Joy

Happiness is dependent on the events of the day, it is a short-term emotion, it fluctuates. But, joy comes from within, it is long-lasting, based on a deep appreciation for the things around you. Joy comes from the soul and it is truly beautiful to be surrounded by people who radiate it.

Thanks.

The Emergency Room

It's really good to know that no matter what time, day or night, if you in need of medical care there are people who sacrifice their time to help you. I've heard plenty of negative stories about waiting in the ER for hours to be seen, but this time was my first visit and we were rushed right in. No wait at all. Regardless, it's important that the ER exists for when there's really an emergency. Thankfully, ours was an easy fix.

The Internet

The internet at our house has been cutting in and out lately, and it's made me realize how incredible it is to have so much information available to me 24/7. When you really sit down and think about it, the amount of knowledge at hand is unfathomable. Since the invention of the internet communication has been altered immeasurably, and infinite possibilities have become accessible to billions of people.

Awesome! Thanks!

Really Good Reviews

Today was my first site visit by my professor at my internship. It went exceptionally well. All my feedback was positive beyond my expectations and I'm ready to take on the rest of the semester.

Thanks.

This Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIhEploHzBw

"Gratitude" by Nichole Nordeman

I think it speaks for itself. Enjoy.

Thanks, Nichole.

Fall Break

Last weekend's break was much needed and far too short, but I'm grateful for every second of it. It brought about a lot of incredible adventures with so many friends, as well as cherished moments at home with my family and pets.

Thanks.

Homecoming

Homecoming weekend means everyone is back in town. I forget how much I miss the beautiful faces of these people until I see them again. It's good to have everyone back. These people mean so much.

Thank you, Homecoming, for bringing these people back to me.

Fun Homework

It's rare, but it's a blessing when it happens... homework you enjoy doing.

Thanks!!

Getting Back to Work

Breaks are always nice, but I like feeling productive. I'm jumping right back in and I'm feeling good.

Thanks.

Returning to My Bed

My bed is my haven. It's good to be back in it after a long weekend.

Thanks, bed. You're seriously awesome.

Helping Friends Reach Goals

I'm grateful that I got to be there when you finally did something you've wanted to do for years!

Congrats!

Getting Everything Done you Set Out to Do

More often than not I make my to-do list too long to actually accomplish. Not this time, though!

I'm so thankful that I got to see so many people this weekend.!

The Moment You Know the Person You're With is a True Friend

You've always known this person was your friend... and, you assumed they'd be there for you if you needed them. But then there's the moment when they come through for you and you know you were given a huge gift when this person was put into your life.

Thank you, amazing friends.

Indiana Autumns

With the dried corn fields awaiting harvest and the leaves changing colors, Indiana is always tinted gold during this time of year. I am blessed to be here now to experience it's beauty.

Thanks.

Dinner with Girl Friends

Laughter, good food, great memories.

Thanks, ladies.

Learning People's Stories

I've always been fascinated by the stories people have to share about their lives. I feel blessed every time I get the chance to learn another person's story. Lately, I've been hearing many. Most of them are tales of hardship and pain, all of them are unfinished. I have hope that they will all have happy endings and the writers will find joy in their lives.

Thanks.

The Chilean Miner Rescue

After 68 days trapped in the mine, the 33 trapped miners are being safely brought out, one by one. They are currently in the process of bringing them each out of the mine; the third one is on his way up as I'm typing this. CNN.com is livestreaming the entire rescue and it is incredible to see the looks on the miners' their families' faces as they are reunited after over two months. What a blessing that all the miners are alive and seem to be doing well.

Thank you to all the rescue workers, engineers, and medical workers who have made this amazing rescue effort possible. And, thank you to the miners for staying strong and positive against all odds.

Welcome back to the suface.

Mysterious Ways

I firmly believe God always has a plan and it always works out perfectly. I also firmly believe that his methods are far from conventional. He's a God of surprises with a great sense of humor. It never ceases to amaze me.

Thanks.

This Weekend's Weather

After a few extra chilly weeks, we got to pretend it was summer again with a few 75 degree sunny days! It's been beautiful and I've loved being outside in a t-shirt again.

Thanks!!

Thrift Stores

All of those clothes get a second chance and they're exactly what I need.

Thanks.

Being Sick

When it's nothing serious, it makes the days when I'm well seem that much better.

Thanks.

Skype

Even if it's not always working properly, I get to see the faces of my beautiful friends from across the country and world. Awesome!

Thanks.

Challenges

Once you overcome it, you know you can take on anything.

Thanks for the challenge.

Hip-Hop Dancing

Like tap, my body becomes the rhythm... but this time it's not contained to my feet!

Thanks.

Tap Dance

Tapping makes my feet feel alive. I turn into a human instrument!

I am thankful for this gift!

Communion

Today was World Communion Sunday, a time when churches around the world join at the communion table together. Being raised in a church in which communion is served at every gathering, I have found myself at that table often. I am always humbled by the idea that the communion meal is one that all people, worldwide, are invited to. I am awed by the sacrifice that the bread and cup symbolize. Because of that sacrifice our sins are being constantly forgiven, they do not stick with us even one second after they've been committed.

It's a mind-bending concept, incredible beyond measure and I am so thankful.

Giggling

I spend a lot of my time doing it, especially with all the beautiful people and situations in my life.

I'm thankful that I can say I spend a lot of time with a smile on my face and giggling with my friends. I hope a lot of people can say the same.

This Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrxEdYJ_o6s

The video speaks for itself.

Thanks, Luc and the Lovingtons and Jason Mraz for spreading the joy.