August Blessings: Friday's Fave Five

August 13, 2010

I titled this August Blessings because of the month, but also because in looking over these five things, it struck me that they’re august. That’s the adjective, pronounced au gust’ (accent on the second syllable), meaning honored, grand, and noble. I call all five of these “august blessings” because they’re uplifting -- they've lifted me up this week.

(Thanks as always for hosting, Susanne. Visit Living to Tell the Story to learn more about how to join in.)

Here are five of my week’s august blessings:

1. More writers I love to visit! Here are three more blogs I just love to visit. They’re all different – some make me laugh, some make me cry, some make me ponder. But I love them all. Take a moment to visit Good Day, Regular People, Trains Tutus and Teatime, and The Wellspring. You’ll be glad you did.

2. Godiva chocolate. Don’t you love it? But when it’s unexpected and sent with love, it’s even sweeter. I came home from school yesterday and there was a box for me marked Godiva Chocolate. I thought, “Who would send me chocolates? And how in the world did they get to South Florida without melting?” When I opened the ingeniously wrapped goodies (complete with Styrofoam and an ice pack thingy), I saw a note that said: “A celebration of chocolates to my favorite Outnumbered Mom! Congratulations and much love, Johnnie.” One of my beloved writer buddies who writes here and here sent them to celebrate my book. So sweet!

3. A checkmark. I’ve put a checkmark by something on my to-do list. I haven’t crossed it off because there’s more to do to it, but I finished a manuscript that I vowed to complete before school started. Now I’m into the editing and rearranging process, but it sure feels good to know I plowed through to the end!

4. A calling. I’ve grinched about going back to school like most teachers do. We get spoiled in the summer and it’s hard to give up things like late-sleeping mornings and writing time…but I’ve been reminded this week how happy I am to feel called to do something. And it’s no small thing – nothing to be sneezed at, this interacting with teenagers every day. I love being even a little part of their lives, sharing the literature I love with them, and encouraging their parents, too. It’s great.

5. A reminder. Sometimes I forget about the power that’s so close to me. This is so beautiful and hopeful. Look at Ephesians 3:20:

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”

Sometimes things happen and I’m wowed. Then I remember – immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine! What a concept.

Hope you have a great week ahead.

20 comments:

Melissa said...

I share your appreciation of check marks on to-do lists, good friends, and Godiva chocolates! :)

Carrie Anne Schmeck said...

I especially loved #4 and #5. Great reminder that we are "called" and, funny, the scripture you referenced is the one on my notecard in my kitchen by the stove. I have been meditating on it all week.

Congrats on meeting your manuscript goal. Now the daunting work begins!

Kindred Heart Writers said...

Oh that Johnnie is just too much isn't she? Yes, it is a calling,,,and I continue to praise Him for teachers who are willing to answer the call. Yours is the most important job of all in our country today. Teaching our children. and thanks for the Scripture. Love to you Clella

Laura O in AK said...

Good chocolate is always a great thing! So is being able to live out a vocation rather than just 'go to work.'

Anonymous said...

That is a big item to b able to check off a to-do list! I'm glad you met your goal, and I look forward to hearing more about the new book.

As a mom I have mixed emotions about school starting. I am going to miss those later mornings and freer schedules, too, but I am kind of looking forward to getting back into a routine. I am glad for those who are called to be godly teachers.

Corinne Cunningham said...

Laura! You are too sweet :)
Happy Friday!

Victoria said...

Good chocolate makes everything better!
I hope you have a great school year. Good teachers (like you!) are what make high school bearable.

Susanne said...

What a sweet blessing that box of chocolates was. I've never had Godiva chocolates. There is a store at the new mall in the big city. I may just have to break down and buy some and compare it to my favorite chocolates. It might be a good thing that the store is not in my city. LOL.

Thanks for being such a great part of FFF each week. I always look forward to reading your posts.

Brenda said...

Its so true, God is able and frequently does so much more than we could have ever imagined. Like sending us a box of Godiva chocolates!

Jerralea said...

Thanks for sharing that scripture! I love that it says more than I can imagine - I have always had a great imagination!

I totally love crossing things off my to-do list too. Good for you that you got to cross off a major goal.

Unknown said...

yummy Godiva! Enjoy! Check marks make me happy! Thanks for sharing the scripture...something to remember! Have a great weekend! I have 2 weeks before going back to work!

Karyn said...

an unexpected gift from a friend - especially chocolates - YAY!

I do like to hear you talk about your 'job'.....you make teaching teens sound fun and rewarding. If my kids had gone to school (we homeschooled) I'd have wanted them to have YOU for a teacher.

Karen said...

Laura, these are great. AND chocolate, too! I'll hop over and visit those blogs. Thanks.

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Laura,

What wonderful blessings...especially the chocolate! Yum!

Hey, did you receive the e-mail I sent you with the interview questions? I thought I might have your e-mail addy wrong. Hoping to hear from you soon!

Hugs,
Julie

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Great fave's. I love putting check marks next to things I've finished.

Michelle DeRusha said...

Wow, Godiva chocolate...now that's a good friend!

And congratulations on getting that ms draft finished -- that is a HUGE accomplishment...especially if your summer is anything like mine (crazy).

Off to visit your blog suggestions -- Love Corinne at Trains and Laura at The Wellspring, so I'm sure your other picks are great, too.

Gattina said...

I am living in the country were the Godiva chocolate was invented ! Just like the Leonidas chocolates. Now they are well known all over the world I notice, lol !

Susannah said...

LOL! I love your take on august! Completely forgot about the other meaning of that word.

Godiva chocolates... it's a rare treat to receive chocolates. You're one very special lady. ღ

Joanne said...

I love Ephesians 3...just shared that verse with a friend last night.
May the Lord equip you for the calling He has given you as you begin a new season....
Blessings!
Joanne

Johnnie Alexander said...

Aw! Thanks for including the Godiva chocolates in your Fave Five. (Added another tear to the ones I'm already holding back.)

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