9. Seasons

Can I really be thankful for waking up to heavy, cold, wet blanket of snow? Maybe that's part of the hard eucharisteo Ann Voskamp talks about. :-) While the cold air forced its way into our apartment, making getting out of bed even more difficult, I was reminded of how much I love living in a place with four seasons. Even if I have to wake up to this for a few months.

My car, Polly, and our tree clinging to fall

The cold temperatures, the early dark nights, and now the snow are signs of the coming of perhaps my least favorite season, but at least for now it was a nice change of pace and a great reminder of the One who created each season for a purpose.

Today's Blessings:

• The goodness of seasons
• The softness of my new scarf against my cheek
• The happy and sadly funny memories of winters gone by

8. Warm Food on a Cold Night

We've had a gorgeous fall, and I've loved the days of weather that are absolutely everything autumn should be. Today was not one of those days.

It is cold, rainy and has been inky black dark since about 4:45 p.m. Great help for a grateful spirit, right? ;-) My drive home was dreary and soggy, but now I'm sitting in my dry, warm apartment with a blanket over my lap getting waiting to eat some hot, tasty goodness. As the smell of one of my favorite comfort dishes reaches me and my husband starts getting out the dishes, I realize the rain sounds nice and peaceful against the window. The dark seems to make our apartment more cozy. It's amazing what a little change in perspective (and location) can do!

Creamy, cheesy enchiladas are a little taste of Momma's kitchen!

I feel so blessed to have a place to call home, the means to create a hot meal, Mom's recipe and a pretty amazing person with whom to share it. What are you thankful for today?

7. Prayer Warriors

Yesterday started off unexpectedly. My aunt has been courageously battling cancer for quite some time now, and she was admitted into the ICU with a life-threatening infection. Being halfway across the country from her, I felt quite helpless to do much of anything aside from checking updates from my mom. Let's just say I wasn't the most productive person at work!

Though there are many miles between us, I was able to do something simple yet amazingly powerful. I asked for prayer.

I called on eight of my dearest prayer warriors, women who pray with fierce reverence and perseverance, to pray for my aunt's healing and comfort for our family. And I know this all sounds trite, but you know what? After not being sure if she would make it through the night, my aunt's breathing tube was removed today and she is fully conscious. We serve a good God, do we not? :-)

Today I am thankful for my dear sisters in Christ, for the ability to come before God in prayer, and for a God who both hears our prayers and has the power to heal what is broken. 

Aunt Sandy, you are being prayed for by women in at least 5 different states (and I have a hunch a few more) and are greatly loved!

6. Rest

Happy Daylight Savings Day! While Nate and I were at church early to help out with music, it was still wonderful to have an extra hour of sleep. Overall it's been a relaxing weekend full of sleep, college football, good friends, and rest. It's been such a blessing after a somewhat stressful few weeks.

I hope you are able to enjoy the extra hour of sleep last night and are experiencing a restful Sabbath, as well! Feel free to leave a comment as to your day's blessings! I really do love hearing from people. :-)

A non-related tribute to Daylight Savings and my rap-loving husband

 Today's Blessings:

• Worship
• Inadvertently flirting with Nate in between services and getting called out by other choir members
• Preparing for times of fellowship this week

5. Rivalry

It's a big day in our house, one that could test our marriage as it has not been tested before. Michigan is playing Iowa.

Nate is a staunch Michigan fan. I grew up cheering for the Hawks. Things could be much worse, like if either of us was an Ohio State fan, and generally we accept and respect each other's athletic programs. The only exception to this rule, however, is when Michigan and Iowa face each other. Days like today.

Why yes, that is Adrian Clayborn's autograph on my shirt!

Though we do take our college football pretty seriously, this household rivalry is a lot of fun. (Though I am purposely writing this post before the end of the game as to not taint our thankfulness. :-) This mostly-friendly competition has led to a lot of bonding (and sarcastic comments) during the last 4 years.

I am thankful that a sport can bring us together even if when we're cheering for different teams. I am thankful that this year's game is at Kinnick so we at least have a chance. And I'm thankful I am the one writing this post so I can be the last one to say:

GO HAWKS!

4. My Past

Pasts can be a tricky subject to navigate, as everyone has some kind of baggage or another. Inevitably there are hurts and moments that have a lingering Do-Over Buttons blinking in my memory, and I'm guessing you have those as well. But I pray these are accompanied by a surpassing number of moments of laughter, revelation, and joy.

The photo book posted below was the graduation gift I gave to a few of my closest friends from Northwestern, girls I did life with for 4 years and women I still treasure to this day. At the time I didn't purchase one for myself, but an online deal helped me finish my personal version of the book. It just came in the mail today. (More mail! Woo hoo!)

Click here to view this photo book larger

College was much more than the smiles on these pages, but this book has served as a great reminder of one small part of my past that has crafted me into the person I am today.

A few of today's blessings:

• A dozen hugs from my kids
• Singing Christmas songs while dancing with our children's choir
• Another relaxing night with my hubby

3. Celebrations

I love coming up with reasons to celebrate whether it's something obvious like a birthday or something a little more obscure like "We've made it to the gym multiple times this week...let's celebrate with ice cream!" While some of my reasons get a little extreme, today the Summers household has a great reason to celebrate: Nate not only passed but dominated the Series 7 exam! We celebrated with a rare, weeknight date night.

I love dating this man. :-)

He has been diligently studying for the last several weeks, and I'm so proud that his hard work has garnered a successful result. Today I'm thankful for having so many reasons to celebrate, for good food to share and for time to laugh with my relaxed husband. My life is so very blessed.

Fall is so beautiful!