feelings of thanks and joy

Maybe it's the beautiful weather outside today; or maybe it's the fact that I'm wearing a "new" {from the thrift store} sweater today in my favorite color, green; or maybe it's the fun convo about old random songs happening on Twitter amongst some of my friends...Whatever it is, my spirit, which was a little low this morning, has buoyed and I am now feeling so thankful and joyful about so many things!



First, I am thankful today for my health! I rarely get sick, so yesterday when I got sick five times {that's polite code for "threw up"}, it was not cool at all. But today, I am almost back to feeling completely fine. And it makes me so grateful that God has blessed me with really good health.

I am also feeling especially thankful for having friends who love God. That might sound weird to some of you, but it is so refreshing and uplifting to me. It is not uncommon for me to have phone/text/email/Facebook/Twitter conversations that revolve around Christ, on a daily basis, with one or more of my friends. The fact that we can discuss godly things without any pretense or awkwardness is priceless to me!

I am extremely thankful for my church, LifeChurch.tv, and the opportunities and relationships it has provided for me. As I mentioned, I was sick yesterday, so I had to miss Switch last night. Switch is the youth ministry at our church. I volunteer every Wednesday night, and it is always one of the highlights of my week. Having to miss last night was the worst thing about being sick. Also, this past Monday night, I had the opportunity to serve with The Spero Project. It was an awesome experience, one which will become a monthly thing for me; and I promise to blog about it!

Of course, I couldn't post about being thankful without mentioning my amazing family! This past Sunday, we all gathered at my parents' house for a combined birthday celebration for several of us. Any time spent with my family is sweet and precious to me! I am especially in awe of my adorable nephews and beautiful niece, as I watch them grow and mature.

So, there's my heart today, at this moment. Looking forward to meeting with my wonderful LifeGroup tonight! Excited about a shoot of a good friend I will be doing this Saturday. Loving my life, loving my God!

~abi~

Isaiah 32:16 Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. 17 And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. 18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. 19 Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, 20 the Lord will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up.