Thankful (Leap) Thursday #177

"The Lord guides us in the way we should go
and protects those who please Him.
If they fall, they will not stay down,
because the Lord will help them up."
~Psalm 37:23-24

Today, I am thankful for...

1.  Watching Jace's joy in destroying my lovely birthday balloon garland... and this cathartic gif of the confetti balloon explosion! lol

2.  For the first time since Summer 2007, I ran into Josh's mom at J's b-ball game last Friday.  (It was more than a little weird for me, but I can already see how God used it as a catalyst for more freedom in my life).  Things between us ended on such weird and rocky ground, so I'm grateful she sought me out and was warm and genuinely kind.  We hugged and made small talk about the niece and nephews and her 7 grandkids and how it's "been so long" since we've seen each other.  Mom joined us in that convo and JMM was never directly mentioned, and all things considered, I am grateful for the way it played out.

3.  Today being the end of my brief bailiff-ing career... byeee Felicia!  Me and Judge and the many attorneys I've blunderingly attempted to help all agree that it couldn't come soon enough! lol  (Our new bailiff, Doris, starts tomorrow - haven't met her yet, but I'm already super grateful for her arrival, and I'll be oh-so-happy to turn these group phone calls back OFF.) 

4.  That God (and the warmth of our hotel room) work me up early enough to join the Wilson/Weatherford fam for Sunday donuts at Morning Glory before they went to church!  So much cuteness, as I expected it would be with their kids!  (*Karli and Bill left early to serve at FBC, and I didn't ask for a group pic till everyone was getting ready to leave.)

5.  This cute and extra-friendly little bunny!  Also thankful for Tate, who promptly announced his second loose tooth to me when I walked in for donuts! lol  (This pic was taken at Bill and Melissa's house - Mom and I met them all there at 10:30 Sunday to discuss the Christmas decor plan - bc you can never start too early! lolol)

6.  This preshface - Miss Parker Elizabeth and her love of my long necklaces and her willingness to smile for photos - gah, so cute! =)

7.  Discovering that there's a downtown Brook 3 minutes from the VB tournament gym (Cox Convention Center) and 1 minute from our hotel (the downtown Hyatt) - FUN!  Mom, Rach, Kyndal, and I very much enjoyed a girls dinner there on Saturday!

8.  A fun Tulsa club tournament weekend at the Kaizen Invitational, and good times riding there and back and staying at the hotel with Mom!

"Awwwww, ACE!"  ❤

9.  A flood of positive feedback that came at an excellent time!  I've been in a mildly self-critical, self-doubting place this semester about my counseling skills and calling, but I forced myself to sign up and give my big presentation early, and it was extra encouraging to hear my professor tell me that psychoeducation (teaching coping skills and therapeutic concepts) is a strength for me, then she talked about seeing growth in my presentation and self-confidence since last semester, and that meant a lot.  Hearing peers and friends comment on the interventions and the clear connection with my client, etc. was also good for my soul - and a great reminder that our simple words of encouragement, love, and support have tremendous power to build others up! ❤

 

*Mel Robbins uses a similar sign-off on her podcast, of which I'm rapidly becoming a fan!  She says you can sincerely feel love for people you don't know and you can want the best for them and believe in their God-given worth and potential even before knowing their name, and I agree - so why not share more of that love and energy!?

10.  LEAP DAY - HOORAY!!!  (If that doesn't make you think of Cam's bday meltdown and/or Frasier singing Buttons and Bows, I dunno what will. lol)  I love that this day only comes around once every four years - an Olympic year and a leap year and an election year - 2 out of 3 sound super fun!  Kristin and I are having a classic Olive Garden dinner tonight to celebrate!! ;-)

❤