Day 19

I love how God sends me encouragement when I need it the most.

When I'm down and can't see to the other side, sends me encouragement. A friend, a blog post, a text from a loved one, someone's post on Facebook, a verse, or a letter. God knows just how to send me the encouragement I need.

It lifts me up. It spurs me on. It keeps me heading toward the goal. It makes all the difference in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and lifted me up. Thank you for encouraging me to press on and not give up.

Day 14

I love all the technology I have access to. 

Everything from my phone, to my kindle, to the Internet, to my IPad, to social media. 

It's amazing that I can instantly connect with anyone I want to around the world. I can get in touch with friends to know how I can be praying for them. I can see how friends are doing. I can listen to any kind of music I want. I can call friends. I can do video chats. I can blog. 

All of this is a great gift. It can be abused and taken too far, but I choose to believe that it's like a hammer. A powerful tool to be wheedled wisely. I'm far from perfect, but God is helping me to rightly use technology for His glory. Wheeled aright, technology is one of my greatest allies. 

Day 13

I love the friends that God has placed in my life.

There are so many of you. As I start to think the list just keeps growing. 

Sarah - My bestie since I was little. My confidant. My sister. You are so special and mean so much to me. I can't even sum up here how much we have gone through and how much God has grown us over the years. 

Mom - You have always made yourself a safe place to share. I thank God that I have you. 

Lea - You have been there to pray for and support me and our family. 

Debra - I'm so thankful for how we have stayed friends for over 9 years. How the time does fly. But it has been so great to see how God has grown you. Thanks for letting me come along. And you have encouraged me in some of the hardest times in my life. I'm so grateful for that. 

Hannah - You are so special. We have been through so much guy stuff together and shared our hearts. You encourage me when I'm down and brighten my day. You have a flare for life and a tell it like it is attitude that makes me smile. 

Christina - You have been a great mentor to me this past year. When I was at my darkest place you were encouraging me and praying for me. That is a great gift. 

Michelle and Josh - Thank you for opening up your home and encouraging me when I needed it most.

Kim & Vangie - When I first started volunteering in the Neuonatel Intesive Care Unit in Austin, I had no idea that I would meet two believers who would encourage and help me as much as you two. You have encouraged and blessed me so much with your perspective and caring. 

My Ultimate Frisbee group - we have been coming and playing with you all since last summer. It's been so fun to play with all of you and hang out with such a cool group of Christian young adults. 

Pastor Perry & Mrs. Perry - Who walked with me through last summer and proved to be good counselors. Thank you.  

Mama Liz- you have been  there to support and care for me at work. I love you so much.

My ADRN Friends- you have celebrated and prayed for me through so much and I appreciate all that you have done. Your support and your care have made a huge difference in my life. 

My Filmmaking friends - You have challenged me and encouraged me. I miss seeing you, but I'm so grateful I got to know you.

My Albuquerque Friends - Thanks for welcoming me and for helping me take the next step toward healing. You have a special place in my heart. Thank you for challenging me to come before God in all things and live the adventure that He has laid out.

There are so many more I could name. There are so many people who have taken time to have lunch, text me that they were praying, start a conversation when I was scared, called me when I was having a rough day, and encouraged me when I needed it the most. You have touched and blessed me more than you will ever know.

As I'm writing this my heart is so full. You have all meant so much to me. As your faces came to mind or the memories came up I am remembering how blessed I am to have as many friends as I do. You are such a treasure and joy to me. Thank you for being there and all that you have done. 

Day 4

I love the fact that today I get to help host a bridal shower for a good friend. 

This is a team effort, but I'm so grateful I have the time, ability, and skills to help make this day special for my friend. I can make cookies and handle my part easily and with joy. I get to enjoy time baking and shopping for things mostly distraction free (I'm a huge distraction to myself these days :P)

Just having the time and ably to help make this happen is something I am so grateful for.

I love that I can help host parties, agree to help friends out, and make beautiful things. It makes me happy.  

I Simply Wonder

I can't belief she had done it. A girl that I had respected for her purity, decided to run off with a guy.

Parents with a kid with a mental handicap. They seem powerless to do anything about it.

An elderly woman suffering from dementia.

I could go on and on about the suffering that I see on a daily basis. But that would be pointless.

Some people when faced with pain and suffering shake a fist and ask why God could let something like this happen.

Me? The why question has been, why me? God, Why was I born into a believing home? Why did I have parents that loved me enough to do the tough things in life so that I would be the person I am? Why did I always have enough food to eat? Why did I have always more than I needed and many times more than I ever wanted? Why was I born a healthy baby girl? Why hasn't sickness touched me more? Why am I blessed with so many encouraging friends? Why is it that I get to do things like write plays, make movies, take ASL, write on five blogs, play games with me family, and a host of other things that I don't even think twice about? Why God? Why do I live in so much luxury while others live with so little?

I'll never understand. Some things aren't meant to understand. But one thing I know. I can either sit here and wonder, or I can use what I have been given to bless others. To encourage to bless and to make where I am a better place.

This is my destiny, what's yours?

Simply Grateful # 6

Day 6

Friends. My Texas Friends, my blogging friends, my film-making friends, and my facebook friends. I am blessed and encouraged by you every day.

Simply Grateful # 5

Day 5

My laptop. I could live without it, but it makes so many things so much easier. It helps me to communicate with friends and helps me do a lot of writing. 

Simply Grateful # 3

Day 3

For an amazing Family. Dad, Mom, Nicole, Sarah, Michael, Rebekkah, and Mikayla, you mean the world to me. You make my day brighter. You love me and care for me like no one else does. You are the best friends I have. 

Simply ... Me

Hello to all my dear blogging friends.

This has been a crazy wonderful couple of weeks.

To begin with, I had some lovely wonderful friends visiting. It was wonderful. But they have left now and I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

I splurged a lot this week, but I had fun. You there are times to save up and times to go out and enjoy what you have saved. Whether it's a few minutes to stop and smell the roses or some extra money, there are times to just enjoy the world around you.

Why not take a few minutes today and do some splurging. Save some time for your family or enjoy one of your favorite movies with some chocolate.

Just enjoy yourself and have some down time. I know that's what I will be doing part of the day.