If I want to uphold one of my 2012 goals, I'll need to update this blog today (Thursday), Friday, and Saturday in order to meet my "blog three times a week" standard. And I was all rearin' to go with it earlier this afternoon, even earlier this evening, but then I got into all kinds of other little distractions and almost quit on it tonight. Somehow, I've caught a second wind that may not last long, so here we go.
I'd like to begin with an update of thankfulness. My previous post introduced my list of thanks/gifts/ blessings, and I plan to continue that list into the year. While I'm keeping a numbered record of as many gifts that I remember to write down, you'll notice my numbers may skip a bit because I won't be posting every single thing. I left off at #21 last time, and I've filled in the gap to #77 (I know, that's leaving out a lot of stuff since October, alas). This list, like blogging, is something I hope to make more of a diligent habit in my life this year.
25. birds in beautiful flight formation over telephone wires in morning sun again on way to work
30. Micah F. joining my family for Hanukkah
38. joy on Christmas day
39. roasting turkey aroma I've loved since childhood
41. truly festive Hanukkah this year with celebration, sharing, and fellowship
43. new camera!
45. week and a half vacation
47. funds to buy a new car battery and other car maintenance
48. Dad's help with all car stuff
54. meeting two new friends in Lexington for New Year's Eve weekend and discovering they're really great
57. an afternoon of just Micah F. and me at Cracker Barrel, driving among gorgeous Kentucky farms, and pausing at a little stone church
58. making rounds at the horse farm
59. ringing in 2012 with love, joy, and gladness
62. heart-felt discussion
64. arriving home to family, game food, and a fun Rose Bowl game (yay OR Ducks, for Mom)
66. new Social Studies book for class
67. discovering accompanying workbook online
69. somewhat unexpected moments of brother-sister time with [brother] Micah
72. free Chick-fil-a sandwich offer on a receipt
73. having episodes of "Pillars of the Earth" available on dvr
76. "Days like These" by Over the Rhine (and thanks to Micah F.)
77. the Lord's steady hand on me even when I'm a slacker on my end of listening and devotion
The above photo was taken during #57, and I posted it because it reminds me of #76, and both of those connections make me happy.
As is usually the case, there are more thoughts I'd intended to share, but it's past my bedtime (the sensible one, anyway), and sleepiness is taking over once more.
