Happy Thanksgiving!

Fresh-brewed tea, rice krispies, and warm jammies. Just a few of the things that I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. This holiday is all about giving thanks for the people and things that you are thankful for. My "thankful" list has been expanding as of late. I think it's easy enough to overlook the things we should be grateful for, but this day has a way of reminding me, and everyone, of just how important it is to be grateful.

So, to start with, I want to thank God in particular for helping me through the last two weeks. They have been some of the most stressful and exhausting that I've had to deal with, but he took me by the hand and led me through. Several papers, a speech and two tests later, I am done with all of that and am currently relaxing at home with my family (most of whom are asleep right now).

Which brings me to the second thing: family. I love every single one of my family members, and I don't know where I would be without them. I could go on a huge spiel about all the things that they've done, but that...would be a very long blogpost. Safe to say, they're totally awesome-sauce and I love them like a gamer loves his console. <---Which is a lot, by the way.

Then, of course, comes my friends. I don't have to name you all; you know who you are. I love all of you oodles, and you make getting up in the morning worth it (usually!). To the friends that I've had for years, thanks for putting up with all of my crap, and I do mean all. And for those of you that I've only just met this semester of college, thanks for getting to know me. I've enjoyed cultivating those relationships, and you've really been an encouragement to me. I hope that we get to be closer friends in the future.

And, finally, there's everything else. Hah! I'm too lazy to go through all of the other things that I'm thankful for. There's a lot to be sure. God has been faithful in providing the things that I need.

I hope that this Thanksgiving, you also are taking stock of all the things that you're grateful for too. It's good to stop and be reminded of everything that you have. May your Thanksgiving be enjoyable and your bellies stuffed.

Flying Fingers

I have a huge appreciation for people who can do things I can't...and do them well. There's so many things I wish I could do: crochet, ride a unicycle, juggle, kidnap David Tennant and keep him in my basement forever and ever.

Hehehe. *cough* Tonight in my Fine Arts class, I was reminded of one of the things I wish I could do: play an instrument. A long time ago (farther back than I'd care to remember), I took piano lessons. I decided pretty quickly that I had more important things to devote my time to, aka go outside and play. I regret, now, not sticking with those lessons. While I believe I never would have had the talent to play the piano well, I still would have liked to have the ability. Because I can't play, though, I think I have a better appreciation for those who can play an instrument. That being said, I want to share a video that my professor showed us in class. It's a recording of an accordion player performing "The Flight of the Bumblebee." You may think you've not heard the piece before, but I'm sure you'll recognize it once it starts. More importantly, watch the man's fingers...

 It's intense, isn't it? I can't even imagine the practice that was required for him to be able to perform the piece so rapidly. That's dedication!

I suppose what I'm trying to get at here, is that finding and utilizing your God-given talents is very crucial in forming the person you will be for the rest of your life. I'm still on the journey to discovering mine. I only hope I'll be as dedicated and talented as this man in my own area.

Under Pressure

I'm sitting here in front of my computer feeling like I have something to say but not knowing how to put it. These last few weeks have been some of the most difficult ones I've ever faced. In fact, the last few months have been a struggle. I've had to deal with financial insecurities, a failed relationship, changes in friendships and severe stress brought on by college life. I kept looking up to the sky, begging God to explain why I've felt like he's abandoned me. I've been drifting, trying to avoid confronting a lot of my problems, but still expecting God to take care of them. But at some point, I mentally sat myself down and said, "You need to do something, not just expect God to take care of everything for you."

Now, before you start think I'm being sacrilegious or something, I'm not saying God isn't capable of taking care of us. Not at all. What I am saying is that God, at some point, expects us to accept his help. I was so busy running away from my problems that I kept missing his helping hand. And it was always there, if I had only looked closer.

What I'm trying to get at here, is that God provides, no matter what. After I got myself back in the right mindset, I accepted his help and started putting the pieces of my life back together. It's hard, and there are nights I still cry myself to sleep, but I know that if I keep praying and seeking His will, I'll be fine. He's proven to me that if I ask for His help, he's willing and able to provide it.

With each problem, God has stepped up to fulfill that need. Financial problems? God has provided me with several jobs.  Relationship issues? I'm still following his guidance. Changes in friendships? He's helping me sort them out. Severe stress? I've gotten back on track and am managing my time better. At each point, he's been faithful and been there for me. So, I will continue to pray and follow his will.

When I got back from Fall Break, this is basically what went down...

Haha! Jo was still looking for a job, and she said, "I'm not going to be happy for you until I get a job too!" Teehee :D You have to understand our relationship to get why this is so hilarious.