Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for..

.. my friends.

.. family.

.. birthdays.

.. trees.

.. Harry Potter.

.. Books.

.. music.

.. dance.

.. work.

.. the picture of trees in my room.

.. good grades in school.

.. grace.

.. Abigail.

.. Nutcracker.

.. my red fuzzy blanket.

.. Arlo.

.. candles.

.. internet.

.. the Bible.

.. and the list is never-ending. Isn't it amazing how many things there are to be thankful for?

This week was truly wonderful. The first few days were spent going to see Harry Potter.. twice, hanging out with friends, and reading books, but it all climaxed in the best Thanksgiving I've had for years! On Thursday morning Abigail and I woke up to mom asking us to help her cook. With fear and trepidation I began to cook bacon successfully for the first time in my seventeen years! In three hours we made rolls, green bean casserole, (Not the canned mushroom soup and frozen vegetables green bean casserole, but yummy homemade stuff), sweet potato casserole, pecan tassies, and apple crisp. Around 1 we were joined by Scott and Derek who were soon followed by the Babcocks who completed our group. With all ten of us squeezed around one table, we enjoyed the meal thoroughly, eating copious amounts of delectable food -- much more than our stomachs could comfortably handle.

We completed the day with much pleasure.. watching The Italian Job, singing songs with the piano, and whatever leisure activities that our overfed, lazy selves took pleasure in.

I love Thanksgiving because it reminds us to count our blessings. (Of course the excuse to eat tons of food and the time off of school are welcomed gladly.) There are so many things.. hot water, air conditioning, internet, electricity, etc. that we constantly take for granted, forgetting that they aren't just ordinary items that are automatically ours. The Lord gives us these things, knowing how unnecessary they are, because He delights in us and loves to bless us. I'm blessed.

A Reminder

 I've spoken a bit about life's monotony, how I tend to become discontent. What can keep me motivated?

I constantly have to remember that however futile studying for a math test may feel right now, if I study, I get a better grade, if I get a better grade, I get into a better college --  I get a better education, I get a better job..  this is just a small example. My decisions and actions now will effect my life forever even if it is hard to see right now.

Though school and work seem boring, I remind myself that I'm in the Lord's will and that this is where he wants me to be. I know the Lord can see the whole picture, he knows what is best -- thus, this is the best place for me to be. The Lord doesn't waste time. In reality, by having a bad attitude or procrastinating I'm just wasting His time.

These are the things I think about daily, among others of course.

It is so important to believe that God has your best interest at heart, and He knows what it best for you. 
Remember, He doesn't make mistakes.

Update!

I'm going to give you a bit of an update on my life! There are very many random things happening but I'll just pick a few to write about.. 

I’m content right now.  I had a fire this morning, daddy made it for me. I rolled out of bed at 7:45 with less than the usual lethargy,!... Much to my father's astonishment. After seeing the fire and becoming very happy I made pancakes for Abigail and I. Most of the morning, I was found by the fire reading my book. I’ve now finished a homework assignment and feel very accomplished. I now have the rest of the day to spend in leisure. 

I’ve been listening to the song Conversations, by Sarah Groves. 

I don't know how to say this,

I don't know where to stand,

I don't know where to put my feet,

Or where to put my hands.

I've got them in my pockets,

My fingers are freezing cold,

They're wrapped around a ticket stub

That's four weeks old,

And I don't know how to say this.

I think we've figured out 

This world is bigger than you and I.

We've exhausted our wealth of knowledge 

And have no more answers for mankind.

We've had every conversation in the world 

About what is right and what has all gone bad, 

But have I mentioned to you that this is all I am, 

This is all that I have.

I'm not trying to judge you. 

No that's not my job. 

I am just a seeker too, 

In search of God.

Somewhere somehow this subject became taboo. 

I have no other way to communicate to you. 

This is all that I am. 

This is all that I have.

And we've had every conversation in the world 

About what is right and what has all gone bad, 

But have I mentioned to you that this is all I am, 

This is all that I have.

I would like to share with you 

What makes me complete. 

I don't claim to have found the Truth, 

But I know it has found me.

The only thing that isn't meaningless to me 

Is Jesus Christ and the way he set me free. 

This is all that I have. This is all that I am. 

It’s all that I have, and it’s all 

The only thing that isn’t meaningless to me 

Is Jesus Christ and the way he set me free. 

And this is all that I have. This is all that I am 

It’s all that I have, and it’s all that I am 

It’s all that I have, and it’s all 

I don’t know how to say this 

I don’t know where to start 

Just know that I care for you 

And I’m speaking from my heart

Love it. 

==================================================================

A few weeks ago I finished The Count of Monte Cristo! It is most definitely the largest book I've ever read, being nearly 1500 pages long,  and also possibly the best I've ever read! I started it back in May when we were on vacation at the ocean, figuring that if there was anytime to start a book of such a magnitude it would be while on vacation with no other obligations. I read a good chunk of it, at least three hundred pages,  but had to return it to the library. fail. After a time of searching I found it at Barnes and Noble and started it up again! I read the remaining 1100 pages in three weeks. I’ve never been so satisfied by a book.

Most of you probably know that last month, in response to ankle pain, I went to a sports doctor where I found I have tendonitis. Though manageable, tendonitis doesn’t go away. The pain isn’t horrible, but it is enough to keep from dancing, like today and yesterday. It is also enough to take the joy away from dance, which makes my life somewhat miserable since I spend the majority of my time dancing. Immediately after going to the doctor I took a few days off, hoping the inflammation would go down so that dancing wouldn’t be painful.. I think it did get better for awhile, but now after having been dancing intensely everyday, it has kicked in again. With two Nutcracker performances coming up next month I’m not at a place where I can stop dance, class and rehearsal are both necessary.. but three weeks off of it is probably the only thing that could help it.  This morning it was throbbing. Before, it only hurt during and after dance, but the pain is here constantly now. It is discouraging. It is hard to know when to rest and when to push through. The doctor said that if I don't rest it enough I'll end up having to rest it, but she also said that the tendon won't snap if I continue to dance. So, that’s one prominent thing going on in my life.. I’ve had dreams of being a professional dancer for years, but now I have the question of it even being possible! I know it would be hard and that I’m not near good enough in my dancing yet, even without the tendonitis and this injury could be more evidence that I'm not meant to be a professional dancer.. but I'm trying to take life a day at a time and not worry. I can't deal with the future until it comes, so I'll deal with today instead!

Last Saturday I drove to Carthage all by myself! Haha, I feel so grown up going on a trip on my own, but my excitement probably shows just how young I am. I know it isn’t that great of an accomplishment. There were some stressful moments, such as the moment I realized that I'd left my phone at home, or when I took a wrong turning, but overall it was a wonderful trip! I listened to the audiobook of Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix and it was very enjoyable. The purpose of that trip was to get to a dance rehearsal! I went to Rowe Performing Arts and Gym for a Nutcracker rehearsal. I've been hired to be the Sugar Plum Fairy! It was a good rehearsal. It is so odd to see the roles switched; I’m the guest artist now, and have kids asking me if I’m married! I'm so grateful for this opportunity and all the others that have come my way lately.. 

Overall, life is going well! I'm learning to be content.. school and work are very good at being tedious.. ;)

-Mal