30daysofgivingthanks: day 19

November 19, 2013

Today I'm thankful for the Friend!

There's so much to be said about the friend, I'll have to make it brief. I think she'll understand (when she reads it next year) why later. We have so many memories together. Memories of adventure, troubles, hilarious situations, sad days; some memories new and some memories old, some to share and some to hold. 

Somewhere along the way our given names were no longer sufficient and we started calling each other friend. Apparently friend in a Southern accent has a different ring to it because one day a new friend walks up to me and says, "Hey Fran! How's it going?" (or something to the equivalent). 

I simply stared back at home with a quizzical brow, "Who?"

"Oh, I thought your name was Fran because that's what Beth always calls you,"

I love you, Fran! My life is blessed because of you!

Today's Challenge: Experience the Moment!

Too often we focus more on what we need to do tomorrow or next week than we do on what's happening today. Today, live in the present and be thankful for it - from raking leaves to planning your Thanksgiving dinner.

30daysofgivingthanks: day 18

November 18, 2013

Today I'm thankful for sweet things!

Today I'm thankful for sweet things, like my mother's peanut butter cookie recipe, and sweet moments that will stay with me for a lifetime! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

Today's Challenge: Path Day

Today give thanks to dad for everyone who crosses your path - like the cashier at Burger King or the person delivering your morning paper.

30daysofgivingthanks: day 17

November 17, 2013

Today I'm thankful that He who calls, equips!

On days when I'm at my weakest, He proves Himself strong!

In my many moments of doubt, His faithfulness shines through!

When He gives me an impossible calling; He equips and uses me to accomplish His purposes!

30daysofgivingthanks: day 16

November 16, 2013

Today I'm thankful for sleeping in my own bed!

It's amazing what a good night's sleep in your own bed will do for a body. I'm thankful for soft pillows, mattresses, foam toppers, and comfy covers! And I'm off to enjoy them all!

30daysofgivingthanks: day 15

November 15, 2013

Today I'm thankful for Jordan!

It may seem odd to be thankful for Jordan today because actually flew home this morning, but looking over the past 5 (or 6?) months together makes it a little less sad. We've really loved having Jordan live with us and we've made a LOT of memories together!

Silliness and Games!

Top left: Summer Extension Pack - Beginning of Summer celebration
Top right: Summer Extension Pack - Sunglasses Day
Middle Right: Summer Extension Pack - Teddy Bear Picnic
Bottom Left: Summer Extension Pack - Video Games Day
Bottom Right: Summer Extension Pack - Pain in the Neck Day

Birthdays!

Happy 23rd Birthday!

Culture and Holidays!

Top Left: A Local Parade!
Top Right: A Friend's Wedding
Bottom Left: Fourth of July Celebrations
Bottom Middle: A Friend's Wedding
Bottom Right: Local Holiday

Shaved Ice!

Jordan's survival was made possible by snow cones!

Paris!

Our amazing and cool trip to Paris!

Thanks for the memories and the sacrifices you made here! We love you, Jordan!

ps- Even the 9Tatus are protesting your leaving:

Today's Challenge: Thank Therapy Day

Make a list of 10 people you are thankful for, then call one of them and tell them they are are on your top 10 list.

What are you thankful for today?

30daysofgivingthanks: day 14

November 14, 2013

Today I'm thankful for my parents!

You may think you come from cool people, but let me tell you, my parents are the greatest! These are the folks that took care of me when I was little, passed down their talents and gifts, and have earned respect through living every day for Him! 

My dad is a passionate person and it's hard not to love the things he loves. Working with my dad as a teenager at a local camera shop gave me a love for photography. Every good photo I take is dripping with his advice (and every bad photo I take is from when I didn't listen). For that and so many other reasons, I'm proud to call him my daddy!

Mom, on the other hand, is about as easy going as they come. She's relentlessly serving and also gifted with the written word. I'm always amazed at how quickly she can whip up a poem! She is one of my biggest supporters and has the longest "listening span"of anyone I know; I love sharing my heart with my Momma because I know she's always listening...even if there are a dozen other people begging for her attention.

I love that my parents have never been pretentious with me (well, not since the Santa Claus incident, anyway. hehe). When they don't have the answers, they tell me and we figure it out together. When they don't think I'm making the best choice, they tell me that but still let me make it if I want. When I say I'm going to New Orleans in the middle of the night, they say, "I wish you would have woken me up to go with you!" But the best part of having awesome parents is that they become your best friends as you grow up. These are people that I absolutely treasure and I was thrilled to see them here on my side of the water this past June! 

I love you, Mom and Dad!

Today's Challenge: Positive Thoughts Only!

Okay, this one will take some work, but strive today to think only positive thoughts about other people and situations you find yourself in. You'll be amazed at how this improves your day - and you're likely to find how your positive attitude affects others as well!

30daysofgivingthanks: day 13

November 13. 2013

Today I'm thankful for adventure!

Growing up I wasn't always one to try new things, and, in general, I find that I rather enjoy comfortable and normal things. But somewhere in high school, the travel bug bit me and I just can't seem to stop traveling to new places and trying new things! Although to be honest, I generally like to see someone else try it first, and then, I'll give it a go.

I've been so blessed that the path the Father has chosen for me has been one that is FULL of amazing adventures!! Just in the past 18 months, I've traveled to at least 6 new countries, met dozens of people whose names I can't pronounce, and learned to speak (yes, I use the term "speak" lightly) a new language! The path of obedience may be an uphill climb, but it holds beautiful vistas along the way!

From fish pedicures in Barcelona to petting monkeys in the Amazon Rainforest, scuba diving in the Mediterranean Sea to riding camels in the Sahara Desert, Christmas in Bethlehem to eating Swiss chocolate in the Swiss Apps, my life has been full of surprises and unexpected adventures!

Today's Challenge: Little Things Make a Difference

We often ignore the little things in life that make life easier and better for us. Today, make a list of "little things" that you appreciate. For example, indoor plumbing, refrigerators, computers, etc...