A Month of Thanks: Day 30

I am thankful for anyone who has ever supported me in anyway. :)

A Month of Thanks: Day 29

I am thankful for NyQuil and cold medicine. Finally feeling a little better.

A Month of Thanks: Day 28

I am thankful for having so much free time this week, even if taking so much free time means I am pretty much 2 weeks behind at this point. I should be able to do some work today, so that's good. :)

A Month of Thanks: Day 27

I am thankful for my overall health, even if I have a bit of a sore throat today. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 26

I am thankful for getting to yell at people in traffic. I know it sounds weird, but really, I thought about it as I was yelling at a van to get out of my way on 59 North as I headed to meet Dr. Smith for lunch. While I am terrified to drive in Boston, those Massholes (no offence), are totally nuts. But I am so accustomed to driving in Houston and I was thinking, if I didn't have access to a car, I wouldn't get to see anyone. It really is nice to be able to just get in a car and go where you need to go. I am also glad I got to see so many people who mean so much to me today. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 25

I am thankful the GRE is now over, and with my scores, I made my decision regarding applying to schools. I am just going to go for it. This is what I am really thankful about, I decided what to do, and basically, it involves ruling out a school I was going to apply for because they have unrealistic expectations about the GRE. Your loss CUA cause I am awesome. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 24

I am thankful for Fr. Drew and St. Laurence. I love coming home, and really that Parish is my home. It was a special treat that Fr. Drew celebrated the Mass I went to this morning, and I got to sing with the choir, which I miss so much. Larry even played my favorite song before communion, not for me, just a happy accident. It is so nice to go where you haven't been in a while and feel so welcomed and loved. I know no matter where I live, St. Laurence will always be my parish. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 23

Today I am thankful for getting to spend time with my family. Dinner last night with my brother, mom, dad, gramma, and niece. Then tattoos with the niece, and this morning just hanging out. Since we are spread out over the country it is nice to get to spend time with them. Of course I am not doing any of the things I should be doing, and I got no sleep, but whatev. :)

A Month of Thanks: Day 22

Today I am thankful that each ending is a beginning of something new. I think today will always be a little bit of a sad, dark day for me. Because five years ago today, a boy (and yes I feel the term boy is appropriate, if you know us, you probably do too) and I stood up in front of all our family and friends, and he made promises to me he never intended too keep. And while, I am actually grateful now that our relationship did not work out, every once in a while the betrayal still hurts.

But had this not happened, I would not be pursuing my dream of higher education. I would be doing who knows what and probably not very happy. So while it still stings a bit, I am very thankful that "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

A Month of Thanks: Day 21

I am thankful that while it may not be every minute of everyday, I am pretty much happy every day. It is a wonderful feeling to be so full of joy. When even on "bad" days my heart is smiling. It has been a long time coming, but I think I am finally at a point of total trust.

I am in limbo, and I am OK with that. After Monday I will know if I am applying for PhD programs for next year, or deferring a year. I am excited to go home tomorrow, even though I am kind of stressed about balancing fun, work, and family.

And even though I fluctuate through moments of feeling like the butt of some cosmic practical joke, overall I can smile and laugh at myself. So, I am very thankful for joy. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 20

Honestly, I am thankful for feeling foolish. For not always taking myself so seriously. I am glad that I can laugh at myself because really I am quite ridiculous, most of  the time. 

Especially today, I needed a good laugh at myself. Sometimes we need to realize that we are being a little over the top, wait isn't that everyday. 

In one of our classes, Peter Kreeft said that Satan hates it when we laugh at ourselves, well he must be pretty pissed at me right now. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 19

I am thankful that the sun was shining today. Even though it is still pretty cold, the sunshine always makes me more cheerful.

Not just because of the sunshine, but in general, today was an AMAZING day!

I was very worried about my paper I had to write for Peter Kreeft, and I got it back and he said it was very wise. Needless to say I have been smiling all day! Peter Kreeft said I was wise. I am beyond flattered because the man in brilliant. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 18

I am thankful to the talents God has given me, especially singing. Singing makes me feel really good, and I try to use that talent to give him Glory, although I have no outlet for that at the moment. But, for the next two Sundays I get to sing with my St. Laurence Church choir and I couldn't be more excited. I miss singing in the choir at Mass. I sing at Mass, but it is different.

A Month of Thanks: Day 17

I am thankful for the times of brokenness in my life that have lead me closer to God and driven me deeper into his arms. Sometimes joy comes through tears and laughter through sorrow. In The Four Loves C. S. Lewis makes the claim that sometimes God must break our hearts, and in Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Brian tells Helen that sometimes we try to hold onto the very things that God Himself is trying to tear apart. I believe both of these are true. God wants us to be happy, I firmly believe this and place all my hope in it, this is why sometimes He has to tear us away from those things which distract us from our true happiness. The happiness that is found in God alone. So I am thankful for the times that God has broken my heart and comforted me with the grace of tears.

Kind of like "This." :)

A Month of Thanks: Day 16

I am thankful for the gift of courage. I had to have an awkward conversation about an awkward situation yesterday, and I was dreading it. So much so that I made myself physically ill, yes I know that is bad, but often my emotions manifest themselves in my stomach. But now it is done and I feel better for having said something. It may not do any good, but at least I did my part, and if it happens again I hope I have the courage to say something again. 

I usually, unless I am really close and comfortable, carry things inside and try to avoid dealing with them. But I am thankful this time I had the courage to say something. 

Virtues are just good habits, and we develop habits by practice, so I am on my way to becoming a courageous person, one act at a time.

And thanks to the people that supported me in needing to say something.

A Month of Thanks: Day 15

I am thankful for the chance to study the lives of some of the saints. Like Hildegard and Teresa. Both of them have qualities I see in myself, as well as many more I really need to strive to imitate and attain. But because I can self-identify with them, it gives me hope that I, a tremendously flawed sinful individual, can also be holy. Like one of my former professors said in my course on Saint Augustine, his first name wasn't always saint. And there was a really cheesy song about how saint are just the sinners who get up after they fall.

Today I read this quote for my girl Hildie, "I too cower at the puniness of my mind, and am greatly wearied by anxiety and fear. Yet from time to time I resound a little, like the dim sound of a trumpet from the Living Light."

I am relieved to know a great saint and doctor Church also felt somewhat completely inferior, but still there is hope.

A Month of Thanks: Day 14

I am so thankful for music. The way it moves and stirs the soul. The way it comforts and afflicts. I was just watching Last week's episode of Glee and the version of Katy Perry's "Wide Awake" they sang moved me to tears. The power of music. It truly is amazing.

Seven years ago a bad case of acid re-flux/heartburn, cause me to get pre-nodes on my vocal chords, and I was on voice rest for three months. Not being able to sing, and it actually hurting for me to sing or talk was so difficult to endure. Singing is a large part of my worship. Like Saint Augustine Said, when you sing, you pray twice. During this time I could not fully participate at Mass because I could not sing, or say the responses, and it was heart breaking for me. I remember it was getting close to Christmas, and I was so upset that I did not think I'd be able to sing at Christmas Eve Mass that I was in tears. As it happened I was able to sing, I had to skip the Messiah before Mass which was a sacrifice in its own right, but I was able to sing at Mass and it was amazing.

Right now I have no where to sing, well besides when I am home alone (or think I am anyway) and I belt out a line or two, usually relating to what I am feeling. I don't know where I would be without music.

And as it inspired my thankful post today, here is "Wide Awake:"

A Month of Thanks: Day 13

I am thankful for those little things that can make an alright day a great day. This morning I was upset that I had to dry an extra load of laundry, but that made for a chance encounter that has a put a big smile on my face. Sometimes our blessings come in disguise.

A Month of Thanks: Day 12

I am thankful for God, who guides my days and provides light in the darkness. Being a child of God is fundamental to my identity. I am working on bridging the gap between my studies in theology and living the faith, but sometimes it is hard to move from theory to practice. I am grateful that he has lead me to where I am today, and I pray He continues to lead and I continue to have to courage to follow and obey wherever I am asked to go.

"You never said it would be easy. You only said I would not go alone."

A Month of Thanks: Day 11

I am thankful for all those who put their life on the line to volunteer to serve our country. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 10

I am thankful for God. He created and sustains me, and loves me even when I am at worst, all the while calling me to be better and to grow in love for Him and for others.

A Month of Thanks: Day 9

Today I am thankful for time with friends, and good enlightening conversations. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 8

Today I am thankful for my own room. A place to go hide away from the world after a bad day.

A Month of Thanks: Day 7

I am thankful for my faith.
Even in times of doubt, it has worked in the background and sustained me. Part of that, I am sure, is owed to the intercession of my Grandmother, who would be 102 today on her birthday. While I didn't get much of a chance to know her here on earth, (she developed memory problems when I was rather young, and being a stupid kid, I wouldn't talk to her because even when.I was in high school she thought I was in 4th grade, and she died when I was in 9th) I know she watches out for me and protects me. I am also relatively sure she has guided me to where I am today. I was also named after her, so I always carry her with me.
My faith in God and specifically my Catholic faith has a lot to do with the person I am today, and I strive to be better formed by my relationship to Christ.

A Month of Thanks: Day 6

Today I am especially thankful for laughter, especially when I was rather upset about the impending demolition of one of my favorite hometown landmarks. Yes it is ugly, but I love the Astrodome, that's where I fell in love with the Astros, who are constant disappointments, but I love them all the same, as well as other events.

Anyway, I digress, I am thankful for laughter, the best bout came when I read my friend Tom's reaction to a lost pair of pants in the library, "A sign on a table at the entrance if the Boston College Theology and Ministry Library where I spend all of my days. I just could not resist posting this . . . Surely, St. Paul's command that we "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27) should not involve taking off one's pants . . ."

Laughing is one of my favorite things to do, and I am glad there are some many people around me that bring it out. :)

A Month of Thanks: Day 5

Today I am thankful for Guy Fawkes, "Remember, remember the 5th of November."

J/K

But, I had to fit that quote in there somewhere . . .

I am thankful for beautiful days, when the fiery red and orange trees dance off the bright blue sky, and even though I am miserably cold, my heart is moved to praise of God. Days that really make you understand the cosmological proofs for the existence of God. The reminder that God made this beautiful creation, and it is here for our use and enjoyment.

Even if I do have to spend my time inside, reading and such instead of actually enjoying it.

A Month of Thanks: Day 4

I am thankful for coffee! Especially today when I was awoken about two and a half hours before my alarm. Even on a normal day I can hardly functions without it. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 3

Today and today only, I am thankful for the time change and getting 10 hours of sleep. I guess really I am thankful for sleep. There is nothing more refreshing than much needed sleep. The refreshment is most welcome after a stressful fortnight, and feeling overwhelmed I am now actually feeling peaceful. I feel like I can make the decision about whether or not to defer my applications to PhD programs.

A Month of Thanks: Day 2

On this feast of All Souls, I am thankful for all those who love me now and have loved me while they were here on this earth. Especially my grandmother, both my grandfathers, and my step mother.

And remember this prayer that Fr. Drew wrote:
"All our family and friends who have died, pray for us as we pray for you, that you may have everlasting life.

A Month of Thanks: Day One

I did this last year and it really helped me cultivate an attitude of gratitude, which as a Christian is a necessary disposition, for all we have is gift and we are supposed to give it all back.

So on this first day, the feast of All Saints day, I am thankful for the MBOC, the Mystical Body of Christ. Living 1800 miles from your friends and family it is nice to know that especially through the Eucharist, that most holy sacrament, I am not only united to my Lord, but also to all those whom I love even worlds apart. If I can't see them face to face, at least, I can see them in the Eucharist.