197. Chocolate cookies...
enough said.

Contentment.

Million-dollar question: Will we ever be truly content this side of heaven? 

191. New Job.
So technically it's more hours, but I think my psycho-stressed I can't do anything feeling is going away... for now. :)

192. Thanksgiving.
I love an excuse to count blessings...

193. Cooking, sleeping, crocheting, watching Christmas movies.
Bliss. Oh and a margarita.

194. Hope.
I'd love to feel like I'm not in this in between stage for the rest of my life... but I'm thinking maybe I'd better learn to cope with the feeling rather than wait for it to go away. Hope. One day, I'll be where I was made for... Walking literally beside THE Father.

195. Children.
They really are beautiful beings. They amaze me. I want to be more like them.


196. Reminders that kick you in the behind.
Storytime:: I was sitting thinking about how certain things in my life could be better and how I feel like a failure in so many things lately. God ever so gently reminded me that I haven't laid them at His feet and fallen to my face and prayed about it. Ya, sure I've sent up a "Hey God... Here's what I'm thinking... This is how I feel... Could you please help me with blah blah blah... Help me not be a bleeep to so and so..." But really... I haven't surrendered. I haven't listened. I think I need to shut up more often.

 I'm tired... so more light gifts. I figure I should use this season of thankfulness to get back into my blogging... Just because my personality type says I often have unfinished projects doesn't mean I always need them! :)

186. Leaps of Faith.
Some days I make decisions in the hopes that they are for the best... this past week I made one that affects a handful of people... I have to trust... the Lord and myself.

187. Jesus, friend of children.
He really is a friend of children. He speaks to them and they amaze me with their wisdom. I should learn to have the childlike faith and remember that He loves me.

188. A smile.
Smiles are so powerful. I underestimate them.

189. The Library.
Ok, so maybe last month I had to pay a $6 late fee fine, but I had a boatload of books and I only paid $6 to read them. Maybe I should try for no fees. Ha... But I'm a nerd and I love the library.

190. Fuzzy Socks.
I should give them away to Salvation Army... Everyone needs a pair of these puppies.

On a role...

Two posts in the same month... I feel empowered! :) ha...

181. A break from the narrow view.
Sometimes I get so caught up in the little details that I forget to step back and look at the whole of my life... I have a warm place, food, and love... I'm living in abundance.


182. Eating my own advice.
Don't you hate those moments when you realize you need to take your own advice? I often think the Lord brings other people in my life to reflect my life back to myself... bad word choice... it's 11pm. Oh well...

183. God answers prayers.
So... I was on a roadtrip with the girls coming home from a beautiful wedding when we decided to try yet again the J. Biebs Christmas CD (it hadn't worked on the way down). Well, it didn't work. I told God half-heartedly that I just wanted to listen to songs about His Son's birth and literally 2 seconds later, the CD played. For real, God cares about the little things folks.

184. Reassurance. 
I love that the Lord knows I need reassurance in tough decisions. Turns out I'm not as independent as I thought... but shhh... don't tell anyone.

185. Goodnight.
Yes... I'm thankful for the fact that it is night night time. Sweet dreams. Pillow, here I come!

I've got more... but I want to bond with my pillow tonight. :)

The Fight

I love this season of the year. I may not be extremely thankful for the cold weather, or the fact that I have to pack the shorts away... but there's something about snuggling in with family and friends, the joy that Christmas music brings, delicious coffee creamers that taste comfortable, and most of all the reminder of thankfulness. I didn't realize how bad my heart needed that last one.

When we lay the soil of our hard lives open to the rain of grace and let joy penetrate our cracked and dry places, we let joy soak into our broken skin and deep crevices, life grows.

This is the quote on my blog... ever since I graduated, I have avoided this blog like the plaque... I used busy-ness as an excuse, but it's true that we make time for what's important. I didn't make time to be thankful... to count my blessings. I stopped fighting for a grateful heart because it was easier to complain about the fact that post-grad life is, well, less than wonderful. It's easier to complain with the ladies at work. It's easier to look at the grass that is greener on the other side. But honestly, that's not what I want. I want a heart that loves where the Lord has me because I love Him and trust Him. I want a heart that counts blessings even in the worst of times (this time in my life really isn't that bad).

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. [Psalm 139:23-24]

175. This morning.
Sitting in bed with an electric blanket, time with Jesus, peppermint mocha coffee, and Kenny G Christmas, getting served a piece of humble pie. Beautiful.

176. Forgiveness.
It's funny... I was talking to one of my preschoolers yesterday about asking for forgiveness for our actions... I'm eating my own words today. The Lord is so gracious to love us through everything. I have a lot to learn.

177. Joy and Peace.
I get this feeling every year when Christmas stuff starts coming out and I am reminded of the real reason for this season. I'm brought to tears and so grateful that the majority of people, believers or not, come together to give to others. I am reminded of the hope that God gives us. Everlasting Hope.

178. Christmas music.
Yes, I've already gotten it out. No I don't think it's too soon. I'm thankful for the joy of our Savior's birth, so I will celebrate during the month of November as well. Be a hater if you like. I'll be a lover and enjoy my music. :)  

179. Sleep.
A good night's rest changes your perspective real quick.

180. It is Him, not me.
I am so thankful that He alone makes me worthy... it kind of takes the pressure off to be completely perfect, because no matter how hard I try, I fail. Instead He says, I've conquered it all already, trust and walk with me... I have a plan for you... a purpose... a hope... and I will rock your world. Thank you Papa.

That's what its all about Charlie Brown.

My Cup Runneth Over.

170. Honesty of a friend.
It's often refreshing to hear the truth when you want sympathy.

171. A weekend of laughter... two weekends in a row.
Gosh... God works miracles that's for sure.


172. Best friends.
For real, I never realized that when I prayed for good friends God would answer that prayer several times over and in abundance.

173. God answers prayers.
As if the previous blessing isn't enough... I pray, God answers. He gives me a peace and a joy that makes me content in the fact that I am away from what I thought I wanted.

174. Coffee.
For real, it's debatable if there is a greater earthly gift...

Closed Doors

Today joy is not a feeling. It is not the laughter, the smiles, or the radiance of my face. Rather it is the knowledge that one day I will be in His arms. One day Jesus will make everything right. That will be beautiful.

168. Closed Doors. 
You know, I know I will thank you for this one day Lord. I know that somehow this is for the best interest of me and those around me. It is during times like this that I remember that the Lord lead the Israelites out into the wilderness before He lead them to the Promise Land. He was there then, He is here now. Thank you for being near Lord.

169. He cares more than I do.
Today I also remembered that God cares more about the people I love than I do. Humbling. Oh how He cares for us...

"It might not be what I would choose, but this is the stuff You use..."

Oh, Lordy, I suppose this is the end of summer... most people are starting back to school, the year is winding up again. I am constantly thinking about this Francesca Battisteli song... I lost my keys... where is my phone? It's often the little things that catch me and pull me under. Then there's the line "I've got to trust You know exactly what You're doin" I'm so thankful that the Lord knows and that He has chosen me to be apart of this story. 

162. Friends.
I count this blessing repeatedly. For real, I know they are such a gift from God. We go on trips together, rant together, listen, cry. They know all and still choose to love me. How blessed I am.

163. Road trips.
Who knew this was the best idea since sliced bread. Laughter. Ridiculous stories. Ridiculous old men. Being together.

164. Trusting.
I fall into the Lord's arms and I know that He makes everything beautiful in time... even if that isn't til Heaven. I don't think I'll ever be finished learning to trust... yet He still pursues.

165. Still in the chaos.
Words aren't sufficient for this blessing. Just try it. :)

166. Those moments.
You know those times in life when you feel like God threw your life into a giant mixer and everything keeps flopping around. If I stay in the mixer flopping around, I won't notice that eventually I'll be a grand masterpiece. You can't tell me those cookies enjoy being whipped around like that. :) All this to say that this week I stepped back and realized that sometimes the Lord wants us in these places where everything seems so crazy because He is calling us to a deeper place with Him. He wants to make something more of us. I surrender Lord, I surrender.

167. Realizing I'm a big girl.
I guess this sums up a lot of what is going on in these vague posts. You never know the strength you have until you have to step it up.

I'm still counting. :)

For reals... who knew life post-college would be busier than life in college?! I now officially understand why the elders always told me to enjoy my childhood and teenhood (I think I just made that word up). It's kind of hard to count the little blessings since I haven't written in about 2 weeks, but here's an overview.

157. I have a job... well 2, but one of them I don't consider a "job."
Some weeks I think to myself, why would I choose to work 65-70 hours a week?! Then I remember, I love that one of my "duties" is building relationships with women that most times inspire me more than I ever expected... I love them. Also, I then talk to friends who are still looking... maybe this is a season where God just wants me to be busy. I'm okay with that. :)


158. Laughter in the least expected places.
This week I have had several moments where I have laughed until my sides hurt and I was crying. I forgot how refreshing this is to the soul.

159. Forever friends.
Someone once told me that if you have a friend that lasts a lifetime, you are a blessed woman. I have friends that put up with my crap and emotional mess in the midst of this transition in life... and who will talk to me at 12:30 at night when I can't sleep. I'm so blessed... Thank you Jesus for this gift that I will never comprehend.

160. His love.
I am humbled by the fact that when I feel alone, overwhelmed, crazy, too much, not enough, or whatever the insecure feeling is... the Father whispers His love and reminds me that it is His love and grace that not only sustains me... but allows me to be joyful always. Gah... what a God we have! :)

161. A new (used) car.
Ok, this one is kind of worldly, but Bessie got "totaled" so in order to get the huge check, I had to send her to the graveyard. :( (I'm actually putting off cleaning her out right now because I'm sad to leave her). However, I have a blue PT Cruiser. BAH! Never thought I'd own one... also never thought I'd buy a car... and NOT have car payments. I'm really excited about that last part. :)

I must say that even though I don't write as often, I encourage myself to find the little blessings because without counting the little blessings, I get too caught up in the seemingly big crappy things. Thank you Papa, for all you give. :)

Ok... I give in.

Ok, so it's been a month... my bad. Maybe I will a little overzealous about this whole graduation thing. Don't get me wrong, it's been great and a lot has happened. God definitely provides, that's for sure!

I have, however, learned a lot about myself. For example, the fact that I've avoided this for the past month says something. I've realized that I'm not as content as I thought I was... I recognize that the Lord has provided in abundance once again, yet I'm not overjoyed by it. I'm getting caught up in the hum-drum life and things are always just alright... not bad, but for some strange reason good doesn't sound right either... I know there something's missing.

Thanksgiving. There's a reason the Lord tells us to count our blessings... to submit to Him and recognize His work in our lives and give Him the glory. It makes things not about us, but rather His works. Something so simple, yet so easy to forget. So here's to counting the gifts that I'm given.

152. A second job.
Despite the fact that I'm super busy... it sure beats the opposite.

153. Little kids.
One second you think you're gonna lose it and the next they're hugging you telling you you're their favorite. Ok, melt my heart. :)

154. Storms.
There's something oddly beautiful about the cool wind and stillness after the storm.

155. Reading for fun.
I think this tops it all for top 10 things of coolest things since graduating. I have already read almost 2 books... for pleasure. It's better than cable. 

156. Summer weather.
Some hate this... but I would take sweaty over freezing any day. any time. no questions.

So here's to giving in and remembering to count my blessings. They're all around. I need to embrace them. :)

A whole new world.

147. New Opportunities. 
Hopeful opportunities... that could lead to jobs. Oh gosh... I love when the Lord takes moments that are full of my imperfections and craziness and says, "Oh hey, I'm in control... Let's do this." Beautiful.

148. Jennie's mom.
No, this is not some Stacy's mom rendition... Her mother came and made our little apartment a home...

149. Family.
They bless my life. I love that as I get older, I can relate to them better and build deeper relationships with them.

150. Children.
Here's today's event:
*knock, knock* *opens door* *sees smiling girl*
Me: Hi Lexi.
Lexi: Look what I brought!!! (Pulls out huge Toy Story 3 coloring book)
Jennie and I: Oh fun, let's color!
Lexi smiles... then says, "Oh and can we make cookies for my class?!"
Jennie and I smile at each other... Yes Lexi, that'd be great if that's what you wanna do!
Lexi: Yes!! That's fun!
I love that our only friends in this complex are 8 and 12. My life is great.


151. My SGI girlies.
They threw me a graduation party... They are incredible... Watching them grow has been such a blessing in my life. So proud of them!

I think I'm going to like this whole after graduation thing... not that it's easy, but rather that I know it's where I'm supposed to be... Oh how He provides. :)

And the next journey begins...

143. Neighbors.
I was expecting not to make too many friends in this little apartment complex. Jennie and I have already made 2... one's 12 and one's 8. They like to come over and eat our cookies and brownies and play war after school. They knock on our door daily. And I thought my life was going to be dull....

144. 2 Interviews.
I have TWO interviews... I mean, so maybe they'll both flop, but it's two steps further in this new little journey of my life. :)


145. Great convos.
I love little surprises in my day, when I get to know people's hearts at a deeper level and I know that God is using me and still teaching me.

146. Reading for FUN.
Seriously, I didn't realize how much I missed this. It's the bomb. I want to become a nerd again. :)

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.

138. Done. Finished. No more.
Well, I do have to finish online American gov... but other than that... finished. weird. I think I like it.

139. Family
I love them so much. They might be the greatest ever.

140. Realizing I don't have a time for the next anticipated transition...
Ok, so maybe I'm not fully convinced this is a gift yet... the unknown is slightly terrifying, BUT... I do know the Lord is faithful and He will and does care for me. I guess this means so long to my dependence on myself. :)

141. Workouts.
Workouts=happy endorphins (and happy people just don't kill their husbands... (Legally Blonde reference)). :) It also means less tears for me.

142. Hope.
No matter what the situation, I have a hope which can never be shaken. On Christ the solid rock I stand.... Praise Jesus.

Even still... I shall sing your praises!

It's finals week. My life is exploding. And things are getting really uncomfortable.

BUT. I have SO much to be thankful for still...

132. Roommates.
They tell funny jokes. They cry. They make fun of you. They play jokes on you. They make secret groups when you freak out that you'll never be friends again. I love them.

133. Hannah Wood.
She's sitting in front of my right now. She's supposed to be writing a paper, but instead we have successfully had heart to heart convos, drank coffee, and of course, not studied for this final.

134. Sunshine.
Two days of it. Yes please.

135. A final that takes 6 minutes.
Need I say more?

136. Library study sessions.
I have been in the library more this week than I've been all semester. Ironically, these little study sessions were quite comical and yet still productive. LOOVE it....

137. Family.
They'll be here Friday. I can't wait.

I could keep going, but I'm supposed to be studying. opps. :-)

Songs that speak to my soul.

131. This woman. 
I love how sometimes songs sing your soul... An oldie but a goodie.

Vacation? Maybe not...

126. A mental vacation.
I was driving today and saw this couple zooming through the field on their little 4-wheeler... I pretended I was them... and experienced 30 seconds of bliss...

This is where I would like to run away to right now.

127. Beautiful friends.
I love my friends. Sometimes I forget I love them when we're all cranky... and sometimes, when we're all cranky, I'm even more thankful for them... I like that we can just be around each other.

128. Reminders.
I need lots of them these days. This week... Jesus reminded me how much he loves me through songs, friends, sleep, and his sustaining grace.

129. Butterflies and Blooms
Reminders that God is indeed working. And besides... So flipping proud of the girls... no one else can rock life like they do. They're a blessing to know.


130. Grades do not define me.
Dear Ethics prof, please understand that this semester.... Though an A in the class might get me some bling bling on my Heavenly Crown, I'd rather earn the bling in other ways....

He is Risen!!!!

121. He has risen indeed!!!
For reals... the best gift of all. Jesus has risen. He has overcome death... BAM. ROASTED! :)

122. Eggs.
Seriously... check this....

I wish I could say a 5 year old did them....

Quite the egg-celent bunch, eh? (Ba dum pshhhh)

123. Ducklings.
Presh. I know...

Willow and Stew...

124. Framily.
I love friends that have become family. Such a blessing. For real.

125. Rainy days=sweats and hats.
I can look like a slob and blame it on the weather, not my exhaustion. :-)

Just a few more hops until Easter... [get it, hops, like bunnies]. :)

117. Potato World
Before you judge, let me explain... My dear roommate, Steffi, pops up and says [in a very excited voice], "GUYS! Look at this! It's the world's gravitational pull... isn't it fascinating?!" {insert giggles here} "No... isn't it cool... it looks like a potato!!"
Reason # 45984205 why I love my roommates.

118. No ethics.
Love the prof, but could seriously do without this class... mostly because I only get about 1/4 of the lecture... at least that makes me 1/4 smarter than before the class, eh?

119. Easter baskets.
For real... what's more exciting than cheesy kid's Easter toys?!?!

120. Tomorrow is Friday [kind of].
I love that despite what America thinks about being biased to "religious holidays," Easter still gives us days off... woot woot.... 

Dancing in the Rain

113. Trips with friends. 
I love that I get to actually talk with friends sometimes.

114. SG girlies.
They're such precious gifts to my life. 

115. Roommates.
Seriously.... let me just recap the past 2 minutes:
Steffi: Erin, I have a game you can play.
Erin: What do you want me to get?
Steffi: It's called... army crawl to Steffi's phone, grab it, and army crawl back.
Erin: **army crawls across the floor*

Erin: Its like my Harry Potter song... walks singing.
Lolly: You are soooo weird.... **climbs into laundry basket**

Oh my flip... seriously. I don't know how my life could ever be complete without them.

116. This picture.
I want to dance in the rain, like this woman... except preferably not by myself. Life is so much better with people.

What a beautiful world.

112. I'm sitting in Panera, gamers in the background, a little boy walking by with a plateful of food, so proud that he can carry it by himself, a woman who is rambling about her life, and another sitting across the table doing homework. There is so much going on.... and I'm reminded... what a beautiful world we live in. Each person created uniquely, beautifully, and with a story.... Each created by a Master Artist. Wow. How incredible.

PS... I forgot to mention... Zorro just started playing on my iTunes while on shuffle. Oh how I love life...

BEAUUUTTYYY!

108. Homework Miracles
Things get done. They always do. I should have learned that by now. :)


109. Grandma
I love getting to the age when I can develop deep, meaningful relationships with my grandma. It's beautiful... and it blesses me so much!

110. Sweet notes.
Reminders that God indeed uses me, despite myself.

111. Beautiful pink flowers.

Seriously, the pink azaleas that sit outside my window remind me that God loves me. The sit there singing of joy and beauty and they make my heart sing. BAH!

Another day full of gifts. :)

102. Realizing your judgments about people are wrong.
Confession: I like to people watch. I like to read people and pretend like I know their stories. Sometimes, it's fun to watch them interact with people and guess what kind of person they are... personality, heart, passions, etc. Sometimes, in this though, I judge (told you this was a confession). Today, I realized I was wrong about a person. I coined this person as one of those smarty pants with way too much head knowledge... and, well, this person is not. Sometimes, it's nice to be wrong.

103. Shorts.
I love wearing shorts. And pretending like summer is here. BAH! :)

104. My major.
Today, we played with play-dough in class. And, for my final, we will be reading children's stories to each other. I love my life.

105. Dying.
Let me explain. In one of my classes we were talking about marriage. My professor was talking about what a crock compromise is and how so many people pick "too many hills to die on." He said that, as Christians, we should pick fewer hills to die on, and in many things, just die. We should lay down our desires, our needs, our wants... for the sake of love, for the sake of Christ. Christ teaches us sacrifice and that is what we should be doing... because we get the opportunity to be like Christ in this.
Cool huh? Maybe not the most exciting thing ever, BUT we get to be more like Christ when we die to ourselves. I get the opportunity to grow closer to my Savior, my Father, my God. So it's a pretty cool gift. :)

106. Miralax. 
No further comment needed.

107. Sara Hatte. 
I love this woman. She laughs at me. or with me. And has the biggest heart possibly on the face of this planet. See her blog here. You should get to know her. You're life will be changed.

A hundred and counting... woot. woot.

 95. Bum days.
I love days where I decide being cute is overrated. And it's warm enough for shorts.

96. 9 1/2 hours of sleep.
Woke up with swollen eyes, had no idea where I was, and a headache. Sounds like a hangover... but no, just a much needed night of sleep. And the birds were singing and the sun was shining. I thought maybe the Rapture had happened and I woke up in Heaven, feeling like a person should... rested.
 
97. Answered prayers.
God listens.

98. Walking into the house with my roommates screaming and stomping around like crazies.
We're all crazy. It makes me love life even more.

99. My mother.
She takes care of details that I can't think about. And is patient with my freakouts.

100. Smiling bank ladies.
Her name was Guatelupe. And she was cheerier than sunshine.

101. Sausage balls.
Dr. Allen's parties rock. Especially when I'm a senior. And when she reads us children's books.


Sidenote: It would be great to own a children's book store... one day, perhaps.

Grace. Grace. Grace.

91. This 15 minutes to blog.
In the library. Quiet. Peace.

92. Grace
2 Cor. 12:9: "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

This semester gets increasingly harder with each passing week. The time comes when I'm not sure whether I should be excited about the 4 weeks until graduation, or if I should be scared out of my mind....


93. Naps.
Sometimes, rest is the best thing.


94. People who will just make you laugh.

Grace. It is all I need. I have been given what I need to be equipped for this time. His strength, not mine. That gets a great big PTL. :)

Noddin my head like ya....

86. Friends that catch your tears. 

87. Living a life under grace.
Meaning that horrible paper that I turned in, the awful quiz I took, and the complete lack of understanding in ethics doesn't really matter... in eternity.

88. Peace.
Surpasses all understanding.
Hecks to the yea....

89. Spring.
I walk and smell the most beautiful sensations. It's right up there with the delight of the morning brewed coffee that makes you think... Bring it day! 

90. Knowing that these moments are nothing in comparison to the greatness of Heaven.
Ok, so somewhere in Romans (8 maybe?), it says this... but seriously, how cool. When times are crappy, we know that the future holds something better and when times are great, we know that the future holds something better. We have a Father who wants to lavish us in love, always and forever. I'll put my hands up for that one... followed with noddin my head like ya!!!! Ahemmm... I mean.... I'm going to bed. :)

Peace... surpassing all understanding.

81. Peace 
Resting in the promises of the Lord...
I realize, I'm human and while I am not the most stable person ever (who am I kidding.... I'm not stable. ha), God's promises never change.

82. Unexpected gifts
Normally, not a gifts person, but there is something sooo sweet about getting a gift that is unexpected and soo precious.

83. People reminding me that sometimes it's just good to laugh at myself.
Enough said.

84. The thought of sitting by the pool this summer.
Imagine it.... ahhh.... all my stress melts away. :)

85. Seeing glimpses of summer...
Driving, the cows are in the pond, the grass is green, I didn't have to wear a jacket today... bliss. Pretty sure heaven's going to be this temperature... or we're all going to be polar bears in heaven. Both are pretty likely possibilities.

Catharsis and Laughter

76. Journaling
Being cathartic is soooo healing. You should try it. Right now.

77. Really cute grad announcements.
I don't mean to toot my own horn... but really, they turned out WAY cuter than I thought they would... and maybe it's a little surreal that I'm actually sending this things out...

78. Beautiful sunny days.
I think this is probably like the 10th time I've put this on here as a gift, but each day is different, so each sunny day is a new gift. :)

79. Pepe.

This is mostly for my roommates, because, well, otherwise it's a long story. But this little man has a tendency to brighten the day. in an instant. Kind of like how Superman can save the day. In an instant. Dunnn du da duuuun!

And now, I'm done being a nerd. But because I want to finish this post on an even number...

80. Laugher.
So healing. Really. Go look up a joke or something. :)

Seriously, there is no greater gift than learning to embrace the present...the right now. Some days it's tough, but this has been such an incredible journey for me. And I'm no where close to done. Woot woot. :)

Walkin on sunshine, woaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh....

70. A sunny weekend.
Which, of course, brings lots of gifts.

71. Sand volleyball.
Nothing beats stress like playing.


72. Going out to eat with friends.
I just love them. Not to mention the awesome dance parties that happen in the car. Thank you Miley Cyrus for making car rides a million times more enjoyable.

73. Starbucks.
I order a small, get a large, paid for by the person in front of me. Bless their heart.

74. Laying in the sun.
Reminds me to chill... and not stress.


75. Reminders of His faithfulness.
He is so so good to us...sometimes I forget to look at HIS plan, not mine. Hey humility.

These gifts have a very, very special purpose.

69. Words of wisdom.
Today I was talking with this woman who has walked the path of life. She has grieved and watched people grieve. She was describing it to my friend (see her really cool blog here) that some gifts you can't see the meaning to... sometimes you just have to realize that God has a very special purpose for them.

Sometimes, we don't accept things as gifts because they seem like nuclear bombs going on in our life. Or maybe it's just that small pot hole that shook the entire car. Whatever it is for you, there is a special, special purpose for it your life... in my life.
Let's embrace the gift together. 

Here comes the sun [do, do, do, dooooo]....

64. Being chosen.
I'm going to be real with you guys (and myself), sometimes I struggle with accepting my given circumstances. I'm selfish, ungrateful, and needy. Then I remember, HE chose me. to be right here. right now. He is asking me to be faithful. To love with His love. To serve with His heart.

woa... He chose me.

65. Sonic.
Instant day brightener. Guaranteed.

66. Best friends.
They remind me that they see my heart even when I'm trying to act tough, like I have it together. They realize I'm a whimp, masquerading as a tough girl... oh hey vulnerability.

67. Sunshine. 

no words necessary. :)

68. Really cool surprises...

I love surprises....

61. Surprise mail....
Chocolate and a note... seriously... what could be better?

62. Reminders that there is a bigger picture.
Sometimes the details are so overwhelming.

63. Songs that speak into my life.

Being a senior is overrated... who wants to become a part of this real world anyways... getting a BS and still feel like I'm going no where fast. G to the reat.

Oh well... at least I currently have 63 things that remind me how blessed I am... I know I have more that just aren't typed. So freaking blessed, despite it all.

Flubber.

55. Realizing I have the best friends. ever.
It's true. And I have no idea why.... But I think I'll keep them. :)

56. Knowing that one day, certain moments will be gifts.
Those moments when God throws curve ball after curve ball and all of a sudden you have no idea what's going on... one day this will be a gift, right?

57. Waking up to a beautiful snow and finishing the day with 55 degrees.
Normally I don't like snow, but it was only on the grass and it was the big powered sugar kind. Beautiful. And I still didn't freeze because it warmed up.... :)

58. Erin Schooler.
You wouldn't understand unless you live with this woman. Her phrases.... oh man....

59. Kansas City.
I know... I have attachment issues. I'm willing to deal with that though.

60. Little cousins.
Seriously, they melt my heart.... I mean really... how do you turn down a cute little face that says, "Stephie... I'll love you forever." Or my favorite, "hahahaha... I just farted by you..." No wonder I have the humor of a five year old boy....

Another cup 'a joe.... I mean blessings...

51. Panera. 
Usually homework is painful... however, spending the past two days with a coffee in my right and stacks of reading in front of me... surprisingly delightful.
Or maybe it's the people watching... hmmm...

51.5
Yes little Panera boy... please hit on me and tell me how useful my area of study is to this world... it boosts my self esteem, especially when I'm looking for the non-existent jobs online.

52. Sunny evenings at the park.
Nothing brings out the child in ya like a night at the park. Especially with crazy SG girls... oh how I love them...

53. Having one of my best friends be a phone call away again.
I know... tough decision for her... but really... three months is far too long...


54. Learning to trust... again, and again, and again, and again....
This is one of those things where I know I'll look back and laugh at myself for freaking out. But I know... He who is faithful has called me. He has provided in the past and will continue to do so.

Sometimes I don't know what to title these little ramblings... and sometimes I want to title them the same way... because I feel a theme in my gifts.
Friends
Laughter
Coffee (or tea)
The beauty of Creation...

It's been a while...

Well, this week has officially gotten away from me... but still filled with little surprises... 

44. Peppermint Tea
How great it would be to be sitting with my besties drinking this, talking about the day... but even the tea and knowledge of A Greater Friend brings peace and joy to my heart as I sit here typing away...

45. Spring has sprung!
I think my heart skips a beat every time I see a new bud on a tree... I love spring!

46. Cows.
Let me explain.... The grass is turning greener everyday and baby cows and momma cows are out in the fields... its far to precious to see a momma cow and baby cow nuzzling. Judge if you want.

47. Spring break.
No classes. Can I get an Amen?


48. Unexpected moments with friends.
Random sonic dates, sitting in walker doing homework with friends when I least expect it, kitchen chats, random packages in the mail. I live for these moments.


49. Realizing I'm a grown up.
Ok, so this is one of the borderline scary gifts that you're not sure you completely like, but you are almost sure that you do.... you know when you realize that you are independent of your parents and while that's pretty much been the case, being alone is 1/4 terrifying, 1/2 exhilarating, and 1/4 unidentified emotion.

50. Letting go.
You know those things [physically, emotionally, mentally....] that you hold on to and you always think you have let go of them... yet they always linger?! What freedom there is in letting go. For good....

Ah... spring break week, please be good to me. 

Pigs, Chickens, and Monkeys... Oh MY!

37. Laughter.
I know... I think I was thankful for this way back when... but still thankful for the gift... and it's a gift that changes each time I experience it.

38. Beautiful mornings.
This morning was just incredible... There was something so sweet about waking up and hearing the birds and the feel of the cool air. Plus, I planned ahead... so I got 8 hours of sleep. BAH... :)

39. Contentment. 
It's really a beautiful thing... a mixture of grace, peace, joy, and fulfillment.

40. Friends.
Yup... still thankful for them too. :) I am so amazed that the Lord would put so many great people in my life... I really have no idea why... but I love them all.

41. Flying pigs, chickens, and monkeys...
I mean... who doesn't love a homework break that includes flying animals?! :)


42. Dry Senses of Humor.
If you don't think this is funny... you can stop reading my blog... (haha... get it... if only you could read funny over typing....)


43. Knowing that it's going to rain all night.
Dear tin roof, I love you. Please lull me to sleep with your sweet music while the rain falls.

Mmmm... Goodnight world.

Beauty.

33. Taco Bell
I know... this is more influential to my morale than my body... but hey... whatevs. :)

34. Sunshine
After 3 days of clouds..... mmmmhmmmm.


35. Finding courage
This was actually something I witnessed today, but it's a beautiful thing when someone finds the courage to face the poop of this world. And I pray that she does...


36. PARTIES!
Not the get wasted, forget your life kind... the enjoy time with people you love and watch people celebrate the life of someone kind of grand times. Beautiful.

Today was one of those days where I am reminded of the beauty of this world. Even in the midst of chaos....

The Giver

29. Just listen. Sooo great. :) 

30. Dinner with the SG girls.
So much life in these ladies. Love it.

31. Pink sock compliments.
I wore them because I had nothing else... apparently I made a fashion statement. ha.


32. Actions speak louder than words.
Love is an action, right? Funny... when you love in action, eventually you end up loving in heart too.

I love that through all of this, my heart is finding rest, not because I have all these great gifts, but because I'm getting to know the Giver through the gifts. And the more I know about the Giver, the more I grow to love the Giver... :)

Tuesday Treasures

26. Senior Chapel.
First of all.... BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Secondly, BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. And lastly, BAHHHHHHHHHHH! (that's a mixture of excitement, anxiety, butterflies, and joy).

27. Senior lunch.
Reminiscing upon the last four years. In to the sane.

28. Treasures.
I struck it rich today when I came home and found GOLD laying on my bed. Beyond blessed? I think that's me... :)

I'm off to my favorite class ever (if only you could catch written sarcasm)... so I leave with this... can you find the treasure that surrounds the crappy part of the day? I'm realizing more and more that there are treasures everywhere... I just have to look for them. :)

Neverending light.

Days like today make me really thankful for a place to sit and force myself to count my blessings. I really am so blessed. 

21. Surprise Sonic trips with a dear friend.
Sonic Happy Hour+Twinner= :)

22. Friends that play songs that speak from your heart. 
Ahem... What do you want from me? Loooove it.

23. Remembering that even through the fog of crap, there is still light... 
There will always be a light, whose light will never dim.

24. Spring Break.
Do I hear a hoorrrrrahhh?!!?!


25. The hope that tomorrow brings.
Some days just need to start over. Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning. 

Holding onto the rafts.

Sometimes when the waves are high, it's nice to take a moment and remember that there are rafts around to float on.
(ha... yes, I love visual pictures :)).

17. My bed at SG. 
This could possibly be one of my new favorite places. EVER.


18. Developing new relationships.
I love getting to know people's hearts. And learning about them. I love that God made each and every one of us different. and so very special.

19. God's faithfulness.
He equips the called... He does not call the equipped.

20. Friends.
They love me even when I'm unlovable. Why am I so blessed?

I'm so thankful that when the waves are high I can look around and find the rafts that keep me afloat. PTL.

Unexpected Joys

Today was filled with little surprises around every corner. Good thing I like surprises. 

13. Coffee... delivered from my favorite little sister ever. 
Funny how she always offers me coffee on the days that I am thinking hmm... I could really use a cup o jo right now. Love this girl.

14. New Beginnings and Affirmation
Those moments that the Lord confirms that this is indeed His plan.

15. Ice cream
No need for explanation. :)


16. Laughter.
Again, no need for explanation. :)

Grace.

After a day like today.... all I need is one word.

12. Grace.
It's not about what I do... It's about the love and forgiveness that He offers each and every step...regardless of my actions. Thank you Jesus.

Fall asleep counting my blessings.

9. Chapel
Nothing like a challenge to be real and vulnerable with God and your friends. Gooood stuff.

10. An apple (every Tues/Thurs)day keeps the doctor away.
One day I asked for a piece of fruit... and now every T/R I get fruit that I don't want to buy at the grocery store.

11. Library ladies that seem to see "I have senioritis and can't keep schedule of things" written on my forehead. Let me demonstrate:
Me: Hi... I need to recheck this book. I think I already have fines.
Librarian: Well let's see... Oh well yes you do...
Me: Can I pay them when I finally turn the book in?
Librarian: *chuckles* yes, you can... you also have another book out.
Me: I do?!
Librarian: *tries to pronounce Nicomachean*... ethics?
Me: Oooo yea...
Librarian: Tell ya what sweetie... I'll recheck that one too, so they're both due on the same day.
Me: *smiles* Bless your heart.
Thank you JBU staff for knowing I'm psycho.

I love this.

Ok... day 4... I think... and I am loving how this is turning my view on life around. There are so many time throughout the day where I think... Ooo.. I'm so thankful for________. Or... what a gift______ is.

This really is taking me to a place of joy and fullness.

6. Roommates
(I mean, what's not to love about random love notes that turn the ghettomobile into the I'mcoolomobile?)



















7. Thunderstorms that keep me in bed wayyyyy too long.
For reals... my bed was warm, the room was cool, and all my roommates were peacefully sleeping... for a while... but they still just smile cutely at me knowing that the rare occasion of me snuggling down for an extra hour (opps... who needs extra quality time with the ethics book anyways?!) is much needed.

8. The unknown.
This is one of those I'm opening my heart, realizing that my life is about to turn to chaos in approximately 2 days. New job here I come. I'm excited. New experiences. New challenges. And an opportunity for God to blow my mind away.

Bah... I love this. Share your little (or big!) joys of the day with me or someone else. It might make your day... or theirs! :)

Booooooooom.

4. Beautiful thunderstorms with beautiful music serenading my beautiful friends and I.
It was a beautiful moment if you couldn't tell. We were studying ethics (which I'm trying to figure out how I can be thankful for) and then the weather decided to awe me... bahhhh... I love it.

5. Calls from the sister-in-law.
There's something about finally having a sister when you've always wanted one... especially when you realize you're a lot a like. I love her.

Laughter and Conversations

2. Sitting in Panera doing homework, with friends. We're laughing.
(actually this friends and laughter will probably take up about half of the things I am thankful for, but what can I say?! I LOVE people. and laughing.)

3. While doing homework, my friends and I have the best conversations.
Example 1:
Erin: twitch, eye tick, clap clap, giggle, twitch
Me, Bethy, and Sara: uh.... you ok over there babe?
Erin: ooooo. I think this coffee is affecting me. I could like go run a mile right now. Oh man. this is intense. I want a nalgene. I'm the only one at the table without one. I need to do homework. I hate homework. I don't think I can focus right now. *girly clap* *stomping feet*
Beth: hahahaha. You're acting like me right now Erin!
Me: Welcome to our lives.
Sara: hahahahahahaha.
Erin: Ohhhh my goshh...... I want to RUNNNNN. I can't do this!!!! twitch, clap, clap.
Us: hahahahaha.
Example 2:
We sit doing homework, and then all of a sudden, we're having serious conversations about life. Like why the future is so overwhelming and how we all have fears, yet none of them are greater than the love of God. :)

New Beginnings.

I'm so excited about this new blog. Why? Because before me I have laying 1,000 ways I can celebrate life. Please don't misunderstand this as a blog of naivety... I realize life is dumpy sometimes... but I think it is far too easy to see the dumpy... so let's celebrate.

1. New beginnings. It's never too late to start over. (in life... or with a new blog. :)).