Fruitful Words

When the money bites, when the seeing stings,

When I’m feeling low

I simply remember my grateful things

And then I don’t feel so slow.

Sorry about the above butchered song. I made it more personal.

Here’s my list of some grateful things . . .

1. Violet roses - remind me of my mom
2. Clean air
3. Baby’s smile and clutching on my finger
4. Vase of gracefully drooping tulips
5. Sharp knife
6. Mom’s yellow batter bowl
7. Clean bathroom
8. Finding brightly colored gloves in my coat pockets, purse and glove box all winter long as needed
9. Me wrapping a package with creativity and beauty - don’t do this very often
10. Receiving a just because gift
11. Watching ice skaters
12. Being one of the ice skaters (I probably wouldn’t do it now because of my klutz.)
13. Walking on new fallen snow all bundled up
14. Finishing homework - especially finishing it well and early
15. Finding more money at the end of the month instead of more month at the end of the money
16. Watching the waves and hearing the relentless roar
17. Praying every week with the same people
18. New pens with a silky flow - colored ink is a bonus
19. Sheets that have dried outside on the line
20. Walking hand-in-hand
21. Breakfast dates
22. Remembering to take the laundry from the washer and putting it into the dryer. And then starting the dryer.
23. Spell check on my computer
24. Falling asleep quickly
25. Suffering - yes suffering. It showcases God’s faithfulness and power.

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my family:

1. My kiddos like, love and get along well with each other.
2. My son has overcome his past.
3. My daughter has overcome her extreme quietness.
4. My sista and her hubby are consistent, loving, godly parents.
5. My sista and hubby gave my son and I a transition place to live when we moved here from CO.
6. All my nieces (6 of them!) are healthy, maturing individuals.

6 Things I am grateful about regarding me:

1. Sleep fixes most aches. I go to bed tired and sore and usually wake up rested and pain free.
2. I haven’t had an accident recently - seriously klutzy here.
3. The gift/skill/talent mix God has given me.
4. I do have a purpose and worth.
5. I have learned (and am still learning) patience.
6. God isn’t finished with me yet.

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my country:

1. My vote and political involvement make a credible difference.
2. It is based on freedom principles and God.
3. Welcomes people of all faiths, colors, and races.
4. Is the land of opportunity.
5. Allows and upholds freedom of the press - even for dissenting opinions.
6. I live here.

6 Things I am grateful for regarding my friends:

1. They pray for me.
2. They chastise me.
3. They help me with my projects.
4. They show me how to live life well - especially during/after hardship.
5. They help me play.
6. We share a passion for following God.

1. My Bible
2. Salvation
3. Knowledge that I’ll see my kiddos in Eternity
4. Eyes that see
5. Lungs that work despite this fire contaminated air
6. A job - especially in an economy where many are being laid off
7. Ability to read
8. Free and easy access to public libraries
9. Continuous, easy access to reasonably priced, healthy food
10. Indoor plumbing
11. Electricity that is affordable and regular
12. Not a lot of crime where I live
13. Surprise birthday parties
14. Choice of clean clothing to wear
15. Sports camp - fun time for adults and children and it went well today
16. Holy Spirit guidance
17. Beth Moore books
18. Full refrigerator
19. People who contribute to my support
20. Black current tea and cinnamon scones (thanks MW)
21. My daughter’s first sale as an artist!
22. Chiropractic adjustments - they really make a difference
23. Time spent with people who love AND like me

1. Safe sleep.
2. My eyes. For a few days they were achy and tired from too much use. I took more breaks and they are doing fine now.
3. Cool breeze this morning.
4. This exercise. It is forcing me to look at my world differently.
5. Team Will’s mission, safety and progress across the States. They are on Day 7. 2 more days left. Go here to see photos of our guys (Team One) at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Be sure to check the other days for more photos and information.
6. William Jessup University. I received my BA (2006) from WJU through the Degree Completion Program. Van, one of the bikers for Team Will, was in my WJU cohort and graduated in 2006 too. In these Day Four photos Van along with Jon and Alan is getting his jersey signed by some heroes.
7. Lazy Sundays.
8. Ministry. It’s more than a job. Whenever I have the opportunity to listen to, speak with and pray for someone, I feel God’s pleasure. Know what I mean?
9. Understanding. Receiving this from my family/friends is what gets me through life better.
10. Crafts. I made a tiny something for my secret sister. It is so cute. Can’t tell what cuz it’s still secret time.
11. Breakfast. Today it was oatmeal, yogurt, soy protein powder, with a serving of m&m’s (1/4th cup). Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts.
12. Nightmares. I’m thankful that I wake up and find out they are NOT real. Too many people live with nightmare lives in nightmare places.
13. Vitamins & supplements. They are available, affordable, and help my body.
14. Doodah’s schedule. With the wedding done, her life is a bit more sane and, um, less chemically dependant.
15. Advice. (I’m not being sarcastic.)
16. Walls in my home. Some are colorful: brown, green, yellow and turquoise. Not all in the same room.
17. Forks. Still having a drawer full of them. It’s the little things that bring joy.
18. Towels used fresh out of the dryer.
19. My white pitcher collection. Most were bought at boot sales in England for 50 pence. Good memories.
20. Mementos. I have these scattered throughout my home. They also bring back good memories.
21. Pastor Mike. I’m thankful for his sermons, leadership, advice, humor and walk with God.
22. Sundays. Church day! I am looking forward to the sermon, singing, praying, visiting, and saying Thank you to God.

What things are you thankful for? You don’t have to list 21 things like I did.

1. Papers that are done! Turned in the last one for Building a Relational Ministry to Women. More (for a different class) are due on Wednesday.

2. Recycling. Some of my nieces are into this. So like a good Auntie, I save the infrequent soda and water bottles I have. Today while doing errands, I spied 2 soda cans in the parking lot. Of course I picked them up. I like that not all my trash goes into trash heaps somewhere.
3. Recycling Centers. Are not created equal. Be sure to call around to see how much they pay. Also ask if they pay for the caps on the bottles.
4. Red Box. Movies dispensed like candy in a vending machine. Only One Dollar (plus tax)! What’s not to like? To see a list of available movies go here. There are only about 75 movies to choose from, but they are currentish. I found 8 movies I’d like to see. On Mondays, several blogs post coupon codes for a freebie. I don’t think they do this every week. Anyway, check out imommies, BeCentsAble, and Be Thrifty Like Us. In my town a Red Box is located at Raleys, Safeway and WalMart.
5. My toenails. Sorry to have to bring this up again, but ya’ll - they are still cute.
6. Leftovers. Yesterday I made up a pot of Thai rice, bowlful of jello with mandarin oranges, and soaked black eyed beans that are cooking right now. Defrost some ham and it sounds like a good dinner to me.
7. Ziploc bags. I’ve tried using other brands - just doesn’t work well for me.
8. My timer. When I have a tough time getting going, I let my timer be the boss. I set it for 15 minutes and get to work on that paper, the laundry, or finding all those tax papers that I promised myself I’d put all in one place this year. When it dings, I have my permission to stop. Usually I keep going and get quite a bit, if not all, of the task done.
9. Fund raisers. Are also not created equal. I especially like the ones that are service oriented - like a car wash or are event oriented - like the carnival that will be held at our church on July 3rd. The money will go towards a playground for the Big Kids Club.
10. SacFit.com. Great program for training (as a runner or walker) for either a half or full marathon.
11. Snuggles. Hugs are good too.
12. The universe. There are some pretty amazing photos of our galaxy and those billions (?) that surround us. I’d research and find some photos for you, but I still have to research for some legitimate work. See #1. So if you find some space photos on-line, be sure to tell us in the comment section.
    
13. My toothbrush. I’m thrilled I get to use a clean, nylon one every 3 months. The thought of not having one, chewing on a stick, or using one with pig neck bristles or horse’s hair doesn’t appeal.
14. Prayer chain from church. It is awesome to be able to pray for others and to have prayer for myself within a relatively short time.
15. Akismet. This comment and trackback spam catcher on WordPress has caught 40,458 spam comments so far!
16. Commentaries: on-line, in book form or on software. It is amazing how they can open up the Bible, especially the historical-cultural aspect.
17. My health. Thank you , God. I am also taking better care of myself because I want to stay healthy.
18. The children in my life. Those that are not blood-related. They bring such joy with their attitudes and love for Jesus. Thank you, mommies, for being diligent in the raising of these precious ones. Your diligence WILL pay off.
19. Construction paper. It makes such nice things - even a fold-out card. I have one taped to my white board that HI made for me at Mother’s Day.
20. My daughter’s boyfriend. He is so good to my daughter and the nieces. He is so talented too. He is an an artist and has been working for Disney on the High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance game.
21. God’s schedule. It is so much more sane than mine. I am working on overcoming this insanity. Anyone read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha Wold: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver? I need to go through this study. You?

It’s been a week since I started writing my grateful list. It is sometimes hard to come up with so many things besides the obvious. I am definitely giving my “thankful muscles” a work out.

What are you thankful for? Can you name 20? Here’s my list of 20 . . . .

1. Frozen apricots. Used up the last 2 from the freezer. MT gave me several full freezer bags last summer.
2. Smoothies . Apricots are especially yummy in a smoothie. Since learning about how healthy blueberries are and that they are considered a super food, I’ve been trying to have a blueberry smoothie every day or so. I even put in some frozen peas. Can’t taste them and I’m sure they add to the nutritional count. Hey Doodah - how’s it going with the green smoothies?
3. Classmates who call to encourage me. And to get some encouragement.
4. Western Seminary Schedule. The Fall schedule is now out. I’ve been spending more than a few minutes drooling over what classes to take.
   
5. My toes. I get a kick out of looking at them. They are still cute.
6. Google . I looked up information about a supplement I am taking: 5-HTP. I found out I’ve been taking it incorrectly. It is best taken at night on an empty stomach. Empty means 2 hours before or after a meal.
7. Rubios. Not only do they have good fish burritos, they have a great staff. At least the one off Marconi does. It’s a pleasure spending my money and time there.
8. My 2 middle nieces. They think it’s special that I would jump (mainly sit) on their huge trampoline with them. Since I am a chicken, I don’t jump very high or for very long. But it was fun being the “popcorn” while I sat and they jumped. Mster said, “Auntie, when you are done with your school in a year, maybe you can jump more with us then.” I’m not sure what being done with school has to do with jumping, but I did agree with a “maybe.” Maybe having a specialized MA will give me “jumping at ease without breaking anything like my bones” powers. I think they are special.
9. Found what was lost: The study guide and DVD teaching set to The Bible in 90 Days.
10. School library. I spent many hours there yesterday/night. It is cool, quiet and virtually distraction-free. Umm - except for the 100’s of books begging to be read. Yes, they really begged me. Maybe week I’ll list those that were especially noisy.
11. My freezer. I found a Cadbury Fruit & Nut chocolate bar (my fav choc bar) in there while looking for some dinner . Yes, I had dinner in addition to the chocolate.
12. My job. Have I mentioned yet, how blessed I am and thankful I am for where I work, what I do and with whom I work?
13. Cool nights. Because of the cool nights I can open up the house and let out that hot air and let in cool night air.
14. Glasses. I am thankful I have the resources to wear glasses with an updated look (at least I think it is) and an updated prescription. When I was cleaning out my room the other day, I cam upon an old pair of classes. Tomorrow I will call the local Lion’s Club to see where I can drop off my lenses. They collect used eyeglasses to distribute to those in need in developing countries. I can’t imagine someone with my prescription trying to do daily life without a pair of glasses. Let me know if you want this drop off info too.
15. Last women’s Retreat. I am still hearing lovely comments about it. Retreats are definitely worth the time to plan and worth the time to attend.
16. Cute looking mechanical pencils. I heart Zebra Cadoozles. They are short enough to go into the zipped pouch of my purse. And since it is a mechanical pencil, the lead doesn’t have to stick out and mark up the inside of my purse. They are just so cute looking. And I think they make me look styling.
17. Tweezers. I keep a pair in the car and a pair by my computer. Let’s just say, it helps me with the well groomed look.
    
18. My shower. It provides lots of hot, good-pressure water. Before you scold me for all the water I’m wasting, I said here that for the most part, the water is on only when initially getting wet or rinsing.
19. Hawaii. I’ve been several times, enjoyed every time, and hope to go back several more times. The blog, The Hawaii Traveler, is all about exploring the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Great arm chair tourism happens reading this. Travel tips, tours, shopping, night life, family fun, history and attractions are just some of the categories.
20. Pray magazine. This bimonthly magazine concentrates it articles to those involving prayer. Some past issues had articles on (1) Praying in Hope, (2) Improve Your Prayer Memory and (3) Ask, Don’t Guess! Discerning God’s Will. There is always a kid’s section too. In one issue it was Seven Prayer Essentials for Kids.

Yikes! Week 13 means I am 1/4th of the way through my 50th year. Time to do a little rethinking about my list. Just because I wrote it up doesn’t mean I HAVE to accomplish it. I ‘d like to rethink the following . . . .

Go on a bus tour of SF with my kiddos. My kiddos don’t want to do this. I do. But is it more important to spend time with the kiddos or to go on the tour either by myself or find someone else to go with me? No right or wrong answer here. I just need to figure out the main desire behind this goal.

Pay off 1/4th of my student loans. Since I am using my “available ” money to pay for my current tuition, I don’t see how this will happen. I think this goal should be postponed until AFTER I am done with seminary.

Go ice-blocking. Obviously my 18 year-old brain was making THAT goal. Really, should my 50 year-old body with a BAD back chance accomplishing this goal? I’m thinking “No!” So what else could I do that involves ice, motion, people, and the outdoors? If you come up with any answers, tell me.

Vote intelligently. I really need to figure out exactly what that means - for me. Some would think voting a straight Republican or Democrat ticket is the “intelligent” thing to do. I do listen to talk radio, but I need to do some more investigating.

Figure out what’s wrong with my camera. Since a camera was given to me (Thanks, friend!), do I really need to spend time on this item? Other than, I hate to get rid of things, especially if it’s fixable.

Here’s a quick review of what happened last week on my 51 Things To-do List.

1. Wrote a letter to a friend overseas.
2. Got a pedicure.
3. Reading thru the Bible in 90 days with sm.
4. Sorting out stuff in my bedroom: I’ve gone through all the clothes in one closet and all the dresser drawers. I have one more closet to go.

Taking time to think about what I’m grateful for has been a good exercise for my memory and soul. It shows me that I have MUCH to be thankful for. Today is June 19 and I have 19 things to be thankful for . . . .

1. Gift certificate to a nail salon. I got a pedicure for my neglected and very sore feet. They look cute! Other people even said so.
2. Indoor plumbing. Obvious why.
   
3. A microwave. For about 2 months we didn’t have a working microwave. It is amazing how many times (a day even) our microwave was in use.
4. Compliment about my hair: “It’s cute that way.” It was in a pony tail. So now both ends of me have been described as cute. It will be a RED letter DAY when the middle bits of me get a “cute” compliment too.
5. Lynette, our Children’s Ministry Director. She is in charge of this year’s Sports Camp. Tons of details and she’s handling it with grace and professionalism. The kids who attend will have fun, be safe, and hear God’s Word. Thank you, Lynette, for making this happen.
6. Christian tracts. These little booklets explain the Gospel so well.
7. Phone & Son. Last night I was able to catch up with the happenings in my son’s life. He took the (“how many?!”) stitches out of his finger last night. Because it’s still swollen, hammering as usual is difficult. I’m grateful the injury wasn’t worse.
8. Great sleep last night. I went to bed at 10:30 pm.
9. Prayer. I know there are many who pray for me. Thank you. I believe that prayer makes such a difference.
10. Money to pay for gas in my car and home.
11. Talk Radio. That’s what I listen to in the car. That’s how I get caught up on political news.
    
12. Having my hair cut at home. Jessica D. even called me to schedule the appointment. She does a great job and will be here for 6 more weeks. So ladies, she is staying at her mom’s. She said it was okay to give her a mention here. When we lived in England, there was a woman who came to our cuil-de-sac and cut hair for about 4 families - all on the same day. Our hair never looked so good!
13. Pandora.com. It’s new kind of internet radio station. You program it to play only the songs you like. Currently I am exploring music by Avalon. Right now I am listening to Oxygen by Avalon. Lyrics are here. Hat tip to Alanna for telling me about Pandora.
14. Fresh blueberries. My prayer partner gave me some from her garden. I made pancakes and topped them with home made syrup.
15. Wind. I really like feeling the wind on my face. Even if it does mess up my cute hair.
16. Larger print on my screen. I just learned how to do this for a PC. Press the Control key and srcoll backwards (towards you, away from screen) on the mouse scrolly thing to make the print larger. Scroll forwards (towards the screen) to make the print smaller. Like my technical language?
17. Ability to change. I am thankful that I can grow in the Fruit of the Spirit. I am thankful that God gives me this desire, strength, courage, and perseverance to do so. Go here for some children’s worksheets on the Fruit. There are coloring pages, word searches, crossword puzzles, and more. Here’s an adult resource, Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit, a book by Beth Moore.
18. Water. Enough of it so that I can water my garden. And watch it grow well.
19. Relatively pain free body. Another obvious why.

18 Things I am grateful and most thankful for are . . . .

1. Reading The Bible in 90 Days. SM and I are now on day 22 of this reading plan. It has been good to have a partner to go through this program with for 3 reasons. 1. She helps keep me accountable to reading. 2. It is great listening to her insights and observations. It is soooo obvious that the Holy Spirit is guiding her (and me) as she (we) thoughtfully and consistently read. 3. It is fun to learn new things from the video lecture and then discuss them.
2. Bingo to-do list. Tweaking this “fun game” is still helping me stay on track to getting things done.
3. The books of Joshua and Ruth. I love how God shows His faithfulness, power and caring in these books. Many times God encouraged Joshua with words like the following: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
4. Good progress on school papers.
5. Google reader. It allows me to follow many blogs by scanning through most content and slowing down to read those posts that affect me. I should say that I do read all the posts of those on my blogroll.
6. The ancient oak in my front yard. Okay - ancient may be an exaggeration, but she is definitely old, majestic, beautiful and huge. Besides being home to dozens of critters from the microscopic to squirrel-size, she gives my house much lovely, needed shade from the afternoon, HOT westward-drooping sun.
7. The 4 tomatoes in my backyard. Though they are still green on the vine, in a week (maybe 2?) they’ll be sun-ripened and ready to join a cucumber, some sprouts and slices of avocado on toasted wheat bread.
8. Encouraging comments on my blog posts. Thank you.
9. More than surviving these past 6 years. I’ve healed, matured, known and been known by God in a more honest, deeper way.
10. Water. I love drinking clear, clean, plain, room-temperature water. At least 8 cups a day.
11. Clean kitchen windows sporting a clean green and yellow valance.
12. Prince Caspian. More precisely the promise of seeing the Prince Caspian movie soon. I recently reread the book (after an 8 year break). I’m ready to be captured by the Narnia magic.
13. RS feeling better. After some fainting spells, we’ve all been quite worried.
14. Flip flops decorated with fuzzy pink and black yarn. I had fun decorating them several years ago with MW.
15. Walking. I managed to squeeze in a training walk today.
16. Picking plums. From a tree in my yard! I didn’t even know I had a plum tree. I was deep watering the crab apple and lemon tree this a.m. and happened to look up. 6 plums. Not many. Too tart to really enjoy. But plums. Maybe if I fertilize them this year, next year they’ll be sweet and enough to share.
17. Political choice. Even though our system is not perfect, it is for the most part safe and democratic.
18. Men and women in uniform. Thanks to all you men and women who have exhibited and continue to exhibit professionalism and dedication to what your uniform represents.