Giving Thanks in this Season and Stage of Life, Meeting Him Where I am at and not just where I want to be

November,December and January are always hard months emotionally for me, maybe because of shorter, dark days and unmet expectations but not complete sure if those are the only reasons. Whatever the reason He gets me through them every year. I am so thankful that God has taught me to do less during these months and be gentle with myself.

I am blown away by all that He is teaching me. I don't even know where to begin. I definitely still miss Laos and long to go back someday but in his time (Ecclesiastes 3:11) I am trying to live in the now, something I have never done very well. One way is by being thankful for what I have now!

Sometimes it is as simple as taking responsibility. For example I have learned to ask God in my prayers not to help me with my studies or other things but may I be diligent in my studies. May He bless me with understanding and comprehension of what I need to know. May instead of help has made all the difference. I am asking not demanding and expecting not complaining.

Here is a poem I wrote in my journal the other day part of a prayer but I felt like a part that needed to be shared....Hope you enjoy!

Thank you for the wind that blows me away from the storm
The breath that keeps me warm
Friends who care
Time to share
Clothes to wear
And provisions evermore
Values that succeed
Any good deed
Technology though it gives me strife
The ability to see beyond
Connect with those in need
Friends that bleed
But curse it
If I ever find
I worship it more
Than my heavenly King divine
Thanks for sacrificing your son for me
Death on the cross
To make me clean
Many are the gifts that one receives
But perhaps the biggest thanks
Is for the blessings
Unseen
Intangible gifts
Like friends and family
Trees planted in hearts
Food for the soul
The pie and its tarts
Rest in a bed
Blanketed in a coat of health
Nestled by a stove
Now that is truly wealth
Forget the money
Made from things
Remember what God gave us
And dream, dream, dream.......

My Birthday Wish

Birthday's come and go but life doesn't it continues on. Birthday's mark the beginning of someones existence and how our world wouldn't be the same without them. Our Father has allowed me and you to live through various things and probably even some things we don't realize. The world is all about connecting but the way that people choose to connect sometimes bothers me.

In class we were talking about quantity versus the quality of time. We live in a quantitative world (at least those of us in the US). I have one hour to give you, thirty minutes we don't know how to be anywhere but we know how to be everywhere.

I am so thankful for friends who understand quality time and want to be with me. I am thankful for friends all over the world. People don't realize that sometimes their presence is the greatest present they can give, to be present and live in the moment. I know it is easier said than done.

Tonight I get to talk to some Lao friends and see their faces. I planned this several weeks ago and they agreed. Who could have a better present but friends who take time for them. I ask you to think about the story you are telling people instead of the one you are writing((resumes, things that make us look good(sometimes enjoyable sometimes not) ) what cause do these further self fame? worth or Christ?

I challenge you instead of just writing another Happy Birthday on my facebook wall, sending me a text or email to write what a difference I have made in your life. What if we all did this for one another? In celebration of another life that God continues to allow to go on .Don't make it harder than it is. Doesn't have to be super personal or profound. It maybe as simple as "riding with me to _____, meeting to compare and talk about class answers, taking time to have lunch, asking me about____, Again they don't have to be super personal you never know who reads this and if you prefer to send a message, email it or text it to me that is okay. Are you up for my challenge? Not just me but for your close friends or even those you want to get to know. I am challenging myself to do the same for my new year's resolution to show that there is always more than meets the eye you never know what your words will mean. If nothing else just put a hug symbol. Yes hugs and time are my love languages.

p.s.- some of you have already done this and that is what gave me the idea. If you are not up for the challenge I am not offended. A lot of your lives show your love just thought I'd try to be the difference I want to show.