Thursday, December 15, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Joan at Reflections of His Grace

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

I've never liked waiting. I used to give up half way through projects....I didn't think they'd ever become what I wanted anyways....so why keep trying. But now I figured out.....everything takes time.....and waiting is key to advancing towards what I want. Dreams happen slowly....step by step.....not in one giant leap. This week I'm grateful for.....

-CF reviewing what I've written so far in my story The Game Player. She said she's loving it. Her words are my motivation to keep writing. I've got 29,000 words and wondering how I'll manage to get the next 29,000. But I'm going to keep writing...one word at a time....and hopefully....
-my 15 yr. old recieved a $100 to use towards entry into a local university. She came in third place for something she participated in. Although the money is a tiny fraction of what she'll need, it's given her the incentive to keep pushing forward toward her goals.
-We helped out a couple of days at a local outreach...sorting food, gifts and clothes and helping people chose items that they're family needs. The kids loved it and asked if they could do it more times. Everyone we met were amazing....the organizers, other volunteers and recipients. Reaching out....giving....being kind.....feels better than anything. 
-My dgt wrote about me for one of her classes...she said I'm inspirational like Oprah and courageous as Anne Frank. I told her I'm not...that I'm just a fighter but she said in her eyes......I shine.
-Grace...I used to wish my life would magically change.....the abracadabra kind of grace.....but it's been a slow transformation....I think it's like building a house.....you got make sure one section is secure before putting on the next.  I'm grateful for His kind of grace that's slow and steady. Me? I'd have done it all in one day which would've made everything collapse.

16 comments:

Debbie said...

This is my favorite Thankful Thursday of all the ones I have read. Before this, the one where you talk about people and even things being what they were designed to be (even a skunk) was my favorite.

But THIS is now it.

You couldn't have known when you wrote this that the praise for a single step toward something for which I have been praying and waiting (and yes, even grumbling) was on my lips during my morning prayer.

Thanks for being God's voice this morning. You rock.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Lots of great thankfuls! Congrats to your daughter :-)

Denise said...

This is a awesome thankful post my friend.

RCUBEs said...

You discovered what each of us might take a while to figure out....that "waiting" seems to be in everything that happens in our lives. I used to be impatient but now, I'm so grateful for it, because I know that God gives it so we can either choose to avoid the past mistakes we had done to become a better person and that as we wait, it strengthens us and it changes us to truly value the things that have far more worth than the material things. You are not like Oprah or Anne Frank. You are "you" courageous and transformed by His grace. Your daughter is so right that you "shine". Glory be to God!

Terri Tiffany said...

Isn't it amazing how God has blessed you with family and friends and wonderful times?? Praying your Christmas is amazing this year! I am happy to have met you!

Anonymous said...

Oh how the waiting game is but a nightmare for me so much of the time....waiting for this waiting for that ....is God or is he not...will he allow or will he forbid....will they come or will they go ....when lord when why lord why ....Cease from the struggle my daughter ....I have your life planned and purposed trust me saith God!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Isn't patience one of the hardest things ever? But not much good comes fast, and getting things right away is usually not good for us, everything in it's own time, in God's time.

Wanda's Wings said...

Ah patience. Well written post. Congratulations to your daughter.

Joan Davis (Jo) said...

I want to be patient...and I want to be patient right now! lol Isn't that the truth! But, God teaches us in His time which is always the right time. Congratulations to your daughter and thanks for posting such an encouraging list of blessings!

Blessings, Joan

Anonymous said...

Oh, waiting. It seems easy...
Beautiful post of thanks!
~nikki

highheeledlife said...

Wonderfully worded my friend. And thank you for sharing so openly as it helps others (me) to remember that transformation and the ability to move forward (after a detour in life) takes time, healing needs to occur and yes the foundation needs to stronger. I cannot tell you how many times frustration has taken hold and during those times, I "want" it all to be better. But God knows that I "need" to feel each moment experience each step to heal strongly. HE gives me the strength and shows me when steps in healing are not missed the foundation gets stronger! Giving back to others is one of the best ways to keep a foundation firm.

Wishing you peaceful Thursday..xo HHL

Anonymous said...

When I was little, after my parents divorce, I wished everything was a dream I would wake up from. I remember days where I wished I could magically make my life change, too. But I have learned as I raised children, that, like you said, change takes time - sometimes a lifetime - and I have to find joy in the journey. So much truth in your post! Be blessed in your journey!

Joan Hall said...

"Dreams happen slowly....step by step.....not in one giant leap."

I needed to be reminded of this today. Like you, in the past I have tended to give up on a project if it takes too much time. But as I am getting ready to embark upon an attempt at writing a novel, I have to remind myself that it won't happen overnight.

Thanks for linking up today!

Blessings,
Joan

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Those are beautiful things to be thankful for. I know I always wanted things like yesterday but I have learned that for many things I have to wait for God's timing.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I am praying for you as you move toward your goal step by step .Merry Christmas!
Love & Blessings

Of One Heart said...

In my eyes, too, you shine. May the Lord always lead you ahead!

xoxo