Thankful Thursday 1-30-2014

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I don't know why I got out of the habit of doing these posts, but here's my attempt at reviving them.
And even though I've had hundreds of these types of gifts to be thankful for over the past 12 months, I'm going to pick up from where I left off with number 253.

I am thankful for...

253. This little guy!

My cousin's baby boy, born at 5:11 am on Friday morning, January 24.

253. A healthy baby and mama after some complications.

254. Getting some snuggle time with this cutie on Monday night:












255. Really great theological discussions with friends that included heart talk about living it out and encouraging each other.

256. Lunch with Abby on Thursday.

257. Dinner with Sarah & Pat on Thursday.

258. Time with Stephanie & Susan on Thursday night.

259. Conversations with a dear mentor from college that led to a directive to read Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail: Why Evangelicals Are Attracted to the Liturgical Church by Robert E. Webber which is resonating so clearly with me.

260. So many books I read in 2013, most especially:

O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling by Jason Boyett
The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible by Scot McKnight
The Doors of the Sea: Where Was God in the Tsunami? by David Bentley Hart
Against Calvinism by Roger Olson
All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir by Brennan Manning
Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty by Gregory A. Boyd
Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women by Sarah Bessey
Finally Feminist: A Pragmatic Christian Understanding of Gender by John G. Stackhouse Jr.
Is God to Blame? Moving Beyond Pat Answers to the Problem of Suffering By Gregory A. Boyd



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Thankful Thursday 12/6/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

238. Phone date with Jessica R. on Monday night. (11/26)
239. Friend date with Ashley on Monday night (11/26) - (Yummy French Toast and watching the Hunger Games)
240. Practicing with Erin for Christmas Gig.
241. CG Tuesday - saying goodbye to new friends. (11/27)
242. Dinner with Dana on Wednesday. (11/28)
243. Friday evening spent with RB & EJ, playing music and encouraging one another with the Gospel. It reminds me of a CS Lewis quote: "A landscape, a symphony, a meeting with friends…. Our Father refreshes us on the journey but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.”
244. C. S. Lewis - he was born on November 29 in 1898. I’m so thankful for his writings.
245. Lots of time with Julie & Nathan on Saturday and Sunday.
246. Nathan working on my car.
247. Finding a friend to sit with at church on Sunday.
248. Time to chill on Monday night. (12/3)
249. Phone call with Megan on my lunch break on Monday.
250. Hanging out with Erin and her kids on Wednesday night.
251. “I love you”s from little kids.
252. Phone call from Tal on Tuesday night.

Laura, Me, Ashley - March 2012

Thankful Thursday (on Monday?) 11/26/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

224. A long weekend off work (paid vacation/holidays! the novelty of this has not worn off!)
225. Safety as my family traveled out of town for Thanksgiving
226. Getting to see my Grandpa
227. Spending the day with dad's side of the family on Thanksgiving
228. Deep conversation with a cousin and uncle on Thursday night
229. Spending time with my cousin, Sarah.
230. Experiencing the Story Tour at Southeast - it was very encouraging and inspiring.
231. Christmas decorations going up at the house.
232. A surprise visit from Erin and her kids on Saturday afternoon.
233. The opportunity to spend time with Becca while she was in town on Saturday night.
234. Being led in worship by a best friend. (Seriously, there are few things as sweet as this. It reminds me of days in “Destiny” when this happened as well.)
235. Lunch with mom, dad, and brother on Sunday and then on to Half-Price Books with Brother. Book Stores are kind of our thing. :-)
236. Time to rest and relax on Saturday and Sunday.
237. Talking with Megan on my lunch break on Monday - so good for my heart, mind, and soul.

Sarah with me!

Grandpa with my cousin, Susan

Thankful Thursday 11/15/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

113. Encouragement with brothers and sisters in Christ last Thursday night.
114. Meeting a new friend with whom I have much in common.
115. Friday night with Ashley O.
116. Saturday night with Ashley H.
117. Fun and laughter with friends at the Baby Shower for Rachel on Sunday
118. Megan M -talking to her on Sunday night
119. Lots of time with Julie and Nathan (Mon,Tues,tonight,Sat,Sun)
220. Grandma being in town this week! (Supper with her on Monday, Tuesday, and tonight, and plans to spend time with her Saturday and Sunday as well!)
221. The BEAUTIFUL sunset I saw leaving work last night
222. A nice dinner with the fam last night
223. A (rare) evening to slow down and relax on Wednesday night.

Ashley playing one of the games at the Baby Shower

Laura, Johnna, Rachel, Jessica

Thankful Thursday 11/8/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

103. Lunch with Lauren on Friday
104. A great Friday evening spent with Erin James. God sure knew what He was doing when He put us in each others lives all those years ago at White Mills Christian Camp.
105. Going to Erin Dana’s wedding and seeing friends I hadn’t seen in years!
106. Worshipping with my Sojourn family Sunday morning
107. A trip to Huber's Farm on Sunday afternoon with Julie Holt and Nathan Holt.
108. Tuesday night Community Group
109. Dinner with friends I’ve had since high school Wednesday night (Stevon, Johnna, Dana, and Shanen!)
110. The new book from Rachel Held Evans - it is blessing me immensely!
111. That Jesus is still King and my hope is in Him, not in any political party or candidate.
112. Laughing and being ridiculous with Megan on Wednesday night

me and Erin James - 1998 at White Mills Christian Camp!

Erin Dana and me!

Thankful Thursday (on Friday) 11/2/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

92. Saturday night with Erin and Cedar
93. Cedar (22 months) loving on me and telling me "I love you too" for the first time!
94. Extra rest and sleep on Saturday and Sunday
95. Family time Sunday
96. Sojourn on Sunday night with Lauren (and Erin on worship team to boot!)
97. Dinner with Lauren/encouraging conversation (Sunday night)
98. Community Group Tuesday night
99. Free nights Monday & Wednesday
100. Good conversation/prayer time with Megan on Tuesday night
101. Seeing Susan & Stephanie Thursday night
102. Late-night conversation with Lauren on Thursday night

Me and my lil buddy, Cedar, (back in July)

Thankful Thursday 10/25/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

79. Much needed encouragement in time spent with Susan & Stephanie Friday night

80. The ability & opportunity to serve in small but tangible ways.

81. Spending all day Saturday with Julie & Nathan - it was a GOOD day.

82. Great conversations with Julie & Nathan about theology and working it out in our lives

83. Lunch with the family on Sunday

84. Brother helping me put together my new bookcase I got on Saturday.

85. Sojourn Sunday night

86. Conversation with J-Rupp Sunday night.

87. Dinner with Lauren Monday

88. Walking with Ashley Monday

89. Time with Erin Tuesday

90. Seeing a musical Wednesday (Beauty & the Beast)
91. Twenty years ago today I repeated the good confession, "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and my LORD and Savior." And I was baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

Thankful Thursday 10/18/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

72. Bill Dikes, a “Kentucky Grandpa” to me and my brother - that he is with Jesus now, free from pain and sin and suffering. He has won the prize, he has finished the race...

73. Encouragement from Shannon last night

74. Conversation with Megan on Tuesday night

75. The evening with Julie and Ema on Monday night

76. Dinner and conversation with Teri on Sunday

77. Fun-Movie-Watching time with Ashley Sunday night

78. Spending so much time with Julie and Nathan throughout the last week or so, including Saturday evening Church, dinner, and chillin’ at their place.

Bill & Helen Dikes w/me, January 3, 2010

Thankful Thursday 10/11/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...
58. A really great weekend with Megan - it was just what I needed.
59. The time with Stephanie and Susan on Friday night
60. A good night’s sleep for the first time in a long time (Monday & Tuesday night)
61. Safe travels for Nathan and Julie as they drove home Monday
62. Time with Nathan and Julie Monday night
63. My walking buddy, Ashley
64. Opportunity to hang out with Dana Tuesday night
65. Opportunity to talk with Karen C. on Wednesday morning
66. Lunch with a co-worker on Wednesday
67. Encouragement from being with my church family Wednesday night
68. Spending time with Lauren, Nathan, and Julie tonight. (Including celebrating Nathan's birthday)
69. Breakfast with two friends from community group in the morning
70. Lunch plans with Rachel on Friday
71. Laughter with my family last night

A picture from a few years ago that makes me laugh
and showcases Nathan's personality...

Thankful Thursday 10/4/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...

47. Safety as my family traveled to NC for my Aunt's funeral
48. The hope of heaven - seeing my Aunt and so many others who have died in Christ
49. The legacy of faith in Christ that my Aunt passed on to her children
50. The opportunity to be with my family during this time
51. The deep friendship I have with my cousin and the privilege of being there for her...
52. The outpouring of love and support from family/church family/friends
53. The love of Christ expressed through His people
54. Conversation with Megan on Tuesday night
55. Conversation with Stephanie last night
56. The opportunity to spend time with Megan this coming weekend
57. Spending time with Erin and her kids tonight
58. The comfort of Christ in our grief - that we do not grieve as those without hope...

My Aunt holding me when I was a baby

My Aunt with her daughter: my cousin/best friend, Julie

Thankful Thursday 9/27/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...
33. The opportunity to spend time with a mentor last Thursday night.
34. Time with my family Friday night and Sunday afternoon
35. Laughter with friends Saturday morning
36. Seeing friends I hadn’t seen in a long time on Saturday morning
37. Celebrating Andrea’s birthday Saturday afternoon
38. Celebrating fictional character’s birthdays Saturday evening (Frodo & Bilbo Baggins to be precise)
39. Good conversation with friends Saturday night
40. The privilege to gather with so many brothers and sisters in Christ Sunday morning and Sunday night.
41. The people who were baptized Sunday.
42. Time to spend with Ashley on Monday night.
43. My community group
44. Brother/Sister date last night (I really do have the best brother in the world!)
45. Time with Lauren last night
46. The opportunity to talk to Jessica tonight

This was at the Birthday Party for Frodo & Bilbo. Hence Jason is dressed like a Hobbit :-)

Thankful Thursday 9/20/2012

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

I am thankful for...
19. Friends who care, who are there when I need them
20. The phone call with Becca
21. The email from Megan
22. The time with Erin Tuesday night and Wednesday night
23. Precious hugs and snuggle time with Erin's little boy
24. Getting to talk to Stephanie on Monday night
25. Community group on Tuesday night
26. The email exchange with Shannon
27. Hugs from my mama
28. Hugs from my brother
29. Soaking in Truth through old hymns via the harmonious sounds of a choir and a variety of strings and brass instruments with Lauren on Sunday afternoon
30. The sunshine and perfect temperatures today and yesterday
31. Lunch with Lauren and Jessica on Tuesday
32. Excited about a full day of fun plans on Saturday (Including a birthday party in honor of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins... that's right, my friends are awesome :-)

(this picture was actually taken at the Hobbit/Shire themed baby shower that Erin and I threw for Dana :-)

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

10. Precious time and conversation with Teri last night
11. A good night with good friends discussing good literature (George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin) that was good for my soul on Wednesday night.
12. My Community Group on Tuesday night - encouragement and prayer
13. Sweet time with my friend Abby and her kiddos on Monday night
14. Moments of joy and laughter with my family

15. Laughing unbelievably hard with Megan over "Urkel Kentucky Wildpants"...
16. Time to spend with Lauren tonight
17. The opportunity to see "Wicked" tomorrow with friends
18. Friday night spent with good friends

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday (Inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts)

6. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to go visit dear friends in Ohio last weekend. I cherished every minute with them.

7. I'm thankful for safety as I traveled.

8. I'm thankful for a job where I finally have some paid vacation time!

9. I'm thankful for my family...

Five Minute Friday: Connect

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..



Connect...

I've never participated in one of these 5-minute Friday exercises before. I've wanted to, but for various reasons I hadn't, until today.

The topic is actually one of my biggest strengths: Connecting with others.

God has given me such a passion and love for people. I love to hear their stories and encourage them where they are.

Daily, I thank God for the people he has put in my life: the ones who make me laugh so hard that I cry; the ones that encourage me and love me when I am least lovable; the ones who admonish me, rebuke me, and hold me accountable. Examples from this week:

1. I'm thankful for the two hour phone conversation last night with Megan, my roommate from college who is still one of my best friends.
2. I'm thankful for the conversation with my friend Teri while we walked 2 miles together.
3. I'm thankful for time with Dana at her house on Wednesday night, playing with her sweet baby boy.
4. I'm thankful for time in the Word and in prayer on Monday and Tuesday evenings with Susan and Stephanie.
5. And I'm thankful for time with good friends from high school last weekend.

I really could go on and on! Good thing there's a time limit!

Who are you thankful for? How are you connecting?