tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-927072668338912332024-02-19T09:27:18.059-07:00-theGoodlife-daily life processed externallydawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-65183202650784501722011-12-24T06:52:00.001-07:002011-12-24T06:52:00.725-07:00Mary's Story revisited, Part Three.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Just as I want to reach out to family and friends at this joyful season with the Christmas cards I still haven't managed to send, I also want to reach out to my (oft-neglected) blog-readers. As Christmas speeds closer, I thought you might like to reflect for a minute or two on Mary. Two years ago, I was asked to give a sermon in the first person as Mary, costume and all! What follows is the text from that talk (reposted from 2009, I know, totally blog-cheating)--written as if Mary was speaking. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416224503686119218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mUnciZ71Ae3f-wYFrcAyHHZcBdgKjo7AbcDiBoJ4DJqG2uXZUEhTee2eJiuA2AaYDs2jqrDxkUtp9Cl_oQXORd9AfEssaaV8-8gvcRhQoin6WhHOBDVJVTZrOO3wQ0bxEuqhLLywIL6G/s400/Mary-baby-Jesus.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 235px;" /></span></span></span></span><br />
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</i></span></span></div>continued...to read from the beginning, start <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/12/marys-story-revisited-part-one.html">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">When I returned to Nazareth I knew it was time to tell my parents and Joseph (aah, good, kind Joseph...) what God had done in me. The signs of pregnancy were beginning to show. Oh Lord, how would they ever believe me?<span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">My parents did their best to be supportive, but I am not sure if they believed me.<span> </span>If this baby was not God’s own (and who ever heard of that?) then their daughter (who was betrothed!) had committed a wicked sin and dishonored the entire family.<span> </span>Yet, they wondered how I could ever make up such a story.<span> </span>They summoned Joseph and when I told him—he was disgusted and heartbroken.<span> </span>He didn’t say so…but I could see it on his face.<span> </span>He left without a word.<span> </span>That night I cried myself into a fitful sleep.<span> </span>I knew Joseph would likely divorce me…oh what would I do?<span> </span>I waited for word from him.<span> </span>I tried to be strong and take heart.<span> </span>God was in this.<span> </span>He gave me the strength to cooperate with his plans.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I was so relieved when a few days later Joseph returned to say that He believed me.<span> </span>He had thought to divorce me quietly without accusation (such a dear man), but God revealed to him that I was telling the truth.<span> </span>He took me as his wife and promised to care for this holy child as his own.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I remember the day that Joseph and I went to my parents and told them we needed to go to Bethlehem, the city of our ancestor David, for the census.<span> </span>My mother strongly objected.<span> </span>She said my time was near.<span> </span>She was right.<span> </span>I knew it too.<span> </span>But, it was law.<span> </span>God would sustain me.<span> </span>He hadn’t forgotten the baby inside of me.<span> </span>And <i>now</i> I see that God was fulfilling the words of the prophet Micah that said the messiah would come out of Bethlehem…. God was working through the Emperor of Rome to fulfill his prophecy.<span> </span>There’s something to ponder, huh?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Joseph didn’t have much in the way of travel comforts—but he put me and a few belongings, and food for the journey on a donkey and we set off after a tearful goodbye with my family.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">It was a journey that took over a week.<span> </span><i>It felt like a year</i>.<span> </span>I was SO uncomfortable, and had to stop often to stretch my cramping muscles and rest my aching back.<span> </span>Any of you who have been heavy with child can relate to how I was feeling. <span></span>Joseph was kind to me…but also was hurrying us along.<span> </span>He wanted to get there—I think it’s something about the way God created man—always wanting to get there.<span> </span>So, I did my best not to slow us down too much.<span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">It seemed like the longest journey ever.<span> </span>Not just physically, but emotionally.<span> </span>I battled thoughts of inadequacy, and worries about what would happen when we arrived.<span> </span>How was this all going to work out?<span> </span>I felt like these were crazy circumstances. <span></span>I asked God once again to help me be strong and take heart and wait on him.<span> </span>The pains were coming on and off…and I began to pray we would at least make it to town to find the services of a midwife and a place to have this child.<span> </span>Would Joseph be delivering this baby on the side of the road to Bethlehem?<span> </span>“Oh God, rescue me!” I prayed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">We did make it in time…but we weren’t in town long when my water broke and the pains came quicker.<span> </span>The place was swarming with people, every last corner of folks homes were taken with relatives and travelers, and we had to bed down in a stable-- the place where animals were kept at night.<span> </span>At that point I didn’t care…I just wanted to have a place off the street to have this baby.<span> </span>A midwife was found and some distant female relatives attended me.<span> </span>I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy—ah, you should have seen him—right there in the stable.<span> </span>Without my mother at my side.<span> </span>Without the comfort of home and the celebration of my family.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">It wasn’t how I thought my first child’s birth would be.<span> </span>Certainly not.<span> </span>I had dreamed, as most girls did, of marrying a kind man and having lots of children.<span> </span>I<span> </span><i>never</i> dreamed of this.<span> </span>I have to confess that I wondered if God had forgotten--in all of his Messiah-plans--to secure us a proper place for His arrival.<span> </span>Nothing is impossible with God.<span> </span>The messenger told me that.<span> </span>Why didn’t He remember to take care of securing someone’s guest room for us?<span> </span>A stable?<span> </span>Really?<span> </span>Is that where a king should be born??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">But God granted me peace and my heart was filled with joy.<span> </span>He was here.<span> </span>My baby.<span> </span>The Messiah.<span> </span>God with us.<span> </span>And somehow that was more than enough.<span> </span>And He was born in a stable.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I have since come to know that there was a purpose in the stable.<span> </span>God wanted the world to see that this was a very different Messiah than the political king they expected.<span> </span>A messiah who would hang out with the lowly of society.<span> </span>(In fact, some of Jesus’s first visitors where a stinky, dirty group of shepherds—who weren’t intimidated to come visit us in the stable.<span> </span>Their story encouraged us so.) No this Messiah was not going to fit their expectations, but instead cause them to rethink most things they thought they knew.<span> </span>The stable was part of God’s plan from the beginning—regardless of whether I understood at the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I wonder if any of you are in your own stable of sorts</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Circumstances that are unexpected, don’t make sense and make you wonder if God Almighty has forgotten about you?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Maybe He seems silent.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Your stable might be a season of heartache, or of discontent or of pain.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">How will </span><i style="color: #333333;"><u>you</u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> wait on the Lord?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Will you trust that He is Good?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">That there is purpose in the stable?<span></span>That there is something bigger going on?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Will you ask God what it looks like in your life to be strong and take heart and wait on him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Remember, God came to earth.<span> </span>As a baby.<span> </span>My baby.<span> </span>For all of us.<span> </span>He is with us.<span> </span>God with us.<span> </span>Immanuel.<span> </span>Praise be to God!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>I hope this reflection on Mary encouraged you. Special thanks to <a href="http://www.itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">Missy at It's Almost Naptime</a> for her influence on this part of my talk.</i></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-78782478910978165402011-12-23T06:44:00.002-07:002011-12-23T06:44:00.358-07:00Mary's Story revisited, Part Two.<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Just as I want to reach out to family and friends at this joyful season with the Christmas cards I still haven't managed to send, I also want to reach out to my (oft-neglected) blog-readers. As Christmas speeds closer, I thought you might like to reflect for a minute or two on Mary. Two years ago, I was asked to give a sermon in the first person as Mary, costume and all! What follows is the text from that talk (reposted from 2009, I know, totally blog-cheating)--written as if Mary was speaking. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas!</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416224503686119218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mUnciZ71Ae3f-wYFrcAyHHZcBdgKjo7AbcDiBoJ4DJqG2uXZUEhTee2eJiuA2AaYDs2jqrDxkUtp9Cl_oQXORd9AfEssaaV8-8gvcRhQoin6WhHOBDVJVTZrOO3wQ0bxEuqhLLywIL6G/s400/Mary-baby-Jesus.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 235px;" /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"></div><br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>(continued--the story starts <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/12/marys-story-revisited-part-one.html">here</a>)</i></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I knew what all this meant in my life. When my pregnancy was discovered it would appear as adultery. I would be labeled a <i>sotah</i> and as was our way, be asked to drink the bitter waters to determine if I was guilty or not. I had seen it happen to others—their clothes ripped to expose their skin, publicy scorned and made to be an example to others. If when she drank the bitter waters made her sick, she would be found guilty—and she would be condemned to death by stoning. Even if I was spared death, at the very least, Joseph would be legally bound to divorce me. My child would be an outsider and scorned by the villagers He would not be permitted in public assemblies. My reputation would never recover—I knew well the wagging tongues of the women in my village--and I would never marry. My child and I would be alone in the world. I would be breaking my parents hearts if they didn’t believe me…and I would be destroying Joseph’s reputation as well. If I was to defend myself and share that the child was God’s and not a man’s…I would be labeled blasphemous—perhaps the worst accusation of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I remember the weight of the realization that this would be costly. But when Almighty God asks you to do something…you say yes. I knew God’s faithfulness to our people in years gone by…and knew He was good. He had a plan and had somehow chosen me to play a big part in it. And I believed that He would be faithful to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">And </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">then came the waiting</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">There would be months til the child came.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Days until I could know for sure this was really happening in my body.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Weeks until I knew how Joseph and my family would respond.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">We were no strangers to waiting—my people. We were God’s chosen people, awaiting a messiah, yet we lived under Roman rule. We were taught early on to fear the soldiers…my mom told me that whenever I heard the yells or hoofprints of Roman soldiers, I was to run and hide…cause it wasn’t unheard of for them to take a young women as their own. They did whatever they wanted and we were the ones to pay. We were oppressed and we were waiting for the messiah. Some had given up hope…it had been 400 years since God had made contact with His people and we waited to hear from Him again.I often dreamed of being one of those freed from Egypt—able to see God in the pillar of smoke and fire. At least they could see Him, and knew He was leading them and doing something. My people were waiting in silence—and nothing around us pointed to the long-awaited messiah. So we waited.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">You see, waiting sounds passive.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Yet it isn’t.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Have you had to wait for something? </span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Are you waiting now?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Then you know…It’s active.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">It takes energy and perserverance.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I was on a journey that I needed to be actively engaged in.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I have even heard it said that waiting on God is the very work of the people of God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">So the question came to my heart—</span><b><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">how will I wait</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">?</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I remember my father quoting the scriptures.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">“Wait on the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait on the Lord.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">So that’s how I wait…be strong and take heart. I asked God to give me strength for the journey ahead, and Hope that He was in control. I asked Him over and over again in coming months…and He was faithful.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">My hope was in Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">After the initial shock wore off—I knew I needed to see my cousin Elizabeth. She is the only person who would understand what it was to be pregnant with a miracle baby. It was a five day journey. I hoped she would receive me and I would find her well. It was hard to wait to reach her and see that she truly was with child as the messenger said she was.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">When I arrived… I saw her. My old, tender-hearted cousin, obviously with child! What the messenger said was true! I happily called to her and before I even had a chance to tell her what had happened… she grasped her belly and gasped. I was afraid, “ohno! Elizabeth are you OK?” And she said with a huge smile on her weathered face, “When you greeted me, the baby in my womb leaped with joy!” She went on to proclaim that I was blessed among women and so was the baby I bore. She asked why she should be so favored that the mother of her <i>Lord</i> would come to her. She said I was blessed because I <i>believed</i> that what the Lord said to me would be accomplished. Oh Lord, thank you for this sign that nothing is impossible! My heart rejoiced and I sang out in praise to God. Elizabeth was such an encouragement to me, I decided to stay with her for the remainder of her pregnancy—about three months--to help until her baby was born. Then, I’d return to Nazareth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">It wasn’t long before it was obvious to me I was pregnant. I was so very tired, and my stomach was unsettled all the time. It was true. God had given me a baby.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">to be continued tomorrow...</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-28625340533696917672011-12-22T09:39:00.001-07:002011-12-22T09:44:28.416-07:00Mary's story revisited, Part One.<i>Just as I want to reach out to family and friends at this joyful season with the Christmas cards I still haven't managed to send, I also want to reach out to my (oft-neglected) blog-readers. As Christmas speeds closer, I thought you might like to reflect for a minute or two on Mary. Two years ago, I was asked to give a sermon in the first person as Mary, costume and all! What follows is the text from that talk (reposted from 2009, I know, totally blog-cheating)--written as if Mary was speaking. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas!</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416224503686119218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mUnciZ71Ae3f-wYFrcAyHHZcBdgKjo7AbcDiBoJ4DJqG2uXZUEhTee2eJiuA2AaYDs2jqrDxkUtp9Cl_oQXORd9AfEssaaV8-8gvcRhQoin6WhHOBDVJVTZrOO3wQ0bxEuqhLLywIL6G/s400/Mary-baby-Jesus.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 235px;" /></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I am so humbled and thankful for this opportunity to share the story of the birth of my first -born son, Jesus, with you. It is my favorite story of all. Of course, all mothers love to tell of their experiences of bringing their children into the world…I’m no exception. But this birth story is so un-ordinary. And it doesn’t belong just to me—but to all of us. I’ve treasured these things and pondered them in my heart and am so happy to be sharing them with you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Even after all of these years I still can’t believe this happened to <i>me</i>. I was just a poor, jewish girl from an obscure village of 400 called Nazareth. I’ll never understand why God chose me to be the one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Let me start at the beginning. I hadn’t been of marrying age very long…but was already pledged to be married to Joseph, a local carpenter. This was the first stage of marriage, and meant that although I still lived with my folks, I was legally Joseph’s wife. My parents had arranged the marriage, as was our custom. I was relatively pleased with their choice. I didn’t know him well, but I knew he was from our tribe, and from the royal line of David, and that he observed the Torah and loved God. He had a trade that would provide us a sufficient living. What more could I ask for? I knew I would easily grow to love him…just like my mother learned to love my father…and was anticipating the day when he would take me to his home and I would live as his wife.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">One day during that time of betrothal--the day that forever changed my life--as I took a break from my daily chores to rest, I felt a disturbance in the air. It’s hard to describe—but the hair on my arms stood up on end and my skin tingled. I looked up and before me was a figure unlike any person I had ever seen before. He was glowing so bright I could not make out his face. He said, “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">To say I was startled and afraid was an understatement…my heart was racing, my breath was caught in my throat. Could he mean me? Favored? Then he told me not to be afraid and called me by name, Mary. When he said my name, a peace came over me—for which I’m very thankful. I’m not sure I would have been able to hear what he said next because of the pounding of my heart in my ears! But God calmed me. The messenger went on to tell me that I would be with child, and give birth to a son, and give him the name Jesus. (I remember hoping he meant <i>eventually</i>…but somehow knew he meant soon.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">He then went on to tell me the most overwhelming news of all—that this son will be great and will be called Son of the Most High! He will have David’s throne! And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever…His kingdom would have no end!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">My mind swirled with the implications of what he was saying. I knew promises of the scriptures well enough to know he was saying that I would be giving birth to the long-awaited Messiah!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I asked him how this could be that I would be with child when I hadn’t been with any man? And then he told me I would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit! I had never heard of <i>that</i> before…and didn’t understand…but he spoke with such authority that I knew that what he was telling me must be true. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">As if this wasn’t enough for me to take in…He went on to tell me that my cousin Elizabeth was pregnant as well! Let me tell you, this was </span>just<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> as impossible as me being pregnant—as she was well past child-bearing age and had never even been able to have a child. Elizabeth had long ago given up hope on ever having a child. He said </span>nothing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> is impossible with God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">In my opinion, the most surprising thing of all was yet to come. The most surprising thing was that I consented! I said, “I am the lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” God gave me the strength to muster some courage and agree to this plan. As soon as I did, the messenger left me.</span></div><br />
<br />
to be continued tomorrow...<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-85549620234680735722011-12-06T21:32:00.000-07:002011-12-06T21:32:45.994-07:00unwrapping on a bad day?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeLpPcQFsQ0e95_q4Q5eFoIkA2otoC9gAv0P6kFCPJkdf1nI0scRAHrM0PxO0JEUOfqR9bPc2gRXT2XaB_znuisJvr-n4o2NoRovBqho0R9gsorPsrvTeiiyvtrIsFEs-Mt5P9Rd7Zb3z/s1600/IMG_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeLpPcQFsQ0e95_q4Q5eFoIkA2otoC9gAv0P6kFCPJkdf1nI0scRAHrM0PxO0JEUOfqR9bPc2gRXT2XaB_znuisJvr-n4o2NoRovBqho0R9gsorPsrvTeiiyvtrIsFEs-Mt5P9Rd7Zb3z/s640/IMG_0430.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
Today I had <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">one of those mornings.</span></i></b> I woke up sad. I was discouraged. The sadness seemed to flavor everything...even the Christmas music sounded a little sad to me. (Of course I've always thought "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is fairly depressing--I could totally do without it. Close second--"I'll be Home for Christmas". Can I get any amens out there?) I had a headache. And too much to do. And my daughter disobeyed and needed a consequence first thing this morning. She's 15, so we aren't talking a time out--we are talking losing a privilege. I hate it when that happens. I wanted to go back to bed and wake up tomorrow.<br />
<br />
So, on a Tuesday, where <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2011/12/06/tuesdays-unwrapped-9/">unwrapping gifts with emily at chatting at the sky</a> would be the focus of my post, <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I wasn't sure if I should write</span></b></i>. I mean...I don't want to depress everyone. And finding a gift on one of those days is hard, ya know? However, is there a better day to unwrap the gifts of every day then one where you have to look hard? I think probably not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFHtGRCmN6hrZUB_hcZflDeOVw7aX-UwFqUqWsoDKRzmLXajyxjfA_IoTtvQ8Gcx8aZN7P3XmK1CsYjJNs19eFEm__LlPRuMN4TlDJRpR4RvtIY71Q07fZPIfZtjQvz9tQD7jG4whQ_1g/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFHtGRCmN6hrZUB_hcZflDeOVw7aX-UwFqUqWsoDKRzmLXajyxjfA_IoTtvQ8Gcx8aZN7P3XmK1CsYjJNs19eFEm__LlPRuMN4TlDJRpR4RvtIY71Q07fZPIfZtjQvz9tQD7jG4whQ_1g/s640/IMG_0429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So tonight, I'm unwrapping a few gifts I've noticed today:<br />
<br />
* Cleaning my too-neglected bathroom was cathartic. Something about getting rid of dust that has been staring at me from the never-used large bathtub and some grime from other places (use your imagination) gave me a sense of satisfaction. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I can unwrap cleaning a bathroom today</span></i></b>.<br />
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* Pickle accepted her consequence without much grief. She knew she had broken a rule and then lied about it. She took the consequence with a maturity I hadn't expected. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> I can unwrap unexpected grace in the form of a calmer-than-expected teenager.</span></b></i><br />
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* Although I didn't want to, skipping my <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-16-healing.html">Healing Journey class</a> to be present on a hectic night at home was a good decision. I ran into one of the leaders today who gave me tonight's video, so I will be caught up in no time. That was a gift. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> I can unwrap a hard-but-good decision</span></i></b> that resulted in a little space to breathe, and <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I can unwrap the timely gift of a bible study video</span></b></i>.<br />
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* As I sit here tonight, Bubba is finishing up a project for school. It is almost conquered. I can unwrap that...it is always good to <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">finish a project.</span></i></b> Pickle and hubby are downstairs in the basement, pulling the guestroom together for my in-laws to stay in later this week. What I hear from down there is Christmas songs--not from the ipod, but instead their acapella voices are belting them out. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I can certainly unwrap the gift of help with housework and joyous singing from those I love</span></i></b>.<br />
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* And my mood? Significantly improved--even though circumstances remain unchanged for now. God has showed me that <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">He's got my heart in His hands</span></b></i>. And He is faithful. And that is no small gift to unwrap.<br />
<br />
Tonight, I'm unwrapping the little gifts in the midst of a poopy Tuesday. Some Tuesdays are like that...it's OK.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-67457886494837281002011-12-01T21:35:00.000-07:002011-12-01T21:35:26.239-07:00hello december<div style="text-align: center;">hello december.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IyVkVw22QwPRm0dGaCQrYGitVu4A9Xjnyyz4NFipFU79xCgSA6yeIYrZR2o4VGe8AVsSWZ1MDYcSiPG4CfRY0OmDy21Z2_iwMaD0n_4z0dblT5pxMDusQmoqKTk6ui_U01pNACdbzuNh/s1600/christmas+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IyVkVw22QwPRm0dGaCQrYGitVu4A9Xjnyyz4NFipFU79xCgSA6yeIYrZR2o4VGe8AVsSWZ1MDYcSiPG4CfRY0OmDy21Z2_iwMaD0n_4z0dblT5pxMDusQmoqKTk6ui_U01pNACdbzuNh/s640/christmas+collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello snow (we have some today to kick off the month).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello month of busy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello month of fun festivity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello lights twinkling and fireplace burning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello basketball games.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello christmas music playing. everywhere, all the time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello advent candles and readings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-21-christmas.html">kids' christmas project</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello shopping and wrapping.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaI3LWkkb8NNIuUIzABXIGZJFMiW2je6U8azW1Ejgk0U6h1wR61izGhyphenhyphenzPVih8S9I2k0i_4GjaUwqKYnwJX7DHkdGKICFNBLDFVyfUg9xUuKvmSCw0kJdq6jW1QcgvtFi7jtRf-LB1X0O/s1600/christmas+collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaI3LWkkb8NNIuUIzABXIGZJFMiW2je6U8azW1Ejgk0U6h1wR61izGhyphenhyphenzPVih8S9I2k0i_4GjaUwqKYnwJX7DHkdGKICFNBLDFVyfUg9xUuKvmSCw0kJdq6jW1QcgvtFi7jtRf-LB1X0O/s640/christmas+collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello school band and choir concerts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello visits with family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello parties and teacher gifts.<br />
<br />
hello pup's christmas collar.<br />
<br />
hello too many sweets. yum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hello anticipation you can feel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">happy december, everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(inspired by <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/">lisa leonard</a>'s hello monday posts--love them)</span></i></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-41485469947892450522011-11-30T19:36:00.000-07:002011-11-30T19:36:03.937-07:00thirty thankful days- day 30-we made it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<br />
Well, we have made it to the last day in November and the last day of our thankful link-ups! I'm thankful for all of you that have joined in whether it was once or everyday! <br />
<br />
What have I gained by doing this exercise in thanks? <br />
<br />
I hoped it would <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">get me back in the habit of looking for reasons to be thankful</span></i></b>...and it definitely did that. Most days I had to work hard to choose what to write about from all there is to be thankful for...and some days I had to work a bit to come up with something. I think our hearts fluctuate like that from day to day, but there is always something to give thanks for, and worth it to look for it.<br />
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I hoped it would <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">help me get back into regular blogging</span></b></i>. I love writing and expressing myself, but for whatever reason it's been harder lately. I can't figure out if I couldn't put two thoughts together meaningfully, or if there were just too many thoughts spinning through my head in this season to select one to write about. Regardless, I knew thankful posts would be easy to write and could get me back in the swing of it all. I think it worked...but time will tell! <br />
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I hoped to <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">inspire others to be thankful</span></i></b>. To notice what to be thankful for. To share their thankfulness with us and we in turn would be inspired. Did that happen? I know I enjoyed reading all of your posts VERY much. You reminded me of gifts in my life as well. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Perhaps gratitude is contagious</span></i></b>???<br />
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So, today, I'm thankful for our thirty day adventure in thanks. I'm thankful for those who've joined me and I'm thankful for the ways you have challenged and reminded me. I truly hope this little challenge was a blessing to you as well.<br />
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Keep on being thankful! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=d0a8dbfa-2590-424e-96ea-acfb3d3f0509" ></script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-71154750879415321602011-11-29T10:44:00.002-07:002011-11-29T10:44:53.786-07:00thirty thankful days-day 29-this season (and I don't mean Christmas this time)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s200/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
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Today I thank God for<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> this season</span></i></b> I'm in. It's a season of unsure steps, of new ways of relating, new ways of doing. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">It has me a bit off-balance, cause the self-reliance I have chosen in the not-so-far past has fallen short.</span></b></i> <i>Thankfully</i>. God has so much more for me than self-reliance.<br />
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It is a season of embracing...embracing the person God has made me to be (as opposed to who I thought I wanted to be); embracing my age and stage of life (I still am shocked I'm middle-aged and have a young woman for my daughter!); embracing that I'm so far from perfect in relationships (but that I'm learning, still); embracing what is ahead (unknown, and ready or not!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjar1CsSO3kTlqquwc3H78ZfBjlN78AEPhtbNm4l-s_SVfYiAP96oapuRFkaP563eqUvzP2pGgU_wJGi8SdcNbXDdu2IcnaWGoEptAfCqPgs7BjHHXBvLgqtIngZiKhxdiQ24mC_a3A1S2i/s1600/DSC06452_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjar1CsSO3kTlqquwc3H78ZfBjlN78AEPhtbNm4l-s_SVfYiAP96oapuRFkaP563eqUvzP2pGgU_wJGi8SdcNbXDdu2IcnaWGoEptAfCqPgs7BjHHXBvLgqtIngZiKhxdiQ24mC_a3A1S2i/s640/DSC06452_2.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><br />
This season of newness, change, introspection, wondering, and trying new ways...it's <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/05/so-i-live-good-life.html">Good</a>. I guess I thought (deep down) that I would be well on my way to "arrived" by now. So I find myself surprised. I didn't expect for God to bring new things, to call me to deep healing, to make me rethink. I could get overwhelmed and immobilized (I do that). But God has called me to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/05/so-i-live-good-life.html">keep stepping forward</a></span>--and realize that <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">the steps only seem unsure when I forget that I can trust</span></b></i>. This season is one best navigated with complete dependence on God and is so out of my control. I don't always like it--but I'm safe. And I'm thankful.<br />
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I invite you to link up today here with your thankful post as part of thirty thankful days here at theGoodlife, as well as celebrate the everyday gifts with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2011/11/29/tuesdays-unwrapped/">emily at chatting at the sky</a></span>...I am.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-44191773013838449232011-11-28T22:40:00.000-07:002011-11-28T22:40:11.510-07:00thirty thankful days-day 28-the doc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
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You may remember that my<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> hubby has been dealing with back issues</span></i></b> the last few years. It has been debilitating and depressing and has dominated our hearts and prayers. Well, one of the biggest things I'm thankful for in 2011 is that God has brought help to Dave. <br />
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God had been leading us to consider more natural approaches to healing (like nutrition, etc) since doctors and medicine and countless procedures left Dave still on the couch in pain. So as we tentatively set out on that path...<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">God brought Dr. Smith into our lives</span></b></i>. We had heard about this holistic chiropractor for years from friends, even before we had our own problems. Once Dave started suffering, several had recommended he see this doc...but for whatever reason, we never sought his help. (I now think that in God's timing, Dave needed to be desperate enough to try anything before he would totally buy into this guy's philosophy of healing.) At a prayer night at church, Dave was working the sound board when a friend approached him and said, "I don't know why, but I feel like I'm supposed to tell you to try my doctor, Dr. Smith." That was it. We hear you, God! Dave decided to give him a try. Insurance didn't cover any of it. We didn't care...we were desperate for Dave to rejoin life as we knew it.<br />
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Well, "Smitty" as we affectionately call him (not to his face), had been a Godsend. His approach to holistic healing that has Dave addressing the structural, chemical and emotional/spiritual aspects of his health simultaneously has made a huge difference. We have learned there is so much more to Dave's condition than just back pain, and we are thankful to have someone addressing the whole thing. Dave still has a ways to go until he is fully healthy again, but he has made giant strides forward. One day, not long after Dave started to improve, Pickle looked at me and said, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Dad is back"</span></i></b>. And we realized not only that he was back, but how much had had indeed been missing. We are so thankful.<br />
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Since then, I have started seeing Smitty for the problems I've been having with my neck. His x-rays showed double scoliosis in my back, among other things, and his treatment has been slowly unwinding the torques in my spine. As my back improves, the neck should as well. It already is doing better--but has a ways to go yet. This type of treatment is slow, but at least<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> I feel like I'm heading in the right direction.</span></i></b> I saw him today, and he was pleased with the progress in my back. He identified scar tissue in my neck that is part of what needs to be address as the healing moves to my neck...and he spent more time then usual on my neck today. It felt good.<br />
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So today I am thankful for dear Smitty--the doc--and the gifts God has given him to point people to healing. And I so very, VERY, grateful, for the healing God is bringing to Dave.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button. </div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-34731307650439450202011-11-27T21:11:00.001-07:002011-11-28T07:52:19.331-07:00thirty thankful days-day 27-puppy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5Msjy5dvdgocx0FQ5H33i2ueH8rQxVvje2kT00Q8P7WawvsNHp4CrZKLShsF4ycEv-F49RINkgwQycPBm-YDlIby9zVpQ9gBc9A3_JtKOZ3yE2n3qd6WTa7XFKc4gts8A74j2b_RjWgC/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5Msjy5dvdgocx0FQ5H33i2ueH8rQxVvje2kT00Q8P7WawvsNHp4CrZKLShsF4ycEv-F49RINkgwQycPBm-YDlIby9zVpQ9gBc9A3_JtKOZ3yE2n3qd6WTa7XFKc4gts8A74j2b_RjWgC/s640/IMG_1153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm thankful for my pup, Patch. God gave Patch to our family several years ago in a way that we knew he was a gift from above. You can read about our quest for a family pet <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-they-call-it-puppy-love.html">here</a>--it's the story of my dog conversion. And <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/furry-watchman.html">click here</a> if you want to see some of my favorite pictures of my little furry friend. You should...he's really cute. :0)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNDLrkxLmOnhS0nVbHi75sqm-M1meByRHvZEa1lPemIc4Kcm2DApJujUQjB88_zpiKV1a3LxRTW5ipv98lM6g2TW02Wa63sWB6_pBIJby16Hn_2uiTeg2-uoqSSR9y1QQoz4EKwZIe32G/s1600/DSC04144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNDLrkxLmOnhS0nVbHi75sqm-M1meByRHvZEa1lPemIc4Kcm2DApJujUQjB88_zpiKV1a3LxRTW5ipv98lM6g2TW02Wa63sWB6_pBIJby16Hn_2uiTeg2-uoqSSR9y1QQoz4EKwZIe32G/s640/DSC04144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Patch is always nearby</span></i></b>. He is usually curled up on whatever piece of furniture I'm sitting on...as long as he can find a way to squish himself in. If we are relaxing on the couch...he's napping on top of us. He loves to be pet and scratched and can be a bit pushy when he wants some lovin' but he lets up when we tell him to. Lately he's been trying to get his head in between my hands and the keyboard when I type. Other times he paws at it to get my attention. I think he's trying to type too...there are things in that fuzzy head that apparently need to come out! He often rests his chin on our legs...and looks up at us with his dark eyes. He's pretty hard to resist at that point...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVlQf9HC-efjriRvZT5Wrf7LV_lHW3GKDwS5VgaogCHt6-qDCKkmCZ8RhhC3b_bWoftXYRfO_RjnpV762KkL23cLUsbxFO0mfGlJhgL7Hu9LhyphenhyphenK3CML17jQJSB3i2U1qBluSBhqbVVLL/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVlQf9HC-efjriRvZT5Wrf7LV_lHW3GKDwS5VgaogCHt6-qDCKkmCZ8RhhC3b_bWoftXYRfO_RjnpV762KkL23cLUsbxFO0mfGlJhgL7Hu9LhyphenhyphenK3CML17jQJSB3i2U1qBluSBhqbVVLL/s640/IMG_0195.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love me...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For someone who never wanted a dog, <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I sure do love this little guy</span></b></i>. He brings me company, warmth, joy and laughter. And he's a reminder to me of God's abundant love.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button. </div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=eeca035c-9e70-4e30-b5ce-0dab89e2d0cc" ></script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-90292573804941047822011-11-26T22:12:00.000-07:002011-11-26T22:12:26.478-07:00thirty thankful days-day 26-bring on Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<br />
Boy, I'm really slacking off on the thankful posts! I honestly spaced it completely yesterday and most of today... full days of no-routine, and little computer time. Sorry to those of you who are faithfully posting and wanting to link up!! <br />
<br />
Today <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm thankful for the Christmas spirit!</span></i></b> You know--that little tingle of excitement you feel as you sense the holiday is really on it's way? Well, I feel like my Christmas spirit has waned the last few years...I wanted to feel it, but it barely showed up. I don't know if it was hubby's back issues, or letting myself get bogged down in to-dos or what... <br />
<br />
However, <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">it's back</span></b></i>! And I'm thankful! I think the Christmas spirit is back for a few reasons. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">One</span></b></i>, I think I'm in a better place emotionally this year. Can't really say why other than that I know God is working on my heart. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Two</span></i></b>, this Christmas we are getting to see ALL of our family--both sides! We just made the final decision and plans this weekend. My side of the family is gathering here in Colorado the week before Christmas, and then we'll join Dave's side of the family in Minnesota for a late celebration. What a treat to see everyone! <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Three</span></i></b>, I think I realized that the last few years I wasn't allowing myself to relax and relish the season until everything was "ready"--which never really happened. There was always more to do, and I lived with the delusion that I could get it all done with enough time left over to reflect and enjoy. This year, I'm enjoying as I go. So the house only got partly decorated this weekend (I'd prefer it to be done) but I'm sitting and enjoying a Christmas movie with my kids. There is always tomorrow, right? Letting go of the shoulds and the have-tos really helps.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6XbBlmdPBouyeI7qVIicwMRVhnmbTLxzsDQ-DrpVIffSNduZ9-nguMeCjTvZOiRhKqH3G1wGjwMtEjqPnanEEujEZK6yz6IXmRlHWPrOuP2BuATR8dpinAyqx2ha-mJQq29XIA6Y0ipZ/s1600/DSC06445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6XbBlmdPBouyeI7qVIicwMRVhnmbTLxzsDQ-DrpVIffSNduZ9-nguMeCjTvZOiRhKqH3G1wGjwMtEjqPnanEEujEZK6yz6IXmRlHWPrOuP2BuATR8dpinAyqx2ha-mJQq29XIA6Y0ipZ/s640/DSC06445.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickle sporting a random christmas decoration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrm8QnM2EdEOk2AGqOSZXZSY0y1otc7cnoaGWYisqXLXh87A8J4RJmS2rvBuqSxny9vqBqNiOr8pwjpCSELKiSud7SBgNgvp3pfSDafXNbKX7nDcsccpES3VYeNmhSMG37KKWjAS2s62V/s1600/DSC06446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrm8QnM2EdEOk2AGqOSZXZSY0y1otc7cnoaGWYisqXLXh87A8J4RJmS2rvBuqSxny9vqBqNiOr8pwjpCSELKiSud7SBgNgvp3pfSDafXNbKX7nDcsccpES3VYeNmhSMG37KKWjAS2s62V/s640/DSC06446.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this year's tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anyway, it's fun to have some shopping started, the tree up (<a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2010/11/no-tree.html">didn't do it last year</a>, remember?), and the travel plans made. We've been listening to Christmas music and lighting yummy-smelling Christmas candles. And <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm enjoying it, and am so thankful. </span></b></i><br />
<br />
What did you do this weekend? Shop? Decorate? Relax?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></span></div><script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=11c877e1-11a5-46f1-8438-fd9dfbbc7037" type="text/javascript">
</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-21450683782623297212011-11-24T11:59:00.001-07:002011-11-24T12:01:03.531-07:00thirty thankful days-thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
I've been up before everyone else this morning--cinnamon rolls and egg casserole are ready to go in the oven, and I'm enjoying the quiet before the celebration. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> In the quiet I've been reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for...and I can't really wrap my mind around it. </span></b></i> I mean, really, I want for nothing.<br />
<br />
Sure, I have my moments when I wish this was different, or we had more of that, or less of this. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Gratefulness is usually the cure</span></i></b> for those moments.<br />
<br />
So on this thanksgiving day, my heart overflows with thanksgiving not only for the obvious big blessings--faith, family, friends, health, a home, jobs and God's never ending grace and love--but the also for <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">all of the smaller things I take for granted</span></i></b>. You know, the things that are easy to overlook because they are so normal...<br />
<br />
~ an oven that works so we can cook<br />
~ slippers and a robe for cold mornings<br />
~ running water, hot showers and flushing toilets (really--imagine the alternative)<br />
~ warm blankets<br />
~ cars to drive and $ to put gas in them<br />
~ the TV and the entertainment we can share as a family at home<br />
~ a washing machine and dryer<br />
~ my Bible<br />
~ music and ways to play it, listen to it, enjoy it<br />
~ cell phones and always being able to reach my family<br />
~ a selection of clothes to wear<br />
~ grocery stores loaded with food to choose from (I visited three yesterday!)<br />
~ the internet and all the ways we use it everyday<br />
~ my eyeglasses...and boy do I need them these days<br />
~ the beautiful mountains I see each day (and sometimes don't notice)<br />
<br />
I could go on and on. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The blessings--big and small, noticed and unnoticed--abound. I'm thankful.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button. </div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=c967bc62-fe1e-4865-845e-dfc1e97d6b79" type="text/javascript">
</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-19857765476171820902011-11-22T21:37:00.000-07:002011-11-22T21:37:11.760-07:00thirty thankful days-day 22-grandparents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<br />
Today <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm thankful that my kids have wonderful grandparents</span></b>. We are blessed to have all four of our parents alive and well and involved in our kids' lives. <br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this a lot recently, as two of the gals in my healing journey class have recently lost their moms, and I get to see glimpses of their grief and pain. Then, earlier this month, my brother-in-law Matt lost his father to cancer. He was relatively young, and it is very sad. I can't imagine...<br />
<br />
Today was grandparents' day at my kids' school. Both of my parents, who live here in town, were able to go. They've gone every year since Bubba started at the school three years ago. Now they split up--one going to the high school with Pickle, and one goes to the elementary school with Bubba. I think they enjoy it, and I know the kids enjoy hosting them and showing them their world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnfe4Y2W88_GLFupC9S2bOgUWTqMFPP7vuxXDVPGoTqlKjvrXP_WUv6QvxzuPviib5JiKr6znoOzIgKFaS8y_IDfZbsuMlbZR0PEj5Fo63AeYJ8McUfAiTYE21teEjOhdRlbV7yblC6wb/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnfe4Y2W88_GLFupC9S2bOgUWTqMFPP7vuxXDVPGoTqlKjvrXP_WUv6QvxzuPviib5JiKr6znoOzIgKFaS8y_IDfZbsuMlbZR0PEj5Fo63AeYJ8McUfAiTYE21teEjOhdRlbV7yblC6wb/s640/IMG_0949.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparent's Day 2009--all four grandparents with Bubba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My hubby's parents will be travelling from MN in early December just to be here for a few of the kids' events...they will take in a piano recital and a choir concert and maybe hit a few basketball practices. It's pretty cool that they make the effort to be at our kids' things when then they can.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">All four of my kids' grandparents are loving, interested, caring, praying grandparents.</span></b></i> Our kids are so very blessed. Many kids do not have four grandparents--due to either broken families or death--one or more are missing. And of the grandparents kids do have, not all are even close to as kind and generous as ours are. We are so blessed. But as a friend said in her post, <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I will not feel guilty about any of that... but I will be thankful.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-61842978304303051792011-11-22T08:08:00.000-07:002011-11-22T08:08:02.624-07:00thirty thankful days-day 21-christmas project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span><br />
Posting this a day late...but a splitting headache took me down yesterday. Oh well, two thankful posts today!<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">the Christmas Project our kids at church are doing this year</span></b></i>. Through partnering with a local elementary school, we learned of <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">32 children from that school who will not be getting Christmas presents this year</span></b></i>, due to financial hardships. That's not okay, and we needed to do something about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkewh_MEEnm85abZA77gIJ_Jrzd4vNKof4MfxzdB8TSJv0gtWmmA4eHlROINZnWtjw_fKozmXb1etvt8PXHC1Dyi_X-QIvzrlwChW6KuHpeQU12WrNwq2ZcyoNAh-0khbwMIRUmc2euK0O/s1600/christmas-present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkewh_MEEnm85abZA77gIJ_Jrzd4vNKof4MfxzdB8TSJv0gtWmmA4eHlROINZnWtjw_fKozmXb1etvt8PXHC1Dyi_X-QIvzrlwChW6KuHpeQU12WrNwq2ZcyoNAh-0khbwMIRUmc2euK0O/s1600/christmas-present.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now, let me tell you that one of the things we do with the kids on Sunday mornings is reward them for learning their remember-verse, bringing their Bibles, etc. What the kids earn are little glass marbles--we call them mementos. The kids place the mementos in a jar--working together to fill it up. The deal is <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">when the jar is full, they earn the chance to do something as a group for someone else</span></b></i>. As they do things to build their faith, they not only are blessed themselves, but they become a blessing to others.<br />
<br />
The jar is full. We gathered the kids and parents together this past Sunday, to reveal what project they have earned. Each family was able to choose a envelope from our wrapped package--and inside the envelope was information on one of the kids in need, and cash with which to <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">go shopping for that child</span></i></b>! They were very excited! The kids have been instructed to use half of the money to buy them something really fun, and half of the money to buy them something practical.<br />
<br />
I'm so thankful for this project--that <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">we get to show kids that God sees them and God loves them</span></b></i>. That our kids get to experience participating in something so close to God's heart. Our kids will be able to engage their hearts and minds as they think about what this other child needs and would want, and how to best bless them. It's all pretty stinkin' cool...and I'm thankful.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-90346832087746353602011-11-20T18:02:00.000-07:002011-11-20T18:02:44.641-07:00thirty thankful days-day 20-sunday comfies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
As I sit to write my thankful post today there is much to be thankful for...but honestly, what comes to mind the most right now is how much <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I love changing into sloppy, comfy clothes on Sunday afternoons.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
Working at a church makes Sunday morning a fun, fact-paced and energy-expending time. We go early and leave late...and although I love it all, it usually feels (at least) like an 8 hour day by the time I come home. So after all is said and done, and after we grab lunch out (most weeks), we walk in the door mid-afternoon and I change into the comfies. <br />
<br />
Now, our church is casual. I often wear jeans. I still try to look on the dressier side of jeans though, and I often wear heels. Still, I'm mostly comfortable--I really can't complain. However, there is something to be said about putting on the yoga pants and a big soft t-shirt or sweatshirt, that <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">says it's time to relax</span></b></i>. It says I'm not going anywhere the rest of the day. It's a cue to my body that I'm off-duty. Yeah, I might still do some laundry or pick up around the house...but the pace is slow. It's different than the go-until-bedtime routine of the weekdays. It's different than the errands-housework-and-soccer-game-type clothes of a Saturday. These are cozy, and practically unpresentable. For example, today I'm wearing grey soft yoga pants and a very large and VERY soft red and brown t-shirt that belongs to my hubby. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm quite a sight</span></b></i>. It's wonderful.<br />
<br />
So, today, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm thankful for cozy comfies for Sunday afternoons, and for the change of pace they represent.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-9457349994585562192011-11-19T08:36:00.000-07:002011-11-19T08:36:44.383-07:00thirty thankful days-day 19-friday night live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span>Small Group, Life Group, Growth Group, Home Group--I've heard them called a number of things. A smaller group of people from church to get to know better, to "do life with", to care for, to learn together, to pray with and to serve with. We call our group "Friday Night Live", and we've been in this group for several years. In fact, we formed this group several years ago when we were having a rough time and needed accountability and community. The people have changed some, but the core of the group has stayed the same. We no longer lead the group, although we do host it at our home a bunch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdPolEhk3lQQuh0OssV6Js0RyS-E0ihYcsmNqy2X6eeyr5wMvNW4ue3aP-7J3Pf4RyoW9TQtiEq0gMbGaiKtPudPFIqy_JJZ3bUNqLusaTUdQTLYuy7FA-2jma4cTUfAW6Nn_fesmBJ4T/s1600/DSC04619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdPolEhk3lQQuh0OssV6Js0RyS-E0ihYcsmNqy2X6eeyr5wMvNW4ue3aP-7J3Pf4RyoW9TQtiEq0gMbGaiKtPudPFIqy_JJZ3bUNqLusaTUdQTLYuy7FA-2jma4cTUfAW6Nn_fesmBJ4T/s640/DSC04619.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of our group out to eat last winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today I am thankful for our group. I'm thankful we can be honest with each other. I'm thankful they pray for us. I'm thankful for the laughs we share. I'm thankful for the kids in our group--the babies to borrow a snuggle from, the silly toddlers who make me laugh, and the older kids who we get to watch grow and change and learn to love God. I'm thankful that although by far the oldest, my kids get to be there and watch these littler ones...an important role and a chance to serve. I'm thankful for the times, like last night, when we split the men and women for prayer requests. The girl-sharing-time is always special to me. My love for these girls grows all the time.<br />
<br />
Is our group perfect? Nope. Is it messy sometimes? Yep. Do I need to talk myself into going on nights I'm tired or cranky? Yessirree. Is it worth it?? Absolutely. We all need community. We all need to be known. We all need to give of ourselves to others. I know I do.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful God has allowed me the privilege of "doing life with" others...and that the others are my good friends. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-91021746193220590732011-11-18T07:44:00.000-07:002011-11-18T07:44:56.594-07:00thirty thankful days-day 18-my favorite girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<br />
If you're keeping track...I missed a day of posting. Some days are full and nights are late. I was thankful, but didn't write about it. I'm over it...and am on to today...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLekxtqx7O4BfNuYcdqGyNtYAzHFrHRlD_QUMjZ1PWt-UmS7dJqvQ3PSgp5OVWyGVSZDEw9e19GLevwDxMLKj8IYOZ2n8Z96qDi1DedcoSsx4dOwPWOYwOnbf6LLI-Or20YBDfnzbEKf9/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLekxtqx7O4BfNuYcdqGyNtYAzHFrHRlD_QUMjZ1PWt-UmS7dJqvQ3PSgp5OVWyGVSZDEw9e19GLevwDxMLKj8IYOZ2n8Z96qDi1DedcoSsx4dOwPWOYwOnbf6LLI-Or20YBDfnzbEKf9/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pickle on instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">My daughter. </span></b></i> I find new things to love about her all the time. Wednesday night we went out to dinner with an old friend of ours from college who was in town on business. Throughout our dinner conversation, Pickle chatted happily with our friend. I participated in the discussion, but the whole time <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">part of my was sitting back and observing</span></b></i> her as she shared her school experiences and her thinking about college and her future.<br />
<br />
My thoughts? <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">She's so pretty</span></i></b>--as she smiled big and brushed her hair from her eyes over and over. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">She is so poised</span></b></i>--casually talking with a 40-something year old man she sees about once every couple of years. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">She is charming</span></i></b>--she is beautifully animated as she speaks about her desire to work with kids, maybe kids with special needs, as a career. <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I was enthralled</span></b></i> with who she is and who she is becoming.<br />
<br />
Last night we had our weekly long ride to her tutor's home. And, because she is there, the music is on. She's singing along, as always. I love listening to her--whether she's belting out a ballad, or picking out harmonies to the various pop songs she's into. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I never tire of hearing her sing.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbI-rUkSIKWQhkXyCxXXL1f3aBbWP-AhculGWTmNontSw666p2mPGiFergLyKx5eLfr8fej81QXLj4sFwhNlzQaN6UMIM05gaAhzuiLFuV2prM-sp3_JHWY4WbzyM4efG9POtNO5TpRni/s1600/DSC06201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbI-rUkSIKWQhkXyCxXXL1f3aBbWP-AhculGWTmNontSw666p2mPGiFergLyKx5eLfr8fej81QXLj4sFwhNlzQaN6UMIM05gaAhzuiLFuV2prM-sp3_JHWY4WbzyM4efG9POtNO5TpRni/s400/DSC06201.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This girl-woman is quickly becoming <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">a person I choose as a friend</span></b></i> as well. Her sense of humor and her caring heart make her a wonderful person to be around. We laugh a lot together...and I value her opinion.<br />
<br />
She's 15, and that makes some moments difficult. In fact, there was one this morning. {smile} Those moments are far outweighed by the wonderful ones. Today <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm thankful for my beautiful, growing-up-too-fast daughter.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-26011279307348667962011-11-16T08:48:00.000-07:002011-11-16T08:48:56.038-07:00thirty thankful days-day 16-healing journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div><br />
Today I'm thankful for the <a href="http://www.hishealinglight.org/hjclass.html">Healing Journey class</a> I'm taking--a Bible-based class designed to bring healing to wounded hearts. God told me to take this class back when He told me to "<a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/10/letting-go-of-safety-ropes.html">let go of the safety ropes"</a>, and I signed up. I didn't think I needed that much healing, so I wasn't that excited about it. But I was being obedient, stepping one more step forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPIP5711utgtDH-NbYxVHzAsNa4GefCd3_nJstjm5_1oR4g2aXyuWFw3Znv7dYTgut9TEidGe2KunJ7-Z_vUpbOMZDRg4jO3IQrBbOXC1mCUecOiAdVVwQuh_BTIfGgNAIdlRtpnWmN9e/s1600/SM+-+w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPIP5711utgtDH-NbYxVHzAsNa4GefCd3_nJstjm5_1oR4g2aXyuWFw3Znv7dYTgut9TEidGe2KunJ7-Z_vUpbOMZDRg4jO3IQrBbOXC1mCUecOiAdVVwQuh_BTIfGgNAIdlRtpnWmN9e/s200/SM+-+w.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Well, you guessed it,<i style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;"> I am learning so much</i>. As I expected, many parts of the class are foundational to our faith and reinforce what I already believe. The part of the class I am enjoying the most though is learning new frameworks with which to understand my feelings, thoughts and actions. I'm starting to understand some of my patterns I'm stuck in. I'm learning ways to process the wounds I have received. I'm being given a vocabulary to speak about things I didn't really understand. I've been to counseling a few seasons of my life...and this is building on things I learned then and I believe giving me tools for the future. Our Small Group time each week is particularly meaningful--we listen to each other. That's it. We don't judge. It's a gift to be heard. Our small group leader then helps us with the processes we are learning to use. We have a-ha moments. We rejoice at the progress we see each other making in understanding ourselves. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">God is at work</span></i></b>.<br />
<br />
Last night at our class, the class author and teacher (we watch her on video), <a href="http://www.hishealinglight.org/about.html">Cyndy Sherwood</a>, was there to talk to us and encourage us in person. I really enjoyed meeting her and hearing what she had to say to us as a group. One of the main things I remember is <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">the way she related the class to shopping for something like clothes or a car</span></b></i>. She said the video/teaching is like the part of shopping when you gather information (see what's in the store, go online, see what's being offered). The small group time is like taking the car for a test drive, or trying on the clothes--seeing how the information intersects with our life, learning how to apply the teaching. But if all we did was find out the information, and test-drive it, and they go home--we don't own anything new. Instead, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">there needs to be a transaction</span></i></b>. She said the transaction (the life-change) happens when we do our homework. That's where decisions are made, we do business with God, and the life-altering processing occurs. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I think that is true for most Bible Study classes</span></i></b>--without the soul-work on your own with God, all you get is information...what do you think?<br />
<br />
I'm thankful today that God led me to this class. He is using it--along with trials and conversations with others--to help me face my "stuff", so I don't have to drag it around any more. God wants to heal me--even of wounds and destructive patterns I was barely aware of. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">He loves me too much to leave me the way I am</span></i></b>. Sometimes it's hard, but I'm thankful. So thankful.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-5679777539768813052011-11-15T09:54:00.000-07:002011-11-15T09:54:48.634-07:00thirty thankful days-day 15-the xerox man, my hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div><br />
So, many of my Facebook friends are posting thankful things each day in November. Some of them are so deep and meaningful and profound. They are thankful for God's grace, and their loved ones, and things like laughter and hope. And I post about <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-14-online_14.html">online tutorials</a> and<a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-3-tile-floor.html"> bathroom tile</a>. Deeply moving, I know. Well, here's another profound theological thankful post. Today, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I am thankful for the xerox man.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Here's the background scoop:<br />
<br />
1) Yesterday I was covering the church office for the whole day <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">alone. </span></i></b><br />
2) Our copier was broken, so I needed to get the repair happening.<br />
3) The xerox people called no less than three times, with each time the story being different of who was coming to service our machine and when he might be coming. The last I had heard at about 12:30 was that "Steve" was coming, probably the next day.<br />
4) Yet, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">surprisingly,</span></i></b> "Pete" showed up at our door at almost 1:00 in the afternoon. (right when I was supposed to leave for a meeting of course...whatever).<br />
5) Not long after Pete went to work on our sad copier, I heard the door chime that someone entered the building. When I went to see who it was, I found <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">an apparently homeless man</span></i></b> sitting in our office lobby. It is not unusual to have people stop by for help, and our pastor meets with each one to determine the best way to help them. But I was alone yesterday.<br />
<br />
(disclaimer: In telling this story, I by no means want to disrespect this person who has apparently had some hard knocks and was obviously struggling with all sorts of things...so please take no offense.)<br />
<br />
When I asked this man if I could help him--he asked to see a pastor. I explained that unfortunately neither of our pastors were in today. He asked for a food basket. I told him where the organization we partner with for food is. He asked what our church was about anyway? (implying we should really help people, right? ugh.) I was able to give him a bottle of water and a bag of trail mix we had in our snack cabinet. I said goodbye to him, and invited him back tomorrow when a pastor could meet with him. He just sat there. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">He was making me pretty uncomfortable</span></i></b>. I consulted with one of our pastors via text who offered to come--but he was quite a ways away at a conference. I figured by the time he got to me, the situation would resolve. He knew I had a meeting off-site that I was supposed to be at, and made the wise suggestion that I tell this man that I needed to leave and lock up the building as soon as the xerox man was done, so he would need to leave. I go out to tell him, but need to wake him up first. He had konked out on our couch. He seemed ok with that idea, but didn't leave. I start getting even more nervous. I go back into our office and see that Pete the xerox guy was packed up and ready to go. Yikes! Our pastor had told me to leave <i>with</i> the xerox guy! I looked helplessly at Pete and asked him timidly if he would mind staying until the other guy left. He said, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Absolutely, I completely understand."</span></i></b> Gotta love the xerox man, right?<br />
<br />
So Pete stayed. He stayed when the homeless man asked to use the bathroom. He stayed while we waited the 15 minutes or so for the man to finish using the bathroom (apparently he disrobed and washed up). Pete was with me when our visitor finally left and walked me out as well. Whew! Thank you Pete. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I was alone with this guy! I felt uncomfortable enough as it was. He probably was harmless, but he sure didn't seem "with it", so who know how irrationally he could behave. I think xerox-Pete was there a good half-hour longer than he had to be. Might have thrown off his whole schedule, I don't know. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> He was a God-send</span></i></b>. And not just cause he fixed our copier! I plan to commend him to his supervisors today, if I can figure out how.<br />
<br />
So, today, I'm<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> thankful for Pete</span></i></b> the xerox guy, who went above and beyond yesterday. And I'm thankful to God for the way <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">he protects and comforts me in unexpected ways</span></b></i>. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for today? </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Link up or comment! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=3040ed29-af1d-4cc0-b716-7d56f7fb55dd" ></script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-54938133553133957712011-11-14T06:57:00.000-07:002011-11-14T06:57:00.555-07:00thirty thankful days-day 14-online techy tutorials?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: move; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm thankful for online tutorials today. I know this might sound particularly mundane, but as I sit down to type this post, it's what pops to mind first. Why? I know you are dying to know...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">It was a weird Sunday for things with buttons</span></b></i> it seemed. After our <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-13-crazy-night.html">crazy Saturday night</a>, we were off and running to church in the morning--arriving early enough for me to get a few last minute things done before the morning began. I had a few things to copy--but the office copier malfunctioned and was useless for copying. Bad day for that. Then the projector we hook up to my computer to show our music DVD and our power point for our kids' program would not project. Yikes! When we finally got it projecting, my computer changed colors and everything looked kinda green. We tried a few things and just ended up going with the greenish glow. It was pretty funny as our storyteller talked to the kids about the three colors of yarn used in the tabernacle--and they were all green in the pictures! {smile} And during the first song we sang, no sound for the first verse. Ah, joy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRKhNIzhKpumduv1PV6-w3NkXjYhNjnJKsUdH2i4x-ZVdsLSbkvRe2R-IitOgPx3OTpEeraI6r1DTRv0gRzUsVux6E0xpsWW8uIsKXP-ST-io6dpviGhvwh5IK4kIpn4l0-ArAyHagkMF/s1600/please-stand-by.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRKhNIzhKpumduv1PV6-w3NkXjYhNjnJKsUdH2i4x-ZVdsLSbkvRe2R-IitOgPx3OTpEeraI6r1DTRv0gRzUsVux6E0xpsWW8uIsKXP-ST-io6dpviGhvwh5IK4kIpn4l0-ArAyHagkMF/s320/please-stand-by.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyway, let's just say I was not in the mood for my iphone to completely freeze up tonight while trying to do an update. I didn't know iphones did that. I mean, I pressed every button, plugged it in and out of the computer, etc. and nothing. The screen had an apple logo with a empty bar beneath it--and I couldn't get it to go away or do anything. I showed my hubby and he tried a few things to no avail. I started down the thought-road of: when would I have time to get it looked at, how I might let people know I'm not getting their messages or phone calls, all the stuff I had on there that I still wanted, etc.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFIQMM1CVEPZ0vAPclEUXBETrU9PEsQVLpC70pWmuXTMM9JuFenCW0tfrhktAFLGzLqKiQt6J8ZFG78f3dkL0y3yr02sUu-x-2-6AaSeLKLou5rMJ55rS8Ln8pojjm7u9woSOkWrHicjo/s1600/speck-fitted-case-for-iphone-4-lavender-purple-argyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFIQMM1CVEPZ0vAPclEUXBETrU9PEsQVLpC70pWmuXTMM9JuFenCW0tfrhktAFLGzLqKiQt6J8ZFG78f3dkL0y3yr02sUu-x-2-6AaSeLKLou5rMJ55rS8Ln8pojjm7u9woSOkWrHicjo/s320/speck-fitted-case-for-iphone-4-lavender-purple-argyle.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My phone looks like this...Pickle picked the case. :0)</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">With only a little bit of panic, I googled it. "iphone frozen" came up and I clicked it. It took me through everything I should do and it worked! I was able to put it into recovery mode and then restore it to a backed up copy of my own iphone data! I know some of you could do this with one hand tied behind your back, but not me. I usually defer to someone who knows. And, I guess I did...but this time the someone was a kind person who thought to post a little online-tutorial. And it saved my life!! Well, not really, but I can imagine today being a very different day without my phone. I guess I've come to rely on it...just a bit.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I guess God has been teaching me not to take things for granted these days...working bathrooms, dry carpet and functional phones--<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I might have ignored those blessings had I not experienced their temporary loss.</span></b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So thank you God for online tutorials, and for reminding me of my blessings.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>A few simple instructions for the link up:</b></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</script></div>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-85611027358565921402011-11-13T16:09:00.002-07:002011-11-13T20:24:32.606-07:00thirty thankful days-day 13-crazy night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
Well, as I've mentioned before, <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-3-tile-floor.html">we had a mess in the bathroom</a> a few months back. This past week our friend Brent finished the work and we have a functional bathroom again! Last night I decided to shop my basement for some things to put on the new bare walls--see what I could make work from the random things I have stored down there. I looked for a while in our storage room, and then remembered something that might be in the closet in the guest room. I headed in there, and then...SQUISH. My sock feet were wet from a soaking wet carpet! OHNO! This room is directly below our newly fixed bathroom. I looked up and found a giant bubble in the ceiling where the paint was catching a leak.<br />
<br />
Yikes! I yelled for hubby to come quickly, and the craziness of the night began. Turned water off. Called my dad for help. He came. Called our friend Brent. He came. Pickle needed a shower--called my sister to see if we could come shower at her house. She said yes. And then the dog had a scary seizure in the midst of it all. Crazy night..<br />
<br />
Long story short: the leak wasn't as bad as we all thought it was. Brent was able to find it and fix it. The casualties only seem to be about half a room of carpet pad and some drywall. And by ten-thirty, the water was on, showers could happen, and we were back to normal. Even my doggie seemed back to his normal self. Whew.<br />
<br />
Here's some lovely pics of how it looks today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EpBgv2rO-CE3xkVgOep5XxNeMJQeCnepoMpeJSMim5bf_NJmoHtdNBJG8rkvz_kU_SPpX2SE2kKegp8zm8FpqQc7-_kWoShqP9XJ_E-f1n6KwWKCZWyaYIvNfHadjGHgX67olhJo1iIh/s1600/DSC06322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EpBgv2rO-CE3xkVgOep5XxNeMJQeCnepoMpeJSMim5bf_NJmoHtdNBJG8rkvz_kU_SPpX2SE2kKegp8zm8FpqQc7-_kWoShqP9XJ_E-f1n6KwWKCZWyaYIvNfHadjGHgX67olhJo1iIh/s640/DSC06322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the closet area where the leak was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WVeJT1cAxlcptrlD-J1q8NKup2b0kPhuT5vPoDPw9VAksC2Do2p1dCvZGZay7ekscnll7gfntTfYpocKjjj_EYxAcD3DClLnApaXSeuqunNeVuj_oKaFvugihwJiX3R4ch6SfQOst5Nn/s1600/DSC06323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WVeJT1cAxlcptrlD-J1q8NKup2b0kPhuT5vPoDPw9VAksC2Do2p1dCvZGZay7ekscnll7gfntTfYpocKjjj_EYxAcD3DClLnApaXSeuqunNeVuj_oKaFvugihwJiX3R4ch6SfQOst5Nn/s640/DSC06323.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the other side of the room with the contents of the closet and the folded back carpet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUlXwaLZpBeJI7whnWwPJXEuinETRBkKVsOB9qifcoUkHd8RkkB4019nOSoNaw_uGzMVhNKdplwrna9rVd5nQV3TvW1S2F5oCRKiW2SeAXmMbSDh-zCleK6Rt1s1ui0tKrcq7E112gLpw/s1600/DSC06325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUlXwaLZpBeJI7whnWwPJXEuinETRBkKVsOB9qifcoUkHd8RkkB4019nOSoNaw_uGzMVhNKdplwrna9rVd5nQV3TvW1S2F5oCRKiW2SeAXmMbSDh-zCleK6Rt1s1ui0tKrcq7E112gLpw/s640/DSC06325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closet doors and the contents of our furnace room (also affected) in our playroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So why be thankful for this crazy night? Not sure I am, but there are lots of things to be thankful for in the midst. <br />
<br />
1) I'm thankful <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I went down there</span></b></i>! Seriously, I can go <i>weeks</i> without going into that room. <i>That</i> could have been a mess with a capital M, huh? <br />
2) I'm thankful for <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">my husband</span></i></b> who sprung into action to take care of things.<br />
3) I'm thankful for <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">my dad and Brent</span></b></i> who came, when they were probably headed to bed, to help us out.<br />
4) I'm thankful Brent <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">was able to find the problem</span></i></b>.<br />
5) I'm thankful this is <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">not a-whole-nother insurance claim</span></b></i>.<br />
6) I'm thankful when we were in full-on panic mode, Bubba and I were able to <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">sit down and pray </span></i></b>together about it.<br />
7) I'm thankful <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">my sweet dog is OK</span></i></b> now.<br />
8) And I'm thankful that <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">we could shower</span></i></b> and brush our teeth and all those things one should do before heading to church. :0)<br />
<br />
So, in spite of it all...and in spite of the mess down there at the moment...I am very thankful.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-49273978336424002682011-11-12T09:49:00.001-07:002011-11-12T09:52:57.635-07:00thirty thankful days-day 12-a day away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpUuHZGGW8Oe1zScXF5U4PgoVhkwnLEenyR1c3t6Lf9cz7pVefYUTmBVZ7NsX6ePuTCPP7nDnmUaQ8HC6WgTiNRa60X16M2dB1m1k4zWpm-dmaqrTLKpMHRWYgYRtZFc2Ockd55UgkYq3/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
Today I'm thankful for the day away I had yesterday. I took a little <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">personal retreat</span></i></b>--a day away from the normal distractions of life, to a different setting. It was a day to <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">think, pray, journal, read and listen</span></i></b>. I knew there were some things I needed to spend some extended time with God on, and it worked out for me to spend my day off doing just that.<br />
<br />
First of all, check out the awesome sunrise that greeted me at home that morning. Breathtaking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3s0fLT1y7uf8u-nfRezMSNTw5qcOyV1u8Bq_oHZ9TvEouH6rxJZFI0rxjHYdYj389bD6BekfYr3pyYuvtKrUEqFJVXV0Ua8JxA-6a2CmtHkRwTKRepgoaGVkAyt5lDfdKTlY412yQiOQ/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3s0fLT1y7uf8u-nfRezMSNTw5qcOyV1u8Bq_oHZ9TvEouH6rxJZFI0rxjHYdYj389bD6BekfYr3pyYuvtKrUEqFJVXV0Ua8JxA-6a2CmtHkRwTKRepgoaGVkAyt5lDfdKTlY412yQiOQ/s640/IMG_0358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Not far from my home there is a catholic retreat center--where I was able to have a little room for the day. It was a blessing to be there. When I arrived in my room, I quickly went to the window and looked out to see what my view was. The first thing I saw was him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I1i7DKT2Z475bADX7zrqb1TKbXetnEXUuNJO7j8nLYYrwcbACjSTpF5koDr3dGp7wd5zymavr7lYwnkPlFgbr9MCy9mUUrF3JPjoj5eJiDm1ZNLLIViibB6xq53zmPDPrFQ6vkTUaT70/s1600/IMG_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I1i7DKT2Z475bADX7zrqb1TKbXetnEXUuNJO7j8nLYYrwcbACjSTpF5koDr3dGp7wd5zymavr7lYwnkPlFgbr9MCy9mUUrF3JPjoj5eJiDm1ZNLLIViibB6xq53zmPDPrFQ6vkTUaT70/s640/IMG_0363.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken from my window </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This buck stayed outside my window almost the whole day, and I spent a lot of time watching him and the other deer who ate, played and rested on the lawn outside my room. In fact, I pulled the chair in my room over to the window and camped out there. There are often deer on the grounds there, but I thought it was a special gift from God for so many to be in my view as I sat and read and wrote and prayed.<br />
<br />
Even though it was cold, I went for a walk on the grounds in the afternoon. The deer were all over, and it seemed like at times they were just posing for me to snap their pictures. I only had my cell phone with me...but I snapped away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWEv2v_JcsOQ5FGc_uexQ_8Q0nV5EoP6Qr9rcj25h-MTxYgBHU4JOT3jDoylsvlvIvJZqqG9BOq-DOhCTxuM_D1t3UcmuKCAt3dVUcXzIwQBpOelqCKV0Vy8EabVfBuLtO7BWHpx0y33r/s1600/deercollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWEv2v_JcsOQ5FGc_uexQ_8Q0nV5EoP6Qr9rcj25h-MTxYgBHU4JOT3jDoylsvlvIvJZqqG9BOq-DOhCTxuM_D1t3UcmuKCAt3dVUcXzIwQBpOelqCKV0Vy8EabVfBuLtO7BWHpx0y33r/s640/deercollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYL1fJijpOkDA-V3gBy6wstGx13IJxnEw6L7cwW11w3s1kJFbjgsGfJFzXuNQjoDsb-pFrRBWUKhEu_RdHYfIhv2T3IJnIRTwxrPCL0RpSM0FpyVArvETQ0iMkEyOjlcbUiNduubG9Y4b/s1600/deercollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYL1fJijpOkDA-V3gBy6wstGx13IJxnEw6L7cwW11w3s1kJFbjgsGfJFzXuNQjoDsb-pFrRBWUKhEu_RdHYfIhv2T3IJnIRTwxrPCL0RpSM0FpyVArvETQ0iMkEyOjlcbUiNduubG9Y4b/s640/deercollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It was a good day. I'm thankful.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-10369938321955402952011-11-11T06:24:00.003-07:002011-11-11T07:29:08.420-07:00thirty thankful days-day 11-a little free time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQvubgqT041228_xSs6GDRzIneazOY_Ymtuq7tUWVSpm8y0fdoPwgsAEmfc6RXq5nN_COpeqZ29Kan1c6tfKmbXp4jiwCkt0JZDUy-USJfhPtiIMzQ8T7X5jz6eMz9lJFWbIl_MWOMdum/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQvubgqT041228_xSs6GDRzIneazOY_Ymtuq7tUWVSpm8y0fdoPwgsAEmfc6RXq5nN_COpeqZ29Kan1c6tfKmbXp4jiwCkt0JZDUy-USJfhPtiIMzQ8T7X5jz6eMz9lJFWbIl_MWOMdum/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
Last night was tutoring night. Pickle has been seeing a tutor weekly to help her with study and organizational skills, as well as a few little brain glitches. She's been a big help...but she lives pretty far from our home, and not near anything else. So tutoring nights mean we leave our house by 5:30 and get home at 8:30. Much of that time is driving, since I usually leave the tutor's home to run an errand--20 minutes to anything--and drive back to her house. So, it's not my utmost favorite evening. Even though it's worth it for the help Pickle is receiving.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_131494157"></span><span id="goog_131494158"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO78GCim0rTl-o02ItpOgPWejao9SVMTjQylOLf8HFV5p6TO7eQk25IA0XcwvXq4yPXjKENpySR3tRmWaYxsB3kY5kuhT9WC7hpMntRsBpajsuW1de020sgUzcrCYNeFZxs_GO9PBskN6g/s1600/Free-Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO78GCim0rTl-o02ItpOgPWejao9SVMTjQylOLf8HFV5p6TO7eQk25IA0XcwvXq4yPXjKENpySR3tRmWaYxsB3kY5kuhT9WC7hpMntRsBpajsuW1de020sgUzcrCYNeFZxs_GO9PBskN6g/s400/Free-Time.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
At the last minute tonight, Pickle's tutor and I decided to cancel our session for a number of reasons. And guess what? <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">5:30 - 8:30 was suddenly free!</span></b></i> Wahoo! I didn't do anything super productive with the time...talked with my husband, watched a few youtube videos with my daughter, proofread my son's report, did a little facebooking, caught up on X Factor. You know, important stuff. :0)<br />
<br />
What a gift it was. Space in the day. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Unexpected space</span></i></b> in the day. That's what I'm thankful for.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I'm also really thankful for this--my favorite video we watched last night--of my friend Nicole on the news welcoming home her hubby from Iraq yesterday. Click and enjoy, it will make you happy. Thank you and Happy Veteran's Day to all who serve our country!<br />
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<a href="http://www.krdo.com/video/29737656/index.html">Nicole and Andrew's Homecoming!</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-70602673125095877582011-11-10T08:17:00.001-07:002011-11-10T18:38:37.766-07:00thirty thankful days-day 10--my bosstor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopfP8JyvJzQKgjfleyLX7_ndOexhzTO9qAqjn0jzbQyy9oHdGLJEdFX0Nzb_AV1dZy0833oAAvF0mrudJHyZ6EZT7rT1IouzpNSVdYi2cNdpSC0qFV-dnRtda6xD_RfhS_-PPlaZAW9iQ/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopfP8JyvJzQKgjfleyLX7_ndOexhzTO9qAqjn0jzbQyy9oHdGLJEdFX0Nzb_AV1dZy0833oAAvF0mrudJHyZ6EZT7rT1IouzpNSVdYi2cNdpSC0qFV-dnRtda6xD_RfhS_-PPlaZAW9iQ/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
As I've mentioned before, I have the privilege of working as the Children's Ministry Director at our church. It's a job I love very much. Just about two years ago we got a new senior pastor--who is also my boss. (Get it? boss/pastor=bosstor? Kay, that's lame--I made that word up too-late last night when I started this post...and am leaving it cause I like to laugh at myself.)<br />
<br />
How do I begin to describe Don? Passionate. A visionary. Straightforward. A Teacher. Developmental. A Leader. Missional. A strong communicator. He is unlike anyone I've ever known before. Our church has been blessed by his leadership in many ways.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">But I'm not thankful on behalf of my church today, I'm thankful for Don's impact on my life in particular. </span></i></b>I have never had a boss speak into my life the way he does, and I've had some really developmental bosses. He has great insight into people and is able to mentor people like I've never been mentored before. He does not tread lightly, and is willing to call out things others might not.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23mu3OpFprLHMpmmqvjk8pVAhG0E32mi9Uijse57-miF2TkU9Tvbn26ObtCOmin_DKEqtvs80YveZW0VSu9OE9H_XcOSaXoI1g6o3CwhLcLM0nWsuTrL-35PzEFrn1mHLhGAZA6jGcI2Z/s1600/258899_2035856729763_1044550461_2418549_8036970_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23mu3OpFprLHMpmmqvjk8pVAhG0E32mi9Uijse57-miF2TkU9Tvbn26ObtCOmin_DKEqtvs80YveZW0VSu9OE9H_XcOSaXoI1g6o3CwhLcLM0nWsuTrL-35PzEFrn1mHLhGAZA6jGcI2Z/s640/258899_2035856729763_1044550461_2418549_8036970_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don and I up front at church after our VBX (hence the green T-shirt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last night we spent a few hours talking about me...about what he sees I'm good at. And about what I'm not good at. He asked me to get over not being good at certain things (working on it...), and to stop trying to do them. He doesn't want me spending my energy in those ways. He is able to tell me what type of leader I am, and how that positively impacts our team and our church. I can't say I completely get everything he said to me last night...It always takes me a while to wrap my mind around it, but I have a feeling he's pretty dead-on. When I came home, my hubby and I processed, and he seems to agree with the things Don and I talked about.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I am growing and changing under Don's guidance, not only from his teaching, but particularly under his mentorship. </span></i></b> He names my gifts and strengths very specifically, which is extremely affirming. And he also names the things holding me back, which are sometimes hard to hear--but which I believe is an even bigger investment in me. God is using Don to help me look at myself in ways I probably wouldn't have. And for these reasons, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm thankful for Don, my boss and my pastor</span></i></b> (my bosster? heh heh) <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">today</span></i></b>.<br />
<br />
Who would have thought I could still have so much to learn about myself at age <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-thankful-days-day-6-happy.html">halfway-to-ninety</a>?? I'm thankful I'm not done yet...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-17591532852041747782011-11-09T06:22:00.001-07:002011-11-09T07:42:53.698-07:00thirty thankful days-day 9--love on a chain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdl7hrR9hBZRGwnD6A9QPIPgYzftjBm1B9G47g5nyB5JbicYCTZsm7g79VNjJ873oeSJk7PcxCY-8icCSFbRc60qixoTle6940FLQcUBbjjxZAFAG5sGCllm9TahCJwEpydHf2u_qDZ_T/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdl7hrR9hBZRGwnD6A9QPIPgYzftjBm1B9G47g5nyB5JbicYCTZsm7g79VNjJ873oeSJk7PcxCY-8icCSFbRc60qixoTle6940FLQcUBbjjxZAFAG5sGCllm9TahCJwEpydHf2u_qDZ_T/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
As I mentioned before, Sunday was my birthday. I had a lovely day in all ways. The kids and Dave had some gifts for me. A stinkin' adorable owl keychain and a beautiful watch. Love 'em both--and they were much more than I expected. But then Monday, when I got home from work, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">there was another package for me</span></i></b>. One of my presents had arrived a little late. I thought they had already given me more than enough...but I'm so glad this package arrived.<br />
<br />
In it was a beautiful <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/">Lisa Leonard</a> necklace <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-won-i-won.html">I've had my eye on for a while.</a> It's called the Family Tree necklace. Isn't it pretty?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzhExc86mdCEiBnHEcuovKoe-pBMLCR8Y6o0XIvYKT28S4eJ3K7CoxfSapb46xvXwzy2gUFUvd4ydODb10v16N3tHfVT756-vaKvRrhlz7trEjzVDhL-vmYdt7H_iUqb3TPbh3QcR68pa/s1600/DSC06321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzhExc86mdCEiBnHEcuovKoe-pBMLCR8Y6o0XIvYKT28S4eJ3K7CoxfSapb46xvXwzy2gUFUvd4ydODb10v16N3tHfVT756-vaKvRrhlz7trEjzVDhL-vmYdt7H_iUqb3TPbh3QcR68pa/s400/DSC06321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Some of the things I love about it</span></i></b>: (and no, Lisa Leonard did not put me up to this...)<br />
<br />
* it's heavier than I thought. I love how I can feel it's weight on my skin. <br />
* it's not perfectly round. It looks handmade and it is.<br />
* it has all five of our names on it. Including <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-havent-held-him-for-decade.html">Aidan's</a>. I don't always know when it's appropriate to include him, but I'm so glad Dave did on this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuUS1oMWo7lIL3CKasFSHOIRBmyHosV2bDeW4xCHw53Sug3iWTIS72urScib5WpbI-dAoCl9bLqMTDCAybWaAdCBdsnBSqRo3Gb5tDaZyN3MRp2KGn_F3MDN3WX9o6mIpVPvKPYZpVyYU/s1600/DSC06316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuUS1oMWo7lIL3CKasFSHOIRBmyHosV2bDeW4xCHw53Sug3iWTIS72urScib5WpbI-dAoCl9bLqMTDCAybWaAdCBdsnBSqRo3Gb5tDaZyN3MRp2KGn_F3MDN3WX9o6mIpVPvKPYZpVyYU/s400/DSC06316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now, I know <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I sound a little shallow</span></i></b>, fussing over a necklace. So let me tell you why I really love it...it's because Dave bought it for me. Because he listened to me say how much I liked it. Because to me, it represents his love, and our family's love. It's the sentiment that means so much.<br />
<br />
Honestly, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">this hasn't been the easiest year of our marriage</span></i></b>. Not the worst, but pretty hard. For Dave to buy me something this sentimental makes me feel like he is still invested, still embracing this life we share. When things get difficult, that is hard to feel sure of. Not that a necklace solves or proves anything, but <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">it feels like hopeful love</span></i></b> to me. It may not make sense to you, but it means a lot.<br />
<br />
So, today, I'm thankful for this love hanging on a chain around my neck.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85760/athomewithdawnw/de905d1a8f6a18b49a2fe2843db887d9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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</script>dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09325309991210190396noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92707266833891233.post-62092935378287476462011-11-08T08:16:00.002-07:002011-11-08T16:18:44.471-07:00thirty thankful days-day 8-my morning drink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x5C0PKn6e8HcrA9H8K4DXKoUkcm9Q8iddQ-eNXv_wfnd1wAH2HS8FkeOdetWZ3jXcAUh_wwa2gW9Av3UKX2I97zUbH6SWFPqW59sqOxM2Uyd3N8iNjP2eJXcvT9qPG760eg7bS5a0KaI/s1600/30+thankful+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x5C0PKn6e8HcrA9H8K4DXKoUkcm9Q8iddQ-eNXv_wfnd1wAH2HS8FkeOdetWZ3jXcAUh_wwa2gW9Av3UKX2I97zUbH6SWFPqW59sqOxM2Uyd3N8iNjP2eJXcvT9qPG760eg7bS5a0KaI/s320/30+thankful+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!</i></span><br />
<br />
Everyone has one, it seems. A morning drink. Coffee for many. Tea for some. OJ. Hot water with lemon. If my friend Beth could make them at home it would be the <a href="http://likeadayoff.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-thankful-days-day-3.html">Gingerbread Latte</a>. It's the drink that you grab for, maybe even before you are fully awake. You find some comfort in the mug or glass--easing yourself into your day.<br />
<br />
Well, I didn't have one. Although I had been known to pour diet coke in a coffee mug and pretend I had a morning drink, I knew that didn't count. Not liking coffee or tea has been a challenge for me. I longed for quiet moments with my Bible and cup of whatever, like others described. <br />
<br />
Well, now I have one. It's <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">a green smoothie</span></i></b>. As I've mentioned before, <a href="http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/03/you-are-what-you-eat-journey.html">we've been trying to make better choices when it comes to nourishing our body around here</a>. We are working to get rid of much of the bad, and add lots of good. One way we are adding the good is with our green smoothies in the morning.<br />
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What's a green smoothie, you ask? Well, if you google it you are going to easily find out. They are pretty popular to make. Basically its a lots of greens blended with fruit and ice. It ends up mostly tasting like the fruit, but you get tons of nutrition in with those greens. I learned a lot from reading <a href="http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/">greensmoothiegirl</a>. She has lots of info on her website, and many videos on youtube as well. I defer to her if you would like more info on the benefits of green smoothies. But I'm convinced.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyDgikcHtvGSJeRZu1DFkNNFR9yP_CRaXfxIPCN6hbpyX4-4MFt5CjBbVNQtrumlHrjPycSX4x9WrckJJ_NRwhCa82dnAVcuJjYEtGshGYz6dcKJ5Cvjir4m0J0FhorysgGGobv2IG2QK/s1600/DSC06226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyDgikcHtvGSJeRZu1DFkNNFR9yP_CRaXfxIPCN6hbpyX4-4MFt5CjBbVNQtrumlHrjPycSX4x9WrckJJ_NRwhCa82dnAVcuJjYEtGshGYz6dcKJ5Cvjir4m0J0FhorysgGGobv2IG2QK/s400/DSC06226.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
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We received a super-dooper blender as a gift, and it's pretty amazing. My husband says it's like having a jet engine on our counter! It will blend anything.<br />
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So with the incentive of getting better nutrition in my family's bodies, and the fun of a new gadget--<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I started making green smoothies every morning</span></i></b>. Dave and I usually have 2 large ones, and the kids each have one.<br />
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There are lots of green smoothie recipes out there...and I don't use any of them. Instead I wing it every time. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Here are the basics of what I do.</span></i></b> First I add water. Then I add some flax oil and chia seeds (for the extra nutrition--my family doesn't notice they're in there.) I put in a few generous handfuls of greens. Spinach or Chard most often. After the greens, I (sometimes)add carrots and then either a banana or avocado for creaminess. Then some fruit--fresh and/or frozen. I put in at least some frozen fruit for the icyness factor. I try not to overdo it on the fruit--more veggies is better. I sometimes add stevia for sweetness. Last of all, I top the whole thing with some ice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z5B-WxS8DEwsVd6SYbR0RploqPTL66ZnUZSyhSuOh_jGM73aKc6O55yny1xDgisYah9nU7idv2PEtR1yMgUR6lQAEs56DohWwSk24yZQ4SW_cxH_wniUvB7502-t3aCw48mAfatEgKhI/s1600/DSC06221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z5B-WxS8DEwsVd6SYbR0RploqPTL66ZnUZSyhSuOh_jGM73aKc6O55yny1xDgisYah9nU7idv2PEtR1yMgUR6lQAEs56DohWwSk24yZQ4SW_cxH_wniUvB7502-t3aCw48mAfatEgKhI/s400/DSC06221.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
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Then I hit the button and the blender threatens to lift off my counter. :0)<br />
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I pour my family their smoothies, wave goodbye as they leave and then sit down with mine as I read my Bible, catch up on blogs, facebook, etc. The whole time, I'm sipping that smoothie.<br />
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I am so happy I have my morning drink. Diet coke in a mug is nice and all...but I gave up diet coke in March and haven't looked back. I love handing the smoothies to my family each morning--blessing their bodies with a little nutrition. A little love in a cup to send them on their way.<br />
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Do you have a go-to morning drink?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What are you thankful for? </span></b></i> Link up or comment! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!</span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A few simple instructions for the link up:</span></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!<br />
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?</span></div><br />
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