.

So today, November 1st, 2012:

I woke up and realized the sun was shining. It has been a few long days since we've had sunshine. This week has been tough with "sandy" affecting my sister in NYC and friends and family in northern VA. It has also been tough for other friends and situations personally. As I reflect at the end of a long day....I realize that this morning I was thankful for the sunshine, and tonight I will be thankful for that too. It is the reminder that each day is new and I am so glad.

My sister posted this photo taken from Hewitt's office. A rainbow after the storm. A reminder of God's promises to His people.

Resting in that, and in the sunshine tonight.

Liebster Award!

Jenny from Williams Way nominated me for this super cool award. I haven't blogged in ages - so I feel bad that she has been following me, it has probably been terribly disappointing...haha! But this gave me a good reason to get back on it. Here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.


Oh! and here's how Jenny explains the award: "The Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers by bloggers. It’s a way to acknowledge each other and say “you’re doing a great job”. It is for blogs with 200 or less followers, so it’s also a nice way to spread the word about smaller blogs and get them more readers and followers!


When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person(s) who nominated you. You pass the Award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You’re not allowed to nominate the blog(s) who nominated you! (To get the button, right click the picture on my page and save the picture to your computer. You can then upload to your blog.)" Thanks Jenny!

Here are my nominees:
Life and The Times (my sister)
Los Dos Daubertos
Sarah Gabriel
Vibrant Grace



I follow some other bloggers but these are my buddies, so - if you're in, here are the questions I have for ya!

1. What makes you happy?

2. Is there anything that challenges you daily?

3. Where would you like to travel?

4. What's your favorite weekend routine?

5. Reading any good books?

6. If you could do a day over, what day would it be?

7. What is one of your favorite places? Could be a vacation spot, or a local coffee shop...

8. Do you like facebook? (haha)

9. Current music kick?

10. Describe your dream job.

11. What do you value in friendships?


And now...here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.

1. I haven't blogged in a long time because we opened a frozen yogurt bar this spring. This has kept me very busy and my brain somewhat sidetracked. I've missed putting my random thoughts out for the world however, so maybe I can pick it back up now!


2. Matt and I went to Cambodia this summer to visit my brother Logan. He was serving with International Justice Mission. It was a wonderful trip - and material for a separate blog post!


3. My sister got married in May. She looked stunning. Also material for another blog post.


4. I think instead of having a sweet tooth, I must have sweet teeth. Seriously, why are desserts and sweet treats so good?! Ah....


5. I took my first "pilates barre" class last week. The teacher complimented my form. I felt pretty awesome. (haha)


6. My family dog is 15. She's the sweetest. It's hard to see her age. Every day we have her is a good day. But it is sad to think too much on it.


7. I miss the ocean. I've seen it three times this summer, which is a pretty good number, but it doesn't feel like enough!


8. Live music makes my heart happy. Something about the performance and seeing all the elements actually happening in front of me. Oh I do love it. It draws me in. Must go to a concert soon!


9. I'm enjoying working in the hospitality/food industry. Generally customers are happy in our yogurt shop. This makes the job fun. When customers are not happy it is hard but a good learning experience.


10. I wish I was good at decorating. It is not something that I feel naturally gifted at doing. However I'm growing more confident as we move around and settle in new spaces. I am also developing a taste for certain items, putting things together, etc. It is fun!


11. Some of my happiest times are when my family is all together. It doesn't happen a lot but I love when it does!



Now here are my answers to Jenny's questions!


1. If you knew you would not fail, what is the first thing you would do?

This is a hard one! I feel like maybe something sporty? I always wanted to be a lifeguard but never took the training course - seems like a silly answer but I'll go with that. I'd be a lifeguard. And work at the beach - that seems even scarier! haha

2. (Borrowed this question from Sarah) Describe yourself as a paint color. Give a name and tell why it fits you.

"Bask in the Sun" - a nice shade of soft yellow. Warmth. I like that shade of paint first of all, and I love the sun. And yellow.

3. What were you most scared of when you were a child?

Bad guys of any sort. Kidnapped, fires, murders. Eek!

4. What is your favorite quote right now?

A friend's mom recently passed away...their family always loved Jimmy Buffett. This week I've remembered the quote I associated with their family: "wrinkles only go where smiles have been."

5. If your mom called you right now and said she's cooking dinner and wants you to plan the menu what would you choose?

Dirt Cake for dessert. Maybe this crispy chicken dish she made when I was growing up, we were talking about how we haven't had that in forever. Yes, that would be a fun dish to have again.
6. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

By the sea.

7. Describe your favorite hobby. . . why is it your favorite?

Zumba has become pretty a highlight of my week! Love it - I've never had so much fun working out.

8. (Borrowed from Sarah, she had fun questions) What elements are must-haves in your dream home?

Windows are also something I'm realizing I appreciate more and more. It's funny how you all the sudden become a "grown up" and care about features of a house. Windows, a great master bedroom and bath.


9. This dinner that your mom is fixing...who would you invite?

My family, duh! And of course Matt would be by my side. (free food? he's there! ;)


10. If you had a day off with absolutely no obligations or limits, how would you spend it?

Sleep in, stay in my pj's for a while, and go be in the sunshine, either by a body of water, or just in the park. Clean up and have a nice dinner date - this girl always loves a reason to dress up a bit!

11. Who do you look up to the most, and why?

I look up to my parents the most. I look up to each of them for different reasons. My dad because of the Godly, genuine man he is. My mom for the ways she raised us, continues to care about us and adapts as a pastor's wife, I think as I grow up I realize the sacrifices they both made for us a kid's. I look up to them both very much and am thankful for their example of marriage.

Loaves and Fishes

You're probably familiar with the story in Mark of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people from five loaves of bread and two fish. It's often talked about and seen as one of Jesus' miracles. This morning I was reading in Mark 6 and read this story, starting in verse 30. Here are a few random observations:

1.) After the disciples returned to Jesus from their travels, teachings, etc. he encouraged them to go "to a desolate place and rest a while." This is such a reminder of how we need to retreat to quiet places and spaces, and simply rest a while. (verse 31)

2.) While they were on the boat to a desolate place the people noticed them and recognized them. The people ran ahead and were waiting for them to arrive! This was an interruption to the disciples time of rest! What an eager crowd, to run ahead and wait on Jesus and the disciples. Did they have certain needs they wanted Jesus to help them with? Did they just want to be around the disciples and Jesus for the sake of having seen them? (verse 33)

3.) Jesus went ashore and saw a great crowd. He "had compassion on them, because they were like a sheep without a shepherd." I love this line, and I've never noticed it before! Jesus didn't get frustrated that his plans to retreat were being interrupted, but he saw the people as an opportunity. We just talked about this type of leadership in my LEAD class last night at church. How do we see the people around us...as interruptions or opportunities? (verse 34)

Just a few thoughts on the beginning of this beloved story. I'll be back sooner than this past time!

Reflection on 2011

A new year, a new you. Just one of the many slogans about new years resolutions. I wanted to take some time and reflect on different points in 2011. Here are a few highlights of things learned, trips taken:


-I picked up a lot of worry in 2011. More particularly, the same worry kept creeping in. I also realized the power of consistent communion with God. Because at times, this worry felt so heavy, so intense it was tiring, and definitely frustrating. I learned the beauty of laying everything down at God's feet. I learned that it takes continually praying, and waiting. It takes determination to decide not to worry about something, though you can easily slip back into those patterns. I saw God answer prayers, give peace, tell me to wait on Him, and never tire of me...for that I am grateful.


-We got to go to Disneyworld! Oh my goodness, SO fun!

-We found a church! Hooray. We haven't joined Christ Community Church yet, but we definitely both feel at home there. This is a praise! We are on the prayer team, taking the LEAD class, and host a life group.


-SummerShine had a great season and I enjoyed my travels to the campgrounds (CA,CT,NC,SC,VA,MI...) including NY City, with Regis and Kelly!

-Matt and I have realized the power of praying together. Last January is when I started worrying more and also when Matt began to dream about opening a YMCA here. Through both of these experiences we realized that there is power and beauty in praying together. Though we often would say a "goodnight prayer" before we went to sleep, to really get on our knees and pour our hearts out to the Lord, with each other, has been so encouraging. It has deepened our relationship with each other and our relationship with God. For this I am also grateful.


-We took at trip to DC to visit Logan! Good food, lots of history and quality time with dear ones.

-My sister got engaged to a wonderful guy! So excited to have a soon to be married sibling!


-Matt returned to seminary (now at Gordon-Conwell) and is enjoying it so much! Yay!


-Took our anniversary trip back to Tybee! Enjoyed dinner with sweet friends and a beautiful weekend together.

-We learned to wait. Wait and be patient and trust and wait. On the YMCA, our church's fundraising campaign, a possible business venture here in Southern Pines...wait.


-I logged out of facebook on my phone. This might seem odd, but I found myself looking at it whenever I had down time. I didn't like that instead of just being still, I was browsing random people's statuses. It has been a great decision.


These are just a few things we experienced in 2011. I pray that 2012 will continue to be a time of growth and God's blessing!