During this time, I am going through She Reads Truth's "Psalms of Gratitude" Study. This is my response to day 1, Psalm 100. I know...I am starting late in the study, but this is a perfect season to express thanks. I love that the activity asks you to respond to God. This is my prayer, my thanksgiving, my song of gratitude to God.
Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
You are the Healer!
You restore & make all things new!
In me, You make all things new.
Acknowledge that Yahweh is God.
He made us, and we are His —
His people, the sheep of His pasture.
We are Yours, forever Yours.
Til the end of my days, remind me that I am Yours.
Even when we turn, we are Yours.
We are in Your hands.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
We praise You because we are made in Your divine image.
Some piece of me reflects You, though I am unworthy.
You bend down and call me Yours.
I will praise You because each day is a blessing.
Though they can be hard, we praise You because each day is written in Your book.
May You be glorified by each of my days.
For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.
I know that I can write many more verses and versions of this song of thanks. My prayer is that this song would become a posture of praise, thanks, and worship to Him.
What does your song of gratitude look like? Follow along at SRT for more Psalms of Gratitude.
This fall season has been wonderful! We've actually enjoyed cooler (but not cold) weather in Texas...it's rare, so we are basking in the beauty of it!
I'll be joining up with Mrs. Disciple's #FridayFive again in the theme of 'Five Sense,' so I'll be discussing what my senses are up to currently!
TASTE
I thoroughly enjoyed a Peppermint Mocha this morning. Peppermint and chocolate are a beautiful marriage. Having been sick for a little while, having a warm cup of coffee is a tasty treat. A smile in a cup, if you will.
Last night, we celebrated 'Friendsgiving' and it was so delicious. A Thanksgiving Potluck at its finest. We supplied the corn casserole, a personal favorite of mine! It was perfect melding of friendship and food. To say that Friendsgiving was merely enjoyable is an understatement. 'Twas a wonderful way to begin the celebration of this holiday season and it beckons me to appreciate our community, our lot in life. To reflect on this life and be grateful. I long to have that perspective continually.
FEEL
I am feeling so much better
after coming down with a stomach bug. That in mind, I am feeling very
blessed to be back to 100%. I was once told 'the best part of being sick
is feeling better.' Boy, is that true?! There's a new low in life when
you hug airport porcelain. That is something I wish on no one, for it is
cruel and unusual punishment.
SEE
Just this morning, I got to see my baby girl CRAWLING (forward) for the first time. In just a few days, she went from 1-2 scoots to a full on crawl. Look out, world! Here comes Harper! I cannot wait to see what she does, who she becomes, and watch her grow into her name, personality, and character. She is such a blessing to us and I don't want to miss a single thing she accomplishes, even the most mundane of things. I want to always remember the blessing that she is and those sweet blessings that she brings to us, that is my prayer.
SMELL
I love the smell of fall. The
cool, crisp air. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, and
apple are a perfect concoction for the fall enthusiast. The smell
accompanies some delicious apple cider and a good book, perhaps some
Longhorn football on the weekends. The fall, when Texas gets to
experience it for a days, is a beautiful thing.
A
pungent smell I encountered recently was in New York--the subway system!
As we entered and exited a subway train, my nostrils were inundated
with the specific 'New York subway stench,' but though it may sound
gross, I was reminded of my childhood trips to Six Flags over Texas. The
rides that my brother and I would ride over and over were the Mine
Train and the Runaway Mountain. The ride would smell like grinding wet
metal, a very distinct smell to me, and I loved that the subway reminded
me of some fun summers had with my brother.
HEAR
Wow, I could go on for days about The Lone Bellow's show that we went to last Friday night. Since that concert, I can do nothing but listen to them along with Leon Bridges. My soul longs for good music. Take me back, take me back. This is a full concert from another venue a while back. I am still brought to tears when I think back to their acoustic tribute to Paris. The raw emotion that is expressed in their show is something that I have NEVER seen before. Everyone needs to experience this.
I could also hear my daughter giggle for forever, days upon days. Every single time I hear her, I am reminded of many things...I am so thankful that she can laugh at the future, for it is in God's hands. I am thankful that she can giggle and enjoy life. That she can giggle and cast her cares on the Lord. Giggle and experience the things of this life for the first time, to have that fresh perspective. To giggle and trust that her needs will be met. Being a parent has opened my eyes to the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. It's so very humbling and I want to continue to hear her giggle and coo so I can turn to the Lord with a new perspective and appreciation.
Would you like to link up with Mrs. Disciple for her #FridayFive? Tell me about your senses!
It's been a while since I've done a 'Thankful Thursday' post, so here goes...
I'm thankful for good news from the doctors. God is working in our dear little one's life and we are so thankful and blessed beyond measure! We know that He has her in His hands and we treasure all the encouraging news we get.
I'm thankful for time away. New York was awesome! I'm so thankful to have spent time away with Tyler, it was a great time. I loved seeing The Lone Bellow in concert and walking through Times Square and Central Park. New York actually has seasons and experiencing that was wonderful!
I'm thankful for FaceTime. While we were away, we got to FaceTime with Harper and it was so sweet. FaceTime is totally underutilized in our house...to this I say 'no more!' I love that family near and far can see Harper grow and change through the technology we have.
I'm thankful for sweet giggles. Being away made me appreciate them even more. I want to make Harper laugh forever and ever because her giggle is quite possibly the sweetest sound she can make right now.
I'm thankful for Peppermint Mochas and Caramel Macchiatos. YUM! After being sick, one could enjoy a sweet pick-me-up. Both help me usher in the holiday season.
I'm thankful for GOOD Italian food. New York definitely knows how to do Italian. We were never disappointed. Cheese. Bread. Delicious Sauce. DONE.
I'm thankful for the truth in Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." Goodness, I need that continual reminder that His purpose prevails. Always. Forever. I'm so thankful for God's provision, in all circumstances.
I'm thankful for another book launch team endeavor, Breaking Busy. Here's a short bit from Alli Worthington's website on the book...'Sharing how society’s message of be more, do more, achieve more is
keeping us from hearing God’s message to us, that doesn’t say ‘more’,
but simply says ‘enough’. You are enough.'
Hey y'all! I'm linking up with For the Love of Dixie as she is creating a 2015 Gift Guide! I love this idea and thought it would be fun to add a few of my thoughts...
A Gift Guide for the Hiker
Puffer Vest! Keep your core warm and look fashionable while doing it.
Hiking Pants! Every hiker needs a good pair of hiking pants that wick water away, but also allow for comfort whatever the season.
Wool Socks! Goodness, these socks are amazing. I have several pair and you should too. These socks are meant to handle the terrain.
Swell Bottle! Keeps hot things HOT and cold things COLD--for a very stinking long time. Perfect for hiking.
Hiking Boots! I love my low-top hiking boots, they have saved my feet from extreme terrains and have held up well for quite a long time now. These boots were definintely made for walking.
Hydration Backpack! Keep at those extra miles without getting dehydrated.
REI Tech Shirt! Tech shirts are an amazing invention--keeping you warm while being lightweight.
A Gift Guide for the Book Lover
Coffee Mug! I love fun mugs. Books beckon a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Personal Library Kit! Who wouldn't love to create their own personal library system?! You can also check out your books to your friends and still know who has them.
Printable Bookmarks! Coloring is very relaxing, so print a bookmark and make it your very own.
Beautiful Throw! Snuggle up with a beautiful blanket and a fantastic book, you'll be set.
Extras: For The Love Book! There is not a woman I know that wouldn't enjoy this book. Order your copy, ASAP.
A Gift Guide for the New Mom
A Sleep Mask! This is a beautiful gift because sleep is a beautiful thing, specifically to a new mom. And it's extremely affordable, at only $6. Dry Shampoo! Life-saver, perhaps not necessarily a Christmas gift...though it's a great stocking stuffer. Teething Necklace! Momma's gotta look nice--might as well make it functional too. Sweet Coffee Mug! You are a boss. Yes, you, momma. Rock it. Enjoy that coffee, too. Worth every sip. Nail Polish! Because who doesn't love being pampered a little bit?! Extras: A new mom would also love to have someone pay for a massage and a manicure! Perhaps a morning of being able to sleep in, if you have the luxury of gifting such an item!
These are just a few ideas of mine, what would YOU add to the gift guide?
I'm linking up once more with Mrs. Disciple for her #FridayFive! This week, we're discussing Five Dinner Guests.
This is RIGHT up my alley. We love hosting. I'm taking a slightly different spin on the Dinner Guests topic today...
Let's get the fire going and sit down to a warm meal and a fantastic drink. We'll have good conversation and food and dessert, of course! If the weather is right, we will fire up the grill. We don't have our cloth napkins ironed--or I may not even know where they are right now, but we're here to listen to your story and we've got paper towels. We don't have fancy china, but we have laughter and wine.
Five Things I Want Dinner Guests To Know
1. We love you.
We do. I'm sure I don't say it enough, but we love you. We love your friendship. We love your community. We love the way you love us.
2. We see you.
We want you to feel known. We see what you're dealing with. We see what life has thrown your way. We see you the way God sees you.
3. We are here for you.
Whatever you are going through, let's share a meal. A meal can be healing. A meal can be restorative. A meal can be just what you need. Just what we need. We are here for you, with whatever life brings your way.
4. We hear you.
I say this because I find myself longing to not just be listened to, but to be HEARD. There's a difference. I want you to know that you are heard. I'm not going to sit there thinking about what I will say next to contribute. I am focusing on you. Share your story. Your life. Your dealings. It's safe here.
5. We welcome you back, whenever you'd like.
Our door is open. But, please know that sometimes our house is messy and so are our lives. We love it and wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes you walk in on the crazy. It just happens. We welcome you into our lives when we invite you over for dinner. We let you into the 'not-so-perfect' parts and our door is open for you. If you want the garage code, you just have to ask. We're vulnerable because that's what community is and does for one another. We open our door, our hearts, and our pantry to you! Enjoy.
I love having people over and I want to welcome you back.
I'm linking up with Mrs. Disciple again for this week's #FridayFive! Today, I'll be looking at Five Smiles and I couldn't be more excited!
Some of these smiles have changed over the years and others are constant in my life. As each season of life changes, so too do the things that make me smile.
This is a super precious one that joined our family several months ago. She has blessed our lives immensely and we are smitten. I have loved watching her learn and change and grow. I so look forward to what the Lord has in store for her life.
This handsome man makes me smile. He continually points me to Jesus and loves life. He reminds me to let things go, to catch sight of the bigger picture, and to try drinking black coffee. He loves well. Leads well. Lives well. Serves well. May we never forget where our blessings come from.
My community. These are my people. We do life together. And for that, I am eternally grateful. AND, I don't have a photo of all of us together. This MUST be remedied. I guess it's a good thing though--we are all so busy doing life together and cannot stop to take a photo. We are enjoying one another, confessing to one another, praying for one another, and loving one another...(at least, that's what I'm going to use as an excuse as to why I don't have a photo.)
My parents. What can I say about them!? They have helped shape me into who I am. They pointed me to the Lord, allowed me to fail, and helped me up when needed. I learned a lot of difficult lessons under their roof, and I am ever so grateful to have them love me unconditionally. It's been so great seeing them love their granddaughter, and I now recognize that they cared and sacrificed so much for me when I was a baby--I KNOW that they cared and sacrificed for me while growing up, but now that I have a child, I can TOTALLY see that and appreciate it at a new level of understanding. This photo is 7 years old, when they came down to Austin to run a race for a friend of mine that was battling cancer. THAT means so much. More than words can say.
I also find joy in a fresh cup of coffee--plus, peppermint mocha
creamer can put a smile on this gal's face! Had you put a cup of coffee
in my face a couple of years ago, I would have scoffed. Coffee is no
longer a joke, it is a necessity. :)
Wanna join in on the #FridayFive fun? Check out Mrs. Disciple's page and share your Five Smiles!
Hello again! It is that time of the week: Thankful Thursday.
On this cooler, rainy Thursday, I am particularly thankful for a warm cup of coffee! I love waking up and having some coffee. Rather, I should say that I love to have a little coffee with my creamer.
I am thankful for early, but slow mornings with the babe. Sure they can be exhausting, but those early morning, slowly still waking up play sessions are just the sweetest. You can see her investigating and learning about every little thing.
I am thankful for lovely hikes. Nature is my jam. It is so rejuvenating. Hiking makes me so appreciative of all that is around me. It forces me to pay closer attention to details. It forces me to take a break and enjoy.
I am thankful for watching the sun set. Need I say more?!
I am thankful for a jogging stroller. Hard runs are hard, but jogging strollers make jogging with Harper so much more enjoyable. It is by no means easy! It's a good challenge, just what I need right now. I love it and look forward to running more with her.
I am thankful for high school football. Harper experienced her first football game tonight and she loved it. My high school football team was not good, so any opportunity we have to watch a team do well is a blast!
I am thankful for learning about sign gifts. In our life group this week, we discussed the sign gifts that are mentioned in the Bible. In preparation, I had to learn new things about speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy. I enjoyed the challenge and I hope the students got a lot out of it.
I am thankful for long walks and talks. Long walks make for great opportunities to have conversations. I am not the type of person that can go on a 30 minute walk and not say a word, that is not me--unless I am forced! To this end, I cannot say that I have been forced to do so yet; however, I am sure there will be a time to come that all I will do on a walk is listen while Harper talks to me. That, I am so looking forward to! So, maybe it won't be 'forced,' rather I would enjoy listening to her thoughts and life-happenings.
I am thankful for this season of life. I want to always and forever be thankful for whatever season of life I am in. Sometimes it is hard. Sometimes it is easy. Whatever it is, I love it and want to be thankful for it.
