Little thanksgivings

There were lots of things to smile at today.  Lots to whisper thanks over.  The buses came just as I approached the stops.  This morning's test was hard, but I finished it feeling satisfied and pleased over the realization that I actually had learned things (yay Spanish vocabulary, grammar and literary movements).  Had a nice, easy-going, social break between classes--didn't need to cram in another thing to read.  Class lectures were light and enjoyable; got let out early.  Had a test to make up after having been sick last week and the prof just let me take it home!  Had time to get some groceries.  (Yes, that is seriously something to be thankful for.  Empty fridge.)  Mayonnaise and peanut butter were on sale!!  (I'd been waiting for awhile.)  Came home to a yummy cornish hen perfectly cooked in sage and wine in the crockpot.  Booked reward flights to Buenos Aires and Santiago for a spontaneous mid-winter vacation with family!

Insights from Dog Walking - crosspost

So, as promised, here is the blog submission to the Firebowl that I wrote recently.  There's my version of a song too--the song most "on repeat" these days.

Today's soundtrack

Well obviously I have seriously neglected this blog this year!  I see here that I promised to post photos of my Alberta trip in the spring, so yes, I should do that....

I wrote a little reflection for the The Firebowl community blog on the weekend (stay tuned) on the topic of "letting go"--apparently I am a little more inspired lately.  Well, I certainly am making a lot more time to listen.

Those who know me well, know that music has always been an important medium of expression for me.  Lately there's been a sort of dialogue going on between God and I through music, a sort of soundtrack to today.  I'm discovering songs and they're really reaching into me.  (One of them I recorded for the Firebowl blog entry...)  I also love to share music, so...here you go.  (Mostly courtesy of YouTube.)  Also, once again I highly recommend Under the Radar, whose podcasts are so great and have introduced me to a lot of great music.)

"Free"
"...My strength alone will never be enough, but Your arms keep lifting me up.  You tell me I've been made free.  You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams..."
"Steady My Heart"
"...You're here, You're real, I know I can trust You...I'm not gonna worry, I know that You've got me right inside the palm of Your hand..."
"Pour Out"
"...Your words are a lamp unto my feet when I walk down these dark and lonely streets.  You are all I need."
"Called Me Higher"
"I could hold on to who I am and never let You change me from the inside...I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home, never let these walls down.  But You have called me higher, You have called me deeper and I will go where You lead me, Lord."
"All the Way My Saviour Leads Me"
"...Can I doubt His faithful mercies?
Who through life has been my guide
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Ere by faith in Him to dwell
For I know whate'er fall me
Jesus doeth all things well."
"I Will Trust You"
"I know Your heart is good, Your love is strong, Your plans for me are better than my own and I trust You."
"To Those Who Wait"
"You say You’re good to those who wait...You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do..."
"Dawn to Dusk"
"Tomorrow's freedom is today's surrender..."

And ANOTHER one from All Sons and Daughters...my current alarm clock song...
"Wake Up"
"Here we stand, our hearts are Yours.  Not our will, but Yours be done."

Nudgings and choices in faith

This post is just a link to my contribution at the Firebowl communal blog.  It is indeed kind of neat how, being asked to reflect on a topic (last month, "Joy") and reading others' reflections can serve and minister to my own heart.  If you haven't already, take a read.

(Expect some awe-inspiring photos to be posted soon!  Just got back from six days in Alberta!)