Day 38 - Hope

"...so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope..."

  

Although most of the time I love my job, it isn't always easy. Working with the elderly in a healthcare setting involves dealing with death. You can't ignore it. You can't deny it. You can't even just push it away. You start to make friendships with these people. You live to make them smile. You listen to their stories. You laugh with them. You cry with them. And then they die. Over the past year and a half, it's gotten easier to deal with death.

But this past week it's been rough. Two residents have passed away that meant a lot to me. They both encouraged me and brought me such great joy. And it brings tears to my eyes as I write this to know that I won't see them again on this earth. 

But that's where today's post comes in. Hope. I love this passage found in 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18. I have great hope! I will see both of these residents again as I know they loved Jesus passionately. I can rejoice and be comforted with this wonderful hope! For that, I am forever grateful. 

And I have to say that although it's my job to love on my residents, I am so grateful for the ways they love on me. God uses them in my life all the time to remind me of His truths and encourage me in His love.

Day 37 - Cookbooks

I really enjoy cooking. Too often I'm just drained when I get home from work, but when inspiration (or hunger!) hits, I love getting in the kitchen. We enjoy trying new recipes, and I love finding ways to make things taste better or make them healthier! Although there are a million recipes online, there is just something about cookbooks that I absolutely love! One requirement - they have to have pictures! I will almost NEVER make something if I can't see a picture of it first!

Day 36 - Cricut

Just a few days ago I picked "Homemade Cards" as the thing I was thankful for. I mentioned the Cricut machine in passing in that post, but I needed to give it a bit more attention. So today, I'm thankful for the Cricut (pronounced like "cricket") Machine!

It's an electronic cutting machine that has endless possibilities. I just found out that DTS has one that we can use in the library, and I've been going a little bit nutso about it. I used it to make this simple card, but how cute, right? So easy! I can't wait to use it more! I could honestly just sit over there and cut stuff out for hours... :)

Day 35 - SWIM Seminars

Once a semester, SWIM (Seminary Wives in Ministry) hosts a seminar for the wives. It's always wonderful with great food, a great speaker, and great fellowship! Today was no exception. The speaker was Susie Hawkins, wife of former First Baptist Dallas pastor O.S. Hawkins. She shared about life as a ministry wife both in how it pertains to your marriage and to your interactions with women in the church. She also gave us one of her books for free! I love free books :) The food is always delicious and homemade at the SWIM seminars. Today we had pulled pork sandwiches with a jalapeno cabbage slaw, chips, salad with fruit and candied pecans, and banana pudding cups. So good!

Day 34 - My Wedding Rings

I am so thankful for my rings. Roy picked out my engagement ring all by himself. He spent hours and hours and hours researching rings and diamonds before he picked mine. I love it :) These rings aren't just jewelry to me. They are a symbol of our love and commitment to one another. It shows the world that I am taken and committed to my husband. It reminds me of the covenant I made before Roy, my friends and family, and ultimately, God. I'm so thankful for these beautiful gifts from Roy that remind me each day of our love for one another!

Day 33 - Homemade Cards

I love making homemade cards! Now that I've found the amazing wonder of the Cricut, I love them even more! I've been making cards since I was in middle school and fell in love with rubber stamping. It's just so fun to be able to give someone something handmade, and it saves a ton of money (why are cards so expensive anyway???)!

Day 32 - Cinnamon Rolls

 LOVE! Especially with LOTS of icing! :D