Friday

Disclaimer: I started this entry on Friday and am finishing it now...Sunday. :)

I have learned that by Friday, my filter diminishes.  No matter how much I try, I become quite frank and blunt.  It's ok, though, because people around me have learned that about me. I'd like to think I'm more aware of it than I used to be, but who knows. I suppose this is just a warning, then, to those who are around me on Fridays. :)

Side note:
Pandora has been my friend lately. I've learned of some artists who sound like other people I like.  Recently I put "Jar of Hearts" as my 'station' and I learned of "A Fine Frenzy".  I like them a lot. Thank you Pandora.

I thought it would be appropriate to reflect back on my week when determining God's blessings. Here are some things for which I'm thankful:

1. Starbucks - Skinny Caramel Macchiatos.  These truly are blessings and help me get through the week. For just over 100 calories, I can enjoy some delicious goodness.  Some may not think it's a blessing from God, but it definitely brightens my day. (It's the simple things, right?)

2. Romans 7:15 - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."  This has provided some solace to me this week.  In reading my book, So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore, I had the revelation that while we make mistakes (sometimes over and over and over and over...) I'm not alone.  Paul was there. His actions didn't always reflect what he wanted to do. While that doesn't justify or give me an excuse, it certainly eases the pain and provides peace when I constantly feel like I fail myself... I'm thankful to not be alone in that.

So begins the Sunday part:

3. Warm weather - my goodness. 75 yesterday, 83 today. We are blessed to have such wonderful weather. Adam and I had lunch with some friends today. We were outside on a patio and I loved feeling the sun on my skin. Then, we came home and went outside with the dogs. They sure worked up a sweat and so did we as we did a little weeding. 

As we are entering into spring, I am reminded of a song I absolutely love called "Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman. I love the words regarding spring:

"And everything that's new has bravely surfaced teaching us to breathe.
And what was frozen through is newly purposed turning all things green
So it is with you and you make me new with every season's change
And so it will be as you are recreating me, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring."

I love the line that says "What was frozen through is newly purposed." I feel that way in my faith right now. I am seeking hard after God and the parts of my heart that have been hardened in the past ARE newly purposed.  They have been softened, renewed and filled with the Spirit. I know this will be a continual battle because this is the last thing Satan wants, but I am so thankful for this season.

Just a few more:

4. Camwow (an app on the iphone) I'm talking belly laughs with this app.
5. A really big project at work - a stressful project, but will be so rewarding once complete
6. A "high D" Predictive Index.  - High D's are detailed, perfectionists, have high standards for themselves, want to do what's right. I am thankful to be this way because it allows me to keep striving for more responsibility and better results. (I'd like to think I challenge myself and others to be better as well.)
7. Coldstone Cremery (This is how I roll) - tastes just like a cinnamon roll.  Ah-mazing.

That's good for now. Happy Sunday and 80 degree weather!