Would you dare?

Words spoken directly to me this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MniOtRnCO9I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I haven't blogged in awhile; I am learning to be thankful...

Would you dare would you dare to believe, that you still have a reason to sing.

It's just the dark, before the morning.

Enjoy this day.

Sleepy!

The last three days I have slacked on my blogging, but have been very thankful for these three things! I have decided to combine them into one. This week I have had some nasty allergy's, or maybe it possibly was a cold, I am not sure. Either way not being able to breath, or talk was a problem. I realized I'd been taking the same allergy meds for about 6 months and so decided that maybe I had become immune to them. Other than my nasty allergy's this week I have also been having troubles sleeping again. I lie awake wondering why most of the time, but thankfully it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. Thank God I have come across the wonderful invention of the ear plug! ;)  With all the "noises" that go on in and around my house, as well as the outside noises of the busy street I am so grateful for these little things. They make life so much more tolerable. If only all the problems in my life and the world could be solved by something so tiny.


So a bit random of a thankful heart, however I think we need to remember all the small things in life as well, not just the big.




"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8)

Happy Happy Joy Joy Blog Blog blog blog....

Have I ever mentioned how I believe kids are the greatest! They can turn a grey day brighter in an instant.


I love coming to the door and hearing the little pitter-patter of feet running to meet me saying Becca, Becca, Beeeecca. :) It makes me happy. Tonight I had the joy of watching two little kiddos again, as I have been watching them fairly often lately. They are nothing but joy. Today's thankfulness lies with children, laughter, dancing and PIZZA. What could be better?! I am thankful to be able to help out a family, boost my spirits, all while making some extra cash(going to have to go towards that gas fund ;) ) 


I've included a smattering of pictures from past and present. I had hoped to attach a fun video clip of the "Foster the people" singing and dancing, as well as the silly noises and faces I taught them... but I sadly couldn't get that too work!   Hopefully it's ok I am putting their pics online :)

 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  
Matthew 18: 3-6

Peacful Evenings

I was able to take the time tonight and walk the beautiful lake that is Greenlake. I love that I can live so close to this lake and drive by it every single day. I could walk it a million times and never grow tired. No matter how busy, or crowded the lake is, it is almost always a relaxing, and enjoyable experience. It's a great place to have good conversation with God, myself, or others. The sound of the random "band" that plays as you walk by, children screaming on the playground, or the joy of just sitting on a dock staring out into the silence is like no other. I am reminded every time I go of God's beauty he created, beauty in everything he has made, person, place, and thing. Today I am thankful for His creations, big and small.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are Holy, Holy
The universe declares your Majesty
And you are holy holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Psalm 104:1-6 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

My hope is in you,
Show me your ways,
Guide me in Truth,
In all my days,
My hope is in you.


Although I do not always feel hope, today I can say I am thankful for it. I have hope for my future, and all things to come, no matter what the outcome. We have so much to be thankful for and hopeful for in this life. Even if things do not turn out as planned, or turn out the way we think they should, we must know we can still have hope in the Lord, hope that he is in control and that he knows what is best for us.



"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Jeremiah 17:7

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

" But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose
hope is in his unfailing love,"
Psalm 33:18

http://youtu.be/-RRZgr7wNDs

Everybody gets hungry

Today I am reminded of how much I love food. To be honest, lately I really have not been hungry.... ever, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to eat tasty foods, and having some seriously bad for me cravings. The past two days driving home from work and gym I have discovered the new, giant, shiny red billboards that are trying to call out my name.  Big Mac, Fries, McDonald's..... So gross, and so bad for you, yet the pictures are so enticing. It is good they do not smell as well! I have not had fast food in about 8 months or so. Hopefully I won't start now and give in to the craving. I enjoy cooking quite a bit, although lately have been a bit too "lazy" for that. I am very grateful for the opportunity that we have living here in America and for the most part are able to eat to our hearts content, and eat really whatever it is we may be dying for at the moment. There are so many options it is crazy! Too many options maybe. It is hard to believe that we can be here in this country "fat and sassy" while those in other countries barely have food to survive. Hopefully we will not take for granted that which is so easy for us to access. I begin by thanking God for the food he has allowed me to have each and every day, whether I am hungry or not.

"And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."
Genesis 1:29 ESV


Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 
Matthew 4:4 NIV

I work out.....

That aweful song comes to mind when I say that..." I work out"  haha


Well today I DID actually work out, and for the first time in over two months. I'm sad to admit that really. BUT, I am thankful that I was finally able to have the motivation to get to the gym. That lack of motivation, a distracted mind, as well as no time has been keeping me from my "used to be" weekly routine. Here's hoping that maybe I can get back to that on a weekly basis as it is good for mind, body, and soul!!


That's all I have for today... just a quick little discription of what I am thankful for. :)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Amoré

Today I am feeling the LOVE, and that is what I am thankful for. The love of friends, family, and an Amazing God. Love, as when a child gets a puppy for Christmas, the first time you see your child after it has been born into this world, or the love you feel towards that one that you have been waiting for your whole life. Today I am reminded mostly of God's love and what He has done for us, past, present, and future. His love is why we are here.

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

De Agua

Today I am thankful for water. Water is another resource that I think we take for granted. It is everywhere, all around us, and comes in many forms. It waters our earth, helping grow our crops. It keeps us hydrated. We use it to bathe, wash clothes, do dishes, and brush our teeth. Without water we would not have snow, or waterfalls. These are just a few uses of our water supply, and today I am reminded of those without.


Here is a website or two about the need for water in other countries, and how you can help.


http://www.spillinghope.org/


http://water.cc/

  ^But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.  John 4:14

The good ole days

I will admit now that I did not take any of these pictures today. While looking through some older photos I decided it would be fun to post these, as they portray some of that which I am thankful today.

This morning I woke up feeling a bit down, nothing new for me really. This will take time I'm sure, and I must be patient! :) So while I was praying about my day and my attitude, while I was tired, hungry and grumpy I headed off in search of coffee before church. While I set out for coffee I realized I would probably be late for church, and because of that I would probably have to sit in the chapel(not my favorite place to sit)... but I needed coffee. The grumpiness seemed to get worse as the morning went on until 3 others caught my attention(or should I say God caught my attention) First it was the lady walking to the bus stop who was clearly blind, then it was the man hunched over, crippled, getting into his wheel chair, then again another as he also had a limp of some sort. I immediately felt sorry for them and tried to imagine life in their shoes. I have never been blind(although my eyes are always blurry) nor have I ever been crippled or unable to do things(other than my years of shoulder pain.)

 I have that much to be thankful for today.... my sight, and my ability to do every days tasks without a limp, needing a crutch or the use of a wheel chair. Because of this I am able to do many things; drive, hike, play sports, ride a bike, read a book etc etc. Definitely some of the things I take for granted daily in life.

About six months ago my life... changed. Over the past few months I have been continually encouraged by many in my life. I am SO very greatful for them. From long time friends, to councelors, to people that I have never even personally met. Encouragement has flowed from them, from their hearts into mine. I've decided it's time to change my "heart" and think upon the good in my life and ALL that God has given me whether small or large. In ALL things give thanks.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:18

I have found my heart to be "hardend" lately over many areas in my life and I have forgotten what it's like to be GREATFUL.This blog is for me to share my heart with God, myself, and others, and to daily thank the one who has created each and every day, and every situation that comes our way. My goal is to take one picture a day(since photography is a hobbie) and be thankful for that one thing. No matter how tiny it may be. 10,000 Reasons for my heart to find.... LIFE. LOVE.

10 things that TODAY my heart is thankful for:

1. Music- It is inspiring, and heart changing. Songs that have changed my life.

       * 10,000 Reason- Matthew West(My reason behind this blog.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ

       * Overcome- Jeremy Camp(a reminder that WE. CAN. OVERCOME.)

       * Beautiful Things- Gungor(because ALL good things are beautiful, or can be

          made beautiful in the hands of God.)

       *Stronger- Kelly Clarkson(What doesn't kill you... makes you stronger.)

       *The Hurt and The Healer- Mercy Me(Healing doesn't come from the explained.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNSlQWdgec&feature=related

       * Our God is Greater- Shane and Shane

2. My bosses wife- I don't see her often, but everytime I do she speaks deeply into my heart and makes me see the good in life. She is a blessing to me, and is one reason for my heart change as of this past week. Talk about good coming out of bad.. I am so thankful for her reminder that everything is from God and is put into our lives for a purpose.

3. COFFEE! And someday I will own a coffee shop.(excited for beautiful creations I will be able to share with others while helping out in their lives, waking them up so that they can experience life to it's fullest!)  ;)

4. My new car, because I love it! It is a blessing from God that I have waited for, for a year.

5. SLEEP! Because I NEED it.

6. My close friends( I have SO many to be thankful for today. God is good, friendship is a GIFT from God)
7. The pains in life, because it brings healing, restoration, and is a reminder that God can help us overcome these times.
8. My friend Tyler. It's awesome, and such a blessing having a friend who can encourage/pray for you from afar off(even though never having met) He is also another inspiration in my change of heart as of recent. God brings friends like these at the perfect time. He is a wise man :) LOL
9. Seattle weather, because even though at times it can be nasty there is always something beautiful to come.

10. My job, because even though it is SO not what I want to do with my life, I need to remember that I have a job, and because I have a job I have a place to live, food to eat, a fun car, things to enjoy life with, and the ability to bless those around me.

Each day is a gift from God and that is the purpose of this blog. I hope you tune in and are blessed in this journey through life.

New Hearts Wanted

A new blog dedicated to all who's hearts are weary and in need of a pick me up.

 Above all else, guard your heart,
 for everything you do flows from it.

                                Proverbs 4:23