i'm just not grateful enough.

wonderful Hubbie, who is just what i need
close, loving, wonderfully quirky family
delightful BFF
amazing job
2 sweet dogs
faithful Coach, Ear, Strong Tower & Savior
warm home and plenty to eat
salary to allow Hubbie to start a new venture

i want to bring this list to mind when i find myself being cranky or prideful this week.










On the way home from church today my BFF mentioned that today, 5 years ago we met as she started a new job at the place where i worked at the time.  As i interviewed her for the position as a fellow training manager, i knew she'd be the perfect fit.  Little did i know i'd be gaining a kindred spirit.

Bon Jovi in MKE - May 2011

Halloween 2011

Phantom of the Opera - Feb 2010

Tara, i am so grateful for you.  You came along just when i needed a friend, and i'm thankful you've let me stick around.  We've had some grand adventures in the last 5 years!

• Bon Jovi - 3 times in a year -- Dallas, Gulf Shores, Milwaukee
• Lots of trips - New York, Naples (uh, Florida), Phoenix
• Scrapbook camp
• New jobs

*raising my teacup*  Here's to many more!  *gulp* -- wow, that chamomile sets in quickly

As far as weekends go, this has been a good one.  Being crafty, a message at church that i needed to hear, a restful Sunday.  Yep, it's been a good one.  And...  i just downloaded Spotify -- oooo, this is just more good stuff!

First, a shout out to Tara for completing her 2010 scrapbook album at our Crafturday:

Nicely done!







Just look at all that Crafturday goodness!

Yet Crafturday suffered from the same fate as all (ok, most) of my parties.  Few show up.  i'm just not a party kind of gal.  Every once in a while a get a wild hair and want to host a party of some sort.  The menu is planned and ready to go, house is sparkly clean, smile of greeting is ready to go... and no one shows.  It's not that i don't expect it, i just wonder why my party mojo is defunct.  Now, we had fun and got to watch the third Twilight, so no complaints.  Just more of a musing.  Remind me next time i get the wild party hair.  And it's not like they're wild or anything... maybe that's what i'm doing wrong.  More of those yum-o limeades with a slosh of vodka that Tara brought over (which she found on Pinterest; oh yes, and the crack popcorn recipe, and a gift idea for her Team, and house decor, and a new job--oh wait, that wasn't on Pinterest) might do it!

Tara is still Team Jacob, by the way.  i'm still Team Edward.  Perhaps i can talk her into a late night showing of Breaking Dawn on Thursday.  Hearing the girls giggle and sigh is part of the fun!



And a couple of verses to wrap-up the weekend from church this morning:

• "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then us to in keeping with God's will... But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving."  2 Corinthians 8:5-7
• "...They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:18-19

What resonated with me is that giving is an area i've been struggling with lately.  For a time, we gave a tithe every week, and JC blessed our lives.  In times of financial difficulty or job struggles, He has always provided.  i have complete faith in that last verse.  So, what's stopping me from giving regularly?  We aren't united in our philosophies at the moment and we're on one salary... and maybe, cuz i've just not prioritized making it happen.  But even more significant, as Tara and i were talking on the way home,  i'm frightened of what the Big Guy might ask of me.  i don't want to be a coward, but what if i'm not willing to do what he puts on my heart?  i truly believe he has put me where he wants me... His choices all the way... now i just need to let him do His work.

So, i'm heading to bed with this is my heart:  "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

This song has been running through my head for days (hearing it three times in a row on various radio stations on the way to work the other day probably didn't help):



Yes, the lyrics are rather depressing, but if you've got bad news you mise well share it in a chipper sort of way.  And check out the fly shoulder dancing and foot moves.  Love it!

And not related (though I could probably make that happen), church on Sunday was really great (hmmm... doesn't seem right that i'm listening to SexyBack while i write up this post.  Ah yes, Just Dance, that's better).  It was a follow up to a Sunday series i missed about the experience after JC returns and we're called to him to account for our lives.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."  2 Cor 5:10

That old feeling of guilt began to set in for all the things i think i should have done or should do and the ugliness in my life.  But Pete (that's the main preacher) set us straight.  God won't see our sin, that's been wiped completely clean -- gone (period).  Thank you JC!  And the "whether good or bad" Paul references is the significant and insignificant stuff in life.  He'll celebrate the great things we've done (1 Cor 4:5) and get rid of the junk that tends to clutter up life.  Really appreciate this perspective.

i also love this verse:  "...so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." 2 Cor 5:4  Yes, please!  Life is the greatness that comes after the daily grind we currently call life.  Enjoy and make the most of what He's given us here, but fix our eyes on the mighty and loving JC.

So... here's to a good week.