What I'm Contemplating Lately...

 

 I really hate to let a month go by without posting. I think mostly because it annoys me to see a missing month in the list on the right side of the page...;) Anyway, I would say "this month has been crazy" but that is just really life-no more or less crazy than it ever has been. May is always a succession of "ends" and I'm kind of just ready for it to be over, although June will have it's own packed schedule!

So, anyway, while I have a lot of posts roaming around my head, I am too lazy right now to put that kind of effort in, so here is a whole lot of random...

    -I had the opportunity to host a little graduation get-together for two of my younger sisters (I still owe the youngest one!) and it reminded me that I have never yet walked for graduation. I was homeschooled, and even though I have a genuine diploma (I accumulated credits through a correspondence school) I didn't have a high school ceremony. For college, I was busy moving so I didn't walk then, either. I am sure that the cheesy cap and gown aren't all that, but still I wonder what it would be like...

    -I am working away on my reading list for my book challenge (If you want to see what I've read, check out my Pinterest board where I track it here.) I have read dozens of other books this year, but they either don't fit any of the categories, or they aren't what I would consider "challenge-worthy". I just finished, The Red Badge of Courage and if you are rolling your eyes because you read that in high school, well good for you, but I managed to put it off until my mid-thirties. I was completely enamored of Crane's writing style-it was so beautiful. It all came together, though, because since I finished the book last week, we attended a Civil War reenactment Saturday, and with all Crane's vivid imagery still in mind it was all just so poignant and meaningful-especially in connection with Memorial Day... Reading the classics as an adult has given me such a greater appreciation for them. I think often they are *somewhat* wasted on the young. That is not to say that I don't see in value in high school students reading, To Kill A Mockingbird but there are just so many more layers of meaning when you can add real life experience to the mix!

    -I've been mulling over multilevel marketing recently. I have had a swarm of friends who have been sucked in recruited , joined MLMs in the past few months and it has caused me to be very aware of them. You probably guessed that I am a teeny bit negative towards them, and it has nothing to do with the products. I just couldn't quite put my finger on why I was not able to fully embrace the concept and then I read this article "The Divine Rise of Multilevel Marketing". I think the reason that they make me bristle is this: I just wish that women (or really anyone involved in that type of thing) would put an equal amount of energy into evangelism that they do into their "business". Many of these people make little or nothing, (according to the article, as little as 1% of those involved make a profit, and I have seen those figures other places) but they spend hours of time and energy to sell "their" product. I don't have a problem with that-I spend hours of time and energy on this blog and I literally have never made a cent. It's just that I try to devote a greater amount of time and energy into sharing the Gospel, and I also try to share my faith here. Plus, I've never tried to sell you anything that benefited me. ;) But, I think that if we viewed every meeting, every Facebook post, every Instagram photo, every brief interaction as an opportunity to promote the name of Christ, rather than skin-care products, cookware or weight-loss tools, I think we would see a dramatic gain for the Kingdom. Please hear me: I support many MLM consultants, for books, for workouts, for kitchen gear, for jewelry. (I fell in love with the mission of Trades of Hope and have made a number of purchases in the last few months.) However, I know these women personally, and they are seamlessly integrating their faith in Christ with their desire to better the world through sharing things in which they believe. However, I have other "friends" who have clogged my newsfeed, email and ears with endless babble and underlying just have a desire to "recruit" me so that they can move up in the food chain. Those are the ones that I wish would find their fire for the Lord and use their energies to fuel that instead of sales of products and promises of commission. I have decided though, that it has definitely done something good for me-it has encouraged ME to share the Gospel more openly. I would never talk to a Costco employee or a dental hygienist about a product I was selling, but I have knowledge about everlasting life, and I am eager to share that. Plus, I won't lie: I've decided to co-opt marketing techniques in an effort to promote our VBS. There is literally no shame in my game!

     -I've been working on better eating habits and I have discovered a few things. Namely, I do not hate almond milk and putting cottage cheese into scrambled eggs makes my heart sing. I have been trying to branch out and had some epic fails (Greek yogurt is NOT a substitute for mayonnaise, no matter what Pinterest tells you.), but I have also had some successes. I figure every little bit helps! I tried making a carrot smoothie (As long as you don't buy into that it "tastes like carrot cake" you'll be good) and eating plain oatmeal. I actually *like* plain oatmeal now! However, I made overnight oatmeal last week (You can see it on FB here.)  and that was a definite fail. I think I needed Dutch-process cocoa, my regular baking cocoa was far too bitter. Yuck! I think I am going to try a different recipe, one without cocoa, so if you have a tried-and-true one let me know!

    -I am finishing up another photo book. I have done almost thirty and this one will only leave me with a couple of months left to finish in 2013. Yes, I am behind, but I had made a royal mess doing a book here, and then switching to a completely different month, doing selected events and not others, and it was not working. I finally got on track, started a spreadsheet, and now I am finished through September 2013. I also started using Chatbooks and just received my third one! I am in love! If you want a code for a free one, let me know, and I will be glad to give you my referral code. There are a few "catches" (like you have to start a subscription to get the free one, which you would have to end if you don't want to get charged the next time) so I don't want anyone to be mad at me for not sharing all the details here. Since I said above I'm not trying to sell you anything (and I get $1 in credit anytime someone uses my code), I won't share it here until I have a better opportunity to explain myself. Currently I am using Shutterfly for my regular photo books, and they take quite a bit of time, around 3-4 hours for each book, so it will be a while before I am caught up! As a matter of fact, I am avoiding working on my book by blogging...


   So what does May hold for you? Did you get totally lost in my ramblings? Do you have really positive things to say about MLM? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

G.I.G.-Day 28

  These last few days are where the rubber meets the road. It is easy to think of thankful things in the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, everyone is talking about it and promoting the idea of gratitude. However, now we are in "Christmas" full swing (not that I mind) but it is really testing my mettle to continue with this challenge. However, as I told my husband just today, I did *not* want it to be easy! The whole meaning of challenge is a test, something that requires above average output. My lists may become increasingly more random, but that's okay, it doesn't mean I am any less thankful.

Today I am thankful for:

1. Table top games. I was introduced to this term recently, we always called them "board games" or just "games" growing up, but whatever the term, I really like them!

2. Pizza. We had it two nights in a row and I am *still* thankful for it. It is truly one of my favorite foods.

3. Vocabulary. I am thankful that there are a variety of words to use to express myself, and I love learning new ones!

4. Spell check. It doesn't render all writings mistake-free, but it certainly does help.

5. Toothbrushes. On my behalf, and that of others.

6. Kelly taking our Christmas card photos. She did a really great job, especially considering she doesn't have too much practice with rambunctious, non-cooperative families. ;)

7. Button-front shirts. Instantly ups the class of any outfit.

8. That my jaw quit hurting. I was struggling with clenching my teeth (due to stress) and I think it has finally resolved.

9. Snow. I don't love the cold, but snow is so beautiful and festive, so I will think of its positive attributes.

10. Bible websites. They make learning about the Word so much easier, and I think it is just wonderful that there are so many free ones.

11. Mugs. Because it makes it so much easier to enjoy coffee. And hot chocolate.

12. Gloves. Especially the kind that have the touch-compatible fingers. This time of year I keep a pair in every coat!

13. Cheesecake. I love cheesecake. It is the perfect dessert to me!

14. Computers. They often frustrate me, but I couldn't imagine life without them.

15. Chapstick. My lips need it badly this time of year.

16. Lotion. Ditto the above, for my skin.

17. Alphabetization. Follow me on this one: it makes organizing so many things simpler, and it is just darn neat!

18. Friends who are doing this challenge with me. It is keeping me accountable, and is so encouraging!

19. Commenters on my blog and Facebook page. I am not "fishing" here, but it really is wonderful when someone takes a minute to leave a little message for me. It really brightens my day.

20. That I already bought the stamps for my Christmas cards. I love marking little things like that off my to-do list.

21. Curling irons. Otherwise, my hair would be hopelessly straight.

22. Colors. I know this is very abstract, but I am thankful for a creative God who loves variety and color.

23. My lime green sofa pillows. They make me happy. And they are so plump!

24. Christmas parties. I have a few on the calendar in the next weeks and I am looking forward to each of them.

25. My Christmas CDs. I am looking forward to getting them out. I have a carefully selected collection and I love every one.

26. Trays. I use them for lots of things: carrying food, organizing things, on my end tables instead of coasters. I really like them.

27. Candles. They smell good, and the flames are really enchanting.

28. That there are some things I will never have to do again. Like have my wisdom teeth removed. I am glad you only have to do that once, and I already have!

    Are you done being thankful this month? Or are you pleasantly surprised to still find things to list?

G.I.G.-Day 23

 It is late, so I will cut straight to the chase.

Today I am thankful:

1. For "free" fun. We volunteered to help with the Zero Waste effort at Gonzaga and it was a lot of fun.

2. For ice cream in waffle cones. Especially if it is free as a "thank you" for volunteering!

3. For french fries. Especially when they are steak cut.

4. For kids who appreciate simple pleasures. I would like to think they learned that from me and their dad.

5. For being together as a family. I am truly thankful for this every day, I just happened to mention it today.

6. For my brother-in-law Daniel. We lovingly call him "the Lorax" because he is jut the "greenest" guy I know. I appreciate many things about him, not the least of which is his passion for sustainability and incredible knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. I am thankful Katy (and God!) brought him into our family.

7. For samples. The kind they give out from Costco. They are just fun!

8. For kind strangers. You don't realize how many opportunities you have during the day to really be nice to someone, until you are on the receiving end in a service position. I am glad that some people are really out-of-their way kind.

9. For car washes. Especially after you car endured a ridiculous wind storm and has been filthy for a week.

10. For time to catch my breath. It seems life has been incredibly hectic for like...the past year! Yesterday and today have been a pleasant opportunity to not feel like I was going non-stop.

11. For chances to share my opinion. I am not always right, but it is always nice to feel heard.

12. That my grandmother seems to be doing better. The doctors feel like they have handle on what happened over the weekend and she seems to be on an upswing.

13. For my Keurig. My afternoon cup of coffee is one of my favorite rituals. I don't think I can actually operate a "real" coffee pot, so I am thankful for my little one-cup wonder.

14. For mocha mix. It makes my coffee just perfect!

15. For a trash dumpster. I have T.D.A. That stands for "Trash Day Anxiety". It is hereditary, I got it from my mother. Having a dumpster that I am *not* responsible for taking to the curb is the cure for TDA. It is one of those ridiculous little things, but honestly: I am grateful for it.

16. For fresh contact lenses. If you don't wear contacts, you won't understand, but putting in new lenses-it is so wonderful.

17. For hand-me-downs. For both me and the kids. It is a great way to help the earth, and my pocketbook! And my kids actually think hand-me-downs are better than new clothes. They are more special to them!

18. For a generous family. Curriculum, clothes, and a million other little things (especially cups of coffee!). All my extended family is willing to give with no strings attached, and it makes my world a better place.

19. For this time of year. And I don't just mean Christmas. There is something I really love about November. It holds so much promise.

20. For thoughts of heaven. I have been reading C.S. Lewis' "The Last Battle" with the kids, and the images of heaven that he paints just fill my heart with joy.

21. For gift wrap. Wrapping wins over bags any day in my book-and presentation is everything!

22. For laughter. God was so gracious to give us humor and the ability to appreciate the funny side of life. It makes things bearable.

23. For public bathrooms. I am pretty sure that we take this for granted far too often. If you have ever had need of one and been unable to find one, you get why this made the list!

    The randomness clearly never ceases! Are you thankful for bathrooms today, or something more serious?

G.I.G.-Day 22

    Sometimes the loveliest days are the ones that you are not expecting to be particularly lovely, just rather ordinary. That was today. Nothing special, but that was part of its charm.

Today I am thankful:

1. That even though the power was still out at the church, we had service anyway. It was a particularly good service, too.

2. That we have someone in our church who plays acoustic guitar. So that we could instruments to go with our singing, even without power.

3. That people were good sports about the whole thing. Sometimes it is hard, especially as adults, to put up with little minor inconveniences, but no one complained.

4. For hot showers. I do not lack appreciation for being clean, but not only that, but for how nice the whole task itself is.

5. For a little time to myself. I do not often have time alone at home, but today I did. I don't like to spend too much time by myself, but as it is a rare occurrence, I appreciated it.

6. For old movies. I adore the styles of the fifties, and entertained myself today by watching several classics I had never seen before.

7. For God coincidences. I had just written #6 when I got a text from Joel that he was with my sister, Kelly. Her car had been broken into while she was at work, and he "happened"  to be nearby. He was able to be there in 5 minutes to help her get things figured out. That, in my mind, is God working things out in His perfect way.

8. That she is safe. I am sad that someone thought breaking her window was an okay thing to do, but glad that she wasn't physically harmed in any way. Because windows can be replaced but sisters can't.

9. That I had a chance to  put Matthew 25:35 into action. I often miss those opportunities to "feed the hungry, and clothe the naked" because I overthink it. That didn't happen today.

10. For having dinner with my sister, Katy. We haven't had much time to see each other lately, so it was nice to hang out.

11. For our space heater. We don't use our baseboard heaters (for a myriad of reasons) and we don't need to with that little thing. It makes our living room toasty.

12. That ribbon was on clearance. In colors to match my Christmas decorations and coordinating gift wrap.

13. That I was able to make some progress on some projects on my list. I actually have a whole notebook dedicated to activities, to-do's, and events in the next few weeks. It was nice to check some things off!

14. That my basil is thriving. I am a notorious plant killer, and I have had this plant since September. I'm pretty sure that is a record!

15. For Master Blasts from Sonic. If you have never had the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dream...well, I'm sad for you. It's epic.

16. For pebble ice. Also from Sonic. (That one is for you, Kate. ;) )

17. For deep conversations with thoughtful people. I love fluff, and superficial things at times. But other times I want to be challenged, and questioned. It helps me to grow and mature.

18. For listening ears. I am truly thankful for people who ask questions that they really want to hear the answers to, and are really concerned about you.

19. That I don't have an early morning. Because obviously, it is a late night-for me, anyway!

20. For lamps. I really detest overhead lighting, and I love how homey lamps make a place feel.

21. For Christmas carols. Yes, even in November. I won't apologize.

22. For keyboards. I don't think most of the time we even notice them, but we would be sorely tried to use all this technology without them. ;)

Despite the excitement between numbers 6 and 7, it was really a good day overall. How was your's?

G.I.G.-Day 21

  I don't really know what is going on, but I do not doubt that the Lord placed it on my heart to do this gratitude challenge in a month where He knew there was going to be a whole lot going on. So far, my paternal grandmother has passed away, my niece has been hospitalized for a host of life-threatening issues, my town was hit by a windstorm that squashed decades-long records for power outages, and my maternal grandmother found out she has more cancer, after recent enduring chemo and radiation for brain cancer. And that's just the "big" stuff. Today, that same grandmother had to be rushed to the hospital with a very high fever, and we still aren't sure what is going on. It's hitting me pretty hard, and I am really learning to give thanks in all circumstances, trial by fire edition, if you know what I'm saying?

   And surprisingly (or maybe not so much so, if you are saved), in the midst of all that there *are* things for which to be thankful! I haven't really listed too many "big" things-and there is a reason for that: it is easy to give thanks for those usually. If you ask children, they can list those. But I think that true gratitude encompasses EVERYTHING, both things large and small. And I think that by choosing to focus on the not-so-obvious, which I kind of have to in the process of listing over 400 things this month, it hits on exactly what I wanted. I wanted to be a more conscious observer of all the great things in my life, to realize that in each and every situation there are things that not only should I say, "thanks" for, there are things which I *must* surrender praise to only the Lord for, as He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. No matter the size.

 So onto my list for today...
I am thankful that:

1. We had such generous donations towards Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. It is so fun to see what people were inspired to give.

2. They are all signed, sealed and delivered. At least on our end! It was quite the process to sort, label and get 37 shoeboxes to the donation site, but we did it! My organized aunt was planning on helping me, but since she needed to be with my grandmother, Kelly came to my rescue.

3. There are 37 children that we are showing the love of Christ to, in ways both tangible and intangible. If you doubt that these boxes are physical expressions of the Gospel, you need to go check out OCC's website.

4. We can be a small part of a big effort. There are hundreds of thousands of boxes delivered every year. We are a drop in the bucket-but all those drops together are creating mighty ocean waves. Being part of that is humbling.

5. The Gospel is for everyone. Rich or poor, near or far, old or young. God is so good...

6. Tomorrow is uncertain, but there is no need to worry. It is almost impossible at times not to worry. My grandmother is ill, my husband is not getting a paycheck, my future seems unclear. But I do NOT have to worry. I can choose to have faith and know the Lord is in control. It seems a pity that I only get to list this once, as I could certainly use the reminder every day.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

7. I do not have to lose hope. There is always hope-He is called Jesus.

8. I am being renewed day by day. Just like the manna the Israelites received, I get enough every day for each day. Never too little, never too much, but I don't have to worry about provision.

9.This is all just momentary. In the light of eternity, all our troubles are "light and momentary". Even when they seem heavy and eternal, they aren't.

10. We can fix our eyes on the unseen. It doesn't make sense, in human terms. But taken by faith, it makes more sense than anything in the world.

11. What is seen is temporary. Oh! I am sooo thankful that this isn't all there is. So, very, very, thankful.
 
12. What is unseen is eternal. That the most glorious things of all are most definitely ahead of me. That the very best, most perfect time in my life isn't in this life.

13. Scripture makes me cry. Almost without fail. And I am thankful for that because I am not a big "cry-er". If I am moved, it is pretty significant. And I am glad that the Word is one of those things.

14. I can be sad. Jesus was, and since He was perfect, I know that it isn't sinful. I can tell Jesus about my sorrow and He can give me peace. It might seem weird to be thankful for what most consider a negative emotion, but I see it as part of the humanity that allows us to not only understand each other, but recognize how badly we need salvation.

15. I have people with which to share my sorrows. Grief is bearable when borne together.

16. It won't last forever. See #9.

17. Most of my family are believers. Oh, how sweet it is to claim these promises and share these burdens together.

18. Every cloud has silver lining. But only for those who are in Christ Jesus. Without Him, there aren't even any clouds, only darkness. But for a believer, "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord...". (Romans 8:28)

19. Hymns. My mind is constantly flooded with Scripture, and that frequently brings old, familiar, comforting hymns to mind. It is so lovely... "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus...just to take Him at His Word, just to rest upon His promise...just to know, "Thus saith the Lord." Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er, Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh for grace, to trust Him more..." How can that not make you feel better?

20. I can sing. I didn't say well, or in public, but for a voice, and a little tune, even if it is only for myself and the Lord.

21. There are always miracles. I've seen them. And whether or not any of these situations that I'm experiencing today, or in the future, merits one I cannot say. But I am grateful for them just the same.

I know you are humming a hymn now. What are you singing? Is it a song of thanks?

G.I.G.-Day 18

  No thoughtful introspective intro today, just going to plunge right in!

Today I am thankful for:
1. Happy endings. I love a happy ending. In a book, on tv, in real life. And I am thankful that I have had many of my own.

2. Workout videos. I started out with Leslie Sansone, and it has all been uphill since then. But let's be honest: I would never actually go to a gym so I am thankful that I can get some exercise and never have to leave my house.

3. That I am in better shape now than I was in my twenties. I have never been athletic, and I kind of bought into a lie that you were either born that way or not. I will never be a professional, but I have definitely improved.

4. That the Lord allows us to change, and changes us. Not just physically. I am glad that we don't have to stay the same.

5. Dedicated turn lights. I love those little green arrows. I will drive around my elbow to not have to turn against traffic unprotected!

6. That our church was spared. A tree fell very close to our building and took down several power lines, but it thankfully missed the church.

7. Shoeboxes. I don't mean just because shoes come in them, but rather, Operation Christmas Child. We worked on putting together the donations through our Awana club tonight, and it just makes me so excited to think of all the kids that are being blessed by our own little clubbers! Also: it is amazing how many little things you can fit inside a box that size.

8.The joy of giving. Not just this time of year, and not just shoeboxes. I am thankful that the Lord made the act of generosity something that can bring us pleasure, and I know that is because it is near to His heart.

9. That we all have been given something we can give. Whether it is time, talent, or money-perhaps all three, none of us are completely without something to bless others with.

10. Forgiveness. Especially when it is unmerited.

11. Ponytails. They have saved many a "bad hair" day.

12. Netflix. Many, many entertaining hours wasted, umm, I mean enjoyed. ;) We ditched cable years ago and haven't looked back, thanks to the wonder of television on demand.

13. Frozen fruit. My morning smoothies wouldn't be nearly so wonderful without it.

14. Converse tennis shoes. I have trouble with my feet and these are a very important part of my wardrobe, not from a fashion standpoint, but from a comfort one.

15. Socks. I know some people hate having their feet covered, but I love it.

16. Kids who can read. Sometimes this backfires, but mostly it just seems so amazing that they can do it-and I taught them!

17. Trash bags. I can't imagine trying to deal with a can without a bag. I am thankful that someone invented those!

18. Listening to my kids laugh-with each other. So precious...

These random lists are harder than the focused ones! Here is hoping that I have some targeted inspiration tomorrow. :)