First Snow!

180. Today I saw our first snow of the season! I love snow more than most people but even I was a little reluctant to rejoice at the sight of flurries in October. I truly enjoy fall with the beauty of the colors and the crisp air. However there is something so exciting about the changing of seasons, bringing new adventures and experiences. As I look forward to this winter, there will be so many new things and "firsts" for me. Scott and I will cut down our first tree and decorate it together, have our first Christmas as husband and wife, start our very own winter and Christmas traditions, and cross each thing off our winter bucket list. And I feel completely at peace knowing that God is the one who holds the future and that we can rely on His promise to bring each new season year after year. What a gift! 

Breakthrough

176. Yesterday after school one of my most difficult students relationally was waiting after school for her mom to pick her up quite a while after everyone else had gone home. As I saw her I reluctantly asked if she needed to call anyone. To my surprise she very politely responded, "No thanks. My mom is on her way." This sounds small, but is a huge breakthrough for us! After seeing how she responded, I proceeded to ask her about the book she was reading and we had a very pleasant short conversation before I continued on my walk to my car.
177. Scott and I went to play Euchre at a family friends house last night. It is always a blessing to catch up with them and spend time with our close friend Nick. We shared lots of laughs and friendly competition.
178. I have gotten to have Scott home every night this week except Monday due to some training he is doing for his department. I just love coming home and not having to rush him off to work.
179. On my drive to school this morning, the roads were covered in bright colored leaves, and although it was so dark you would have thought it was 2:00 in the morning, the rain made them shine in the headlights of each passing car. What a beautiful distraction to what has become a mundane commute to work.

I'm trying to turn over a new "leaf" this fall to get back into my 1,000 gifts challenge. I find that if I truly seek out the small blessings in each day I am more empowered to fight off the devil and the ways he tries to bring me down. Join me as I seek out the extraordinary in my ordinary life.