" For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. " Isaiah 9:6-7
Sunday, December 12th
127) Christian Radio- As we made our way from Albuquerque to central Texas via a car, I found the radio to be such a blessing. During the course of our trip, it was uplifting and the short stories, devotions and testimonies that were discussed in between songs really did focus my thoughts- not on the length of the drive but on something much greater.
128) How our daughter wakes up- Except for some rare, special occasions, our daughter wakes up chipper and happy. Whether she sleeps until she naturally awakes or we must wake her early (say 4am or so), she may be briefly startled, but within seconds or a minute at most, she is bright eyed, sweet and happy. For two people who have never claimed to be early morning risers, this makes those early mornings so much easier to handle and prepare for.
Monday, December 13th
My sister-in-laws
129) Drew's sister- The more opportunities I have to spend with Drew's sister, the more I find myself wishing for more time. She is an incredible woman with a huge reservoir of perseverance and an even larger thirst for knowledge. Drew's sister has dealt with some intense, enduring pain for years yet remains upbeat and hopeful. She has never allowed the pain to slow down her desire to learn or try new activities. I know she has been a source of encouragement and hope for many others going through similar situations.
130) My brother's new wife - My brother is a newlywed and I love his wife. When I think of her, I think of her Father-Daughter dance at their wedding. It wasn't your typical dance. It was fun, lively, maybe a little silly and showed the amazing love between the two of them. From what I have seen, that really seems to fit her pretty well; she is fun, lively, maybe a little silly (in a good way) and loving. She is an amazing woman and has been an amazing wife from all I can see, and I cannot wait to get to know her even better.
Tuesday, December 14th
131) Our full size bed- Our bed at home is a full-size bed. So when we travel we often find ourselves in a larger-sized bed and I often find myself missing our bed. Not just because it's our bed, but because of its size. When we sleep in larger beds, I often "lose" Drew and I miss him, so then I have to hunt for him before I can sleep well again. Plus if I roll over to another part of the bed, it will be so cold. In a full size bed, there is no space for rolling into a cold spot and there is no space to "lose" Drew. He is always nearby.
132) One on one time with family members- Between Drew and I, we have a very large family, and so time with each family member is quite precious. So whenever I can get that special one on one time with an individual, to really talk with them and find out more of what is going on with them specifically, it is a blessing.
Wednesday, December 15th
133) Watching Drew's Mom and our daughter play- I have probably said this before, but I will say it again. Long before I ever had our daughter, I wanted any child I had to have good relationships with his/her/their grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. I was incredibly blessed with some wonderful extended family relationships of my own and wanted the same thing for my children. Therefore, it is so wonderful to watch our daughter spend some quality one on one time with her Nana (as well as with all her other grandparents), playing with her and really laying the foundation for what I hope becomes a wonderful relationship.
134) Safe surgeries this past year- As I think back, several members of our family have had surgeries this past year. I am quite thankful for their safety during the surgeries as well as their quick, complete recoveries.
Thursday, December 16th
135) Another year of life- Happy birthday to me! Yes, today is my birthday. Not typically something I make a huge deal about but I am thankful that the Lord has given me another year of life. I have enjoyed this year and I am looking forward to the next.
136) Date with Drew- Drew's mom and sister watched our daughter today and sent us out for a little lunch date. How exciting! It has been a few months since we went out, just the two of us. I love the time we have as a family dearly, but it is wonderful to spend time with just my husband. It is precious to me and is a blessing.
Friday, December 17th
137) Chatting with JE- JE is Drew's sister's fiance. They have been together for about three years, but we really haven't had too many chances to spend with him and get to know him and when we have, I especially do not feel like JE and I have had many opportunities to talk. It just doesn't typically work out that way. So when the two of us had a chance to just talk this morning, I was very excited. I look forward to more such opportunities.
138) Visiting all three of our families this holiday season- Last Christmas we were out in Florida and due to Drew's school schedule, we didn't know if we would be able to travel at all, so we were only able to visit with those family members who were able to make the trip down or over to see us. Unfortunately many of our family were unable to make the trip. It was the first year since we were married that we were not able to spend time with each of our families during the holidays and that was very difficult for us. So it was wonderful that although we are even farther from our families this year, we were still able to visit with each of them this year. It truly was a blessing to spend some time with each and we are thankful we could make the trip to visit with everyone.
Saturday, December 18th
139) Planning ahead- I headed out today to pick up one item from Hobby Lobby. It wasn't for Christmas, but I knew if I didn't get it now, it was very possible that it would be gone after Christmas. Oh me, oh my. I was reminded why I always get my Christmas shopping done early. The stores and parking lots were crazy! Not only do I prefer planning ahead for Christmas present shopping to help reduce stress and allow for more careful consideration (at least on my part because of how I shop for presents), but I am thankful I plan ahead and start shopping as early as June or July so that I do not have to deal with the December crowds. As with most everything else, this blessing transcends this one idea. I am often grateful that I have taken the time to plan ahead in many other areas of my life as well. It has saved me much headache-figuratively speaking- and often kept us out of a tight situation.
140) U Turn lanes and wide shoulders on roads in Texas- I have driven on lots of roads around a good portion of this country and I must say I miss the wide shoulders and U-Turn lanes in Texas a great deal. I don't know if I can fully explain why, but both are blessings in their own right, but for very different reasons.
Sunday, December 19th
141) Our daughter finally sleeping well while traveling- I have come to accept that when traveling with our daughter, we can never expect ideal sleeping routines from her. The unfamiliar environment, new faces, and different beds can negatively affect her sleeping patterns, so when she is able to get into a good sleeping pattern while we are traveling I am most grateful and consider it a huge blessing. Such is the case now. After struggling with sleep for a week, she seems to have finally settled down and is sleeping well both during her naps and at bedtime. What a blessing for us all!
142) Drew's job- I know the past two years have been rough for many, many people around the country when it comes to finances and jobs, and therefore, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge just how grateful I am for Drew's job. I have regularly told people who have asked that I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to be a stay at home mother. That is something I always hoped I would be able to do when our children were young, and thanks to Drew's job, I am able to do so. Of course his job provides for us in so many other ways as well and I am so very grateful for each of those provisions, but also for Drew's willingness to be our provider.
Monday, December 20th
143) Amusing Adventures- Going out for a birthday dinner should be a fairly simple task... should be. Then again, sometimes half the fun is getting there! :) I have been in the mood for some good Japanese hibachi, so when asked where I would like to go for a birthday dinner, that was my first suggestion. Drew's Dad and Step-Mom knew of a place, so we planned to go there. The only problem is that when we got there, it was no longer in business. Gone! So Drew and I pulled out our GPS and looked for other Japanese steakhouses. We found one not far away and off we went. We arrived at that restaurant to find it was closed for renovations. Once again Drew pulled out the GPS and we located another Japanese steakhouse not far away. (I was pretty lucky there were this many Japanese steakhouses in the area.) Well the third time was a charm. The third restaurant was open. So after about an hour of driving, we were able to go to dinner, and I must say it was a lovely dinner. I enjoyed it thoroughly- the dinner and the predinner adventure. After all, my parents always say to enjoy the journey!
144) Shoes- This is definitely one of those silly blessings, but shoes definitely keep our daughter entertained. She loves shoes and has for months now. It doesn't matter if they are girly or rugged and made for working in the mud. She thinks shoes of any shape, size and function are just wonderful. Her latest shoe story- accidentally knocking down most of her Oma's shoes from their storage rack then proceeding to use her Oma as a "dress-up dolly" for the shoes that fell down.
Of course on a more practical note, I also find shoes to be a wonderful blessing for my feet. They keep them warm in the cold months and protect them from harsh terrain or long, tiring hikes. Even as I write this, my feet are wrapped in cozy, warm slippers.
Tuesday, December 21st
145) Two dates in two weeks- WooHoo!
146) Unexpected expenses built into our budget- Sometimes life throws unexpected expenses your way. We knew we had one coming. We weren't certain exactly how big of an expense, but we knew we would be facing a larger than normal utility bill. I am thankful that Drew and I have thought to set aside money for "unexpected utilities" that is there if we need it each month and if not, accrues for a later date. Now that the time has come that we do have an unexpected expense, the cost may sting but it isn't distressing, and anyone who knows me knows that is a huge accomplishment.
Wednesday, December 22nd
147) Learning from the older generations- We had the chance to spend some time with Drew's grandma this morning and what a joy it was. I treasure time with all our grandparents. They have so much to share with us and this time was no different.
148) Traveling mercies- Our road trip has ended. We are back in Albuquerque safe and sound and I am grateful for our safe travels. More than this last trip though, I am thankful for the safety we have had this entire year. We have made numerous road trips, logging over 13,000 miles just for special trips, and all without any major concerns or worries for our safety. On top of that, Drew was in an accident shortly after his arrival here in Albuquerque, and although our car was totaled, he came out of the vehicle without a scratch. I can think of no other way to describe our situation than blessed.
Thursday, December 23rd
149) Traditions- There is something wonderful and sweet about the passing on of traditions. Tonight Drew and I took our daughter to pick our our Christmas tree. Every year since we have been married, we have purchased a live Christmas tree. We always go together and pick one out, just like we each did with our families as children. Now it is something we are doing with our daughter. That is just one of many traditions we have at Christmas time, but traditions are more than just the actions. Some traditions are lessons passed on from one generation to the next, like celebrating Christmas Eve with Jesus' birthday cake; many others help to define us, unite us and bond us together closer as a family. No matter their purpose, they are a blessing.
It only seems appropriate to share a song from the movie White Christmas - a movie my father and I used to watch together each year at Christmas time and one I still watch and think of him.
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
("Count Your Blessings" from White Christmas)
Friday, December 24th
150) Assurance that All is Well- At the Christmas Eve service we attended this evening, a gentleman performed a piano solo while pictures and thoughts were displayed on the screen. The broad idea behind the thoughts was that for many people this time of year is very difficult because of financial struggles, the loss of a loved one or another personal difficulty, but no matter what any of us may be dealing with, we have the assurance that all is well. What a wonderful reminder! No matter what we're dealing with, great or small- in the end, all is well. God is in control and He has already claimed victory.
All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well
("All is Well" by Michael W. Smith)
151) Stillness- I haven't been very still in the past thirty-six hours or so but it only reminds me all the more just what a blessing it is. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10
Saturday, December 25th
152) The Creator coming to earth as a helpless infant to ultimately offer himself as a sacrifice to pay the price for my sins- Greatest blessing I will ever count and one I hope each and everyone of you has recognized and embraced. Merry Christmas!
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