My Day - #71-72

Today I am thankful for ... I don't know... Pain meds are dulling my senses as well as thoughts... I guess I'm thankful for medicine that takes the edge off the pain.(#71) Usually that just means a muscle relaxer at bedtime but for the past few days, it has meant something a little stronger a couple times a day.  

I only accomplished one of my goals today...  I was scheduled to go into the city for a doctor appointment.  I felt so crummy that I didn't think it wise to drive and since A had an appointment here in town, I cancelled.   I had volunteered to watch a preschool age boy for a friend as her father's memorial service was today.  I was able to do that.  I didn't prepare dinner as planned... I changed the meal plan to something simpler and M cooked dinner. (I'm thankful that there was enough money to cover a last minute change of dinner plans so close to the end of the month.#72)   

How was your day?  

Flowers

I bought flowers the other day at the store.  It was an impulse buy and I really couldn't afford it, but I allow myself an occasional impulse buy if it is under $10.  Not much makes the cut.  The flowers were on sale and for a fleeting moment when I saw them and purchased them, I was smiling.(#63)  Every time I catch a glimpse of them sitting on the table, I sense a peace washing over my soul,(#64) reminding me that God sees me(#65) and loves me(#66) and wants what is best for me.(#67)  I am reminded that life goes on and that even when I'm grieving or overwhelmed by difficult circumstances there is beauty in this world He created.(#68)  We humans have messed things up and sometimes it seems as if there is more pain, more evil than good and then I catch a glimpse of flowers on the kitchen table and I remember that God is still in control of this seemingly out-of-control world.(#69)  And because of that, I can hold on one more day.(#70) 

My Day - #61-62

Today I am thankful for a good book to read.(#61)  I am reading "Boundaries" by Drs Couch and Townsend.  It's worth reading. It was suggested from the pulpit on Sunday for anyone who had ever experienced abuse or was in a difficult relationship currently.  I'm only on chapter two.  I have been encouraged that I am doing well establishing boundaries, growing and healing.(#62)  I have learned a few strategies to make setting those boundaries easier.  

I didn't accomplish much today.  I'm not feeling well so I spent the morning resting on the couch or sleeping.  I then spent the afternoon watching little ones downstairs in their apartment.  It was fun.  It was also tiring and left me more achy than I started the day.   

My Day - #53-60

I am tired and achy - beginning to get sick.  That will put this daily commitment to record something positive each day to the test for sure.  It is difficult to write when life is as emotionally draining as it has been lately.  Throw in illness and I'm not sure my brain will compute enough to actually get words out in a coherent order.  

So... today I am thankful that I have found a link to a Bible study that my new church posts each day!(#53)  I love having direction that helps me digest and apply the sermons on Sunday to my life throughout the week.  I also enjoy being able to listen to sermons when I am too sick to attend!(#54)  It allows me to feel connected and grow even when I'm too sick to attend church.  My mind is still a bit muddled from the concussion and I don't always understand the passages or explanations given, but I'm still thankful to be able to read it.  

I accomplished quite a bit today(#55) - a few appointments (three to be exact), a bit of babysitting, picking up books from the library (consequently I am also thankful for our library),(#56) and some cleaning.  However, I am beginning to realize that my to-do list accomplishments are far less important than they seem.(#57)  Rather my focus, even while accomplishing those things, needs to be on Christ.  I love how He is weaving into every facet of my life again.(#59)  I am saddened by the realization that I had pushed Him out and so thankful that He is the God of second (and third and fourth and ...) chances.(#60)  

How was your day?  

Sunday Summary - Finding Harmony

We switched churches in the fall.  Today marks only the second time I have been able to go and the first time I was healthy enough to sit through the entire service.(#51)  I like our new church.  I like our new pastor.  Right now he is doing a series on  "Hide and Seek."  The overall theme is that we should take time to hide from everyday distractions and seek Christ.

Today's message was on finding harmony, specifically seeking to have harmony in relationships with other people.  He referenced quite a few scriptures but the main text was from Matthew 7.  This really applies to my life right now and consequently it was hard to hear.  However, the message was still helpful.(#52)  Just because I don't want to hear something doesn't mean I don't need to hear it.

A Look Back - June 2013

In June, shortly after her 18th birthday, Miracle signed up to be a Mary Kay consultant.  She was quite excited.  She is working hard and building a customer base right now.  

This and That

I'm tired and just want to go to bed but as I head that direction, there is a tugging reminding me that I made a commitment so here I am...

Today was calmer than many of late which is appreciated(#38) although it feels a bit like the calm that comes between thunderstorms one right after the other.  The stillness that is almost as if the air itself is trying not to exist.  That is what today feels like.  (2 Samuel 22:2-3 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.)(#39)

The sadness has begun to envelope me in such a way that I feel smothered, grasping for a way out, looking for a light in the darkness, searching for some relief from the pain and gasping for air.  It is, after all, January. 

The fear that used to be a constant companion in my life keeps knocking.  I keep reminding it that it doesn't belong in my life anymore while reminding myself that I am safe but little good that does in the middle of the night when I wake up trembling.  (Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.)(#40)

I am encouraged when I look back over this last month and count how many posts had Jesus at the center, or at least a passing mention in the peripheral.(#41) 

Yesterday a friend sent me a quote, a bit of encouragement to remind me that I am doing good.(#42) 

I am thankful that today was a calm day.(#43)  I am thankful that I know the sadness will end.(#44)  I am thankful that fear is not my constant companion anymore.(#45)  I am thankful for friends.  But mostly, I am thankful for the way that God brings scripture to mind(#46) and I see Him weaving into every moment of my life.(#47) (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.)

I didn't accomplish much today.  I was in pain early on and took medication knowing I would sleep but hoping I would accomplish at least something.  I encouraged a friend.  I helped a neighbor.  The house is slightly cleaner than it was last night.(#49)  So, I accomplished a little but not much.  Somehow that seems OK.  The things I did today mattered.(#50)  People's lives were impacted.  That's something, isn't it?