My One Thousand Gifts #'s 165 - 169

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 5 new things...

#165 - an Easter sunrise service

And what a nice service it was! I'm thankful for a great message, communion, a beautiful sunrise, and the chance to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior with co-workers, friends, and fellow believers! 

#166 - people to share an Easter meal with

Being away from family on holidays is always a bit sad. But it's nice to have a family that includes me in their celebrations. I think we ended up with 21 people! I'm so thankful for them inviting me, for all of the delicious food (including turkey!!), and for the great time of fellowship with everyone there. What a blessing it was!

#167 - an online streaming of the Alabama A/G District Council services

I was excited to see a link posted, allowing those of us not at District Council to still get to experience the services. It was such a blessing to feel like I was still "there." 

#168 - a bag of Conversation hearts

Back at Valentine's Day, someone sent me a few bags of my favorite Heart Day treat and I saved one bag of them for later on. When I realized at the last minute that I'd forgotten to make a treat for our Bible Study party, I thought hey - I could take the Valentine's candy. So I'm thankful, not only for the candy and the person who gave it to me, but I'm also thankful that I thought ahead to leave one bag unopened in case of a Conversation Heart "emergency" such as this :)

#169 - a stack of picture books

...because sometimes, you might just be surprise your middle and high schoolers with a project involving them. 

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-84

85-89

90-96

97-105

106-110

111-123

124-129

130-142

143-149

150-156

157-164

An Ode to a Dog

I was talking with my mom the other day and she reminded me that my dog turned 10 this weekend. So, I thought I'd do what any responsible dog owner/blogger would do. I'd blog about the best dog EVER :)

When I first met her, I had just started my 2nd year of college and was working at the vet's office. She was so tiny - She could fit in the palm of your hand. She'd been hit by a car and someone had left her on the front steps of the vet's office. Our vet, being the amazing guy he is, worked on her and nursed her back to health. And a few months later, I got to take her home, where she became my "baby." For 5 years, she was my shadow. She went pretty much anywhere I went. And let's be honest... When I left for Dakar, there were a few tears shed over having to leave her behind. But since my mom loved her as much as I did, I knew she was (and still is) in good hands. Y'all... I'm serious. She is the best dog ever! Happy Birthday Allie :)

Easter - The Who, The What, The Why

It's Easter Sunday - the day we're reminded of just how blessed we, as Christians are. Why? Because this happened...

John 3:16

God made the ultimate sacrifice. He sacrificed His son for us - FOR US - a people undeserving. He loved us so much that He sent His son to die a horrible death for us. But why? Why'd He have to die?

He died for our sins. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

He died for our healing.

1 Peter 2:24

He died because He loves us.

Romans 5:8

He died to give us a way to the Father (to Heaven).

John 14:6

But you know what? He didn't stay dead. He rose again 3 days later! How awesome is that?!

Matthew 28:6

He did that for us! Praise the Lord! He rose again!

John 11:25-26

And do you know what the best part of all is? He did this for ME... for YOU... for ALL people!

John 1:14-17

And you can always know that His help, His love, the hope for an eternity of living with Him in Heaven... All of that is only a prayer away.

Want to know more? Click here. I'd love to answer any questions you have.

The 105th Dear ____ Post - A.K.A. The Post Where I Write A Letter to My Dad

Dear Dad,

Since tomorrow is your birthday, I decided to make this week's Dear ______ post all about you :)

Look at us way back when...

And here we are this past summer...

Here's the family photo we took this past summer...

I do love those pictures, but I have a Dear _____ post to write...

You're such an amazing dad. You've led Josh and me by example and taught us how a godly person should act. You've protected us. You've watched over us. You've provided for us. You've done it all. You've been a pastor, a teacher, a salesman, a grocery stocker, a prison guard, a student... But the best job of all... You've been a hero. Scratch that. You ARE a hero.

Josh and I are so blessed to have you as our father. We couldn't have hand-picked someone better than you.

You've encouraged and supported us in everything we've done - even when that meant me moving a few thousand miles and an ocean away. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I guess so. I've always loved and appreciated you. But living so far away from you for the past 4 1/2 years - especially through all of the struggles you, and our family, have been through - Well, it's made me appreciate your greatness all that much more.

I may be 28 years old, but I'll always be your little girl. And that's a title I'll always cherish.

Love,
Me

5 on Friday

5 on Friday link up

ONE - I've written a few posts for the Skybridge Blog. I wrote a light-hearted post about packing for a trip to the "bush." I wrote a list of lessons my students have taught me. And last week, I wrote about preparing for serving overseas. This blog is written by a group of people with one thing in common, "We believe that God is doing amazing things amongst the nations of the world through regular people who live and work in their towns and cities." Check it out. It's a great blog! :)

TWO - My brother sent me a new picture of my niece the other day, saying "She's not a baby anymore." So then I looked for one of her newborn pictures to compare the two. It amazes me how much she's grown. I can't believe she's almost 2 and is about to become a big sister! I'm counting down the days 'til I can see her again. ...only 7 weeks and 3 days left! :)

THREE - This year, some co-workers and I have been working through the Beth Moore Bible Study, David - Seeking a Heart Like His. I've learned so much from this study and was sad to see it was finished this week. If you're looking for a good group (or individual) study, I'd definitely recommend this one!

Lifeway Publishing

FOUR - Our Elementary students have been taking standardized tests this week and the middle and high schoolers took them a month ago. I'm not a fan of standardized tests. But you do what you have to do sometimes. Anywho - Since this seems to be the time of year for these tests, there are a lot of funny pictures/memes floating around about them. Here are a few of my favorites :)

FIVE - I saw this quote on Pinterest on Tuesday and it stuck with me. When I "see" the pain my dad's feeling, the sickness, the weakness, the fear of "what could happen," all I can see is darkness. But the light of God is piercing through that darkness and I know that by putting my faith - my complete faith - in Him, I can, and will, see more and more of that light.

*Source*

My One Thousand Gifts #157 - 164

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 8 new things...

#157 - a non-burned batch of cookies

I'm usually not a good cookie baker. It never fails. I always, always end up burning at least half of the cookies. But this past week I made cookies for a student's birthday and for the first time EVER, I made a complete batch of (4 dozen) non-burned cookies. YAY! :)

#158 - a glittery sticker

On Friday I gave an ESL test to a student that will be starting next year. When we finished and were walking toward the door, she handed me a sticker, gave me a hug and said, "Teacher, you nice. I like you." And yes, I believe my heart may have melted just a little... 

#159 - excited test takers

This week our elementary students are taking their standardized tests. As my little friends and I walked to my room to take the test, they were all chatting about how excited they were to take the tests. I guess the thrill of the unknown was there. Haha! I have to admit. I'm not the biggest fan of standardized tests. I never have been. I just don't think they're an accurate measure of what our students know. But I know it's required, so I'll give them. And it helps to have excited test takers to give them to :)

#160 - a game night with friends

I called home the other day and got some discouraging news. Not wanting to be by myself and have time to just sit and think about my news, I called a friend and she agreed with me that a game night would be fun. What we ended up with was an impromptu game night with three of us laughing and talking for a few hours, making my night so much nicer.

#161 - 2 new recipes

I made 2 new recipes this week and both turned out incredible! One was garlic green beans (yum!) and one was Korean fried chicken with a sweet & spicy glaze. Oh my goodness... Both were absolutely delicious :)

#162 - foam crosses 

I bought a pack of foam crosses when I was back in the States, thinking I'd use them at some point or another this year. Then I realized they'd be perfect for the Easter craft I had planned for Kids Club this week. It's amazing how excited kids get over the littlest of things :)

#163 - an Easter lesson 

This is my favorite Bible story to teach. I'm so thankful for the Easter lesson God gave me to use in Kids Club yesterday afternoon. The whole time I was preparing and delivering the lesson, I couldn't help but think... The hope we have as a result of Jesus's death on the cross - that hope is what I pray is one day held by every single family and country represented by the students hearing this lesson. 

#164 - a reminder to trust God

Someone posted the picture below on Facebook yesterday and it was a good reminder to simply Trust God.

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-84

85-89

90-96

97-105

106-110

111-123

124-129

130-142

143-149

150-156