Friday Thanks

The less things go the way I want, the more reasons I find to give thanks!

-open windows letting in a perfect breeze

-dear friend driving me to my procedure yesterday

-family bringing me food and lots of laughs

-walks in the fresh air, breathing energized relaxation into my weary body

-promises from the Shepherd as he carries me thru each moment

-niece and nephew screeches of joy

-a b12 shot today giving me a boost

-feeling better than yesterday

-the bills are paid for the month

-groceries have been purchased

-a full night’s sleep last night

-txts from friends that make me laugh so hard

-a quiet apartment to just be still today

-wonderful news from prison

The girl who cried ‘Abba’

Abba! My Abba! You are so good to me. I’ve cried your name so much lately for so many different reasons and you answer. You delight in me. You pursue me. You love me. What have I done to deserve your love? Grace. You pour out your grace…and mercy and hope. I am reeeeally good at being overwhelmed, and even better at panicking. You know my brain inside and out. My brain with its garbled bipolar system is fearfully and wonderfully made. I know your works are wonderful. The panic disorder, the bipolar disorder and all my other medical problems are just circumstance. You have and will use these messes to be a message to your glory. My my overwhelmed heart and mind be turned into an ovation of Christ Jesus. May my panic vanish to peace only Christ can give. May the bipolar force me to turn my eyes to Jesus and believe what he says to me. Joshua 1:9

Abba, I belong to you!

Your foundsheepkatie

Day 15: opportunities

I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me to share my story and connect with people. I don’t know that I really have much of a story to tell, however, I do have lots of hope to share and that hope is Jesus Christ! Whether it be doing life with people in prison to speaking and writing about my own struggles, I hope to bring hope to the hopeless. I have dear people in my life to encourage and support me thru this journey, as difficult as it sometimes feels, and I pray Christ will be known better and more fully. I have no idea why God chooses to work through me in this way, but if he can use me, He can use anyone. He is GOOD!!!!

Day 14

SO MUCH to be thankful for today:

energy to get myself to the gym last night. felt great.

FINALLY approved by the DOC so I can start my in-prison ministry. PTL!!! I am so excited.

waking up to sun shining in my bedroom. something NOT to be taken for granted this time of year.

two hilarious dogs to entertain me today. they crack me up and are sooooo funny together. The shih tzu and the golden doodle. the odd couple.

“N” gifts

Today’s joy dare is to figure out 3 gifts of thanks beginning with the letter N!!! So, here we go. Please add to my list in the comment section:)

1. My niece is healthy and growing in her mommy’s belly. I can’t wait to see her face.

2. Living on a street where I know all my neighbors. Such a blessing. I will never take it for granted.

3. The tall tree down the street with no more leaves that has a bird’s nest delicately placed on top. The Shepherd’s eyes are on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!

This is the day…..

This is the day The Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

-puppy cuddled next to me
-laughing and hugs with grace
-a new inmate to mentor and love
– giftcard for dog food
-gas in my car
-warm shower, clothing, home
-txts from friends with reminders God loves using the messed up ones
-lists of scripture truth to read reminding me I belong to the Shepherd…not my career…not people…not bipolar and panic disorder…not my past

When I can’t think of anything else to say…give thanks! My Abba, I love you and belong to you- all my sheep qualities and all.