Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lord, I thank you for the following:

1. The ability to read and not only to read but to possess a great love of books. I participated in Read Me Week by reading to a group of 3rd graders at Napier Elementary. It was a fun way to spend my morning. I read “Giraffes Can’t Dance” which is really cute and the students got into the storyline. It was especially fun when they started showing off their own dance skills. One book apparently was not enough because they sweetly demanded another and suggested, to my surprise, “Madeline”. I didn’t even know that “Madeline” was still a thing. They knew the entire book but they just wanted to hear it again. I remember my weekend trips to the library to check out a stack of books that were supposed to last a lot longer than they did. I spent all of my measly pocket money on Babysitter’s Club, Sweet Valley High, Fear Street, and L.J. Smith books that have recently been made into CW TV series. I accumulated so many books that my mom forced me to give many of them away. I always had a book with me wherever I went and everyone knew that when I was quiet that I was in a corner with my nose in a book. To this day, that is still my happy place. It hurts my heart to know that there are children and adults in this country who are illiterate. We also have classrooms and school libraries that have inadequate book collections. This is why I want to host a Book “Em Book Collection Event. It is on my list.

2. My teeth. Superficial, right? I know, I know, they are all going to fall out one day but for right now I’m going to show ’em off. An electric toothbrush, Crest 3D White, floss (I mean, every now and then), and mouthwash make up my daily routine. My aunt gave my brother and me a dental care kit for Christmas. Let me just say, I knew I was no longer a kid by the sincere excitement I expressed over my new toothbrush. My mom, brother, and I have Kool-Aid smiles. We smile with all of our teeth. Tis bright like sunshine, you might say. I mean, I like to think that I brighten up people’s day ;).

3. My copy of “Jesus Calling- 365 Daily Devotional”. Just reading that one page in the morning creates a whole new path for my day. Reading His word brings me peace and happiness. My disposition changes and I feel ready for the day after spending moments in reflection and prayer with Jesus. This book is my guide. It sits on the side of the bed that I don’t use so that it is easy for me to grab and open when I awake in the morning. I keep my Bible and journal in the same place for when I need to reflect by writing or when I want to jot down my prayers. Try it! Your day will change.

4. When I get packages at my door, no one steals them from me. Ain’t that a blessing? I’ve had a box chilling at the front of my door for days and there it was when I came home waiting for me to take it into its new home. You might laugh but that’s a real concern for people. I guess it means that I can trust my neighbors to not intentionally harm me or the things that belong to me. I feel safe. I don’t know my neighbors well but we recognize each other and speak to each other in the parking lot or on the steps. It is interesting to think about how people build a community or at least community norms with each other without ever really expressing that desire or much of anything else to each other. I guess the general rule is “Be a good person.”

My latest package? A red crock pot from my mother to match the rest of my red kitchen accessories. This weekend, I will cook up a nice meal for me, myself, and I.

Well, that’s what I have for now. Glad to be starting this weekly series again. Always feels good to think about all that you have to be thankful for in this world.

Later Y’all.