Blessings

Thanks and Giving

Thanksgiving was absolutely lovely.

A little craft I made with the kids at our church. Some of the things I'm thankful for :)

A little craft I made with the kids at our church. Some of the things I’m thankful for 🙂

This special holiday always has me reflecting on God’s blessings in my life. To have a roof over my head, abundant food, clean water, electricity, a wonderful husband, a healthy family, a job, a vehicle, and so much more is crazy to think about. I have all I could ever need. 

On top of my basic needs, God has blessed me with much, much more. This Thanksgiving was extra special for my family for some personal reasons, so I just want to acknowledge how good God has been to us. He answers prayers in amazing ways. He goes above and beyond.

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Jimmy and I celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents’ house with my mom, dad, Hannah, and all of our pups. We ate, laughed, prayed, and relaxed. It was a great day.

I also had to pet sit, so that was done before and after visiting my parents. It’s tempting to resent working on holidays, but that’s just when pet sitting is the busiest. I’m thankful for the extra work and the opportunity to contribute financially to our little family in a way that I so enjoy.

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After eating, my mom convinced me to go Black Friday shopping with her, even though it was still Thursday. It was my first true experience with the craziness that is Black Friday. I went not to buy anything, but to spend time with my mom. We had fun, and it wasn’t too wacko out and about.

This time of year reminds me not only to be thankful, but to give. To give of myself, my time, money, love, and more. However I can help others, really. Here’s to having an attitude of thanks and giving the whole year round.

I hope all who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful day spent with loved ones!

Currently

I haven’t done a “currently” survey since April 2015, so I think I’m due to fill one out again! I always enjoy looking back on what books I was reading, what I was feeling blessed about, which TV shows I was into, etc. in the past. Here’s a link to one from 2015 and one from 2013.

All pictures in the post are from a recent photography walk I took around Pittsburgh!

All pictures in the post are from a recent photography walk I took around Pittsburgh!

Current book(s) Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (thanks for the recommendation, Amy!), Leaving by Karen Kingsbury, The Bible, and I just finished Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner.

Current music – I pretty much listen to audio books, but if I have the radio on in my truck, I enjoy listening to K-Love because it’s so encouraging and positive.

Current guilty pleasure – Long, hot showers. As I mentioned in my last post, winter has arrived in Pittsburgh. Taking a burning-hot shower has never felt so good!

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Current nail color – Just a clear coat! I’d love to get a manicure sometime, though.

Current drink – Eight O’Clock coffee.

Current food – Runny egg sandwiches on an English muffin. I’m totally hooked.

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Current television show(s) Alaskan Bush People and Gold Rush. I guess I’m a big Discovery Channel fan?! Alaskan Bush People is just so interesting to me because the way the Brown family lives is very different from typical American life. Gold Rush has been a favorite show of mine for years now as well. I never expected to be enamored by gold mining, but it’s pretty neat!

Current wish list – Hmmm. I don’t think I have anything I’m wishing for or wanting. I have more than I could dream of or ask for in life. I am so grateful.

Current needs – Yarn! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to teach me how to crochet this week and I need to get some yarn. Can’t wait :).

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Current indulgence – Daydreaming. About places I’d like to visit, things I want to do, books I want to read, and on and on. Just letting my mind wander to fun places is an indulgence while I’m working or doing household chores. Sometimes my mind gets stuck on the work-work-work track, and taking time to slow down and be creative is wonderful.

Current blessing – My husband and church family. Jimmy is so solid. Sometimes I feel like my emotions are all over the place, and knowing I can talk to him about anything and have his care, calmness, attention, and understanding means the world to me. My church family is a blessing because it’s incredible to live life surrounded by people who have the same beliefs and goals in life and are supportive and loving. One of the best things about being a part of a church is the deep connection and love I get to experience. There’s nothing like it!

Current excitement – I was asked to give a devotional during a ladies’ event at my church this spring. I said yes, and now I’m in the planning stages. So pumped! If you have any topic ideas, feel free to send them my way!

That’s all I have for today. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Tell me your current excitement, blessing, etc.!