Thankful Thursdays---Effie

     I am very thankful for my little dog, Effie! She is a sweetheart. I never thought a four-legged animal could be such a wonderful companion! She makes me laugh and gives me someone to talk to even though she doesn't talk back. {Well, she does in a sense. She barks back when I get on to her, lol.} She has her own fun personality and does some funny things. She makes me happy and things aren't quite the same when she is gone. She also helped me become more outgoing and is a fabulous walking partner! There's no telling how many miles we have walked together. I was very hesitant to get her at first but I am soooooo glad I did! If you are on the fence about whether or not to get a dog, just go ahead and take the plunge and get one. You won't regret it!

Hardships of the Single Girl

     Two posts in one day? Wasn't in my plan for today, but neither was my having my car break down. Yes, that's right. The car is kaput. For now at least. And let me just say, there is nothing more frustrating and hard for a single girl than having car problems. It's hard not having someone to depend on to help. Someone who will fix the problem or help you get the problem fixed. Of course there are people who can help, but sometimes that feels like such an inconvenience. It's times like this that a single girl wants a special guy in her life that will come to her assistance. It wouldn't feel like asking for an inconvenience then. It would just be getting help from the person who wants to take care of you and help you no matter what. At least that's the way I imagine it would be. As for now, I don't have that. So, when I have car trouble, I feel helpless. When I'm in the middle of it I have these thoughts and feel this way. In the end, I know I will be ok and it will work out. God has taken care of me every time I have been in these situations. I may not have received help from that special someone, but He has provided people to help me when I needed it. 

Thankful Thursdays---Friends

     I am so thankful for all my friends, past and present! Since the time I was a little girl, I have always had a hard time making friends. I used to be extremely shy. Some would probably say that I still am, but believe me, I have come a loooooong way! Honestly, I'm just really quiet until I get to know people a little. Once that happens, it is hard to get me to stop talking, lol :)
      Anyway, God has certainly blessed me with friends in each of the stages of my life. When I graduated from high school, I started working while I went to a community college. I became friends with my coworkers. They taught me how to be silly and have fun (and still work hard at the same time) We literally had a party every chance we got. But, after two years, it was time for me to move on to a four year college.
      When I moved out own my own, I was still working and going to school. I didn't really know anyone in this new town and I really needed some friends. So, I prayed for God to send me some. He answered my prayers! A few girls from church reached out to me and took me in so to speak. I also became friends with another girl that was in my American Sign Language class. I loved hanging out with these girls and was truly thankful that I had people to enjoy college life with. As time went on, my friends from church got married and busy with life and my other friendship dissolved.
     Once again, I really needed some friends in my life. Well, God came through again! One of the married girls had a friend move to town and we became best friends. We were able to "build" a group of 6 friends for our grad school years. To say we had a lot of fun and trying times together would be an understatement! 
     After college, I moved to my current location where I have extended family nearby but didn't really know anyone else in the area. After two long, lonely years of not knowing anyone here, I decided to get my dog, Effie. Last year was such a fun year! I got to meet tons of people at my apartment just because I had Effie as an icebreaker. Some of those people I will truly never forget. So, I got used to talking to strangers and inadvertently became more outgoing. This was the reason I was able to meet my current group of SLP friends. Seriously. Through a couple of connections, I was able to introduce myself to a couple of these girls. Before, I probably would have been uncomfortable doing that.
     It is truly amazing how God works! The other day I was thinking about all of this and something dawned on me.....One of those friends from college was the connection to my best friend now who was the connection to one of my SLP friends here who introduced me to the other girls here. Whew! That was a mouthful!!! I know this was confusing and vague without naming people but I hope this post makes at least a little sense. Basically, I am thankful for all my friends, past and present! There have definitely been lots of fun times and a few heartbreaking times through these relationships, but God has used each of these friendships to provide for me, teach me, challenge me, and encourage me. The way He works simply amazes me! 

Thankful Thursdays---Lessons from Little Ones

     During the month of November, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what I'm thankful for. Today, I am thankful for all the sweet children at the school where I work. Rarely does a day go by that I don't hear a "Hey, Ms. Candace!", get a random hug, or see someone waving at me from the bus. These things may seem insignificant, but it really makes me feel special and loved. And, I don't always know the children who do these things. I think that is what catches me off guard, because I know I've done nothing to deserve that child's love. Just today, I was in a classroom while the children were lining up to go somewhere. One sweet girl left the line, came to me, and gave me a hug. Did I know who she was? No.  Did I deserve it? No. Did she have to do that? No. But as I am writing this, I am realizing something. The same is true of Jesus! I've done absolutely nothing to deserve His love. He left heaven, came to this world, and gave His life. Did I know who He was? No. Did I deserve it? No. Did He have to do that? No. But He did all of it anyway because He loves me and He loves you. We can have a relationship with Him even though we don't deserve it. He offers us freely this blessing. He wants us to accept Him and love Him. I couldn't be more amazed right now! I never expected to get a picture of God's love for me from a simple hug from a child. But that is just how God works. He does big things in the seemingly small. I'm thankful for those precious children and the lessons that God teaches me through them. I hope He uses me to be a good influence on them and make a difference in their lives. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Little Ladybug Effie! :)

Happy Fall!!!

     It seems as though I'm at a loss for words these days. So, I thought I would post this picture. Happy Fall!!!

Update!

     Well, today is the day to give an update on my weight loss goal. Honesty is the best policy, right? Unfortunately, no weight loss was achieved this month. :( But, I am not giving up! These things take time. Some good news is my doctor was pleased with my overall weight loss and the fact that I have maintained it. Also, my friend Elizabeth and I have been running! This has been very challenging for both of us, but I think it  is worth it. I also decided to get hardcore about counting calories again today. (which is soooo not fun) I will reach my goal!