Thankfulness.

These are some of the things I am thankful for, in no particular order...

1. Grace and redemption- LIFE in Christ.
2. The ability to read.
3. Books. Faves of the year: Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner.
4. A really great roommate who prays with me and for me, and challenges me spiritually.
5. Carmel Apples (as pictured below) and the thought of a potentially great business venture. Dreams.


6. Family who loves God, who still provides for me. Sometimes I wish I were closer.
7. My Kindred Spirit, sister-friend. She gets me.


8. The tangible, living and active, Word of God. His truth in our hands, Colossians especially.
9. Coffee. I don't know what I'd do without it.
10. Liberty Bible Church- their support, love and encouragement. Being the body of Christ.
11. Similar to #10- AWANA. The 1st graders I work with are hilarious, and they have God's Word hidden in their HUGE hearts.
12. Art. Anything related. Painting. Drawing. Graphic design. Photography.
13. Tweed. I think it's classy and always in style for fall. Tweed pillows? Tweed Skirts? Who doesn't love tweed?
14. Music- it ministers to the soul. Tenth Avenue North: best band of 2009.
15. Camp of Champions USA. Their desire to share Christ with kids. The opportunity to serve their.
16. Answered prayers, whether it's yes or no or wait.
17. Digital cameras.
18. Friends who share the same worldview, who care and are compassionate toward others, who are faithfully seeking God's will for their lives. I take them for granted too often.


19. An incredibly warm, comfortable-in-temperature house.
20. Zach Grienke winning the 2009 AL Cy Young Award. Perhaps it will give the Royals some hope and dignity.
21. Pumpkin spice cake...and lattes.
22. Babysitting in the early morning.
23. The last one should seem significant; however, it's ordinary: pen and paper. My mind would go crazy if I didn't write my thoughts out.


II Corinthians 4:15. "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."

Grace in the Mourning

Recently a close friend of the family, a kid I watched grow up, chose to take his life. Oh how it grieved me. This young man, with a gentle and kind soul, had the potential to change the world one day. It hurt knowing that his family was hurting. It hurt that I couldn't be with my family. It hurt not sharing in the mourning process with the rest of Westbrooke.

God, in His complete sovereignty, allowed it to happen. Jesse did change the world; I know it rocked his parent's world and Westbrooke. Perhaps through this, it will wake people up to the importance of salvation, the acceptance of God's irresistible grace.

While my heart ached, I was comforted by the connection between my church here and my church at home. There is grace (providence and purpose) in the mourning. Lamentations 3:22-23, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."