Day 10: 3 Gifts Found in Bible Reading (actually 4 gifts)

211. "I will praise the Lord at all times; I will constantly speak His praises." Psalm 34:1. I love this reminder to always speak praises, not only to God but to others (which in turn praises Him also).

212. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9. Ask God to strengthen us day by day to be able to do good wherever we go.

213. Psalm 89, all of it! But especially verse 8: "O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord and your faithfulness surrounds you." This chapter is full of praises to our almighty, faithful, and compassionate creator.

214. Because I can't resist, Psalm 23 is my favorite verse. I usually try to pick something more unique, but this one fits just perfectly into my life in this translation, "The Lord is my shepherd, I LACK NOTHING." Since God is leading me through every step of my life, I have everything I need! And what he has not already given me, he will provide in His perfect timing. What reassurance this is in a world that constantly tells us we need more, bigger, better than everyone else. God tells us we already have what we need, and in our case in North America, we have even more than what we need.

Day 9: 3 Gifts Harvest

208. I had so much fun decorating my new home this fall! I had some things from gifts last year and things I have made to place and hang. I wanted to find just the right places for it all. I just love decorating and I tried to keep a HARVEST theme this year with leaves and pumpkins. I also added some burlap, twine, and candles to help illuminate the darker evenings we are having.

209. The leaves were so beautiful outside our home this fall. We have a lovely tree in our courtyard that drops its leaves in a heap where the wind can't get to them. I decided to collect a few to place our the house to add some natural fall colors.

210.  I also decorated with painted pumpkins on our front walk. I got to spend an evening painting with Ally, and another evening painting with Alyssa. I had never painted pumpkins before and was pleasantly surprised (and pleased) with the outcome. I love being greeted by them when I come home.

Day 8: A Gift Sweet, Salty, Sipped

205. Scott and I stocked up on SWEET, delicious, giant muffins from Costco. We got pumpkin muffins and cinnamon apple muffins. They are huge and oh so yummy when they've been warmed up. They are a perfect snack or dessert :)

206. My go-to snack these days has been SALTY tortilla chips with red pepper hummus. A little sweet and a little salty. Mmmm...

207. Last time Scott and I went grocery shopping, Gevalia K-cups were on sale at Meijer. We decided to try the caramel macchiato ones, and I have fallen in love with SIPPING this sweet goodness. They not only come with the K-cups, but each one is also paired with a foaming powder that you put in the bottom of your cup before you brew the coffee. As the coffee pours over the powder it foams up creating a beautiful cappuccino drink to SIP all cozied up.

Day 7: 3 Gifts From Your Window

202. I love the view from my front porch. The cozy coffee table and the all-around windows allowing me to see outside from every angle.

203. Today my view is full of yellow leaves covering the ground and rain dripping down the windows. What a cozy day to stay wrapped up in a blanket and watch a good movie.

204. Today was Grandparents Day at school so the view outside my office window was full of smiling grandparents seeking their grandchildren and many of them were also seeking their own friends. It was full of chatter and laughter from all.

Day 6: 3 Gifts Government

199. We just had our elections on Tuesday. I love being able to have a say in what our local, state, and national governments decide. I am also so very thankful to every man and woman who has fought to protect this right. Here is what the outcomes were this year:

200. We also have a "government" so to say in our school. The leaders of ZCS are so loving and personal. They understand the realities of "real life" but also have a passion to make the world a better place through education. I am so thankful for the government at ZCS, and for being to work so closely with Janelle who is in that "government". She is such a great influence on me and I learn so much from her every day.

201. This one isn't really government but it has to do with leaders in entertainment. Tonight was the CMA awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. I have loved Carrie Underwood since her first audition on American Idol. And I am so excited that she is one of the leaders in country music. She is such a great Christian role model who is not afraid to share her faith through her music. Her newest song, "Something in the Water", is a perfect example of this. What a powerful song to rock country music and spread the great news of the gospel through popular entertainment. We need more people like Carrie in entertainment today.

Day 5: 3 Gifts Acorn Small

196. The bag of kisses I keep in my desk to give my students for a treat. I offer to give them a kiss if they work really hard or do something well :)

197. These are a little bigger than an acorn, but my dad helped me cut up a birch log from my wedding to make ornaments out of. I really don't want my Christmas tree to be bare this year, but I don't have a fortune to spend on ornaments either. This project won't cost me a dime, and will give me something to do while I watch the CMA awards.

198. My favorite pearl earrings. A staple to almost every outfit I wear. Dress them up or dress them down. Hair up or hair down. They go with it all!

Day 4: Gifts Gathered, Given, Good

193. Blankets GATHERED all around Scott and I as we spend the evening on the couch together before he leaves for Iowa tomorrow. He will be gone until Saturday. Oh how I will miss him!

194. Scott called me after school and told me not to clean up when I got home. He was heading out hunting with my dad and left all his dishes around the kitchen, but he wanted to make sure I wouldn't clean them up. He said, "Go home and relax. I will pick up when I get home." What a love! This was a gift GIVEN to me. 

195. The movie Grease was on tv tonight. This is such a GOOD movie and one of my favorites. The cheesy story line and adorable characters make for a perfect girly movie. I also love the 50's era styles and music. It was fun to watch this for a little while tonight. Oh those summer nights!