A Spirit of Gratitude

When I first started this blog I regularly posted things I was grateful for. The items on the weekly lists varied from heat on cold mornings to sweet excited puppy greetings to lazy evenings in with David. I tried hard to think of different items, but often had repeaters because they meant so much to me. I got away from that habit and in turn got away from thinking of things I was routinely grateful for. 

Fast forward to earlier this year when I read Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. It was a beautifully written book full of poetic musings from Voskamp and while it took me a while to get through (too much of her writing at one time hurt my brain!), I am very glad I did. I was able to take away from it the concept of "eucharisteo" and started to pause more in my day for moments of thankfulness.

Fast forward even more to present day when I am once again struggling to be grateful for my many blessings. I find it easy to be thankful when I am exposed to the less fortunate, but am not as quick to lift my arms in praise when caught up in the day to day. I find it hard to be thankful for a toddler's temper tantrum until I see a friend post on social media about her child who is so physically and mentally delayed this child will never lift her head on her own. And I'm complaining about my perfectly healthy child?!? Shameful.

Instead of allowing myself to get caught in the day to day I am going to be taking the time to write down 3-5 things/people/moment/events/etc I am grateful for every day. I am asking for your prayers to keep my mind and heart clear and focused on the Lord's blessings as I do this because we must remember. . .

Thankful Thursday-For You

And I wonder, would I give my life
Could I make that sacrifice
If it came down to it
Could I take the bullet, I would
Yes I would, for you

-Keith Urban

I have much to be thankful for this week, as I do every week. Here is a list of all I am thanking God for today!

football season

It's backkkkkkkkk!

my hubby
His patience and support in the first few weeks of school have been absolutely incredible. I am so thankful for him!


my students
Their senses of humor and positive outlooks on life remind me not to take things so seriously.

co-workers
If it were not for these fabulous people my life would be a heck of a lot crazier! I'm so thankful for their support and realistic attitudes about life.

4 day work weeks
I think we can all get on board with this one! 

What are you thankful for this week?? 

Thankful Thursday-Holy is the Lord

 Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

-Chris Tomlin

Here are a few things I am thankful for today. . . 

early diagnosis

As much as the whole relapse thing stinks, I am grateful for the early diagnosis. When I remember how bad things were before, I am even more thankful for the early catch of it and aggressive treatment.

passion

I am so grateful for the passion for Christ from those around us. David and I are blessed to know some awesome people whose hearts are in a stellar place. I am thankful for their passion, drive, and motivation to spread His word.

readily accessible healthcare

I often take for granted the fact that I can just call up the doctor and get an appointment, or at the very least some guidance with my issue. So many others don't have that. I am so thankful for the care I am fortunate enough to receive when I need it most.

support

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen allusions to a big presentation I had earlier this week. Not going to lie, I was absolutely terrified to present to a room of roughly 30 of my colleagues. I am pleased to report that not only did I survive, but people even told me I did well! Whew! I am very thankful for the open, gracious hearts of my peers:-)

patience

I am super thankful for the patience of my husband. The steroids mess with my brain and make me very loopy to the point of you may have to tell me the same thing three times before I really get it. My husband has been so patient with me even though I keep making silly little (and super annoying!) mistakes when it comes to scheduling house fixes. I am one blessed lady.

summer storms

Does it get much better than a big blowout storm that brings 15 degree temperature drops? Nope. 

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Guardian

I’ll be your keeper for life as your guardian
I’ll be your warrior of care your first warden
I’ll be your angel on call, I’ll be on demand
The greatest honor of all, as your guardian  

-Alanis Morissette

Hello lovely readers! Today means that tomorrow is Friday-Hooooorayyyy! Each week I find I have an overwhelming number of things to be grateful for. Anyone else ever feel that way? As I look around our home right now I realize how much I have to be thankful for, and it blows me away. What did I do to deserve this?? Here are a few things that are at the forefront of my mind right now:

my sweet husband

I have been an emotional ball of mess this past week (thank you womanhood for that one), yet he has never once faltered. He has been completely and totally wonderful. Every time I yell then cry, he listens to me before helping me calm down. He has gone out of his way to make my life easier and I cannot thank him enough for that. How many women can say that about their husbands? A shout-out to Mama and Papa Mobs for raising such a Godly man!

much needed rain

It seems that every blip on the radar but us was getting rain this past week, then finally the skies opened up! The stellar summer storms (you like that alliteration right there? English dork right here) brought lower temps and the ability to leave your house without suffocating.  Very thankful for that!

sleep

Let's be honest here, I don't get much sleep during the school year. That's just the nature of the beast. Lots of work coupled with little time equals very little sleep for Mrs. Mobley.  I am so grateful for nights of 9+ hours of sleep. That's right folks, 9+ hours!

healthy eating

I am very thankful for the fact that we can eat healthy. I know that sounds silly, but it's true. Eating healthy is not always cheap, but with coupons, sales, and grocery stores close by we can make it happen.

the beach
We are headed to the beach for a week with David's wonderful family! I couldn't be more excited for a week of reading, resting, and relaxing. We're also excited to introduce Daisy to the beach for the very first time!

What are you thankful for this week? 

Thankful Thursday-Living In The Moment

I will not waste my days
Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about all the things
That will not happen to me
  -Jason Mraz

I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I am continually amazed at how blessed I am. This weekly representation barely scratches the surface of all the wonderful ways the Lord provides for me. Here are a few things I am counting as a blessing this week:

my sweet husband

I cannot say enough about this man. He looks out for and cares for me in a way I didn't know was possible. One small example is how he took off of work to care for me when I had my surgery. He could have just as easily gone back to work after my surgery, but instead he catered to my every request-even anticipating many of them before they happened!

rest & relaxation

This surgery is a great reminder to rest and relax. I rush and rush all school year, so settling down to do nothing is a bit of an adjustment. I'm learning to sleep in, catch up on reading, and let things go. 

family and friends

I'm so thankful for all the people who have checked in on me and made sure I'm OK. I am seriously so blessed by all the people who care enough about me to check on me!

 the pool

While I can't get in for a few weeks, it is nice to know that the pool is just down the road for me to cool off in when these temps jump to the hundreds!

walking

This may sound strange, but I am so grateful for the ability to walk. Hobbling around on these crutches and not being able to walk is a great reminder what a blessing it is to walk on my own! Can't wait to toss these crutches to the side and do my own thing again. 

Thankful Thursday-Beach Music

I love beach music
I always have and I always will
There ain't no other kind of music in the world that gives me quite the thrill
When I hear...
60 minute man, and walkin' up the one-way street
He's up on the roof, he's under the boardwalk
Summertime's a-callin' me

-The Embers

As always, I have MUCH to be thankful for this week. Here is a glimpse at all the awesome in my life:

sisters

 Brothers are awesome too, but there is just something about the bond between sisters that is indescribable.

supportive husbands

 How superb is a hubby who encourages me to do whatever makes me happy?? Pretty superb:-)

coupons

 This week is SUPER DOUBLES at the Teeter. That means they will double coupons up to $2.00. How sweet is that? I spent roughly $30 and saved $107!! Hard to beat savings like that!

lazy days on the beach

Earlier this week and the next few days were just what the doctor ordered for this tired teacher! 

summer fruits & veggies

I love all the fresh foods that are available at this time of year. They are really encouraging us to expand our taste buds. I don't hate it.

wonderful friends & family who voted for me
I was selected as one of the winners!! My plate will now be made! Thank you all VERY much:-)

massages
Enough said.

What are you thankful for this week??  

Thankful Thursday-One Good Love

 One good love
You bless all my memories
You soften the fall of my tears
And in my arms you're more than enough
You're one good love

-Rascal Flatts

Today's Thankful Thursday post is dedicated to my sweet husband, David, who has been such a rock during this crazy month. 

sense of humor

I have never met anyone funnier than my hubby. He cracks me up with his random voices and child-like perspective on life. He reminds me to laugh when all I want to do is cry.

passion for life

David's passion for life is incredible. He always wants to live life to the fullest no matter the circumstances or what everyone else says. 

support

His continuous support of me is inspiring. He asks me on a regular basis how work is going, how I'm feeling, what he can do to make me happy, etc. He is serious awesome sauce.

flexibility

Homeboy knows how to roll with the punches, something I am not very good at. 

faith

His ever-growing faith is a wonderful guide for our family!

Thankful Thursday-Alive!

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won
Alive! Alive! Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before
I am His because He is alive.

-Natalie Grant

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to do a Thankful Thursday post and I think I am long overdue! Here are a few things I am thanking the Lord for this week:

modern medicine

It is amazing what God can do through the healing hands of doctors and the medicine they prescribe to us. I have seen many close to me (including myself!) be healed of illnesses that years ago would have killed us. I am so grateful for this!!

time with family and friends

We have been blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with both sides of family and all sorts of close friends recently. I cannot wait for sweet, sweet summertime when I can stay past 8 to hang out;-) 

my incredible hubby

To put it bluntly, my hubby is a rockstar! He is always so selfless and giving with his time and efforts, but especially when it comes to seeing my family. He helped clean my parent's house and did the dishes after brunch so that I could spend time with them. Did I hit the jackpot or what?!?

 community volunteers

Without these people we would have never been able to conduct our state testing! A HUGE thanks to all the community members who donated their time to helping us out.

co-workers

Anyone who teaches (or knows a teacher) knows this is a cuh-ray-zeee time of year. My co-workers have been a wonderful breath of fresh air to remind me not to freak (as I am known to do thanks to my ridiculous Type-A personality). 

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Hold On

So hold on to me tight,
hold on to me tonight.
We are stronger here together,
than we could ever be alone.
So hold on to me,
don't you ever let me go.

-Michael Buble

work family

I am very thankful for my work family and all the support they continually offer me. I could not have imagined a better place to teach!

students and their kind words

I am very grateful for all the kind words from my students. It's not often you receive praise and thanks from middle schoolers, but when you do it means even more.

forgiving hubby

Even though I may or may not have accidentally gone into the garage before the garage door was up, which may or may not have caused the garage door to get messed up and leave scratches on my car, he was very forgiving and worked hard to get it fixed. Superstar status right there.

visits

I am so grateful for all the random visits we have with people in the coming month!

technology

Hooray for the technology that makes grading over 120 projects MUCH easier!!

Thankful Thursday-Chuggin' Along

Keep chuggin' along
Keep singing your song
Put the plow in the ground till the daylights gone
When you look back over your shoulder
At everything you've done
Put the good times in your pocket

Let the bad ones make you strong
Keep chuggin' along

-Luke Bryan

Sometimes in the thick of the crazy it is hard to remember the things we are thankful for. We become so focused on the negative that we forget to remember the positive. I'm at that point this week. It seems that every time I get up, I get knocked back down. Instead of allowing myself to dwell on the negative, I'm going to focus on the positive. Here are the things I am thanking the Lord for this week:

rain

My grass and I are oh so very grateful for this respite from the dry, windy days. Not to mention that my allergies are jumping for joy at the rain washing the pollen away!

kind neighbors

I am very thankful for kind neighbors stepping up and looking out for me when I need it most! This people are serious awesome sauce.

coupons

It's super-doubles at the Harris Teeter AND Lowes Food this week-WAHOOO! My wallet and I are very appreciative of this little bonus.

bloggers

I am very grateful for my sweet blog friends and their kind comments!

crop share

I am grateful that a new season has come and we are back to picking up our weekly half-share from the farm (a full post to come on this awesomeness later!)

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Time Is Love

Time is love, gotta run,
Love to hang longer,
But I got someone who waits,
Waits for me and right now
She's where I need to be,
Time is love, gotta run.

-Josh Turner

Spring Break

After MUCH waiting and anticipation, it has finally arrived!

my husband

I am continually in awe of how hard he works for our little family. Not to mention all the sacrifices he makes for us!

the kitchen

I am very thankful for the opportunity to cook and bake whatever my heart desires. It is such a calming experience for me and I love trying out new recipes! If you have any good ones, send 'em my way:-)

co-workers

For anyone who has ever worked with a challenging co-worker, you know how wonderful it is to have -good ones. I am very thankful for my work family who continues to support me and help me in any way that they can.

our pup

She is such a sweet companion to have! For those of you without a dog to welcome you home with dances and love, I'm sorry. Make this a part of your life.

time

I am SUPER excited about having some time to relax over the next week. Time to read, time to sleep, time to run, time to tan, time to blog, time to pray, time to visit, just time to be!

crop share

We just turned in our money for the next season of our half share and I am stoked! Yay for fresh fruits and veggies again!

What are you thankful for today??

Thankful Thursday-Another Day in Paradise

Well, it's OK. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

-Phil Vassar

caffeine

Holy canoli, am I thankful for caffeine. If it weren't for coffee and tea I would probably fall asleep mid-sentence. If anyone figures out a way to get a caffeine drip through an IV, let me know.

blogging support

I am very grateful for all the support my readers have shown me! Everything from the kind comments about my 5K to the well-wishes and prayers when I was sick. It is an amazing feeling to know so many people care about you!

church family

We are immensely blessed by our incredible church family. These people are an incredible addition to our lives!

music

It's amazing how a good song can turn your mood around on a rough day!

my incredible hubby

Despite the craziness in his own life he always does whatever he can to make mine easier. The other night I was at school for over 12 hours, so you can imagine how tired I was. That sweet boy had supper ready and the dog tuckered out without me having to ask. He is wonderful!

What are you thankful for today??

Thankful Thursday-Safe and Sound

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

-Taylor Swift

coupons

 You know you had a successful trip to the Teeter when you saved more than you spent-whoot whoot!

evening walks

They have returned and I am stoked! This is such a special time for us because it's when we talk life. We get to debrief our days, share our thoughts, and just be. They are particularly wonderful when it is a beautiful 75 degrees out!

brighter evenings

I love that it is staying brighter out even longer. It's so nice not to look out the window at 5pm and see a pitch black abyss!

blog support

I am so thankful for all the support I get from my blog peeps! I still can't get over the fact that anyone wants to hear what I have to say let alone be kind about it. It's a great feeling!

Community Group

These people are wonderful. The end. The love and compassion they show for us despite our brokenness is inspiring. This is the type of community God called us to live in!

blooming flowers

I love driving around the neighborhood and seeing all the BEAUTIFUL flowers blooming! Puts a big 'ol smile on my face:-)

God

I am immensely grateful for the path that God has chosen for me and the way He leads me down it. He is ALWAYS good!

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Adore You

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

-Kari Jobe

caffeine

It's that time of year, folks. You know the one. When teachers and students alike are frazzled and dragging through the days. If it wasn't for caffeine I  may not make it through the day each day!

silly students

Sometimes we get so caught up in the hullabaloo of testing and grading that we forget why we went into teaching to begin with. I am thankful for the silly students with the great senses of humor who remind me of one of the reasons I entered this profession.

my husband

I am so grateful for the Godly way he challenges me to grow my faith.

technology

What would we do without these incredible inventions that make our lives easier? 

Says the girl typing on her computer and talking on her phone while listening to music on iTunes.

Daylight Savings

 Why would anyone be excited about this?!? Because it means Spring is almost here to stay!

health

I am so thankful for the fact that I get up each and every day. I am grateful that I can walk, talk, run, teach, love, read, type, everything! I have many blessings that others have been denied and for that I am grateful.

Thankful Thursday-Springsteen

To this day when I hear that song
I see you standin' there on that lawn
Discount shades, store bought tan
Flip flops and cut-off jeans

Somewhere between that setting sun
I'm on fire and born to run
You looked at me and I was done
And we're, we're just getting started

-Eric Church

supportive hubby

I can't express how much I appreciate him and his support in all that I do.

the unconditional love of a dog

 there are few things in life that are better than coming home to a happy, jumping pup. This week we're pet sitting Daisy's BFF, so I've had two loving dogs jumping on me!

running

such a good release from all the stresses of life.

community group

these people just rock. The end.

movies

It was nice to treat my students to watching the movie version of our latest novel. I enjoyed the extra time to plan and they enjoyed the downtime to watch!

beautiful weather

I have loved every second of this 70 degree weather. I'm getting stir crazy every time I have to stay inside for a long period of time!

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-No Hurry

There's nothing wrong with an old cane fishing pole
And the smell of early spring
Sit down in a fold-up easy chair
On a quiet shady river bank
Let the world go on without me
Wouldn't have it any other way
Cause I ain't in no hurry today

-Zac Brown Band

friends

I am so excited to get to visit with one of my oldest and dearest friends today! I just wish the other parts of our group could join us. I've known these fabulous girls for twenty years. That's right, twenty years!! 

family visits

We had lots of family in town for David's birthday shindig and the fun continues this weekend when my other sister and her boyfriend come to visit! I love that everyone is close enough that we can get together like this.

date nights

Our schedule has been kind of nutso this month so we decided to do a mid-week date night last night, and it was wonderful. Even something so simple as heading to Olive Garden with my love changed my attitude for the rest of the week. I just love that man!

Community Group

We are so fortunate to have these people in our lives to support us in our struggles and challenge us to grow in our relationship with Christ.

beautiful weather

 Can you ask for anything better than mid-70's after that yucky cold snap?? I think not!

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Dancing Away

For me you'll always be eighteen and beautiful  

And dancing away with my heart

-Lady Antebellum

lazy nights in

I am so grateful for lazy nights in with my love! Very rejuvenating.

sharing

I'm very thankful for my co-worker's great ideas and their willingness to share. It makes my life much easier:-)

Community Group

David and I have been blessed with a community group that challenges and supports us. Very grateful for this fact!

coupons

It's SUPER Doubles at the Teeter this week, which means lots of savings for the Mobleys!

my sweet husband

Very thankful for this man and all the joy he brings me daily.

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Hands

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands

-Jewel

my sweet husband

This has been one crazy week for me and I am so grateful for all the ways he has stepped up to help make my life easier!

healthcare

I am so thankful for the fact that whenever I am sick or just need a check-up I can go to the doctor. I don't have to worry about if I can afford it or if my doctor has my best interests in mind like so many others have to worry about.

co-workers

Without these wonderful people and their great senses of humor, I would lose my mind!

caffeine

I saw a quote the other day. . ."caffeine isn't a drug, it's a vitamin", and I couldn't agree more!!

community group

I am very grateful for these people and the way they walk beside in our pursuance of Him.

the weekend

I know this one appears on the list fairly often, but I am so grateful for this time with my love! 

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-Home

It's been a long hard ride, 

Got a ways to go  

But this is still the place  

That we all call home.  

It's been a long hard ride,  

And I won't lose hope  

This is still the place  

That we all call home.

-Dierks Bentley

It's been a long and hectic week for me, so I apologize if this is brief. . .

the unconditional love of a dog

It's so nice having someone who jumps and does a dance every time I walk in the door regardless of the day.

my job

As long and full as the days may be, at least I have a job.

our marriage

I am so thankful to be married to such an incredible man who puts our family before himself!

the weekend 

After having two four-day weeks back to back and then a five-day week, I am especially grateful for a weekend off!

local produce

This week was the first time in months I've had to buy vegetables at the grocery store thanks to our crop share, and man was I disappointed. I'm looking forward to renewing the share again come April!

continued healing

I am now down to 30mg of prednisone a day (whoot whoot) and am on-track to be completely weaned off in March! 

our community group

I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate God with them each and every week.

What are you thankful for this week??

Thankful Thursday-You're Gonna Fly

You could be a black bird
On the country street
Hiding from the world from a broken wing
But you better believe you gonna fly with me
You could be a songbird from the New Orleans
Scared of the rain just 'cuz you're scared to sing
But you better believe you're gonna fly with me

-Keith Urban
 

Happy last Thursday of January-wahooooo! We are now one month closer to Spring, and in my book that is reason enough to celebrate. Here are a few more things that I am celebrating this week:

fresh farm veggies
Unfortunately this is the last week of our share until April, but we hit the jackpot. Our meals this coming week will include spaghetti squash, butternut squash sweet potatoes, white potatoes, carrots, bok choy and apples-all fresh!!

open communication

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, but the open lines of communication in our marriage continue to blow me away.

warm snap in weather

LOVING the fact that I was able to leave the house without a coat this morning. I'm hoping these low 60's continue til Spring!

break throughs with my kiddos

This is the reason teachers teach. That moment when the student gets it. Or, in my case when the kid gets it and shares your enthusiasm in the topic.

alone time

It's amazing how a few hours by yourself can rejuvenate a girl!