#25 and #26

November 25 - I am thankful that I enjoy cooking, for my crockpot that makes it easy to cook, that Kenny opened his home for dinner with friends, for Tia and Taylor who came over for dinner, and for the fellowship! We all had a good time last night just hanging out and having dinner. We played the game "Scene It," which Kenny and I won! :) I am so thankful for the relationships that God gives us!

November 26 - Usually, I wait until the next day to decide what I am thankful for b/c you just never know what will happen before midnight. :) So, if something really great happens tonight, I will add it later.....but right now, not much can beat the fact today is the last day of work for the week!!!! YAY!!!! I am so thankful for my job, but I am so thankful that today is the last day. ;)

The Funeral

November 24 - Today was Crystal's funeral. It was a nice service. There are actually many things I am thankful for. I am thankful that Crystal is in heaven with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful that we were able to take yesterday and remember who she was to all of us. I am thankful that her unbelieving family was able to hear the clear, gospel message. That we are ONLY saved from eternal separation from God by FAITH ALONE through GRACE ALONE in CHRIST ALONE. I am thankful that the gospel was so important to Crystal that she specifically wanted to make sure that was the central theme of her funeral. Selfishly, I am thankful that I made it through singing "Amazing Grace" without crying. I am still very thankful that her family doesn't have to continually watch her suffer anymore. I am thankful that she is perfectly healthy now. I am thankful my friend. I am thankful for what Christ has done for all of us on this earth. I am thankful for my salvation!

On a lighter note, I am also very thankful for my incredibly selfless boyfriend. I know this is very minor, but I was REALLY craving asian food last night. He is not a fan!!! However, he took me to an asian place anyway. I tried to tell him we can eat anywhere....but he said we always go where he likes and he wanted to go somewhere I like. The thing I was trying to get him to understand is that I just like food :) ....so I really can eat anywhere. And, when he says that we only go places he likes, thats not completely accurate because I like eating everywhere we go. Anyway---I just thought it was really nice that he put aside his dislike for it and tried something new for me!

Kenny's First Deer of the Season!

Yesterday Kenny got his first doe of the season!!! He went out on opening day (Saturday was opening day for rifle season), but didn't see anything....but yesterday, HE DID!!!!

This will show you how little I know about hunting. I go out to his house and before I get out of the car, I hear a gun shot east of his house...so I just figured he was way out hunting. So, I get out of the truck and I'm talking on the phone to Michelle and just walking around outside. I get to the south end of his driveway, that looks into the field behind his house....and I hear him yell, "STOP!!! Get in the house!!!" I didn't see him at all until he started talking to me, but he was at the tree line behind the house....I found out later that three doe were standing in the field and when I pulled up, they froze. Oopps! I went inside and just prayed that I didn't mess the whole thing up....THANKFULLY I heard a gunshot from Ken and he got a doe!!!

Today he is hunting a buck that he has seen three times in the last month. Hopefully, I will be able to post pictures of that too.....and I am learning a lot about this hunting stuff! :)

Nothingness and Atwoods

November 22 - It is SO nice to have a weekend to do NOTHING! I am so thankful for today b/c there was nothing on my schedule. I did have a "To Do" list that consisted of laundry and cleaning my kitchen. I also had some errands I wanted to do, but nothing that was so important that it HAD to get done. I spent the day making a breakfast casserole, watching movies with Ken, doing laundry, picking up a little, going through a years worth of pictures I ordered from Shutterfly (for my 2008 scrapbook), and watching the Tech/OU game. It was SO nice to do nothing. I love these weekends, especially in the fall, because they are very rare. I am so thankful for the nothingness that took place on Saturday. OH, I have another thing I am thankful for....which I am adding after I wrote what I was thankful for on the 23rd. I LOVE the wood burning stove Ken has at his house. Its amazing!!! I love when I walk into his house that it smells of burning firewood and its SO warm!!! I am thankful that he has one and that we use it A LOT!

November 23 - Today I am thankful for Ken and I's date to Atwoods. I know its small and probably weird to a lot of people, but its a place we both LOVE to go...and go together. We looked at boots, carharts, clothes, water pumps, Christmas decorations, and an OSU windmill (which gave us a GREAT idea for the one Ken already has). I ended up buying a bird seed wreath for my grandmother and Ken bought a tarp/cover for his fire wood. All day today was a good day. We had some friends go to church with us that don't usually go. We had lunch together and then went to Walmart. It was just one of those really simple days of, again, nothingness....but it was fun and we laughed a lot. I went to the Men's Basketball game with my friend, Rachel. Now I am watching TV and Ken is hunting. Iam just so thankful for the relaxing weekend. But today, my favorite was our date to Atwoods. :)

(I do have to say that Atwoods has always been one of my favorite places. I always loved going there and other feed stores with my dad. It was and is a place we love to go too. I am so thankful that since I am not in the same place as my dad, that God gave me someone who loves it too. While Ken can't take my dad's place, its AMAZING to see how God gave me someone so similar to one of my most favorite people in the world....my dad!).

#21

Ok...so I can go ahead and post this :) RUGER IS HOME!!! I am so thankful that he is home and that he is ok!!! I missed him SO much! It was so weird to not have him at my feet at every moment. Its so much easier if he is at Grammie and Papa's house b/c I know he is having a good time....but to think about him stuck in a cage with an IV for two days, with a bunch of other yucky dogs, made me so sad. He probably thought I just forgot him. :( So anyway...I am just thankful that he is well and at home!

#20

November 20 - Today (Thursday) was a pretty emotional day. My friend Crystal passed away early in the morning. While I will miss her terribly, I am SO thankful that she is not suffering anymore. I know there is a lot of pain in her family and friends without her here, but she was in so much pain and her kids were having to see it everyday. I am so thankful that she is now walking with the Lord!!!

Also, Ruger got really sick on Tuesday and I had to take him to the vet Wednesday morning. What I thought was going to be an easy fix, has turned into two nights at the vet....and last night he was on fluids. I am thankful for the dr's being so thorough. I would have taked him home yesterday, but I am thankful that I can trust them to care for him. (I have a feeling that my #21 thankfulness will be that he gets to come home...I miss him dearly!).

And, I know its silly, but I am thankful for OSU Basketball. I absolutely LOVE it!!! Tia and I got to go the game against TU last night....and we won!!! I worked in the men's basketball office (for Coach Eddie Sutton) when I was in college, so it holds a special place in my heart. Its great entertainment and I love OSU! :) I am thankful that I get to use my parent's tickets when they don't come.

#19

November 19th - Crossover!!! I love Crossover and I am so thankful for being a part of it. For as long as I have been serving there, I continuously learn and grow. God has used it not only for me to serve Him, others and my church, but for me to grow spiritually as well. AND, the best part is I get to see how He uses and grows others. This year is the first year that I am learning how old I am b/c 9pm is starting to seem VERY late!!! :) However, once I am there its so awesome to see God move and work. The excitement of these students and the impact it makes on their lives. I love our leader, JJ. Outside of being a personal friend of mine, he is doing a fantastic job at teaching and leading.

Its amazing to me how God continues to use me through this ministry. One of our former students, who graduated from OSU in 2006, called me yesterday to talk about what is going on in her life. I love that they still think of me to call for advice or just to share. THAT is my favorite part. I love the fellowship and discipleship and being able to see where God takes them and how He uses them.

These are some of my favorite Crossover moments:

The Friendships

The Weddings

Lights On Stillwater

Girl's Game NightFellowship GroupsFootball TailgatingMovie NightOSU BasketballBonfiresAnd Christmas Parties

#18

November 18 - My friend Tashia! This is one of my closest friends....when I say that, I mean she is someone I can talk about everything with. We don't get to see each other very often, but when we do, we just pick up like we talked yesterday. I got to see her yesterday for lunch and its always so good to see her beautiful face...and just be encouraged by another godly woman.
I also am thankful for my SPIN class. My friend Tia teaches it and I just love it! I feel so good after it and its a GREAT cardio class. I don't think it would be as fun if someone else were teaching it though.

I am VERY behind!!!

November 17 - My Dad!!! Today is his birthday. I am so very thankful for him! He does so much for me that I can't even begin to write it all. I am thankful mostly that he is a godly man and that he raised me in a home that was centered around Christ. Over the weekend, we had the family birthday, but yesterday he and my mom came to Stillwater. Ken and I took them to Coney Island (one of my dad's favorite places to eat) for dinner and then the 4 of us went the OSU Men's Basketball game. November 16th - My family! We celebrated my dad's birthday this day. My mom had Kim (my sister-in-law) reserve the gym at their church. It was fun to have everyone together and have all the kids running around and laughing. I love when we all get together! I am thankful that my family has expanded past our original 5...I love having so many kids!!! They are truly a blessing and I love seeing them as much as I can!

November 15th - The Curran's!!! Michelle, Devin and Finley came for the weekend. Michelle was in a wedding in Stillwater and they all stayed at the house. It was so fun having them there. I love waking up to my best friend and her family! It was such a blessing having Finley there and being able to watch her for Michelle and Devin as they did wedding stuff. She is such a joy and so easy!!! She fussed a little when she got hungry, but otherwise you never heard a sound. I am thankful that Michelle and Devin trust me enough to keep her...especially since it was their first time EVER to leave her!

November 14th - Ken!!! I am so thankful that God knows me better than I know myself....and that he has given me someone who is perfect for me. He is amazing! He is so kind and gracious....caring and selfless. I am amazed everyday by his character! I have to say that Friday (the 14th) I realized this....but the entire weekend I was shown numerous times how great he is...and I am so thankful for what God is doing!!!

God's Goodness

November 13 - Yesterday I was able to spend time with Crystal, my friend that has cancer. People from our church have been going to her house in shifts to help with whatever they can. Some are even just sitting with her and keeping her company. Last night, I was able to spend some time there. It was hard for me to see her not as her usual self, but I am so very thankful to have been able to spend some time with her. She can't talk much, but she was in good spirits and sat in the living room with me, her daughter, a friend, and another girl from church while we talked and laughed.

I have something else to be thankful for from yesterday too. Our pastor's daughter, Katherine, suffered a head injury yesterday. She had to be life-flighted to St. Francis and had surgery there last night to remove blood clotting and stop the bleeding. The 2 hour surgery ended up taking only about 45 minutes. The surgeon said it was MUCH better than originally thought. The surgery went very well and Katherine is doing great. She was up talking this morning, just like normal! I am so thankful for her and the dr's that were over her....and the prayers of our church family!!!

Panera Bread

November 12 - PANERA!!! It might sound goofy, but I am very thankful for Panera because its where I get alone and away from everything for my quiet time and Bible study. Its wonderful! I'm thankful for the coffee, the bagels, the HOLIDAY BREAD, the soups and salads. I am addicted to eating there....my dad tells me I should buy stock in it! :) I actually went there twice yesterday (the 12th)...at 7:15am and for lunch....for my bible study time and then for studying for school. Its just such a wonderful retreat for me. And its nice b/c the people there are so sweet...and they now know me by name AND my breakfast order!!!

Thoughts from Proverbs 31

I was reading the devotional from Proverbs 31 today and it was so good for single and married women. Everything she talked about is what Michelle and I wore out our conversations with while were single together...now she just has to listen to me. :) I just thought I would blog a few that have become more real to me since Ken and I have been together.

"Getting married doesn't instantly make you selfless....it makes you realize how very selfish you can be at times." This is SO true!!! I haven't been in a relationship in a long time and this has been a very real realization! I had NO idea how selfish single-life had made me!!! I was able to be selfless in other areas of my life, but WOW did God get my attention in my selfish areas! I got thrown right out of my comfort zone!!! But I have to say that I am very thankful for that! I never want to just sit in comfort b/c its easy. I want to grow...I want to be more selfless...I want to be more like Christ!

"...if you find the "right one," you'll be happy, secure and fulfilled. I do think its good to have a list of standards that you look for in a spouse. However, it can never be with the expectation that if you find that special someone, he'll right all your wrongs and fill up all your insecurities. The problem with this thinking is the pressure it will eventually put on your spouse. To expect another person to make you feel happy, secure and fulfilled will leave you disappointed at best and disillusioned at worst. Even a great husband makes a very poor God." How I have so learned this...and not just in being with Ken. This has been a lesson I have been learning for a long time. To have all that expectation on someone to be EXACTLY what you want them to be (and think they should be) sets them up for failure EVERYDAY! And it leaves you feeling hurt and let down everyday! God is all we need! He is completely sufficient! I have to remind myself of that somedays. When we realize that and ACTUALLY live by that, if frees up our spouse/boyfriend to to just live. It also frees us to just live...and not worry about what he is going to do or say next (and then he won't feel like he is having to walk around on eggshells). How miserable!

It frees us to enjoy and love each other and rely on God for all the rest!

Unconditional Love

November 11 - My Mom and Dad!!! I am so thankful for my parents. There aren't enough words to tell everyone how much they do for me and the rest of our family. As my mom and I were talking yesterday, I became so thankful for the unconditional love that she and my dad give my brothers, their families and me. I know they aren't perfect, but I also know that in everything they do they want what is God's best for us. No matter where we have been, what we have gone through, what we are going through....they are there with love and support. I wish I could list the numerous ways they show there support for each of us. Each one of the 14 of us (yes, that includes Ken) can tell of their love and support. I can't imagine being a parent and watching your kids go through certain things...but I hope that the joys, celebrations, and smiles outweigh the trial and heartbreaks they have seen us all go through. I hope that they can look at us and see Christ in us and know that each trial was completely worth it. I hope that one day I will be as loving of a parent as they have been to me! I love you mom and dad!!! With all my heart!

Mom's 60th Birthday in June

Mom Dad and Frasier

Christmas '07 with the Grandkids!

Mom, Dad, Ken and Me on a Double Date at The Melting Pot

Mom and I in Florida for our birthdays

Ken's Family

November 10 - Sandie, Andrea and Tyler!!! This weekend Ken's mom, sister and nephew came to Oklahoma (from Minnesota). They drove into Stillwater (from Tulsa) on Sunday night and were here all day Monday. I am so thankful that I not only got to meet them, but that I was able to spend so much time with them. I was able to see how loving and gracious they are....and actually see for myself so many of the things Ken tells me about them. I love seeing them interact with Ken too! I see or talk to him everyday and I know him, but to see him with his family lets me in to a whole new side of him. I love how much they love each other. It was hard watching them say goodbye last night...not really knowing when they will see each other again. I so take forgranted of my family being so close!!! I am hopeful that we will see them again soon....in Minnesota!!! :) Maybe when the weather is a little warmer though....not so sure I am ready for the shock of a Northern winter yet! Oh....and let me just say that Tyler is AMAZING! He turns one in January. He is the sweetest, most content little boy and I had so much fun with him!!! I would have kept him if Andrea had let me!!! ;)

3 Days of Thankfulness :)

November 7th - Cooking!!!! I am thankful that I love to cook...and that I am able to cook. I actually think that anyone can cook, it just takes patience and maybe following recipes. I learned most everything from my mom! And have picked up a few things along the way from friends. I think my favorite thing to do is make up meals in my crock-pot. Michelle tells me that its a talent that I have. I just just throw a bunch of things in that sound good and 4-8 hours later....dinner is ready. :) I made dinner for Ken on Friday night and was just really thankful that this is something I can do for other people. I really enjoy it!

November 8th - Family and Friends!!! This is really broad, but Saturday was full of seeing family and friends. First stop was going to Tulsa for a wedding reception for Ken's cousin. Before we went there, we stopped at my mom and dad's b/c they graciously are keeping Ruger for a few days. I told Ruger that he gets to go on vacation at Grammie and Papa's and see his cousin Frasier! :) Its always good to see my family and I always miss Tulsa when I'm there. From there we went to the reception where I got to meet all of Ken's mom's side of the family. Everyone was wonderful and sweet and incredibly welcoming. I felt right at home with all of them. I have met his mom and dad, but it was my first time to meet his sister and her baby! I loved it and it was such a blessing to feel so at home with all of them! We drove back to Stillwater on Saturday night and went to some friend's house to watch the OSU game. Its so nice to have friends to fellowship with, especially since the game was so bad! It was good quality time!!!

November 9th - RUGER!!! I missed him SO much on Sunday! I forget how much I love having him at my feet all the time. Its lonely at home without him. I am so thankful that God gives us companionship in all forms. He is such a joy to me! I love how he run's FULL SPEED with his ears back and a huge smile on his face when we're at my parents or Ken's house. Its the BEST! I will get him back soon....but I do really miss him!

Day 6...

November 6 ~ Richa!!! Richa is the most amazing, talented person who does my hair! Now you might be thinking that I am thankful that she does such a fabulous job on my hair...and I am b/c I am ecstatic everytime I leave her....which happened yesterday (on the 6th). However, the reason I am thankful for her is b/c I am thankful for her life. I'm not going to go into detail b/c I would probably explain it incorrectly, so here is just a very small explaination. Richa recently had complications with her pregnancy and lost her baby mid/late-second tri-mester. While in the hospital, Richa had a heart attack during her procedure of delivering the baby. They did CPR on her for an hour and half before they stopped and just started praying over her. Miraculously she survived!!! She suffered from an embolism (hopefully I am saying all of this right) and came through everything amazingly! Not only did she survive, but she can walk, talk, and remember everything!!! God is SO good and gracious! She is back at work and I was so thankful to see her yesterday! And, PRAISE THE LORD, she can still have kids! :) I just love her and can't wait to see how God uses her!

Let the Redeemed of the Lord...

I have been doing this "One Word" study for my quiet time. Its something my friend Melissa sent to me that her church does. I have really enjoyed it. Her church actually send a list out with a different chapter of the Bible to read each day. Then you are supposed to write down the one word/phrase that comes to mind....however, being a verbal, relational female, mine are long journal entries. :) So I have journalled a few and will probably post them on here. The one I did today got my on the 2nd verse. I was reading Psalm 107.

~~~

v.1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

v.2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy

~~~

Let the redeemed of the Lord say HE IS GOOD!!!!
How are we presenting God to the lost world?
With a set of rules?
He is a GOD OF GRACE!!!
None are righteous! We can't do any good deed that will make us "good enough" to stand before Him...and thankfully its nothing we can do! We would and DO fail everyday!!!
Our good deeds are like flithy rags to our perfect Father
So why do we impose a legalistic set of rules on other people?
Why do we try to make them live by a standard that we can't even live up to?
Why don't we just purely LOVE them?
Who are we to add to grace???
We should be presenting our Savior as good and loving! As gracious and merciful!
Show others that His love is unconditional!
Now more than ever, the world needs a Savior! We KNOW Him! Why do we keep Him quiet?
Why do we avoid the confrontation of telling people?
Why do we sit in our comfortable little Christian lives, surrounded by our Christian friends AND NOT GO OUT INTO THE WORLD and teach the gospel??? The SAVING gospel???

Fear?

• fear of losing a friend? You'll lose them when this temporal world passes.
• fear of looking crazy or being hated? That's what people thought of Christ. He tells us to expect the same thing! John 15:17-19.
• fear of getting outside our comfort zone? When we sit in comfort, we probably aren't growing spiritually.
• fear of meeting new people that may be more worldly, crude, unforgiving, ungodly? Guess what??? Thats all of us! Have some grace...the world needs your Savior too!
• fear of "going in to all the world"? God uses you in your world! He may not (and probably won't) call you to a different country. There are plenty of unbelievers around you! If you think you don't know any, just ask God to show you them!
• fear of teaching? The Bible doesn't call for only people with the spiritual gift of teaching to tell people about Christ...It says ALL of us are to spread the gospel!

Don't we share with our friends the latest "find"?
The great sale, the great book, the great movie, the great shoes, even the great breast-pump!!!
We are ALL walking billboards!
Why then do we not show off, "sell," and promote the ONE CONSTANT the we have? The One who moves and touches our lives on a daily basis?
The One who loves us and takes care of us and knows us better than we know ourselves?

Jesus Christ is worth getting out of our comfort zone for!!!
And He will always be with you!!! You are never alone!!!

And if we can remember that its not about us! When we get rejected for what we believe, its not about us!!! They are rejecting God! And, He can handle it! Let Him!!!

In a world that is removing God and Jesus Christ from EVERYTHING, they CANNOT move us!

Psalm 107:9
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And He fills the hungry soul with goodness!

Thank you for...

November 5 - ELECTRICITY!!!! I know that is crazy and ridiculous, but I do tend to take forgranted of the daily, normal things. Today when I got off work, it was dark! "Late-night" dark! And it was raining!!! It was beautiful and I was thinking that the leaves changing and rain were going to be what I was thankful for (and I still am....its gorgeous right now!)...however, during this crazy storm we are having, my electricity goes out. I was very much living in the 21st century....watching TiVo, talking on the cell phone, and instant messaging friends on Facebook (on the internet)....what a time to lose electricity. It makes me laugh b/c I actually am old enough to know what its like to not have ANY of those....oh, yes, including the cell phone. When I was in junior high, I was introduced to the bag phone. FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY! In high school, I had one installed in the car. In college I finally got an actual cell phone, but I left it in my car at all times b/c I didn't think anyone needed to get a hold of me that badly. I only needed it for emergencies while I was driving. My senior year in college, I finally got a cell phone that I kept with me at all times...and still do. :) Anyway---even though the electricity was only off for about 15-20 minutes, it seemed like forever and I just didn't know what to do. I sat on my couch with a flashlight watching the rain. It made me wonder how people lived like that? I can't imagine going to bed at 6pm in the Fall/Winter???? I am definitely a late-nighter! What did they do after dark? I am so spoiled with things that entertain me. I am thankful for electricity and being able to move around and enjoy life at night!

Day 4 of Thanksgiving!

November 4th - God's sovereignty! I am so thankful that God is in control! That no matter what happens, He has gone before us and His plan set. Every detail of life is orchestrated around His will. We may not see why certain things happen....we may not understand why certain things are His best, but we DO know that He is in complete control. Who are we to question His plan? I am so thankful that we do not battle with flesh and blood....we do not have to fear any human being!!! Our battle is spiritual....and as a believer, I KNOW we win the battle in the end!

My mom sent this to me in an email and I thought it was very appropriate for today! #8 and #10 are my favorites!

Predictions for 2009

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?

30 Days of Thankfulness!

OK....so I got this idea from another blog and thought it was a wonderful idea! For the entire month of November (hopefully I can remember to write daily) I am going to post what I am thankful for each day. I am not going to make it a list of what I KNOW I am thankful for (family, friends, church...even though I am incredibly grateful). I want to find something in MY DAY that I can be thankful for....if it ends up being my family, friends or church that is great, but just making sure you all know its not in any "ranking" order! :) I am going to also backtrack the last few days so there are actually 30 days!!!

November 1 - COWBOYS WIN!!!! :) We played Iowa State on the 1st. While it was incredibly hot at the game, I am so thankful and fortunate to have season tickets! I love going to the games and its something fun I can do with my parents. This season has been especially fun b/c the Cowboys have only lost one game to the Texas Longhorns....My hope is that we finish out the season with all "W"s!!!!

November 2 - Finley!!! I spent the day with Finley and Michelle (and part of it with Devin). They have become family to me and I love them dearly! Finley is such a perfect little blessing!!! I am so thankful for what she has taught me already and the example this family is to me. I am thankful that she will be brought up in a home that loves the Lord and she will hear about Him ALL day EVERY day!

November 3 - Crystal Maxwell! One of my dear friends is suffering from cancer. We heard yesterday that she has been given 2-4 weeks to live. I am so very thankful for her! She has been such a blessing and ministry to my life! She has a daughter that is in her mid-20's and a son that is around 9 years old. We have been praying for close to 4 years and God has thankfully left her with us for that long! I just love her and continue to pray for her and her family! And, humbly, this makes me appreciate my health! I am so thankful that my body is healthy and performs the way it should....and I take forgranted of it everyday!

This is Crystal :)

These are her kids, Caleb and Jade!