The Thankful Project: November 19th

The Thankful Project: November 19^th: A Book

I’ve always loved reading. There was one summer when I was in middle school that I read every single Nancy Drew book out there, I believe it was close to almost 150 books at the time (I guess you could’ve considered me a nerd). I unfortunately don’t have time to read 150 books in even a year, but I always try to read at least one book on every trip.

Due to my love of reading, I have a plethora of books that I love. Anything by Jane Austen (Persuasion and Emma are probably my favorites) is always going to hold a special place in my heart. Agatha Christie suspense novels always keep me turning the page. I’m a hopeless romantic so Nicholas Sparks always gets me crying on the plane. I love a series called “Love Finds You”, typical (predictable) Christian romance type stuff.

However if I had to choose a book that I was thankful for, it would be these two:

“A Confident Heart” by Renee Swope and “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. I was given Redeeming Love by a friend in college and I think I read the whole book in a matter of two-days (in between studying for exams of course). It’s just a wonderful story and representation of God’s redeeming and healing love. Francine Rivers was inspired by the book of Hosea in the Bible, a story of redemption, love, and healing. I’d definitely recommend picking up this book for any woman out there as it speaks to so many themes in our lives as Women of God.

The second book, A Confident Heart, I picked up after finishing a Bible Study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. They send out a daily email devotional and I can’t remember exactly what the devotional was about, but I know it had me crying at my desk (super professional) so I went out to Lifeway and immediately bought the book. I can’t put it better, so here is what I copied from Google Books description:  Often the biggest obstacle to living out our faith is our own doubt--about our worth, our abilities, our relationship with God, and situations in our lives. A Confident Heart gives voice to the questions, doubts, struggles, and hopes so many women have. Author Renee Swope shows women how to identify, overcome, and even use doubt in order to live confidently in God's power, truth, and grace. Perfect for women's small groups or individuals, A Confident Heart is an authentic, insight-filled and encouraging message for any woman who wants to exchange.

I’m thankful that God put these books in my hands and I hope that if you’re searching for something to grasp onto today, that maybe one of these books will speak to you! 

A Thankful Heart

15 Things I'm Thankful For 

15. Hallmark Movie Channel

There's nothing like wasting an entire Saturday glued on the couch watching happy (yes, predictable) Hallmark Movies. Oh and don't even get me started about Christmas Hallmark movies; haven't met one yet I didn't like!

14. Gluten-Free Flour

If it wasn't for GF Flour I may cry. From baking every weekend to not even being able to enjoy a cookie without feeling sick, GF Flour has been a Godsend!

13. AC & Heat

I used to want to live in the 1800's, but then I realized I wouldn't have AC or Heat and just think about how horrific that would be. No AC in North Carolina summers or Heat in Minnesota winters; yup I would've died.

12. Nike Workout Shorts

Come on, you know you live in yours on the weekend, after work, working out, after working out...

11. Jello 

Youbetcha. A nice jello salad is the best way to start a holiday season! It's happy and squishy and colorful; who doesn't love Jello?!

10. Starbucks Holiday Drinks 

Gingerbread latte. Eggnog latte. Tall nonfat white peppermint mocha with light whip. Bring it on. Got my Holiday Star Dash going on and I'm going to win.

9. Chick-fil-A

It's a staple in our household at least once a week during baseball season. The smell of waffle fries is enough to make you drool. Oh, and am I the only one who craves them on a Sunday?!

8. Books  

My bookshelves are overflowing with books and yet I always seem to buy more. I can't resist the smell of a fresh new book. Oh, and Yes, I do judge a book by its cover.

#Bookwormproblems

7. Joy of Writing

Writing is a release and such a joy. I'm so thankful that I get to sneak away and write whenever I can. I can express myself, share ideas, and it's amazing that other people like what I say and are inspired by it. So amazing.

6. The Ocean 

The smell of salt in the air. The foam of the waves. The presence of the Lord is so obvious that it's sometimes overwhelming. I'm so incredibly thankful I got the opportunity to live by the water for several years. 

5. The Gift of Travel

The thought that a year ago I was living in England is so humbling. If it weren't for the pushing of my family, I wouldn't have been able to do it. Now, one year later, I've been traveling for pleasure and for work, and have three trips in the works. How incredibly wonderful!

4. My Job 

This year, one of the biggest things I've been thankful for is God providing me with a wonderful first job that is not something I would've dreamed I would be doing. I've been able to travel, fly, and work with some wonderful people. Considering how many people haven't found that first job or are out of work, I'm thankful that I was blessed with this gift.

3.  Faithful Friends

This past year it's really been highlighted who are friends for a lifetime and friends just for a season. I'm thankful that friends have stuck by my side and encouraged me to grow personally and spiritually. Thanks for being a listening ear and a cheerful smile. 

2. Unconditional Love of Family 

To my family to always think better of me than myself; who push me to my limits because they know I can handle it. Who always try to thing in perspective and always make me laugh. We only have one another in this world, and I'm so glad we've grown our little family into a tight family unit. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful family.

1. God's Plan

His plan for my life is bigger than my own and for that I am thankful, because if it was up to me to plan my life, it'd be a complete mess and I would never reach my full potential. You experience life when you're pushed out of your comfort zone, and God knows that I am greater than this. It's humbling to know that and I am thankful for his unconditional love even when I majorly screw up. It amazes me that even when I venture off the path and fall down a hill, he can bring me past a river and up a mountain to get back on the path, and most of the time it's greater than you expected.

So for these things, I am thankful on this holiday weekend and I encourage everyone to count your blessings this holiday season because there is so much to be grateful for- from the little things to the big things, we are more blessed than w realize.