Sunday, March 2nd

My 27 Thanks:

1. I barely slept last night, but still woke up ready for the day.

2. Jesus gives us strength and a will to push forward even when we don’t feel well.

3. Changes in plans cause one to realize gaps in what we think is a well-polished system.

4. I was able to get ahold of my entire Sunday school team and let them know of church starting late.

5. Flexibility in people.

6. Last minute changes worked out well.

7. My kids LOVED spending the morning with the Watotos.

8. The Watotos loved spending time with us.

9. They loved our service and asked if they could have a video of it and share ideas with us.

10. Kids worship so freely and excitedly.

11. My leadership team is so faithful!

12. Janelle and her team provided the best lunch for our Watotos and the host homes.

13. Janelle and her team served us well. Then, they stayed late and helped clean up the event center. They were so kind to help me with this BIG task. I so appreciate them.

14. We had safe travels to and from church.

15. My parents made it home safe and they even had to cross through the Arbuckle Mountains.

16. We had a  relaxing afternoon/evening at home.

17.  The snow, even though it inconvenienced our plans in a BIG way, it made us slow down and accept the view.

18. We enjoyed an unexpected time together as a family.

19.  Gary and I enjoyed a movie together.

20. Judah and I had lots of snuggle time while he sat on my lap.

21. Gary gave Judah his bath tonight. It was nice to have a few minutes of quiet down time to think and reflect.

22. I had some time to catch up my blog.

23. The host homes for the Watotos have been so kind and flexible. Due to the weather, we have had to make several changes to their plan, but they didn’t fuss at all. I have really appreciated their servant hearts!

24. Gary’s face lit up when he watched the Watotos praise the Lord. Africa has a special place in his heart. I love watching him when things tug at his heart. His heart is so big and beautiful

25. We are not forgotten. God knows our name! Even an Orphan from Uganda has HOPE.

26. He is a Father to the Fatherless.

27. He is a Friend to the Friendless.

Saturday, March 1
My 27 Thanks:

1.  My family is here for the final clean out of my grandma’s house.
2. I am so glad this clean out has been a  family  team effort.
3.  Kolt and Gatlin are having a joint birthday party. I love my nephews and joint birthday parties are always a great idea.
4. The party was at the YMCA and super close to my house.
5.  Judah got to swim with his “mends.” He had a blast
6. He isn’t afraid of water this year and even went under water a few times.
7. I Got to know some Facebook friends better at the party.
8. My y brothers are strong and hard workers.
9. Even though it was super dirty and the weather was horrible for moving, we shared some laughs and had a good time.
10. My mom is a really funny lady.
11. Resourcefulness. We moved a 3 bedroom house into a  1 bedroom apartment.
12. I live a pretty simple lifestyle.
13. I don’t have clutter.
14. Judah was Amazing. He stayed with me all day while working and moving. He didn’t pout or fuss. He was such a good boy.
15. Judah has a lot of fun with my brother Kyle. Judah loves to play and joke.
16. My uncle’s new place is safe, clean, and cozy.
17. Someone told me today that Judah looks just like me!
18. Haley went with me to greet the Watotos. Even though their arrival was late at night, I was really thankful to not go alone.
19. Watotos made it safely and close to the projected arrival time.
20. The Watoto children greeted us with huge smiles! It is such an honor to get to spend a brief time with these precious kids.
21. The Watoto team is so kind and thankful.
22. Host homes waited patiently at the church while the Watotos unloaded the tour bus and set up their product tables.
23. Pastor Marc brought back the Youth “Valentines” Banquet. Teenagers had a BLAST.
24. My sweet Cherryl and an awesome teen leader in Kids ministry was crowned Queen. She raised the most money for missions and received the crown.
25. I loved seeing the teenagers dressed in their best. They wore big smiles and beautiful suits or dresses.
26. All the money raised goes for missions.
27. Rest.

Friday, February 28
My 27 Thanks:

1. We all slept in and woke up well rested.
2. We spent the entire day together.
3. April, my hair dresser, was able to get me in on my day off from work.
4. April has done my hair for 11 years. I have never been disappointed in my cut or color.
5. Fresh, new look.
6. Gary and Judah got to swim at the Y while I was at salon.
7. I got to share the vision of the Academy with many people today.
8. Five people inquired about academy today and none of them were from our church.
9. Outreach opportunities.
10. The weather is magnificent!
11. We had fun running errands together today.
12. We made time for Orange Leaf and all had a sweet treat.
13. Little things make Judah excited!
14. We purchased a T-Ball set for Judah.
15. We played with it in the backyard and had a great time.
16. Judah ran and laughed the entire time.
17. We went for a walk around our neighborhood. Judah rode his bike. He tries to be really safe.
18. We met another kind neighbor. He happens to be a principal at US Grant high school.
19. I received a card in the mail from a dear friend who has been praying for me consistently for 2 mos. Her cards are so creative, hand-made, and sweet.
20. Her words stir something very deep in my spirit. I treasure every one of them!
21. Gary and I make a great team. We share responsibilities.
22. Porch swing weather is coming soon. Gary and I spent some time on our porch swing today!
23. Steven Furtick wrote this the other day in his blog. “…If you’re an addict, the end goal is to be free of your addiction. And it should be. But every step you take on the way to that goal is itself an arrival at a desirable destination. And that’s because it’s a step further away from where you don’t want to be – engrossed in your addiction.” Every step is an arrival and it matters.
24. Steven Furtick’s Ministry and books. He is an amazing communicator.
25. Devotionals.
26. Baby steps.
27. Movement.

Thursday, February 27
My 27 Thanks:

1. Another card from a dear friend arrived in the mail.

2. I am valued by God.

3. His face shines upon me.

4. He gives me peace.

5. My headache from last night was gone when I woke up.

6. Judah got to spend all day at home with Gary.

7. I finalized some very important documents today.

8. Abby and I enjoyed lunch at Panera Bread together. We made it a working lunch of course. We compared two different curriculums for the Academy.

9. Abby has great insight and wisdom in the area of child development and the best ways to teach children.

10. Abby has a great love for children. I love working with people who are passionate about what they do.

11. We finally made a decision on curriculum and we are really excited about it.

12. Talena Johnson has been a great help. She has offered us counsel and insight into a product that she uses for home school.

13. Amy Hoover has been an amazing help too. Amy is master teacher! She knows her stuff and I am so glad that she has shared her insight with me.

14. I am surrounded by a team of well-educated, wise woman!

15. I am so thankful for the time I had as a teacher in a classroom.

16. God has had a plan for me all along. Sometimes He only shows us pieces of the plan.

17. I trusted God and followed His plan even though I only saw parts of it.

18. God cares about me.

19. I listen and obey.

20. God blesses His children for their obedience.

21. Getting on the same page.

22. Conversation that leads to understanding.

23. Parents who are responsible for their children.

24. Foster care system.

25. A Gentle Breeze. Oklahoma has some strong winds often, so a gentle breeze is a nice change.

26. Tomorrow is Friday.

27. Judah always smile big. When he does, it crinkles his sweet nose. I love his smile.

Wednesday, February 26th

My 27 Thanks:

1.  Today is my childhood best friend’s birthday!
2. Kristi and I had so much fun together as kids. She is a wonderful friend and she wonderfully loves The Lord.
3. Kristi and I grew up in church together. Her dad was our pastor. I learned a lot about prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit at that church.
4. Kristi loves music and she would make me stand for hours in the CD aisle while she searched through all the different options. I wish iTunes would have been around back then! Kristi is very talented in the area of music.
5. Kristi and my brother Kyle shared a love for baseball cards and collecting them. I would throw a HUGE fit when they went into baseball card mode. I didn’t like sharing Kristi’s time and I wanted them to be interested in my rock collection instead of baseball cards. Yes, unfortunately, this is a true story! Ha Ha Ha…memories.
6. God did NOT send Kristi to a remote area in Africa to be a missionary. (Oh…another really funny story).
7. Kristi’s parents, VO and Beverly, were like 2nd parents to me. They love me dearly and had great influence in my life.
8. Recently, VO called me and spoke a powerful word of Wisdom and Encouragement into my life. I haven’t seen them in such a long time, but I know they still pray over my life.
9. Even though it was a small church, they blessed me big time financially. They helped sponsor my summer internship to Washington, D.C. when I was in college.
10. Kristi and I don’t see each other ever anymore and our talks are rare. But, when we do get to catch up, we pick up right were we left off.
11. I have a rich history of good, Godly friendships.
12. My friends from the younger years were amazing, positive influences in my life.
13. Good investments that have been deposited into my life throughout my 33 years.
14.
15. Kids Ministry went well tonight.
16. We have a new girl in kids ministry. Her name is Rebecca. She has many special needs. Two of my older 6th grade girls have taken Rebecca by the hand and have made her feel very comfortable and very much a part of our group. We didn’t ask them to do this, but they saw a need and filled it.
17. Kids who realize that they are a part of the church right now!
18. A child, who is in the foster care system, shared a prayer request tonight. The request was, “I don’t have a home and I  want to find a home.” The lack of parenting in our society today BREAKS MY HEART!!!! It is in moments like this that it is reaffirmed how incredible blessed I am. I never had to pray for a home.
19. I get to minister to kids from all walks of life.

I will never have it “all knowed up!” But, I have learned some very valuable lessons concerning the “truth.” There are always three sides to every story: your story, my story, and the truth. When I would teach a piece of literature, I would tell my students that we would all interpret different parts of the story differently. Even though we were reading the same text, our past experiences or lifestyle would “jade” our perception of the story. And, our perception is our reality. It is truth to us. Thankfully, in literature analysis, there isn’t always a right or wrong answer. Inference is based more on how you feel. If you “feel” it then it must be right…right? Even though the great William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage and we are all merely players in it…” we don’t truly live in a Shakespearean piece!

Therefore, we can’t go by our feelings or our perceptions. Often times, they will lead us astray and away from the truth. So, before I jump to conclusion on a matter, I must understand that there are 3 sides to this story: your side, my side, and the truth. Pushing feelings, emotions, and perceptions to the side…let’s search for the truth because it sets us free.

20. I have learned a good deal about perceptions. There is always 3 sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. I am thankful that I have grown in this understanding.
21. I do a better job at responding well to situations of information than reacting emotionally to it.
22. I try really hard not to make assumptions based on only one-side of information.
23. Gary rubbed my neck. I had such a bad neck ache, but his massage helped alleviate the pain.
24. I don’t take medicine. I would rather have some pain now than suffer future side effects of pain relievers. (Personal preference)
25. I have a family.
26. I have a home.
27. I have never had to wonder where I would lay my head down at night to sleep.

Tuesday, February 25

My 27 Thanks:
1. Gary made me toast for breakfast.
2. When leaving for work, Gary always tells me how beautiful I look.
3. Staff chapel was fun.
4. Personality test.
5. I know who I am…ha ha ha. I am a theorist, a dreamer.
6. We have a well-balanced team.
7. Every part is an important part.
8. Janelle has done an amazing job helping me with the Watoto event. She is a blessing.
9. Gary and I got to have lunch together!
10. He also helped my uncle clear out more of my grandma’s house.
11. I found someone to give a full size bed to!
12. Opportunities to be a blessing.
13. My new neighbors blessed us with their nice moving boxes. They will be a huge help this weekend when we move out of my grandma’s house.
14. Gary bought groceries today. His work schedule is often a blessing.
15. We are going to be reading the book of Acts together as a staff team.
16. God gave us a perfect model for church growth and move of Holy Spirit through the book of Acts.
17. Gary and I cooked dinner together.
18. Judah sat on my lap and we watched Jake and the Neverland Pirates.
19. Gary and I finally hung the last of our pictures. I can’t believe we have had some sitting in closets since our move in last July.
20. Judah fell asleep early (for him) and quickly! He had such a fun day.
21. Vacation plans are in the works.
22. I look forward to going home to my family every night. I still get so excited and even have butterflies in my tummy when I get to see Judah and Gary after a long day apart. I love them.
23. My family loves to be together. Together is the most wonderful place to be!
24. My friend, Laura, found a house that she loves and is making an offer. I love to hear about the exciting times in her life.
25. My friends, The Mondragon family, are overwhelmed with blessings from God. He is working everything out on their behalf. They are getting a NEW home.
26. What the devil means for bad, God turns around for GOOD.
27. Second Chances.

Monday, February 24

My 27 Thanks:

1. Judah still clings to my leg when I drop him off at school. I am going to cherish the moments that he would rather be with me than anywhere else.
2. My work allows me to drop off Judah at school even though it makes me a little late to work.
3. We launched our Announcement for the Jr. Academy coming this Fall.
4. People are really excited about it.
5. Christian Education.
6. Crossroads Church has amazing space for a school.
7. Progress.
8. Abby brought me lunch so I could keep working.
9. My mother in law picked Judah up from school for me.
10. I watched Judah play t-ball for a few minutes. He was so cute swinging the bat.
11. Judah’s hand/eye coordination is amazing.
12. He has so much energy for life.
13. Gary was presented with his Sergeant shield from Chief Woodard.
14. Chief Woodard has been such a blessing in our lives. We are so thankful for his encouragement and support.
15. I met all the guys at Gary’s new station. They seemed like a great group of guys…I wonder if they will be as wonderful as the guys at station 8Red.
16. Gary forgot to tell the guys about his peanut allergy! Thankfully, I thought to tell them. They were glad I did because they use a lot if peanut stuff for cooking and snacks! Men….
17. Gary is learning so many new things with the department. He loves to learn.
18. My in-laws came with me to the shield presentation. They have a reason to be so proud of all their kids…Great kids, Great parents.
19. Gary sent me a really sweet text thanking me for coming and supporting him.
20. Holly came over and decorated my house for spring and summer.
21. Opportunities to catch up with friends.
22. God has blessed Gary and I with a most wonderful home.
23. Bedtime prayers and stories.
24.  Inwardly, I am so beautiful and majestic that the Holy Spirit wants to take up residence inside of me!
25. God has made my heart His home.
26. My friend Lindsey Crow Snider is another year older today. Now that she lives in OKC, I hope we can hang out more. I really like that girl! She is a mighty woman of God. I am thankful for her.
27. I am overwhelmed with peace tonight as I lay down.

Sunday, February 23

My 27 Thanks:

Saturday, February 22

My 27 Thanks:

1. My parents are here for another weekend visit.

2. We all worked together to clean out my grandma’s house.

3. Compared to others, Gary and I live a pretty simple, clutter free life. I am so thankful that I don’t have a ton of stuff.

4. I was able to bless someone with my grandma’s clothes.

5. The person LOVED them. They were the perfect fit and style for her.

6. Judah was such a big help. He spent most of the beautiful day inside a home while I worked.

7. My mom and I worked together. It was nice to roll up my sleeves and work beside her. We kept saying…”just look at one thing at a time.”

8. We got the kitchen and one bedroom packed up!

9. Salvation Army.

10. The Salvation Army does personal pick-up.

11. Many family members stopped by and picked up special items from my grandma’s house. It is sweet to see what people choose as their “memento” to remember my grandma.

12. My dad bought us all lunch.

13. I have enjoyed this time with my parents.

14. Sweet memories.

15. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

16. Sunshine.

17. Gary and I are far from perfect, but we did make good decision in our past that have led us to a very enjoyable present.

18. Fear doesn’t have to be bigger than my Faith!

19. “What ifs” are NOT reality.

20. With Jesus, we can face any situation with promises and purpose!

21. The promises of God are yes and amen!

22. His Word doesn’t return void.

23. I am a Friend of God.

24. He makes all things new.

25. New, fresh opportunities.

26. Gary is learning more and more about his job.

27. I am laying down in a warm, comfortable bed tonight!

Thursday, February 20

My 27 Thanks:

1. Judah spent an hour hanging out with me in my office.

2. Judah loves to laugh.

3. Judah and Abby have so much fun together. Abby loves to use her teaching tools on Judah and I love to watch and learn.

4. Abby has brought great skill to our kidmin team.

5. Judah is really enjoying playing with his new buddies Aaron and Olivia.

6. I am a life-long learner.

7. Things work together for good.

8. Love.

9. Joy.

10. Peace.

11. Patience.

12. Kindness.

13. Gentleness.

14. Faithfulness.

15. Self-Control.

16. Goodness.

17. We have opportunities everyday to use the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit is just as important, if not more important than the gifts.

18. My in-laws were more than happy to keep Judah for me while I made a presentation at the board meeting.

19. Judah LOVES going to his mom mom and papa’s house.

20. My in-laws live less than a mile from me.

21. I was invited to share vision on a project at the board meeting.

22. They were excited about it.

23. Pastor told me “good job.” It is nice to be appreciated for hard work.

24. Gary is really enjoying his new assignment at work. He is working so hard to catch on.

25. Gary has never shied away from hard work.

26. My weekend starts tomorrow!

27. Weekends…rest is truly from God. He rested too.