Day 15: "Shipmates"

This one is short, but definitely huge for me tonight. I'm thankful for the people in my life who are in the same "boat" as I am. I know there are others who have been right where I am, but sometimes their "voice of experience" isn't as helpful as they think. So I'm thankful for friends who are right beside me going through the same struggles of singleness and finding our places. I hope you know who you are and how much I thank God for you!

Day 14: Examples of Encouragement

I'm so thankful for the people God has allowed me to have in my life over the years.  People come and go, but there are a special few that love you no matter where life takes you or how often you walk in and out of each others lives.  I'm thankful for the many "families" God has blessed me with, aside from my own.  

Two of these special people are Susan & "Grandma" Edith.  Today, they chose to be a huge encouragement to me.  They stopped by the drive to give me a lovely yellow carnation (my favorite color!!) and a snowman globe (which changes colors... HOW COOL!).  It's nice to be thought of!  The snowman will stay on my desk till sometime in January or February, I'm sure, and every time I look at it, I'll be reminded to be an encouragement to those around me. 

So, Thank You, my Encouragers!  I'm so glad you stopped by! 

Day 13: The Drive-Up

Today did not start out very well. In fact, it started out down right lousy.  And by the time I walked into work this morning, I was in a less than sunshiny mood.  I didn't want to be cranky, but unfortunately, I allowed my circumstances to dictate my mood.

I'm thankful for my permanent position at the drive-up window for many reasons.  Today, as I was cranky, it was a blessing to my coworkers, for they didn't have to deal with me.  It also gave me time to think and pray about my attitude, and to remind myself that while everything seemed to happen at once this morning (hence the cranky), none of it was life-changing or earth-shattering.  I had a person ask me to pray today for someone they knew who was being air-cared to the hospital.  That really helped put my "bad day" into perspective. I'm healthy and happy and have a great life, as do my family and friends. So I'm thankful for the extra time to think and pray today.  And I'm thankful for the reminder that it's just a "bad day," not a bad life.

Day 12: New Boots

Yes, I realize this is materialistic, but maybe you don't understand.  I've been needing a new pair of black dress boots for TWO YEARS. Yes.  Two whole years!

Finding boots is a difficult task for me because I have big feet and large calves. Usually I don't mind either of these, but when it comes to finding boots, I hate both!

Finally last spring, I found the perfect pair of boots.  They fit my feet and my calves. BUT... they were brown.  Granted, I snatched them right up because they fit and were on sale for $15, but they weren't EXACTLY what I was looking for.

So this weekend, I got lucky.  Or blessed.  Or both.  And I found not only the perfect pair of black dress boots, but they were running a bo-go, so I got a pair of grey boots, too (which I've been talking about for the last three months)!

Boots may not seem like a big deal.  In fact, foot ware is something most people take for granted.  But today, I'm thankful for not only being able to find the exact boots I wanted, but for finding TWO pair of boots AND having the money to pay for them.

Day 11: Safety, Encouragement, and Some Very Special People

I spent the weekend with my friend, Rachel.  We visited her family and had quite a delightful time.  The best part was the two and a half hours we had each way driving.  Why?  Because we just got to talk.  Sometimes all you really need is someone to talk to.  And I think we were both feeling that need.  So, I'm thankful for the encouragement we were able to provide each other.

I'm also thankful for safety in driving home from Des Moines today, as it began snowing shortly before 1pm. I didn't actually leave West Des Moines until about 3:30, and by then, the roads were starting to get slick and icky from the snow and cold temps.  I saw three spin-out-of-control-and-crash accidents on my way home, so I'm thankful for God's protection on me and my still-new car!

And last, but not least, I, along with everyone else today, am thankful for the men and women who have devoted their lives to protecting and defending my freedom.  I'm even more thankful that I have the privilege of personally knowing a handful of these wonderful people, through family and friendships. It's an honor to have you in my life!