Gratitude Journal #35

What I'm thankful for:
*God's faithfulness and provision
*Homemade lemonade with lunch on Sunday
*BEAUTIFUL spring (almost-summer like) weather the past few days
*Time with my husband
*that the children's EFL curriculum project that I've been a part of has wrapped up
*A good walk this morning in the crisp air and sunshine
*An awesome group of staff and students to travel to Asia with
*the movie Temple Grandin (I highly recommend it!)
*the book Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman (I highly recommend it, too!)
*what German I do know
*lessons I'm learning

What I want:
*to learn more German
*to depend on God and not myself, especially in our upcoming trip to Asia (we leave Sat.)
*to keep my perspective where it needs to be
*to take life one step at a time
*to be more organized
*to get some errands done today
*to enjoy and be thankful for each moment

Gratitude Journal #34

What I'm thankful for:
*our comfortable home
*warm sweaters
*hot beverages
*Friday mornings spent with 2nd graders - they're good for the soul :)
*I found black beans in chili sauce at the grocery store today (black beans are a bit harder to find here, and I LOVE them) to go with our taco salad for supper
*We're going to the Middle School play - "The Mouse That Roared" - tonight
*Tomorrow we're going to celebrate J & P's wedding...J is a former English Camper turned staff...she was my intern in the summer of 2009. (Well, technically, "our" intern, but she was a huge help and encouragement to me personally)
*Flexibility in my schedule
*All of the opportunities I have been blessed with
*All of the friends I have been blessed with

What I want:
*A snack and coffee...I'm a bit hungry and a bit cold
*To relax for a bit on this gray afternoon, before a busy weekend
*to learn what God wants to teach me
*to wrap up this Children's EFL curriculum project quickly and without too much blood, sweat, and tears (ok...maybe there hasn't been any blood, but there has been sweat and tears)
*for molehills to not feel like mountains to me
*to talk to my sister...our schedules have not "jived" recently
*to follow God and seek Him above all else...it is so easy to let the things of life cloud my vision of Him

Gratitude Journal #33

What I'm thankful for:
*The Swiss Alps - their beauty, that they are evidence of God's majesty and handiwork, and for a sunny weekend spent in the midst of them
*for a wonderful high school retreat this weekend - for Truth that spoke to and encouraged my heart. For the way the students were challenged and opened up. For the work that God did.
*for some good honest conversations with some fellow adults on retreat
*for God's grace, and the FREEDOM it gives ("There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus)
*for my amazing husband, the way that he takes care of me, and is so patient with me

What I want:
*to finish this children's EFL lesson that I've been working on
*to live in the freedom that God's grace gives ("and the Truth shall set you free")
*to keep a proper/healthy perspective on things

Gratitude Journal #32

What I'm thankful for:
*the promise that spring is coming, and for beautiful sunshine and a cloudless blue sky (for the second day in a row!)...I'm wondering this: is the old adage, "In like a lamb, out like a lion" true for the month of March in Germany? :)
*the lovely Christmas cards we received this year ...Because spring is coming, the hubs has said that it is time to take them down...so I did.. But they have been a lovely reminder of the people we love (and who love us - thank you!)
*that family and friends are patient with my lapses in communication
*for what God is teaching me
*for 14 months (as of yesterday:) of marriage (some friends of ours here - a dear couple who recently clung to God during their second battle with cancer...the first was nearly 30 years ago - encouraged us to celebrate the "monthiversaries" - not for sappiness's sake, per se, but as a way to remember to thank God for each other every day)
*for progress I have made on my part of a Children's EFL curriculum project
*for the opportunity to go on BFA's high school retreat this weekend (March 4-6)

What I want:
*for mental energy and clarity to be able to finish/"polish" my part of a Children's EFL curriculum project that I'm working on. It is "rough" and needs to be smoothed out, streamlined, etc.
*for good connections to be built/strengthened with students at high school retreat this weekend, and to have the energy I need for that
*to go for a walk
*to honor God in all that I do

Gratitude Journal #31

What I'm thankful for:
*homemade pasta (My amazing hubs made dinner last night. If I had made it, it would have included store bought pasta. But Mike made lovely homemade pasta....and this amazing chicken parmesan)
*my sister
*sleep
*coffee
*less-scheduled days
*chocolate, baked goods, etc (yes, I love my carbs!)

What I want:
*to finish this Children's EFL lesson that I'm working on quickly and easily.
*to get some things mailed out today or tomorrow
*To be more on top of things...or rather, to be content knowing that I accomplished what I could, today, and every day
*to remember that I live for an audience of One
*to know God more and deeper

Gratitude Journal #30

What I'm thankful for:
*Beautiful sunshine and spring-like weather (is it really only February?!) that we've had the past few days
*Lessons that God is teaching me, even though they aren't always easy
*Reminders of Truth
*my amazing husband
*Music, especially music that speaks to my heart
*my Bible and journal...and colored Stabilo pens :)
*the truth that grace isn't dependent on who I am or what I do
*the freedom that true grace brings
*the truth that God wants me to pour out my heart to Him in complete honesty...even when there are tears of frustration or sadness
*friends
*the miracle and gift of newborn babies...they remind me of the amazing Creator God
*all of the people who stand with us in prayers and giving...without you, we wouldn't be here

What I want:
*Creativity and ideas as I work on this Children's EFL project I am currently a part of
*To regain control of my email inbox...it's a bit of a mess
*To have more realistic expectations of myself
*To patiently allow God to do His work in me
*To sit quietly and rest in the Hand of God
*To talk to my Mom today (it's been a while)

Gratitude Journal #29

What I'm thankful for:
*new friends
*Drain-o (or as the bottle I have says, "Super Rohr Frei") - I don't know what M. did to the kitchen sink, but it was clogged. Thanks to those lovely chemicals I poured down it, it is no longer clogged.
*Friends with whom I can "safely" share my whole heart
*grace and what I'm learning about it
*Glimpses of sunshine and blue skies this morning

What I want:
*To be more patient as I learn what God wants to teach me
*To not strive in my own power
*To have more energy (yup, it's been one of those days)

Gratitude Journal #28

What I'm thankful for:
*Alertness and safety during an early morning airport run this morning
*Listening to some good Truth-speaking songs while driving in the car the past two days (driving here is not a daily part of my life as it was in the US)
*Friends
*Truth
*Encouragement
*Emails
*Good days
*That I can't nullify grace (Gal 2:20)

What I want:
*To live in God's strength, not my own
*To truly grasp God's grace and His love for me
*To selflessly love the people around me, especially my husband

Gratitude Journal #27

What I am thankful for:
*God is sovereign
*this adventure we're living
*this "front row seat" that God has given us to watch what He is doing in the world
*my sister
*sunshine
*coffee
*chocolate chip cookie bars
*that I was able to fix a zipper on a piece of clothing so it doesn't need to be replaced
*games, especially games with friends

What I want:
*For God to direct our steps, and for our desires to not get in the way
*to get a bunch of mail together to send to the US with a friend
*to write in my journal
*to cross some things off my "to do" list today...
*...but yet not be burdened/weighed down by the "to do list"

Gratitude Journal #26

What I am thankful for:
*The GORGEOUS weather we have had the past few days - is it really January? Because it feels, smells, and looks more like spring. :) (Look at the picture that I just took - I know that it isn't the best picture, but look at the cloudless blue sky - amazing! :)
*The church bells that ring regularly, marking the time.
*That our car repairs were MUCH less extensive and MUCH less expensive than we had anticipated - praise the Lord for His provision in this way!
*Walks with Mike (especially in this beautiful weather!)
*time with friends
*phone calls with family

What I want:
*To use my time wisely this week
*To be dependent on God, instead of myself or anything else
*To talk to my sister on the phone this week (we've had trouble connecting this week:)
*To add a bit more "structure" to my days this semester, but to not take too much on - wisdom in making these decisions
*To read and journal more this week

Gratitude Journal #25

What I'm thankful for:
*sunshine
*good sleep
*an unexpected visit yesterday from 2 of Mike's former HBR (dorm) guys
*my caring husband...and that he just called me just to see how my day was going
*black beans...and the fact that I remembered to soak them overnight...(now, to decide which Mexican dish to make with them...)
*"Staff Breakfast" yesterday morning - the opportunity to interact with the wonderful people in this community, and for the reminders of why we are here
*God's work in our lives
*family
*colors
*photos and the beauty they capture
*email

What I want:
*To do some cooking/baking
*wisdom for some decisions we need to make about some car repairs
*to know how to spend my time wisely...how to prioritize things
*to finally make a decision about which wedding photos to order
*to pray more
*to read more

Gratitude Journal #24

A nearby village in the evening - decorated for Christmas and covered in snow!

Our Christmas tree (which is especially exciting since it is the first tree we have had as a couple - so thankful for our first "married" Christmas!)...and please note the giant stocking behind the two normal sized ones...my husband was quick to (jokingly) claim that one, which I gave him much grief about!

What I'm thankful for:
*rest
*a bit more energy
*the relaxed pace of break, and time with Mike
*the time with friends, playing games, eating, etc. over break
*the freedom to go to church and both sing and hear Truth
*my family, for who each one is as an individual
*that our friend Amy was able to come visit over break - yay for catching up in person!
*that we've had more snow than normal so far this winter - I love the white stuff! We've enjoyed a bit of cross country skiing over break. (In the photo below I was imitating the picture on the tiny green sign behind me. I'm not sure whether the image was doing gymnastics on skis or what, since it wasn't a very realistic-looking skier:)
*Our friends, the S. family, are back after being away last semester while P. (the wife) was battling cancer. PTL for healing!


What I want:
*for my energy level to continue increasing
*to love God more
*to be a blessing and encouragement to the people around me
*to better live out the characteristics of love described in 1 Cor. 13 - especially in my relationship with Mike

Gratitude Journal #23

What I'm thankful for:
*Birthday packages and reminders of what wonderful family and friends I am blessed to have
*A wonderful weekend spent visiting a college friend and catching up on life
*A delicious Thanksgiving dinner shared with friends
*Laughter
*Healing
*That we currently have a winter wonderland - we've had snow on the ground for the past week (which isn't common here!)
*Sunshine and the way it reflects off the snow
*Music
*Reminders that life is short - seize the day!
*A warm, comfortable home
*Grace, Truth, and healing
*My wonderful husband, for many reasons, one of them being that he takes care of car stuff - most recently, putting on the winter tires

What I want:
*To go for a walk in this crisp, beautiful winter weather! (which I will do as soon as I post this) Done! It was great!
*To live each moment to the fullest (and this doesn't mean busyness)- to not take any day or any one for granted
*To seek God first, always, and above all else
*To "absorb" Christ
*To spend more time reading and journaling
*To love and encourage those around me
*And to be honest, I want the bright yellow mail truck to bring my birthday box from my parents...it's somewhere between them and me and has been for a little while (maybe the "Zoll"/Customs guys are having fun going through it? :) It came today! YAY! (I'm waiting til Mike comes home to open it - it's more fun to open packages with someone!)

Gratitude Journal #22

What I'm thankful for:
*answered prayers
*that God protects and heals
*His sustaining grace
*BEAUTIFUL weather this weekend - it had me asking "Is it really November?"
*friends
*Truth
*The blessings, flavors, and scents of fall, especially as we approach Thanksgiving

What I want:
*To not let the gray, dreary, rainy weather today get me down
*To keep my mind and heart fixed upon Truth, to keep a proper perspective
*To be optimistic instead of pessimistic
*To be a mirror that reflects Him
*To have thicker skin
*To live life to the fullest

Gratitude Journal #21

I'm feeling a bit weary. But sometimes a simple glance out the window reminds me of all that I have to be thankful for:






What I'm thankful for:
*That I live in a place where I see the beauty of God's creation all around me
*Truth-speaking music
*My wonderful husband, who reminds me of Truth, encourages me, and washed a huge stack of dishes last night. :)
*Radiators: The next best thing to a dryer. (Yes, it takes longer, but I'm thankful to have clean, dry, warm clothes to wear.)
*Sunshine
*Walks
*Colors - their variety and their beauty
*That all of my needs and many of my wants are met.

What I want:
*To not feel weary
*Or, more so, to not get frustrated by the weariness
*To put my hope in God - He alone is my strength, my foundation, my reason for living
*To better understand the purpose God has for me and how He wants me to live my life

Gratitude Journal #20

What I'm thankful for:
*blue sky
*sunshine
*a morning walk in the brisk fall air
*red leaves
*holding a warm mug of coffee in my hands
*a warm house
*inspiring music
*my amazing husband
*friends who care and who I can be honest with

What I want:
*to love God more
*to not put God in the box that my human brain tries to put Him in
*more energy today than I had energy
*to love the people around me
*to cling to God and put Him before all else

Gratitude Journal #19

For the past three days, our sleepy little town has been blanketed in unusually thick fog. My mind and body feel a bit like they are stuck in thick fog as well. I start to get frustrated and down on myself for being so tired. But then I remember that it is Friday, and that this has been a pretty full/busy week. I am thankful for all of the people time and good conversations that this week has held. But I do need to find some restoration, some rest, some refreshment. As part of that, a gratitude journal helps my perspective.

What I'm thankful for:
*a mostly unscheduled day
*grace and truth
*friends and good conversations that resonate on a heart level
*all of the people standing with us in prayer, encouragement, and financial support

What I want:
*To love God more
*To love the people around me
*To feel more rested
*To keep a proper perspective of life

Gratitude Journal #18

What I'm thankful for:
*colors
*flowers
*sunshine
*how big my God is
*people who serve a big God, and so have big dreams/vision
*opportunities to be a spectator of or be involved in some of those big things.
*my siblings and the ways they make me laugh/smile
*baked goods
*friends
*deep conversations
*streaming radio online with truth-speaking music

What I want:
*To truly understand how big my God is
*To rest IN Him
*To love God more
*To love my husband, family, and friends more
*To wait patiently
*To be more selfless

Gratitude Journal #17

What I'm thankful for:
- another sunny day
- good conversations with friends
- my OH teaching license came in the mail earlier this week!
- my Mom - and an envelope from her today with a fun baking magazine (like I really need more encouragement to bake:) and some other important papers

What I want:
- to have a good attitude about and be patient with the renovations going on in our building
- to truly understand God's love and grace - and have it permeate my heart
- to be closer to God today than I was yesterday
- to be honest with the people around me
- to encourage the people around me

Gratitude Journal #16

What I'm thankful for:
- sunshine
- the beginnings of fall colors
- leaves crunching underfoot
- friends
- prayer
- Truth
- music that speaks to my heart

What I want:
- less of me, more of Him
- peace
- joy
- rest
- Truth
- wisdom