October 13

It's funny: I feel like I didn't do much today at all. I went through the usual morning routine --driving to school with Brady, Starbucks-- and then a little straightening when I got home.

And then I cleaned out my closet. It's probably a relatively easy activity for someone who is disciplined about closet maintenance, but I am not that person. So it was an arduous process that involved multiple huge trash bags and lots of bending over and grunting and vacuuming. And it ended with me falling asleep in a chair in the family room.

Anyway, while I was in the trenches vacuuming and straightening and folding and deciding, it was a blessing to have my glasses on. My vision isn't quite what it used to be, and they are so, so helpful when it comes to seeing details. So for the blessing of good medical care that (literally) helps me to focus, I am thankful.

October 12

This morning, members of my Bible study group volunteered together at Little Miracles, which is a non-profit located in the same business park as our church.

We donned aprons and learned how to put together orders placed by clients. We wrote notecards and picked out car seats and chose toys and sorted through sweet little outfits, and then packaged the items together for each recipient. I made a blanket for the occasion, and it was included in the first basket we packed, which was pretty cool.

They do excellent work to meet God's command that we support families in our community who are in need, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to help out.

October 11

Today our church celebrated its 150th anniversary. We (and those who came before us) have been a continuous body of Believers here in Pleasanton for 150 years. Wow.

We observed the milestone by gathering this afternoon for a program that detailed the full history of the church. I already knew much of the information, but it was meaningful to see so many people take the mic to share how our portion of the body of Christ has grown and changed over time.

So for the blessing of being just a small part of such a bold, dedicated group of witnesses in our town, I am thankful.

October 10

I finished making this today, and I love it.

Strangely enough, the final step involved super glue. I didn't like any of the buttons I had, so I decided to stack a smaller, pale pink floral one atop a larger hot pink one and voila, just what I'd envisioned. (And although I'm totally the type to glue my fingers together, it was super easy, because I had a brainstorm that involved using my blocking board and pins to hold them still while I did the gluing. It worked amazingly well.)

It is really satisfying to finish a project, and I am so grateful to God for the inspiration He gives me (hello - no fingers glued together! And I successfully modified this pattern to change up an element I didn't like) and for the joy that creating cultivates within my soul.

October 9

Brady wanted to go to the Amador/Foothill rivalry game with some friends this evening, so I drove him over to Foothill just as the sun was making its daily sojourn to the horizon.

As we crossed over the crest of the hill on Bernal, this was the view. I quickly took what wound up being a fairly sloppy picture, but you get the idea: between the blue sky and the tufts of cloud and the warm yellow glow of the day's final moments of sunlight, it was pretty spectacular.

So for the gift of such a view splashed across the sky by a God whose creativity is immeasurable, I am grateful. (And I'm grateful that Brady opted in to some time with his pals, top; there were a few guys from Foothill he hadn't seen in a while!)

October 8

Abby and I had a lovely morning together.

We went to the Mother Ship and Target and then finished with a Costco run (since she was nearly out of chicken taquitos).

As we sat in the food court with our churro (her) and hot dog (me) alongside our cart of goodies, I quietly thought about how pleasant and fun our outing had been.

So for sweet Thursday moments with my favorite girl, I am grateful.

October 7

Over the summer, I was asked to consider serving as a Deacon at church. I finished a three-year stint on the Elders' board last year and previously served as a Deacon about 10 years ago, so I'm not exactly a stranger to holding roles at church. But honestly? I didn't really want to say yes. So I didn't.... Initially. In fact, I didn't just not say yes -- I said no. And then I read the letter that Isaac handed me the day Brady and I left him at Wheaton --which featured a very notable line about how hoped I'd truly throw myself into being a Deacon and making a difference-- and I knew that I should reverse course. So I did.

And today, I had my first official Deacons' meeting of my new term. 

And in a way, it felt like I was back at home. I truly love the ladies I know who are serving, and I felt like I fit in with the group as a whole right away. 

I have no idea what this term will bring, but I'm grateful that God nudged me to say yes.

(I didn't think to snap a pic while I was there, but I was working on this little coat during the meeting, so I figure it will suffice.)