40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 09 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 09:

I'm thankful for...

• ... the Ivy Women prayer group at work.  Today was my first time attending.  We prayed for the university, students, city, state and country.
• ... tasty herbal tea.
• ... Cocoa butter lotion

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Terry Godsdin, my 8th and 9th grade English teacher for introducing me to the writings of Lewis Grizzard. 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 08 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 08:

I'm thankful for...

• ... the gift of a new poinsettia from the Leading Ladies group at work.
• ... waking up before my alarm and using that time to work on a project, have a leisurely cup of coffee, and listen to a really encouraging sermon.
• ... a very productive day at work.
• ... though the day was cold, it was bright and sunny.

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to all the wonderful drummers I've had the privilege of accompanying, learning from, and building friendships with:

• Chuck Gober - he taught me to play drumset.
• Homer Smith - my band director who taught me to play rudimentary drums (he happens to be a drummer also).
• Tony Parris  - we played at Faith Temple together for years.
• Jeremiah Parris - Tony's son who played with our worship band for a while.  He now plays for the Marching Southerners.  I'm so proud of you, boy!
• Jeffrey Parris - Tony's other son who plays for Weaver High School (AL) and wants to join the Marching Southerners.  You can do it!  I know Jeremiah and Jeffrey aren't my kids, but they both told me that I inspired them to be in band.  So, I'll be a proud Auntie!
• Jeff Junior - we played at Faith Temple together for several years.  No, we both ain't right; that's why we enjoyed it so much.
• Cole Landers - we played for First Baptist's worship team for several years.
• Rick Casey - I still say we need more cowbell!
• Brian Robinson - Whether it was chapel at Jacksonville Christian Academy, or at Celebrate Recover, Brian always has an excellent spirit of worship.
• Steve Boullemet - I've had the honor of filling in with Steve and Audience of One at First United Methodist Church, and at Celebrate Recovery.

I think that's everyone.  Goodness, I've been around.  Well, I have played off and on for 31 years, so I guess so.

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 06 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 06:

I'm thankful for...

• ... a good 20 minute ride on my bike. 
• ... my office Christmas tree.
• ... my friend Laura's husband and youngest son making it safely to Illinois this weekend despite the blizzard conditions.
• ... cooking myself a good meal at dinner, rather than settling for a fast food stop.
• ... successfully using the automatic car wash at Green Mountain Car Wash for the first time.  Friends gave me a generous gift card as a "car warming" present this summer.  I've just now mustered the courage to use it.  Yes, it took courage to use it.  My mind goes to the weirdest places when I need to try something new.
• ... a smiling, joyful cashier despite the crowd at King Soopers.

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Derek Traywick:

Derf, thanks so much for befriending me.  Thanks for understanding my weird sense of humor (excuse me, but where do you hide your black people?).  Thanks for not caring whether I played more notes than you.  Thanks for all the great times at worship practice and playing in church and in all the crazy places Michelle, Brian, and Shelton had us in (remember the Rich Mullins and Darrel Evans phases?). 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 05 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 05:

I'm thankful for...

• .... a beautiful sunny day with birds singing in the trees outside our offices.
• ... a fun opportunity to be a blessing to a stranger.
• ... a simple fix to an annoying problem.  The corner curl of one my rugs was a continual annoyance (also a constant tripping hazard for me).  I didn't want to tape the corner down for fear of ruing the floor.  After a brief internet search, I tried one of the simplest solutions--wet the corner with a damp cloth, roll the corner in the opposite direction and leave it overnight.  By morning, the rug stayed nice and flat.  Now, I can go back to tripping over my own feet instead of the rug.  ☺

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Pastor Derek Staples, Bob White, and Virginia Peabody:

I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating.  Thank you for being there for me at time when I was in so much mental, physical, and emotional pain that I was ready to die--and was preparing to do so at my own hand.  You didn't ignore me, berate me, or tell me I was selfish, a bad Christian, or that I wasn't doing x-spiritual thing enough.  You also didn't pity, coddle, or dismiss me.  You simply loved me, prayed for me, and helped me get the help I needed.  That help, in the form of Chaplain Wilson, is directly responsible for my growth and the courage to have accomplished all that's gone on this last year and a half.  Thank you for caring enough to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Y'all mean the world to me.

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 04 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 04:

I'm thankful for...

• .... making it to church this weekend.  I've missed the past two weeks because of icy weather.  It was great.
• ... making it to church without incident.  We had a small dusting of snow in Lakewood, so the roads were dry.  However, when I got to Aurora?  Dear sweet, Lord.  That was only the 2nd time in my life I'd ever driven over icy roads.  I'm thankful I made it, but I won't be doing a repeat performance of that trek.   I'm also thankful that by the time I got out of church, the road were ice free and nearly dry.
• ... finding a family of University of Alabama fans at Wal-Mart.  I just happened to catch them as I left.  I know that may not seem like a big deal, but it just makes me feel better knowing that other native southerners are in the Denver area.  Makes me feel less alone, I guess.
• ...today's message:

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Pastor T. R. Harper:

Thank you for building on the foundation of faith that Pastor Smith laid when I first gave my heart to Christ.  Thank you for being willing to preach the uncompromised Word of God in the face of adversity.  Thanks for all the great examples, "dad" jokes, and rabbit trails in your sermons.  Thanks for seeing God's gifts in me and allowing me to use them for His glory.

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 03 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 03:

I'm thankful for...

• .... for God and His angels rescuing me from what could have been a bad car crash.  I guess red lights and speed limits don't mean anything to some people.
• ... three completed painting projects.  These will be made into cards.

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Margaret Williams:

Mrs. Margaret, I remember when I first entered your paint shop on the square in 1999.  You told me that anyone could learn to paint.  Being someone who could draw a crocked line with a straight ruler, I didn't believe you at first.  Thanks for your patience, your humor, and your creativity.  You sparked a love of painting creativity that has lasted nearly 20 years.  I hope that spark never burns out.  Thank you, Mrs. Margaret.

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 02 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

Day 02:

I'm thankful for...

• ...the day off.  At other places I've worked, going back to work the day after Thanksgiving was the norm.
• ...this quote I heard today:  "Gratitude is the breakthrough attitude." - Pastor Rick Warren, Seeking God for a Breakthrough series.
• ...naps.
• I'm thankful that I don't have to listen to Christmas music until I'm ready.  I'm not.
• ...bubble baths.
• ...not-so-nutty Black Friday shopping crowds at Wal-Mart this afternoon.  I hadn't planned on going anywhere today, but I ran out of yarn right at the end of a project and had to venture out for some. 
• ...for another finished crochet project.

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to my sister, Ida Guzman:

I still remember the day.  We were in school at Alexandria and you stood up to a bully on the bus for me.  Not only did she make me move out of the seat she wanted, but when you confronted her about it, she answered with some not-so-choice words (including the n-word).  I know I'm not supposed to say this, but I smiled when I heard you say, "This is what a n---- will do for you!" and the thud of you busting her in the face!  Thank you for being my hero that day.  You continued to be my hero as I watched you raise your boys, spoil your grandkids, love your husband, and now, take care of our mom.  I love you, big sis! 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks: Day 01 [My Mythical Year]

See my post here for more information on My Mythical Year.

 

40 Days of Throwback Thanks

I know that I don't do this blog prompt every year, but it seems necessary this year.  It seems that more than ever, people are rushing through Thanksgiving to get to the Christmas season.  Gratitude isn't merely as season; it should be a way of life.  The Bible plainly states that refusing to be grateful is the indicator of a very unhealthy spiritual life (Romans 1:20-32).  A plethora of articles state the benefits of gratitude on the mind and body (for an example, check out this blurb from Shape magazine). 

I, for one, want to buck the trend and take gratitude from Thanksgiving, through Christmas, to the end of 2018.

This year, I'm changing up my 40 days of gratitude a little.  Along with finding daily (or at least semi-daily) reasons to be grateful, I'm including a "Throwback Thanks" section to declare gratitude for people or situations from my past.  I hope y'all enjoy.

Day 01:

I'm thankful for...

• ...the beautiful sunrise.  It was one of those skies full of pinks and blues that looks like God painted it with watercolors.
• ...being able to eat eggs again.  As I talked about here, I found out the hard way that Teflon gives eggs a horrible aftertaste.  I purchased a Lodge cast iron skillet last week and thoroughly enjoyed my scrambled eggs this morning.  Yum!
• ...thankful for my new friends, John and Laura O'melia and their sons Sean and Kevin.  Laura and  I met through the Leading Ladies group at CCU.  At our last meeting, she invited me for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a time of great food, laughter, and conversation.  Because I just came back from a trip home, I would have been fine with spending the holiday alone, but this invitation made it extra special.

Today's Throwback Thanks goes to Marquet Harris and Freda Curry:

Thank you both for being willing to befriend me when my parents and I moved to Jacksonville in 1978.  You never knew how scared and lonely I was as a six year old in a new place with new scary people I had to deal with.  Who knows where I'd have ended up if you hadn't included me and even occasionally defended me as we grew up.  I know we only see each other on social media, but both of you mean a great deal to me.  I love y'all.

Five Minute Friday: "One"

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One.  Just one.  Just one pint of blood is all I needed to give.  Number eight on my 101 in 1001 v. 2 list was to donate blood at least five times.  This should have been a challenge, not an impossibility.  However, my last five attempts to donate have been dismal failures.  Today was the last straw.  Unlike the last three attempts, they actually did get to the needle sticking part.  About five minutes into it, the process was aborted because air got into the tube, my blood started to clot, and the tube leading into the blood collection bag clogged.  I decided right then that I wasn't going to try to give blood anymore.

I've been a donor since college, so several gallons of my blood have been used to save lives.  So, being unable to preform this one simple act of service saddens me deeply.  My one pint of blood could go anywhere and help anyone since I am "O" type (universal donor).  But after five unsuccessful tries, I think the message is clear--it's time to stop.

This is one thing I cannot do anymore.

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