25 Gifts from My Gratitude List

(Warning: This list has a long intro!)I was first introduced to the book, "One Thousand Gifts" at a bible study hosted by my dear friend, Kathleen. During the weeks of the study, I was in the middle of meeting and falling in love with my husband, so as you can imagine, I was slightly distracted .  I picked up the book for a second time when I was going through my first miscarriage. This time the book deeply impacted my life and gave me a fresh perspective on the importance of living a life of thankfulness. 

"...gratitude truly is the foremost quality of a believing disciple precisely because gratitude is what births trust...the true belief." a.v.

Voskamp challenges her readers to start keeping a journal of all the gifts in their lives, as a way to slow down the busyness and acknowledge the Giver. You've most likely been asked at one point in your life to name ten things you're thankful for, right? If you would have asked me that question a year ago, my list would have consisted of general subjects (Parents, Husband, God, Food, Clothes, House) and I would have probably struggled to think of any more over ten. While a broad list like this is obviously not wrong, it didn't inquire me to "stop and smell the roses" so to speak. I needed to train my eyes to see the beauty hidden in the mundane; the little moments that rushed by in a full day.

"Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant--a seed--this plants the giant miracle. Do not disdain the small." -a.v.


Anne's challenge to record 1000 gifts encouraged me to become more detailed and descriptive in my thanksgiving.  I had to focus my attention on the seemingly "small"; things that before I would have thought of as insignificant. It seemed a bit child-like at first..you know, thanking God for blue hydrangeas, a spider weaving it's web and a sweet crunchy apple, but I began to realize that these were things that brought me delight when I paused long enough in my day to notice them. Beyond that, I began to recognize them as ways my Father was lavishing his love on me. 

"I pay tribute to God by paying attention."-a.v.

Furthermore, my natural inclination is to worry and fret over things, but it's pretty hard to complain and give thanks simultaneously...

"Every breath's a battle between grudgery and gratitude and we must keep thanks on the lips so we can sip from the holy grail of joy."-a.v.

Voskamp speaks to the suffering heart through words that are poetically and sincerely scripted. She encourages her readers to accept whatever God gives them with open hands and breathe out 'thanks' not only for the beautiful things, but the ugly, as well. 

"God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life---even hurts in a life." -a.v.

It's not that we need to adopt a Pollyanna attitude when calamity comes our way. It's not that we need to put on a fake smile, pretending all is well during the times that all is not right in our world. Rather, in the valley's and storms of life we are to focus our blurry-eyed vision on the Rock--the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is sovereign...He is a Comforter....He has a rich inheritance stored up for those who trust in Him...He won't leave us or forsake us...He is our refuge and strength. It is for these things that we can and should utter thanks. Let me show you a real-life example. 

"To know how we can count on God, we count graces, but ultimately there is really only One."-a.v.

Around this time of year, most people try to be more intentional about having a grateful attitude. Some give thanks in order to generate a happy demeanor and optimistic outlook on life. Others strive to think positive thoughts in order to attain an inner calm. As Christians, our thanksgiving should magnify our Creator--the Sustainer of life itself! May we not simply vocalize our gratitude for the sake of the holiday, but may we purposefully direct our thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. 

"Every time you feel in God's creatures something pleasing and attractive, do not let your attention be arrested by them alone, but, passing them by, transfer your thought to God and say: 'O my God, if Thy creations are so full of beauty, delight, and joy, how infinitely more full of beauty, delight, and joy art Though Thyself, Creator of all! -Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain 

As we focus on all of our many blessings this Thanksgiving, I pray that they would direct our attention to the great and mighty Gift-Giver and cause us to glorify and praise His name. "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24, ESV)

25 Gifts from My Gratitude List:

1. Looking through old photo albums with my mom

2. Surprise reservations to a bed and breakfast 

3. Staying calm during bloodwork

4. Sprinting up a hill and feeling good at the top

5. Scripture, framed and hung on walls

6. Dancing in the kitchen with socks on

7. A Savior who endured the cross

8. Jack & Oakley's smiling faces peering from the window 

9. Hot coffee and cozy bathrobe on chilly mornings

10. Reading the Bible with Jared

11. Music that magnifies the Lord and His promises

12. Fresh cucumber from the Calvary Baptist garden

13. Flirting with my husband at the gym

14. The sound of birds chirping in the morning

15. Date night to Sweet Frog

16. The ability to be transformed by God

17. Running stadium bleachers

18. The opportunity to carry a life

19. Hymns turned up loud in the kitchen

20. Waking up beside my best friend

21. Overcoming public speaking fear

22. Prince of Peace to rest in

23. Masculine husband

24. Reminders of Truth

25. New mercies in the morning

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Charity~

**Special Anniversary Edition**Three Reasons I Am Thankful for Facebook

Last weekend my husband surprised me by taking me to Boone, NC to celebrate our second year of marital bliss.  We had a fabulous time strolling the old streets and reliving memories of being in Boone for our honeymoon. (This time, pleasantly accompanied by our little Munchkin, of course). If you ever pass through the Boone area, you absolutely must eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three) at the Dan'l Boone Inn.  They serve a family-style meal that is simply scrumptious. Oh, and save room at the end for the peach cobbler--it's divine! 

Jared's Post-Dinner Picture

I Definitely Ate for Two!

And now on to the topic of today's post: Why I am thankful for Facebook. (I promise you, it is not as random as it seems). 

3. Facebook keeps me up-to-date on the lives of old friends and those that live miles away. I'm sure this is the top reason why most people have facebook...

2. Facebook keeps me informed on weather conditions and current events.
How would I know when the first snowflake hits the ground or when it's extremely hot outside without seeing someone's status update? Also, since we do not have tv, I rely solely on Facebook to keep me updated on Miley Cyrus escapades and college football scores. Ok, I really could care less about these things to be honest :-)

And the #1 reason why I am thankful for Facebook?:

1. Facebook connected me to Jared Decker.

On March 10, 2011, I received my first letter from my future husband. His buddies had set up a facebook account for him while he was deployed to Afghanistan. One day, Facebook decided it would be appropriate to suggest me as a potential friend to Jared. He saw my picture and remembered me from our college days (I was a junior and he was a freshman during college...we barely knew each other) and he decided he would casually "check in" and see how I was doing. No big deal, right? I now know that it took him several days to write and send this "simple" little message :) I knew enough of his reputation to eagerly respond to his friendly greeting and the rest is history...

For about a month we corresponded through letters alone. Since then, I have compiled all of our messages and emails during that first month into a book--it was such a special and exciting time learning all about each other.  It didn't take long for me to see that this man loved the Lord and was striving to walk in a an honorable and upright manner. People talk about the things they love... Jared loved (loves) Jesus. He didn't just have head knowledge about God and know all the right Sunday school answers to impress me; he had a living and active relationship with his Savior. And from 5000 miles away, he began to steal my heart...  

In April, I called him for the first time while running a half marathon (I was actually returning his call;-) I had waited until then because I thought it would be a good opportunity to try to impress him, haha. It did. Jared thought he would clean his guns to impress me. Even though the background noise was extremely loud from his gun-cleaning, he still managed to impress me too. 

After completing several successful phone conversations, we decided to move forward in our relationship and talk via Skype--it was getting pretty serious now!!! Seriously though, it was love at first Skype ;-). He was even more good-looking than in his pictures, which I had browsed through several times (ok, more like millions of times). Thankfully, the fact that we were in different countries and confined to a twelve-inch screen kept us from getting too physically distracted and our dates consisted purely of face-to-face conversation- no movies, no board games, no dinner- just talking. The ten hour time difference made it tricky, but we still managed to talk for 2-5 hours each day (unless he was out on mission) and continue our letter-writing. We kept our families very involved in our budding relationship and were thankful to find support from each side. We both had a feeling that this was something worth investing in. And it was... 

On July 27, 2011, I met Jared's family at Fort Bragg to welcome home their son and my soulmate from the battlefield. A new chapter began that day as we experienced life together in 3D. It was clear that God had designed us for each other. We told each other 'I love you' for the first time not long after his return and thirty-six days later he put a ring on my finger...

The First Day We Officially "Met"

On November 12, 2011, I married the man of my dreams. Well, actually, that's not true. He is more than I could have dreamed up. The Lord knew what type of man I needed, though, and I am humbled at how He wove our lives together in His perfect timing and by His awesome sovereignty. I am blessed beyond measure to have the privilege of doing life along side this man. 

So you see my friends, this is the story of how I became Decker's wife. And it all began with a Facebook message... :).

To God be the glory great things He has done!
~Charity~

90/60/30 Second Drills!

This is a workout designed for you to use indoors or outdoors-- no gym or equipment needed!

Photo from Penrith City Council 

These drills are in an A/B format which means you would do Exercise A for 90 seconds, then Exercise B for 90 seconds. Exercise A for 60 seconds, then Exercise B for 60 seconds. You get the point:) Try not to take a complete rest until after you have finished the 30 second round!

So grab a watch, your shoes, and some water and get ready to sweat!
Are you ready?
GO!

90/60/30
A. 8 Jumping Jacks/8 Pushups
B. 8 Traveling High Knees (count every other knee)/ Back pedal to start

Bridge:
1 min R Leg Walking Lunge
1 min L Leg Walking Lunge
30 sec Sit ups
30 sec Crunches
30 sec Bikes

90/60/30
A. 4 Skater Lunges (L leg goes to 4:00 & L hand touches ground-vice versa)/ 2 Burpees
B. 8 Squat Pulses/ 8 Shuffles (3 quick steps to one side is 1 rep)

Bridge:
1 min R Leg Knee Lift (bend the left knee as you lift the right knee)
1 min L Leg Knee Lift
30 sec Sit ups
30 sec Crunches
30 sec Bikes

90/60/30
A. 8 Plank Jacks/ 8 Lunge Taps Side-2-Side (count every leg)
B. 8 Tricep Dips (use a chair or step)/ 16 Plia Pulses (wide squat with toes turned East and West)

Bridge:
1 min Squat Kick R
1 min Squat Kick L
30 sec Sit ups
30 sec Crunches
30 sec Bikes

FINISH LINE!

Cooldown/Stretch

Ten Grocery Store Staples- Part 1

Do you look forward to your weekly trek to the grocery store? The shopping, the spending, the loading, the unloading, the putting away...Maybe you try to make it a monthly event! I don't know about you, but grocery shopping usually takes me at least a couple of hours from start to finish and I'm just shopping for two. What a blessing grocery stores are, though. I am very thankful for the convenience that they bring to modern-day life.

I have found that when I make a list (you know me), it cuts back on the amount of time and money I spend. Back up. I have found that when I make a weekly meal plan and then a list, this really helps me shop with purpose and resourcefulness. 

On Saturday's, I usually sit down and come up with dinner ideas to last us through the next Saturday. I try to search a blog or website for one new recipe that I can incorporate into our weekly dinner lineup. Wednesday's and Saturday's are usually our leftover/soup/tuna days and we enjoy a meal out about once a week. After I have created my meal plan, I proceed to make my grocery list. 

Here are some of the items that I typically put in my shopping cart. You will see I am in the process of changing our diet to reflect a more wholesome/clean/natural eating style. Note I said, in the process :) It is not always easy to find the purest items without a Trader Joes or Wholefoods nearby, nor am I always willing to pay the heftier price for an organic item! Thankfully, the commissary is doing a tremendous job stocking their shelves with healthier, reasonably-priced items, which I have enjoyed hunting out and discovering.

1. Ground Beef- This ground beef is USDA organic and does not have antibiotics or synthetic hormones. The meat comes from cows who live on family farms and are pasture-raised. It's not a cow share, but this is the best I can do for now:) 

Check out WHY eating grass-fed beef is worth your moo-lah. 

2. Chicken Breasts- These chickens were raised cage-free and contain no added hormones or steroids. While this is better than most of the chicken lining the shelves, it really is not the cleanest option. If you are a chicken-eatin'-finatic like we are, I would encourage you to search your grocery store for the most natural brand you can find. 

Watch this clip from Dr. Oz on WHY you need to know what's in your chicken.

3. Chicken Broth- Speaking of chicken, look what I found in Target recently! This is a no brainer for me and the price is super reasonable!

3. Milk- I like to drink Almond Milk, but Jared prefers regular milk, so I was thrilled to find this healthier option at the commissary. This milk is from free-range cows, free of artificial hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Milk should be one of the first things that you research when you are striving to clean up your diet, rid yourself of stomach problems, or treat asthmatic issues. If anything, do your gut and general health a HUGE favor and switch from skim-milk to whole milk! 

                              Check out WHY whole milk is the healthier choice.

4. Turkey Bacon- Many will say no matter what the animal source, bacon is just not good for you, but Jared and I would respectfully disagree:) We love eating turkey bacon with eggs or in a whole wheat wrap for our breakfast. It also makes a yummy sandwich filler. Godshall's knocks Butterball out of the park! No slimey texture or funky aftertaste. Nice thick slices that cook up great on the griddle. MSG free too. However, I just discovered the Applegate Farms brand at Target the other day. I haven't tried it, yet, but after a quick comparison to my Godshall's brand, it has me converted.
 Farewell, Godshall...

Check out WHY I plan to say goodbye to Godshall's and hello to Applegate Farms.

5. Turkey Burgers- Have you tried these raw patties, yet? (Well, after you've cooked them of course, hah). We buy ours from Target. They are delicious! It says All Natural on the label, but Fooducate gives it a B+ for containing natural flavorings. It may be a slight compromise to some, but for us, it is a worthy one in order to satisfy our cravings for a juicy burger :) 

Check out WHY natural flavors are not necessarily natural. 

6. Chicken Sausage- Have you caught on by now that my husband is a carnivore? Alright I must admit, I really enjoy eating meat too. I was actually a consumer of chicken-sausage long before my husband ever was and now I have him hooked. We chop them up in the frying pan for breakfast or use it in a pasta dish; however, they taste the most delicious when Jared fires them up on the grill...

Check out WHY I buy this brand and all their other flavors!

7. Eggs- Since Jared and I go through two dozen eggs in a week, we want to make sure we are consuming eggcellent ingredients (yes, I did just say that). I know, organic, cage free eggs are more expensive, but why pay less for something that is not going to benefit your body and promote optimal health? At least, that's what we have to tell ourselves when making this purchase. Maybe one day we will raise our own chickens :) 

Check out WHY organic eggs are worth the cost.

8. Mayonnaise- Speaking of eggs, did you know mayo contains eggs? (You probably did, hehe). Lo and behold, this mayonnaise is made with cage-free eggs. We use it on sandwiches, in tuna salad/chicken salad, and various recipes. Oh and while we are on the topic of condiments, don't forget to look for ketchup that does not contain high fructose corn syrup. :)

9. Salad/Spinach- I bet you were wondering when something green was going to make the list. We LOVE eating salads- grilled chicken salads, Dharma Blue salads, taco salads, side salads.  I am so proud of my hubby for migrating from his traditional Iceburg + cheddar cheese + crouton mix to the salad concoction he made for himself the other day: spring mix + butter lettuce + spinach + yellow, orange, red peppers + tomato + cranberries + bacon + one whole apple + parmesan cheese + croutons + flaxseed + tumeric + chicken. Wow! Way to go, honey! I make it my aim to buy organic lettuce because it is something we eat a lot of and it is on the Dirty Dozen list. 

Check out WHY Spinach is on the Dirty Dozen List.

10. Salad Dressing- I am a honey mustard connoisseur, so when Jared disclosed to me while we were dating just how much he loved honey mustard and had it as a side for nearly everything, I knew I had found the perfect match. I am hesitant to post this picture of Caesar dressing because I feel it is being disloyal, haha. Just kidding. But seriously. You should try Bolthouse Farms brand of dressing no matter if you like honey mustard or not!

Check out WHY it's important to be extra picky when selecting salad dressing. 

To be continued...

In the process of getting rid of processed,
~Charity~


Do you have any grocery store staples that you would like to recommend?