Thanks.

I’m sitting here on the floor of my living room, leaning against the comfy leather recliner (why I’m not sitting IN the recliner I don’t know) with my laptop on… surprise, surprise…my lap, football ( Alabama vs. LSU) is on the T.V., Gracie, our miniature weenie dog, is running in circles around the house like she’s on crack with her toy in her mouth. I’m in my pajama pants and a hoodie and I honestly wouldn’t rather be anywhere else at this exact moment. I woke up at 12 p.m. today. I think that’s the most sleep I’ve gotten in probably almost a year. That’s not stretching the truth, either. I woke up so disoriented, walked into the bathroom, and pried my eyes open to look at myself in the mirror. When you haven’t gotten 12 hours of sleep in as long as I had, it doesn’t look too pretty. You would have thought someone had punched both of my eyes they were so swollen. My hair looked like I had been to an 80’s party the night before and had used extra hair spray and teased it like never before. I have since proceeded to catch up on blog reading, catch up on recorded shows that I don’t have time to watch during the week, respond to a couple of emails, and watch football on T.V. To most that would seem like such a waste of a day. I completely understand why one would think so. Honestly, I struggle with feeling pretty unproductive on days where such occurs. However, after working approximately 100 hours in the past two weeks, it is a blessed, blessed thing. I won’t go so far to say that I deserve it; however, I am so grateful for the chance to sleep in, stay in my pj’s all day, and enjoy college football. (dadgum it LSU could you please step up to the plate and beat Alabama so if Tech wins today they can be #1?!!)
On a semi-different subject…I am so extremely thankful for so many things…at the place I am in life right now, it’s sadly been easier to look at how close I am to losing my sanity so I’m going to take this opportunity to list out the things I’m grateful for. I’m consistently reminded that there is nothing too small to be grateful for. I suppose this time of year fits my thankful spirit considering Thanksgiving is just around the corner and all. By the way…shouldn’t it be thanksgiving each and every day? Just a thought.

I am thankful for: (this could be unbearably long)

My salvation and Jesus’ willingness to die for me. Seriously. My faithful family. My loyal friends. Fun conversations with my married girl friends about what it’s like to be married. Excitement of what the future holds for me and my future husband (Lord willing). Last minute road trips to Lubbock. The realization that not only has Lubbock changed, but I have changed more. Peace that change is not only essential but healthy. Sanctification. Laughter. Divine appointments. The opportunity to attend grad school at a Christian university. The opportunity to speak Truth in to other’s lives. Miracles. The fact that purity is a choice. Redemption. College Football. 4 years of college life that were simply stinking fun and unforgettable. Heartbreaks. Healing after the heartbreaks. Joy. The desire to have joy and fight for it. The mountains AND valleys of life (man, it’s hard to be thankful for the valleys when you are in them). Music. Feeling the presence of God in music. The innocence of babies. The smell of babies. The laughter of Babies. Babies, period. The ability to glorify God in working regardless of the stress it so often brings. Adoption. Reconciliation. Flowers. Surprises. Being passionately pursued by an all powerful God. The sovereignty of God. My sister’s ability to be blatantly honest with me. God revealing Himself to me in my sister’s never ending goal to glorify Him in every aspect of her life. Health. Ranch Dressing. Heat in the winter and AC in the summer. My friends in Africa-David, Harriet, Denis, Oboda Martin, Patrick, and so, so many more. The country of Uganda. The heavenly music and voices in Uganda. Passion. The Word. Fellowship with believers. Just because notes. Love. My younger brother’s service to this country. Every single woman and man’s service to this country. My older brother’s encouragement. Hearing my 2 and half year old nephew’s voice telling me he loves his aunt Jessie. My almost one year old nephew. The joy nephews bring. Mascara. Prayers. God’s protection. How stinkin' cute it is to watch my cat follow these letters as they type out across the screen and his head jerking back and forth wondering what in the world is happening...

Ok. I’ll stop for now. I’ve spent so much time on this that there’s only a little over a minute left in the LSU and Alabama game. Off to watch!