Thankful Mondays

It has been a long time since I have posted from my Thankful Journal. It is not because I have stopped counting my blessings, but is due to my busy life! :) Well, I have decided to be more purposeful and plan to post every Monday. (I will have grace with myself, though, too!)

2,149. having the day off!
2,150. for all the Veteran's who have fought or are fighting for our freedom
2,151. a nap!
2,152. J12 training ~ even more excited about the ministry
2,153. taking R bowling and out to Souplantation for his birthday gift
2,154. shopping at Michael's last night with Karen ~ laughter and fun! SHRINKY DINKS!!!
2,155. prayer time for Sadie Grace and Ben and Sarah McCraken
2.156. the way God spoke and revealed His design for Sadie and the encouragement for Ben and Sarah
2,157. breakfast at OPH with Sara and Holly
2,158. finding out something very exciting is happening for a friend!!!!
2,159. IKEA trip with Shelby, K, and D
2,160. doing laundry at Mom and Dad's
2,161. blessing Shelby with study time at home by taking K and D with me to Mom and Dad's
2,162. free burger coupons at Jack in the Box ~ thanks Mike!
2,163. Shopping with Kayla and Ryan for Operation Christmas Child
2,164. getting to bed by 10pm
2,165. J12 started!!!! the kids had a blast and so did I! :)
2,166. reading how the kids will change the world
2,167. packing shoe boxes with the J12 kids
2,168. R came to church!!!
2,169. taking R and D to see Mulan
2,170. Daphne's for dinner with D and R
2,171. D's pronunciation of lobby and hotel made me laugh ~ D: "how do you say lovy in Spanish?" me: "what's a lovy?" D: "a lovy in a hotowel" :)
2,172. Karen let me borrow three quarters! :)
2,173. it was a great Monday!!!
2,174. Sarah R. was inspired by me to start at thankful journal
2,175. a sweet note from Sharisa thanking me for being her teacher and for teaching her brother
2,176. Diane called me and left the most awesome and sweet voicemail ~ baby Chin called to say hi! :)

Happy 5th Birthday D!

Happy 5th Birthday, D! It seems like just yesterday that I was holding you in my arms for the first time. I love being your auntie! You are so much fun to be around...I love your laugh, your smile, your hugs, and the times you ask me to sit by you. You are full of life and your joy is contagious! You are bold, not afraid to voice your thoughts and opinions. You make me laugh and you bring me joy. I love you SO much! All my heart, Iesh

questions I've been pondering

I have been thinking a lot lately about healing. I know healing comes in many forms and at different times, but I have been wondering why some people are healed from things and others are not. I know it's all about God's glory and I know God has a plan and a purpose for everything in our lives, but still I wonder "Why" these things happen. When I think of all the times Jesus healed someone in the Bible, it often was because of their faith. How much faith exactly is "great faith"? If I am praying for healing for myself or a friend and I feel like I have great faith in His power, why doesn't the healing come? Is my faith not enough? Does it have nothing to do with my faith and everything to do with God and His timing? Is it a combination of both?

We had a discussion at work awhile back about the power of our words and how we can keep from getting sick if we tell ourselves we won't...I do believe that what we say and think influences our beliefs and our choices...but I am not sure how this actually works. I can tell myself I am not going to get sick, and I can pray to God and ask Him to keep me healthy, but what is to be said when I get sick? Would it be due to my doubt, whether I realize I was doubting or not? Is it just a part of God's plan? I have been sick with a cough and laryngitis for a week and now have had a fever that won't go away. I pray for God's healing and for the restoration of my health...I believe it is coming and I rest in God's timing and plan. Maybe that is the point. Maybe there is no magical word or prayer to be said to prevent me from ever being sick or to heal me instantly. Maybe the point is that it draws me closer to Him and causes me to have a deeper trust and faith in Him.