202. going back to a place I haven't visited in over a year
203. Snickers the dog
204. students unexpectedly scoring higher on their multiplcation and division test than I thought they would..Oh me of little faith!
205. the group Press Play and their song: NY2LA...you gotta check it out. Makes me wanna dance my little heart out!
206. remembering that a year ago I didn't know much about Haiti, much less have a desire to go there...and yet that's exactly where God took me.
207. doctors
208. marshmallows in my hot chocolate
209. early release from school
210. all 28 of my kids knowing how to get home on an early release day... I'm not sure most people realize the amazingness of this statement!
211. 2 lonnnnnggg voicemails from my sister
212. girls weekend that included all the usual things: coffee, target, hobby lobby. :)
213. new flannel pajama pants
214. 2 more weeks of the boot..i think
215. having a friend who also happens to be my neighbor over to watch a movie on our snow day! Happiness!!!
216. my friend Paul getting to go to Haiti. It's gonna ruin him for the average!
217. blessing a friend with a financial gift
218. my friend Lauri's life was spared when a trash truck ran a stop sign and hit her little car head on...car=totalled. Lauri=shaken up but thankful to be alive!
219. the Red Letter Year reading plan...so doable!
220. Only 880 more "thankfuls" to document.
221. my friends all around the world who are doing amazing things to make a difference!
222. being motivated to have a "game plan"
223. vacuums...I love a freshly vacuumed floor. How in the world did one clean carpet before they existed?
224. movies that you can get lost in
225. clearance jewelry....love, love, love!
226. seeing a snow plow drive by on my street (I think we're one of the last ones to get plowed)
227. SATURDAY mornings
228. facebook...I love being able to keep up with all my friends around the world. It boggles my mind sometimes!
229. a heat wave at 30 degrees
230. finding a new upbeat workout song
231. being all planned and copies made for the following week by the time I leave work on Fridays.
232. I Thessalonians 5:16-17 Be joyful always; pray continually
233. free podcasts through itunes...there are some amazing christian speakers that have great insight into God's word.
234. music... it makes fractured moments all better
235. warm socks that keep my toes toasty warm
236. the dollar bins at Target
237. the post office that stays open until 2 p.m on Saturdays...this allows me to have a "lazy" morning and still make it there in time.
238. getting a letter mailed before the deadline. I'm the worlds worst about writing a card and stamping it but never actually getting it in a mailbox. ridiculous I know!
239. purple toenail polish...
240. the Blind Side movie...so inspiring!
241. Sunshine & 30 degrees..a regular heat wave!
242. being back in the classroom after a "bad" substitute the day before. Nothing like the kids realizing that I'm not so strict after all.
243. only 4 more days until I possibly can say farewell to the sexy black boot.
244. a pleasant early morning conversation with the lady taking my blood at the lab today.
245. trouble shooting my computer issues on my own.
246. a friend who gave me some Vemma pm to try for a few days
247. a math lesson on measuring and seeing the kids excitement to measure how tall their partner was and find out how many inches they were.
248. becoming educated about slavery and human trafficking
249. church bulletin bloopers...hysterical laughter ensued.
250. dental floss...I'm getting old. Everything gets stuck in my teeth and I'm addicted to dental floss.
251. creative ideas
252. singing a bamabara church song from my childhood in the middle of an aisle at Hobby Lobby. You never know when that stuff will push to the surface!
253. Thursday night hope...knowing the weekend is around the corner and I can do about anything to get through Friday's work.
254. a student saying to his mom, "Mom please tell me my Miss Wiens will be at school today".
255. not having to pay a copay to go and give blood at my dr's office. Just walked right on in.
256. getting an estimate on my car that was still a good deal and being able to get it fixed in 5 days.
257. being able to borrow my parents car while my car is in the shop
258. bringing my school bag home and deciding NOT to do one thing...it's liberating!
259. memories of High School basketball
260. getting 3 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away on a Saturday morning
261. catching up on overnight news in Egypt via the internet... The egyptian gov't shut down internet access so the majority of them aren't getting texts and fb access...their link to the outside. It doesn't even cross my mind that our government would "shut down" our internet. I take my freedom for granted.
262. the forecast of more snow this week...could it be that I will get another snow day???
263. The library and the ability to rent dvd's for FREE. I watched "New In Town" last night thanks to the Mid Continent Public Library.
264. starting to think about Mom's birthday and what to get her. Is she really gonna be 58???
265. recess duty on a day when the high temperature reaches 54. Spent 30 minutes outside without a coat on...can we say BEAUTIFUL!
266. unexpected plans for the evening
267. a friend paying for dinner
268. a gift card to Charming Charlies and a newly purchased school bag. Thanks for the Christmas gift Teri.
269. nothing like a good laugh with a friend to relieve some stress
270. the iced coffee Kahlua drink my friend whipped up for my impromptu saturday afternoon visit. I'm pretty sure I'll be stopping by next saturday and the saturday after that! :)
271. deliciously warm weather at the end of January...Spring beckons from within
272. running into friends when I'm out and about
273. finding the new Shane and Shane CD at the library to borrow for free...it's like finding a nugget of truth buried in stacks of lies.
274. knocking on my neighbors doors until I found the owner of the little puppy that was lost and hanging out in my stairwell. Cutest little thing...(the puppy that is and not the neighbor)
275. feeling the sun's heat on my face
276. a great time spent worshiping God at church
277. great conversation
278. hearing the Haiti team members talk about their thoughts while in the Mole
279. dropping my car off to be fixed the night before so I don't have to drive in the sleet tomorrow. My dad is brilliant!
280. the forecast predicting 10 to 13 inches. Truth be told I'm really tired of snow/snow days but I'm trying really hard to be grateful in all circumstances like the Bible says.
281. spending a few hours with Teri, Zander & Zach.
282. being able to grocery shop for Teri so she didn't have to drag the boys out in this weather.
283. a package of "Seaweed Snacks" from Trader Joes. I can't wait to try it!!!
284. singing the awesome new song today at church
285. listening to the Shane and Shane cd (see #273)and trying to decide which song is my favorite. I think I've narrowed it down to number 13 and 14.
286. staying in my jammies all day
287. having a warm house to come into after being outside in the elements
288. friends who live across the parking lot who were willing to brave the treacherous blizzard conditions and come for a movie and a bowl of hot soup. Thanks Gelbands!
289. using my black boot to move the snow pile that had drifted behind my car. Who knew?!?
290. finding out that human/sex trafficking happens right here in America. Often happening around major sporting events. While this may seem like an "odd" thing to be thankful for..I'm glad a part of my naivety has been peeled back and I am forced to think about this topic and do something about it. I can't claim ignorance any longer. This is R-E-A-L and something HAS TO BE DONE! I will never see the SuperBowl or any other major event the same and will be praying like never before...so yes, I'm thankful I read that gut wrenching article that left me feeling like I'd been kicked in the stomach.
291. a good Dr's report on my lab work. Shows I'm low on Vitamin D so either I need to pack my belongings a find a warm, sunny location OR find the nearest Target to procure some liquid vitamin D.
293. "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58: 6-12
294. Praying the above verses for many caught in human trafficking
295. watching a movie in the middle of the morning
296. an amazing crew of snow removal people in my apartment complex. These guys are amazing! Every morning they come by and rescrape the walk ways. Every night they put down new salt.
297. a blue cloudless sky in the middle of Winter
298. a night of restful sleept, uninterupted by the loud college neighbors next door.
299. the sun melting the snow and ice off my car so I don't have to go out in these frigid temps.
300. a call from the shop saying that my car will be fixed by Friday.
301. digging out and braving the cold to gather at Cracker Barrel for some soup. Great laughter, conversation and friendship. Thanks Donna!
302. sun streaming into a godlen sunburst painted room. Just looking around made me happy.
303. the nicest mri technician who made me feel so comfortable as she strapped my foot down and slid me into the clanging tunnel.
304. soft rock (98.1 KUDL) playing as the mri beat out its rhythm and precise photos of my foot. The first song was a Beach Boys song and made me think of my dad so I prayed for him. The next song was "lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on..." so I prayed for a bunch of my friends...then I fell asleep. When I woke up another song was playing that reminded me of some friendships from the past that have completely disintegrated so I prayed for those situations as well. It was a really good time of lifting my requests before God. I know he heard me above all the clanging and music! :)
305. YAY...we have school tomorrow!!! It may just be for 1 day but it's gonna be a GREAT day!
306. willpower to pass something up that you really want.
307. the flashmob at the Border showdown basketball game in Lawrence. It made me smile and the game was pretty good too..considering KU beat the Mizzou Tigers. :)
308. connecting with a friend from from College days....Haven't seen Kibibi since 2002.
309. sunrise and shadows
310. crutches...they've made me realize just how much I enjoy walking on my own to feet.
311. sore muscles means I'm working my muscles and becoming a stronger person.
312. laughing over dinner with a friend
313. watching First Knight and thinking of Margarete Lindholm, a Swedish friend we met in Mali many years ago. I wonder how she is today?
314. the hope of spring floating in on warmer temperatures
315. a car wash
316. seeing a deer eating off of tree branches in the woods
317. 55 degree temperatures melting the snow
318. a calm start to the day
319. hearing giggles from a girl intently reading her newly checked out magazine from the library
320. completing recess duty on crutches while standing on woodchips
321. giggles and squeals from 4th and 5th graders over new playground equiptment
322. surprise valentines from friends
323. a new book to read by Chip Ingram
324. realizing I haven't been living with the power that comes from Christ and making a concious effort to walk in that power every day this week
325. a beautiful orange sunrise with long bright rays blanketing the early morning horizon
326. Stress is not an event but a mindset. I think tonight calls for abandoning some stress.
327. being caught up on grading...so thankful for my crutches that make me think twice before getting up and moving to be "social" or waste time.
328. friendly office staff at my Podiatrist's office
329. humor that makes work light
330. hearing my dr say, "You can go off your crutches."
331. walking on my own 2 feet. I don't ever want to take this for granted again.
332. getting to the end of the day and my arms not hurting from crutching around all day.
333. being able to walk down to the copier and make my own photo copies for the day.
334. carrying a travel mug of coffee to work with me..a luxury I wasn't able to do the past 2 weeks due to using crutches.
335. early release from school
336. grading students benchmark tests and realizing most students made great gains from the fall exam.
337. Co-workers helping me scrape off my car at the end of the day. Shout out to Deb, Marg, Kathy Moore and Kathy Montgomery. You ladies ROCK!
338. hot cocoa with marshmallows...such an indulgence!
339. being able to cook my own dinner tonight
340. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2
341. I Refuse by Josh Wilson (Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care. I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
I refuse to Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
I could choose Not to move but I refuse.)
342. spontaneous trips to Alaska to visit my sister
343. a talkative and friendly seat companion on every leg of my flight. First a young, talkative man on his way to South Africa, 2nd a brilliant man studying his phd in immuniology, and 3rd a little grandma returning from Seattle to Juneau after her latest round of medical tests to treat her "lung condition".
344. smooth flights and connections made
345. a huge from my sister
346. Dad selling me 60,000 frequent flier miles
347. text messages from my parents in Cyprus, Instanbul, Turkey and Beirut,Lebanon.
348. a little slice of sunshine each day I was in Juneau
349. sleeping late
350. being able to purchase a few gifts to take to brynden. ie- a new comforter, shower curtain, wall decal
351. peaceful mornings
352. enjoying coffee on the couch with a blanket overlooking the bay
353. eagles soaring
354. trail walks
355. walking the beach at Auke Rec during low tide
356. hunting for sea glass and finding the perfectly smoothed edges on a random shard of glass
357. blue sea glass
358. fresh alpine air
359. snow capped mountains for as far as the eye can see
360. sitting in the gazebo at the end of the airport trail...drinking in the beauty.
361. a coat, gloves and a scarf
362. laughing so hard I cry
363. the fresh salmon and asparagus dinner that cost of .99 for the cost of a lemon.
364. my soul feeling rejuvinated
365. peace and rest
366. For I am full of words,and the spirit within me compels me Job 32:18
367. the encouragement from the book "Jesus Calling"
368. waves splashing on shore
369. journaling conversations with God
370. We're now officially in 4th quarter! Often referred to as "the home stretch" :)
371. Spring like temps...sunny and 70's..what's not to love!
372. finding a new car that I love
373. dad buying me coffee
374. trying a new recipe every week
375. losing 11 pounds...now to keep this momentum up!
376. being cleared by the foot dr to go back to the gym
377. sufficient energy for each day
378. I have ALL I need for today!
379. A awareness of the world and what is happening. God, please be with Cote d'Ivoire and all I know who are there! Be their protecter and encouragement in these days!
380. laughing with my students
381. celebrating success and accomplishments with my class
382. preparing for the MAP test
383. not getting the snow and sleet that was forecasted for last night and today.
384. our body's ability to sleep and recover enough so that we can wake up ready to do it all again tomorrow.
385. pay day
386. a great read aloud book that my students are excited about listening to...it's silent in the classroom during read aloud time these days.
387. 4th grade boys fascination with the urinal and 4th grade girls being clueless
388. a clean house
389. R12 by Chip Ingram....gulp! Don't pick this book up unless you're ready for some serious life change! Consider yourself W-A-R-N-E-D!!!
390. the I AM SECOND campaign
391. hearing Blue Tree's song: God of this city played super loud in Union Station during the I Am Second Launch night.
392. sunshine on a friday
393. Dinner and shopping with a friend
394. a new shiny silver malibu...more than I ever dreamed I'd have.
395. the ice pack I currently have on my foot after a long day...
396. a new fun colored flower pot from Marshalls...I can't wait to plant some bright colored fleurs in it now!
397. Hello Spring
398. white puffy clouds in a bright blue sky
399. a new Newsboys cd to blare in my new car...the bass sounds awesome!
400. When I asked a student who struggles to stay motivated if he was ready to work hard today on his testing, his response was, "Miss Wiens, I was born ready." How could I resist smiling!
401. rain that washes the pollen away
402. vibrant pinks, greens and white flowering trees on the way into church.
403. great discussion in small group
404. being able to bless friends who just had a baby with a meal
405. coffee and shopping therapy with my mama...precious, precious times!
406. encouraging a student whose mother was unable to be home for his birthday because she went to her grandmothers funeral. Talking to this kid and telling him I understood what it felt like to not have mama there for birthdays was like coming "full circle". Been there, done that...and you know what? It was ALL worth it!!!!!
407. Choosing to use my past experiences, no matter how difficult to help others...isn't that what it's all about?!?
408. 7 more Mondays left in the school year
409. believing from the quiet places of my hear that God is good!
410. Chip Ingram in this R12 study... he's bringin it!
411. Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.'
412. making healthy food choices
413. thankful for our bodies way of sending us messages that something is wrong. Hello swollen foot..I'm gonna do something about you..don't worry!
414. stouffers frozen lasagna...such an easy thing to take someone for dinner. saved my foot from more fluid and swelling!
415. walking at the park with my friend via the phone. She lives in Chicago and that's a long ways away from me. So we went for a walk and talked the entire time. It was medicine to the soul.
416. beautiful middle eastern women in their flowy dresses walking across the lush green field.
417. seeing an older middle eastern man teaching his younger *in his 30's* son how to through an "American football" and hearing their laughter.
420. the smell of grilling in the air
421. seeing the pool toy aisle at walmart up and ready to go
422. applying my first sunless tanner of the season
423. Pink tulips in a tall vase
424. jammies by 6:30 p.m.
425. having energy at the end of the day to make dinner, clean up, unload the dishwasher and get a load of laundry done
426. raindrops hitting my classroom window
427. Another year of standardized testing completed...what a relief!
428. stretching
429. “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Hebrews 10:23
430. toasted coconut coffee in the evening after a busy day
431. a voicemail from my sister that cut her off b/c her message was so long. Yep...that would be my sister!
432. a pleasant exchange of words with the lady at the courthouse annex.
433. the lady forgiving my $2 charge for my tax receipts when I didn't have any change or money on me
434. A promise to pay it forward
435. sunshine and dark clouds competing for space in the sky
436. how everything looks when the sky turns dark with rain clouds and almost makes everything look irradescent
437. Houlihans lettuce wraps...they make a mess but are incredibly worth it!
438. all the shades of "spring" green
439. nature observations during the school day
440. conversations about God as school, initiated by kids.
441. laughing until I cry with new friends
442. Another year of MAP testing in the books!
443. Fire Alarms..Yep, it's probably gonna continue to go off until the heating & cooling guys take the cardboard out of the new system...just sayin!
444. Easter's true meaning: He was born in the crudest of all places, was mocked and tried for something he didn't do, died on my behalf and rose again! Can I get an "A-M-E-N"!!!
445. God has my very best in mind
446. an old friend asking for me to pray with her on the phone and then her just jumping right into a dialogue with God
447. seeing my mama at school in the middle of my day
448. I will lie down and sleep in peace
449. raindrops
450. wind waving through the grass like waves on an ocean
451. decorating easter eggs with my parents
452. taking cinnamon rolls to U. Don and A. Beth Callison and bringing some cheer!
453. anticipating church
454. serving on the hospitality team at church
455. bright pink
456. nothing says "Easter attire" like argyle..it was everywhere this morning!
457. He is RISEN!
458. talking with visitors and making them feel welcome
459. It is Well by Todd Fields
460. wearing pink wedge shoes..I'm sure my foot will pay for it later
461. easter breakfast with my parents
462. winning the 2nd round of our egg cracking contest at breakfast. Mom won 1st round
463. Hallmark movies that always bring me to tears. This one called "Beyond the Blackboard" makes me thankful for all I have in my classroom. I am so grateful!
464. my sin has been forgiven...Halleluiah!
465. rest for my soul
466. an outbreak of conversations in my classroom about faith, religion and whether God or Science is responsible for living things.
467. peace in my heart
468. remembering all those Easter celebrations gone by in Africa.
469. Easter Lunch with the neighbors...a great family!
470. 4th graders writing on their daily gratitude list and seeing their enthusiasm
471. an open talk with an emotionally hurting student
472. telling a student I will be proud of him no matter what he accomplishes in life
473. introducing 10 year olds to fiddle music like they listened to on the prairies
474. being caught up on grading papers
475. finding an important document that went missing
476. spring picture day and seeing each students smile
477. preparing to share my testimony and realizing and remembering what an incredible heritage I am a part of.
478. my time in korea that taught me so many things about myself.
479. sunshine peeking out through dark rain clouds
480. Faithful God, every promise kept, every need you've met, faithful God.... May the love that caught my heart to set it free, be the love that others see in me. For you are the love that never leaves.
481. eating lunch with 3 students
482. getting my car licensed and new plates put on it....it's official now.
483. a day at school with no fire alarms
484. being able to laugh at myself. I gave my friend Deb a birthday card and small gift today because I thought it was her birthday...come to find out it's not until February. I'm either really late or it's a super early birthday gift. HA! We had a good laugh.
485. fixing an "oops" that involved some blond hair dye :)
486. newly waxed eyebrows
487. sunshine, blue sky and a long walk to end the day
488. a birthday card wishing me an upcoming year of "peace for my mind, love fo my soul and joy for my heart."
489. a beautiful birthday card from my grandma...Love that woman!
490. new tennis shoes to help the foot
491. a plant stand to put by my front door
492. discussing with my students the concept of what the word "home" means after reading our read aloud book.
493. students excited about researching their famous Missourian
494. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16
495. laughing with Susan
496. the suns warming rays as it melts into the horizon...another day spent serving, loving and guiding
497. gratitude for all the teachers who were patient with me, encouraged me, and lived by example in what it meant to be a teacher of faith. Words seem empty as my heart screams so much more. In this life...my words will have to suffice.
498. accidentally deleting a bunch of "thankfuls" and being able to continue noticing the big and little things of life that I've been graced with
499. seeing old friends and picking up where we left off
