I am so thankful for my fantastic cousins!
It is amazing that we have formed such close bonds even though we spend a lot of time apart. When the six of us get together there is rarely a dull moment and everyone always ends up laughing. I remember when we shared "sam hamples" and "pine tree green beans" at a holiday meal. I also was so lucky to have 2 fantastic tour guides show me around France. The best cousin adventure was our thanksgiving trip to visit our grandparents! It was so great to all be there together.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #17
Today I am thankful for gifts that come in not so obvious packages.
My devotional page for today (from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) says this, "I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs."
It makes me think about all of the things that have happened to me or those I love in the past 24 hours whether joyous, overwhelming or sad. It is hard to think about the reason or deeper meaning behind those events. But I trust that each event is a part of a bigger story. Each trial or joy brings us a different perspective or appreciation and might even cause us to rethink our role in this world.
My devotional page for today (from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) says this, "I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs."
It makes me think about all of the things that have happened to me or those I love in the past 24 hours whether joyous, overwhelming or sad. It is hard to think about the reason or deeper meaning behind those events. But I trust that each event is a part of a bigger story. Each trial or joy brings us a different perspective or appreciation and might even cause us to rethink our role in this world.
Monday, May 28, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #16
Today I am thankful for my dad.
It is his birthday today!! We were able to celebrate with him at the Twins game yesterday and tonight with the whole family (pizza and root beer floats!)
There is no one in the world that is a better listener than my dad. He knows just what to say, when to say it and when to just sit back and listen. Even when I go on and on about the silliest things, he will not only listen, but follow up later to see how it all worked out. He is wise, generous, kind and has a great sense of humor. There are several times that all of us have laughed literally until we cry! He has been many things in my life, a teacher, mentor, chauffeur, proof reader, financial advisor, but truly, I am honored to call him my dad.
It is his birthday today!! We were able to celebrate with him at the Twins game yesterday and tonight with the whole family (pizza and root beer floats!)
There is no one in the world that is a better listener than my dad. He knows just what to say, when to say it and when to just sit back and listen. Even when I go on and on about the silliest things, he will not only listen, but follow up later to see how it all worked out. He is wise, generous, kind and has a great sense of humor. There are several times that all of us have laughed literally until we cry! He has been many things in my life, a teacher, mentor, chauffeur, proof reader, financial advisor, but truly, I am honored to call him my dad.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #15
I am thankful for this reminder, posted near my desk. I needed it!
I was once talking with an operator of sorts on the phone and at one point she said to me, "I will be praying that you are 'set where you are supposed to be.'" The hard part is that we never know where that might be and why, but we know there is a reason.
30 Days of Thankfulness #14
I am thankful for patience.
It is hard to wait and it is even harder to be patient sometimes with those around us. We get caught up in the daily push to accomplish everything on our to-do list. Guess what, if it needs to happen, it will happen! I am trying to not worry about my to-do list (which is quite long right now!), trying to not worry when the person in front of me is traveling at 20 miles per hour in a 45 MPH zone and really trying to take time with those I am with whether family, friends, checkout clerks or my favorite coffee baristas!
Trust me - it is not always easy!
It is hard to wait and it is even harder to be patient sometimes with those around us. We get caught up in the daily push to accomplish everything on our to-do list. Guess what, if it needs to happen, it will happen! I am trying to not worry about my to-do list (which is quite long right now!), trying to not worry when the person in front of me is traveling at 20 miles per hour in a 45 MPH zone and really trying to take time with those I am with whether family, friends, checkout clerks or my favorite coffee baristas!
Trust me - it is not always easy!
Friday, May 25, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #13
Today I am thankful for my students and co-workers!
This was our last week with students and yesterday we celebrated with songs for the parents and root beer floats. I was so proud of each one of our students!! They have really come so so far. Although they are, by far, the most challenging and quirkiest bunch I have ever had, they will be missed!! They made me laugh A LOT and shared so much joy for learning.
This year would NOT have been possible without all my amazing co-workers!!! Co-teachers, specialists, assistants and even our long term subs played such a vital role in the success of our class this year. Your dedication and support for these young people is overwhelming. It is amazing to know that so many adults believe in and care for these children and are willing to do whatever is needed to help them succeed.
This was our last week with students and yesterday we celebrated with songs for the parents and root beer floats. I was so proud of each one of our students!! They have really come so so far. Although they are, by far, the most challenging and quirkiest bunch I have ever had, they will be missed!! They made me laugh A LOT and shared so much joy for learning.
This year would NOT have been possible without all my amazing co-workers!!! Co-teachers, specialists, assistants and even our long term subs played such a vital role in the success of our class this year. Your dedication and support for these young people is overwhelming. It is amazing to know that so many adults believe in and care for these children and are willing to do whatever is needed to help them succeed.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #12
Today I am thankful for the beautiful music of the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda.
Thanks Sarah for the invite to hear them last night! Each one of these children is such a gift and they radiate God's peace and unconditional love. I was so overwhelmed with love for them and the many gifts they shared with us and will bring back to their community when they return.
If you are interested in learning more about them - check out their website. http://www.watoto.com/the-choir I am listening to their most recent album in the car and love it!
One of my favorite quotes from their show:
"If compassion built a home, it would be called community." Something to strive for!
Thanks Sarah for the invite to hear them last night! Each one of these children is such a gift and they radiate God's peace and unconditional love. I was so overwhelmed with love for them and the many gifts they shared with us and will bring back to their community when they return.
If you are interested in learning more about them - check out their website. http://www.watoto.com/the-choir I am listening to their most recent album in the car and love it!
One of my favorite quotes from their show:
"If compassion built a home, it would be called community." Something to strive for!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #11
Today I am thankful for my grandpa.
It is his birthday! I remember when I was little he read the book the Old Turtle to us by Douglas Wood. I am not sure why this sticks out so much in my mind, but I love turtles and so when I found a copy of the Old Turtle at a thrift store, I bought. After reading it, I know why it has stuck with me and why my grandpa shared it with his grandchildren. Wood captures God's love and peace for all the world and everything in it so beautifully in this book. He also reminds us that we have challenges in this world as well like war, arguments, famine, and lack of understanding.
Here is one of my favorite lines...
"...the people listened, and began to hear and see God in one another and in the beauty of the earth."
Thanks Gpa!
It is his birthday! I remember when I was little he read the book the Old Turtle to us by Douglas Wood. I am not sure why this sticks out so much in my mind, but I love turtles and so when I found a copy of the Old Turtle at a thrift store, I bought. After reading it, I know why it has stuck with me and why my grandpa shared it with his grandchildren. Wood captures God's love and peace for all the world and everything in it so beautifully in this book. He also reminds us that we have challenges in this world as well like war, arguments, famine, and lack of understanding.
Here is one of my favorite lines...
"...the people listened, and began to hear and see God in one another and in the beauty of the earth."
Thanks Gpa!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #10
Today I am thankful for my brother.
Not only does he make me laugh, more than anyone....but he is kind and willing to listen. He also has really great taste in music (I wouldn't have half the selection without his suggestions!). He is so talented both on stage and off and makes great latte art. I am glad to have him as a brother and friend! I am so excited to see where life takes him next!
Not only does he make me laugh, more than anyone....but he is kind and willing to listen. He also has really great taste in music (I wouldn't have half the selection without his suggestions!). He is so talented both on stage and off and makes great latte art. I am glad to have him as a brother and friend! I am so excited to see where life takes him next!
30 Days of Thankfulness #9
I am late in posting this, but I did think of it yesterday - just couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to post it!
I am thankful for my health. As I was running/walking around the lake and going to my yoga class I took a moment to reflect on how truly lucky I am to be so free of disease, chronic conditions, starvation, etc. Not everyone is so lucky and I give thanks for the blessing of health.
I am thankful for my health. As I was running/walking around the lake and going to my yoga class I took a moment to reflect on how truly lucky I am to be so free of disease, chronic conditions, starvation, etc. Not everyone is so lucky and I give thanks for the blessing of health.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
30 days of thankfulness #7
Today I am thankful for baseball!
Some friends and I took a trip to milwaukee to see the twins play the brewers. It was the perfect day for tailgating and baseball. We had delicious food, great company and the opportunity to see our good ole twins win!
It was a great day! It is nice to be able to just sit and relax and cheer!
Friday, May 18, 2012
30 days of thankfulness #6
Today I am thankful for the opportunity to teach in richly diverse community. My class was featured in the paper because of the many cultures and languages that are represented in our schools. It makes my job so interesting and allows me to be a part of so many traditions and ways of life! We all have so much to learn from each other!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
30 days of faithfulness #5
Today I am thankful for generosity.
In the past few days I have received some amazingly unbelievable gifts towards my work in Haiti. Asking for and accepting sponsorships and monetary donations is a really hard thing for me and something I have been praying a lot about.
Through accepting these gifts I am learning humility and realizing that I am truly a part of something bigger than myself.
Thank you for any gift you have given, be it prayer, financial contributions, or your friendship.
In the past few days I have received some amazingly unbelievable gifts towards my work in Haiti. Asking for and accepting sponsorships and monetary donations is a really hard thing for me and something I have been praying a lot about.
Through accepting these gifts I am learning humility and realizing that I am truly a part of something bigger than myself.
Thank you for any gift you have given, be it prayer, financial contributions, or your friendship.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
30 days of thankfulness #4
Today I am thankful for the joy and fellowship that comes with sharing a meal with good friends.
Tonight we sat outside, enjoyed friendships that are more than a decade old and ate delicious food. There are so many times when I eat on the run, in my car or don't take the time (like at school!) to really enjoy a good meal. I also am really thankful to be able to share time with the children that have recently joined our little coffee club. It is inspiring to watch them (and their parents) grow!!
Tonight we sat outside, enjoyed friendships that are more than a decade old and ate delicious food. There are so many times when I eat on the run, in my car or don't take the time (like at school!) to really enjoy a good meal. I also am really thankful to be able to share time with the children that have recently joined our little coffee club. It is inspiring to watch them (and their parents) grow!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness #3
Today I am thankful for time. It is precious and its importance is often overlooked.
Now that I am done with classes for the semester I have the opportunity to live life at a little slower pace. I can tell you, I feel calmer, more in touch and present with other people and again find joy in the little things! I am most guilty of packing my days and minutes full of to-do lists and activities. But when I really take a step back and allow life to unfold before me, there is an amazing sense of peace that oddly enough, makes everything all work out!
Now that I am done with classes for the semester I have the opportunity to live life at a little slower pace. I can tell you, I feel calmer, more in touch and present with other people and again find joy in the little things! I am most guilty of packing my days and minutes full of to-do lists and activities. But when I really take a step back and allow life to unfold before me, there is an amazing sense of peace that oddly enough, makes everything all work out!
Monday, May 14, 2012
30 days of thankfulness #2
30 days of thankfulness #2
I just finished a lovely walk around my favorite lake in MN, Lake of the Isles. Today I am thankful for god's amazing creation! It could not be a more beautiful day. If you have not taken time to enjoy it, stop reading and go outside!!!
It is worth it to slow down, take out your headphones and really be present in the world around you. The smell of spring and new life (when it doesn't make me sneeze) is energizing!
If you do go out for a stroll or bike...please mind the caterpillars. They are everywhere!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
30 days of thankfulness
So, blogging is new to me. I will be spending time in Haiti this summer and thought it would be the best way to let people know what I am doing!
This is my trial run!
30 days from today I will have just turned 30 and will be on a plane headed for Haiti as an intern for 2 months. I will be working with teachers, children and helping with community strengths/needs assessments.
As a way to try to show my gratitude, I am committing to 30 days of thankfulness. That starts today!
#1 - My mom
It is fitting that today is Mother's Day and the beginning of 30 days of thankfulness. My mom is a constant supporter, encourager and problem solver. She is the first one I call when there is something weighing heavy on my heart. Her advice to "keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart" does wonders when facing your fears. Her reminders to live for today show me that I can't always know what god's plans are for me, except that there is a reason and purpose for each and every twist and turn. Thank you mom!
This is my trial run!
30 days from today I will have just turned 30 and will be on a plane headed for Haiti as an intern for 2 months. I will be working with teachers, children and helping with community strengths/needs assessments.
As a way to try to show my gratitude, I am committing to 30 days of thankfulness. That starts today!
#1 - My mom
It is fitting that today is Mother's Day and the beginning of 30 days of thankfulness. My mom is a constant supporter, encourager and problem solver. She is the first one I call when there is something weighing heavy on my heart. Her advice to "keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart" does wonders when facing your fears. Her reminders to live for today show me that I can't always know what god's plans are for me, except that there is a reason and purpose for each and every twist and turn. Thank you mom!
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