Thankful Thursday

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life. "

Robert Louis Stevenson

No pictures. Just a quick list. Not sure when I did one of these last. It has been a while, that's for sure.

I have been thinking about things I'm thankful for and here are some that I'd like to share today:

I am thankful for health insurance, easy access to doctors and medical care, and people who devote their life to medical care and research. I have been to the doctor three times in one week (twice was adoption related and once was not) and I can't imagine not having access to the care I need. I never want to take that for granted.

Some of you may know I currently have shingles. I am thankful I got to the doctor fairly early and didn't wait like I'm prone to doing (Mrs. It's Not a Tumor). They are very painful and uncomfortable but I am managing fine thanks to medicine, as referenced above. I always figured I would get them but thought it might be a little later in life. Hopefully, this will be the one and only time. Perhaps my body is trying to tell me I've been a bit too stressed????

I am thankful for Lindy's honesty. Lindy has her flaws--like we all do--but I have always been impressed with and appreciative of her truthfulness. Last night she was a constant flow of true, from-the-heart discussion about Kindergarten. She shared her anxieties and worries and I loved that she felt comfortable to share what was on her heart and mind. I pray we'll always be able to keep the lines of communication open--even when it comes to the tough stuff. I also pray I'll have the wisdom to parent her.

I am thankful for the little, teeny, tiny glimmer of hope I got yesterday from our adoption agency. Even if we found out today who mei mei is (which we aren't), we would still be several months away from bringing her home. However, yesterday made it seem not. quite. as. far. I've truly been without hope for a really LONG time. I definitely relate to the first half of this verse: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12.

And on a little more of a shallow note, I'm thankful I FINALLY found an AFFORDABLE pair of RED mary janes for Lindy Li. I mean we're supposed to rejoice in ALL things, right? Well, I'm rejoicing over these shoes! She hasn't had a pair since she grew out of her little red squeaky shoes we bought in Guangzhou and I have been trying to find some ever since. I won a pair of See Kai Run shoes once as part of a giveaway and chose a pink pair instead of a red pair. I finally found this pair on Land's End for $14.99 and free shipping. They are leather and the perfect red! I will admit I ordered the next size up, too. I am a bargain shopper and do my best to stock up on things, too. They are kind of a casual mary jane but they'll still work for dress up, too.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

What that's you say? A Thankful Thursday from the blog slacker?!

I was just emptying the dishwasher and enjoying the peace and quiet and many things were colliding around in my head...I thought I'd take a moment to jot down some of my thankful thoughts...

1. I am oh so thankful for my baby brother who had a birthday yesterday. I love you Jeff!

2. I am thankful for the teachers I've had, for those who teach, and Lindy's teachers. It is National Teachers Appreciation week and they deserve every bit of recognition and thanks.

3. I am also thankful for nurses. I have many friends who are nurses and have been blessed to have good nurses care for me. It is also the week to recognize and thank them! Kara, if you're reading this--you will make a difference and be an amazing nurse!

4. I am thankful for our friend, John, who has kindly notarized so many documents of ours during our adoption journeys. He helped us again this week and thank you isn't enough.

5. I am thankful three wasn't as bad as some people had told us it would be. Lindy turns four tomorrow and I just can't tell you how blessed I am to be the mommy of this little girl.

6. I am thankful things seem to be settling down some regarding the swine flu. Our town was one of the hot spots and it was kind of creepy to think about. Schools resumed today and that's a good thing!

7. I am thankful for favorable results on that test us women who are 4o take that starts with M and ends with M.

8. I am thankful for constant reminders that God is near.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."--Abraham Lincoln

It has been a long time since I've done a Thankful Thursday! I don't even remember the last time. I am emerging back into blogging kind of slowly, so I am not committing to doing them on a weekly basis but here goes for this week...

1. I am thankful for Abraham Lincoln. Today is his birthday and I think our country is a much better place because of his leadership and wise decisions. I wish all leaders would adhere to the quote above.

2. I am thankful for my pancake breakfast date on Monday with Elissa. Adoption brought us together but we share much more than that in common.

3. I am thankful for the hard work Don put in this past weekend installing a new fence on one side of our house. I truly don't acknowledge him enough for the hard work he does outside of the home and then at home.

4. I am thankful for the RAIN we got on Tuesday night. It wasn't much but it was wonderful and OH SO NEEDED.

5. I am thankful for Jaime. Her birthday was on Monday and we got to celebrate a bit earlier last Thursday. You may remember reading about her last year when she turned 30.

6. I am thankful my parents will be here in eleven days! Yikes, eleven days. I better get moving!

7. I am thankful for renewed hope.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for many things and thought I'd return to the random laundry list I used to do long ago:

1. I am thankful for the lovely chill in the air. When it is cool outside, it helps me get more into the season. I have a hard time decking the halls when it is 80 outside. I know not everyone holds my same opinion and that's okay.

2. I am thankful that yesterday Lindy and I had a quiet day at home. With the rush of the season, it is easy for that calendar to overflow with to-do items and places to go. I am a big believer of just taking some time for calm and welcomed it yesterday. Today on the other hand... :-)

3. I am thankful my friends Jenn and Karl leave for China today to go meet and bring home their daughter, Karleigh Mei. Several of you may follow Jenn's blog. If you've never visited, check it out. You will be blessed. I consider myself so fortunate to have met and become friends with Jenn over a year ago and I can't say enough about this special family. Please pray for their safety and Karleigh Mei's transition.

4. I am thankful my friend and former co-worker, Kathy, is leaving for China next week to bring home her daughter, Jia.

5. I am thankful my sweet blogger friend, Sara , also leaves for China next week to bring home her Mya. As long and painful as the wait is, I rejoice when I get to see others bring home their babies. It somehow gives me hope that the process is moving, even if it is at a snail's pace.

6. I am thankful my friend, Tamra, successfully completed and defended her master's thesis last week. Way to go, Tams!!! So proud of you.

7. I am thankful Lindy is loving preschool and, according to her teacher, had a great day on Monday. Let's do it again today, sweetie!

8. I am thankful for progress. I often fail to see any progress being made on my to-do list. In fact, I usually think I'm going backwards. I don't do it enough but I think it is important to take a moment to acknowledge when a dent is being made and celebrate that dent, no matter how big or small. So, with that in mind, I am thankful that I am getting Christmas cards mailed, presents purchased and wrapped, the house decorated, commitments met, closets cleared, etc., etc.

Yikes! It is time to get my girl up for school. I hope everyone can find at least one thing they are thankful for today and feel free to share it with me.

Happy Thursday!

Thankful Thursday

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

Today I am thankful for the many people who light my flame when it is no longer burning or is close to going out. I think many people in this world have their "go to" people and a very defined, tight circle of people from whom they gather strength and in turn give it back. For me, there isn't one set person or group in my life reigniting my light in every circumstance. I have found that sometimes the rekindling comes from the most unexpected person/people and it happens in the most unexpected way.

I by no means am bragging to say I have more people in my life than others. I am certain that is not the case. What I am trying to say is that as I've been thinking about the people I'm thankful for and those who bring me encouragement, I've been really surprised by some of the names that come to mind. It has definitely reminded me that you just never know the positive impact you are having on someone's life at just the right time and whose flame you may be rekindling. So pass on the love and encouragement and keep the fire going!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Pink has always been one of my favorite colors. I remember a time in my life when it wasn't "cool" to like pink and I tried to reject my fondness for it but I still secretly loved it! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I've been seeing a lot of pink, lately. I've also been thinking a lot more about what the pink ribbon represents.

In August, just a couple days before I turned 40 and the lovely first mammogram is typically recommended, I learned a friend of mine from college--also 40--is battling breast cancer. I've known people with breast cancer but this was my first peer and, I don't know why but, I was shocked.

I have been reading my friend's journal entries and experiences and frankly the things happening to her body are downright awful. However, no matter how sick and tired and weak she feels, she still exudes a positive spirit and musters the strength to keep fighting. She even apologizes when she is discouraged and angry. I'm bowled over by her tenacity and determination to not let this horrific disease take her down. Her journey is not the first I've followed and I know each one of you reading has probably witnessed firsthand someone with a similar type of courageousness.

I often wonder how good of a fighter I'd be if I faced something this serious. It is really easy to whine about things that don't really matter, be a coward, obsess about silly things, and lose sight of what matters most. I hate the thought that it would take something of this magnitude to regain focus and have a positive outlook.

Today I am thankful for people who inspire through their adversity and pain. I am so sorry that tragic and terrible things happen in this world, but am grateful for those who display faith, trust, hope, and a spirit of perseverance in spite of dismal circumstances. Their example of endurance really encourages me to appreciate ALL that I have and not focus so much on what I don't have.

What are you thankful for today???

Thankful Thursday

We just got back from a vacation to the city of brotherly love--Philadelphia. When local friends heard we were going there for vacation, many of them actually said with a somewhat puzzled expression, "Why???" I think those who didn't say it, thought it...There were many reasons we chose this location.

First, my family lived in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia for eight years. Here is a BLURRY picture of our old house.Although I don't have a true hometown, PA is where I feel like I grew up. We have friends in the area and it had been over 13 years since we'd been there. When my dad and I found VERY low airfare to the area, it was a no-brainer and absolutely too good to refuse. We'd have the opportunity to see each other, see friends, experience the town as tourists, be in a part of the country we love, and take in the beauty of the season.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

I could go on and on about our trip. We had such a nice time. I have to admit, though, it was a bittersweet, somewhat emotional trip for me. Memories that had been stored very far away in the recesses of my brain were awakened. I wish some of them were clearer than they are. As we drove back and forth, little memories would come back. I often felt like I was in a Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen video about reliving my glory days or coming home again. (Funny, I did hear a lot of Bruce and Bon Jovi!) Every once in a while, I was a bit freaked out knowing I could possibly run into someone I knew long ago. I was also amazed to see how much had changed in certain areas, yet other areas looked almost completely as I'd remembered them.

As I reflect on our trip, there are many things I am thankful for but here are a few on my mind...

I am thankful I got to see my parents. When you live away from family, you never know when the next get together will be. It is important to enjoy the time together and that we did! Where to next, Mom & Dad???

I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet Heather and her beautiful family. Heather is a friend I've met in the Chinese adoption community. We've been corresponding for over a year and I've never felt like we're strangers. Meeting Heather and being in her company was just as natural as sitting with someone I'd known forever. She was so warm, loving, and sweet. Watching our girls play together in their lovely home and our husbands comfortably visit was so special. The saddest part was knowing it was only temporary and that we'd have to say, "goodbye." Thank you Heather for spending time with me and welcoming my family into your home. You are a beautiful person in thought and deed!


I am thankful we had the chance to see Chris and Megan and their kiddos again. Chris and Megan were our closest friends when we lived in Maine as newlyweds. We spent holidays together, vacationed to Bermuda together, and Megan and I traveled to Italy for three weeks together in 1995 to visit Chris and Don while they were deployed for seven months. Chris and Megan opened our eyes to international adoption and are a huge reason we have Lindy. It all started with a beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy from Russia who came home in 1998!!! We hadn't seen them since 2000. Their kids were toddlers the last time we were together and now they're BIG!!! It is always a fun time when we're together. I am hoping they'll be able to come visit us soon!
I am thankful we got to see Katie (Megan's little sister) and meet her husband and sweet daughter Olivia. Katie was a huge help and source of encouragement to me as we were paperchasing for Lindy. They were about six months ahead of us and Katie gave me so much advice and filled me in on all the details of their experiences as they brought Olivia home. Katie gave me the best packing list, too. It was so much fun to finally see our Hunan beauties playing together.
I am thankful we got to see Donna and her family. Donna and I have been friends since 7th grade. We pretty much grew up together and were the best of friends. We went to church together, went to high school together, lived in the same neighborhood during high school, saw each other through many hard times, and also had way too much fun. The last time I saw Donna was in 1995, during a brief visit to Maine. Her oldest was just three weeks old. She just turned 13 two weeks ago. Again, I'm reminded at how fast time flies. Donna surprised all of us by leaving two wonderful gift baskets in our room as well as a huge tote of toys for Lindy to borrow. These baskets were filled with local goodies including soft pretzels, Amish baked goods, and locally renowned Tastykakes. I was overcome with tears at her incredibly thoughtful gesture.
I am thankful for our founding fathers and the wonderful history of our nation that took place in this historic city. Hearing the stories of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution once again, I am reminded how blessed we are to have so many freedoms as a result of the brave men and women who fought hard for them. I am also reminded it is important to not take them for granted. In a day or two, I will vote for a new president and vice president. I am thankful I have the freedom to vote--something a woman wasn't always allowed to do...


I am thankful that I got to experience my favorite season in my favorite area. While it wasn't the most stunning fall to ever hit that area, I felt like I was surrounded by beauty the entire time. The rolling hills (I still call the Pocono Mountains), the lush greens, the beautiful golds, reds, and oranges, the fantastic mums, the gorgeous homes, the lovely countryside all so beautiful. I loved the chill in the air during the crisp mornings and the beautiful blue sky we had each day. We were blessed with safe travels, perfect weather, and a fantastic time.

I am thankful for provision to take this trip and all the details that made it so special. I am also thankful for Don who indulged me as I took my trip down memory lane and his amazing driving abilities to and fro! He was the most amazing chauffeur!!!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my grandpa who celebrates his 83rd birthday today. That's him on the right in this picture. In case you think you're seeing double, it is also the cutie on the left's birthday, too--my Uncle Lester. They are the reason I have always been fascinated with twins and had even hoped to have them. I guess God knew I wouldn't be able to handle two like Lindy at once. :o)

My grandpa and I have always had a special relationship. He has had a very hard life and things have not been easy for him but rarely have I ever heard him utter a complaint. He is definitely a lesson in resiliency and perseverance.

I am thankful for his presence in my life, his importance in our family, and all that he means to us.

Happy birthday, Grandpa! We love you!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Hi~

It's been a couple weeks. I'm finding it hard to blog as much as I have in the past as I try to juggle other priorities, responsibilities, and activities. It has been quite the roller coaster ride in our world lately. If you're like me, you shudder each time you hear about the economy and wonder when it'll all settle down. Yet, even though my portfolio is being slaughtered I look around and know I have so much to be grateful for each day.

I ran across this poem and it really spoke to me. I think one of the keys to happiness is really trying to find the joy in the journey. It isn't always easy to do but it helps.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for the brave men and women who serve this country near and far in the military, fire departments, EMS, and police force.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

If you're up at 8:46 am (ET), I hope you'll join me in a moment of silence for those who perished in the terrible attacks on September 11, 2001.

God bless America!

Thankful Thursday

"It is at our mother's knee that we acquire our noblest and truest and highest ideals." Mark Twain

Today is my beautiful mom's birthday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my mother with love and thankfulness. I wish I could capture in words all the reasons why I love my mom but I just can't find adequate words to convey the feelings of my heart.

Wishing you happiness today and always, Mom!

Thankful Thursday

"The circles of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we're weak and sing with us when we're strong." Sark

This Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my "big sisters" Trina, Kim, Ellen, Carolyn & Denisa. These women are amazing wives, mothers, Christians, and friends. I love each one in a very special and unique way. I am thankful for their example, counsel, wisdom, and friendship. They are all very busy and unfortunately we only really all get together to visit on birthdays. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt and actual experience that they'd clear their calendar in an instant if I had a need.

So, today I celebrate these women whom I love so much and the chance I got to spend with them at dinner on Tuesday.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

One of the things we heard a lot before we brought Lindy home was how kids love to hear their stories and how important it is to capture AS much of that as possible for them. I try not to lament over the 11 months of her story that I don't have and relish in the parts I do have. She has already started to ask questions and it probably won't be long before we will give her more glimpses of her story.

The funny thing is that "my story" is a bit foggy and I've had every opportunity to hear it. I am beyond close to my parents but I'm not sure I've really heard the full-blown version. I've heard bits and pieces and I think I'm okay. :o) That's up for debate with those who know me well. This Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that my dad shared more of my story with me yesterday as he called to wish me a happy birthday. My story is not dramatic or earth shattering but it is unique to me. My dad lovingly told me things I had not heard--some sad, some funny...I am grateful he took the time to reflect and share. It made the day sweeter for me.

Thinking again of Lindy and her story, one thing I know is that in August of 2004 on or near my birthday I hopped off the fence I'd been sitting on for so long and decided we should proceed to adopt from China. It was time. Honestly, it was past time...Thousands of miles away in China, around that VERY same timeframe, a man and a woman whose names and faces I don't know shared a union and a baby was conceived. Approximately nine months later, on May 8, 2005 (which was Mother's Day), a beautiful baby girl was born. The day after she was born, our paperwork was logged in and months later we were matched with that child. I love knowing that she was formed near my birthday and at the same time I finally chose to embark on the journey. For me, it is the perfect intersecting of our stories and how God knit us together...

Along with what I've documented here, I am thankful that we are one month closer to our next daughter. Nine months down...

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~
I ran across this quote and thought it was great: "The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." ~Eric Hoffer

Hmmm...I've never been very good at math. In fact, I am beyond AWFUL at it. I am never going to learn calculus, grasp geometry, or anything of the like, but I wouldn't mind trying to master the arithmetic of being able to count my blessings. Trying to tackle that "problem" assures me of something to do for the rest of my life...

Here are some things to count:
1. I am thankful for Ruby Mei who celebrates her second birthday today. Happy birthday, Ruby Mei!!!

2. I am thankful for the Barnabases in my life. Barnabases? What? In the Bible, Barnabas (which means son of encouragement) is known for being a great encourager. In fact, his name really was Joseph but he was called Barnabas because of his great reputation of providing encouragement. I think that's so cool. I am thankful for those people who provide ongoing encouragement in one form or fashion.

3. I am thankful for a love package that came in the mail from Jeff & Danielle yesterday. Pottery Barn, here I come.

4. I am thankful for fresh blueberries that were on sale at the grocery store. Love that superfood!

5. I am thankful for the public library. I am on a total library kick and am loving it! I've loaded up on books for Lindy, books for me, DVDs, CDs--such fun. I read Make Way for Ducklings to Lindy for the first time this week. It's still as great as when I was a kid!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." Frank A. Clark

I've been a little bit behind on blogging but thought I'd get back in the saddle today. Today I am thankful for:

• A lovely visit and beach trip with my brother and sister-in-law and their boys. No sunburn, no sickness, and for the most part smooth sailing.
• Almost all the vacation laundry is done. Oh my word, I think there were nine or ten loads and I have two more left.
• A referral for this sweet family. I better get hopping on those quilt squares for Karleigh Mei.
• Some incredibly powerful and encouraging words from my sweet friend, Tamra. Thank you, Tams!
• Hearing Lindy saying memory verses and tackling the word Deuteronomy! It overjoys me to see Lindy learning about God and knowing she is thinking about Him. A couple weeks ago she was scared because of a thunderstorm which rolled through during her nap. I told her to remember the Lord is always with her. A few days later when I was upset about something, she came and consoled me by saying, "Mommy, remember the Lord is always with you."
• Costco's Gourmet Chocolate Chunk cookies. Yum! I usually prefer homemade but these are pretty good...
• A mother who understands.
• The new outlook an eyebrow waxing brings. Sounds shallow, I know, but I am trying to take pleasure in the small stuff.
• The recent rains. They caused the crape myrtles to magnificently bloom which brought another color besides brown to our drought-stricken area.
• Recent talks with Megan, Ginny, Heather, Shari, Stacey, Debbie, Lynn, and my dear but basically defunct Monday Night Prayer Group. See post about catching up with friends.

Very random list, I know. It just proves I have so many things to be thankful for on a daily basis. So, what are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"The sea, Once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever."

Jacques Cousteau

I am thankful because today we are leaving for the coast (that's what they say here in TX) for a little fun in the sun with my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews.

What are you thankful for today?

This was supposed to run LAST Thursday but our internet access and connectivity was gone...So, I'm publishing it today, July 16th...

Thankful Thursday

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." John Wesley

Last night as I read the mail, I had the opportunity to read the Half the Sky Progress Report. It was filled with incredible stories about how orphans in China had been taken care of in a variety of ways because of the efforts of this charitable non-profit organization. Not only was I warmed to know children had been impacted in such positive ways, I was beyond touched when I read about some of the donors who were young children. I thought that's what I want Lindy and her mei mei to be like.

Today I am thankful for thoughtful, generous, charitable people who make a difference. I'm not talking about the people who know exactly the perfect gift to give for whatever the occasion. They're great, don't get me wrong. Who doesn't love receiving the perfect gift? However, I am talking about people who dig DEEP--especially to the point of sacrifice--to help meet someone's needs whether it be monetarily and/or by giving up their time.

I'll admit, it is not always easy for me to put aside my material wants and to-do list to give of my time and resources--especially to those I might not know. I am trying to change this and be less selfish and more intentional about my efforts. It is easy to talk about what I plan to do but when it comes to following through I am not where I want to be. I know I need to consistently model compassion, not only because God wants me to but because I have a little girl who is watching and will be influenced by my actions. So, thank you to the people who give and give and give.

Happy Thankful Thursday! What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

It seems like there is always lots to do and I can easily get side tracked from doing what I need to do and replace it with what I want to do. I passed a sign on a church the other day that said, "God answers knee mail." Sure, the pun is a bit corny but the message is powerful. Sadly, I spend far more time thinking about emails, blogging, and surfing the net than I do spending time on my knees in prayer. I'm trying to change that and incorporate more balance in my life.

As I consider my blessings, I am thankful for:

The little cutie at the top of the page, my niece Brooke. She is SIX years old today. Brooke was my first niece and I remember how excited I was when she was born because there was finally a girl in the family. Happy birthday, Brooke Anne!

The opportunity to be a resource to people about adoption. Every once in a while someone will ask some in depth questions about the process and our experiences because he/she is considering adoption. Recently, I have been "helping" a friend of mine from college whom I had lost contact with for years. Somehow she found me last year and we've been in touch on and off. She and her husband are looking into adoption and I count it as a privilege and honor to share our story and be a resource. You just never know...

A super smooth first dentist appointment for Lindy. Phew...

Lindy's bible class teachers this past year. Sunday she gets promoted to the 3s. Thanks Ms. Sharon, Ms. Debbie, Ms. Ashley, Ms. Sherry, Ms. Anne, Ms. Kathy and anyone else who has helped with the 2s. These super teachers have been such an amazing part of her development this past year. She loves bible class and is really trying to obey God's rules.

A hard-workin' hubby who takes care of his girls.

Naptime! Not mine, Lindy's. My sweet child can wear me out and I am not ashamed to admit I look forward to the time she is asleep (or having semi-quiet time).

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"Oh, Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness." William Shakespeare

Today I return to a random list of some of the things for which I am thankful...

I chose a quote from William Shakespeare because tonight I am thankful to be meeting up with several girlfriends for dinner at La Madeleine and Shakespeare in the Park at the botanical gardens. I am doubtful I will understand much of The Tempest but think it should be a nice night out, nonetheless. I am thankful Don willingly adjusts his schedule to allow me time to be with friends.

I am thankful for my wonderful friend, Suzy, who celebrated her birthday on Monday.

I am thankful Don had a safe trip to Florida and back this past weekend.

I am thankful and proud that Don was installed as a deacon in our congregation this past Sunday.

I am thankful I got to watch two "chick flicks" in his absence--P.S. I Love You and Becoming Jane. In his defense, I can watch chick flicks whenever I want but I LOVE the feeling of being able to do it by myself without the twinge of guilt that he is bored beyond words.

I am thankful for air conditioning when it is pushing 100 degrees outside. YUCK!

I am thankful the Spurs advanced to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Go SPURS go!!!

As Memorial Day approaches, I am extra thankful for the many brave men and women who have died defending our country and freedom. I am not thankful they have died but I am thankful for their service and sacrifice.

I am thankful for Memorial Day weekend 1991 because that is when I met Don. It was a very memorable Memorial Day weekend, indeed.

I am thankful for our niece, Sadie, who celebrates her FIRST birthday on Sunday.

I am thankful for moments of quietness to be able to reflect on life's simple pleasures.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

I don't normally watch TV in the morning but Monday I did for a few moments--long enough to learn about the terrible earthquake which had rocked the Sichuan Province of China. It is safe to say a few years ago I would've watched, felt momentarily sad, and not given it too much consideration after a few hours or days. As a mother of a daughter from China and another one for whom I wait, my perspective has significantly changed when it comes to what is taking place in China. My heart breaks for these people.

I admit, there are days where I just don't know what to say or how to be thankful. This week it is China, loads of deadly storms throughout the midwest and southeast, and fires in Florida. Next week it will be something else. I find it is always good to go to the psalms during these times...

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Today I am thankful for a powerful and mighty God who is ready to provide refuge for those who seek Him. Please pray that more people in China will one day know Him.