Finding the Greener Grass in Singleness

I once saw an interview with Robert Pattinson in which he was asked why so many ladies were so crazed about his character Edward from Twilight. He said he had absolutely no idea what was so appealing.  

I know there are many varied viewpoints on the whole Twilight hype varying from fanatical women of all ages who faint when they are within a vicinity of any of the actors to those who are disturbed by the content of the story. I am not saying it is the best series I have ever read or that everyone should read it, but with the sheer number of followers of this saga, it is worth looking into why it draws so many people.  

For those of you unfamiliar with the series, here is my short synopsis:

It all begins with an average high school teenager named Bella. She is a plain girl, somewhat clumsy, very mundane and had never really had much attention from the fellas. She moves to a new school and happens to attract the attention of Edward, the most attractive and elusive guy/vampire at the new school.  

Edward never sleeps.

He can read the minds of people.

With the help of his sister, he knows the future.

Knowing the future has helped him become incredibly rich.

He is described as being more beautiful than an angel and he makes supermodels look plain.

He is incredibly strong. It says when he strokes Bella’s cheek he has to consciously restrain himself so as to not break her jaw.

He falls in love with Bella and as a result, he pursues her, protects her and is fiercely devoted to her.

The big hype and what Robert Pattinson can’t seem to understand is the idea that a plain, mundane girl catches the attention, devotion and love of this other worldly being. It speaks to the deep rooted and often hidden or unrecognized desires of every single human being. Who doesn’t desire to be valued, to be loved, to be pursued, especially by someone who is beyond beauty, incredibly strong, and overly wealthy.

While reading the first book in this series, I came alive with a joy that is inexpressible. You see, I am Bella and I have a lover who is out of this world. 

He doesn’t slumber or sleep.  (Psalm 121:4)

He knows my thoughts even from great distances.  (Psalm 139:2)

He even knows the number of hairs on my head.  (Matthew 10:30)

He knows everything including the future.  (I John 3:19)

He is incredibly rich.  (Psalm 50:10)

He is the perfection of beauty. (Psalm 50:2)

He is strong.  I am reminded of when God showed Moses His glory but said you may only see my backside because no one can see my face and live. (Exodus 33:20-23)

Here the comparison ends. Edward fails, but God keeps on going. He inhabits eternity. His glory fills the earth. He is in need of nothing. He is completely pure. He laid down His life for me.  

He loves me. He.Loves.Me. It is unthinkable. I who like Bella,  am stumbling through life, sinning clumsily. I, a mundane human have nothing to offer a supernatural being.  

Here is where the grass is greener. As a single person, I am loved fully and completely by God. My ardent lover is not a fallen man, nor is he a fictional character. I am free to seek my fulfillment from the only Source who can truly fulfill. The really beautiful thought is that His love is not limited to only me, His love is for all who believe.

I end with a quote from where all my musings began, a picture of a marriage:

“O Father, I thank thee that in fullness of grace 

     thou hast given me to Jesus,  

     to be his sheep, jewel, portion;

 O Jesus, I thank thee that in fullness of grace

     thou hast accepted, espoused, bound me;”

-‘The Trinity’ from The Valley of Vision

   

Quotes

“Let me find thy light in my darkness,

                    thy life in my death,

                    thy joy in my sorrow,

                    thy grace in my sin,

                    thy riches in my poverty,

                    thy glory in my valley.” 

-The Valley of Vision


"All that is gold does not glitter,
 Not all those who wander are lost;
 The old that is strong does not wither,
 Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
 From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
 A light from the shadows shall spring;
 Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
 The crownless again shall be king." -J.R.R. Tolkien

“Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit”

(Bidden or Unbidden, God is Present)

“There is a coward sparing in the heart,

Offspring of penury and low-born fear:--

Prayer must take heed nor overdo its part,

Asking too much of him with open ear!

Sinners must wait, not seek the very best,

Cry out for peace, and be of middling cheer:--

False heart! thou cheatest God, and doest they life molest.”

“I clasp thy feet, O father of the living!

Thou wilt not let my fluttering hopes be more,

Or lovelier, or greater, than thy giving!

Surely thy ships will bring to my poor shore,

Of gold and peacocks such a shining store

As will laugh all the dreams to holy scorn,

Of love and sorrow that were ever born.”

-George MacDonald A Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old Soul p.84-85, 82

“At your fingertips, places of death are made into places of life.”  -Ann Voskamp Trail to the Tree Day 6

“Teach me to behold... his arms outstretched, his heart big for me -May I be... a monument to the efficacy of his grace.”  -The Valley of Vision ‘THE CONVICTING SPIRIT’ p.37

“In him the unholy find renovation” -The Valley of Vision ‘THE NAME OF JESUS’ p.21

"What should I do but love with all my might?

To die of love severe and pure and stark were scarcely loss

To lord a loveless height

That were damnation's positive night." -George MacDonald

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” -Romans 8:32

“Too eager I must not be to understand.

How should the work the master goes about

Fit the vague sketch my compasses have planned?

I am his house -- for him to go in and out.

He builds me now -- and if I cannot see

At any time what he is doing with me,

‘Tis that he makes the house for me too grand.”   -George MacDonald

“So, may all that we hold so dear leave us appetized, at best, for Him who created it – the Author and Fulfiller of life and pleasure. Who, no matter how shiny ‘things’ become, outshines them, and no matter how cloudy our days become, outlasts them. For in Him, clouds become glorious (Romans 8:28)! Their rain falls with grace and we are flooded under the downpour of a fallen world (Romans 8:20). Wet, hurt, and…SATISFIED. Blue skies are no longer our pursuit and sunny days no longer our reward…He IS! And He is better! Jesus- the richest of fare (Psalm 63:5)! Who came not for ‘Good Days’, but that we may have life and life to the full John 10:10)!” – From the inside cover of the CD “Carry Away” by Shane & Shane

1,000 Gifts

Ann Voskamp in her book 'One Thousand Gifts' begins a list trying to come up with 1,000 gifts or things she is thankful for.  She describes this thankfulness/list making as unwrapping love. I have started this myself and it is pretty cool to name the little blessings in life and know that "Every good and perfect gift is from above".  -James 1:17

Here begins my list:

1.  The ability to read allowing me to curl up on this cool December day by the waterfall and read with pleasure.
2.  The beauty of a waterfall.
3.  The roar of a waterfall and deep calling to deep.
4.  That Jesus has accepted, espoused, bound me.
5.  For the sweet food of solitude with my Father.
6.  The instrumental at the end of 'We Will Run' by Gungor.
7.  The Wal-mart employee enjoying her job.
8.  About 8 green lights in a row.
9.  Sunday afternoon naps.
10. The picture of my nieces on my computer desktop.
11. Hot showers.
12. A heated home on cold winter days.
13. A paid job rather than being someone's slave.
14. A land of abundance.
15. Fresh Avocado.
16. Feeling hot chocolate run down my throat on a chilly day.
17. Electricity.
18. Being respected and appreciated at my job.
19. The Shepherd leads me by quiet waters.
20. Homemade sushi.
21. Weather report says 'Abundant sunshine.'
22. Getting a compassion kid for my nieces.
23. Being able to translate the foreign words for Yellow Girl on the beverage container.
24. Surprise Christmas bonus in the first week of January.
25. Knowing my dad so well I can predict his text response.
26. Niece quietly saying she loves me when she first saw me tonight.
27. Laying in between my precious nieces as their breathing slows while drifting to sleep.
28. Little voices of my nieces filling my usually quiet apartment.
29. Bananas at the perfect ripeness.
30. Laying in bed cuddling with nieces.
31. Playing hide-n-seek outside running free like kids with awesome kids.
32. The easiness of getting my nephew to smile.
33. Slowed down Sundays.
34. Extra time to enjoy washing dishes.
35. Recipes for yummy food.
36. Peaceful prayer times following anxious days.
37. Work days that fully engage my mind.
38. The story of Pinocchio.
39. Friends with gift cards who share with me and buy my lunch as well.
40. The ability to buy my friend's dinner.
41. My fearless leader semi-trotting across the street or doing a crazy fist pump when he sees me in my car. Makes me chuckle of course but even more so when I think about those in their cars who also see him.
42. Amanda M.
43. Stories of restoration.
44. Sunshine warmth.
45. Days without schedules and slowing down.
46. Belting U2 in the car, way off key.
47. Pride at the beauty of my hometown.
48. Beautiful stars in the sky.
49. A warm bed.
50. A quiet apartment.
51. A God who allows me to cast my anxieties and desires on Him.
52. Beautiful eyelashes on a child.
53. Any amount of time with my friends The Cooks.
54. The life of John G. Paton.
55. Hunger feasts.
56. No alarm clock.
57. Early mornings in the presence of Yahweh.
58. Rain nourishing the earth.
59. For noes that make the yeses that much sweeter.
60. The comforts of an inside job when the outside is pouring rain.
61. A good master literally and metaphorically speaking.
62. Nights when my Internet is down allowing me to make phone calls to actual people.
63. Little JC wearing his sisters' neon colored socks.
64. Memory flashback of being a little girl in a dress standing over an air conditioning vent letting it fan out my dress.
65. Finding $20 in my purse I didn't realize I had.
66. Chiropractic adjustments.
67. Glorious sunshine to wake me.
68. 12 answers to prayer in the newbies going to CA
69. Warmth when cold is logical.
70. Being sustained.
71. A nice cool walk on a January evening by choice not necessity.
72. Ambient live violin music at the coffee shop.
73. A friendship deepening.
74. David Crowder Band
75. 'Oh let me see Your face
    Hidden in simple things.'
76. The victory of anger subsiding almost as quick as it came.
77. Satiation often in my job.
78. Ability to decipher building codes.
79. The beauty in 'The Young Victoria'
80. Sleep that comes easily.
81. Sequence #3
82. Lorieo
83. Lying down and waking up in safety.
84. Being able to lay in bed after waking.
85. An abundance of friends.
86. The beauty and serenity of a sleeping baby.
87. The touch of a child.
88. The joy of a giggling child.
89. A mind slowly being renovated and restored from the futile thinking of the culture around me.
90. The need to wear sunglasses after endless days of clouds.
91. A double baptism in the family.
92. Surprise lunches with my Grandpa.
93. My Grandpa being mischievous.
94. Autosave in AutoCAD when the power goes out.
95. Ocean by John Butler Trio.
96. Beautiful and brilliant sunsets to chase.
97. January days that feel like April.
98. A gloriously wasteful God who paints aforementioned sunsets new each day.
99. The giddiness of giving an unexpected gift.
100. Text from a friend in which I totally made their day through a small effort. 



101. Mango, apple, kiwi, pineapple, tangerine blended juice.
102. Great, belly-hurting laughter.
103. Piano music.
104. More specifically, piano music by David Nevue.
105. Kindred spirits.
106. Amazon packages.
107. The ability to make sushi.
108. My new reading light.
109. Food that not only gives sustenance but also tastes so yummy.
110. 'through the storm I am held.'
111. VW worship.
112. A closed door means an open one will come.
113. Vulnerability of my desires nestled safely in my Father's hands.
114. The humbling knowledge and truth from the verse: 'What do I have that I have not received?'
115. Giant tree house built for adult kids.
116. The super high swing that brings out the Weeeeeeee! of my 10 year old self.
117. The nearness of my SA friend.
118. A diverse evening filled with worshipful dance, laughter, kids' song, operatic singing, I'll Fly Away, and Johnny Cash parodies.
119. Breath and another day of life allowed to be lived in the presence of a holy God.
120. The book of Ephesians.
121. S's surprisingly beautiful and worshipful dance.
122. Talking to my dad for an hour tonight.
123. Breaks at work and gas station walks.
124. Awaking to glorious sunshine.
125. A whole glass of cold, clean water for my thirstiness.
126. Sunshine reflecting on water.
127. Yet another warm January day.
128. Sunshine warmth.
129. Introvert evenings.
130. Thai food.
131. Saturdays to sleep late.
132. Being sustained for 21 days.
133. My new purchase and the means to do so.
134. A Saturday with no agenda, no responsibilities.
135. Rainy, relaxing, introvert Saturdays.
136. A dependable car.
137. No accidents in said car.
138. A heart-shaped chicken biscuit to break my fast.
139. Making beautiful things out of garbage.
140. Being scandalously loved and adopted as a son into God's family in spite of all my fallenness, 
        sin, pride, laziness.
141. God justifies the ungodly.  (Romans 4:5)
142. From his fullness we have received GRACE upon GRACE.  (John 1:16)
143. Food of all kinds today.
144. Sushi.
145. End of fast feast.
146. Prayer.
147. JJ's amazingly cute grin.
148. Blessing friends.
149. A quiet apartment building this morning.
150. The community of tear-down.
151. That I don't make a living reading books as much as I romanticize it.
152. That I actually enjoy doing my taxes.
153. Work feeling like working a puzzle.
154. Joy of my neighbor studying the bible with my roommate.
155. Free neighbor chili.
156. My steal of a washer and dryer still working.
157. Finally figuring out my out of balance checkbook.
158. Tiny freckles on my niece's nose.
159. Hoodlum Hoot Owl evenings goofing off with my roomie.
160. The unbreakable bond and immediate connection of legit Christ-following brothers and sisters.
161. BV's package arriving earlier than USPS possible on his birthday with sought after balloons.
162. His joy, the family's joy, my joy, and the satiation today of being the state side sender. 
163. Little Uri saying my actual name, choosing to sit in my lap, and giving me slobbery goodnight
        hugs and kisses.
164. Saturday sabbaths provided.
165.  Fluffy snowflakes at twilight.
166. Peanut butter M&Ms.
167. Discover's fraud prevention and the nice, helpful people who work there.
168. Warm clothing and home on a chilly day.
169. Red Lobster Clam Chowder soup.
170. A relaxing and peaceful dinner with my very stressed friend.
171. The opportunity to pray for my stressed friend.
172. Unity of the Holy Spirit spanning cities and bringing my friend and myself to the same thoughts.
173. Affirmations.
174. Flu shot.
175. The goodness of being held by my Father.
176. A nice time painting tonight with my friend.
177. Two Happy ValentiMe's Day texts in a row.
178. Dutch Blitz with my sis.
179. A home cooked meal and a homemade cake with my family.
180. My car starting even though I left the light on.
181. Green lights from 111 down Jefferson all the way to my home.
182. My bestie Crystal.
183. Pap-pa.
184. The smartness of dumb phones with no data package fees.
185. Library books that are free to read.
186. New pic of my grinning Zekey buddy.
187. Camera phone.
188. Living so close to my job.
189. My home is a place of peace.
190. A nice and peaceful neighborhood.
191. This list exceeds 10.000, it will go on for eternity.
192. The voice that bypasses the ears and falls softly and peacefully on our hearts like snow on the wet ground.
193. A rain jacket.
194. A car warm and dry from rain and snow.
195. All my family members still alive and healthy.
196. My wittle sissy.
197. Laughter.
198. Abundant provision.
199. The team of 15.
200. A garage to park in.


201. Roof lines lining up.
202. The instant gratification of Zeke, tickling and hearing immediate adorable laughter.
203. Being crawled on and wiggled all over by the nieces.
204. Presidents' Day lunch with my big brother and his family.
205. Anticipation for Lent.
206. Great Harvest.
207. White Cheddar Bunnies.
208. Working with competent people.
209. A bit of exercising walking to the closed library.
210. My dad's car knowledge.
211. Glorious early morning colorful sky.
212. Elderly man out in robe getting his newspaper.
213. Purple flowers reminding me again that You make beautiful things out of the dust.
214. Church bells on a quiet morning.
215. A lovely walk before the pouring rain.
216. Young CV sending up praises at his U-town school.
217. Tiny, perfect globes of rain droplets.
218. A foggy residue of yesterday's storms being obliterated by glorious sunshine.
219. Stepping from shadows into sunshine.
220. Outwardly wasting away but being renewed inwardly.
221. Shawna making me laugh.
222. Seeing the night sky.
223. Cotton Eyed Joe's being replaced with a park, a place of beauty and rest.
224. Asking for laughter and receiving much laughter.
225. Funny body noises.
226. The harvest field J is experiencing in prison.
227. Calypso Crunch Ice Cream.
228. Surprise of seeing my two friends unexpectedly.
229. Waterfall words calling to my deep.
230. Time to browse antique stores.
231. Favor with my friend I.
232. Potentially another one or two being sent out.
233. The quality conversations that make me not want to leave the richness.
234. The privilege of being invited to a 16th birthday party at 29.
235. C wanting to be single to have fullness of life.
236. Being in bed before midnight for a change.
237. An answered prayer in my friend wanting more of God in her life.
238. God holding my life and breath and future in His hands.
239. Hilarious Facebook posts.
240. Finally getting stringy vegetables out of my teeth.
241. Enjoyable car rides in good company.
242. Unexpected reprieves in the work day.
243. Birds chirping.
244. The first colorful evidences that spring is on the horizon.
245. Getting to see my old friend and the amazing growth in his life.
246. Hoodlum hoot owl late night chats with my roommate.
247. The combined voices of Shane and Shane.
248. When my mom calls me Sweet Pea.
249. That one day it WILL be sight and faith will be gone forever and I WILL see His face not just mere glimpses of His back side.
250. For a nice long CA prayer/walking time in 70 degree weather on a February evening.
251. Mustard seed moments.
252. Hugs from Brooke and other friends and those moments when I desire to volunteer hugs.
253. More and more delight in my surroundings and acquaintances.
254. Blue sunshiny skies after a dark thunderstorm.
255. Crackling of burning candles.
256. The brightness of new spring green grass.
257. Unity in prayer stretching over oceans and continents. 
258. Aslan is on the move!
259. Worshipful piano music.
260. When my mom calls me Sweet Pea (times two!)
261. My dad rescued from broken life cycles.
262. Being under the care of One who is 'too wise to err'.
263. My constant need of a prince and a savior.
264. MM's sense of humor.
265. Missing a tornado by minutes.
266. Soon to be 8 year old niece's cuddles.
267. Weathering the storm with the family.
268. Wrestling with my sissy.
269. Horsy rides with kids.
270. 10 year old boy prayers.
271. Heads bobbing in sync to good music on a sunny car ride through countryside.
272. Tiny blue flowers budding on the hillside.
273. Nice angle view from rear view mirrors.
274. Peacefulness of tree lined gravel driveways.
275. Drives alongside the sunset.
276. Lake waters reflecting sunset colors.
277. One of the tithe of sent out ones going.
278. Homemade chocolate chip cookies.
279. Hidden sunshine blanketing mountains.
280. Grilled cheese sandwiches with so much cheese it leaks out onto my leg.
281. Bedtime stories with Adaiah on one side and Emma on the other.
282. A peacefully sleeping baby.
283. Pandora and Grooveshark.
284. Taiko.
285. Somewhat spontaneous lunch with the sis.
286. Candlelit evenings with my Father where I stay up later than I should because of the joy.
287. Fun birthday parties with the nations.
288. Singing praise at the request of non-blvr friends.
289. Seeing a shooting star.
290. Accomplishing everything needed in a timely manner.
291. Shooting stars.
292. Shawna serving me by cleaning my kitchen and allowing me to chat with my friend.
293. Loving my SA friends.
294. Lighting of the candles is my favorite part of the day.
295. Super nice clients.
296. An empty Wal-mart on rainy evenings.
297. Deep breaths, inhaling God, life, peace and exhaling me, stress, heaviness.
298. Quietness.
299. Who is God mindful of today?  This girl.
300. Super abundant and definitely unearned favor.


301. A timely email and phone call within 30 minutes of each other alleviating my ridiculously menial stress/worry.
302. A quiet night sleeping at my Grandpa's and not at the sleep over with 13 kids.
303. Full moon nights.
304. Chances to glimpse the stars.
305. A good Daddy and Mama.
306. Kindness of strangers.
307. The treasure of a genuine best friend and days spent with her.
308. Precious, priceless time with my Grandpa.
309. Freedom to blast the heat in my car if I so choose.
310. A day so full of richness and gifts, there are too many to remember.
311. Losing an hour of sleep tonight means more waking daylight hours for the next 8 months.
312. Silliness yielding priceless child laughter.
313. Dutch Blitz.
314. The beauty of selfless people.
315. My first bare feet on grass day of the year.
316. A break from the noise.
317. Continued freedom in not always saying yes.
318. Rest in the form of a nap.
319. A cheap cheese slicer.
320. Rest in the form of basking in sunlight, reading on a blanket.
321. The 15 having their hearts stirred towards the vision.
322. A cd of BV leading worship.
323. Words pushing me to 'breathe in the moment', 'rest in the moment', 'enjoy the moment'.
324. Holy moments of prayer.
325. Breathe right strips.
326. The blessing of rain, clouds and the favor that comes with them.
327. A few hours out of the office.
328. Spring has arrived!
329. Light and warm breezes on my face.
330. Wind chimes.
331. Yoo Hoo
332. A few minutes of a quiet office.
333. Again the adjustment and the smiling happy chiropractor.
334. Email from my friend I rarely hear from.
335. Dinner and ice cream with an awesome teenager.
336. Pachelbel's Canon.
337. U2.
338. Headache medicine.
339. Sunshine in my eyes.
340. Rain to nourish the earth, slow me down.
341. Fridays at quitting time.
342. Lazy Saturdays spent in the company of friends.
343. Freedom.
344. Awesome air mattress to sleep on.
345. Someone else driving.
346. Playing games with friends.
347. Pushing toward Christ car rides with friends.
348. Skyping with my family.
349. My beautiful nieces.
350. Prayer times full of God's presence.
351. The phrase 'a monument of grace'.
352. A Sunday break from picking my friend up.
353. Cool breezes on warm days.
354. Bicycle transportation/exercise.
355. Air in bicycle tires.
356. Subway sandwich at Dogwood Park.
357. Growth in my friend's life.
358. Written words.
359. Music that stirs the soul.
360. Bonfires.
361. Wood creature serenades.
362. The ability to see the stars.
363. Lifegroup.
364. Sushi in the park with my friend.
365. Fun gifts from far away places.
366. JJ and Uri calling me Cando.
367. Kid tickles and the resultant laughter.
368. Friends that feel like family.
369. Cello and guitar background music in the park.
370. Freedom to say no.
371. Clean kitchen floors finally.
372. Breakfast burritos for dinner.
373. Friends on spring break who come to visit.
374. Time to get grocer shopping done.
375. Rest time that feels like it has been stretched out longer than usual.
376. Not feeling sleepy after I unwisely stayed up too late.
377. Scripture reading through the passage I just memorized.
378. JJ mimicking his mama praying complete with closed eyes and whispers.
379. The beauty of 'God's gifts put mans' best dreams to shame.' -Elizabeth Browning.
380. There's a time for grace and a time for discipline and I'm finding more grace than discipline.
381. Almost car accidents that are only almosts.
382. Colorful healthy meals.
383. The blanket Granny Becca made me.
384. Sleeping nieces.
385. Sharing my devo/candle lighting time with my nieces.
386. Zeke figuring out how to wave at me.
387. Listening to the thunderstorm.
388. A couch that dries quickly.
389. Three breaks from the noise.
390. Cane Creek Park.
391. Playing tag.
392. Shaun the Sheep.
393. My computer.
394. My ipod.
395. My keyboard.
396. Sinus relief.
397. $3.70 per gallon gas saved.
398. Lunch with my dad and sister.
399. Finding an Indian dish I like.
400. Stormy mornings morphing into blue sky beauties.


401. Bright vivid rainbows.
402. The pride that my nieces behaved so well.
403. Any amount of time I get with Crystal.
404. A beautiful schizo sky with brilliant sunshine, white fluffy clouds, dark ominous clouds, and all shades of blue making the green grass brilliantly green.
405. Being an aunt.
406. Aly sleeping til 7.
407. No sinus pressure all day.
408. Sandwiched between two nieces.
409. Kite Flying.
410. One lone red tulip.
411. Words that sustain.
412. Reiterations and affirmations of God's voice.
413. Taxes done.
414. Laundry mostly done.
415. Budget finished.
416. Bills paid.
417. Bike ride to the depot.
418. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
419. Quiche.
420. Clean drinking water.
421. Sneezes and a runny nose emptying my sinuses.
422. Waking with a lighter heart than yesterday.
423. A contagious laugh.
424. Making it to Party City just before they close.
425. Having a new splatter screen.
426. Praying with expectation and eagerly awaiting the answers over the next month.
427. Enjoying the company of my friend M.
428. Those moments where hugs are welcome.
429. Green turn arrows.
430. My friend Erin.
431. Hearing of the excitement of another sent out one.
432. Private worship via keyboard and voice.
433. Sharpening discussions.
434. Lunch that becomes dinner.
435. No raise in rent in 6 years.
436. A caring landlord.
437. Broken glassware that seemed first like a joy stealer but was triumphed by snippets of glory!
438. A canopy of budding flowers and carpeted sidewalk of fading flowers.
439. Stars revealing His glory.
440. Clouds covering the moon and the realization that at times I can't see God because of my clouded eyes but He has not moved or changed or forgotten me.
441. The goodness and serenity of lying face up on a park bench in Sherlock Park staring at the heavens.  It. Is. Quite. Good.
442. Warm wax on hands.
443. Rain holding off for my bike ride.
444. Sundays that feel like Sabbaths.
445. Romans 8.
446. Phone calls from my dad.
447. Sushi with friends.
448. Walks with friends.
449. So much walking my legs are sore.
450. Being at peace with disappointed hopes.
451. Waitress taking Groupon.
452. A Sunday of spiritual feasting.
453. 9 consecutive hours of sleep.
454. A neighborhood that feels like a community.
455. Reese cup egg from a coworker that hit the spot.
456. Ready in time to walk to work.
457. Relief at realizations.
458. Client calling his wife darling.
459. Headache subsiding.
460. Food, water, and medicine to fill my gut.
461. Ability to listen to audio books at work.
462. Evening bike rides.
463. Vision and future discussing with like minded friend.
464. Evenings with no obligations.
465. The blood red candle pouring out all over the others.
466. Vacation time.
467. Sunshiny day with blue skies.
468. Silence and solitude.
469. Singleness allowing silence and solitude.
470. A T finding new life.
471. Dreams of being in the land I love.
472. Sunshine streaming inside in the mornings.
473. Mornings where I sleep until I'm ready to get up.
474. Bright green moss indicating water, life.
475. Regularity.
476. No bird intrusions.
477. Peaceful reading time.
478. Finishing my Journey of Indulgence during the season of Lent.
479. Time with my friend I.
480. Skyping with my family.
481. An unclogged vacuum cleaner.
482. Early morning awakenings.
483. The reminder on Monday that the tomb is still empty.
484. Trail mix granola bars.
485. My friends' house sold.
486. Metaphorical morning fog lifting.
487. Therapeutic painting.
488. A good night's sleep.
489. Sanctifying life experiences.
490. Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is a rarity.
491. Decent food to eat.
492. Having a home.
493. The freedom to alleviate some busyness in my life.
494. Jesus' words: (newly resurrected) 'Why are you troubled, and why do anxious doubts rise in your minds?' and 'Stop doubting and believe.' (Luke 24:38 and John 20:27)
495. I love you because... texts from my mom.
496. Red Mountain Church music and truth.
497. 'Poor bankrupt souls who feel and know the hell of sin within, come boldly to the throne of grace, the Lord will take you in'
498. Anonymously making my friend's day because of Your provision.
499. The peace exuded from my friend.
500. Confrontation over with.


501. A companion to do art with.
502. A roommate to remind me to be thankful.
503. A great night's sleep despite the turmoil in my soul.
504. Realization and understanding of the circumstances.
505. Regular pics of Zeke so I can watch him grow.
506. Time with my friend Hannah.
507. Increased insurance premium means I still have life in my bones.
508. Prayer from my lg friend.
509. Once again the soothing of the brush strokes.
510. Dreams are just dreams and not reality.
511. This too shall pass.
512. Somehow stumbling through and surviving 4/5 of my work week.
513. Enough honey roasted BBQ packs to share and complete my rotation.
514. Friday morning chicken biscuits.
515. Hope of relief Fridays bring.
516. An open door.
517. An ease in tension.
518. The admonition to 'Believe in the darkness what you have seen in the light.'
519. The hope that God makes 'beautiful things out of the dust.
520. Joy at one day out of five being a touch above miserable and thus glorious.
521. Sweet time talking with my friend Mashaael.
522. Truth heard.
523. A chance to pray for the dead things to be made alive.
524. Compliments reinforced and very welcome.
525. Irresponsible late night evening with my roomy.
526. Hammered dulcimer.
527. Free live international music.
528. International food.
529. Arabic birthday party.
530. Friends that pour into me rather than drain me.
531. Seeing my lg friend.
532. Being in bed by 8:30.
533. Absence of people after a day filled with people.
534. Courage to approach.
535. Getting to use my gifts to help a friend with her new business venture.
536. Hugs from Amanda.
537. Birds Chirping.
538. Quiet mornings.
539. Uri's excitement to see me.
540. Most of my favorites on sell at Kroger.
541. Beautiful weekend weather.
542. A drummer.
543. More peace in my heart than I have had in a week.
544. Watching Quidditch in Sherlock Park.
545. Sherlock Park.
546. My desk job on this rainy Monday.
547. A Shepherd who makes me lie down in green pastures.
548. A Shepherd who restores my soul.
549. Audiobooks.
550. An abundant choice of lunch options.
551. New groceries at home.
552. Only a blood blister.
553. My friend Katie K.
554. Skype/prayer time before work.
555. Laughter in the office.
556. Finishing things with time to spare.
557. 4 blvrs, 2 new ones!
558. Starting and ending my day in prayer.
559. Getting to sing out loud in an empty office.
560. Giddiness knowing I get to hang with my best friend.
561. LG break.
562. Sharing sugar with my neighbor.
563. Big things happening in K-town.
564. Fresh strawberries.
565. Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate.
566. A quiet apartment to sleep in.
567. Good neighbors.
568. Cuddles from McKenzie.
569. Enjoyed my job today.
570. Cornhole in the park.
571. Chicken wings.
572. Chocolate covered strawberries for second breakfast.
573. Camaraderie.
574. The joy that comes in the morning and the difference a week can make.
575. An understanding of math.
576. Good times with my friend helping her grasp math.
577. Dinner with my friends I haven't seen in a few weeks.
578. The reminder that urgency often requires slowness.
579. aholyexperience.com
580. Making a friend in line.
581. No rain.
582. Time with my mum.
583. Mountain views.
584. A new pillow.
585. Getting to share about CA.
586. A chance to exercise.
587. An advent book.
588. A reminder to dance on life's battlefield.
589. Getting to sleep in tomorrow.
590. Practically no sinus pressure.
591. The truth that God can move mountains.
592. A chance to hear Chris Tomlin.
593. Wild flowers.
594. Water to a thirsty soul.
595. Purge mentality reigning my spending to only strategic, quality purchases.
596. A chance to ride.
597. The gift of navigation and efficiency.
598. A mom who was obedient.
599. A conversation with a like-minded friend.
600. Enough time to accomplish the things that are absolutely necessary to be completed.


601. Time to just lay in bed.
602. Supernatural strength contrary to logic.
603. Fresh flowers from a friend.
604. An answer of companionship for tonight.
605. An early exit.
606. A reminder that God is not against me but for me.
607. Liz back at work.
608. Getting a lot accomplished today.
609. Dutch Blitz fun with friends.
610. Seeing my sissy.
611. Tidy apartment.
612. Income tax refund.
613. A reminder to 'Be still and know'
614. The faithful few.
615. More reconciliation.
616. A broken, cheap, plain mug and an artsy, colorful new one.
617. Reflection over decades.
618. Admonishment to endure mundane because I can't see the purposes of now for the future.
619. Financial abundance to give away.
620. Remembering my namesake and hoping to leave a legacy as she did.
621. Hotel reservation.
622. Good timing of an upset tummy allowing a late dinner with my friend.
623. Hangout times bragging on God.
624. Two restful evenings in a row.
625. Life constantly changes and new seasons enter my life.
626. Worry, discontentedness, and unrest vanishing in spontaneous moments of worship.
627. Access to God's throne by His great mercy.
628. Spontaneous worship.
629. Chill time chatting with Brooke and Jeremy.
630. Lone yellow flower in a sea of green grass.
631. Hillsides blanketed in tiny yellow flowers.
632. Time with my Daddy, brother, and sister.
633. Weekends.
634. Laughing about stupid childhood moments.
635. Townsend, Tennessee.
636. Workday being somewhat enjoyable.
637. Cades Cove.
638. Biking with my family.
639. A break from the noise.
640. A lone daisy growing in the mud reminding me that God makes beautiful things from the mud/dust.
641. Rushing water in streams.
642. Wildflowers.
643. Restrooms.
644. Lower gas prices.
645. A queen size bed all to myself.
646. Catching up with Jana.
647. A Sunday full of rest.
648. One day of work before a break.
649. Flex day.
650. Marble slab gift card from B&A.
651. More family time.
652. Another year of life.
653. An early morning walk.
654. My neighbor putting my bike tire back on.
655. Mountain views two weeks in a row.
656. All my family still being alive.
657. My parents still married.
658. My family and myself still healthy.
659. Breath in my lungs.
660. A sister to share a bed with.
661. A brother here as well.
662. God seeing all my days, even today, before I was born and the realization that this season is no surprise to Him and neither is the next.
663. A day off.
664. A big birthday to bring reflection and self-examination.
665. Citizenship in America.
666. More importantly citizenship in Heaven.
667. A savings account.
668. A job that gives abundance.
669. Giving of that abundance only to receive more and more than I can handle.
670. A job many in this world would envy.
671. I only work 40 hours a week.
672. I only work 5 days a week and not 6 or 7.
673. A quiet morning in a quiet house before others awaken.
674. Warm homemade chocolate chip cookies upon my arrival.
675. A mom who makes my birthdays so special.
676. Another year and day of life.
677. A birthday note from my Pa.
678. Birthday surprises.
679. Hand drawn birthday card from Ezra.
680. Ephesians 1 truths:
681. Grace and peace are mine from God.
682. Blessed in Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
683. Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
684. Predestined for adoption as sons through Jesus christ.
685. Blessed with God's glorious grace.
686. Redemption through Christ's blood.
687. Forgiveness of my wrongdoings.
688. Lavished with the riches of Christ's grace. 
689. The final uniting of all things, including myself, in Christ.
690. Hope in Christ.
691. An inheritance.
692. A chance to have heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation.
693. Belief.
694. Sealed with the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of my inheritance.
695. Riches of God's glorious inheritance.
696. Immeasurable greatness of God's power to me equal to the power that raised Christ from the dead.
697. Knowledge that Christ is above all rule and authority and power and dominion.
698. Lavished with 30 gifts for 30 years.
699. A birthday morning massage.
700. Front porch, cool breeze, bird chirping goodness. 


701. Work bday at Dogwood Park.
702. Flowers at work.
703. Corn on the cob Guatemalan style.
704. Cookout with friends.
705. Dreams about CA.
706. An almost blooming magnolia, seeing and touching this newness.
707. Two sushi lunches free for my birthday.
708. Raindrops nearly dripping off greenery.
709. Small blue violet flowers.
710. A cool morning walk following a pretty good night's sleep.
711. My 3rd empty robin's egg in a week.  Newness of life there too.
712. Piled high with 2 nieces, kicked back counting the first stars.
713. A yummy dinner with my family celebrating my mom's birthday.
714. My mom.
715. Laughing at Catchphrase.
716. When others calm me.
717. Tracking down and getting my birthday package from Jana.
718. A new hairstyle and blessing my friend.
719. A house full of family.
720. Tackled by Kyla.
721. The way Aly stares from my eyes to my mouth.
722. All the black spots coming completely off my car even thought I majorly procrastinated.
723. Quiet, peaceful streets to walk on.
724. Friendly strangers saying hello.
725. Houses with unique doors.
726. Bandaids.
727. Heart-shaped clovers.
728. Dog bites that are more like nips that scare more than harm.
729. Neighbor man keeping eye on loose dog and attempting to protect passers by.
730. Lunch and breakfast made for a few days.
731. A Pa willing to drive and help me sort things out.
732. Hand drawn bday cards from the nieces.
733. Cards signed by my grandpa.
734. Bamm gift card.
735. Nieces' handwriting.
736. Kleenex.
737. Sea Salt Escape chocolate.
738. A retro mug and a sister one too.
739. Tacky cd joke with my sister.
740. Free car wash from my mom.
741. Sushi money.
742. Surprise flowers and balloons and future sushi date with my roommate.
743. Flowers and cupcakes and funny card from Liz.
744. A future show evening out with Crystal.
745. A hammock.
746. A rocking chair/new canvas.
747. Cheerio treats.
748. Surprised by sister-in-law and nieces and nephew.
749. Popcorn butter.
750. Dove chocolates.
751. Crossword puzzles.
752. New dish towels.
753. Hobby Lobby gift card.
754. Swedish fish.
755. Pistachios.
756. PB M&M's.
757. Picture from old teacher.
758. Naked juice.
759. Clif bar.
760. Fresh new chapstick.
761. Zekey buddy's smiles.
762. Hiding and hutging eggs with nieces.
763. Dumping an entire basket of plastic eggs on my dad and living to tell about it.
764. Seeing old friends who have grown up.
765. Catchphrase.
766. Hot dog stick.
767. Super nice and helpful city workers.
768. The sound of light rain.
769. A six hour workday.
770. A super nice doctor.
771. A surprise visit from Aly and Zeke that made me smile.
772. Aly's concern about my dog bite.
773. A day full of things to do at work.
774. Rain subsiding for my picnic with Hannah.
775. A break from the office.
776. Another peaceful chiropractor visit.
777. A peaceful and refueling visit with the Masons.
778. Friends who pray for me.
779. Morning tea bag truth: "Your greatness is not in what you have but in what you give."
780. Two hangout nights with Mego.
781. In and out at Chick-fil-a.
782. He took my sin and gave me His righteousness in return.
783. FRIDAY!
784. Pain medicine.
785. Technology that allows me to see and hear things from across the globe and across history.
786. Sunshiny Friday.
787. Pain that can yield blessings.
788. A Friday without the stress of leaving early.
789. Spoons.
790. A park bench, good book and lunch.
791. Managing to find work all day.
792. Having Brooke to sit with last night.
793. Good, clean, free entertainment.
794. Ending the day reading.
795. No agenda today, no responsibilities.
796. Companionship today.
797. Maddy.
798. Megan.
799. Walks.
800. Thai food.


801. Antique store browsing.
802. Seeing friends at Hobby Lobby.
803. Starting a morning with Worship, truth in song.
804. Protection from the Evil One.
805. Emails finally taken care of.
806. Online shopping.
807. Clean kitchen and bathroom.
808. Online sermons.
809. Making art from trash.
810. Laying in bed til I'm ready to get up.
811. Friends to sit with me.
812. Sandpaper on old rocking chair.
813. Flower pot to paint.
814. Painted birds that look like mutated flying fish but painted nonetheless.
815. Rare but sweet Sunday naps.
816. My mom.
817. God holds the world in His hands and it is enough.
818. A good book to read.
819. The Providence of my friendship with Erin.
820. Clean drinking water on tap.
821. Indoor plumbing.
822. A window in my workspace.
823. Minimal responsiblity.
824. Life isn't as cheesy as fairy tales.
825. Friends to hang out with.
826. The giddiness of realizing I get to hang out with my best friend.
827. Thai food with Liz.
828. The son is more rational than the dad.
829. How purging is satisfying.  De-cluttering the clutter!
830. Art mishaps can be remedied and my sister pointing out that God makes our messes equally beautiful.
831. Feeling so refreshed after hermiting for 3 days that I actually sought out people to hang out with.
832. Book club girl time, adults only version.
833. Time resting with my bff.
834. Good laughing.
835. Walks to McGugins.
836. Grocery store bike rides.
837. Healthy foods in the fridge.
838. Clean floors.
839. Leisure lunches filled with walking, healthy food, and a good book.
840. A chill Friday evening.
841. Neighbors who serve.
842. People who think my junk is treasure and give me money for it.
843. Bike trails.
844. A Sabbath Sunday.
845. Social media allowing me to see CA friends.
846. The Providence of a pen for much needed journaling.
847. Quiet, still waters.
848. Cane Creek Park.
849. A good evening/morning.
850. Reminders to dream BIG.
851. The entire V family.
852. 8.6 mile bike ride.
853. Shelter from the storm/rain.
854. Peaceful picnic listening to rain.
855. A good door hanger.
856. Companions in ministry.
857. Fun times playing UNO with sweet friends.
858. Laughter.
859. A break from the noise, a chance to think.
860. Water to quench thirst.
861. Rainy morning walks.
862. No-shower-necessary Monday.
863. Amazingly communicating with those who don't speak English.
864. Sister sister time.
865. Good parents.
866. The peacefulness of prayer.
867. Rainbow colors in a stormy sky.
868. Quiet rain.
869. Dealing with my opposite and handling it pretty well.
870. Friends with similar values and the ability to approach with issues.
871. Internet magically working after 2 days eliminating my need to call the dreaded internet company.
872. Turkish food with a friend.
873. A clean apartment.
874. An abundance of food.
875. The hope of harvest, rain, beautiful things coming.
876. Getting to serve JW teachers.
877. Free hamburger.
878. Peace of rocking a baby to sleep.
879. Catching up with friends.
880. Hydrogen Peroxide.
881. Yahtzee.
882. Yahtzee on first roll.
883. A Daddy who did not follow the foolish and destructive pattern of his father.
884. A mom and dad still living.
885. Waking up to child giggles.
886. Laying down and sleeping in safety nightly.
887. Sleepover at my bff's house.
888. Sanctification that yields a desire to serve not be selfish.
889. Breakfast at Billy's.
890. Lots of water on hot, sweaty days.
891. McKenzie making my day with extra special loving. 
892. Zeke's preciousness.
893. A task accomplished in fewer hours than expected.
894. Blessed to bless.
895. The chance to hang out and play games with Crystal and celebrating her birth.
896. Yahtzees galore.
897. Sunset bike ride.
898. A plethora of lightning bugs.
899. Biking in fourteenth gear.
900. Evening walk with Christina.


901. Days like today that could fill this list.
902. The experience that I cannot out give God.
903. The beautiful juice that represents the beautiful blood.
904. Sunshine warmth on my face.
905. Watching Zekey Buddy figure out how to play Peek-a-boo.
906. Aly catching lightning bugs in her summer dress.
907. Special grocery shopping with Kyla.
908. Air conditioning.
909. A text that my friend is back in the states.
910. Wrestling with my sis.
911. Sister, brother, and sister-in-law time.
912. The view coming down Cagle Mountain.
913. Holidays with my family.
914. Uno on the trampoline with the nieces.
915. Zekey Buddy and his inquisitive looks.
916. Strength in weakness.
917. The freedom to worship and pray at a public park.
918. Symphony music and fountain splashes as pretty awesome background noise.
919. A quiet car ride.
920. Fresh, locally grown strawberries.
921. A good day's work.
922. Time to pray alone.
923. The rain holding off for my bike ride.
924. A good discussion with my mom.
925. L being ok.
926. Getting to see the sunset 4 nights in a row.
927. Foggy morning and the knowledge that eventually the fog lifts.
928. Leisure lunch reading.
929. Project finished.
930. A drive in a nice car.
931. Sushi with friends.
932. Time to process/write out my thoughts.
933. Homemade granola bars.
934. Dogwood park early in the morning, pre-crowds.
935. Worship before work on a rainy morning.
936. No traveling this Friday evening.
937. New Cook neighbors oh so close.
938. Kindle app on my ipod.
939. John Paton's autobiography.
940. The writings of C.S. Lewis and more specifically today 'Out of the Silent Planet'.
941. A morning bike ride and a brief moment in the Word.
942. Appreciating my valley view home with new eyes.
943. Chattanooga.
944. Chattanooga with friends.
945. Trusting that all will work out and see the results that it did.
946. Amanda's hugs.
947. The frequency of full/satisfying Saturdays lately.
948. Deep calling to deep from my soul to kindred spirits and the abundance of these friends.
949. Mashaael and Iftitan and getting to see them experience a new city.
950. Perfect-spending-a-day-outside weather.
951. Amazing baby shower food.
952. The smallness and thereby beauty of this world.
953. Great conversation and more great conversation with those who challenge and encourage me.
954. Free Jazz music in the park.
955. One service.
956. Karen as a neighbor for a year or two.
957. A new spot with minimal ants.
958. Rest after a tiring week.
959. Christina is home!
960. Blogging, my back porch, warm twilight.
961. Teach Yourself T.
962. A good sister-in-law.
963. A high school and college education.  
964. Baked salmon and asparagus.
965. A reminder of what it means that the heavens cannot contain God by Louie Giglio.
966. A walk with Lori V.
967. Getting to see many friends.
968. Meaningful BIG prayer time.
969. Christ has set me free from trying to work my way to Heaven.
970. Mindless work that allows me to really enjoy my audio book.
971. Funds to pay my first CA payment.
972. Funds to buy my friend's dinner.
973. Milk.
974. Intriguing audio book.
975. Cancelled practice.
976. Time to run errands.
977. My former roommate in town.
978. A chance to get out of the office.
979. A friend to challenge/encourage me.
980. A walk and dinner in the park with Jana.
981. A later arrival time tomorrow.
982. An old baby grand to tinkle the ivories.
983. A chance to serve a grieving family.
984. Wedding yielding family bike ride.
985. Fall Creek Falls State Park.
986. Honest people turning in my change purse.
987. Wisdom-giving phone calls.
988. One service/no tear down Sundays.
989. Lazy Sundays.
990. Raw fingers = more of the rocking chair sanded.
991. The Cosby Show.
992. Time to read.
993. Messenger by Lois Lowry.
994. Aly loving on me yesterday.
995. Granny-made tattered quilt.
996. Worship at friends' house.
997. Dinner with my roommate.
998. Friends to pray with.
999. A swept floor.
1000. Pizza unexpectedly for dinner when I really wanted it for lunch.

1001. The Hendersons.
1002. A game of badminton.
1003. Opportunity to see the beautiful sunset.
1004.