'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

Tonight there is a fresh turkey in our fridge and potatoes thawing in our dining room. Our dishwasher is humming and the table is covered, waiting to be set. We've counted silverware and glasses to be sure we have enough and unboxed gifts we haven't gotten to yet use. With much help from my mom, I think it's safe to say we're ready for Thanksgiving.

Tonight I'm thankful for our home, for the little ways we've made it ours, for the little reminders we have to give thanks.

Tonight I'm thankful to see my mom in her element, making dishes she's perfected, teaching me along the way. Tonight I'm thankful for Nate's eagerness in opening our home, for the way he minds the details, for his excitement.

Tonight I'm thankful our family and friends will be here soon, for the amazing people we have in our lives, for a day to intentionally focus on naming our blessings and saying, "Thank you."

May you be blessed in your celebrating tomorrow!

Thankful Tuesday

We are all a flutter over here, as we are preparing to host Thanksgiving for the first time! Nate has a huge heart for hospitality, and I love seeing him in his element. Plus I love having loved ones in our home, so it works out nicely. Here's today's list!

Grateful List
• Coworker Camaraderie
• Reading over lunch
• A fun workout
• Starting to find my decorating groove
• Nate's spatial brain and servant heart
• Being able to invite more to Thanksgiving dinner
• Dancing in the dining room
• Amazingly comfortable bed...sweet dreams!

Our Story: Part V

If you'd like to catch up on our story, click here and scroll to the bottom.

Going Public

We followed our first date with walks from Spanish to Chapel, a quieter game night with my roommate, and walks around town, the night making honesty a bit easier. A few weeks later, Nate invited me to go to NC/DC (think American Idol between Northwestern and Dordt) with some of his friends. While I quickly said yes, this one made me nervous.

First there was the issue of going to a campus event. Whether warranted or not, many assumptions are made when a girl and guy are seen together at Northwestern. I was concerned that others would wonder why in the world Nate was wasting his time with me. Such a rational moment! Then there were his friends...let's just say I was quite intimidated and knew if I messed up with these guys, I wouldn't last very long. (I'm quite a professional pressure creator.)

Nate and I walked over to the Bultman Center with the canned goods we needed to get into the event, and I tried my best to act much cooler/put together than I felt. Nate's friend was running behind, so Nate put Michael's canned good in a potted plant for safe keeping while we went in to get seats, laughing at the quirky things we could get away with at a small school.

Before long Michael and a few others joined us on the bleachers in the dark gym and listened to the performers. I made a timely Office joke, Michael laughed, Nate looked and me and smiled. I counted it as a win.

After the show we went back to the boys' dorm to play games and meet up with Ryan and Julia, two more people I knew Nate deeply valued. The group conveniently chose to play Like Minds, a partner game in which you score points by listing the same answers without communicating. Thankfully Nate and I thought similarly enough to hold our own, and I refrained from throwing anything (an accomplishment, if you've read Part IV).

As Nate walked me back to my dorm that evening, more than friends yet not quite dating, I had a much greater appreciation for Nate and his two best friends. I didn't know them well, but I wanted to. And I hoped they thought the same.

*               *               *

Five years ago to the day, we were with Ryan and Julia again and missing Michael and Jenny. God continues to do something wonderful with the friendship of these men and now their wives, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it! Ryan and Julia, Michael and Jenny, tonight we're thankful for you.

Missing Michael & Jenny

A Favorite Tradition

Despite my incredulousness and frequent protest, the Christmas season is coming with great speed. Nate and I haven't developed too many traditions to this point, but we have filled Operation Christmas Child boxes each year. I absolutely love it.

Today was another long day for both of us, but we were both looking forward to walking up and down the aisles dreaming up great things for the boys who will get our boxes. I am so thankful for this program, for the great work they do, for Nate's spatial, packing brain, and for great memories with my hubs.


So excited to share Christmas with this boy, whoever he may be!

Grateful List:

• Nate's work ethic
• Projects coming together
• Quality, productive meetings
• Hearing others' stories
• Finishing my work week
• Rest is in sight!

Crazy Day

I tend to thrive when I have a full schedule, but today's schedule was crazy, even by my standards. I started work early, ended late, and followed it with choir and high school small group. Needless to say, I'm pretty wiped right now, but still feeling blessed. Check out the quote that greeted us in choir rehearsal!

Grateful List:
• The start of a new adventure
• Learning and contributing to exciting things at Valley Church
• Pictures of my nieces
• Encouragement from staff members
• Singing together
• Hearing high schoolers pray
• Finally seeing Nate at the end of the day

Screens and a Light Heart

I spent my entire evening video chatting with two sets of dear friends. Though screens and technology can often be my distraction downfall, tonight I'm very thankful for the means to connect with friends living in five different states and for encouraging people willing to take the time and effort for our friendship. My heart is light tonight.

Grateful List:
• Productivity!
• Our warm bed on a chilly morning
• Chicken Parmesan
• Good literature
• Laughter shared with people I love

Nate's Take

Nate’s taking over tonight! I love the little ones, but they wipe me out. Enjoy!

Anne was out of town helping look after our two nieces this weekend while their parents were away, so I was left to fend for myself this weekend. Saturday was a great day for me, filled with the perfect combination of relaxation and productivity. I got to play 18 holes of golf on Saturday, likely for the last time this year, finished preparing our lawn for winter, did a few loads of laundry, and my University of Michigan Wolverines won a thriller in overtime.

Being a bit of an introvert, however, I was not particularly looking forward to attending church this morning without my wife. Since we’ve been married, I’ve not had to go to church alone, and I was a little unsure of myself. As my alarm went off at 7:00, I was tempted with the thought of sleeping in and skipping my 8:15 meeting with other Pledge (high school ministry) adult leaders and the 9:30 service in favor of listening to a John Piper sermon online. I’m grateful the Holy Spirit didn’t let that happen.

The message was challenging, I enjoyed great fellowship afterward, and I was blessed by seeing the entire crew of “workers” we are sending into the field (Matt. 9:35-38) to get Valley Southview, our first satellite campus, up and running. God is doing exciting things at Valley Church, and I’m thankful for those big (church plants) and small (encouragement of friends).

Also topping my thankful list this weekend:

• One last breath of summer and playing golf with a great friend yesterday
• Devin Gardner
• The view of our leafless front yard out the picture window in the living room
• Having my wife back at home

Gratitude in Pictures

Grateful List

Bonded

About three years ago Nate and I began watching the first James Bond movies on a whim. Nate loves Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, and I always love a good action flick. Thus, we ended up buying Dr. No at a local gas station and watched it with my parents. Then we received the boxed set the following Christmas, and the quest to watch them all in order was born. Last weekend we finished the first 22 movies in preparation of Skyfall's release.

I'm not going to write my support for the best classic Bond (Nate: Pierce Brosnan, Me: Timothy Dalton) or for the best Bond film (I know this is where I'm supposed to say Goldfinger...I just can't). I'm not going to comment on the disjointed writing in the early films or the absurd portrayal of women and different cultures (...but seriously! Wow...). I'm not going to summarize and analyze the series as a whole (because let's be honest...I didn't watch with rapt attention at all times).

I will say that those boxes represent 22 movies I spent cuddling on the couch with my man. They remind me of the times we cheered for Bond's bravado, celebrated getting to a new decade of film making or a new actor, and laughed when the series went too far (a diamond laser? Jaws falling in love? Bond in space? genetic face changing?). They bring to mind Nate's smile of excitement when we had a Bond night and our voices shamelessly mimicking the classic lines ("Bond. James Bond." & "Oh James...").

Tonight we'll sit down in the theater, squeeze each others' hands when the lights go down, and finish watching all the Bond movies in order. And I'll be thankful. Thankful for good storytelling. Thankful for faster-paced action. Yes, even thankful for James Bond. But most of all, I'll be thankful for the guy sitting beside me his joy in the simple things.

Update: So many things! Suffice it to say, we loved it. Go see it. We'd love to talk about it with you. :-)

Grateful List:

• A quiet day at the office
• Going downtown for a lunch date
• Feta & balsamic vinaigrette
• Nate's pride in his work, seeing him thriving
• Remembering the Club

Timing

My brain is wired to connect. I have a slightly ridiculous memory that recalls little snapshots of conversations and events long past that connect with the here and now. Most of the time it ramps up into a vivid memory lane conversation or serves as a nice venue of self-amusement. But there are times when it stops me in my tracks and demands to be noticed.

Tonight was one of those times when God's timing and alignment were made to be made known. Do you know His plan is, and always has been, on purpose? Because He made sure I knew it tonight. And I'm thankful.

Grateful List

• Remembering a professor's phrase with new freshness
• Coworkers with integrity
• Lunch with Mom
• Another chance to open our home
• The rich layers and connections in God's word
• Powerful teaching paired with fellowship

Today's List

Grateful List
• Productivity and progress at work
• Good communication
• Laughter with coworkers
• A quiet lunch
• Jeo-party!
• A beautiful sunset
• Comfort food made by Nate
• Reconnecting with my high schoolers over Scripture...may we be women of integrity!

What's on your list today?

Voting and Sovereignty

I'm a sucker for election day. I love greeting the election workers who have dedicated their whole day to the voting process, seeing my name on the registration sheet. I love filling out each circle, voting not just for the major races but also for judge retention and local initiatives. Such good stuff.

This year I was struck by the privilege of election. While I love the process and the traditions, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to quietly voice my opinion. Regardless of tonight's outcome, I am humbled that I had a part in it. While there are many ugly aspects of politics, at it's core, the peaceful transfer of leadership holds a beauty withheld from much of the world. 

Above all, votes cast will not, cannot alter God's ultimate sovereignty. Can there be anything more beautiful? I'm dwelling on that tonight, and I'm grateful.

Grateful List:

• For this
• Real conversation with a coworker
• Opportunities to comfort
• A schedule-free evening
• Dreaming conversations

The Love of a Toddler

I love my nieces. I am 100% confident that they are the coolest little girls ever. Seriously captivated by their little loveliness. Usually Lydia, the two-year-old, cracks me up with her antics and witty observations, but this last visit, she about did me in with her sweetness.

You see, Lydia loves her two-month-old sister in a way that both makes my heart melt and punches me in the gut. When she comes home from daycare, she smothers Grace with hugs and kisses. When Grace is in a different room, she asks, "Where's Baby Grace?" When Grace fusses a little during dinner, she says, "It's ok, Baby Grace. It's ok." (Then stuffs her mouth full again. I told you she is awesome!)

During this last visit all the adults went upstairs for a quick minute. Grace was in her swing, and Lydia was playing quietly with some dolls. Lydia looked up, slightly concerned, but went right back to playing when Tara reassured her we'd be right back down. We snuck upstairs to take a look at a finishing touch for the nursery while keeping our ears perked. When I heard a little thunk downstairs, I came down and found this:


My Two Little Loves

Lydia was attempting to move the chair close to the swing. "I want to read to Baby Grace," she said. (Here's where the melted heart and punched gut come into play.) I helped her get situated and read a book called I Love You More while my eyes teared up.

I want to love like that. I want to love with the pureness of a toddler. When I see a need, I want to feebly pull up a chair and fill it the best way I know how. So tonight, I'm thankful for the way this big sister loves. I'm thankful for the lessons learned from babes. And I'm thankful for the Spirit who moves in the quiet places.

Grateful List

• A sweet gesture from a coworker
• Encouragement from a completed project
• Unexpected lunch with Nate and friends
• A healthy body capable of excercise
• Laughing on the couch

Counting Again

For the last two years I've blogged my gratitude through the month of November as a way to celebrate Thanksgiving. As much as I love this tradition, this year will look a little different. Some days may have a full post, some may not be on the subject thanksgiving, but most will likely just be a short list. I'd still love to have you join in the fun by listing your gratitude list in the comment section!

Tonight I'm thankful for fellowship. To be honest I didn't want to open our home tonight. I was physically tired from chasing our beautiful nieces around all weekend, emotionally spent from our season of hard eucharisteo, and I didn't want to see anyone.

But as I should have learned by now, God's timing has purpose. We hosted our small group, finished up a great lesson on taking initiative in leading Christian families, and had some great discussion, both on topic and otherwise.

And at the end of the night, I was again reminded that fellowship and true community is hard, but we are designed to need it. It takes intentionality, but it is worth it. I'm thankful we were scheduled to host tonight. I'm thankful my man has a heart for hospitality. I'm thankful for the many couples willing to share with each other. I'm thankful for God's perfect design.

My Catch-up List
1. Our Story
2. These beautiful faces
3. Family on the tough days
4. Fellowship, even when I don't think I want it.

24. Hope

Deteriorating sicknesses, difficult diagnoses, and family heartbreak. November has been a month full of tough days. Days where the temptation toward bitterness has loomed large, lingered in my peripheral vision even when I turn my head. And yet there is a promise that covers all the hurt, frustration, confusion and lure of hostility: the promise of hope.

No matter what you're facing today, I pray that you are able to cling to the power of hope rooted in God's grace and love. Taking note of God's gifts throughout my days has helped me focus on His goodness in the midst of pain and reminded me that He has never left me. Today His hope is allowing me to rest in His sovereignty. It's a beautiful place to be.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! I pray you are sharing in His hope and grace today. Thanks for joining me as we counted down by counting up our blessings. I'm thankful for you!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Today's blessings:

• Sunshine
• The smells of holidays
• Anticipating time with family
• Relaxation
• The party potatoes are ready!

23. History

I'm guessing you either know or have picked up on the fact that I am an unashamed,  full-fledged nerd. I love information, conversation, and anything that I perceive will help me think better or become more knowledgeable. It should be no surprise to you when I say that I have always been intrigued by history.

Tonight we went to this movie, and while it had some content of which I was unaware previous to viewing, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's good storytelling of a man who may have been one of the most difficult people to truly know, and yet his life work had a direct effect on shaping twentieth century history. Mind-blowing. Amazing.

As we discussed the film on the way home, I was reminded of how much I enjoy analyzing historical events and people. This analysis, if properly heeded, has a way of teaching us about the present society, who we are as individuals, and advice as to how to proceed in future situations. (If you've seen the film and would like to discuss it, let me know! I'm always up for a good conversation. :-)

Tonight I'm thankful for the lessons of history and the astounding people God has created.

Today's blessings:

• Nate passing his last test!
• An easy-paced day
• Time with family
• My personal history

22. Hugs

I haven't been looking forward to this day for almost a year now. Today was the day I told the kids I am leaving next week. I began my AmeriCorps position excited but not really knowing what to expect. I always have known I would work at the Club for a year, but I didn't realize until recently just how much I was dreading saying goodbye.

I am not naive enough to think that all the kids will miss me; in fact, I have a pretty good idea of who will be looking forward to next Tuesday! ;-) But there are those who I know I will miss in a big way. After I explained I was leaving to the kids, I got the beautiful experience of being completely surrounded with hugs from my favorite little people. Hugs just do good things for the soul, don't they?

I'm so thankful for the power of a hug and many people with whom to share the love (especially this guy... :-).

Today's blessings:

• Cuddle time watching The Sing-Off
• Singing voices that make me both swoon and giggle with glee
• The end of the work week
• A crazy comfy bed...goodnight!

21. Brothers

While I did not intend on concluding this list with all the people in my life for whom I'm thankful, (That list would be quite lengthy!) I would be remiss to skip over two of my favorite people in the world. Being the baby girl of the family definitely has its perks, but the real benefit to being the baby was getting have these two as big brothers.

Nathan and Andrew: Two great men to have at my side!

While they gave me the proper amount of grief during our childhood, I have always looked up to my brothers. They are my protectors and encouragers, wise counsel and dear friends. Nathan and I are wired so similarly that we can often speak in the same voice (figuratively, not literally...) He's full of wisdom and logic, and I know I will always get sound advice when I talk to him. He forces me to not only think, but to think better. Plus he is one of the best conversationalists I know.

Andrew and I have definitely had our moments. We don't think in the same way, and we have to purposely work to understand each other's perspective. He is emotional, strong, loyal, and hilarious. He truly believes I can do anything and makes sure I don't settle. He may have taught me how to fight, but he also taught me how to bring resolution.

I'm so thankful that I get to call these two godly men my brothers. They are such an encouragement and a joy to be around. They've also picked phenomenal women to be their wives, which is an entire blessing in and of itself.

Beautiful sisters! Women I prayed for, wondered and worried about long before I knew them.
I should have known they'd be wonderful!

I miss them fiercely, especially today.

Today's blessings:

• Friends who care and love deeply
• Cell phones
• Lemon tea to end the night

20. My Sweet Man

There are so many reasons I love him. Today I'm more grateful than ever.

Today's blessings:

• Lydia kisses
• Aged hands raised in worship
• 505 days of marriage
• Comfort

19. Our Niece

I'm completely convinced that there are few sounds more precious than a toddler's giggle. Somehow getting out of bed yesterday was a lot easier when I heard little girl squeals downstairs.

I've written about her several times before, but we're pretty convinced we've been blessed with (one of) the world's greatest niece! We got to spend the day with her yesterday and tried to soak up every minute of family time we could which is the reason this post is a day late. But seriously...would you just look at her?  They don't come any cuter, do they? :-)

She has photo-ops figured out!

Two cuties :-)

While she's adorable on the outside, it's really her spunky personality that gets me the most. She has been a go-getter for the majority of her life already, and she already has displayed that Eberline stubborn streak in full force. That girl knows what she wants, and my goodness I love her for it! I am so thankful for her curiosity, for her constantly growing vocabulary, for her increasingly frequent signs of affection. I'm thankful I get to her aunt!

Papa, thank you for this beautiful girl. Thank you for her the way she goes after her world. I pray that to her active spirit You add Your wisdom, to her observant eyes give her compassion, to her many words grant her kindness and self-control. Thank you for the precious gift who is Lydia Sue. Amen.