Look Up!

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This beautiful sight was ahead of us the other night as we drove home. It was a good reminder to learn to appreciate the many blessings we see each day. At times, we don't notice because we are so consumed with our problems. Other times, we take them for granted.

I want to learn to be thankful for each moment of my day. That takes intentionality and awareness. And if I spend my life looking down at the problems, I'll never look up to see the bigger picture.

This week I'm thankful for many things...

💓 Getting to know a new friend. We had our missions conferenct his past week and I spent Friday with our international worker. I took her to the local Audubon to walk and then to a restaurant and a local museum. It was enjoyable. 

💓 Because I had been invited to a local business leader gathering, a woman reached out to me to have lunch. She wanted to discuss a local ministry she had and the possibility of me coming and speaking. It was nice getting to know her and finding a fellow ministry leader with common experiences.

💓 Another local business leader reached out to me and I'm having coffee with him today to discuss an opportunity here.

💓 A friend who stepped in to lead worship for my upcoming conference after the person who was going to do it canceled.

💓 Warmer weather.

💓 I had asked a local farm stand if I could put copies of my cookbook there. She wasn't sure how they would sell. So far I've sold 8 so I'm thrilled!

💓 The many hands who helped with our missions conference by providing food and housing.

💓 A very relaxing Sunday. We had a joint service with another church and it was nice to worship with them. It was even nicer that I wasn't responsible for anything!

💓 I came home from church to find part of my order waiting for me. 


💓 My daughter made it safely back home from a business conference. I'm thankful she loves her job (mental health counseling) and loves to learn.

💓 My son had his life plan meeting this past week and I'm thankful for the team around him that supports him and helps him meet his goals.

💓 I'm thankful for church growth and a unity we all have.

💓 I have an article due today and I'm thankful for opportunties to write and to encourage.

and finally...

💓 I'm thankful for the many reasons to give thanks!

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