gratitude.

Are you ever afraid?  I mean, just comes out of the blue and wraps you in a blanket kind of fear?  I don't very often (and for that I am very thankful) but I had one of those times last night.  I was headed to bed, trying to get a good night's sleep for the busy week ahead and I just couldn't turn it off.  And the thoughts came in torrents and the fear came in waves.  Fear about not finding a mission trip (and having to face everyone at Faith in Practice today ... irrational, I know, but nighttime fears usually are!)  Fear about the future ... about being alone, never getting married, never having kids ... fear of something happening to my family ... fear of getting old ... I tell you, it just kept coming.  It seems like those times when God reminds me so well of who He is and all He has done ... those are the times when Satan starts throwing the fear darts.

And tonight, I am determined to deflect that attack with a good dose of gratitude.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart" - Jean Baptiste Massieu

... but gratitude is not only the memories of our heart; gratitude is a memory of God's heart and to thank is to remember God.   - AV

Just what I needed.  I needed to be reminded of God's heart, God's protection and provision (even when things don't turn out the way we want or think they should).  So, tonight, my heart is full, not of fear, but of gratitude for who God is and the sweet gifts He gives ...

129. things that work for good
130. hugs and kind words
131.  enjoying "work"
132. the GA Baptist Healthcare Foundation because they love my students and help us do medical missions
133. homemade pizzas ... especially the kind that are only 3 points ... ok, I'll be honest, the other is BETTER ... but this is a good substitute
134. making Valentines and sending them
135. thinking of ways to love people
136. long, hot baths after long, good workouts
137. catching up with friends even when it is just a few minutes here and there
138. thinking of new things to cook
139. Hallmark holiday movies ... ahhhh, anything Hallmark!
140. sarcastic texts from my brother, reminds me all the more how I love him!
141.  planning a FAMILY vacation!  :-)
142. being loved well by so many
143. being loved well by God
144. Nicholas Sparks books ... and kindles
145. being known

"The Lord is my portion; says my soul, therefore I have HOPE in Him!"  Lam 3:24