A little behind, but no less thankful

This month has turned out to be incredibly busy, and last week was the worst.  I say "worst" for lack of a better word.  It wasn't a bad week, just extremely...full.  Part of the busyness was due to catching the flu at the beginning of the month and the subsequent recovery and catch up at work.  Add to the normal daily routine and work schedule:

• Endeavoring to compile a multimedia presentation for my church that had a looming deadline (a new undertaking for my technologically challenged brain), 
• Learning and assuming new tasks and responsibilities as assistant to the dean of education, a new ministry I'll be taking on more fully in January,
• Helping organize, prepare for, and execute the Christmas decorating at the school,
• And multiple consecutive evenings away from home for church responsibilities or other commitments and you've got....

A life just like everyone else's as some point or another.  Crazy busy?  Yes.  Crazy full of God's grace, faithfulness, strength, and provision?  Always yes.  And for that, I'm very thankful.

I'm also thankful for friends who I know are faithfully praying for me...

For last Thursday's lunch date of grilled cheese and tomato soup with a good friend...

For all the enthusiasm and help decorating the school for Christmas...  (Side note: You wouldn't believe how much it means to the students to see the school decked for Christmas.  By this time their brains are filled to overflowing, and the Christmas cheer is a big encouragement.)

For a day at home on Saturday to get some much needed rest...

For the girls who came over Saturday evening and filled the house with laughter and good company...

For sleeping so soundly each night...

And for today.  Monday.  A new day and the start of a new week.

Thanksgiving - Day 20

I'm thankful I inherited Mom's curly hair.  It was very curly when I was little, then went into hiding until my late 20's.

"What?  You're thankful for your hair?"

Sure! Paul said "in everything give thanks," and I'd say hair definitely falls in the the "everything" category.  Besides, I like seeing a little bit of Mom when I look in the mirror.  :)

But my curls are nothing compared to this Goldilocks.  She really inherited her grandma's hair.

Thanksgiving - Day 19

Today I'm thankful for this birthday boy and the fun memories we share together.

Love you, Jake!

Thanksgiving - Day 18

Music!  The incredibly creative minds God's given some men and women to compose and produce it amazes me.  What would life be like without music?

The Piano Guys are one of my current favorite music makers.  :)

Oh, to have a piano again...

 

And then there's Steve and his cello.  

I can only imagine what the music will be like in heaven.  (Crank it up!  Right, Dad?)

 

Thanksgiving - Day 15, 16 and 17

Day 15 - Winter is coming.  As I wake up on the increasingly chilly mornings, I'm always thankful for a warm house and bed.

Day - 16 - I'm so thankful for my home church.  I grew up in this church in more ways than one.  Tonight I was able to skype with them during their annual Thanksgiving celebration.  (Hurrah again for technology!)

Day - 17 - I'm also very thankful for my new church family here in Michigan.