I'm still not completely well. I still cannot hear a thing out of my right ear. Yet, still will I praise Him for what the Lord has done for me. I have so many blessings. So, let's get at it and start filling that tank! Here's how God has chosen to do it:

Labels: Beth Moore, blessings, New blog home, thanks tank, thanksgiving

A little late this morning, but Sweetcheeks and I have been hanging out, sharing a box of kleenex, alternating sniffles, playing Webkinz, eating delectable omelettes, and listening to this girlfriend -- one of our favorites -- Jesus, our Lord IS MARVELOUS!!!

Anyway, what week! Yesterday JD Green was also home, and the mama took extraordinary care of him so that he could hurry back to his teacher today. He was feeling a little too good by yesterday afternoon, and coupled with the mama's decline -- the daddy's homecoming could not have come soon enough. JD was eager to return to the land of school today -- tho' leaving his toys behind gave him a moment's pause (at least until I pressed him closer to the exit).

Enough rambling . . . let's get to the fillin' of that tank! Here's how God has filled me up in spite of the fountains of mucous this week:

1. Quiet Moments: Yes, those were found while everyone was engrossed with glazed eyes in front of a movie, but it was demand-free for about 119 minutes . . . woo hoo!

2. Fever: That stopped JD in his tracks Tuesday night for 3 1/2 hours. He lay down after returning from school and never stirred again until 8 pm. Now, I am not glad he was sick, but for him to rest in the middle of the day like that is a huge blessing. He needed the rest and got what he needed. God is good.

3. My New Paint Job: My parents were here last week, and my dad spent last Tuesday painting our room the very shade of blue of my sweater from yesterday's post. I love it and have dubbed it "bluebonnet" blue after one of my absolute favorite flowers.

4. Sweet Stuff: A couple of my recent indulgences = this and this. (Arriba, indeed!)

5. Sweet Fellowship: Had lunch with a dear friend (A) on Tuesday. What a treat in the middle of the week and shoring up of encouragement before the sickness hit with its full force.

6. New Sister: I didn't welcome her into the fold on her mama's blog the other day, so I thought I'd let her know how thrilled I really am right here. Welcome, dear, little sister!!

7. Cherry Limeade: Oh, to live in the place where they make it better than I've ever had it! I love me some Sonic! My precious DP went out special to get me a HUGE one last night, and it tasted fantastic on my scratchy throat.

8. My Man: You knew that was next, didn't you? He is a fabulous man and lives up to that DP each and every day in some way. He indulges my whims and takes such good care of me even when I'm looking more like this than his princess. I sure love you, Honey!

9. My New Washer: I know other mama's who have gotten new ones recently, and they have exuded boundless excitement over a household appliance. I am joining the cheering section! I got one of these last Monday, and I am beside myself with dizzying joy. I am actually ahead of my laundry schedule this week -- and that's after washing sheets and comforters yesterday! You know you are old when you find yourself giddy over a new appliance. I am giddy!

10. My Savior: Once again, He has sustained me. He has extended me grace abundant. He has poured out His extravagant love on me, and I have been able to share that with my family. Praise Him, O praise Him!

Now, you know what to do. Take the button from the top of this post to your site and create your own Thanks Tank, or leave me a list of how God is filling your tank in my comments. Either way, we get to share in the ways God is blessing and filling us up! How cool is that!

Have a Thanks-filled day!

Labels: blessings, God's Word, gratitude, thanks tank

Labels: blessings, lists, love, thanks tank

My week has been one of ups and downs and lots of introspection.

I'll spare you the details of the thoughts that crash wildly around in my grey matter and get on with the ways God has chosen to fill my tank this week:

Listening: How precious it is to find someone who will just take the time to listen when the heart is bruised and in need of solace and understanding. Thanks, Honey!

Cuddles: My Sweetcheeks is not much for this at all, so when she came in yesterday morning from having a nightmare we had an unusual chance to snuggle up close and pray. I love tender moments like those!

Perspective: I was having a bit of an emotional pity party yesterday, but as I take the time to be grateful on purpose -- how my little piddly sorrows diminish. God has blessed me abundantly, just as He promised in John 10:10.

Creative Cooking: I've always said I am the best cook when my pantry is the emptiest. We've eaten well and enjoyed it this week, all at the expense of a pantry at its most meager right before pay day. Thank you, Lord, for enabling me to cook regularly, even extravagantly without a recipe.

Pay Day: After a loooong month of January, the day of exchange is finally here. We will get to exchange my DP's pay for some paid bills and groceries. I am grateful. We made it!

Glory: I see God's glory displayed everywhere I look: from the blustery breezes, to the majestic oak, to the bowed head of a fellow worshipper, to the crying child who needs a forever family. He has made it all. Glory be to Him alone!!

Smiles: Sometimes it can make all the difference in whether I feel welcome somewhere or not. It doesn't take long, and it reaps rewards long after it's finished.

Goals: I am finding I must set these and tell others of them in order to find accountability for myself and all my free time. Goals focus my mind and give purpose to my day.

Uneventful Days: After a really eventful one last Friday that I will one day use in a post, I have been thankful for days in which nothing outstanding occurs.

A Full Heart: I am utterly grateful for my Jesus who makes this whole post possible. Without Him I am nothing, and this thanks tank is non-existent.

Now it's your turn! Comment on God's goodness here or take the Thanks tank button to your site and make your own list. Either way, I would love to be in on the way God is filling your tank!

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank, thanksgiving

Labels: blessings, gratitude, humility, intentional, thanks tank

Hard to fathom that it is Thursday already. The week has sped by on winged feet, it seems. I've been learning lots about myself, lots about my children, and lots about this school system to which I've entrusted my precious ones. God has not left me in the midst of any of it, so here are the ways He is choosing to fill my tank this week:

1. Auntie Pam: Yes, I became an aunt for the second time this week. My brother and his wife had a baby girl Tuesday in Ohio. She was 8lbs. 9 oz. and 19 1/2" long. She is doing quite well and will get to go home tomorrow when her mama is released due to a C-section. Her big brother is four, and he is completely enamored by his new baby sister.

2. Ear muffs: I got a pair of these for Christmas in '06, but I've only worn them twice. Last night, with all the cold and snow, I broke them out and donned them for the third time. Toasty, I tell you!

3. Lunch: I know it seems mundane, but not so when I had lunch at school for the very first time with JD Green. He had come under some heat for playing during lunch the day before, so we had to sit at a table all by ourselves. My heart went out to him as he passed by all his classmates and dutifully headed for the lone table facing the wall. Another little boy got sent over there while we were dining. After asking me tons of questions, he said wistfully, "My mama has never come to eat lunch with me. JD is really lucky." No, baby, I am the one who is blessed. every. single. day. So glad this boy is mine.

4. Exercising: It is making a difference, y'all! I know that sounds silly, but after finding myself sinking into that all-too-familiar black hole again, I am thrilled to report not only a change of shape from the sweating I'm doing . . . but also a change of mood. I can think more clearly and my attitude is better, too. Multiple benefits -- Woo hoo!!! Tony is the man!

5. Books: I've been to the library three times now since the kids went back to school, and I am having a blast. I picked up Ted Dekker's Heaven's Wager and finished it in three days. (I could have finished it quicker if I hadn't fallen asleep two different nights while reading, but I attribute that to my time with Tony during the day.) I love reading, and I am thrilled to have the time to soak in some good books right now. I picked up this one yesterday and plan to start it today or tomorrow.

6. Bible Study: I am beginning a study with Beth Moore next Tuesday. Yes, I wish I were headed to Houston every Tuesday to do Breaking Free with her group at her church, but I am going to be learning and fellowshipping with some lovely ladies from my own church.

We are doing Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent, and I am SO excited. I've not done a Beth Moore study since Believing God in the Spring of '06, so it. is. time! Check out her blog sometime. She is doing a roll call right now and calling all "siestas" to come and let themselves be counted! It is so cool to see all these women around the world learning and growing together through these studies.

7. Quiet: I know I was thankful for this last week, but I am savoring it even more this week as I am getting more used to the quiet and finding myself less disconcerted over it. I am learning to listen for my Savior's voice and long for Him to speak to me in the midst of the stillness in my home.

8. Resources: There is a parent coordinator at the elementary school my children attend. She and I had a fabulous 2-hour talk on Tuesday. I was the only mama who showed up for PASS (Parents Assuring Student Success), so I had her undivided attention. She was a wealth of information, both academic and community related. I left with several phone numbers to contact and a cookbook. Plus, she is a believer and also has fibromyalgia, so we have that in common as well. What a helpful time!

9. God's provision: He continues to carry us through a month that is usually quite tight financially. I am so grateful for soups and casseroles that stretch our grocery budget.

10. God's Word: Here is our new verse to memorize this month as a family:

Labels: Beth Moore, blessings, God's Word, gratitude, thanks tank

Labels: blessings, fearless friday, shadows

Good Morning!

Welcome to the first Thanks Tank of 2008!!

Considering the week I've had, this could be a long one, but I'll try to just hit the highlights. Here's how God is filling my tank this week:

1. Public School: For a variety of reasons we have chosen to send our children back into this environment, and so far I have seen God's hand at every juncture.

2. Christian Teachers: The school our children attend is full of them, and each one of my sweeties is blessed with one. How cool is that!

3. Excited Children: Though they have cried this week that they miss me, my children are excited about learning and filled with joy at all the new experiences they are facing each day.

4. Bus Service: I didn't think I'd be willing to send my children on the bus, but it is the last stop on the way to school and the first drop off at the end of the day -- making their time on the bus a mere 5 minutes or so.

5. Domestic Victories: After reading about Barb's success here, I decided to try to overcome 14 years of miserable chocolate chip cookie failure. DP's favorite is chocolate chip, and I can never make a decent one. No more!! Here are the results:


All cookies shown above have been pronounced terrific by the beloved in my household and JD Green even had to make a huge announcement when DP bit into his first delectable morsel,

"Dad, these are not store bought ones! She made these from scratch at our house!!" So, thank you, Barb, and thanks, too, to the Butler and the Butler's Wife whose recipe I used. Our family pays homage to you.

6. Quiet: I have not known what that is for a very long time, but I am thankful for the quiet moments that allow me to begin to choose how I want to spend/invest my time. I heard this song this morning on the way home from taking DP to work. I so needed to hear it for the reminder it shares to be quiet before the Lord.

7. Choir: How I love the heart of our worship pastor! The way he shepherds our choir is amazing, and I am so blessed to be part of this ministry. I went home last night having worshipped and full from the way God met me in the midst of it. Thanks, Josh!

8. Caller ID: I love the way I can choose whether I want to answer the phone or not. I do not avoid calls from friends, but I do choose not to pick up those calls from the innumerable telemarketers that dial my number. What a blessing and timesaver!

9. Exercise: Ah! The tinge of pain to confirm the fact that under the squishy is muscle . . . unused muscle, but muscle nonetheless. Tony worked me over yesterday, but it is refreshing to have a reminder of those muscles I've left dormant for months. I'm headed back to deal with him again today, after this post is finished. "Downward Dog", here I come!

10. Relief: The knowledge that I am exactly where God wants me right now is beginning to set my soul at rest. The anxiety will dissipate and the knot in my stomach will go away, and all that will be left is relief and peace only my Savior can provide.

So, I managed to condense the bounty of blessings into something readable and manageable in one sitting. Please, feel free to join in and let us all know how God is filling your tank!!

Leave a comment here or take the button and make your own list like these lovely ladies have.

Have a thanks-filled day!!

On His Adventure~

Pam

Labels: beginnings, blessings, cool things, gratitude, joy, thanks tank

To hear what I heard at the very moment my JD Green was born, go here My Rhapsody Playlist

I never hear this song that I don't think of my precious boy . . . and his Savior, Jesus.

Having a child so close to Christmas has always directed my gaze to that helpless, little baby in the manger and what Mary must have felt those first moments she held and inspected him. Her baby. Her Lord. I, for a few short breaths, felt what Mary felt as I gazed into the midnight blue eyes of my one and only son.

I felt the whisper of the Breath of Heaven on my skin. I felt the pleasure of the God of the universe as I, too, welcomed the one whom He had given me.

Now, I have rarely felt like Mary since, but those few captured moments immediately following JD Green's arrival are ones I will ponder and forever treasure in my heart.

Happy 8th Birthday, my precious son. I love you with my whole heart.


God has filled my tank in a myriad of ways this week, and I am sad I didn't have the time to recount them yesterday. Here is a quickie version as we are headed out to celebrate the birthday boy:

1. JD Green: only appropriate that I put him first today.
2. Libbyline and Sweetcheeks -- y'all have helped me make this holiday season special.
3. DP -- 14 years, and we still never run out of things to say . . . can't wait for the next decades with you!
4. Chocolate in the mail: Thanks, Jen!
5. Unexpected Blessings: I got one of these in the mail, custom made for me. I am naming it after her real name so I can pray for her and her family every time I wear it. I love it. Thanks, GiBee!

There's always more to share, but I have to run. We're off to see this and go here. I'll be back soon. Have a great Friday. Make every day a thanks-filled day!!

On His Adventure~

Pam

Labels: blessings, celebrations, gratitude, life, thanks tank

I became a mama for the first time.

At Baylor University Hospital in Dallas, Texas, I was handed a beautiful bundle with a pink bow on her head. I thought, as I looked into her face for the first time -- "I don't really know you yet. I thought I would, but I don't."

I've made it my mission over the past decade plus a couple to get to know this child God has brought into my life to bless me more than I could ever hope to bless her. I have tried to be a student of what she likes and dislikes. I watch her facial expressions. I read her body language.

As we spend time together, I can know her favorite part will be the hugs she receives and the actual time with me and her family. She loves gifts as much as anyone enjoys getting a present, but her love language is quality time sprinkled liberally with a strong dose of physical touch.

Libbyline is a precious blessing in my life. She has gone from being a stranger to being the child who I can count on to do just about anything. She is dependable, ever so capable, and a blossoming young lady. In her world, it is all about presentation, and I love that!

She is a tweenager in ever sense of the word -- ready to blast out into the wide world of being a young woman.

Part of me is scared as I wait in hushed anticipation of what comes next. Libbyline is changing at lightning speed, and I don't want to miss a single moment of her transition to womanhood.

Libbyline, I know this is not an exciting or lavish birthday in any sense of those words, but I pray you will know deep in your precious heart that your daddy, your sister, your ornery brother, and I all love you from the bottom of our hearts, and there is no one more deserving of a celebration than you. We will make the best of what we have and enjoy our day with you to the fullest of our abilities.

Here's to a little Asian food to continue the tradition you started six years ago!

I love you, my precious Libbyline. Thank you for giving me a reason to be called "Mama" in the first place!

Labels: blessings, celebrations, family, Libbyline, thanks tank

Ok, all of you faithful "Thursday Thanks Tank" readers, I have got a bit of a twist for you this week. I want to direct you here to: "A Word With You" by Ron Hutchcraft. Today's entry is entirely appropriate for a "Thanks Tank" kind of day. Go read this and come back ready for the filling of the tank. Go on!

Ok, now you're back.

Well, Ron regularly makes me stop and think, and his words spoke to me especially today as I was of this mindset:

Labels: blessings, friends, fruit, gratitude, thanks tank

I've been talking about gratitude being intentional for the past few weeks. Some weeks the thankfulness spills forth like a soaking rain after a parched summer day.

Other weeks are like this one. A week of struggles that brings me to a place of trying to eek out the drops of gratitude amidst the flood of things I'd just rather forget.

Here's my feeble attempt to recognize God's hand in a fog of gunk. This week I am thankful for:

1. Unexpected Mail: Just when we were wondering how we were going to make it through this month that has had far more month than money -- we received quite a surprise in the mail. God provides. He knows exactly what I need and when I need it.

2. Glimmers of Growth: My son is the consummate Peter Pan. He really has dug in his heels about growing up. He does not want to get older or be more mature. This week he's shown a couple of signs that he may be re-thinking his determined unwillingness to be a "big" boy.

3. Children's Ministry: We have a fabulous group of ladies, led by dear Amy, that serve the children at our church. The children sang this past Sunday in the service, and it was a blessing that continues to echo throughout my week.

4. Interest: Someone took the time this week to show interest in more than my standard answer of "fine". That meant the world, even if I didn't really take the time to be vulnerable. I will someday. Thanks for caring.

5. Shopping: My precious MIL(ove) called again to tell me to go shopping for my children. What a timely blessing! I don't even really care that she tells me where and when I should go in order to find the bargains. I got to go!

6. Cool Weather: Refreshing. Simply refreshing. I love this time of year.

7. A Sustaining Hand: At times through this past week I have wanted to fall into a heap and throw up my hands. Jesus has had His "sustaining hand" on me, and I have made it this far. I am certain He will not allow me to fall.

Well, the list is short, but I need to hit the ground running today and won't probably take a breath again before retiring tonight.

Take time today to be intentionally grateful. If you'd like to share those thoughts here, let me know in the comments. If you'd like to take my cute header to your place and start your own Thanks Tank -- go right ahead!! Have a thanks-filled day.

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank

I'm going to get right into the that filling up this week, because God has so abundantly blessed me that I can't hold back.

That doesn't mean my week has been bump-free, but I have seen Him at work. Here's how:

1. New Friend: A lady in our Sunday school class has reached out to me and to DP in a warm and loving way. We did something in return for her kindness, and now we're headed to her house for dinner on Sunday. What a blessing!

2. Closure: I've had an open wound in my heart for a couple of weeks, and it was good to have closure this week. Not necessarily in the way I would have liked, but I am accepting it as God's hand anyway. He knows what I need.

3. Cool Mornings: Ahhhhhhhh! How nice to be able to get back out and enjoy neighborhood walks with my children. I am drinking it all in, because fall can't be far behind this cool spell!

4. Aha Moments: I've been reading lots of posts by homeschooling moms recently, and I have found so much wisdom and encouragement to re-think some of my methods. I plan to inject more fun and joy into our schooling journey. It's so easy to fall back on the way I was schooled when I am stumped for ideas. I needn't do that anymore!

5. Routine: Sometimes a welcome comfort. I am enjoying the routine set before us right now.

6. Surprises: My dear MIL(ove) sent us this game this week as surprise for the kids. They loved it, and it's even gotten this mama up and dancing to earn my "cast cards."

7. Bargains: How I love a good bargain! We went to a local thrift store and found some wonderful things this week. The "goodie" of the day by far was one of these for a mere quarter. My children were beside themselves thrilled, which kind of made the $2.99 sleeping bag seem like an extravagance.

8. God's Word: How I love this book by Beth Moore. I am reading/praying through it right now, and it is touching my life in a myriad of ways.

9. Life: Amy's death this week helped to lend some much-needed perspective for me. I am grateful for another day to breathe without effort, to walk unassisted, and to hold close those I love dearly.

10. You: If you regularly read this blog, or if this is the first time you've stumbled by a place Without Fear, I am glad and grateful you've come.

May the Lord be at work filling up your tank today! If you want to take the button to your site and make your own list, please feel free!! If you want to leave me a comment on how God is choosing to fill your tank -- I'd love it!!

Have a great "thanks-filled" day of intentional gratefulness.

Labels: blessings, gratitude, inspiration, intentional, thanks tank

Before heading to the filling station this morning, I have a couple of prayer requests to share:

• DP is home sick for the second day in a row with a nasty head cold. He is feeling crummy, and I can treat symptoms but not make him well. Pray that God will quickly heal his body.
• Pray for us as we try to work on a feasible budget for the month of September. I am already seeing how the enemy wants to sabotage our feeble attempts to do the right thing for once.

Now on to filling up the tank. I am thankful this week for:

1. Hope: I have gotten a glimpse of the success the Lord wants to bring our way, and I have a death grip on that hope. The enemy doesn't have a chance!! We WILL be victorious this time!! I can feel it.

2. Shared success: A dear lady in our small group just got a job this week after we'd been praying for her to get one. I share in her success and benefit from seeing God's hand at work in her life.

3. Obedience: What a kick it is to realize how much smoother my life runs when my ear is attuned to the heart of my Lord. I am beginning to reap the benefits of being obedient to Him in areas of past disobedience.

4. Moments of Abandon: You saw the photos from the water balloon fight. That wouldn't have happened with my formerly uptight self.

5. Date Night: Actually the anticipation of a date tomorrow night with our small group. : ) We're getting a baby sitter for everybody's kids and heading over to have a game night at our pastor's house. Can't wait!!

6. Pay Day: After a loooong month of August, the day of exchange is finally here tomorrow. We will get to exchange my DP's pay for some paid bills and groceries. I am grateful.

7. Inspiration: I cannot tell you how many times I am downcast within my soul and go to visit Heather, only to leave inspired and encouraged as she so valiantly walks through this journey of cancer that is her life right now.

8. Truth: I have been struggling this week with hearing lies. God gave me these verses to fight those lies this week:

"Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:
Forget your people and your father's house.

The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:10, 11 (NIV)

9. Forgiveness: My husband reminded me this week that "bitterness is a poison you swallow hoping your enemy will die." Rather than wishing ill on those who have hurt me, I am choosing to forgive and try to move on from the pain inflicted.

10. Iced Tea with a twist: I love Celestial Seasonings teas. I had the thrill of touring their headquarters several years ago on a jaunt to visit a friend who lives near their Boulder warehouse. This week I tried one of my new favorites that I've enjoyed hot as an iced tea. Blueberry Breeze Green Tea with a little lemon is awesome iced!

So, now it's your turn! Head on over to the comments and let me know how God is choosing to fill your tank this week. OR . . . you can take my cute Thanks Tank button to your blog and set up your own list of intentional gratefulness.

Over a year and a half ago this simple choice to be intentionally grateful has changed the look of my weeks. I will never be the same. I pray that intentional gratitude will make a change for you as well.

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank

I am finally re-surfacing after the incredible couple of days I spent at the Women of Faith Amazing Freedom Conference in Atlanta.

The group of 59 ladies from our church headed down to the "big" city at 6 am Friday. We left none too early as our bus driver, George, found himself in miles and miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic that just seemed to rattle his otherwise stoic demeanor. Having never really driven in Atlanta, poor George was indoctrinated into the fray by fire.

I think he was especially glad to drop us off and go hide under a bridge for the rest of the day.

We had a fabulous time, beginning with Travis Cottrell leading worship. Wow! That boy (I'm probably at least old enough to be a much older sister, if not mama) was fantastic. I've heard him on CD or via Beth's studies, but live! He can't be contained in a mere CD.

Then, the part I've been waiting for since I heard about her being at the conference back in April -- Beth took the stage, looking better than anyone should have a right to after returning from Africa. She was beautiful -- inside and out.

She immediately set the tone, and we were off and racing through the topic of the day -- Comfort. I was pretty much spellbound, as so much of what she said penetrated my heart. I've been longing for a word from the Lord, and I was not disappointed one little bit.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia.

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us . . ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

We pursue comfort. Our culture drives this desire. Bottom line . . . we are afraid God is going to hurt us.

Labels: Beth Moore, blessings, comfort, conference, wisdom

What a week so far!

I have thoroughly enjoyed being with my children, and we are getting back into the routine of school without them noticing it.

Onto filling up that thank, I am thankful this week for:

1. A self-aware son: Last night after returning home from our children's ministry at church everyone was sharing about what they'd learned and done. JD Green pipes up and says, "I didn't join in on the singing, because that is just NOT my talent." That boy just makes me smile : )

2. A Getaway: I am going to the Women of Faith conference in Atlanta tomorrow and Saturday with a group of ladies from our church. Woo Hoo!!

3. Beth Moore: Cannot wait to hear what she has to say all day tomorrow. She is the special pre-conference speaker. She really is my friend, you know. At least in my little mind. ; )

4. Reading: I've been trying to finish this before the conference. Probably not going to happen.

5. Opportunities: God has given me several of them this week in the area of homeschooling. Just when I was questioning my own confidence in this arena, God allows me to articulate my passion and my desires for my children to others -- thereby reassuring myself of His presence on this journey.

6. Financial Peace University: Yes, we are joining after five years of owning the curriculum by Dave Ramsey. That fact actually saved us a $50 fee for the current class at our church. Pray with me that this will be a life-changing class for me and DP. We are finally both ready to make a change, and that is essential for success in this class.

7. Air conditioning: Though our town set a record this week for the most mega-watts used, I am so glad we have the ability to keep cool on these scorcher days of summer. The forecast for the next couple of days is above 100 degrees, too. You'd think I was back in Texas!

8. Music: A respite for the soul. A balm to my spirit. Unless it is from the Barbie video game my Sweetcheeks is currently playing. Auggh!!

9. Friendships Reconnecting: A friend of mine from another place we lived recently moved to this area. I am so glad she is close by again.

10. Sharing burdens: A dear friend is struggling right now, and I am privileged to share her burden. It always helps me to get the focus off of me and intercede for someone else.

Well, that's the tip of the iceberg for me, and I still have many more ways to be grateful.

How about you? What's filling your tank this week?

Leave your list in the comments or grab the Thanks Tank header and take it to your place. Just let me know, and I'll be glad to hop on over and visit.

Have a great thanks-filled day!

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank

I did this long ago in a land far away that has been lost to me forever. I was searching through my archives for my first 100 Things post, but alas, no dice.

So, I decided in keeping with tradition, as I am somewhere around my 200th post . . .

I would share a bunch of things about myself to let some of you new readers get to know me.

Here goes:

1. I am originally from the North.
2. I know, shocking that the Peach is not really a Southern belle. I am originally from Canton, Ohio. Yet, my heart has always been tied to the south. I attribute it to my great grandmother who hailed from Chattanooga, TN. That blood runs thick, y'all.
3. I came to my true home in the South in 1990.
4. In five years, I will have spent half of my life below the Mason-Dixon Line.
5. I knew in 1981 that I'd not spend my life in the North. Don't ask me how, I just knew.
6. I love just about everything about the South.
7. I especially love the beach.
8. The ocean energizes me.
9. My DP (Darling Prince) is not energized by the beach.
10. He loves the mountains.
11. We're thinking California might be a great compromise.
12. I've lived in five states.
13. I love something about all of them.
14. My favorite was Tennessee.
15. I had two children there.
16. My other was born in Texas.
17. She is still a die-hard, native Texan. I'm thinkin' they put something special in that first baby wash at the hospital.
18. I miss the Tex-Mex.
19. Salsa and chips are some of my favorite foods. Yum!
20. I'm a spicy girl.
21. My first car was a 1974 African Red Superbeetle.
22. I wrapped up in a quilt to drive that car in the winter.
23. I drove that car to my first "real" job at . . . McDonald's.
24. I love that sweet tea is a given here in the South.
25. Adding sugar to unsweetened iced tea is a futile practice.
26. I found Jesus at age 14 on a UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship) winter retreat.
27. I asked Him in my heart but changed very little about my life for about four or five years.
28. I re-committed my life to Christ at a Russ Taff concert my freshman year in college.
29. My life has forever been changed for the better.
30. I've been singing in choral groups since second grade.
31. I kept thinking I'd be "discovered" (part of me still wishes I had been).
32. I've been writing in "diaries" or journals since 1978. Blogging is my most recent outlet.
33. My eyes are an interesting shade of green that my DP has likened to summer wheat.
34. I find that so much more romantic than the "hazel" I was stuck with growing up.
35. I have a brother who is five years younger than I am.
36. He still lives in Ohio, seven miles from my parents.
37. He and his wife made me an aunt and will do so again in January.
38. We are not geographically or emotionally close.
39. That makes me sad sometimes.
40. Neither of us is sad enough to make a relationship work.
41. I love pink in just about every shade.
42. Except mauve. The name of that color just makes my nose turn up.
43. Birds are not my friends.
44. I think birds are filthy creatures.
45. I only like birds after they've been dipped in coating and delivered to the drive-thru window as nuggets at Mrs. Winners.
46. I am a tea lady.
47. I collect teapots and assorted tea cups.
48. I can always unwind with a steaming cup of tea.
49. Tea parties house some of my favorite memories.
50. My dearest friend lives in Iowa.
51. We've been friends for almost 29 years.
52. We've not lived in the same state since 1990.
53. We both have three children.
54. We both have two girls and one boy.
55. We are like Anne and Diana.
56. I am Anne and she is Diana.
57. I spent four years coloring my hair different shades of red.
58. I often looked a bit like her.
59. This frightened my potential husband.
60. He didn't like the "Wynonna" red.
61. I toned it down for him.
62. He married me December 18, 1993.
63. We had a Christmas wedding, complete with Christmas carols and poinsettias.
64. I don't even really like poinsettias.
65. They were free decorations at the church.
66. I like free.
67. I am a bargain hunter.
68. I love flea markets and thrift stores.
69. I once bought a nice canvas bag for 10 cents. It lasted us eight years.
70. I recently bought a terrible pair of roller blades for way too much. They lasted 10 minutes.
71. I love to rubber stamp greeting cards and scrapbooks.
72. I don't scrapbook nearly often enough.
73. Maybe when I am a grandma.
74. I always thought I would wear lots of gold jewelry once my man bought me some.
75. Now I wear almost all silver.
76. My favorite pen color is purple.
77. It's my signature color, because I always write my signature with it. : )
78. I love music.
79. I listen to everything from Josh Groban to Journey to Jeremy Camp to Third Day to George Strait and tons more.
80. I listen to Christmas music every month but January.
81. My favorite classic Christmas song is Silent Night.
82. My favorite contemporary Christmas song is a toss up between "Merry Christmas" and "Born in Bethlehem", both by Third Day.
83. I read avidly.
84. I've read more than 30 full-length novels just this spring and summer.
85. I used to live eight blocks from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
86. I only went there AFTER I got married and came back for a visit. My DP insisted.
87. I do like football -- pro football, not so much.
88. I like college football.
89. I am a Vol fan. I know. I know. Girl from Ohio, blood running orange -- just does NOT compute.
90. Rocky Top will always have a piece of my heart after my seven years there.
91. I am a writer/editor by trade.
92. I still dream of writing more than blog entries.
93. I know there is a book in there somewhere waiting to be written.
94. I would like to try my hand at young adult fiction.
95. I am a night owl and don't usually find mornings all that agreeable.
96. I love all kinds of flowers.
97. I consider myself an amateur photographer. I love to photograph flowers. I sure can't grow them.
98. I would love to have a new digital SLR camera.
99. I can't afford to buy that camera any time soon.
100. My DP is adopted.
101. We've talked about adopting since before we had any biological children.
102. We still regularly pray and hope that one day we'll adopt.
103. God has not yet opened that door in our lives.
104. He also hasn't closed that door yet.
105. I still have a desire to travel internationally.
106. Asia is calling my name, but I'd also be willing to follow that calling to Africa.
107. I love shoes.
108. I lost 46 pairs of shoes when I was pregnant the first time.
109. My feet grew half a size with each of my pregnancies.
110. I went from a size 5 1/2 to a 7.
111. I can find lots more shoes in a size 7.
112. I now own about 30 pairs of shoes.
113. That includes a pair of red cowboy boots.
114. I've always wanted to go dancing in red cowboy boots.
115. I have a premonition that I will do that someday in Texas.
116. I love bracelets.
117. I rarely wear necklaces at all.
118. I also love wearing rings.
119. My favorite ring is now a celtic braid that I got for my birthday seven years ago.
120. I wear it more than I wear my wedding ring.
121. I'm a girly girl.
122. I run like a girl.
123. I like fru fru stuff like ribbons and silk.
124. I surround myself with none of that stuff, because I am also quite practical.
125. I am a PBS junkie.
126. I love shows like Colonial House or Frontier House.
127. We haven't had TV now for almost four months.
128. I don't really miss it.
129. Except for Paula Deen. I love that woman ; )
130. I've found lots of other ways to fill up that time I used to spend on TV.
131. I started making cards again.
132. I love it when the creative juices are flowing.
133. Netflix has been a great substitute for TV.
134. We can control what we watch as a family.
135. I love a good hot dog with ketchup, mustard and relish.
136. I also enjoy the slaw dog here.
137. Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite movies.
138. When I get tired, my life is all doom and gloom.
139. My DP has learned to insist I go to bed when I get like that.
140. We are learning we need to do the same thing with Sweetcheeks.
141. She really is my "mini-me" in more ways than just looks.
142. I can’t think quickly on my feet.
143. I was once on a debate team.
144. I was good at it then.
145. I am the most loyal friend you will ever have.
146. Unless you betray me, then I might as well have never known you.
147. I cut people from my Christmas card list every year.
148. I still send out almost 100 Christmas cards.
149. I still always forget someone until it is too late to send a card.
150. I put off getting in touch with people.
151. Then I think it is too late, so I don't call at all.
152. Then I wonder why I am lonely.
153. I am neurotic about getting bargains.
154. I agonized over the square footage available in multi-pack toilet paper.
155. I finally decided Angel Soft is the brand for me, regardless of square footage or price. It rarely clogs our toilet, and that is more important.
156. I am completely and utterly afraid of cock roaches.
157. Though we moved from the coast where they were regular visitors at my house, I still imagine I am going to find one somewhere in my house here.
158. Instead we have crickets.
159. They don't scare me.
160. They just annoy me.
161. I love moving.
162. I just don't like starting over someplace new.
163. It gets harder every time we move.
164. I am starting to feel at home here.
165. My DP has been discussing our next move.
166. My parents just don't get that.
167. They haven't moved anywhere since 1976.
168. My Dad plans to stay where he is until he dies.
169. I've been thinking a lot more about death lately.
170. I wanted to become a famous musician.
172. I once played the clarinet.
173. I wanted to play the flute.
174. The clarinet was free from my cousin.
175. I then played the cymbals in high school.
176. I wasn't very good.
177. I hate to iron.
178. I avoid it at all costs.
179. Downy Wrinkle Release is one of my favorite products.
180. I rarely plan meals ahead of time.
181. I wish I were more organized.
182. Usually I am too tired to pull it together any better than I do.
183. Being a mom has caused me to relax a good bit.
184. I am still too uptight about more than I'd like to admit.
185. I try to unload a little guilt every day.
186. Otherwise I'd never get out of bed each day.
187. I want to go to Scotland someday.
188. These books made that even more of a desire.
189. I love listening to celtic music.
190. I thoroughly enjoyed the Scottish/Irish influence present on Prince Edward Island when I visited there in 1999.
191. I hope to go back there with DP some day.
192. I always wear Daily Conditioning Treatment under my lipstick.
193. I am a certifiable Beth Moore junkie.
194. God has used her Bible studies to change. my. life.
195. Get Out of That Pit is currently changing my life.
196. The older I get, the less I know.
197. The older I get, the more I want to learn.
198. The older I get, the less I fear.
199. I am not afraid to die.
200. I am more afraid to have died, having been truly afraid to have lived.

***That is why I remind myself daily to live each and every moment

Without Fear.

If you have made it to the end of this enormously long list, bless your heart. I'd love to read your list, too, so direct me to it by leaving a comment.

Labels: All about me, blessings, blogging

Somehow the beginning of a school year ushers in new beginnings to all walks of life. In our little Peachy Keen Homeschool Academy school doesn't ever really end, so school is not "officially" beginning this week.

Yet, my DP is on his way out the door even as I type. Teachers report today. Students report to the new beginning Friday. There is a freshness, an anticipation that hangs in the very air around us.

Advertisements all around us proclaim the "BIGGEST Back -to-School" sales of the season!! New binders, folders, pencils, pens, and glue sticks are being purchased by the gross. Whether excitement or dread be the order of the day . . . a new beginning is upon us. We can't deny it any more than we can avoid January 1st on each year's calendar.

The new beginning around here is multi-fold. See, as well as embarking on a new school year, we are also in the midst of a time of changes for our church. We had an inspiring message from our interim pastor yesterday that left me with hope for my future as well as for the future of this church body. (I'm not just sayin' that because he now reads this little blog o' mine)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Again, in my time with my Lord this morning, I was reminded He has plans for me. He made me specifically for a relationship with Him. Stasi and John Eldredge put it this way in Captivating:

"Our God is a tenderhearted God who yearns for relationship with us. If you have any doubt about that, simply look at the message He sent us in Woman.

Amazing. Not only does God long for us, but He longs to be loved by us . . . He wants us to love Him. To seek Him with all our hearts."

So, today, as much as I am capable, I plan to seek Him with all my heart. I purpose to adore Him, to desire a relationship with Him and with those He's put in my path.

Today, that begins with my children, and they are calling . . . even as I type. I'm off!

Have a great day seeking relationship with Him! He longs to be loved by you, too!!

Labels: beginnings, blessings, God's Word, relationship

This tank is always filled with blessings. I am just going to list them a little differently this week, following the lead of Heather, who inspires me daily as she valiantly fights the battle set before her.

I am thankful this week that:

• I am alive.
• I live in a home that is warm in winter, cool in summer, and keeps out the wind and rains (except for that six foot wet spot in my garage).
  
• I have my DP who dearly loves me, tells me so often, and carries the load even when I decide to check out.
• I have three wonderful, healthy, and wise children (sometimes wisecrackers, but always wise).
  
• I am both gifted as a singer and a writer, both of which God has me using currently. (though you can't hear me sing, you can read what I write . . . hee, hee.) You'll have to trust me on the singing part.
  
• I have several dear friends who know my heart and stick with me even on the not so thankful days. (Thanks, Kate)
• I have an incredible church that preaches God's truth, reaches out to the lost, and encourages the believers so that they may continue the ministry.
  
• I know my Savior loves me, even in my darkest times.
• I have come to realize though I thought I knew Him way back when, I will spend each day longing to know Him more.
  
• I have the freedom to homeschool my children.
• I have fibromyalgia, but it doesn't have me. No, it doesn't have me. It is not cancer, and it will not kill me. It cannot steal my joy forever.
• I can have a cup of chai just about any time, and it will most certainly warm me from within.
  
• I can paint my toenails red. I know this is tiny, but I get a "happy" when my nails are bright and pretty.
  
• I get to greet another morning in the quiet of my home, meeting with the God of the Universe. What better way to begin my day.
• I have been blessed with a free pet that has consumed my three sweeties' attention for hours. Her name is Trixie, and she is a box turtle we "rescued" yesterday from the street that enters our subdivision.
  
• I know that my Savior never gives up on me, even when I think I cannot move forward one more step -- 2 Corinthians 12:9,10.
• I have understanding friends who roll with the unforeseen changes that come about in my life.
• I have this place to unleash my creativity, express my gratitude, walk fearlessly, entertain friends, and strengthen my perspective of myself.
  

Thank you for hanging in there with me. I am grateful for each of you who come back for more each week.

Now it's your turn! What makes you take notice of God's hand this week? Take it to your site with the little header. Direct me to your Thankful Thursday if you do that instead, or just leave me a comment. Share your joy and it will double. I'd love to hear how God is working in your life and your heart this week. Have a great day!

Labels: blessings, blogging, gratitude, thanks tank