Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Just Thankful...

This evening, just before Thanksgiving, I am thankful for much.  May I share?

  • My family:  Tomorrow, dinner will be at the in-laws, and for the first time in much too many years, The Husband will be off for the entire day.  Happy, he is; happy, I am for him.
  • Time off from School:  It's just that time of year, time when we need a break.  This, this is the reason that I am a tremendous supporter of year-around school.   These breaks are so rejuvenating; then, we would have the "first day" of school multiple times each year.  Yes!
  • My Bible Study girlfriends:  They mean so much to me. Last evening we met, and five of them came out...in the rain and wind to meet with Jesus.  This, then, leads me to be thankful for the spiritual female giants in Bible Studyland, such as Beth Moore.  That woman!  She inspires us as she allows God to lead her, as she commits to preparing these studies for us, as she shares, giving wholeheartedly of herself.  Just a blessing. (Right now, we are in the middle of Moore's Entrusted study.)
  • My family:  Back to this one again!  I am very thankful for my two sisters and brother, who I am missing tonight, as usually I am preparing for their coming to lunch on Thanksgiving.  While we will not see each other tomorrow, we are planning to get together with additional family in a couple of weeks.
  • My professional membership friends:  The Lord has blessed me with two board positions this summer, a true shot of professional and spiritual B-12 that I so desperately needed.  Through these groups, my friendships are growing; these, I treasure.  Very much.  We just completed our state convention for one.  I had the best of times.  Just loved it.
  • My Spiritual Walk:  I am so very thankful for how the Lord continues to nudge me, encourage me, always remaining faithful as we meet together in His Word.  I want more!  Much more!  I love learning about Him, which is certainly encouraged by teaching three times a week at church:  Sunday School, Sunday evening Discipleship Training, and Wednesday evening with the children.  Yes, certainly provides opportunities to learn about Him!
  • Book Clubs!  I really like the ladies of Paper Chase Book Club.  I just have so enjoyed getting to know them, listening to them...and I enjoy reading books I would not normally choose for myself.  I also enjoy meeting with my English Department...and our faculty.  Good times.
  • The Upcoming Christmas Season:  I have filled my calendar with events, some traditional, some new.  While this will be a very busy season for me, I am in much anticipation of what He has in store for me, including a KLOVE concert, a trip to Bellevue Baptist and Caroling in the Caverns, two Christmas parties here in my home (Bible study and Sunday School), Christmas parties at church with the adults and another later on with the children, a dinner party with my book club, candle lighting service, buying and delivering food boxes...yes, a busy time.  Plus, finishing out the first semester of my 26th year of teaching!  Yay!
This list could go on...but pecan-pie-making awaits me!

I pray you have a blessed Thanksgiving.  That His Presence abounds in your life throughout this upcoming view days.

Blessings!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Thankful - Day 1 - The Girl, The Heart

Today, The Girl and I traveled to meet with her cardiologist...for the last time, as he has taken a new position...and to meet the new caretaker of my Baby Doll's heart.  We decided we like this new lady, for, one, as The Girl quickly noted, "She's a girl."  Yes.

Below is what I shared on Facebook as we returned home...feeling very grateful on this first day of November:

Just have to testify...while I sit and Holly drives...

Holly has a new cardiologist. We like her...very informative...easy to talk to.

Then, she says, "I have been looking at Holly's records and her caths and reports, getting to know her. I was prepared to come in here and see a very sickly girl, but here she stands, so healthy."

This resulted in my asking a few questions about those reports...no, little to any changes from last year.

Okay...now, we can praise the Lord...and the thousands of prayers...literally!...that have gone up for this girl!

Those who have babies who visit ACH will understand what I am about to say...you don't realize how tense you are until that doctor walks out and you get to take your Baby Doll home. Twice in our past after such a visit, we left going home to prepare for a surgery.

As we walked outside, I overheard a Nana say, "Today has been a rough day."

I have lived those, also.

Holly will be on a heart monitor for 30 days. She has been having what we call "flutters." May need a med adjustment.

Maybe tonight we could pray for that family who has had a rough day? One day we will hear the power of our interceding prayers...for our God does answer prayers.

I know...one of them is driving me home.