24 Days Til Christmas

Some days God will give you a work environment that is like family. Cherish those moments. I remember being a young woman running around the editorial floor, dodging Shankman, giggling with Lois and wonder “what the world?” about Bob. I was inspired by Serena’s art and got the biggest kick out of Annette.  They encourage me in a way, no one has since. We talked, laughed and supported one another.

Even though the company is gone and regular contact doesn’t happen, it is so sweet to gather together with these folks. This year I went to the reunion. It was a blessing. I loved having all of my sisters together.

Friends

It was a good reminder that sometimes coworkers can be lifelong friends. It is not always true, which is what makes them special.

My work experience over the last ten years has been filled with hateful, mean spirited people that the Lord has used to sand my rough places. He taught me through these people that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He gave me the reunions and good memories during the tough times, so that I could hold on to them and know they are coming back again. He wanted me to know that not everyone you work with is going to be your friend and encourage you.

If you are having a rough patch, hold on to the good memories. They are coming back. The Lord is very good at separating sheep and goats. Watch and wait.

25 Days Til Christmas

In 25 days we will all meet around a tree or table or something and unwrap presents. When we buy these presents we will think of the people who we have encountered all year and their impact in our lives. The greatest gift was given more than 2000 years ago when God sent His son to earth in human form, in baby Jesus.

God has given me gifts all year. Over the next 25 days, I will share my bountiful year.

Hope

One of the best things that we had this year was a Sweet Sixteen party for Hope.  It was more fun than any of us imagined it would be.

The food was outstanding thanks for First Family Catering. Woo Hoo!

Food 1Food 2

 

the costumes were hilarious

Siblings

 

and the people were amazing.

Friends

 

I have some of the best memories from this party.

Sisters

Thanks God for the 16 year old, the great party, funny costumes, great food and wonderful people to share the moment with.

Karen

Music

Anchoring my seven days of Thankfulness is Music. Today I am thankful for music. I am hoping our new glorified bodies that we will receive in heaven will come with a pitch perfect voice. Whatever voice I get, you will hear me sing Holy, Holy, Holy forever (so you might want to pray for pitch perfect).

Almost every day, the Lord wakes me with a song in my heart. Most days it is a Christian song, some days it is secular (Yes, God is a TLC fan). Occasionally, it is a song I have never heard before. More than anything, I love the connection to Him. I love the communication with Him.

I love all types of music, but there are two groups that influence my worship. Israel & New Breed and Third Day. I have only seen one group perform live, but it was a life changing experience. Music helps me focus on what is really important. I work and play according to a beat. I am inspired by it. It allows me to hear the rhythms of life. Train cars going down the tracks late at night. Traffic whizzing down the highway on a busy afternoon. The wind whipping through the trees. The silence.

Music is one of His greatest creations and I am grateful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-9rYnkrRj8

Fort Worth

Today I am thankful for Fort Worth. It ain’t perfect, but its home. It is the place where I was born and raised. I have been fortunate enough to travel to other cities so I do have something to compare it to.

I love the beach, not too fond of the mountains. I am amazed by the tall trees in the Carolinas, and love the vibes in Harlem. I have ridden the “L” in Chicago, but DC’s Metro is my favorite.

I have walked the streets of New Haven and driven the freeways in LA. I have gotten a kick out of Beale Street, but the food in New Orleans will always be my favorite.

I have stood at the High School in Little Rock, the motel in Memphis and the Holocaust Museum in DC. I can’t wait to walk across the bridge in Selma on its 50th anniversary.

In Fort Worth, there is no Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. We are landlocked. The trees are not as impressive as the Carolinas and there are no subways connecting us to other communities. We are notoriously lacking in Civil Rights History, but when I think of home: Mama’s Pizza, Robinson’s Barbecue and Good Luck. The South Side, Stop Six and Meadowbrook. Remember Seminary South or when Stage West was in the TCU Theater? My Paschal and TCU purple blood runs deeper than the Barnett Shale.

Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?

Worship

Today I am thankful for worship. I have had the opportunity to worship God with all that I have, physical, emotional and spiritual. Worship has led to a connection with the Savior that few can imagine.

I am thankful that He has given me a heart to want to worship Him. I am thankful that I am not ashamed to worship Him. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to worship Him.

He has taught me I can’t come to Him any old way and throw any type of praise His way. He has taught me that He is holy and must be worshiped by His standards.

I worship Jesus because He is awesome.