.The Best 38 Dollars I've Ever Spent.

Every month I spend about thirty dollars in coffee, forty in food, thirty to have my blackberry, and thirty-eight dollars for Glory.

Glory is the Compassion child that Roger and I sponsor. Every month, thirty-eight dollars is taken out of my account. I do not make that much money. I work full time as an Aquatics Director, trust me, I do not make alot of money, but I make enough. I make enough money, with the help of Roger to sponsor Glory.

The BEST thirty-eight dollars ever spent...

Today we received our very first letter from Glory. I was so excited upon reading the envelope that I ran inside and had to show Roger. I read it out loud to Roger. There were tears running down my face. The top part is written in her language. The bottom has been translated. She is four and she wrote the most thoughtful words. She told us how to respond in her language. She told us about all the things she likes to do. She thanked us for sponsoring her. She said that our sponsorship means she gets medicine, food, and school supplies. She asked me what I like to do. She told me that she asks God to bless us abundantly. She told me she loved me. This little girl, whom I have never met, loves me and I love her. Then she signed the letter. In her handwriting, she signed her name. I touched it and imagined  her writing to me. She drew us some pictures one of a ball and one of a cup. Her hand drew me a picture.

 I read the letter thirty times over. I have a connection with this girl. I am in love. I instantly wrote her back and cried the whole way through. How amazing is this experience? I can give someone thirty-eight dollars a month and feel this blessed. I know three different families who are adopting. I adore them and every time something amazing happens in their story, I rejoice. They have a connection, they are helping the fatherless, they are giving a voice to those who cannot cry out. Now, I am able to do that. I am able to send my measly thirty-eight dollars to Glory and watch her grow up getting the basic supplies that she needs.

Do you have thirty-eight dollars to spare? I swear that it is the best thirty-eight dollars that you will ever spend!

.Thanksgiving 2010.

Thanksgiving is this week and that means Christmas is coming even sooner. I heard on FLN ( A Christan Radio Station in my area) that many people are just passing Thanksgiving by and going right into Christmas. I admit that my pink Christmas tree is already up in my room but I want to take this time to reflect on what I am truly thankful for this year...

• My Salvation. I could not be more thankful for the love of Jesus Christ. He washing away my sins daily and brings me back to Him in a way that I cannot ignore. I would not have anything without Him.
• My sweet love, Roger. He is my rock. He is the constant support in my life. There are so many things that I could not do without him. His unconditional love is amazing. Sometimes, his love puts me to shame. He willingly rubs my feet after a hard day or gets my blankie when I just need to cuddle. He is simply.the.best.
• My mother, Doreen. I have grown to love her more and more as I have gotten older. There are so many things that I could talk about here but let me share one specific thing. On Friday, I was having the worst day because of my car problems. I called my mom and she said stop what you are doing and come to me. Roger and I headed up there and with a simple touch from my mom, I burst into tears. I unloaded all my problems on her and she listened so willing. At the end of the night, she wrote me a check for the exact amount of my car problems. I did not see it coming, but she was there for me. She is amazing.
• Dave, Jeanne, and Jaxon. How many families do you know that can sit around and make train noises while playing with Thomas? How about the sweet laughter of child being tickled by his aunt? They are a strong constant in my life and I am extremely thankful for them.
• My best friend, maid of honor, Shannon. The renewed friendship is right from God. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be in this type of relationship today with Shannon. I love her dearly and she brings sanity to my life. We are both in the midst of planning a wedding and every time she offers support, love, or advice, I feel completely at ease. I cannot wait for what may be coming next in our lives...
• Sunday Night Football. I know this is odd to be thankful for, but I love being able to spend that time with Roger each Sunday. It is the only "down" time in my life. I absolutely love it.
• My new family, Beth, Mike, Ryan, and Reid. I cannot believe how much I love these guys. Most people dread going to their in-laws but I look forward to it. I love goofing around with Reid. I love when Ryan is home with us because he bring such a different mix to the family. I love my almost new mom and dad. They are always supporting Roger and I. They sacrificially help us when we come with broken cars or school bills. The family has taken me in and for once in my life, I am experiencing the love of normal family.
• My brothers, whom I miss dearly. I love hearing the sounds of their voices whether they are half way across the world or just downtown. They know me better than I know myself sometimes. I am thankful that Nathan has allowed Caleb to walk me down the isle and how happy each of them are for me. I am so thankful that they protected me all of these years from boys that didn't matter and have accepted the man I am going to marry.
• Glory. Operation Christmas Child. The million ways that we have supported children across the world. This year Roger and I have had a change of heart and we are able to help those in need. I am thankful for that opportunity. I am thankful that Glory is receiving proper care and that some child across the world will open our Christmas Box and be overjoyed. I am thankful for all the times that the cashier has asked Roger if he would like to donate a dollar and Roger says yes. We are so blessed and we are so thankful for the opportunity to be able to give back.

I could go on and on. I know that I could. I am beyond thankful this year. I have no words. I sit  here writing this post with blurred eyes. I have been given so much this year. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! I hope you can find things that you are truly thankful for.

Little Update

It seems that I write in spurts, nothing about my blog is constant. I do not post every Monday or post regularly about my daily activities. I guess my blog is a lot like my life. It is not constant, it is always changing and I never know when something is going to be a steady constant in my life.

There are so many details I want to share with you but am not sure if I should. I guess I should talk to my man to see if I can share some very exciting things. Both of our lives are kind of up in the air right now but we are looking for God's guidance as to which way we should go.

Right now, in my non constant crazy life, I need to focus on school. I honestly need to get through these next 2 weeks and I think I will be golden from there. I have presentations, tests, power points, and quizzes every Tuesday and Thursday until Thanksgiving break! Break will be here before I know it!

That means my wedding is getting closer and closer. 7 months until we tie the knot! My dress now sits in my room, begging me to try it on... I have resisted mostly because I cannot put it on by myself! Ha!

So that's my little update for you...who knows when I will update again! :)

Enjoy your day!