Click here for the previous installment.
November 27: So thankful that I have a flexible schedule that allows for afternoon naps when I'm under the weather.
November 28: The family I sit for on Wednesday nights is amazing (but that has already been on the list) however, the baby doesn't like me. I don't take it personal...she doesn't like anyone but mom and dad, and she doesn't even like them at bedtime. She screams for 1-3 hours and it's terrible. This night though, she went to bed for me without a fuss. I felt like I was champion of the world. Blessed that for one night at least, baby L enjoyed my company.
November 29: Oops, I forgot my wallet on the busiest day of the week. The girls and I spend so much time in my tiny car on Thursdays and our escape is the 40 minutes we spend eating dinner at Whole Foods. But, alas, we pulled up and I realized I didn't have my wallet. I was not happy, but those girls, bless their hearts, did everything they could to be understanding about another 45 min in the car crossing town to get my wallet then stopping for a sammie at Pot Belly's before swim practice. I was ready to lose it, but the girls had such great attitudes, we all ended up cracking each other up with accents and silly games.
November 30: Attended a women's event through church and was just blown away by the quality and depth of the women in attendance. Realized I need to get over some of my "hang-ups" about attending the "Pretty People Church" and get to know people, because turns out, they aren't all just shallow "Sunday Christians" after all.
Doing this really showed me that I haven't been choosing joy in my daily life. That's something I'm going to focus on.
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thankful November
November 20: Thankful that no matter how crazy I feel life is getting, all I need to do is seek God and rest in the knowledge that He is in control.
November 21: The girls were off of school today so I loaded them, their best friend and my bosses parents in the car and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. We met up with two of my nanny/mom girlfriends and had an amazing time. Thankful that I live in a city that values knowledge and is filled with museums.
November 22: Thanksgiving!! So thankful for the family I have here in Chicago...though we aren't related, we love one another and are there no matter what.
November 23: Headed to the gym bright and early to burn off some of that pumpkin pie at my favorite gym class. Turned out the instructor was out sick so after most of the class walked out, I announced that I was going to stay and workout on my own if anyone wanted to join me. I then led 2 other women in a 60 min total body workout. I'm thankful and blessed that I have a fit and healthy body and have the ability to share my passion with others.
November 24: Felt a little under the weather so took some nyquil before bed. Thankful for a good nights sleep, it's just what I needed.
November 25: Spent the day relaxing, reading the Bible, and making meals for friends who just had Baby #3. So thankful for a quiet at-home day where I could catch up on things and get ready for the week.
November 26: So thankful for work and the girls. After a long weekend I found myself missing them, ready to be back in the thick of it with them for a few more weeks before Christmas break!
November 21: The girls were off of school today so I loaded them, their best friend and my bosses parents in the car and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. We met up with two of my nanny/mom girlfriends and had an amazing time. Thankful that I live in a city that values knowledge and is filled with museums.
November 22: Thanksgiving!! So thankful for the family I have here in Chicago...though we aren't related, we love one another and are there no matter what.
November 23: Headed to the gym bright and early to burn off some of that pumpkin pie at my favorite gym class. Turned out the instructor was out sick so after most of the class walked out, I announced that I was going to stay and workout on my own if anyone wanted to join me. I then led 2 other women in a 60 min total body workout. I'm thankful and blessed that I have a fit and healthy body and have the ability to share my passion with others.
November 24: Felt a little under the weather so took some nyquil before bed. Thankful for a good nights sleep, it's just what I needed.
November 25: Spent the day relaxing, reading the Bible, and making meals for friends who just had Baby #3. So thankful for a quiet at-home day where I could catch up on things and get ready for the week.
November 26: So thankful for work and the girls. After a long weekend I found myself missing them, ready to be back in the thick of it with them for a few more weeks before Christmas break!
Friday, November 23, 2012
It's My Blog And I'll...
On a day meant for thankfulness, I sure didn't feel as thankful as I had hoped.
I don't think I've ever cried more tears on Thanksgiving than I did yesterday.
Tears of sadness. Of not having anyone to share the holiday with. Of wanting to be with family then more tears that family isn't fitting my ideal "Leave it to Beaver" perfection at the moment.
Don't get me wrong, I started out the day with a great run with Hannah, and a wonderful meal with lots of friends in the evening, followed by football on tv and silly conversation. The befores and afters really got to me though.
Sitting in an empty house for hours on end waiting for the clock to reach the appropriate time to arrive for dinner. Coming home to the same empty house after feeding cats at someone else's empty house. Having too many phone conversations with family end in tears this week.
Wondering when God is going to see fit to change something in my life so I'm not writing this same blogpost next year.
I've always hated fall and winter. I've seen it as a time of death...everything once green and lush is turing dry, brown and brittle. But maybe this year I'll approach the seasons with the attitude that this chapter of my life is ending and something even better is around the corner.
What it is?
I have no idea. And the truth is, I don't really care. I just pray that God changes something in my life, anything really...I'd move...somewhere else in the city, another place in the country or anywhere around the world, change jobs, find a new passion/hobby, meet someone (gasp...lets be praying extra for this option) or who knows what else God might do...I just pray it happens soon.
Sorry to end the week on a melancholy note...but it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.
Ps. Please don't be worried about me, or my mental/emotional health. I write what I'm feeling but I'm not in some deep dark depression or anything like that. This is a glimpse into my mind and heart at this moment in time. The next moment might bring something very different.
I don't think I've ever cried more tears on Thanksgiving than I did yesterday.
Tears of sadness. Of not having anyone to share the holiday with. Of wanting to be with family then more tears that family isn't fitting my ideal "Leave it to Beaver" perfection at the moment.
Don't get me wrong, I started out the day with a great run with Hannah, and a wonderful meal with lots of friends in the evening, followed by football on tv and silly conversation. The befores and afters really got to me though.
Sitting in an empty house for hours on end waiting for the clock to reach the appropriate time to arrive for dinner. Coming home to the same empty house after feeding cats at someone else's empty house. Having too many phone conversations with family end in tears this week.
Wondering when God is going to see fit to change something in my life so I'm not writing this same blogpost next year.
I've always hated fall and winter. I've seen it as a time of death...everything once green and lush is turing dry, brown and brittle. But maybe this year I'll approach the seasons with the attitude that this chapter of my life is ending and something even better is around the corner.
What it is?
I have no idea. And the truth is, I don't really care. I just pray that God changes something in my life, anything really...I'd move...somewhere else in the city, another place in the country or anywhere around the world, change jobs, find a new passion/hobby, meet someone (gasp...lets be praying extra for this option) or who knows what else God might do...I just pray it happens soon.
Sorry to end the week on a melancholy note...but it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.
Ps. Please don't be worried about me, or my mental/emotional health. I write what I'm feeling but I'm not in some deep dark depression or anything like that. This is a glimpse into my mind and heart at this moment in time. The next moment might bring something very different.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving
There is a lot to be thankful for today but I'll keep it short.
I'm thankful that God's plans are good. That He loves me enough to take things I think I want away from me when they are harmful, has me walk through things that are challenging and outside my comfort zone because they will bring me closer to Him or bring someone else closer to Him. Though I don't understand why things happen or why they happen when they happen, I'm thankful that He isn't ever scrambling for a solution, but instead already knows the outcome and every step between now and then.
I'm thankful that He has surrounded me with so many amazing people who continually challenge, encourage and support me. Thankful that I have people to lean on when I'm weak and weary, and that He gives me strength when others need to lean on me. I've been blessed with a loving family...people who have to love me because we're related, and a whole group of people who choose to love me.
I'm thankful that I have so much to give, that God has entrusted me with so much, that I have the ability to share truth with others on a daily basis, that I was born in a country where I have every right available and it doesn't matter that I'm a woman, that I can worship God openly and gather with others to do the same without fear of punishment or death.
I'm thankful for the 22 years I had with Papa. That God was able to reconcile our relationship before it was too late. I'm thankful for not one, but two moms who love me more than any spoiled, sassy trouble maker should be loved. I'm thankful for a man who loves my mom so much he's willing to endure the rest of us and with a smile on his face to boot! I'm thankful for a sister who knows me better than I know myself and with one look at me can assess what's going on in my heart and speak truths in a way only someone who has been through it all with you is able to do. A brother-in-law that has been part of my life longer than he hasn't and loves us no matter how crazy we are. A little brother who has become a strong, responsible, handsome, independent man that impresses me each time we talk. And a "little sis" that has blossomed into an amazing woman in the time I've known her. Grandparents that are an amazing example of love, commitment, loyalty and dedication. Aunts, uncles, cousins that have all touched my lives in their own unique ways, inspired me to reach for the stars, welcomed me back after long absences, and picked up loving me right where we left off. And a nephew that stole my heart the moment he entered this world.
I'm a blessed girl. Praying everyone is able to spend this holiday with family and is reminded of what the holidays are really about.
I'm thankful that God's plans are good. That He loves me enough to take things I think I want away from me when they are harmful, has me walk through things that are challenging and outside my comfort zone because they will bring me closer to Him or bring someone else closer to Him. Though I don't understand why things happen or why they happen when they happen, I'm thankful that He isn't ever scrambling for a solution, but instead already knows the outcome and every step between now and then.
I'm thankful that He has surrounded me with so many amazing people who continually challenge, encourage and support me. Thankful that I have people to lean on when I'm weak and weary, and that He gives me strength when others need to lean on me. I've been blessed with a loving family...people who have to love me because we're related, and a whole group of people who choose to love me.
I'm thankful that I have so much to give, that God has entrusted me with so much, that I have the ability to share truth with others on a daily basis, that I was born in a country where I have every right available and it doesn't matter that I'm a woman, that I can worship God openly and gather with others to do the same without fear of punishment or death.
I'm thankful for the 22 years I had with Papa. That God was able to reconcile our relationship before it was too late. I'm thankful for not one, but two moms who love me more than any spoiled, sassy trouble maker should be loved. I'm thankful for a man who loves my mom so much he's willing to endure the rest of us and with a smile on his face to boot! I'm thankful for a sister who knows me better than I know myself and with one look at me can assess what's going on in my heart and speak truths in a way only someone who has been through it all with you is able to do. A brother-in-law that has been part of my life longer than he hasn't and loves us no matter how crazy we are. A little brother who has become a strong, responsible, handsome, independent man that impresses me each time we talk. And a "little sis" that has blossomed into an amazing woman in the time I've known her. Grandparents that are an amazing example of love, commitment, loyalty and dedication. Aunts, uncles, cousins that have all touched my lives in their own unique ways, inspired me to reach for the stars, welcomed me back after long absences, and picked up loving me right where we left off. And a nephew that stole my heart the moment he entered this world.
I'm a blessed girl. Praying everyone is able to spend this holiday with family and is reminded of what the holidays are really about.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thankful November
November 15: So grumpy today but thankful for friends like Carley who endure whatever mood I'm in to chat. At the end of our conversation she said, "I would say its been nice chatting with you but you've been quite negative." Love that there are people in my life who love me no matter my mood.
November 16: Thankful that the Lord has put strong, funny, Christian women in my life. Was able to spend the evening with a good friend I haven't seen much lately. We solved all the world's problems, ate dinner, watched some tv and laughed a lot. Thankful for Beth.
November 17: What a day! The annual Walker Bro's breakfast and Outlet mall shopping trip with the girls for Hannah's birthday. A day filled will good friends, good food and good shopping finds! Thankful that once a year we're able to set a day aside for such fun festivities!
November 18: Thankful for being able to worship God with friends. Its something we take for granted yet so many around the world don't have this right, or do so in fear.
November 19: So thankful for a short week of work, makes getting up on Monday a little easier.
Click here for the previous installments.
November 16: Thankful that the Lord has put strong, funny, Christian women in my life. Was able to spend the evening with a good friend I haven't seen much lately. We solved all the world's problems, ate dinner, watched some tv and laughed a lot. Thankful for Beth.
November 17: What a day! The annual Walker Bro's breakfast and Outlet mall shopping trip with the girls for Hannah's birthday. A day filled will good friends, good food and good shopping finds! Thankful that once a year we're able to set a day aside for such fun festivities!
November 18: Thankful for being able to worship God with friends. Its something we take for granted yet so many around the world don't have this right, or do so in fear.
November 19: So thankful for a short week of work, makes getting up on Monday a little easier.
Click here for the previous installments.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thankful November
A continuation...
November 6: How blessed are we to live in a nation that has fought for the right for all citizens to vote? Thankful that my voice matters.
November 7: I feel really blessed to regularly babysit for an amazing Christian family and their three adorable young children. Though it tacks an extra 3-4 hours onto the end of my regular workday, it never feels like "work"and I'm thankful for the example they've shown me of a loving, God-honoring family.
November 8: Thankful that I'm part of a women's group that is diverse and inclusive. We're all so different and I think that's what makes our group so great-we all come from different backgrounds and have seen God's love, grace and goodness in unique ways.
November 9: Thankful for good friends, good food and a reason to get together, like my bestie's birthday!
November 10: I took Lucy on her birthday date--mani/pedi, frozen yogurt and a trip to Target. Just so blessed that I have the ability to connect with the girls and spend one on one time with them, letting them know how important they are to me.
November 11: Thankful for religious freedom and the ability to express our beliefs openly. Saw Handel's Messiah performed today and can't imagine not being able to celebrate the Lord publicly, like so many followers around the world.
November 12: So thankful that brave men and women have served our country to ensure our freedom.
November 13: As my feet continue to bother me, I'm thankful for my Chiropractor, Dr. Ela, who always listens to my complaints and spends time figuring out how she can make it better. She always has some tricks up her sleeve and they always leave me feeling better than when I walked in.
November 14: A year ago I was just returning from Uganda where I met my Compassion International girls Specioza and Florence. I feel so blessed that God has placed those two girls in my life, that He made a way for me to meet them, as well as spend a bunch of time with some other really cool sponsors. I'll never forget the time we spent riding around in Joseph's bus and I'm thankful that so many children's lives are changed through Compassion's work.
November 6: How blessed are we to live in a nation that has fought for the right for all citizens to vote? Thankful that my voice matters.
November 7: I feel really blessed to regularly babysit for an amazing Christian family and their three adorable young children. Though it tacks an extra 3-4 hours onto the end of my regular workday, it never feels like "work"and I'm thankful for the example they've shown me of a loving, God-honoring family.
November 8: Thankful that I'm part of a women's group that is diverse and inclusive. We're all so different and I think that's what makes our group so great-we all come from different backgrounds and have seen God's love, grace and goodness in unique ways.
November 9: Thankful for good friends, good food and a reason to get together, like my bestie's birthday!
November 10: I took Lucy on her birthday date--mani/pedi, frozen yogurt and a trip to Target. Just so blessed that I have the ability to connect with the girls and spend one on one time with them, letting them know how important they are to me.
November 11: Thankful for religious freedom and the ability to express our beliefs openly. Saw Handel's Messiah performed today and can't imagine not being able to celebrate the Lord publicly, like so many followers around the world.
November 12: So thankful that brave men and women have served our country to ensure our freedom.
November 13: As my feet continue to bother me, I'm thankful for my Chiropractor, Dr. Ela, who always listens to my complaints and spends time figuring out how she can make it better. She always has some tricks up her sleeve and they always leave me feeling better than when I walked in.
November 14: A year ago I was just returning from Uganda where I met my Compassion International girls Specioza and Florence. I feel so blessed that God has placed those two girls in my life, that He made a way for me to meet them, as well as spend a bunch of time with some other really cool sponsors. I'll never forget the time we spent riding around in Joseph's bus and I'm thankful that so many children's lives are changed through Compassion's work.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thankful November
Facebook is full of thanks this time of year and though I've always enjoyed reading what my friends and family are thankful for, I've never gotten in on the action though.
Lets change that...
Nov 1: I'm thankful that God has placed 3 lovely girls in my life that need an example of Christ's love, grace and mercy. And though they wear me out, I cherish the love they have for me and all our silliness.
Nov 2: God has blessed me beyond belief with strong Christian women and I'm thankful that that circle is expanding.
Nov 3: So thankful for a bestie that can make me laugh so hard I cry but can also speak plain truth into my life and call me out on my crap. Plus, I'm thankful that she feeds me on a regular basis--its so much nicer eating dinner with someone than eating alone!
Nov 4: Thankful that God has given me the ability (and desire) to run. Through running I have built relationships and have been able to share my faith with people I never would have encountered otherwise.
Nov 5: It's a blessing to get up every morning and go to work with a smile on my face, never dreading my job.
 |
| Found this on Pinterest...such a great idea, and so cute. Click the pic for the blog link! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)