Thankful....

I am writing this because I see an abundant lack of thankfulness and gratitude in the people around me these days. Perhaps I am just more acutely aware of it because of the recent economic status and political environment. This is especially alarming to me when I notice this in people who profess Christ. They claim to have the hope of heaven yet their outlook on life is decidedly negative at times. A couple months ago I referred to these people as Doug and Wendy Whiner type Christians after the old SNL skit. These are the people that a simple “How are you doing?” turns into a sigh and a list of all the complaints with their life. They do not like their job. Their boss or coworkers are annoying. They do not like going to school. Life is boring. Their husband or wife expects too much from them or is insensitive. Their children are unruly and disrespectful. They want a boyfriend or girlfriend because then they won’t be lonely anymore. They do not have enough money. Life is difficult. Take your pick. No one can truly understand their problems. Now, I am all for keeping it “real” in that we need to genuinely share concerns with our brethren but we also have a personal responsibility and a call to live a life of joy and gratitude. So I am going to focus on my own thankfulness, those things which I think on during the days and weeks to keep a spirit of joy and gratitude in my life. If you know someone who may need this, feel free to pass it on.

I am thankful for the hope of heaven. This truth alone makes a lot of things irrelevant when we truly have an eternal perspective. We see trials and tribulations as the perfectors of our faith rather than detriments. My resident director in college always said, “No matter what you are going through, it’s not the crucifixion.” In other words, perhaps in light of the knowledge of what a glorious Savior did in taking on your sin, it would be wise to rethink what a bad day looks like.

I am thankful to be loved by family and friends. I am thankful to be loved by my husband who encourages me to see Christ as more beautiful everyday. I am thankful to have people to love in return. Human relationships are so vital. So many people will be alone during this holiday season.

I am thankful for my all of my physical freedoms and comforts. I worship freely and without fear. I speak without fear of retribution. As an American I must admit I am very much “rights” oriented at times. I pray I never take that for granted. I have plenty of food to eat and plenty of clean water to drink. I have clean clothes to wear every day. I live in a home with electricity and running water. I have a vehicle that serves as reliable transportation. I have a job. I have the physical capacity to do my job most everyday and be paid for it. I can pay my bills. I actually have medical and dental insurance. I have a cell phone. I have so many other amenities that are not necessary for life and body that when I think about it, it’s quite embarrassing. Maybe you have some of these things in common with me.

It amazes me that so few people seem to realize how their attitude affects their circumstances. How is it that a very sick person can be so happy? A poor person content with so little? Because it is about their perspective, they are focused on what they do have rather than on what they don’t have. I feel badly for those who always make mountains out of molehills because they are their own worst enemy. I for one am going to choose to have a spirit of thanksgiving which naturally flows into joy.

"That my soul may sing praises to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever." Psalm 30:12 NAS

Fighting the Happy Holiday Fat =-)

For weeks Eric and I have been saying that we should start going to the gym regularly now that we have settled more into a routine. It took a bit but we have started! Eric signed me up with his membership so that with the cold weather really lurking around the corner I can still get some work outs in. We both have been in good shape at different times of our lives so now it is time to get back there once again. With holiday cookies and breads soon to tempting all of us at every turn, I am determined to be a little proactive.

By the way, the pumpkin we prepared turned into really good pumpkin bread. I also made my first loaf of apple bread this last week. So I guess I am my own worst enemy but if I get my humming bird metabolism back it won't be quite an issue, right? Alas, the days of having the 20 mile runs and knowing a milk shake was not going to do a thing to my thighs =-)

Driving in Finter

Well it's not winter but I got to experience my first real drive through snow. It is the winter experience in fall so I call it finter.  I had to drive through the Carson Pass, south of Tahoe, to Napa for a work conference. I drove nice and slow and told myself all the driving tips that Eric keeps trying to instill in me because he wants me to be safe. I was the granny driver that kept pulling over in the turn outs to let other cars pass. I am attending the LEA/CIWMB Partnership Conference. I am the LEA counterpart of the conference. LEA stands for Local Enforcement Agency and I act as the solid waste enforcement agency for Mono County. At this conference I am listening to sessions on solid waste regulations from state integrated waste management specialists, industry representatives, and other LEA's that have relevant experience. I only say all that because a lot of people do not understand what I do.  I have a lot of different roles but I act as the solid waste program coordinator for my county. It's a great networking experience but I don't like being separated from my hubby. I really miss him. =-( Hopefully driving back the pass will be clear and I can make it back to Eric this Thursday night quickly!

Red Lake near Carson Pass

Driving very slow and taking a "no look" pic of the beautiful trees