My 28 Thanks:

1. I didn’t feel good at all when I first woke up this morning. But, I was determined to get out of bed and get ready…something my mom swears by! The more I moved around, the better I felt. By the time I left for work, I was feeling much better.

2. I am glad that I am not always moved by how I feel.

3. Judah and I enjoyed a sweet conversation this morning while getting ready for our day. I put him up on the bathroom counter so I could fix his hair. While brushing his hair he said, “Mommy, are you going to come back for me today?” I looked into those beautiful, blue eyes and assured him that I would always come back for him. That little boy has my heart.

4. Judah walked into his class without crying.

5. Judah’s teachers always greet us with the sweetest smile and the warmest of voices. They have the most gentle spirit. You can feel it. I want to go into their classroom too.

6. Christian Education.

7. When I left the school, I saw Judah playing with a new little friend.

8. My mother-in-law picked up Judah for me today, so I didn’t have to leave work early.

9. Judah was able to play with his cousins for a while after school.

10. It only takes me 180 seconds to get to Judah’s school from our home.

11. I worked in overdrive this morning and got two events in progress. All you have to do is START! I am feeling accomplished tonight.

12. Pastor Marcia always helps me out and gives me advice.

13. Today, I was able to step in and help out Pastor Marcia.

14. I got to help a family today. They lost their mom on Saturday and I was able to be the shoulder to lean on as they made funeral arrangements.

15. Dustin taught me a super simple way to scan and email documents today. I love learning new and easy tricks of the trade.

16. The new kids ministry re-design sketches are AMAZING. I can’t wait for my church family to see what the future is going to look like.

17. My voice is slowly returning to normal.

18. The leftovers were as good tonight as they were fresh yesterday. And, I hate leftovers.

19. I actually enjoyed cooking yesterday.

20. My brother-in-law is in route back to the USA for two weeks R and R. I am so thankful for his service and so excited for him to see his family tomorrow.

21. Our church is blessed with awesome volunteers who want to build the Kingdom of God with us.

22. Pastor Ted purchased us all an Easy Button. I am glad that he was in a light-hearted, good mood today…especially since my fantasy team slaughtered his fantasy team…but, who is keeping score, right? I only checked the app 500,000 times! Ha Ha Ha

23. Gary was super excited that he didn’t get loaned to another fire station today. He gets to stay put at station 8.

24. Today, Pastor Marc had another door open for ministry to a Moore School football team. Favor isn’t Fair, but it is falling on Pastor Marc!

25. My mom still calls to check on me and see how I am doing.

26. Turnaround Leadership.

27. Judah fell asleep in my arms tonight.

28. Wisdom.

Even though the weather has been absolutely dreamy this weekend, I have felt under it. Sore throat, itchy eyes, achy body, and ear aches, have put a damper on the usual energy I have for my days. But, regardless of how I feel, I choose to praise Him. He deserves to be praised just because of who He is…not for what He has done. I will praise Him through every circumstance and rejoice in my healing!

My 28 thanks:

1. I think that if I drink enough water, I will flush out all the bad germs in my body! I love water. I crave water.

2. Cough drops.

3. I had the strength to teach today in KidMotion.

4. My voice held up for the entire morning.

5. The kids continue to love Shine A Light. They rock that song! I love to watch kids worship Jesus.

6. Miss Deborah conquered a personal “stage” fear today and did the Big Idea segment.

7. A mom text me after service and said that her daughter was retelling the entire Bible story today from KidMotion. I love hearing that kids learned and loved kids church.

8. One of my leaders told me that an encouragement card I sent to her last week came at the most needed of times.

9. All of the Kidz Ministry service went well.

10. My KidMotion leaders loved small group time this morning. I love our large group/small group model. It is the way to go.

11. I love the opportunity to make one-on-one connections with our kids. Small groups give us that opportunity.

12. I love spending time with my 6th grade small group. The kids were so funny today about the shoe game I wanted them to play. Middle Schoolers are WEIRD! Ha Ha Ha

13. I made homemade chicken spaghetti.

14. I didn’t need a recipe. I used my memory, Baby!

15. Gary and Judah loved my chicken spaghetti.

16. We will have lots of yummy leftovers.

17. Mrs. Pam wanted to use Judah’s fingerprints for one of her art projects. It was so sweet of Pam to want to use Judah for her project.

18. I talked to a couple today who is interested in serving in Kidz Ministry.

19. Gary and Judah have an amazing, fun relationship. They play so well together. Gary gives Judah 100% all the time.

20. Judah was in a super funny mood today. He laughed and made us laugh all afternoon. We are thankful for laughter.

21. Gary took Judah to the store and gave me an opportunity to catch up on work in quiet.

22. Some of my family had a wonderful, relaxing time at Broken Bow this weekend. I am from a most beautiful part of the State.

23. It appears that I remain undefeated in fantasy football. Tomorrow, I will pour on the smack talk!

24. Pastor taught on Psalm 91 tonight. It has always been one of my most favorite passages.

25. I laughed a lot in church tonight. Pastor told some funny stories. It is even more fun when he is the “butt” of the jokes.

26. I don’t have to be insecure.

27. No evil shall befall me or my family.

28. No plague shall come near my dwelling.

My 28 Thanks:

1. Judah and I spent a wonderful, quiet morning together.

2. Holly came over and transformed my house into the fall season.

3. Fall decorating is so fun.

4. I love having people in my life who can see potential in a mess.

5. My fall decorations survived a year-long life stuffed in plastic tubs.

6. Judah and I joined Gary’s family for Disney on Ice. It was my first trip to the fair since I was a little girl.

7. I stayed calm in the sea of people. This is huge for me people.

8. We found free parking.

9. Laura drove. I enjoy being chauffeured.

10. We had great center section seats.

11. Gary worked the fair on the OCFD bike team. He got to come and watch some of the show with us. It was a nice surprise.

12. The kids had a blast. I think they enjoyed the spinning light toys more than the show. But, the adults enjoyed the show. I still love Beauty and the Beast the most!

13. My husband is so sweet and handsome. I love watching him serve others in his job.

14. Gary loves to help people.

15. Zach got settled into school and got a great bed in his apartment with 4 other roommates.

16. Pastor Ted and Tami are doing well after dropping Zach off for school.

17. Excited that several of the young people I serve with have great future ministry opportunities.

18. When we came back home from the fair, Judah said, “Wow, my house looks beautiful!” It was so sweet and cute. Judah loves the fall too.

19. I love hearing about personal growth and spiritual growth in the lives of other people. Growth is the will of God.

20. God created interesting people.

21. I never smoked a cigarette in my life. I am so thankful that I do not have an addiction.

22. The weather was absolutely beautiful.

23. Judah and I chose to go home after Disney on Ice. We drove separate, so we didn’t have to stay at the fair with the rest of the State of Oklahoma!

24. Gary was able to walk us out to our car. He always makes me feel safe.

25. Jesus changed the life of woman at the well.

26. Your story is powerful-you should to tell it.

27. Judah loves to cuddle and snuggle. He is my buddy.

28. Rest.

My 28 Thanks:

1. Fridays are my sabbatical.

2. I had a beautiful morning walk.

3. The Bible is truly food for thought.

4. When Jesus comes into your life, you change.

5. John 4–Jesus spoke so sweetly to the Woman at the Well. He treats the sinner and the saint with the same amount of love and compassion.

6. Jesus knows the depths of my heart.

7. Jesus sees your potential, not your past.

8. Zach came over for a farewell visit.

9. Judah got to ride his bike outside for a really long time. He loves playing outside and I love watching him.

10. Judah grins ear to ear when I cheer for him.

11. Judah was super obedient this morning, so we blessed him with a trip to Toys-R-Us. He wanted an etch-a-sketch.

12. Timeless toys that never fade out. I had an etch-a-sketch too.

13. The employees at 405 Imports are so fun and kind. They have the coolest furniture from India. Gary, Judah, and I love to look at the furniture.

14. Family lunch at Pei Wei.

15. We found a Spider Man costume at TJ Maxx for Judah. It was only $20.

16. We had fun doing arts and crafts on the living room floor together.

17. We took a trip down memory lane and spent time on Campus Corner in Norman.

18. Gary filled my car up with gas. It’s the little things that make marriage so awesome!

19. Judah gives big hugs.

20. The weather was so nice.

21. We spent more time outside than inside today.

22. Judah make everyone hold hands when we pray.

23. I drank a lot of water today.

24. My yard looks beautiful.

25. Gary gave me a back massage.

26. I have a special pillow that keeps my neck in perfect sleeping position. I truly can’t sleep without it.

27. Judah wants me at night.

28. Judah has a cute lisp. Eventually, it won’t be as cute, but right now, I LOVE IT!

My 28 Thanks:

1. Morning prayer time.

2. The Book of Joshua.

3. Gary and I pray together.

4. Gary was able to come to a very important meeting with me.

5. Bruce Barry presented some AMAZING sketches for us to look at.

6. He really captured our heart for the future of kids ministry.

7. Because we had architects, construction managers, staff, and Bruce in the meeting, we were able to put our heads together and make some significant changes to our original plans.

8. Change is good.

9. Investments into kids and youth is a priority in our church.

10. I was in meetings ALL day long, but I still managed to get my plans for Sunday ready.

11. God is faithful.

12. He gives you exactly what you need for each day.

13. Dorothy blessed the entire creative team, as well as Gary and Judah, with lunch.

14. My friend, Holly, is so excited about her new job with Gap and the flexible hours they allow her to work. I love it when jobs allow moms to be moms too.

15. The construction in the KidMotion room is almost complete.

16. Peyton Stimson celebrated another year of life. This precious young lady is super unique. She has her own sense of style, a quirky, fun personality, a big heart for others, and an ability to make everyone her friend. She makes the world a better, more colorful place.

17. I have a fireplace in my home and a mantle to decorate.

18. My friend, Sam Jones, always refers to his children and others as “Champions.” He gets it. He is shaping their destinies to be champions.

19. Gary bought a 50lb bag of rice for Judah. So, instead of sand box, we have a rice box. Judah loves it and our back porch looks like a rice field.

20. I cooked a healthy meal. It made up for Gary and Judah’s homemade vanilla and strawberry ice cream.

21. The nice evening rain watered all my plants.

22. The weather is cooling off quickly. If I haven’t mentioned it…I love the Fall season.

23. Gary and I enjoyed watching a movie together on the couch. Even though it was a long movie and we started it late, it was not animated or educational. It was just fun.

24. We stayed up late…it was like we were young college kids again with no concern for sleep. Ha Ha Ha…

25. I don’t have to set an alarm for Friday mornings.

26. I get to spend an entire day with my family.

27.  My words can impact Judah’s life in a powerful way. I choose them wisely.

28.  The future can be greater than the past.

I am sure we all remember the moment when we learned about the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. I remember…I was in my apartment at OSU. I had a 10:30 a.m. political science class. While listening to the morning news, I was fixing my hair in the bathroom. My roommate, Jahni, and I were both getting ready. As soon as we heard the news reporter state that a plane had just crashed into one of the towers, we ran into watch the TV. What we would watch in the next few minutes was truly unreal.

As Oklahomans, even though is has been almost 19 years, I am sure many of us can remember exactly where we were when an attack took place on the Murrah building.

In both situations, we made sure that we would NEVER FORGET the acts of terror that were committed against so many lives, as well as our beloved Nation. Beautiful memorials sit in place of the buildings destroyed and lives are forever remembered in ceremonies and memorabilia displayed at the sights. Thankfully, we remember the loss, we remember the lives taken too soon, we remember the sacrifice made, and we remember that GOOD always triumphs over evil.

Recently, I have been reading in the book of Joshua. I find it interesting that God instructed Joshua and the children of Israel to construct memorials. Joshua chapter 4 specifically explains Joshua’s obedience to God to construct a memorial, stating in verse 6, ” We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

We also take communion, so we will remember what Jesus did for us. We also celebrate Good Friday and Easter, so we will remember. We celebrate Christmas, so we will remember. We don’t want to EVER forget what God has done for us. We don’t want to EVER forget the price that was paid. Don’t forget the sacrifice, don’t forget the value of life paid, don’t forget the immeasurable value of the event.

Psalm 103:2 states, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” God doesn’t want you to forget because the memorials you establish concerning the “Good Things” HE has done for you, will lead you through the times of trial, test, sickness, betrayal, and other challenges.

The memorial helps you remember His promises. I remember…Selah helps me remember.

My 28 Thanks:

1. Americans remember.

2. Out of the ashes, people rise!

3. Although today is a reflection upon one of the greatest tragedies of our nation’s history, people continue to come together and remember, reflect, and celebrate the memories of those lost.

4. Evil never wins.

5. A Spirit of Patriotism.

6. I had the honor of spending the morning with one of the most creative minds in the world! Bruce Barry, owner/Creator/cartoonist/designer of Wacky World studios/ is here at our church. It was so great to meet him and explore options.

7. Bruce can see past walls. All he sees is potential.

8. Potential.

9. Anything is possible. If your mind can think it, there is a way!

10. Bruce shared a very personal part of his life story. It is a story of triumph! I love hearing people’s stories.

11. I was able to help others accomplish several tasks tomorrow.

12. I am finally addressing some long-range goals that I have had to continually push back on the “can’t get to that now list.”

13. Christmas Production meeting #1= Success.

14. Gary was able to take Judah to school and pick him up.

15. Heard a lot of great stories of hope, life-change, and excitement today.

16. Rhelda Nye is a most wonderful volunteer. She serves faithfully and she loves people. She is a hoot too.

17. The Rowin family is super faithful. You can always count on ALAN, Lori, Aaron, and Emily to follow through and be there.

18. An impromptu game went over super well tonight. The kids loved it.

19. Natasha and the facility team always make the kidmin space look amazing.

20. I can joke with my teammates.

21. I had a great conversation tonight with one of my kids granddad. The granddad told me how excited he was that we were going to invest in a new kids ministry space. He told me he couldn’t wait to see the design.

22. Gary taught a superb lesson tonight using paper airplanes. I found out tonight that my husband won a paper airplane competition in college. So, he taught his boys how to make amazing paper airplanes. Gary’s airplanes can truly fly across an entire room.

23. Tonight might have been my favorite night of Wednesday night ministry. There was just a heightened level of fun and friendly atmosphere in the air.

24. Kids had a lot of fun tonight.

25. I left the church at 9:02. I was the last to leave on my team. So, all my leaders were gone before 9:00 p.m. Success people…success!

26. Braum’s ice cream. The guy working the drive thru was super funny. Gary loved his “firefighter” like sense of humor.

27. Judah was bathed and in bed my 10:00 p.m.

28. Today was a good day.

In order to go somewhere, you must first know where you are currently at.

My 28 Thanks:

1. I slept through my alarm clock. But, I still got to work on time.

2. Gary told me that I looked beautiful today…he always tells me that. It never gets old.

3. Not only did I win my Week One Fantasy game, I also accrued the most total points in the entire league. Yes, I am bragging. Pastor Ted will be my next victim this week.

4. I woke up without a muscle tension headache.

5. Pastor Marc and Talena led worship together this morning for staff chapel. Talena has a beautiful, sweet voice. So glad they are on our team.

6. I love Mark Rutland’s book, Relaunch. We got to discuss another chapter today. Each chapter is full of rich information and so applicable to our situation.

7. Pastor Marcia taught today. She lost all of her notes minutes before she taught. She wasn’t frazzled in the least though and just went right on. She is such a great role model.

8. Gary and Judah came and visited me during the lunch hour today. I hadn’t seen much of Gary the last few days, so it was nice to have lunch with them.

9. Gary has scheduled a weekend getaway for us. I believe it includes a carriage ride.

10. My friend, Melissa, is starting her 10,000 reasons journey. It will change her life.

11. I got a lot accomplished at work today.

12. Charlie created a really cool new design for my kidmin shirts. I love new design.

13. The future is bright.

14. We are planning some really awesome “BOOST” events for our 6th graders. I am so excited about the things we have planned. Our 6th graders are going to feel really special.

15. Judah and I played a fun game of Pictionary Man. I barely got to view my “lovely” artwork because his favorite part was erasing my work.

16. My sweet Cherryl sent me the kindest text. She is one of the most faithful, thoughtful, and awesome teenagers I know.

17. Pastor Marc ministered to Jefferson Middle School’s football team today. So excited for this open door.

18. Beautiful evening weather.

19. Judah’s personality is exploding. He makes us laugh continuously.

20. I received the sweetest Thank You cards from Danielle and Desiree.

21. Handwritten notes are like dribbling in basketball. It will always be a fundamental and awesome!

22. Gary made a healthy dinner.

23. Gary bought all the ingredients to make some type of Smores concoction that was created in his head. It was a HUGE FLOP. We had a great laugh. It did smell really good though, but it didn’t look like something we could stomach.

24. We had an awesome family walk around the neighborhood.

25. We met a new, young couple in our neighborhood tonight.

26. Judah loves riding his bike.

27. Family prayer time.

28. Judah went to bed early, so Gary and I had uninterrupted time together. It amazing how much you miss uninterrupted conversation.

My 28 Thanks:

1. I can go back to sleep after Gary leaves for the fire station. In the past, I would not be able to go back to sleep…not because he woke me up for good, but rather because I hated being alone and I would have to pray against fear. Now, I don’t even know if I am ever conscious when he actually leaves.

2. Judah and I both woke rested and ready.

3. We had a great morning together and got ready for our day without any fussing.

4. Judah loved wearing his dinosaur shirt. He is such a boy and finds laughter in so many things.

5. We laugh a lot in the Hendrickson home.

6. Judah held onto my hand extra tight while walking into his school.

7. Judah’s teachers are so caring…even when they have to pull him from my leg. Glad they understand the social anxiety of 3 year olds and work with them.

8. I am so thankful for every kind, soft voice in my life. Truly, a soft answer calms storms and a harsh word stirs them up.

9. Staff prayer day creates such a peaceful atmosphere.

10. Peace.

11. I get to pray at work.

12. Gary had a great shift at the fire station and got to do some fun, confined space training. Let me set the record straight…Gary thought the confined space training was fun. To me, that would be my worst nightmare!

13. Gary and I both love our jobs.

14. I had lunch with a very special friend, Ava Hatton.

15. We had amazing salads from Charlestons. I love Charlestons. The atmosphere, service, and food is always top-notch.

16. Ava’s heart.

17. When I picked Judah up from school, he ran to me and threw his arms around my waist and yelled, “Mommy!”  Every time he sees me he reacts as though he is seeing me for the first time in a REALLY long time. I love my little boy.

18. Judah and I got to spend some time playing together before we headed back to the church for an evening event.

19. Fostering Hope…A Night with the Bair Foundation was awesome and enlightening.

20. I got to know my new friend, Natalie, a little more. She is a foster parent recruiter for the Bair Foundation and has a MOST BEAUTIFUL story of hope and restoration and healing. I love her big heart for kids.

21. A very unique group of individuals gathered to learn more about foster care. People of all ages and backgrounds came together with a like cause…help kids.

22. People are excited about caring for kids.

23. Citizens Caring for Children was also represented and they gave me great insight into how we can better help in the world of foster care.

24. People who not only make a difference, but they ARE the difference. I am surrounded by people who ARE the difference.

25. I did setup, execution, and tear down of an event all by myself…with Judah. I stayed calm too. It was a wonderful night.

26. Safety and Protection.

27. One day closer to my favorite season…Fall.

28. Even though we don’t get to spend every night together, Gary always tells me goodnight.

I had a great, busy weekend full of accomplishments. Now, I need a weekend to recover from my weekend. Ha Ha Ha

When I woke up Sunday morning, I was mentally exhausted. I had studied much for the message I wanted to present to launch our KidMotion Shine Your Light series. But, when I woke that morning, I didn’t have a kick in my step if you know what I mean. My “bandwidth” was used up! I even mentioned to my team in our prep and prayer that I was a little concerned with how effectively I would present the message. I was honest and told them my thoughts felt very jumbled and I was expecting the Holy Spirit to set them all straight when I opened up my mouth on stage.

And, He did. Why would I ever doubt that God will see us through. Thank God He gives us exactly what we need for each day. Often, I remind myself that He is my portion, He is more than enough, He is exactly what I need, He is a perfect measurement, an Exact, nothing lacking…He is what I need to not only make it through each day, but thrive in each day.

Let’s Bring On Monday!

My 28 Thanks:

1. Gary got home at a good time this morning from the fire station.

2. We were not rushed to get ready for church. We had plenty of time.

3. God is more than enough for me.

4. When I am weak, He is made strong.

5. He gives me Grace.

6. I had more passion and energy when I got on stage then what I have had when I felt rested.

7. Our opening series sketch went perfectly!

8. The kids love our new Shine Your Light series song.

9. The kids thought Lorry Gail’s object lesson was really funny. We didn’t plan for it to be that way, but it was. She did great and it would perfectly as an intro to the message.

10. Whoever created Minions is AWESOME. I love those little yellow creatures.

11. Aaron really helped me execute the opening sketch through sound board.

12. Jeremy did a great job running sound.

13. I had both a sound and light guy yesterday. There is truly power in numbers.

14. Kids ministry, from Babies to preschool to elementary, went well.

15. Lunch with the Family.

16. Judah took a 3 hour nap. He was exhausted. Glad he got some rest.

17. My fantasy football team has done well this weekend!

18. Morgan was thrilled to go back to church with us. She talked the entire car ride. Girls are so funny.

19. Pastor Tami’s message was timely and great.

20. God is true to His promises.

21. The problem doesn’t have the authority to steal your promise.

22. I can be spirit led and emotionally in-touch.

23. Gary and I got to enjoy the entire church service together.

24. Dr. Rodgers is an amazing family doctor and he attends church with us.

25. Uniterrupted conversations with my husband.

26. God is Faithful.

27. He is true to His Word.

28. His Word WILL NOT return Void.

Saturday, September 7

My 28 Thanks:

1. The Book of Psalm.

2. I choose to love and not hate.

3. I choose to follow peace.

4. I choose to put others first.

5. I woke up rested.

6. Judah woke up rested and in a great mood.

7. We got ready easily for the Family ID conference.

8. The Family ID conference was Life Changing! I am so glad I got to be apart of it.

9. Young adults who take time to invest in their future.

10. The Family unit is a powerful unit and one that can’t be destroyed easily.

11. Judah had fun.

12. The catering from Panera Bread was healthy and amazing. Judah was thrilled to get a bagel.

13. Angela did a great job organizing the conference. It was smooth, error free, and fun.

14. The future is bright for my family.

15. Debby sat by me at the conference. She is pumped to share what we learned today with her family too!

16. I blessed Judah with Orange Leaf. My little man is so funny. He got orange yogurt, with orange gummy worms, and an orange spoon.

17. Lorry Gail and I spent 5 hours co-writing the Celebrate Christmas 2013 production script.

18. Christmas is WRAPPED…tied up with string:)

19. Christmas music is never out of season.

20. Funny lines from movies, Tim Hawkins, the Muppets, and all other creative venues that provided great inspiration for our writings.

21. Laughter. We laughed a lot and found ourselves really funny.

22. OU and OSU won their football games. Everyone should be in a great mood.

23. My mind is creatively drained. Thank God is can be refueled.

24. There is always a new idea or a new way of communicating. Thank God we don’t ever run out of stuff to do!

25. My study for Shine Your Light Launch went well. I feel tired, but prepared.

26. Judah was so helpful and obedient today.

27. I am ahead of the game in some areas.

28. Daystar Television. It keeps me company when Gary is at the fire station.