A Thankful Finale

Well... November has finally come to a close.  Here are my last three thankful thoughts for 2011:

Day 28
I'm thankful that I know my body well.  If I didn't, I would have been in even more physical pain than I was.  As I mentioned on day 27, a whole bunch of us got sick.  Well, I firmly believe that the only reason I wasn't puking alongside the others is that I basically didn't eat anything at all for almost three days.  Believe me.  Today I made up for lost ground.  :)


Day 29
I'm thankful for the people in my life who, even if they've only known me a short time, have realized just how much a kind word or a simple touch can mean to me.  These things can change my whole entire day.  For instance, I was getting a little frustrated yesterday at work because the powers that be were telling us to do one thing, but half our team thought it was insanity and should be ignored and the other half (of which I was a part) thought it was insanity but should be done.  Well, whatever.  So I went to lunch.  HA!  Anyhow, when I came back my favorite person (if that's allowed... probably shouldn't mention that too often here in cyberwebs) on team Greenberg's JCM (Jordan Creek Mall) just said a few quiet words with a pat on the back, and it was like the sun started shining again and life was happy.  All that to say, I'm thankful for these kinds of people.  :)


Day 30

For my final "thought," I kinda have three things:
1) I'm thankful for nights like tonight, where impromptu planning leads to great adventures.  After church tonight, Laura, Daniel, Megan, Caleb, & I went to some park on the south side of Des Moines to see some Christmas lights.  It was $10 admission per car, so $2/person, which wasn't really all that worth it, but since some of the proceeds went to the Make a Wish foundation, I guess it was ok.  Oh yes.  And the glasses.  Highly entertaining 3-D type complimentary glasses that apparently made the lights cool.  So. Much. FUN!!!!

2) I'm thankful for finally feeling like my regular self again!  Being sick makes you appreciate "normal" so much more!

3)  I'm thankful that I took on the challenge of "Thankful Thoughts November" because it has given me the chance to recognize just how much I have for which to be thankful!  I could probably post every single day for the rest of my life, but don't worry... I'm not planning to... :)

Thanks for joining me in my November endeavor to be THANKFUL! Now... on to CHRISTMAS!!!!! :D

25, 26, 27

Day 25 (Black Friday)

I'm thankful for my crazy family.  Black Friday is pretty much a holiday at our house, not because of the great deals we get, but because of the great time we have with each other making fun of those who are totally gung-ho about getting the deals.  We have a grand time getting up early (or in the case of this year, going out late the night before) and heading into the madness. This year, we actually went for the midnight deals.  My sister Laura's friend wanted a laptop, Laura & Lindsey wanted cameras, and I... well, I wanted a pair of boots. Yep... that's me.  A pair of boots.  Well, whatever.  We all got what we wanted and were home by like 4AM.  Plenty of time to sleep before heading back to DSM to sell jewelry. :)

Day 26

I'm thankful for friends.  Specifically in this instance, I'm thankful for Shelly & Geoff.  Oh, and Thomas, who kept me company via texting.  Shelly met me after work, and we went to a movie.  WAY FUN!  Then we came back to Ankeny and had dinner with Geoff.  Well... they had dinner.  I had chips and a Sprite.  Apparently something went wrong at the Vance Thanksgiving Extravaganza because like half of us are now sick.  Some throwing up, others (like me, THANK HEAVENS!) not.  Anyhow, that's not where I was going with this.  I'm thankful that I live in Ankeny now, and that I have great friends with which to hang out at a moments notice!

Day 27

I'm thankful for my daddy.  Yes, specifically my daddy.  I'm thankful for my mom, too, but today is my day to brag on my awesome dad.  I woke up this morning feeling pretty lousy, so instead of going to church, I went back to sleep.  When I finally got out of bed around noon, I decided I should probably finish making my room livable.  This involved a trip to Wal-Mart to buy another shelf for DVD & Book storage.  Those of you who know me (especially Pastor Van) know that me + tools (usually)= disaster.  Well, I'm proud to say that I put the shelf together all on my own.  I even had to go to the hardware store to replace a poorly made screw.  So what does this have to do with my dad?  Well, for starters, I had to call him when the aforementioned screw had issues, at which point I had a mini meltdown.  But, my daddy took care of it.  He told me what to do.  And then asked how I was feeling.  In other thankfulnesses about my dad, I'm thankful that for the past 22 years, he's handled all my handy man projects. And I'm thankful that I can just pick up my cellular device and talk to him whenever/wherever I want.

:)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

So, I realized this morning as I sat down to write three more days worth of "Thankful Thoughts" that I haven't done very well at posting daily.  I've posted for every day, but not daily.  Oh well... it's the thought that counts, right? :)

Day 22

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing it, but I'm thankful for my best friend, Laura.  She may be my sister, but that's what makes our friendship so great!  Specifically, I'm thankful for the fleeting moments we're able to spend together.  I'm thankful that I can shoot her a text and set up a dinner date for minutes later.  I'm thankful that we can run to the store together.  God gave me the best little sister in the whole world, and since beginning this thankful thoughts project, I've realized just how much I take her for granted.  Well, not any more.  I love you, Helen!  (P.S.- Helen... can I get a double serving of that Paulie Allen Puffer? LOL!)

Day 23

I'm thankful for a fantastic new assistant manager.  The assistant manager at Greenberg's Jordan Creek, Chris, is awesome.  Mostly, I'm bragging on him today because once he found out how far I was driving to get home, he let me cut out 1/2 an hour early.  He would have let me go even earlier, but it didn't come up till half an hour before my shift was up.  Thanks for being awesome, Chris!

Day 24- Thanksgiving

I'm thankful that there is a day set aside entirely for giving thanks to our Creator for the many blessings he has given throughout the year.  The Vance family certainly has quite a lot to be thankful for this year, just as we did last year and the year before that and so on.  This afternoon, the family will come together for a mid-day meal.  Around the table will be many people that weren't here last year, or could have easily not been here this year.  Lindsey and her kids will be here for the first time since she moved to California six years ago.  My mom's parents are here for the first time in probably about the same amount of years.  My dad's dad will be here this year; last year he was in a nursing home recovering from his near death experience. My dad's brother's family will all be here.  All of them.  We could have lost half of them in a massive car accident last Easter. But we didn't.  Because God chose to bless us in that way.  There is rumor that my dad's sister and all of her kids (including an amazing daughter-in-law and adorable grandson) will be with us this year.  She hasn't been to a family Thanksgiving or any family event for that matter in probably five to seven years.  Yes, the Vance family certainly has an abundance for which to be thankful.

But, even if none of these people were seated around our table this year, we would still have plenty to be thankful for because no matter what happens here on this earth, Christ still took the punishment for my sins at Calvary.  And He is still the conquering and reigning King.

So in the midst of enjoying family, eating more food than you ought, and watching football or "Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving," take a moment to be thankful for the ONE thing that truly matters most.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Fireworks, Fellow Believers & My New Job

Day 19

I'm thankful for my sister Laura and for the wonderful person that invented fireworks!  Friday night we went out to Jordan Creek mall for the annual Tree Lighting event, which ends with fireworks.  We LITERALLY had the best seats of anyone.  Literally.  Not even joking.  And the sweet thing is that we only got the best seats because we were late and had to make a plan B.  They were literally (yes LITERALLY) shooting the fireworks so that they exploded right over our heads!  It was SOOOOO awesome!

Day 20

I'm thankful for the bond believers share in Christ.  I went to church with Laura and we had a marvelous day!  We started out in little kid Sunday school, where Laura taught a hand full of street kids about David & Goliath.  Then we had service, which was given to a missionary to France.  Finally, we ate ourselves silly at a marvelous potluck! WOWSERS!  Those people know how to do a potluck!  Then, I went over to the pastor's house with all the Faith kids for the afternoon.  We watched Megamind, and had a fantastic time.

Day 21

My new job is wonderful!  Seriously, I'm so glad to be back at Greenberg's.  I know there will be days that I "hate" my job, but in the big scheme of things, I really love it!  Every time I answered the phone today and there was a fellow Greenberg's employee on the other end of the line, I was kindly welcomed back to the company.  I like working with beautiful jewelry, and I seriously like not having to sell people things they don't want.  All the add-on stuff at Greenberg's is worth it!  Not... magazines... (if you don't know what that means, don't ask...)

Only 2 more days until Thanksgiving!  I can't believe it!  I LOVE this time of year!

A Place to Call Home & Excellent Customer Service

Day 17
Well, it's done.  My worldly goods have all been packed in boxes and bags.  I'm thankful for my awesome daddy and his stellar puzzle solving skills.  I was SURE that the massive amount of boxes and bags would never EVER fit in my car.  Before he started loading the car, I said to my dad, "I'm afraid I don't give my car enough credit on size, and I highly underestimate the determination of my father."  Turns out I was dead on.  He was able to get pretty much everything in that I hadn't set aside for next week... and then some.  I have like three things left on my list of "get this at Thanksgiving."

Along with that, I'm sure this will come up again, but I'm thankful that when I get in my car today and drive to Ankeny I have a place to go and a fabulous couple with which to live.  God provides in ways that I don't expect, and I'm always amazed at how perfect His plan is!

Day 18
I'm thankful for excellent customer service!  My dear Iris (yes, my car has a name.  Don't judge) had a dangerously low tire last night!  And, of course, we didn't realize there was an issue until AFTER dad had packed the car to capacity.  Well, how on earth am I supposed to make a trip to Mt. Pleasant and then on to Ankeny on a flat tire (especially when the spare tire is buried in the trunk under mounds of tightly-packed stuff)?!  I'm thankful that I still (for the next few hours) live in small-town Iowa.  The local mechanic and his wife LOVE us, so they were able to squeeze me in first thing this morning.  There was, indeed, a nail in the tire, and removal of said nail cost right around $10!  And my mom even paid the bill as a "thanks for taking me to Keokuk yesterday" gift.

And next time you hear from me, I'll have a new address! :)

People, Pizza, & Packing

Well, it's been a busy week, that's for sure, so I'm a little behind in my "daily" thankfulness quest for November. Here's me catching up:

Day 14

We took my beautiful niece to her check-up, which had to be done in Iowa City since she was born premature. So today, I'm thankful that Alexxa is healthy and whole.  I'm thankful that she is developing normally, and that she is growing every day!  When a child is born 9 weeks early, there is no guarantee that he or she will be "normal."  I'm thankful that, despite all odds, Alexxa is as close to perfect as possible!

Day 15
Here's something random, but entirely true.  I'm thankful for the genius that invented PIZZA.  Pizza is my absolute favorite food of all time, and I eat it two or three times a week.  I mean seriously!  There are so many different ways to eat it, and a HUGE variety to choose from.  Pure. Genius.

Day 16
Well, I did a little more packing today. I really am not a fan.  However, it did give me reason to be thankful. I'm thankful that (1) I'm not a pack rat and (2) that I am super organized.  I can't imagine trying to pack if either of these things were different about me.


Hopefully, I'll be back to the daily thing soon, but since I move on Friday... well, we'll see what happens...

Boxes of Memories & Thanksgiving Dinner

Day 12-  I'm thankful for an abundance of memories.  Yesterday, I began packing up my room, going through all my worldly goods, and sifting through my memories. As always, it was... well... less than fun.  I don't like packing.  It makes me sad.  Packing means leaving, and I don't like starting over.  Yet, at the same time, I LOVE starting over.  I like the fresh new feeling of beginning again. So as I sifted, sorted, and packed, I was reminded of a great deal of wonderful life moments from my past.  In that regard, I'm thankful for the opportunity to move because in doing so, I was able to think about some pretty great things.

Day 13- I'm pretty sure I mentioned this one already, but I'm don't think there aren't any rules about "no repeats" so...  I'm thankful for my amazingly wonderful church family at Farmington.  Today was our annual Thanksgiving dinner after the service, and I was reminded of just how awesome my family in Christ is.  We are blessed with an abundance of marvelous cooks, which I'm pretty sure is practically a requirement to be Baptist!  I enjoyed great conversation around the table with some key adults from my life, who still love me: a former Sunday school teacher... or three, a former piano teacher, and several other wonderful people.  As this was my last Sunday at Farmington for quite awhile, I really took the time to lock these faces into my memory and remember this day.  

Thankfulness and Dating

What?!  I know, an odd title, but I hope it intrigues you enough to at least hear me out.

First of all, I will be sharing my Thankfulness Days 10 & 11:

Day 10- I'm thankful that there are still small town country doctors around who care more about making their patients healthy again than they do about being rich.  One such doctor has assisted me in [hopefully] heading off a [terrible, awful, no good, very VERY bad... at least in my case] sinus infection, which [for me] always leads to bronchitis.  Thank You, Dr. Pam!!!

Day 11-  I'm thankful that I am an American citizen, born and raised right here in the good 'ol USA!  I'm thankful for my friends, family, and those whom I have never met that serve in the military, fighting to keep me free.  Far too often, I take my freedoms for granted: freedom to worship the One True God; freedom to speak my mind; freedom to go anywhere and do anything I please [ok... within the law...].  I'm thankful that I go to bed at night without fear, in a warm bed and clean pajamas.

And now... the Dating part:

Earlier this evening, I was having a conversation with my marvelously wonderful friend Thomas about dating, when I kind of just lost it.  Poor, patient Thomas read every word of the million texts it took to get my point across.  Here's the gist of what I said:

Dating really irritates me.  For the most part, those of us who grew up Baptist, have been told from day 1 that you "date to find a mate."  Well, I agree with that to an extent, but for cryin' out loud!  Faith girls, here's a little nougat of truth for you [brace yourselves... it's pretty shocking]: Just because a guy asks you out on a date does NOT mean he wants to marry you!  And just for the record: Good first dates do NOT come with sparkling diamond rings! For some reason, at least when I was at Faith, it seemed like the second you accepted a date invitation, or even a "sit with me in chapel?" invitation, people assumed you had already chosen your china pattern AND set a wedding date!  Now, I understand that dating comes with a responsibility, and I'm not saying that we should just say "yes!" to any and every guy that asks, but if the fellow is a good friend of yours, or even a nice guy who just happens to sit next to you in one class you happen to have together, what, may I ask, is the harm in going on one single date with him?  Especially if you  both understand that it is JUST as friends!?

Being a graduate of Faith myself, I'm pretty sure that I utterly shocked Thomas, and practically left him speechless.  I pretty much told him that I think "dating" a good friend now and again may even be helpful to both parties, as it gives you practice!  Guys need to learn how to be gentlemen, and ladies need to give them the chance to learn! And, I speak for myself in this, ladies: we need to learn how to be on a date!  I, for one, need to learn how to just  be myself!  If a good guy friend of mine were to call me up and say "Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to go out Saturday afternoon? Maybe for a stroll at the mall?  We could get some Starbucks and browse?  Just as friends?" Well... depending on the guy, I'd probably say "yes!"

Here's my one rule:  I won't go on a date with anyone with whom there isn't the slightest chance of a potential relationship [which obviously means he has to be a regenerate believer.  If you don't know that pertinent information, you should probably find that out before saying yes].  That's just not fair to either party.  If we're already good friends, then I'd say there is definite potential.  I'm not saying that if I say "yes" to a date that I expect a relationship to follow.  Absolutely not!  I'm just saying that any time two members of the opposite sex go out publicly together to hang out exclusively, even if it IS just as "friends," there is always the chance that one or both parties may fall for the other.

There.  I've said it.  I feel way better, even if you hate my views and think I'm the worst person to ever walk the planet.  :)

Thankfulness Day 9: Snow

Yes, that's right.  I'm thankful for snow!  I'm thankful for the super-size, white fluffy stuff that graced the skies this morning.  I'm thankful that it was heavy and wet, and that it disappeared almost immediately upon hitting the ground.  I'm thankful for a cozy living room where I was able to enjoy the snow from my window.  

For those of you who know my mom at ALL, this part will surprise you: I'm thankful that I was able to spend all morning with my mom.... WATCHING MOVIES!  We NEVER do that, and she almost NEVER EVER plants the idea in MY head.  What fun!  We watched a double feature of Though None Go With Me and The Christmas Box. :)

Thankful for...

I didn't forget to post yesterday, I simply decided to double up on today's post.  Don't ask me why... I don't know! :)

Day 7: Sensory Details

I often take these for granted, but I'm so incredibly thankful for my sight, sense of smell, taste, etc.! Life would be so different without these, and quite frankly, I don't want to think about it.  Not being able to smell cookies baking in the oven; not seeing the leaves change color in the fall; not being able to feel the smooth, soft cheek of my beautiful niece; not being able to hear the rain as it hits the window or the sound of my family laughing.  What a sad world that would be!

Day 8: Abundance

I'm thankful that I not only have a roof over my head and clothes to wear, but that I live in a very nice house and have [in my opinion] great clothes to wear!  I don't go hungry, and I never worry about going out in the elements because I have plenty of clothes to choose from.  I'm thankful that my parents graciously have allowed me to live in their house for the last 22 years free of charge, especially since I came home from college.  I'm thankful that I have running water, and it even gets hot!  I'm thankful that I don't have to go outside my home to do laundry.  I think I take these things for granted far too often.  Not everyone is afforded these luxuries. I should be more thankful.

What are you thankful for today?

And Now... the Moment We've All Been Waiting For...

Yep, that's right!  It's time for the big announcement:  I have a full time job again!  With this wonderful news comes some other excitement, so prepare yourselves.

Three and a half weeks ago, I went to Ankeny for a few days.  I told most of the people I ran into that I was there visiting my sister at Faith, which was true, but I was also there for another reason: to interview for a full time job at Greenberg's Jewelers at Jordan Creek.  To cut the story short, I've been doing a WHOLE LOT of waiting since then, but I finally received a phone call this past Friday wherein they offered me the job! Of course, I took it, and I begin on Saturday, November 19.

For the time being, I will be staying with a dear couple from Ankeny, with whom I attended church while I was a student at Faith.  I'm soooo incredibly thankful for their kind hospitality in allowing me to live in their basement!  I can only attribute the working of these details to our incredibly awesome God!

So, in order to kill two birds with one stone so to speak, Thankfulness Day 6 is this: I'm thankful for a sovereign God, Who knows the plans He has for me (Jeremiah 29:11)!  God is so good to me, and I'm glad that, in His perfect time, everything has come together.  I'm also thankful for once again being employed full time at a job I love!

Thanks to all who have been praying.  You have no idea how much I truly needed it!  As most of you know, patience is not a strength of mine, but this experience has definitely taught me that patience and trusting God go hand in hand.

Oh, and another thing: have I ever mentioned that I just LOVE Sundays? :)

Day 5: My Best Friend

How many people can honestly say that their absolute best friend in the whole entire world just happens to be their little sister?  I'd guess that there aren't too many of us out there, but today I'm thankful that I'm 100% one of these kinds of people.

My best friend is my younger sister Laura.  We're 2 years and 10 months apart (almost to the day!). She wasn't my best friend until her first year of high school, which just happened to be my last.  We spent so much time together that year, and ever since, she has been my best friend.  She's away at college now, but at least she gets to come home for random weekends. Today I am thankful that THIS is one of those random weekends.  :)

Day 4: Music

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE music.  Contemporary, Old School, Christian, Secular, Instrumental/Orchestral, Broadway: there's all kinds of great stuff! So today, I'm thankful for music.  I'm thankful for my ability to not only hear great music, but also for the ability to sing it and play it as well!  

What am I currently listening to? Well, to be honest, YES, I am one of those people.  I'm already adding Christmas music to my ipod.  Here are my top five songs/albums of the week:

1. Thankful

Album: Noel

Artist: Josh Groban

I love this song!  It's my favorite secular Thanksgiving song ever recorded.  Seriously.  Thanks, Josh Groban, for stepping up and actually including Thanksgiving on your Holiday CD!

2. Cold December Night

Album: Christmas

Artist: Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé + Christmas = Does it GET any better?!  This guy is one of my all-time favorite artists EVER! If you like his other stuff, let me tell you this: his Christmas CD will NOT disappoint!  This song is a fresh new Christmas love wish!  

3. One Thing God Can't Do

Album: Just Stand

Artist: Legacy 5

"There's just one thing God can't do, and that's stop loving you."  Wow.  Talk about some awesomely powerful lyrics!  This song has spoken to me in many various ways over the last year.  I heard it for the first time last January at my very first L5 concert, and I've gotta say... it stuck!  No matter how sinful and unfaithful I may be, God is always faithful and will never stop loving me. Thanks for the powerful reminder, L5!!!

4. The Singer [Let There Be Light]

Album: One Wintry Night

Artist: David Phelps

As always, David Phelps delivers an awesome God-centered song!  This one focuses on Christ's coming to earth as a child to bring the light of hope to a lost and dying world.  "And the Singer sings on, still writes the song of the redeemed!"  What great lyrics to focus us on the true meaning of Christmas!

5. Around the World

Album: 16 Most Requested Songs

Artist: Buddy Greco

Again, no surprise, but I'm a huge HUGE fan of the new ABC show Pan Am!  This marvelously catchy tune, which is a remake of the old Frank Sinatra song, was featured on the TV Premier trailer.  Can't get it out of my head!

Well, there you have it.  The top five songs of my ipod for the time being that make me thankful for all kinds of music!

So... what are YOU thankful for today?  :)

Thankful Thoughts

Thanks to my friend Jess over at An Aroma of My Savior, I've decided to {try} to post every day of November about something for which I am thankful.  So, in order to catch up, here are days 1, 2, &3!  PS- Thanks for the inspiration, Jess!

Day 1: Family

I have the most amazing family!  This past weekend, we had a small get together at my aunt and uncle's house to celebrate another aunt's birthday.  Most of the cousins and family were there, and I was just reminded of how blessed I am to have such an amazing family!  Also, in the chaos that is my life, I'm thankful specifically for my parents.  They are the anchor that keeps me from drifting into dangerous and treacherous waters.

Day 2: Church

People who aren't part of a church family have no idea what a blessing they're missing!  I'm so thankful for my church family!  They support me, pray for me, and love me no matter what.  I'm thankful for their presence in my life and for their genuine concern.  Missing church makes me sad because it means I won't get to see my honorary aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, and nieces/nephews for at least another few days!  I couldn't ask for a more amazing church family than the one I have at First Baptist Church in Farmington!

Day 3: Cold, Rainy Days

This won't make sense to most people, but I'm honestly thankful for rainy, cold days like we had today!  I love how these kind of days in November make me want to cuddle up with a fluffy blanket and a good movie/tv show/ book.  Coffee somehow tastes even better on cold, windy days too!  There's just something about days like today that make the holidays seem that much closer!

Stay tuned for the rest of my Thankful Thoughts, and feel free to try it yourself!

Wild, Crazy Fun!

It's been awhile since I posted for the Photo Challenge, so for today- since I have nothing new to report on my crazy life- here's a photo of 

People with whom I do wild & crazy things!

These girls are wonderful! They make me laugh so hard!  We recently went out for a "girls night," and Oh. My. Word!  We had WAAAAYY too much fun!

In other news, I should know by the end of the week what's going on in my crazy, wonderful life!  Thanks for praying & stay tuned!