Today, I'm remembering yesterday, a great day to turn 24. In celebration of 24 years of life, I'm taking a little break from the writing assignments. Here are 24 recent things I love and/or I'm thankful for.
1. Fall Break - I'm so thankful for three weeks of rest, fun and time!
2. Cold Weather - Today, I woke up excited to be cold. I love chilly, sunny fall mornings!
3. Flannery O'Connor - She's dark, depressing and full of reality. I'm currently reading through her stories, and I think I might have a new favorite fiction author. I love her emphasis on God's grace.
4. New Music - Whether it's Mumford and Sons, The Avett Brothers or All Sons and Daughters, I find myself looking forward to times where I can sit and listen to a whole album in its entirety. Driving past the changing trees with good music in the background - doesn't get much better!
5. My dear, sweet, lasting friends - In the past month, I've been blessed to connect with so many amazing friends. Many of these friends are people I don't often get to see because of where we all live, so I'm especially thankful for these opportunities. I was able to spend time with Laura, my ice cream, for a great amount of time. Then, we drove a few hours north to meet the wonderful Amanda for a mini reunion! Those few hours together were some of the sweetest, most valuable moments I've had in a long time. Then, just about a week ago, I visited Karen for a concert in Indy! What a neat time to just be together and enjoy each other. To top it all off, my closet friends all came together last night to help celebrate my birthday. After the evening was done, I read the cards and kind words people gave me. I am supremely blessed. These are the best people on the planet.
6. Coffee - I love it.
7. Sherlock - Best show on Netflix right now
8. Fresh Flowers - White and yellow daisies from Reed :)
9. Crossing Students - I love our students. They are frustrating and very much teenagers, yes, but they are also the greatest examples of growth and grace I've seen lately. I get to go to Canada with a bunch of them, and I'm excited for more time with them.
10. The Crucible - I hate Wynona Rider, but this movie is incredible. The last hour is worth all the terrible Abigail schemes you must suffer through in the beginning.
11. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero - I've read it twice and I'm now reading it again with my sisters. Incredible book that challenges and encourages.
12. Zumba with Claire - This crazy sister-in-law of mine convinced me to do Zumba with her and a few other Bethel students. I didn't regret it, but I'm certainly as uncoordinated as I thought.
13. My Lyons Family - Between Dad, Mom, Granny, Granddad, Claire and Bess, I'm constantly reminded how loving and wonderful a family I gained through Reed.
14. Grand Rapids Get-Away - Tomorrow, Reed and I leave for a couple days in Michigan. We're staying in a cute Bed and Breakfast, eating out and enjoying time together. I can't wait!
15. Colors - Simple, yes, but I'm comforted by the warm, inviting colors around me. In changing leaves, my living room or pretty clothing, I love the variety of shades and hues.
16. Soy Milk - I'm not lactose intolerant, but I do like the flavor.
17. Crossing Staff - The guys I work with everyday are awesome; we somehow make a great team. I also love and respect the bigger Crossing staff so much. They are full of wisdom, encouragement and trust in God. So thankful to work with these people.
18. Lawless - This is my favorite movie I've seen in a while. I've realized I love stories about siblings, especially brothers (Brothers Bloom, The Darjeeling Limited, Dan in Real Life). This story about three brothers is no exception. I loved it!
19. Parenthood - I love it, and I cry every episode.
20. Good Live Music - When I went to visit my friend Karen, we saw Andrew Bird in concert. I was in awe at these musicians' talents. Music will always stir powerful emotions in me.
21. Family Camping - This past weekend, the Smith family went camping. I love these times with my family. We sit around, talk, eat and layer up to stay warm. During this past trip, I was reminded of how affirming and supportive my family is. They love each other in significant ways. I'm always so at home when we sit together and share. My family is imperfect and we don't get it right all the time. But I'm so thankful for the love and sincerity that resonates through everyone. I'll always be grateful for these opportunities to be with them all at once.
22. Time to write more - It's been so good and cathartic to write each day. I love this mode of communication and creation.
23. Reed Thomas Lyons - This man is the best part of life on earth. He loves me so well and he continues to seek God in ways that draw me to our Creator. He is handsome, selfless, talented, funny, weird and strong. He is my favorite.
24. God's lessons in contentment - I'm constantly learning, and I think I'm finally okay with that concept. God has been good and gracious in this growth process. I've struggled to be content with each day, but more and more, I can see how he's working. I fail, and he's gracious. He provides and encourages; he loves me and quiets my anxious thoughts. I'm so thankful.